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Over the past few years, Crystal Palace have arguably been one of the most successful Premier League clubs in the transfer market.

Their recruitment strategy has seemingly kept them in the league for a sustained period, but they will hope their latest acquisition, Oliver Glasner, can take them one step further.

Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi, and Joachim Andersen are all examples of absolute bargains, but the Eagles also have had some misses among the hits.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at one player who’s costing the club millions via his wage, even earning more than Guehi.

Marc Guehi’s Salary

The summer of 2021 saw a young, promising centre-half leave Chelsea to join Palace in a deal worth £18m, which looks like an absolute steal today.

Since moving to Selhurst Park, the 23-year-old has developed into one of the most reliable defenders in the division, with his performances earning him the captain’s armband and an international call-up for England.

Unfortunately, the number six is out injured at the moment after being forced off early against Brighton & Hove Albion last month, but he’s still started 22 matches in the league this campaign.

Nonetheless, considering he’s such a vital player for Palace, his wage being at just £50k-per-week seems like an astute piece of business, especially when you consider the impact of one individual who’s earning more.

One of Roy Hodgson's worst signings is burning a wage at Crystal Palace

One of the signings which Roy Hodgson made has been burning a wage since joining Crystal Palace.

By
Zak Anderton

Mar 3, 2024

Jairo Riedewald’s wage at Palace

In 2017, 20-year-old Jairo Riedewald moved to Palace for a fee of £7.9m, which saw him play under his former boss Frank de Boer in England.

However, it wasn’t exactly the perfect start to life in England for the Netherlands ace, who started just 11 Premier League games over his first three seasons at the club.

That said, the former Ajax prospect did feature far more heavily in the 2020/21 campaign, where he played 33 top-flight matches at the heart of the Eagles midfield.

Fast forward to this season, and he’s started just twice, which is his best run of starts in three years, with his total tally in the Premier League being just three starts in the last three seasons.

But the biggest concern surrounding Riedewald is his wage, which sees him earn £55k per week, which is higher than Guehi, equating to £2.9m per season.

As can be seen in the table above, this puts him not far off the top earners in the Palace squad, and considering his lack of minutes, it’s fair to say that he’s simply rinsing the club.

Having said that, with the number 44’s contract set to expire in June this year, it seems that Riedewald will be on his way out of the club for good, with Glasner expected to let him walk for free.

Nevertheless, it’s clear that the signing of the versatile Dutch player has been nothing short of a disaster, with him failing to impress under any manager since 2017.

Newcastle United have reportedly made an approach to sign a "deep-lying orchestrator" who has been likened to Xabi Alonso, and the Magpies are now leading the race to snap him up.

Newcastle eyeing summer signings during injury crisis

Eddie Howe will be desperate for the PIF to provide him with as many funds as possible this summer, although the Magpies may need to sell a key player in order to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP). The squad has been stretched to the limit this season, with an almost unfathomable amount of injuries to contend with, and some fresh faces are needed in the near future.

Jamaal Lascelles is one of Newcastle's stricken players, having picked up an ACL injury that will rule him out for many months, and Juventus central defender Dean Huijsen has been linked with a move to St James' Park as a replacement. The 18-year-old would be considered a long-term option, but one who could also be a solid squad player from the off.

Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly could also arrive on a free transfer in the summer window, and his ability to impress as both a centre-back and a left-back could immediately enhance the depth that Howe has at his disposal, all without costing the club a penny on transfer fees.

Nick Pope has been one of many absentees for Newcastle this season, and while he remains a great option when fit, that hasn't stopped their interest in Aaron Ramsdale returning, with the Englishman looking increasingly likely to leave Arsenal, having lost his place in the team to David Raya.

While defensive targets are standing out at the moment due to the seemingly never-ending injury crisis, it looks as though the Magpies could also be eyeing up an impressive midfielder, too.

Newcastle make approach for "orchestrator"

According to Tutto Juve [via Juventus News], Newcastle are leading the race to sign Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra this summer, even making an approach for him.

Juve are believed to be behind the Magpies in the race to sign the 20-year-old, who is contracted to his current club until the summer of 2027, meaning a hefty bid may be required to prise him away.

