All posts by h79snht.top

In case you’re worried Southampton fans, I haven’t included your prices on here because they haven’t been released yet.

[Also, these ratings are given from an all round perspective; so if you think that that club you love more than life received too low a mark, do argue an actual point rather than burst into tears. Thanks in advance. Ed]

ARSENAL

Adult season ticket prices for 2012-13 £985-£1955. The Emirates may not have the number one team but it tops the table of expensive season ticket prices. The most expensive ticket is £1955 which includes 7 cup games, so you can watch the future stars of Man City get a run out too. This price has been frozen from last year due to the ‘economic climate’ so that’s one less thing for arsenal fans to moan about.

Value for money rating:  4/10.

ASTON VILLA

Adult season ticket prices £295-£580. After the season they just had it wouldn’t be a shock to see Randy Lerner giving away season tickets outside Birmingham City’s ground but instead the American owner has decided to freeze season ticket prices for 2,000 seats before 1st of June.  Extra points too, for the introduction of a family ticket, including two adults and two under 16’s, for only £695. Last season that would of cost more than £1100.

Value for money rating:  7/10

CHELSEA

Adult season ticket prices £595-£1,250. Given the current economic climate Chelsea felt it was necessary to freeze all price of tickets domestically and make a cut on prices for the Champions League. Even without a waiting list it is rare you find empty seat at Stamford Bridge so for that I salute you Roman Abramovich.

Value for money rating:  8/10

EVERTON

Adult season ticket prices £399-£597.60. After yet another fine finish to the season, the blue half of Liverpool have decided that even with a price increase on the early bird tickets, Everton is the club to go and watch all season. 20,000 already signed up for next year and with a new £95 ticket for junior school children, more could follow.

Value for money rating:  7/10

FULHAM

Adult season ticket prices £399-£909. Those who are lucky to have the picturesque ground known as Craven Cottage as there footballing Mecca will have to stump up the cash as there is an overall rise of 5% for season ticket holders. Lots of numbers are being thrown around but basically, if you’re a family then you’ll be fine but if not better start saving your pocket money.

Value for money rating:  4/10

LIVERPOOL

Adult season ticket prices £725-£780. Thanks to a poor season at home this year season ticket prices at Anfield have been frozen. After only six games won by King Kenny at home all year it is only right to allow the fans a chance to see their club perform better  for no extra cost, let’s just hope the new manager makes Anfield a fortress again.

Value for money rating:  6/10

MANCHESTER CITY

Adult season ticket prices for 2012-13 £275-£745. It’s not cheap winning silverware in football and as City fans will have to get used to, it’s not cheap watching them win it either. An overall 6% increase and some adults and 18-21’s will have a 10% increase.

Value for money rating:  4/10

MANCHESTER UNITED

Adult season ticket prices £532-£950. After the price hike last year the Glazer’s are doing there bit for the fans by freezing the prices this year. Whether this will be considered by any United fan before they grab their green and gold scarf and start chanting “Glazers Out!” is doubtful but the purchase of a few top class players may change things.

Value for money rating:   5/10

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Adult season ticket prices £373-£717. With waiting lists occurring at the Sports Direct arena for the first time since 2000, the cost of finishing fifth may be heavy on Newcastle fans. With a ten year incentive to freeze ticket prices till 2021, a new nine year scheme came along not so long after, if your renewing or getting a season ticket for next season then expect a  5% increase.

Value for money rating:   6/10

NORWICH CITY

Adult season ticket prices £547-£608. Considering that the cheapest adult season tickets have gone up nearly £50 and some kids will have to pay twice as much to watch the Canaries next year, it is a nice surprise to see that 22,000 season tickets have already been sold. I’m sure Stephen Fry’s eager to see Paul Lambert stay along with many others.

Value for money rating:   5/10

QUEENS PARK RANGERS

Adult season ticket prices £499-£949. Tony Fernandes has done well to freeze prices after the previous owners smacked on a 40% increase after the promotion party ended this time last year. Considering it’s the smallest ground in the Premiership it’s no surprise they have a waiting list but how many of them will turn to Upton Park for the Chisora Hayes fight now that Barton is banned.

