Stoke City continue to slide under Gary Rowett as they suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Blackburn Rovers.
The Potters have looked extremely disappointing so far this season and are still yet to really find their feet in the Championship. Although, it looks as if one of their first team members is looking to hit form on the international stage, as according to BBC Sport, Saido Berahino has highlighted his determination to help his country Burundi qualify for major tournaments in the coming years.
Indeed, the 25-year-old highlighted how keen he is to help his country after making the commitment to play for the African nation on a regular basis.
And, this is what the forward had to say:
“We have a long way to get there but I believe with this team, what I have seen so far, we have young and hungry players and we managed to show that against Gabon.
“As everybody knows, I reached a tough patch in my career and I thought that playing for my country will give me a different type of challenge and give me a different type of responsibility.”
THE VERDICT:
Saido Berahino has been impressive for Stoke City so far this season and will play a huge part in their push for a place in the play-offs.
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Indeed, it’s good to see that the forward is determined to thrive on the international stage in order to help his country qualify for major tournaments.
Leeds fans are still not quite sure what to make of Caleb Ekuban, after the striker grabbed his first league goal for the club on Friday.
Good Friday was a great Friday for Leeds fans, as their side finally stopped their torrid run of form with a 2-1 win over Bolton.
Fan favourite Pablo Hernandez was on the scoresheet yet again, but the opening goal came from struggling striker Caleb Ekuban. Ekuban hadn’t yet scored a league goal for the club, despite grabbing 17 goals in Albania last season.
Ekuban has taken plenty of flak from fans, and that may continue even with the goal, as he missed two golden opportunities to add to his tally. Still, the Ghanaian forward sounds in high spirits.
“As a striker we all know the more chances you have the more probability you have to score,” Ekuban said.
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“I’m getting my confidence and I’m really happy because my team-mates are backing me a lot.
“That’s the most important part of the game. The more chances I have the more goals I can have. We are getting closer and knowing each other better now.”
Leeds fans may disagree with the idea that the more chances the 24 year-old gets the more he will score, as it seems the more chances he gets the more he misses. Ekuban says he will improve in time.
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“The more you play the more you become better in this league.”
Fans have been reacting to the comments on Twitter, and it seems most of them are still unconvinced by the 24 year-old….
One of the most intriguing Premier League fixtures this weekend comes as Southampton play host to Newcastle United at St Mary’s on Sunday.
Saints come into the clash following a relatively disappointing start to the campaign in which they have taken eight points from their opening seven fixtures.
Successive defeats against Manchester United and Stoke City have kept the south coast outfit firmly in the bottom half of the table at this early stage, and it is their troubles in front of goal which are once again alarming – they have failed to find the net in four of their seven league games.
Meanwhile, the Magpies have endured a mixed start to their own campaign with three wins, one draw and three defeats so far, and they have already been beaten by fellow newly-promoted sides Huddersfield and Brighton on their travels.
Newcastle certainly don’t have a good record at St Mary’s either, losing on their last four visits to the south coast and conceding 13 goals in the process, scoring just one goal in return.
Both teams certainly know that they have the players that can make the difference in a game like this one, and they will be raring to go come Sunday afternoon.
Here are four key on-pitch battles that will decide which way the result goes…
Virgil van Dijk vs Joselu
Soccer Football – Premier League – Newcastle United vs Liverpool – St James’ Park, Newcastle, Britain – October 1, 2017 Newcastle United’s Joselu celebrates scoring their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your accoun
Much like Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino, Rafa Benitez has favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation this season and summer signing Joselu looks to be the first-choice striker right now.
While he found the net in the win against West Ham and the 1-1 draw with Liverpool at St James’ Park last time out, the Spaniard has also missed a fair few good chances in recent weeks and he will be looking to do better at St Mary’s on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Van Dijk made his first start since January when Saints faced Stoke City last time out, and despite giving away a penalty the Dutchman was strong in the air and vocal at the back and he will be tasked with dealing with Joselu this weekend.
Mario Lemina vs Jonjo Shelvey
Having been Southampton’s man of the match against Crystal Palace and Manchester United, Lemina is already making a big impression in the middle of the park for Saints following his summer move from Juventus.