Another midfielder could be perfect for Newcastle this summer, especially if they need to sell Bruno Guimaraes, and Guerra is a player with so much ability and potential. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as a "deep-lying orchestrator" with "passing, vision, technique, composure, football IQ, tackling and athleticism" all listed as key attributes, likening the youngster to Xabi Alonso.

The Spaniard has been linked with the Magpies in the past, so it does appear as though he has been admired by the club for some time, and his performances for Valencia justify the interest. Across 27 La Liga appearances, he has four goals and one assist to his name, as well as averaging 1.4 tackles per game.

Newcastle must rue selling "warrior" who's now worth 685% more

He’s been in unbelievable form so far this season.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 4, 2024

A pass completion rate of 75.2% isn't too impressive, admittedly, but the hope is that his ball retention would be more impressive surrounded by superior players at Newcastle, and as he matures as a footballer.

PSV and United States full-back Sergino Dest is back in training after undergoing surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

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• Dest out with ACL injury
• Full-back training on his own
• Will miss much of new season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Netherlands-born player sustained a serious injury at the end of last season, ruling him out of action for several months and forcing him to miss the USMNT's Copa America campaign. After undergoing surgery on the issue, the right-back has stepped up his recovery by working out again.

  instagram/sgd_2

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• WHAT DEST POSTED

  Dest shared videos on Instagram of him working with a ball and doing strength and agility drills as he trains individually, with the caption "work, progress".

  instagram/sgd_2

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Dest joined PSV on loan from Barcelona last season and was a key figure in their Eredivisie title triumph, but his season was cut short by injury, sparking fears that his hopes of joining the Eindhoven club on a permanent basis were over. However, the Dutch champions opted to sign him anyway, though he will be out for a significant chunk of the 2024-25 campaign.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR DEST?

  The 23-year-old will continue to work on his fitness while PSV get ready to kick start their Eredivisie campaign with a match against RKC Waalwijk on Saturday.

Tottenham Hotspur are thought to be plotting a part-exchange bid to sign a £25 million star, courtesy of unofficial club advisor Fabio Paratici, with one pundit making a "sure" claim this week.

Spurs transfer plans as Paratici still plays key role

Various reports in the last couple of months have suggested that Paratici remains a vital cog behind-the-scenes at Spurs, despite leaving his post as managing director last year following a worldwide ban from football activities.

Double Tottenham exit on the cards if Ange signs £50m "leader" – pundit

Their futures could be far away from N17.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 6, 2024

Spurs' search for a striker will be boosted by Paratici's network of contacts, according to some, with manager Ange Postecoglou recently lifting the lid on some contact with the Italian, and perhaps confirming the worst kept secret that he's still involved in transfer activity.

“Obviously I know Fabio and every now and then we’ll exchange messages or calls. He’s a smart guy and you can see that he’s got a great eye for talent," said Postecoglou on Paratici.

“Within the workings of the club and what I do, I don’t have that kind of engagement. Not just with Fabio but with most people. It’s more about what the priority is right now, this week, and my focus is on the football and the football department.

“I don’t have a lot of dialogue with too many people. That’s how I structure my working life, I keep these things to a minimum.”

Italian media have long linked Tottenham with a move for Genoa star Albert Gudmundsson in the summer, and Inter Live (via FFC) claim that Paratici has a plan to beat other interested sides in the race for his signature.

The former club chief could apparently push Spurs to make a part-exchange bid, including defender Djed Spence, for the Iceland international. Spence doesn't have a future under Postecoglou, and it is believed Paratici is for the idea of using the defender as a makeweight to sweeten a deal for Gudmundsson.

Commenting on the rumour, pundit John Wenham, who occasionally shares news on his Lilywhite Rose social media accounts, has made an educated claim.

Wenham makes "sure" claim as Tottenham eye Gudmundsson swap deal

Speaking to Tottenham News, Wenham is "sure" Tottenham are looking at signing Gudmundsson this summer, as his £25 million price tag appears to fall in line with the kind of money Spurs could look to spend this summer.