Value for money rating:   7/10

READING

Adult season ticket prices for 2012-13 £375-£425. With promotion comes the inevitable price risefor the season ticket holders but thanks to some early bird prices, a few fans will be paying less than some Championship fans next year. Another club with a potentially record breaking waiting list, let’s hope Reading will be another breath of fresh air along with Swansea and Norwich.

Value for money rating:  7/10.

STOKE CITY

Adult season ticket prices £399‑£599. Early bird prices have been frozen for the fifth consecutive year at the Britannia with the club hopeful the record breaking 22,000 season ticket holders will be improved upon this year. With 25% under the age of 21 they also have very competitive prices for the younger ages. Perhaps treating the fans well can make them loyal, what a novel idea!

Value for money rating:  8/10.

SUNDERLAND

Adult season ticket prices £425-£525. Thanks to Martin O’Neil, Sunderland managed a 50% increase in early bird season tickets this year. Freezing the prices must have helped too, as things are looking up at the Stadium of Light. A new “Wear on our Way” scheme costing £20 which includes bus and metro travel to the game from anywhere in Tyne and Wear gives Sunderland a much deserved pat on the back.

Value for money rating:  9/10.

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SWANSEA CITY

Adult season ticket prices £449-£499. How much would you pay to watch the newly dubbed Welsh Barcelona? For the season it will be under £500 pounds depending on age, but thanks to the new style adopted by Brendan Rodgers, the attendances have gone up 25% from last season which goes to show that tiki-taka is popular in the valleys.

Value for money rating:  6/10.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Adult season ticket prices £730‑£1,845. The second most expensive prices in the league don’t even get Champions League football next year. Shame, but at least the club aren’t charging more for it, oh wait they are. In fact the rise is more than 5% for the cheapest adult season ticket holder. With a waiting list of 30,000 for 23,500 tickets, you can see why Mr Levy would love a move to another stadium.

Value for money rating:  6/10.

WEST BROMWICH ALBION

Adult season ticket prices £349-£449. The only club to actually make a substantial cut in their prices are West Brom, except the over 60’s price which has been frozen, . With adult prices down by £50, under 18’s discount extending to under 21 which is a £70 reduction, and under 16 discount extended to under 17 which is a reduction of £30. Looks like Adrian Chiles will be happy.

Value for money rating:   10/10

WEST HAM UNITED

Adult season ticket prices for 2012-13 £600-£850. After promotion from the playoffs, the partnership of Gold and Sullivan will have to keep their promise of making season ticket prices the same as when they were last in the Premiership. Although adult prices are higher than most, the prices for younger fans is competitive.

Value for money rating:  8/10.

WIGAN ATHLETIC

Adult season ticket prices £255-£350. Whether they have the same manager with the same philosophy next year is still uncertain but they do have the cheapest prices in the league. The most expensive seat at £300 for adults renewing before 24th June is still £25 lower than most of the cheaper tickets in the Premier League. Let’s just hope the first half of the season isn’t all doom and gloom for their sakes.

Value for money rating:  8/10.

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United side head into Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brentford in a rather remarkable run of form, with the Magpies remaining undefeated in their last six outings – three of which have come as wins.

These impressive results have seen the 44-year-old’s outfit climb out of the relegation zone, two points above Burnley in 18th place, and just two points behind today’s opponents in 14th.

As such, a win over Brentford would come as a major boost to Newcastle’s hopes of survival this season, meaning that Howe simply must get his team selection spot on against Thomas Franks’ side at the Brentford Community Stadium.

So, will the Englishman make any changes to the team that started the 1-1 draw with West Ham United last time out? Here’s how we think Newcastle could line up against the Bees, as well as the latest team and injury news…

With Howe recently revealing that he will make a late call on whether or not Allan Saint-Maximin will play a part against Brentford, as well as suggesting that both Ryan Fraser and Javier Manquillo could feature after recovering from their respective injuries, we predict the 44-year-old will make three change to the side that lined up at the London Stadium last week.

The first of these changes comes in the Magpies’ back four, with the aforementioned Manquillo returning to the XI at right-back, while the £58k-per-week Emil Krafth – who BBC Sport’s Neil Johnston dubbed “careless” after his performance against the Hammers – drops out of the side.

