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Sources close to a £30 million player claim he's already now close to joining Arsenal in the summer transfer window.

Edu planning to reinforce Arsenal backline this summer

Sporting director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta, who work in tandem on the club's transfer plans each window, are apparently planning to reinforce the Gunners backline this summer.

Arsenal table formal bid to sign £52 million man who's "perfect" for Arteta

The Gunners are moving quickly pre-summer.

ByEmilio Galantini May 15, 2024

Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is set to leave Arsenal this summer, according to widespread reports, so it is believed that the north Londoners will look to bring in a new backup to current number one David Raya (Fabrizio Romano) – who will make his loan from Brentford permanent.

Ramsdale has an agreement he can depart when the transfer window reopens, as per Football Insider, with former Arsenal shot-stopper Wojciech Szczesny targeted by club chiefs as a possible option to succeed the Englishman.

It looks near-certain that there will be a shake-up between the sticks, as reliable Evening Standard journalist Simon Collings also backs that Arsenal are looking to bring in a new goalkeeper.

Elsewhere in the team, it is believed that Arsenal are eyeing up central defensive reinforcements. Both William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes remain ever-presents and crucial mainstays at the heart of Arteta's backline, but the Spaniard could benefit from a capable alternative if either of the duo become unavailable.

Saliba's injury at the end of last season is seen by many as a key reason why Arsenal eventually lost out on the Premier League title to treble-winning Man City, with Arsenal targeting Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato as one name to provide more alternative options.

Arteta is unlikely to slot Ben White back into his natural central defensive role right now, mainly because Arsenal have precious few natural right-backs at his disposal, and the former Brighton star has performed exceptionally further wide since the emergence of Saliba in 2022/2023.

However, White has also admitted to his own limitations.

"I know I'm not going to stop everyone and I know I'm not the best one-v-one defender," said White on his Arsenal right-back role this season.

Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea

9.43

Bournemouth 0-4 Arsenal

8.48

Sheffield United 0-6 Arsenal

8.13

Arsenal 2-1 Brentford

7.77

Arsenal 5-0 Crystal Palace

7.56

"But I know I can do things to help the team in game situations against their winger. Every game, normally the winger is the best player so it's always a challenge and I have to do my homework and try and stop him. There's all sorts [happening at set-pieces], standing on your feet, elbows. It's OK. I just have to stand in the way and see what happens."

Arsenal are targeting natural full-back options who could serve as alternatives to White, and a versatile ace who could slot in perfectly is £30 million Fenerbache ace Ferdi Kadioglu.

Ferdi Kadioglou now "close" to joining Arsenal

The 24-year-old Turkey international, who's been one of Fenerbache's star players this season, is capable of playing at both right-back and left-back – as well as further up field on the wings.

This could be pretty enticing from Arteta's perspective, as his signing would plug many holes in the Arsenal squad. Now, journalist Sacha Tavolieri has emphatically claimed that "sources close" to Kadioglu say he's "close" to joining Arsenal.

While formal talks with Fenerbache are yet to begin, this comes as potentially good news for supporters, with there still being a whole month to go until the transfer window officially opens.