“Gudmundsson has played with Radu Dragusin, and they share the same agent, which could help Tottenham," said Wenham.

“Serie A seems to be a top market for Tottenham, and I think a lot of that is down to the work of Paratici, who has encyclopaedic knowledge of that league.

“Gudmundsson is a little older than the profile of player we tend to sign, and for a fee somewhere near the £25million mark, it sounds about right. I’m sure he is someone that we’re looking at.”

The 26-year-old has scored 12 goals and assisted three others over 29 Serie A outings this campaign.

Erik ten Hag has pleaded with Jadon Sancho to stay patient and wait for his chance to shine for Manchester United.

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• Manager gives brutal response to winger
• Sancho absent from squad for PL opener
• United visit Brighton next

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The winger was left out of the matchday squad for last week's Premier League opener against Fulham but the Dutchman clarified that his exclusion was not because he was waiting for a transfer to go through and was instead a consequence of the heavy competition for places as well as him having an ear infection. On Thursday, the manager urged the winger to try and stay motivated for when he is eventually called upon.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Sancho was exiled from the United squad last year after calling out Ten Hag on social media after being left out of the trip to Arsenal. He rekindled his career while on loan at Borussia Dortmund but there has been little interest from clubs in a permanent move for the 24-year-old. He was reintegrated into the squad after apparently burying the hatchet with Ten Hag. But hopes of him immediately reviving his Old Trafford career were dashed when he was left out of the starting line-up for the Community Shield and then left out of the squad against Fulham.

• WHAT TEN HAG SAID

  "We have to manage it, the attitude of the players is very important. Sometimes they will be disappointed, they have to deal with it, you win as a squad," Ten Hag said. "The prizes are decided next May and until then we need all the players in the squad and highly motivated, that is not an expectation, that is a demand on the squad."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  United sold winger Facundo Pellistri to Panathinaikos this week but Sancho is still competing with four other wide players: Amad Diallo, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony. Ten Hag added: "I hope we will have a squad with double positioning and when we go into the season after September 1 [transfer dealine day], that means you can’t select all the players but you need them all throughout the season."

Glasgow Rangers’ defence has been a concern over the previous few games, conceding three goals against both Celtic and Ross County before registering a clean sheet in the tie against Dundee.

The only one to really get pass marks is John Souttar, who has been impressive since becoming a regular member of the starting XI.

John Souttar’s statistics this season

The defender joined on a free transfer once his contract at Hearts expired in 2022. Despite enduring a tough debut campaign which saw an ankle injury derail his progress, Souttar has responded magnificently this term.

The Scot ranks fourth among his teammates for accurate passes per game (59.3) in the Premiership, while ranking third for accurate long balls per game (4.3), second for interceptions per game (one) and for clearances per game (3.5), showing how vital a player he has become under Philippe Clement.

His main strength is his physicality, which ensures he often comes out as the winner during his one-on-one battles. Indeed, Souttar wins 5.9 total duels per game in the top flight – a success rate of 72% – which means he is a nuisance to opposition attackers.

At 27 years old, he is just coming into his prime, holding a current market value of €2.50m (£2.1m), and this could see the Light Blues make a solid profit on the player who cost them nothing less than two years ago.

There is another recent acquisition in the squad who also arrived on a free transfer but is currently worth more than Souttar – Dujon Sterling.

Dujon Sterling’s market value at Rangers

Michael Beale worked with Sterling during his spell coaching at Chelsea and convinced him to pen a deal at the Ibrox side last summer.

The move didn’t cost Rangers a single penny, which again, like Souttar, could prove to be a wonderful piece of business.

The Englishman has played in six positions for the Gers this term, demonstrating his versatile nature, while impressing anywhere he is chosen to play.

Hailed by journalist Jonny McFarlane as being “powerful and athletic”, Sterling’s spell at the club has been excellent thus far, featuring 30 times across all competitions, even scoring his first-ever senior goal against Benfica in the Europa League.

That was a match in which Sterling was deployed as a right-winger but performed admirably in the 2-2 draw.