The 24-year-old is energetic and has the ability to get away from his opponents because of his skill on the ball, and he could prove to be a key man against the Magpies on Sunday.
However, Newcastle have a midfielder of their own that is in good form right now and while his bad temperament can sometimes get the better of him, Shelvey showed his quality in possession and the range of passing he is capable of against Liverpool last time out, and it was his through ball that Joselu rather fortunately found the net from.
Ryan Bertrand vs Matt Ritchie
Having been one of Newcastle’ most influential players last season as they secured an immediate return to the Premier League, it is no surprise that Ritchie has already proven to be a key player for the Magpies in the top flight this term.
The right-sided midfielder has provided four assists in his side’s seven league fixtures, with his set-piece delivery proving to be particularly effective.
The man that will be tasked with dealing with the threat of the 28-year-old is Ryan Bertrand, who certainly hasn’t been as effective from an attacking point of view this season as he has previously for Southampton.
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He will be looking to change that on Sunday and force Ritchie to have to track back and try and defend against him, to stop the Scot making too much of an impact at the other end of the pitch.
Manolo Gabbiadini vs Jamaal Lascelles
Having scored just one goal in his previous 12 Southampton appearances and visibly struggling in the lone striker role in the 4-2-3-1 formation, Gabbiadini has dropped to the substitutes’ bench for Saints previous three Premier League fixtures with Shane Long preferred up top.
However, with Long failing to find the net and missing the Republic of Ireland;s win over Wales during the week, Mauricio Pellegrino may choose to bring the Italy international back into his starting line-up for the visit of Newcastle.
Meanwhile despite not starting the season in Rafa Benitez’s team, Lascelles has quickly gone on to become one of their best performers after replacing the injured Florian Lejeune against Tottenham on the opening day.
The Magpies captain, who recently signed a new six-year contract, has helped his side keep two clean sheets as well as scoring in the wins against Swansea and Stoke, and he could be a key man at both ends of the pitch at St Mary’s on Sunday.
Last night, Newcastle United beat Preston North End at St. James’ Park to guarantee a place in the Premier League next season, returning to the top flight at the first time of asking with a 4-1 win.
And whilst the Magpies’ more attacking stars have inevitably grabbed the headlines, not least including brace-bagger Ayoze Perez and penalty converter Matt Ritchie, midfielder Isaac Hayden was equally as pivotal in getting his side over the finishing line in the race for promotion.
The former Arsenal youngster has been fantastic all season as the unsung presence in Newcastle’s midfield, so his under-the-radar role in last night’s match was particularly fitting of his status in this promotion-winning side.
Indeed, as our infographic shows, Hayden was nothing short of monstrous in the middle of the park, finishing the match with four tackles, two interceptions and five successful aerial duels to his name.
But the defender come midfielder made a difference in possession as well; he actually completed the most dribbles of any Newcastle player, produced three efforts at goal and finished the match with the best passing accuracy of any Newcastle starter.
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There’s an ongoing debate over what quality Newcastle can bring in during the summer and although the 22-year-old is relatively unproven in the Premier League, his understated yet intrinsic influence on Newcastle’s results suggests he’ll be one of the first names on Rafa Benitez’s team-sheet next season.
Last season was Arsenal’s best chance to finish the as Premier League champions, yet it was wrecked as they failed to take the level of advantage of underperforming rivals as Leicester did and so it was they that were crowned the winners.
Arsene Wenger’s inability to recruit a quality striker has duly drawn a lot of criticism. A lot of chances created by the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez went begging due to Oliver Giroud’s lack of finishing ability and Danny Welbeck’s injury ravaged season.
A striker must be Wenger’s top priority and here are FIVE options to resolve their goalscoring woes.
1. Alvaro Morata
Rumours to be believed, Real Madrid exercised their buy back clause to get Alvaro Morata back from Juventus to sell the Spaniard for a profit. The European champions reportedly want £67million for the 23-year-old attacker, which has deterred clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal.