Counties may be offered an opt-out of this season’s first-class competition as part of plans to restart domestic cricket.While the first-class counties voted by a narrow margin to play first-class and T20 cricket in the abbreviated 2020 season, it is understood one or two retain strong reservations about hotel stays. Hampshire, in particular, are understood to have doubts about the safety of such trips. They, along with several other sides, voted to start the season with a 50-over competition and not play first-class cricket in 2020.What the vote means in essence is that the county season will begin at the start of August. It will, subject to withdrawals, feature three regional groups of six teams who will each contest five first-class games. The two top sides at the end of that qualifying period will contest a final played over five days at Lord’s which is likely to start on September 29 and could finish as late as October 3.ALSO READ: Regional red-ball competition in prospect as counties vote on season formatsDiscussions over what to call the competition are ongoing, but the Bob Willis Trophy is a strong possibility. Willis, the former England captain, died in December. The counties are hopeful this game will be broadcast by Sky but will attempt to stream it if not.The T20 Blast season will start on August 27 and end with Finals Day at Edgbaston on September 26. Clubs remain confident that some spectators will be allowed into grounds before the end of the season. There will be no domestic 50-over cricket this year.Although the vote was far from unanimous – unconfirmed reports suggests it finished 11-7 – most clubs appear happy to go with the majority decision. Leicestershire, for example, expressed a preference to start the season with List A cricket but have confirmed they will happily take part in the first-class competition. It may be relevant that it was made clear to reluctant counties that if they opted out of first-class cricket this season, they may not be welcomed back in the future.Hampshire are probably the most reluctant at this stage. It is understood that, during the meeting of county chairs to discuss options, their chairman Rod Bransgrove expressed strong discomfort over asking players to put themselves in positions where they could be at risk of illness or injury. It is also understood that, following the vote, he has formed a sub-committee of the Hampshire board that will advise on the safety implications of away travel. At this stage, the club have yet to confirm their intentions.Social distancing measures being put in place before the first Test•Getty Images

There is some irony in Hampshire’s reluctance to stay in hotels. The England and West Indies squads as well as broadcasters from Sky and the BBC are all currently staying in hotels at the Ageas Bowl, their home ground. But the level of investment into creating something approaching bio-secure venues for international teams cannot be replicated at a domestic level and there have been concerns expressed that county players are not receiving the same level of protection as international players. All players will be obliged to opt in before they are considered for selection.The majority of the counties, however, hope that as passions cool there will be an acceptance over the schedule. They remain hopeful that all 18 counties will participate. The ECB have put no deadline on counties confirming their involvement, but hope to sign the schedule off at board level later this week.With the city of Leicester currently in lockdown, it may well be that the club’s home games are played at Kibworth CC. Lancashire, meanwhile, are expected to play their home games at Liverpool, while Hampshire are currently training at Arundel and could be facing the prospect of playing every game away from home. Derbyshire, too, may lose their ground for several weeks as it is likely to be the venue for women’s internationals.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni believes Lionel Messi could be back playing within two weeks as he nears a full recovery from his ankle injury.

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Messi missing since Copa America finalAnkle injury keeping him on sidelinesCould be back for October internationalsWHAT HAPPENED?

Messi hobbled off during Argentina's Copa America final triumph against Colombia this summer and has been missing for his country and Inter Miami since. The football icon injured his ankle but could be back on the pitch soon, with international boss Scaloni admitting they are aiming for the forward to be back in two weeks.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT SCALONI SAID

Speaking ahead of Argentina's World Cup qualifier against Colombia on Tuesday, Scaloni said: "It's difficult for a team not to depend on Messi in terms of football because he's a unique player. But this team has a game idea beyond who plays. Everyone plays the same thing. That helps. When Leo isn't there we do the same thing without that final touch that he has.

"We hope that Messi starts playing. When we have to give the next list we will communicate with everyone and he will not be the exception. This will be in approximately two weeks. Then we will see if he is fit."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

At 37, it is important not to rush Messi back to prevent any further fitness setbacks. The man from Rosario has been kicked and targetted for his whole career but as he continues in the twilight of his glittering career, it will be a lot easier for him to pick up knocks and niggles, especially in feisty South American derbies.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MESSI AND ARGENTINA?

Scaloni will be hoping to include Messi in his next squad list for the October internationals against Venezuela and Bolivia. For now, La Albiceleste will look to keep their spot at the top of the World Cup qualifying table when they face Colombia this week.

It has been reported that Messi could make his long-awaited return to the pitch when Inter Miami face the Philadelphia Union in MLS on September 14.

Newcastle United are interested in completing the signing of a defensive "jewel" this summer, according to a fresh transfer update.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies continue to be linked with lots of potential new signings at the end of the season, as PIF look to provide Eddie Howe with enough funds to make significant reinforcements.

Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande has jumped out as a primary target in recent weeks, with the 20-year-old Ivorian considered an ideal long-term partner for Sven Botman at the heart of Newcastle's defence. Contact has even reportedly been made with the defender, further suggesting that he could come to Tyneside in this summer.

Elsewhere, Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher could depart Stamford Bridge in the coming months, and the Magpies are seen as contenders to sign him, battling Tottenham for his signature. There have also been links surrounding Brentford and England ace Ivan Toney should Howe decide that he wants to add to his attack.

Newcastle fans will also be hoping that a number of key players stay put rather than move elsewhere, and Callum Wilson could now reportedly remain at the club. That's partly due to Financial Fair Play and choosing not to bring in an expensive striker in his place.

Newcastle want defensive "jewel"

According to a new report from Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are keen on signing Salernitana centre-back Lorenzo Pirola in the summer window.

The 22-year-old is described in the report as a "real jewel" of a player, and there is hope that the Magpies could snap him up for a fee of around €30m (£25.7m).

Pirola could be exactly the type of profile that Newcastle are looking for ahead of next season, in what is a crucial area of the pitch to add at least one new face. Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles are now both in their 30s, with the latter also currently out with a serious ACL injury, so they hardly represent the long-term picture at St James' Park.

Salernitana ace Pirola has experienced a tough season with his team, who sit bottom of Serie A by some distance, but he has still arguably stood out as one of their best players. He has averaged 3.2 clearances and 2.3 aerial duel wins per game in the competition, as well as winning 1.3 tackles per match, which is impressive considering he is one of the youngest members of the squad.

The fact that his side have been relegated to Serie B also means that could be expected to move on, and this could be beneficial for Newcastle, giving them an even better chance of signing him.

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Back in 2019, it was reported that both Manchester City and Manchester United were eyeing a move for Pirola, with the pair watching him for Italy at the Under-17 World Cup. This further shows his potential as a player, and why the Magpies should look to strike a deal for him.

Harry Kane shared a message on social media after scoring in his first competitive match of the 2024-25 season for Bayern Munich.

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Kane shares message on InstagramScored in Bayern's win over UlmAppeared as a substitute in the second halfWHAT HAPPENED?

The Bundesliga giants kicked off the 2024-25 season with a thumping 4-0 win over Ulm in a DFB Pokal first-round clash on Friday. Star striker Kane, who started the game on the bench, came on as a substitute in the 63rd minute replacing Jamal Musiala and netted the team's fourth and final goal in the 93rd minute. Earlier Thomas Muller had netted a first-half brace while Kingsley Coman scored the third goal.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Kane, who joined Bayern's pre-season late after guiding England to the Euro 2024 final, had appeared in a couple of friendly matches against Tottenham Hotspur and WSG Tirol before finally playing his first competitive match of the new campaign. The player was elated after contributing to his team's win as he shared a cheerful message on social media.

WHAT HARRY KANE SAID

On Instagram, the striker wrote, "So good to be back! Started the season with a win and a goal. Well done boys."

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR HARRY KANE?

The 31-year-old Three Lions skipper could be next seen in action on Tuesday as Vincent Kompany's side play their final pre-season friendly against Grasshoppers before beginning their Bundesliga journey on August 25 against Wolfsburg.

It's been a wild seven days for Chelsea Football Club, seven days that have seen the team fall to an embarrassing 2-2 draw with a ten-man Burnley side and then win 4-3 against Manchester United in one of the best games of the season.

Mauricio Pochettino still looks as lost as ever in the hot seat, but Cole Palmer's sheer brilliance was enough to carry his team through Thursday night's game.

That said, there were still a number of dreadful performances from those in Blue, such as Moises Caicedo, and it looks like the club could already be looking for his replacement based on reports this week.

Chelsea transfer news

According to reports from Spain earlier this week (via Caught Offside), Chelsea could launch a 'surprise raid' for Real Madrid's supremely gifted midfielder, Aurélien Tchouaméni.