These recent performances have seen his market value increase to €3m (£2.5m) and if he continues to showcase maturity well beyond his 24 years, then there is no doubt that this figure will only continue to rise as time goes on.

Despite recent poor performances, Clement does still have a few solid players who are giving their all regardless of being let down by others, mainly a few senior members of this current team.

If the Belgian can continue to develop both Souttar and Sterling next season, he may well find himself with two prized assets who could make the Light Blues a fortune in the next 12 months.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

Former Liverpool star Jamie Redknapp hypothesised why Chelsea and Manchester United did not sign Saudi-bound Ivan Toney.

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• Toney completed move to Saudi Arabia
• Joined Al-Ahli from Brentford
• Chelsea and Man Utd opted against signing him

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The England international striker finally exited the Premier League on the deadline day as he completed a permanent move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli. Toney was earlier linked with Chelsea and Manchester United with Blues boss Enzo Maresca publicly stating his desire for another striker, however, the 28-year-old finally opted to move to the Middle East.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Former Three Lions midfielder Jamie Redknapp opened up about the striker's move out of the Premier League as he suggested he was left surprised by the decision. He even tried to explain why the top English teams decided not to go all out for the Brentford star in the summer transfer window.

• WHAT JAMIE REDKNAPP SAID

  Speaking to Sky Sports, the 51-year-old said, "There’s not many No.9s that can do what he can do so I’m a bit surprised that nobody has decided to take him. You are guaranteed goals, penalties, things like that. He will bring lots to the equation. So I am surprised that no Premier League clubs have decided to take him.

  "What might work against him was probably when he came back after the ban, he didn’t score the amount of goals that we all expected him to score and that might be why. I think if he’d have come and scored 11, 12 goals in that period and really been on fire, I think someone might have taken a real chance and thought this is still worth the money."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR IVAN TONEY?

  The forward could make his debut in the Saudi Pro League on September 13 as Al-Ahli take on Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr away from home.

Manchester United have reportedly 'stepped up' talks over a potential Ben Chilwell transfer, while Chelsea are considering a Jadon Sancho loan deal.

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• Chilwell not in Chelsea's plans
• Man Utd step up talks to sign him
• Blues consider Sancho loan move

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to The Independent, there is a possibility Chilwell and Sancho could do a loan swap this season. The report adds this would be separate from a potential deal for Raheem Sterling, another Blues player who is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and has been linked with the Red Devils.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chilwell is not wanted by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca and it appears United manager Erik ten Hag would be okay with a Sancho exit before the transfer window shuts later this week. The Red Devils have had injury issues at left-back with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, so cover there may be a shrewd move. The Blues are not short on widemen, so a Sancho move seems a questionable choice. But if both teams want to get these players off their books, a deal is there to be done.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Chilwell joined Chelsea from Leicester City in 2020 for a fee in the region of £45 million ($59.4m) and has since gone onto play 106 times, scoring nine goals in the process. Sancho, on the other hand, has scored just 12 goals and bagged six assists in 83 matches for United since signing from Borussia Dortmund three years ago for £73m ($96m).

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Ahead of the Friday night transfer deadline, it remains to be seen if either Chilwell or Sancho – who spent the second half of last season on loan at Dortmund after falling out with Ten Hag – will stay put in the coming days.

Manchester City are believed to be interested in signing an exciting "wonderkid" in the summer transfer window, according to a new claim.

Man City transfer news

Pep Guardiola may have assembled a world-class group of players – one that threatened to win back-to-back trebles prior to their midweek Champions League exit – but that doesn't mean that new signings won't be needed in the summer. The manager will want fresh blood added to his squad, not only to add quality but to also keep current individuals on their toes.

One player who has been linked with a move to City at the end of the season is Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, who has also caught the eye of some of their rivals, including Manchester United and Liverpool. The Frenchman has again shone for the Eagles in 2023/24 when fit, scoring six goals in nine Premier League starts.

Meanwhile, Guardiola is thought to be pushing to complete the signing of Bayern Munich ace Jamal Musiala, with a return to England potentially on the cards this summer. The 21-year-old is one of Europe's most sought-after young talents and could be seen as an upgrade on Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish on the left wing.