The striker has a good amount of confidence and possesses big game mentality, but doesn’t have a very impressive goals to games ratio. Cracking this transfer might seem tricky for Wenger because goalscoring isn’t much evident from the Spaniard yet.
2. Romelu Lukaku
Although Lukaku plays for Everton, his past affiliations with Chelsea and Jose Mourinho (rivals of Arsenal and Arsene Wenger respectively) could be a major block for the transfer. Nonetheless, Lukaku has been a good striker for his clubs. He has scored more than 10 goals in his two seasons for Everton and during his loan spell at West Brom. The 23 year old Belgian is blessed with a good physique and speed, quite a rare combination and can be a success at Arsenal.
But Ronald Koeman is unwilling to part with the Belgian and will demand more than £55 million for the striker. Although goals have flowed, the big Belgian is not quite clinical in his finishing and his inconsistency might not encourage Wenger to stump a huge fee.
3. Mario Mandzukic
Tottenham transfer target to be the next Super Mario?
The arrival of Gonzalo Higuain might reduce game time for Mandzukic at Juventus and Wenger could swoop in to capture the temperamental and fiery Croatian. Good in air, a decent finisher and not afraid to get his hands dirty, the marksman will be a good competitor to Oliver Giroud.
Now 30, Mandzukic is not the long term option that Wenger could be looking for. But according to transfermarkt.com, Mandzukic has registered more bookings than assists in his footballing career, he could be Arsenal’s own Diego Costa.
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4. Mauro Icardi
Since his move to Inter Milan, the Argentine has not failed to impress. 52 goals in 105 appearances, meaning a goal in every two appearances for the San Siro outfit, scoring has never been a problem for Icardi. Serie A’s top goalscorer in 2014/15 season, the Argentine would be dejected to see himself not playing in the Champions League.
Napoli has been linked with a £40million move for Icardi to replace Higuain at the club. Rather selling to a direct rival, Inter Milan might be tempted to sell the Argentine to the London based club at the same price.
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5. Alexandre Lacazette
Arsenal might have to up the bid after their £29.5million offer for Alexandre Lacazette was rejected by Lyon.
Although in the last season, the striker wasn’t quite sharp in the first half of the season but bounced back by scoring a plenty of goals in the later stages. A total of 54 goals in 84 matches for Lyon in past two seasons, the French striker is undoubtedly a good finisher. Hailing from the same nation as that of Giroud, a strong partnership and a healthy competition could be expected.
Crystal Palace are now rivalling Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of a former Real Madrid player, who “never puts a foot wrong.”
Palace keen on new centre-back with Guehi set for exit
Marc Guehi was hardly short of suitors before the international break, with the centre-back’s move to Liverpool falling through on deadline day, but the Englishman has once again put himself in the shop window courtesy of his performance against Wales.
The Three Lions haven’t conceded a single goal in World Cup qualifying, with Guehi helping his side continue their fantastic defensive record against Wales last week, while also assisting England’s opening two goals.
The 25-year-old has remained a consummate professional, having not downed tools in order to force through a move, but it appears as though an exit is inevitable, given that the Palace captain was left very unhappy with his move to Anfield breaking down.
Consequently, Crystal Palace have now started looking at potential replacements for the defender, and they have now joined the race for Lazio defender Mario Gila, who is also being targeted by Tottenham, Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton.
That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states all the aforementioned Premier League clubs are keeping close tabs on Gila, who could command a huge transfer fee.
Crystal Palace now plotting move for £31m "freak of nature" to replace Wharton
The Eagles are looking to sign a new central midfielder, amid widespread interest in Adam Wharton.
ByDominic Lund
The Italian club are only willing to listen to offers in the region of €45m – €50m (£39m – £43m), which is regarded as an affordable fee for Spurs, but would be a club-record signing for Palace, eclipsing the £32m spent on Christian Benteke back in 2016.
Gila could be exciting replacement for Guehi
Of course, no Crystal Palace fan will want their FA Cup-winning captain to leave, but given that he has shown no interest in signing a new contract, it is wise to start thinking about potential replacements.
Moreover, the Lazio defender could be an exciting option, given that he is experienced in Europe, having featured in the Conference League, Europa League and Champions League with Lazio.