The report has revealed that while even though there have been talks of financial fair play complications surrounding the club in recent months, Todd Boehly and Co are still keen on signing 'elite' players and would even be willing to sell Conor Gallagher to free up funds for such a move.

No price has been mentioned yet, but considering Real paid an initial €80m – £69m – to get their man in June 2022, it will likely cost a lot more than that, especially as the CIES Football Observatory currently values him at €100m, which is about £86m.

It would certainly be difficult and costly to complete, but if Chelsea can convince the Frenchman to join the club, it could seriously improve their midfield, although it might not be so good for Caicedo's long-term future.

How Tchouameni compares to Caicedo

Now, it might seem absurd to think that Chelsea are already looking to replace their £115m summer signing, but after a debut season in which he has made several high-profile mistakes, such as giving the ball to Alejandro Garnacho for his opening goal on Thursday night, it might not be.

The Blues may be under different ownership these days, but with the pressure continuing to mount on Boehly and Co on a weekly basis, they might do something drastic, and with Tchouameni favouring the defensive midfield role the Ecuadorian plays, it feels ominous.

With that said, which midfielder is superior? Well, the first thing to consider is their respective experience, which, unfortunately for the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace, is an area he can't win.

In all, he has made just 91 appearances for a top-flight European side, 53 of which were for the Seagulls. In comparison, the Real ace has made 37 appearances for Bordeaux, 95 for AS Monaco, and 82 for Los Blancos, in which he has won a Spanish Cup, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup.

Furthermore, he has won 31 caps for the French national team, including seven at the 2022 World Cup, where he played the full 120 minutes of the final.

Okay, so what about their underlying numbers? Is the comparison one-sided there? Well, it's more bad news for the Chelsea man, as in the vast majority of relevant metrics, he is second, and in some areas, by quite some way.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.09

0.08

Non-Penalty Goals

0.10

0.00

Assists

0.05

0.04

Progressive Carries

1.15

0.52

Progressive Passes

5.29

5.11

Shots on Target

0.21

0.04

Passing Accuracy

90.8%

91.2%

Shot-Creating Actions

1.36

1.86

Goal-Creating Actions

0.47

0.35

Tackles Won

1.62

2.60

Interceptions

1.31

1.04

Clearances

2.20

1.39

Errors Leading to a Goal

0.05

0.13

Ball Recoveries

4.29

6.02

Aerial Duels Won

2.36

1.04

For example, Real's "one-man war machine," as talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, produces far better attacking and goalscoring numbers, wins significantly more aerial duels, makes more interceptions and clearances, makes fewer errors that lead to a goal, and completes far more progressive passes and carries per 90.

Poch must axe 5/10 Chelsea man who was saved by Palmer vs Man Utd

The Blues ace was bailed out by the young superstar.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 5, 2024

Ultimately, if Chelsea can get their hands on Tchouaméni this summer, even for £86m plus, they should. However, that could very much spell the end of Caicedo's Blues career before it ever really got the chance to begin.