In the middle of the park, the born-again Joelinton and Jonjo Shelvey retain their spots as part of Howe’s three-man midfield, while the £34m-rated Bruno Guimaraes – whose former teammate, Houssem Aouar, claimed “constantly offers solutions” – is handed his first start in the Premier League.

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In attack, the “unpredictable” – in the words of Gary Neville – £38k-per-week Saint-Maximin returns to the XI on the left, while Chris Wood and Fraser start up top and on the right respectively.

In other news: Howe must ruthlessly axe “out of his depth” NUFC dud, he’s “struggled” this season

Aston Villa were rather busy during the previous January and summer transfer windows in terms of bringing new players to the club after Jack Grealish made his record-breaking £100m move to the reigning Premier League champions and current leaders Manchester City back in August.

Looking ahead to the next summer window, it seems as though one of Villa’s recent recruits could be set to call time on his time at the club.

What’s the news?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist and transfer insider Dean Jones had this to say about the summer transfer window and the future of Villa winger Leon Bailey.

He said: “Bailey I’m not so sure about. I think that he really could be moved on in the summer in the right circumstances.”

Fans would be gutted

Since arriving at the Midlands club back in the previous summer transfer window from German club Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth a reported fee of £25m, the winger has made just 12 appearances for the Villans in the Premier League, starting four of them with just one goal and two assists to his name.

In fairness to the £85k-per-week Bailey, injuries have hampered the Jamaican’s time with Steven Gerrard’s side and have kept him out of action for periods of the campaign which have led to his lack of starts in the league, the latest of which being a thigh issue that sidelined him from early-December to February.

Even though the 24-year-old has struggled in getting some consistent run of form under his belt so far this season, it would be a shame to see the club cut their losses on the attacker after just one year as a Villa player.

Given his fairly young age and the attacking option that he can provide for Gerrard as well as the hefty £25m fee the Villans shelled out for him, it’s safe to assume that a lot of supporters would also not want to see him leave prematurely if they don’t feel he’s had a substantial chance of being successful at the club.

After all, this is a player labelled as someone that “can do anything” by former Leverkusen coach Heiko Herrlich, and judging by his potential, it would be a howler to lose him after getting very minimal returns for their expenditure.

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Bailey will undoubtedly be hoping that he can force himself back into the team, which he hasn’t been able to do since he recovered from his latest injury, and keep his fitness up for the remainder of the campaign to show Gerrard what he can do and why he deserves to have a future at Villa Park.

In other news: Gregg Evans drops behind-the-scenes AVFC claim that’ll leave Villa Park buzzing – opinion

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has claimed Patrick Bamford is likely to feature against both Aston Villa and Norwich City.

The Lowdown: Bamford back on the bench

Bamford has played just 22 minutes of action since his last league start in September, missing with ankle, hamstring and foot problems.

Leeds have struggled without their main striker as a result, slipping into a real relegation battle as Bamford watches on from the sideline.

The 28-year-old did make a return to the bench against Leicester City on the weekend but didn’t feature, however, it seems as if Leeds supporters will finally get to see the forward in back-to-back home games.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Writing in a piece for The Athletic shared on Wednesday morning, Hay claimed that Bamford ‘is far more likely to figure against Aston Villa and Norwich City this week’.

He did add that Jesse Marsch would need to be cautious when it comes to the striker, but backed Bamford to adopt a poacher role at Elland Road.

The Verdict: Huge

The next two fixtures could be do or die when it comes to Leeds’ chances of survival, so having Bamford back playing is a major boost for the Whites.

He has contributed to four Premier League goals in just 459 minutes of action this season, with those helping the club pick up four points at the beginning of the campaign.

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Hopefully, he can find his feet quickly in a new look formation under Marsch, where he looks set to play in a front two instead of leading the line as he did under Marcelo Bielsa.

In other news, one Leeds target has been advised to stay put. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United host relegation rivals Norwich City in what is a massive six-pointer at Elland Road this afternoon, and it will be interesting to see what sort of lineup manager Jesse Marsch opts for in his third game at the helm.