The ex-Real Madrid man has also received plaudits from Lazio sporting director Igli Tare, who seemed to suggest he is destined for the top level, saying: “He is fast, intelligent and never puts a foot wrong. He can become one of the top 3-4 defenders in the world and it wouldn’t surprise me if Real wanted him back.”
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As such, it would be a real coup if Palace were able to sign Gila, but the capture of Yeremy Pino in the summer showed that Selhurst Park is now becoming an attractive destination for top players.
Silly season is officially here, and it looks like it’s going to be a long but exciting one for Arsenal.
The areas Mikel Arteta and Co need to strengthen over the coming months are apparent, with perhaps the most significant position of need being centre-forward.
One of the names who has been most heavily linked with the Premier League runners-up in recent weeks has been Benjamin Sesko.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskoheads at goal
The Slovenian striker looks like he could be one of the game’s next great strikers, but if recent reports are to be believed, the North Londoners are also looking at someone else who could be an even better option.
Arsenal eyeing Sesko alternative
Before getting to the man in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other talented strikers who have been touted for a move to Arsenal in recent weeks, like Evann Guessand and Nick Woltemade.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former enjoyed an impressive campaign with OGC Nice this season, in which he scored 13 goals and provided ten assists in 42 games, which more than justifies the £25m price tag on his head.
Likewise, the £42m VfB Stuttgart reportedly want for Woltemade doesn’t feel too unreasonable, as in just 33 games this season, the German poacher was able to score 17 goals and provide three assists while also winning the German Cup.
Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade
However, the Gunners might prefer a striker with more Premier League experience and a proven track record in England, which is where Ollie Watkins steps up.
According to a recent report from The Athletic, Arsenal have maintained an interest in the Aston Villa star despite failing to sign him in January.
The report claims that the England international, whom Arteta pushed for in the winter window, is still a topic of discussion among the club’s decision-makers, although his price could once again prove to be a stumbling block.
The Villans wanted £60m for him earlier this season, although with profit and sustainability rules still reportedly a cause for concern, there is a chance they’ll accept a lower fee in the coming weeks.
Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins in action with Club Brugge's JoelOrdonez
It would be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Watkins’ immense ability, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as he’d be a better signing than Sesko.
How Watkins compares to Sesko
So, with Arsenal undeniably needing a new striker this summer, who would be the better choice out of Watkins and Sesko?
Well, when it comes to their raw output, which is ultimately what matters most for a forward, it’s the Villa star who has the far better ratio of goal involvements to minutes played this season.
For example, in 54 appearances, which came to 3578 minutes of action, the Englishman, whom podcaster Rohan Jivan described as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe,” scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 115.41 minutes.
In contrast, the Slovenian international scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes this season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 120.66 minutes.
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Unfortunately for the RB Leipzig star, the comparison only becomes more one-sided when we take a look at their underlying numbers, with the former Exeter City gem coming out on top in the majority of relevant metrics, from non-penalty expected goals plus assists to progressive carries and more, all per 90.
Watkins vs Sesko
Statistics per 90
Watkins
Sesko
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.59
0.40
Non-Penalty Goals + Assists
0.76
0.61
Progressive Passes
1.07
1.74
Progressive Carries
1.90
1.78
Shots
2.84
2.50
Shots on Target
1.25
1.10
Passing Accuracy
72.4%
67.6%
Key Passes
0.83
0.72
Passes into the Penalty Area
0.45
0.34
Shot-Creating Actions
1.84
1.93
Goal-Creating Actions
0.42
0.34
Successful Take-Ons
0.35
1.48
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
Finally, on top of being statistically more impressive, the former Brentford star is also the safer bet, as he’s already proven that he can thrive in the Premier League, and the club needing a major trophy next season, it makes far more sense to go with the known quantity.
Therefore, while Sesko is great, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Watkins this summer, as he may be the missing piece of the puzzle that lands them a Premier League or Champions League title next year.
Their answer to Wirtz: Arsenal moving to sign "terrifyingly good" £85m star
The international superstar would be an incredible addition to Arsenal’s squad.