They will instead be expected to make up the numbers in a future match

Firdose Moonda27-Nov-2019

Zubayr Hamza in action for the Cape Cobras•Cape Cobras

Cape Cobras will not be sanctioned for missing Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) transformation target in a four-day first-class fixture last month. They will, however, be expected to make up the numbers in a future match.ESPNcricinfo has learned that a meeting between the Cobras and CSA, which took place shortly after it was reported that CSA were yet to launch its inquiry, resulted in the board all but accepting the Cobras’ reasons for their team selection and undertaking to discuss the implementation of targets at domestic level, which could change in the near future.As reported two weeks ago, CSA was due to consider aligning domestic targets with national targets, which are calculated on average over a season, after their coaches’ conference in May. This did not happen but the matter is expected to be on the agenda at CSA’s next meeting along with a proposal to not distinguish between players of colour (including those of Asian or Mixed Race heritage) and black African players.Currently, the national team must field an average of six players of colour of which at least two must be black African, while domestic franchise teams must field six players of colour including at least three black Africans. The national team’s targets are calculated over the course of a season, but the domestic teams have been expected to adhere to targets in every game until the Cobras opted not to.By the system followed at national-team level, if only two black African players are included in the XI in any match and four in another, the target would be considered to have been met.For their first fixture against Warriors, the Cobras fielded only two black African players in their XI, among seven players of colour. The Cobras explained their selection to CSA in writing before the match, saying they prioritised giving those players who had returned from the Test tour of India (such as Zubayr Hamza and George Linde) game time while also retaining in-form players from the previous three rounds. They claim CSA understood and approved their team.When the match began and the team was made public, CSA was questioned about the composition of the Cobras’ line-up. CSA spokesperson Thamie Mthembu told ESPNcricinfo that an inquiry would be conducted to ascertain whether the Cobras had a valid reason for missing the target.CSA is yet to deliver its findings in writing to the Cobras or to make them public but sources have revealed that the franchise will not be penalised. Instead, they will be expected to field four black African players in a fixture later in the season, in what is essentially an application of the system used with the national team.Whether that will prompt a change that applies to throughout the domestic system is yet to be seen. The five other domestic franchises have treated the target as mandatory since they were implemented in 2016 but, having seen the Cobras successfully argue otherwise, they may be tempted to do the same.

Perth Scorchers have signed Lancashire batsman Liam Livingstone as their first overseas player for the upcoming Big Bash League season.Livingstone, 26, played two T20 internationals for England in 2017 but has been become a highly sort after commodity on the global T20 circuit after his exploits for Lancashire in the T20 Blast in England.He played in the Pakistan Super League for the Karachi Kings earlier this season and also played four games for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.He is currently playing for Cape Town Blitz in the Mzansi Super League in South Africa alongside Melbourne Stars recruit Dale Steyn.The Scorchers have had to reshape their batting line-up following the retirement of Michael Klinger and the exit of Shaun Marsh to the Melbourne Renegades. Livingstone will add some much-needed power and explosiveness to the top order.”He has performed really well in T20 cricket all around the world over the past 12 months,” Scorchers coach Adam Voges said.”Liam’s a great all-round package. He’ll give us some aggression at the top of the order, he’s a handy spinner and a fantastic fielder.”Livingstone is well known in Perth having played a season of grade cricket for Willetton in 2015-16. He played alongside Scorchers batsman Cameron Bancroft at club level and showed his tremendous hitting ability with some dazzling T20 innings.He said he has watched the BBL closely for many years and was keen to be part of it.”I’m so excited to have signed with the Scorchers for the upcoming Big Bash, it’s a tournament I’ve always wanted to play in so I can’t wait to get to Perth,” Livingstone said.”I’ve spent a winter in Perth, I know the place well and I’m looking forward to getting back there.”The Scorchers have one more overseas slot to fill on their roster after opting not to renew the contracts of David Willey and Usman Qadir.

While batting, Sri Lanka rode the wave Danushka Gunathilaka’s 57 off 38 created, then with the ball they shut Pakistan down in unexpectedly ruthless fashion

The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando05-Oct-2019

Danushka Gunathilaka slides the ball off the open face of the bat•Associated Press