His new side have lost six on the bounce in the Premier League and head into this crunch match low on confidence, sitting only two points above the drop zone.

The American will be without as many as five first-team players after Junior Firpo was the latest player to pick up an injury, having been stretchered off in midweek.

He joins the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper, Tyler Roberts and Leo Hjelde on the treatment table.

After a defeat to Villa on Thursday night, here’s the XI we may see from Marsch today…

There could be three changes from the side that tasted defeat only a few days ago.

With no Firpo, the 48-year-old has already pretty much confirmed that Stuart Dallas will be filling in at left-back, so we are expecting vice-captain Luke Ayling to revert back to his natural right-back role.

“He’s probably a 6. That’s probably his best position. We’ve asked him to play right-back and now we’re gonna ask them play left-back but he’s incredibly intelligent and a good player that he can manage that,” he told reporters (via the Yorkshire Evening Post).

It could result in a return to the side for Diego Llorente, who was named on the bench last time out, and he is likely to partner Pascal Struijk in the heart of the defence, in front of reliable shot-stopper Illan Meslier.

Robin Koch is expected to remain in midfield in the absence of Phillips, sitting alongside Adam Forshaw. There could also be a recall for Mateusz Klich, who may take the place of Rodrigo, who was abysmal against Villa.

Jack Harrison is another facing the axe but there’s a big call to make over the frontline. Patrick Bamford returned from injury but still may not be ready for a start, so the nod goes to young striker Joe Gelhardt up top.

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He joins Raphinha and Dan James in the attack.

Predicted Leeds XI (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Dallas, Struijk, Llorente, Ayling; Forshaw, Koch; James, Klich, Raphinha; Gelhardt.

AND in other news, Leeds United dealt late setback ahead of Norwich City clash…

A big Newcastle United injury update has emerged on Joe Willock ahead of the club’s clash with Everton… 

What’s the latest?

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has confirmed that the former Arsenal gem will be in contention to feature in the Premier League tonight.

The Magpies have a chance to pile the pressure on the Toffees whilst pushing themselves further away from the pack of clubs fighting for survival at the bottom and Willock looks set to be involved.

He was absent from the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at the weekend as Eddie Howe went with a 5-4-1 formation and Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the game.

Downie Tweeted: “Joe Willock is back for Newcastle at Everton tomorrow following illness.”

Buzzing

This update will surely leave the St. James’ Park faithful buzzing as Willock can slot back into the midfield and allow the head coach to go back with a 4-3-3 formation.

Whilst the caveat is that they played the Champions of Europe, Newcastle only managed two shots on target and had 27% of the ball against Chelsea. The 5-4-1 was a predictably defensive set-up with the goal of keeping the Blues out for as long as possible, but a match against Everton – who are 17th and have lost their last four games – should see them act on the front foot.

This means that switching back to a 4-3-3 to offer more of a balance between defence and attack – given the added numbers up top – is the way Howe should go and Willock’s availability means that he can do that.

Sean Longstaff and Bruno Guimaraes were his only natural central midfield options at Stamford Bridge, with Willock, Joelinton and Jonjo Shelvey out, but he can now slot last summer’s big-money signing in alongside the pair tonight.

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Supporters will also be delighted because the 22-year-old has been in impressive form of late and will provide a big lift to the team. He has scored two goals in his last four Premier League outings as he found the back of the net against West Ham and Brentford in consecutive away matches.

Willock has also averaged 3.3 tackles and interceptions per game in the top-flight this term. This shows that he offers plenty of endeavour defensively to go along with the goal threat that he has recently been providing and his return will be a major boost. Therefore, the fans will be buzzing to see him back in action, potentially from the start, against Everton tonight.

AND in other news, Howe must unleash “breathtaking” £93k-pw NUFC gem today, he “will reach” a Ballon d’Or…

Wolves have an abundance of young defensive talent coming through their youth academy, as well as the likes of Toti Gomes and Max Kilman who are years away from reaching their prime and still have a large amount of potential.

This could make it hard for players like Dion Sanderson, who at 22-years-old, is struggling on loan with Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers, after joining them in January following an encouraging spell with Birmingham City in the first half of the season.