Leeds United have made their first move to sign a 20-year-old attacker who has been called a prolific scorer at youth level.
Leeds still yet to make a January signing
The Whites and the 49ers Enterprises have remained quiet in the January transfer window, with Elland Road loan exits for Joe Gelhardt and Charlie Crew the only real talking points.
The young duo have joined Hull City and Doncaster Rovers respectively, whereas Leeds have remained patient on the incoming front while sitting top of the Championship table and unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions.
Better move than Buendia: Leeds could make late move for "incredible" ace
Leeds United still haven’t made any new additions with less than a week remaining in the transfer window.
ByEthan Lamb
Daniel Farke has recently admitted that a centre-back, attacking midfielder and centre-forward are positions Leeds could still strengthen in, saying: “There are still a few positions we could have a deeper look at if they can improve the squad. But right now, I’m a little bit more calmer with not being in panic mode with the need to have to do something.
“I think it’s fair to say if there is a creative offensive player out there, like a number 10 position, then it is something that could be beneficial for our group.
“Brenden Aaronson has been excellent this season and a key player for us. But we might have a similar player like him in our group. Of course we have players who can play in this role.
“If there is a solution for a creative midfield player it definitely make sense to stay awake. In all the other areas we are covered. The only two [positions] we have to stay awake in my head is the centre-back position… and perhaps a bit in the striker position.”
Leeds’ next 5 Championship fixtures
Date
Leeds United vs Cardiff City
February 1
Coventry City vs Leeds United
February 5
Watford vs Leeds United
February 11
Leeds United vs Sunderland
February 17
Sheffield United vs Leeds United
February 24
There have been a plethora of players linked with moves to Elland Road, including Emiliano Buendia, who is now set to sign for Bayer Leverkusen, and more recently, former Liverpool ace Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The Whites have now made a first move to add a young attacker to their ranks, though, following an update from The Athletic.
Leeds take Oakley Cannonier on trial
As per The Athletic, relayed by Tom Coates of The Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds have taken Liverpool attacker Oakley Cannonier on trial at Thorp Arch.
The 20-year-old, who Coates described as a ‘prolific scorer for the Reds at youth level’ after netting 33 goals in 37 games for Liverpool’s U18s, was even on the bench for Leeds’ U21s against West Ham U21s on Monday.
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Cannonier was actually the Liverpool ball boy who acted swiftly to help Trent Alexander-Arnold take a quick corner to set up Divock Origi in Liverpool’s memorable Champions League win over Barcelona in 2019.
Now, the forward, who is awaiting his first senior Liverpool appearance, could be on the move to Yorkshire, should he impress Leeds over the coming days, making this one to keep an eye on.
A “generational” player in Chelsea’s squad may have no choice but to wave goodbye to Enzo Maresca and leave in January, for one key reason.
Players who could leave Chelsea in 2025
As the new Premier League season gets underway, we’re starting to get a good idea of the players firmly in Maresca’s plans for 2024/2025, and those who look set to feature in more of a bit-part role.
Chelsea open talks with £160k-per-week star as Boehly discovers key clause
The Blues sense a January opportunity.
ByEmilio Galantini
Then, there are those who will be shipped out of Stamford Bridge altogether. Despite the summer transfer window just closing, we’re already seeing reports that Maresca could green-light exits for a few big-names in his squad.
Indeed, Axel Disasi is on the Chelsea transfer list, with the Frenchman struggling to find his best form since arriving from Monaco in a £38.5 million deal last summer. Most recently, Disasi struggled as a makeshift right-back against Bournemouth, and was hauled off just past the hour mark.
Chelsea’s next Premier League fixtures
Date
Brighton (home)
September 28
Nottingham Forest (home)
October 6
Liverpool (away)
October 20
Newcastle (home)
October 27
Man United (away)
November 3
Maresca elected to play Tosin Adarabioyo at right-back over Disasi in their following Premier League game against West Ham, so the writing could be on the wall for him this winter if he doesn’t pick up form.
Meanwhile, fellow defender Benoit Badiashile could also be sold by Chelsea, with the £90,000-per-week France international yet to play a single top flight minute so far this term.