Gremio teenager Gustavo Nunes has also emerged as a long-term option for City, with Liverpool also providing competition for his signature, seeing him as an heir to Mohamed Salah.

The Citizens have reportedly sent scouts to watch young Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen in action, too, looking at him as a replacement for Stefan Ortega, should he leave the Etihad once the current campaign reaches its conclusion.

Man City eyeing move for "wonderkid"

Musiala, Nunes and Jorgensen aren't the only youngsters seemingly being looked at, however, with HITC claiming that City want to sign Lokomotiv Moscow forward Sergey Pinyaev in the summer window. He has been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo by former Arsenal attacker Andrey Arshavin, who also labelled him a "rocket" due to his blistering speed.

There is thought to be strong interest in the 19-year-old from English clubs, although the situation is "complicated", meaning a move won't be easy to get over the line.

Pinyaev looks like a huge prospect, having once enjoyed a trial at Manchester United, scoring five goals in a friendly against Bari, so City could look to strike a deal for him and get one over on their rivals in the process.

Planning for the long term always has to be the aim and the Lokomotiv ace is ideal in that respect, coming in as a squad player to begin with, before hopefully maturing into a key man for Guardiola's side over time, long beyond the Spaniard's time as manager.

Pinyaev has been described as a "wonderkid", highlighting his vast ability, and he already has six caps to his name for Russia, scoring one goal in that time.

Man City eye move to sign £65m star who is INEOS's top target for Man Utd

It could be quite the battle for his signature this summer between the two sides.

By
Ben Browning

Apr 20, 2024

This season, he has three goals and four assists in the Russian Premier League, showing that he is providing an end product at such a tender age. Whether City can strike a deal remains to be seen, but the lure of playing for arguably world football's best club side would surely be a difficult one to ignore.

Manchester United have reportedly intensified contacts to sign a "monster" in a £35m transfer, according to a new update.

Man Utd transfer rumours

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is preparing for his first summer transfer window as co-owner at Old Trafford, and all going to plan, will have Omar Berrada as chief executive, Jason Wilcox as technical director and Dan Ashworth as sporting director for the upcoming market.

It remains to be seen who will be in charge of United next season, though, with Erik ten Hag‘s future appearing to be in the balance following heavy rumours of a move for either Thomas Tuchel or Graham Potter this week.

Wilcox and Ashworth are thought to be planning to overhaul the “spine” of the United squad, with big earners Raphael Varane and Casemiro potentially just two of 21 players who could leave Old Trafford this summer. As a result, Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite is seen as the “long-term answer” at Old Trafford and is therefore “top target” for United, with confidence over a potential £60-70m transfer being completed by the end of June.

Man Utd transfer news: Major update on Jarrad Branthwaite's Everton future

It’s a pretty significant update.

By
Henry Jackson

Apr 26, 2024

Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong has been another heavily linked target. Recently, it has been claimed that the Red Devils are keen to trigger the player’s £35m release clause and were in concrete talks over a deal. Now, a new update has emerged.

Man Utd step up Jeremie Frimpong contacts

According to reports from Germany, relayed by Sport Witness, Man Utd have ‘intensified contact’ to sign Frimpong, however, they aren’t the only side to have increased their efforts to land the full-back.

His £35m release clause is only active until the beginning of Euro 2024, though, so the Red Devils may have to make their move relatively quickly once the domestic season reaches its conclusion.

Frimpong, described as a "monster" in the final third by The United Stand's Beth Tucker, has gone from strength to strength with Leverkusen after joining from Celtic back in 2021, helping them to the Bundesliga title this season.

He’s played a key role in their unbeaten campaign in all competitions so far under Xabi Alonso, mainly turning out as a right midfielder, and has earned praise from Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes, who said that the left-back is a "simply incredible footballer, technically great and very intelligent," before adding: "Part of the reason why we dominate games to the extent we do at the moment is to do with him reading situations very quickly and coming forward to create overloads."

Should Frimpong arrive at Old Trafford, he could come straight in as first choice ahead of the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot, or provide a versatile option further forward, and it looks as if the Red Devils are working to get a potential early summer deal done.