In his last three outings for the West London club, he has averaged an awful match rating of 5.8, as well as picking up a red card in a 2-1 win over Blackpool.

At the weekend in QPR’s 3-1 loss at home to struggling Peterborough, he suffered even more, and was branded ‘absolutely dreadful’ by local media for his shambolic defensive display, which saw him win just three of his eleven duels and lose possession 19 times.

Indeed, West London Sport’s podcast team were hardly complimentary of him either with Ian McCullough lamenting his discipline, saying that he was “sent off stupidly against Blackpool” while fellow reporter Dan Bennett said that “he looks panicked every time he gets the ball.”

Despite his recent form, Wolves loan manager Matt Jackson still believes Sanderson has what it takes to be a Championship player, saying: “We know Dion can be at least a Championship centre-back for the rest of his career.

“He’s proved that. We had loads of interest in January and we could have placed him in multiple places. The QPR style of play is good for Dion because Mark [Warburton, QPR manager] really encourages them to pass the ball.

“It’s a tight ground too, it can be a difficult place to play, so that’s a good challenge. And he’s got the challenge of trying to get into a promotion-chasing team and be around a squad and see what that looks like.”

However, unless he picks it up and bounces back with an impressive end to the season over the last run of games, he could find himself transfer-listed by Wolves manager Bruno Lage. After all, his displays of late indicate that he is nowhere near being of the quality to play in the Premier League.

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Should the Portuguese boss have already chosen to sell Sanderson, he could follow the same strategy Tottenham have used for their homegrown centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers, who has had a number of loan spells and contract extensions before finally attracting interest in him, with suitors now prepared to pay a heftier fee than before.

Valued at just £270k by Transfermarkt, the West Midlands club will definitely feel they can get more for him, so expect him to have at least one more temporary spell away from Molineux in the second tier next season, in order for the club to attract as high a fee as possible.

In other news: Imagine him & Raul: Shi can finally take Wolves to next level with “unpredictable” gem

As per Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via Football Italia, there has been an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer links to Juventus forward Paulo Dybala.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Bosman move…

Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici reportedly plans to sign quality options at zero cost in the form of soon-to-be 2022 free agents with the likes of Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona) and Jesse Lingard (Man United) previously linked.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Dybala, who is now set to leave Turin in June, is another big name who Tottenham could sign for Antonio Conte this summer on a free deal with various reports namedropping the Lilywhites as an interested party.

Sharing an update, Italian publication CDS now have some news for Spurs fans.

The Latest: Tottenham enter out-of-window talks…

According to their information, as shared by FI, Dybala’s representatives are currently ‘talking’ to Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester City as the Lilywhites enter out-of-window negotiations.

They also add that one of the player’s intermediaries/emissaries has recently travelled to England with a move abroad for the Argentine now seeming like the most likely option.

The Verdict: Get it done…

While Dybala’s £220,000-per-week wages could be a point of contention, especially given a salary that high would make him the highest paid player in Conte’s squad, we believe he could be a fine addition for no transfer fee.

Pundit Paddy Kenny, commenting on the links recently, claimed he would be a ‘statement’ signing for Spurs and the numbers certainly back his point.

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According to WhoScored, Dybala stands out as Juve’s best performing Serie A player this season going by average match rating (7.41), attempting far more shots at goal per 90 (3.6) than anyone in Massimiliano Allegri’s squad.

As the Italian footballing giants seem set to lose a star man, Tottenham could be remiss if they don’t at least attempt to take full advantage.

In other news: Paratici sets sights on ‘phenomenal’ £100m man who Spurs have been offered before! Find out more here.

The most frustrating part is that Tottenham Hotspur are capable of flashes of brilliance. The commanding win over Manchester City, the powerful win on the road against Everton in the Premier League.

But Spurs can no longer calls themselves a team in transition, not with the New Year less than a fortnight away. It is time for Thomas Frank to get the tactics right, and for his players to wipe away the silly mistakes which are hindering progress.

The January transfer window is also drawing close, and while the London club have numerous vacancies that could be filled, there’s little question that improvements are needed in front of goal, with Richarlison leaving something to be desired.

Why Spurs need to upgrade on Richarlison

Dominic Solanke is into his second season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but he has been plagued by injuries and has only started one Premier League game under Frank’s wing.