Left-back Ben Chilwell has been heavily linked with a Chelsea exit, and Maresca has even admitted that they were looking to offload the 27-year-old this summer, but he’s now back in the fold and re-introduced to first team training.
“Hopefully we can give him some minutes tomorrow,” said Maresca on Chilwell’s status in the team before their EFL Cup win over Barrow.
“The idea for him was to leave. In the moment that he’s here, he’s one of the squad, he’s training. He will be in the squad tomorrow and hopefully we can give him some minutes.”
Of course, there is also the case of winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who Chelsea splashed £89 million to sign (including add-ons) in January last year.
Mudryk could have no choice but to quit Chelsea
The Ukraine international played 90 minutes against Barrow, and chalked up an assist in what was a solid display, but supporters will be keen to see him perform against elite-level opposition.
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As per Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, sources have described his situation as “difficult”, and it is believed Mudryk may have little choice but to leave Chelsea in January if he doesn’t begin to feature more regularly.
Mykhaylo Mudryk for Chelsea
It will apparently be difficult for the 23-year-old to turn his fortunes around at the club, despite sources describing him as a “generational” talent in other reports, and Maresca hasn’t exactly hid the fact that Mudryk needs to up his game.
“I don’t think it’s a lack of confidence. Misha is Misha,” said Maresca on Mudryk before Barrow. “You have to accept the way he is. Hopefully he can get minutes and do better.”
After missing out on the Scottish Premiership, Rangers are set to suffer more frustration with one player set to leave the club this summer in a disappointing blow for Philippe Clement.
Rangers transfer news
The Gers looked on course to complete a sensational title comeback in Scotland with the race even in their hands at one stage, but Clement's side ultimately fell short and Celtic kept their crown for another year. That's not to say there have been no positives under Clement, however, who took those at Ibrox from out of the race to win the title entirely to taking their Old Firm rivals all the way.
8/10 Rangers star has given Clement perfect excuse to release Lundstram
The impressive Light Blues ace caught the eye with his performance against Dundee on Tuesday night.
ByDan Emery
Now, in his first summer transfer window in charge, the Belgian can finally make his mark to build on the positives already centred around his time in charge so far. And reports suggest that could see both Oscar Cortes and Abdallah Sima arrive in permanent deals after impressing on loan. Sima has particularly starred during his short spell at Ibrox and represents and seemingly remains on course to potentially turn his loan permanent. The same can't be said for Fabio Silva, however.
Rangers winger Abdallah Sima.
According to Caught Offside, Rangers want to keep Silva but the forward is ready for a new challenge and does not want to stay at Ibrox. He won't be kept around in the Midlands however, as Wolves plan to show him the door amid interest from AC Milan and Sevilla this summer.
It's frustrating news for the Gers, given their reported stance on the forward, but they can at least look to spend his reported £4m-a-year salary on improving Clement's squad through other arrivals.
The 21-year-old, meanwhile, finds himself at a career crossroads. After failing to find his feet at Wolves and opting out of a permanent move to Rangers, Silva must get back on track with his next move, wherever that may be.
Silva signing would have been a risk
Whilst it's always important to take into account that Silva is still just 21 years old, there still needs to be signs that he will reach that potential of his. Whether it's been at Wolves or Rangers, he has yet to really show those signs since his Benfica days, meaning that any permanent deal would have been a risk for the Gers.
Fabio Silva at Rangers
Stats (via Transfermarkt)
Appearances
23
Goals
5
Assists
0
Having initially joined Wolves for a reported £36m back in 2020, everyone in the Midlands will be incredibly disappointed with the way things have worked out, including executive chairman Jeff Shi, who told the club's official website after the Portuguese forward arrived: "Our recruitment team have been watching Fabio since he played for Portugal under-16s and they feel he has always been the best number nine coming through his age group anywhere in Europe.
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“Fabio is a young player who shows not only incredible technical ability, but also his game intelligence for a player of his age is top class. He has the ability to drop in to link play and hold the ball up to bring others into play. He always then looks to get in the box and his movement and intelligence in the penalty area is as good as anyones."