Sri Lanka rode to 165 for 5 on Danushka Gunathilaka’s rapid fifty, before the bowlers shut Pakistan down in unexpectedly ruthless fashion, taking three early wickets before wiping out the remainder of the batting order through the middle overs.Against the No. 1-ranked T20 side in the world, Sri Lanka’s 64-run victory was a substantial upset. The attack did not have the skill or leadership of Lasith Malinga, and yet produced a supreme team performance, Nuwan Pradeep and Isuru Udana taking three wickets apiece, Wanindu Hasaranga claiming two, and Kasun Rajitha one. Even Lakshan Sandakan, who went wicketless, played an important role in Sri Lanka’s defence, conceding just 24 from his four overs.Pakistan’s only major joy was fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain’s hat-trick, completed across two overs. He got Bhanuka Rajapaksa lbw at the end of the 16th over, before getting Dasun Shanaka and Shehan Jayasuriya to hole out at the start of the 18th. Hasnain is the ninth bowler to take a hat-trick in T20Is, and at 19, is the youngest to do it.Beyond a 46-run fourth-wicket partnership between Sarfaraz Ahmed and Iftikhar Ahmed, which ended in an awful run-out, Pakistan’s innings struggled for substance. No batsman crossed 25, the first three wickets fell for 22 runs, and the last seven for 33. They were all out in the 18th over – Udana the second Sri Lanka bowler to take two wickets in two balls, after Pradeep had done it earlier in the innings.Gunathilaka played such a sublime lone hand through the early overs that when he was eventually out for 57 off 38 balls in the tenth, his opening partner Avishka Fernando had made no more than 16. His knock contained eight fours and a six over midwicket, three of those fours coming off a single Shadab Khan over, Gunathilaka biffing him through the legside, with the sweep, then the pull, then the sweep again.Two overs earlier, he had slammed Hasnain for two offside fours as well. It was in the Powerplay that Gunathilaka wreaked the most damage, hitting 43 off 26, while the team total had sped to 64 for no loss. Avishka had struck the first four of the innings, through point, but contented himself with turning the strike over as his partner hit a high gear.Gunathilaka reached his fifty with his only six, off Shadab, but was eventually dismissed by the same bowler, lbw to a hard-spun legbreak. Avishka never managed to raise his strike rate, getting out for 33 off 34 balls, but the momentum that had been injected to the innings was taken forward by Rajapaksa, playing his first international. He hit two sixes and two fours in his 32 off 22 balls, before captain Shanaka produced an important cameo, launching Faheem Ashraf for two legside sixes on his way to 17 off 10.The finish could have been stronger, from the likes of big-hitting allrounders Hasaranga and Udana, but with Mohammad Amir delivering an excellent final over, Sri Lanka could perhaps be satisfied with their total.Pradeep then improved the Sri Lankan mood significantly, when he got both the prize wicket of Babar Azam as well as that of Umar Akmal in consecutive deliveries at the end of the second over. Babar had cracked him for a regal boundary through mid-on fourth ball, but Pradeep got him to nick off next ball, debutant Minod Bhanuka diving to his right to take an outstanding first-up catch. The delivery after that, to Akmal, produced as plumb an lbw as was seen through the tour – the ball hitting the batsman’s back pad in front of middle stump.Udana then had Ahmed Shehzad playing the ball on to his stumps in the fifth over, but the partnership between Sarfaraz and Iftikhar gave Pakistan just a sliver of hope, even as the required rate mounted. Iftikhar was run out when both batsmen ended up at the striker’s end after a miscommunication, however, and the remaining batsmen tumbled in quick succession after that. Sarfaraz and Asif Ali were dismissed by Hasaranga, Ashraf became Pradeep’s third victim of the night, and then Udana polished the innings off.The victory was Sri Lanka’s first of the tour and they lead this three-match series 1-0.

Leeds United decided to bring German head coach Daniel Farke to the club last summer in their bid to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

They then backed him throughout the summer transfer window as the ex-Borussia Monchengladbach boss was allowed to make a number of signings.

Jaidon Anthony, Ilia Gruev, Djed Spence, Joel Piroe, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Sam Byram, Karl Darlow, and Glen Kamara were all snapped up, either on loan or on a permanent basis.

Whilst the Whites are currently competing for a place in the top two, alongside the likes of Leicester City, Southampton, and Ipswich Town, they may rue not being able to push through a deal to sign one of their reported targets over the summer – Josh Sargent.

Leeds United's interest in Josh Sargent

In August of last year, Football Insider claimed that Leeds were considering a late swoop to sign the USA international from Championship rivals Norwich City.

The outlet claimed that the Yorkshire-based side had drawn up a shortlist of number nine options and identified Sargent as a target, having previously worked with Farke in Norfolk.

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It was subsequently reported by Football Insider that the former Werder Bremen star was keen to complete a move to Elland Road to reunite with his former head coach.

However, they ultimately opted to sign Joel Piroe from Swansea for a fee reported to be in excess of £10m, although it remains unclear as to why they were not able to secure Sargent's signature.

Two days after Leeds announced the signing of the Dutch marksman, the Norwich star suffered a horrible ankle injury against Huddersfield, that kept him out until December.

Despite that lengthy absence, the USMNT star has made his way into double figures for goals in the Championship this season for the Canaries, and currently has more league goals than Leeds star Georginio Rutter, as well as a significantly better scoring rate than Piroe.

Joel Piroe's goal record for Leeds

The former Swans star arrived last summer to bolster the club's options at the top end of the pitch and has been a solid addition to the squad so far.

Piroe has racked up 11 goals and two assists in 32 second division matches for the Whites, with 27 of those appearances coming as a starter.

He has found the back of the net once every 231 minutes on average and plundered his 11 league goals from an Expected Goals (xG) of 11.50.

This suggests that the 24-year-old gem has been an average finisher for Leeds as he has slightly underperformed compared to the quality of chances his teammates have created for him.

The left-footed dynamo has, therefore, not been a poor signing for the Whites but Sargent's form for Norwich in the same division suggests that they could have landed a better player last summer had they secured his services instead of the Dutchman's.

Josh Sargent's superb form for Norwich

The American striker plundered 13 goals in 40 Championship appearances for the Canaries throughout the 2022/23 campaign, which is a solid but unspectacular return on face value.

However, only 19 of those matches came as a centre-forward and his game time in that position led to nine of his 13 goals, which means that he plundered a goal every 2.11 outings in his natural position.

This season, Sargent has played as a number nine in all of his appearances for the Yellows and his form in front of goal has reflected his regular minutes as a striker.

The 24-year-old has racked up ten goals and one assist in 13 games – with 11 starts – in the Championship for David Wagner's side during the 2023/24 campaign.

Sargent has been ruthless at the top end of the pitch as he has plundered ten goals from an xG of 6.57 and averaged a strike every 80 minutes in the division.

This shows that the impressive Canaries star, who was described as "special" by teammate Ashley Barnes, has been far more effective than Piroe this season, with one less goal in 19 fewer appearances and a much better strike rate compared to his xG.

In total, the former Leeds target has produced 19 goals in 32 appearances whilst playing as a striker in the Championship since the start of last season.

Along with being more clinical in front of goal than Piroe, Sargent has also outscored Whites star Rutter, who has struggled at times in the final third.

Georginio Rutter's wasteful finishing

It would be hard to dispute that the former Hoffenheim starlet is one of the finest creative talents in the Championship as he ranks joint-second for assists (ten) and second for 'big chances' created (20) in the division.

He has consistently created high-quality opportunities for his teammates to score from a centre-forward and a number ten position throughout the season.

However, Rutter has let himself down at times with wasteful finishing from the chances that his fellow attackers have been able to create for him.

23/24 Championship

Georginio Rutter

Josh Sargent

Appearances

32

13

xG

10.15

6.57

Goals

Six

Ten

Big chances missed

11

Seven

Shots per game

2.8

2.3

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Norwich star has been significantly more effective, and ruthless, with the opportunities that have come his way in the box this season.

The French maestro has not done enough with the quality of chances that have created for him, and that is an area of his game that Farke will surely be looking to improve to make him a complete forward.

Overall, though, the German head coach may rue missing out on a deal to sign Sargent last summer as the American number nine's sensational form – either side of a lengthy injury lay-off – shows that he is a clinical and quality Championship centre-forward who can be relied on in front of goal.

The former Bundesliga gem could have offered far more, in terms of a pure goalscorer, than both Piroe and Rutter, and the club should keep an eye on his progress ahead of the summer, in case an opportunity arises for them to rectify their mistake and bring him to Elland Road to lead the line.