Richarlison has been the leading man at number nine, but it’s clear that he’s not good enough to stand in Harry Kane’s old spot. Indeed, Richarlison might have scored six times in the Premier League this season, but his goals have come in bursts, toiling away at times and drifitng about at others.

In the words of Gabriel Agbonlahor, he is “one of the worst signings in Premier League history.” Injuries have not been kind to the 28-year-old, but he has also struggled to sustain a talismanic role in Tottenham’s starting line-up, ebbing and flowing in conjunction with the general form at the club in recent years.

Richarlison’s Tottenham Career (Prem)

Season

Apps

Goals + Assists

25/26

16

6 + 2

24/25

14

4 + 1

23/24

28

11 + 4

22/23

27

1 + 4

Stats via Transfermarkt

Perhaps a tad harsh, that, but there’s no denying that the Lilywhites have failed to receive bang for their buck after signing the Brazilian from Everton for a whopping £50m figure. Tottenham need to sign an upgrade, but the transfer purses aren’t bottomless, and funds need to be directed elsewhere.

Luckily, Solanke is returning to fitness, and ENIC Group have already signed a young striker who could become a sensation down N17.

Spurs already have the perfect Richarlison upgrade

It’s easier said than done, but Tottenham really need to replace Kane at centre-forward. They need an elite goalscorer, and a leader besides.

Well, ENIC have attempted to complete that big feat with the signing of Mason Melia, who completed his already finalised transfer from Republic of Ireland side St. Patrick’s Athletic at the start of January.

Melia, 18, has already racked up the appearances in his homeland, scoring 21 goals and assisting six more across 71 Premier Division fixtures. Hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson as a “relentless” striker whose under-the-radar emergence has made him a “hidden gem”, Tottenham will begin to see him on the senior stage before the term is out, if he catches the eye for the U21s from the outset.

An athletic and fleet-footed forward who likes to drive through the lines and into space, Melia has spoken of his isolisation of Kane, albeit playing a different brand of attacking football, more direct, less creative.

There is a lot of hype around this young man’s name, and it’s clear to see why. Melia might be a goalscorer first and foremost, but he’s not one-dimensional. Sofascore actually record that he created five big chances across only 29 starts in the league in 2025, complementing his impressive return of 13 goals.

Subscribe to the newsletter for Spurs transfer insight Hungry for more Tottenham transfer analysis and scouting breakdowns? Subscribe to the newsletter for clear, expert coverage of striker upgrades, youth prospects like Mason Melia, and the tactical context behind transfer decisions — all in one place. Subscribe Subscribe to the newsletter for Spurs transfer insight Hungry for more Tottenham transfer analysis and scouting breakdowns? Subscribe to the newsletter for clear, expert coverage of striker upgrades, youth prospects like Mason Melia, and the tactical context behind transfer decisions — all in one place.

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Richarlison is a pesky forward for defenders to deal with, but he is inconsistent and will not make drastic improvements to his game at this stage in his career.

While the step up to the senior stage in the Premier League is a big one, and has seen many hopeful prospects trip over when making the climb, Melia’s limber frame and powerful running suggests he has what it takes to succeed.

He wouldn’t be the main man from the off, but he has shown a clinical edge and natural athleticism that could see him be the perfect Richarlison replacement.

Related He's like Saka: Spurs open talks to sign "the most direct winger in Europe"

Tottenham have left much to be desired from an attacking standpoint this season.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair

Virgil van Dijk said that he wants Mohamed Salah to remain at Liverpool after he returns from the African Cup of Nations, but what about the Dutchman’s own future?

Months of speculation were ended in April when Salah and then the skipper penned contract extensions. Trent Alexander-Arnold did not, but the world-class veterans remain at the club until the end of the 2026/27 season.

Of the two, Van Dijk feels the more likely to remain on Merseyside for the duration of his £350k-per-week deal. Salah’s future is clouded over, a haze descending on the club’s talisman after his post-match vitriol against Red powers that be, kept on the bench by Arne Slot as Liverpool collapsed and drew.

But Van Dijk is 34 years old, and he has not been his usual imperious self this season. It would be a tough task to name one of Europe’s elite centre-halves as likely thriving in this dysfunctional Liverpool system this season, but there are a few who might have made a world of difference, had they been landed during the summer.

Marc Guehi is a case in point.

The latest on Liverpool's interest in Guehi

Guehi came within a whisker of joining Liverpool during the summer. Pursued all through the off-season, Liverpool left it too late, with a deal collapsing at the eleventh hour after the Eagles failed to land a replacement.

This is a player who can not only secure a starting role in Slot’s Liverpool side but replace Van Dijk too.

The England international has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs over the past year, and given that he is out of contract at the end of the campaign, FSG are eyeing a shrewd free transfer come the summer.

But Liverpool’s defensive problems are dire. Ibrahima Konate has been woeful this season, Guehi has been immense by contrast. Liverpool perhaps cannot wait for the end of the term to redress their tattered backline.

However, Manchester City are ramping up their own interest in the 25-year-old, and Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are suitors too.

It would be negligible for sporting director Richard Hughes to venture into the winter market without an alternative mind, and luckily, he has such a player in his sights.

Liverpool "in the market" for Guehi alternative

According to transfer insider Dean Jones, Liverpool are “in the market” for Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck as a fallback to Guehi, should that one not work out.

The 26-year-old is one of the best centre-backs in the Bundesliga, and while he is about to enter the final 18 months of his contract at the Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund would seek £50m to part with him at the campaign’s midpoint.

Schlotterbeck is also coveted by Manchester United, Barcelona and Bayern, so Liverpool may not want to hang about if they are indeed serious about bringing him over to Anfield.

Why Schlotterbeck would be perfect for Liverpool

Schlotterbeck has been on Liverpool’s radar for a while, and given Van Dijk’s age and Konate’s form, it might be money well spent, bringing him over to the Premier League in January.

Described as an “absolute beast” of a defender by talent scout Jacek Kulig while playing for RB Leipzig, Schlotterbeck is tall and strong and purposeful on the ball. In fact, as per FBref, he ranks among the top 3% of centre-backs across Europe over the past year for passes attempted, the top 1% for progressive passes, the top 5% for assists and shot-creating actions, and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90.

This is a modern defender whose skills align with those which Slot needs to make his team tick. Liverpool have had problems in the deep build-up this season, and they need to address this to help create balance and fluidity across the entire park.

We’ve already seen how favourably Guehi compares to Van Dijk, now look at how Schlotterbeck has performed in the Bundesliga, in comparison to the Palace skipper’s Premier League performance.

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German international Schlotterbeck is even more mobile and combative and active in defensive phases, all the while maintaining a crispness in possession that does not detract from retention.

Bundesliga 25/26 – Nico Schlotterbeck

Stats (* per game)

#

Matches (starts)

10 (10)

Goals

1

Assists

1

Touches*

82.0

Pass completion

57.6 (88%)

Key passes*

0.3

Ball recoveries*

4.9

Dribbles*

0.4

Tackles + interceptions*

3.4

Clearances*

4.5

Duels (won)*

5.6 (66%)

Errors made

0

Data via Sofascore

Perhaps most significantly, he hasn’t made a single mistake in the Bundesliga this season. Given the severity of Liverpool’s defensive errors throughout the campaign, such a serene ball-playing presence could go down a treat for a defence in disrepair.

Would FSG want to pay a sum of £50m this winter? Hardly likely. However, desperate times call for desperate measures, and Liverpool need to sign a centre-back for the second half of the season.

To opt against doing so would potentially have huge ramifications relating to Champions League qualification and challenging for silverware in Europe’s elite club competition and the FA Cup.

This new tactical paradigm in the Premier League has caught Liverpool unawares. Slot’s side have been susceptible to set-pieces and the directness of play that wasn’t so commonplace only a year or two ago. Equally, they are struggling to mete out their own attacking justice from corners and free-kicks.

The 6 foot 3 Schlotterbeck would prove instrumental in helping shape this next version of Slot’s team. Guehi would also be a terrific pick, but this is a defender at the top of his game, and who’s to say he won’t outshine the Three Lions star in the Premier League next season?

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair