Speaking to Football Insider, Michael Brown has backed Everton to make a sensational move for Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho.
What did he say?
The Brazilian has endured a difficult time of things since leaving Liverpool a few years ago, and has spent this season on loan at Bundesliga side Bayern Munich.
Reports in recent weeks have claimed that Barcelona are willing to cut their losses on Coutinho, and that Everton have been told via intermediaries that he could be available for a fee of around £80m this summer.
Now, Brown has thrown his backing behind a potential move, suggesting that he is the type of high-profile player that Carlo Ancelotti would want at Goodison Park.
The Greatest Bargains in Premier League history – How much did they cost?
He said: “What a story that would be, wouldn’t it? I think it’s always, when you’re at big clubs, you go to their rivals, we’ve seen it before and it’s not always welcome from different sets of supporters here and there.
“He’s a great talent and Everton, you would expect Ancelotti to be going for some big players. He’s one of those.”
Ambition
Putting aside Coutinho’s ties to Liverpool, there’s no doubting the Brazilian still remains a top-class player on his day.
Whilst Barcelona were seemingly happy enough to join up with Bayern Munich for this season on a loan deal, he has still produced some fairly impressive numbers in Germany. As per Transfermarkt, in his 32 games for the club, he has scored nine times and provided a further eight assists, and a return to the Premier League could see him hit top form again.
In fact, the very nature of him signing with Everton could give him that added chip on his shoulder of trying to prove Liverpool wrong. It could lead him to greater performances, and splashing out £80m on him would also be a major statement of intent that the Toffees mean business in the transfer market this summer.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has revealed that striker Lys Mousset is still not ready to play a full 90 minutes (via @mikemccarthy).
He made the admission in his pre-match press conference ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixture against Burnley.
Mousset has been grabbing the headlines for the Blades in recent weeks with his goals.
The Frenchman made his first Premier League start for the South Yorkshire club against Arsenal, scoring what was ultimately the winning goal in the first half before being substituted after 55 minutes (TransferMarkt).
Despite his match-winning goal against the Gunners, he was subsequently dropped from the starting 11 in their next game against West Ham, with Wilder admitting that the club still need to work on the ex-Bournemouth striker’s physical condition (via BBC Sport).
He did come on as a substitute at the London Stadium and once again made a significant contribution, netting the equalising goal for the Blades (via BBC Sport).
When asked whether Mousset is ready to play for 90 minutes ahead of their game against Burnley, Wilder said: “Possibly a little bit off. But when you look at our forwards, not many of them play 90 minutes. We’ve got a group of forwards that we can change.” (via @FFScout)
There is no doubt that in his limited appearances so far, Mousset has made a massive impact for Sheffield United.
He has scored three league goals despite playing for just 198 minutes in the division (TransferMarkt), making him the Blades’ leading goalscorer (BBC Sport).
It also means that he has scored exactly one third of their goals in the Premier League so far as they have netted just nine times (BBC Sport), and with stats like that it is surely only a matter of time before he becomes a regular starter.
As Wilder said, they do have a lot of strikers, with Oliver McBurnie, Billy Sharp, David McGoldrick, Callum Robinson and Leon Clarke also at the club.
Even if Mousset isn’t ready for 90 minutes just yet, they do have the option of starting him and then bringing him off for one of their other forwards when he runs out of gas.
Sheffield United fans, would you like to see Lys Mousset start against Burnley? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
According to TEAMtalk, Sheffield Wednesday are leading the chase to sign Crawley Town forward Beryly ‘Bez’ Lubala in January.
And it could be precisely what they need if they are to lessen the reliance on top goalscorer Steven Fletcher.
What’s the word?
The report suggests that a whole host of Championship and League One clubs are keen on signing the 21-year-old, including Garry Monk’s former club Middlesbrough, Wigan Athletic, and Peterborough United.
Watch Sheffield Wednesday Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
It is believed that the Owls are the front-runners due to Monk’s previous experience with the young starlet, having been the man to hand Lubala his professional debut at Birmingham City.
Now the Congolese native plies his trade in League Two for Crawley Town after being unable to come to an agreement over a new contract up in the Midlands, and his form so far this campaign has clearly caught the eye.
Lubala has netted seven times in 19 appearances across all competitions, which even includes a finish against Premier League outfit Norwich City in the Carabao Cup, per Transfermarkt.
Void fulfilled?
Much has been made of Wednesday’s struggles in front of goal – Fletcher hasn’t netted in five straight games now, and as their top goalscorer, the onus has been on him.
Massimo Luongo had started to chip in before injury while the likes of Sam Winnall, Jordan Rhodes, and the returning Fernando Forestieri can barely get a look in for whatever reason.
Lubala displays an array of attributes that none of the above have, and it could also aid Monk’s 4-4-2 system as he would become an ideal partner to the 32-year-old in attack due to his contrasting style.
Bradley Rice at BirminghamLive once described the emerging talent as a “natural athlete” who has the ability to “inject pace and energy” while his current boss at Crawley (and ex-Blues coach), Gabriele Cioffi, said this upon signing him in the summer: “He is a terrific athlete, he can score goals. I think he will thrive with us.”
It remains to be seen how accurate these reports are, but it can be said that Monk knows exactly what he would be getting from the 21-year-old, and there’s no hiding from the fact that a forward is needed in January.
Despite a summer full of promising transfers and a general feeling of goodwill surrounding Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’ new minority stake in the club, Manchester United have not got off to a great start in the Premier League.
Erik ten Hag’s side beat Fulham at home but then lost back-to-back games against Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool before picking up their second win away to newly promoted Southampton.
However, while there isn’t much to cheer about in the immediate future for the Red Devils, they do look to be on the right path off the pitch and, with exciting youngsters like Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho becoming increasingly important in the squad, the future looks bright.
That said, Garnacho may have to start looking over his shoulder in the not-too-distant future, as United have an exciting youngster coming up through the academy who could eventually challenge him for a place in the team.
Garnacho's recent form
While Garnacho broke into the first team during the 21/22 campaign, the last two seasons have seen him develop from a fringe youth player into an essential part of the first team and someone with plenty of promise.
For example, in 22/23, the Madrid-born gem made 34 first-team appearances, totalling 1205 minutes, in which he scored five goals and provided five assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement once every 3.4 games or every 120.5 minutes.
Last season saw his involvement in the team significantly increase, and he made 50 first-team appearances, totalling 3574 minutes, in which he scored ten goals – including that screamer at Goodison Park – and provided five assists, equating to a goal involvement on average every 3.33 games, or every 238.2 minutes.
This year, the seven-capped international looks set to remain a key figure in Ten Hag’s squad, and as things stand, he’s scored two goals and provided one assist in five appearances, totalling 171 minutes, across the league and Community Shield, which is an average of a goal involvement once every 1.66 matches or 57 minutes.
In all, Garnacho is one of the most exciting and promising players in this United squad, but he could soon have some more competition from a youngster coming up through the academy.
Why fans should be excited about Shea Lacey
Yes, the young academy prospect in question is 17-year-old Shea Lacey.
The Liverpool-born winger has been turning heads in the Red Devils’ youth set-up for some time now, and while he’s still so young, he was rewarded with his first professional contract in April this year.
Like Garnacho, the “incredible” attacker, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, can play in a few positions on the pitch, including left-wing and attacking midfield, but has played the most off the right, where he loves to cut in and use his stronger left foot.
Appearances
20
3
Goals
5
0
Assists
5
1
Goal Involvements per Match
0.50
0.33
Over the last two seasons, the dynamic youngster has made 23 appearances for the youth sides, scoring five goals and providing six assists, meaning he’s maintained an average of a goal involvement every 2.09 games, primarily from the wings.
Unfortunately for the “very, very special player”, as BBC Sport’s Alex Turk dubbed him, he suffered a thigh injury in October last season, which disrupted his campaign and saw him spend 161 days on the sideline.
However, the good news is that he’s now back to full fitness and, with his new contract, has the chance to continue his development and hopefully push for the odd inclusion in the first team.
Ultimately, while it’s still early days, and his injury has seen his development slowed somewhat, Lacey looks like he has what it takes to make it at United, and who knows, in a few years, he could be challenging Garnacho for a place in the starting lineup.
Their own Haaland: Man Utd are set to sign exciting gem who's "Osimhen 2.0"
The incredible youngster should be on his way to Old Trafford.
One of the best academy systems in recent years has been that of Manchester City. The Cityzens have become masters at producing and selling some of the best young talents in Premier League football. The likes of Romeo Lavia and Oscar Bobb are two of the best recent examples to come out of the academy at the Etihad Stadium.
There is no doubt that the eight-time Premier League champions have had one of the best and most productive conveyor belts in the past decade or so. Over the past 12 months or so, there has been one City graduate who has particularly been making waves. That man, of course, is Cole Palmer.
Cole Palmer’s value in 2024
It has been a simply astronomical rise to the top for Palmer. Since his £42.5m move from the Citzyens to Chelsea last summer, he has quickly become one of the Premier League’s best players.
In 48 games for the Blues, he has scored 26 goals and grabbed 18 assists. His performances in the 2023/24 campaign, a season in which he scored 22 times and registered 11 assists in 33 Premier League games, won him the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
Already, the England international, who scored in the Euro 2024 final against Spain, has started the season in the same vein of form he ended the previous campaign. Palmer’s second game away to Wolverhampton Wanderers yielded him one goal, an audacious lob from outside the penalty area, and a superb three assists.
The rise of the 22-year-old is quite remarkable given the fact he never really got an opportunity to show what he can do at the Etihad Stadium. He played 41 times in Sky Blue, making his debut in 2020/21, and scored six goals and registered two assists in that time.
Manchester City's Cole Palmer celebrates scoring their first goal
What is perhaps the most incredible thing about Palmer is how much he is now worth. According to Transfermarkt, the youngster is valued at £67.2m, around £25m more than the Blues paid to City to sign him. However, there is another City academy graduate, who is arguably even better than Palmer and valued higher than Chelsea’s number 20.
Phil Foden’s value in 2024
The player in question here is Phil Foden. Like Palmer, he has had an extraordinary rise to the top and was named as the PFA Player of the Year following his performances last season.
Manchester City star Phil Foden
Foden, who football statistician Statman Dave described as a “magician”, played 53 games in all competitions for the Cityzens, as they won the Premier League for the fourth consecutive time, scoring 27 goals and grabbing 12 assists.
His top flight exploits last season were the best of his career so far. In 35 games for the eight-time Premier League champions last campaign, he scored 19 goals and grabbed eight assists. He has continued to improve his goal involvement return year after year.
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2017/18
5
0
1
2018/19
13
1
0
2019/20
23
5
2
2020/21
28
9
5
2021/22
28
9
5
2022/23
32
11
5
2023/24
35
19
8
2024/25
1
0
0
It is not only the goals and assists that have set him well on his way to becoming a City legend. Foden’s trophy cabinet is extraordinary, especially for one just 24 years of age. He has won 17 trophies so far in Sky Blue, which, amongst other titles, includes six Premier Leagues and a Champions League, which was part of the historical treble in 2022/23.
All of these remarkable achievements for Foden have led his transfer value according to Transfermarkt to skyrocket over the last few years. Nowadays, it is higher than ever, and he is worth an extraordinary £126.2m – far high then even Palmer’s worth.
Manchester City forward Phil Foden.
There is no doubt that City’s academy has been dominating the production line of Premier League talent over the past few years, producing the likes of Palmer. However, they really struck gold on Foden, who has won countless trophies for the club already, and could become one of City’s all-time greats.
Pep hit the jackpot with Man City star whose value has soared by 3,700%
The Cityzens have unearthed a star in the making with the young defender.
It's not been the brightest of starts to the season for Everton, who have lost each of their three Premier League fixtures, the last of which stung keenly, letting a late two-goal lead slip.
Indeed, despite winning 2-0 at home to Bournemouth, having played with confidence and style, Everton inexplicably capitulated and the Cherries lashed in three strikes to send the atmosphere at Goodison Park spiralling through the floor.
It cast a black blanket over an already disappointed fanbase, having lost 3-0 and 4-0 to Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur previously, but there were positives to take from last weekend's result.
Sean Dyche and his Toffees team have been mired in the trenches before, and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin fit and firing, they might just have the firepower to shoot away from the relegation fodder this season.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin's resurgence
Calvert-Lewin, of course, will need to stay fit, something that he has not done with consistency over the past several years.
2024/25
3 (3)
1
1
2023/24
32 (26)
7
2
2022/23
17 (15)
2
1
2021/22
17 (15)
5
2
2020/21
33 (32)
16
1
2019/20
36 (30)
13
1
2018/19
35 (19)
6
2
2017/18
32 (18)
4
5
2016/17
11 (5)
1
0
Not including the current fledgling campaign, Calvert-Lewin has only started over half the fixtures in the Premier League season on three of eight attempts.
But when he's on top, he's on top. The 11-cap England international has scored 55 goals across 216 Premier League appearances and is regarded for his physicality and quality as the focal frontman.
Last season, he enjoyed a revival that saw him feature across 32 top-flight fixtures, lacking his former prolificness but finding his feet toward the end, posting four goals and an assist across the final seven fixtures as Dyche's outfit clicked into gear.
It's important to put things in perspective. Four matches into the 2023/24 season, Everton had lost their opening three top-flight fixtures while defeating Doncaster Rovers in the second round of the Carabao Cup, identical to present results.
Everton also finished comfortably in 15th place, and had they not suffered an eight-point deduction, they would have finished 12th.
Calvert-Lewin's late-season resurgence proved vital in hitting a winning patch of form and steering away from the dreaded drop zone. The Athletic's Patrick Boyland even remarked that he looked "like the DCL of old" following a commanding display against Liverpool.
Everton have bolstered their No. 9 spot by signing Armando Broja on loan from Chelsea with the option to make the deal permanent for £30m next summer, but Calvert-Lewin's early-season form, scoring a goal and an assist apiece already, suggests that he could take some shifting from the starting spearhead spot.
He will need to juggle the workload, however, for an extended layoff could prove to be ruinous for Dyche and his plans. Everton could do with another dynamic attacking presence – Broja, aged 22, is talented but scored only two goals across 27 matches last year.
Chelsea striker Armando Broja.
Casting our mind back, Everton could definitely make good use of two former players, namely Anthony Gordon and Ademola Lookman, who have both shot to the upper echelon of the world's pantheon of players.
The latter, in particular, might just be the biggest regret when it comes to player departures.
How Gordon compared to Lookman in 2023/24
Atalanta superstar Lookman once plied his trade in Merseyside blue, signing from Charlton Athletic for a fee rising to £11m way back in January 2017.
A versatile winger with a love for scoring, he's one of Everton's brightest attacking talents of the past decade, with Gordon another to have carried high potential throughout his early days at the club before being sold and since realising his potential elsewhere.
Gordon was sold to Newcastle United for £45m in January 2023, and while the England international has since gone from strength to strength and been the subject of interest from Liverpool, who eyed a £75m deal this summer, Lookman would give him a good run for his money in claiming the tag of the player at the higher point.
Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon
It's quite simple really; after all, Gordon isn't on the Ballon d'Or shortlist, is he? He also posted 12 goals and 11 assists across all competitions last season for the Toon, winning their Player of the Year award. But alas, Lookman trumped him – and won gold during his continental campaign besides.
Indeed, Lookman's tally of 32 goals for the Bergamo-based outfit to date is more than Gordon has achieved in his entire senior career, with the Englishman netting just 21 times for the Toffees and the Magpies, respectively.
Still only 26 years old, the Nigerian forward has plenty yet to give but has recently hit the pinnacle of his career, scoring an emphatic hat-trick against previously invincible Bayer Leverkusen in last term's Europa League final to hand the Serie A side their first-ever European title.
He joined as a teenager, and this 19-year-old prospect carried exciting qualities under both Ronald Koeman and then Sam Allardyce but failed to bring it together on English shores, despite scoring on his debut against Manchester City's Pep Guardiola.
Indeed, in total, four goals across 48 matches were registered for the Blues, but his talent was recognised by Germany's RB Leipzig, who signed him for £22.5m in July 2019 during Marco Silva's time at the helm, after enjoying his performances on loan in 2017/18 – where he scored five goals and added four assists across just 11 outings in the Bundesliga.
Now playing for Atalanta, he's positively exploded. Last year, Lookman bagged 17 goals and ten assists across 45 matches in all competitions to outshine Gordon's return, now honoured with a nomination for the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
And why not? On top of his extraordinary performance on one of the biggest nights in Atalanta's storied history, he has maintained a fierce threat throughout, ranking among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored per 90, as per FBref.
Such a meteoric rise has even earned the £38k-per-week talent a summer of interest from high-profile suitors such as Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal, though Italian sources' suggestions that Atalanta were looking for a €70m (£59m) figure appears to have dissuaded the interested parties.
This transfer price means that Lookman is worth more than any of Everton's forwards. Calvert-Lewin was pursued by Newcastle United in the summer but the Magpies were put off by Everton's demands of £40m earlier in the summer.
Ademola Lookman for Atalanta
Of course, Lookman's post-Toffees career has been cardinal for his development; remaining on Merseyside, he may not have found the gusto to propel him to the 2024 Ballon d'Or candidate list or hit such a value, having now become an undoubted "superstar", as per 90min's Sean Walsh.
But one can't help but rue the failure of Silva and Co to keep a hold of him and ignite his career. Given that the likes of PSG and Arsenal hold a vested interest, it's clear that quite the pretty penny could have been fetched.
Everton have hit the jackpot on "monster" who's worth more than Broja
The Chelsea forward has joined on loan with an option to buy for £30m…
Leeds United seem to be honing in on the man to finally fill their dugout vacancy, with only a few key names left to choose from…
What's the latest on Daniel Farke to Leeds United?
That's according to journalist Phil Hay, who penned an article regarding the 49ers' search for a new manager.
As their first major move as the new owners of his huge establishment, there is understandable hesitation to potentially make an error. That could explain why it has been nearly three weeks since Sam Allardyce left his post and kickstarted this search which is yet to bear fruit.
Writing for The Athletic, he claimed that Daniel Farke is one of the names set to be interviewed, with his experience in the Championship vital alongside his status as a free agent.
Is Daniel Farke similar to Marcelo Bielsa?
Although three other candidates are also being sounded out, it could be argued that the German poses their best opportunity to gain an instant return to the Premier League, in a style that is closest to their last promotion legend, Marcelo Bielsa.
Having already masterminded two title victories in the Championship with Norwich City, only Scott Parker upon that aforementioned list can compare with the pedigree of the 46-year-old promotion specialist.
marcelo-bielsa-leeds-united
His 4-2-3-1 system is a huge part of that success, which prioritises a heavy metal football synonymous with many German coaches. He likes to push his players forward, risking leaving space in behind their defence with the confidence that, should they regain possession high up the pitch, they will then stand a better chance of scoring.
Such a philosophy, whilst likely not quite as drastic as his, does draw similarities with their old Argentine boss who helped mastermind their 2020 Championship title. It was one which caught the eye, but had its downsides. After all, they did ship 79 goals in the campaign where he was dismissed.
Farke's work, however, has caught the attention of his compatriot Jurgen Klopp, who went as far as to brand him a "world-class" manager.
When delving deeper into the German's time in a Championship setting, it is clear that he is the leading candidate for the role who will not only bring back consistent success but also that feel-good factor that accompanies such an exciting and all-action brand of football.
Across his 138 games whilst managing in the division, he boasts 71 wins and a points-per-match average of 1.82. This has even culminated in the scoring of 217 goals (via Transfermarkt), further emphasising the potency of such a style.
The hope will be that he can make Leeds' stay at this level a short one, and once again have fans excited to watch their team thrive rather than the struggles they endured in the top flight.
Leeds United should have plenty of money to spend this summer under the control of 49ers Enterprises, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.
Is Leeds' takeover complete?
The Whites experienced a season to forget in the Premier League, suffering relegation back down to the Championship, following failed spells under Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce.
All of a sudden, however, Leeds have received some much-needed good news, with the club confirming on Friday that an agreement has been reached between Aser Ventures and 49ers Enterprises over the purchase of the Whites.
It is a big moment in the club's recent history, with this new takeover expected to be hugely beneficial financially, allowing Leeds to become more of a force on and off the pitch in the coming years.
While relegation is clearly a blow – especially as it could have meant fewer funds being available for reinforcements – a new update has allayed those fears.
How will Leeds' summer spending be affected?
According to The Athletic's Hay, Leeds' current situation is a positive one, with this new injection of money likely to aid them in the summer transfer window:
"Parachute payments in year one in the Championship are worth around £45million to Leeds.
"Those sources of income will still be used by 49ers Enterprises but this takeover is expected to lead to an injection of working capital by the U.S. fund, allowing Leeds to have a more active or aggressive window than they might otherwise have had.
"That is not to say that spending will be lavish or wildly excessive, and don’t be surprised if the club make use of the loan market, but they should be better placed to recruit and sell, and the takeover should give them more chance of retaining certain key players."
This is great news for Leeds, who could have been damaged so badly by the exit from the Premier League, and it highlights how important the takeover of the club is.
It puts the Whites in a strong position when it comes to making a rapid return to the top flight over the next 12 months, suggesting that their next manager will be backed in the transfer market and that they should start the 2023/24 season as one of the favourites to get out of the Championship.
There have clearly been good times with the outgoing owners – not least hiring Marcelo Bielsa and getting back into the Premier League. But it is perhaps time for a change, and it has come at a pivotal point in the club's recent history.
Liverpool will be confident they can fend off rival interest from Premier League suitors in target Alexis Mac Allister, according to Ben Jacobs.
What's the latest transfer news involving Alexis Mac Allister?
According to Football Insider, Liverpool will meet Mac Allister's release clause and shell out a fee of between £55-60 million to bring the Argentina international to Anfield.
The report states that personal terms have already been agreed and the £50k-a-week ace will be set to triple his wages and move to the Reds on a contract that will net him £150,000 per week at Jurgen Klopp's side.
As per The Guardian, Chelsea and Manchester United have also expressed an interest in the 24-year-old as he gears up to seek a new challenge away from the South Coast.
Manchester City are also keen on the playmaker and Pep Guardiola is believed to have identified Mac Allister as a potential replacement for one of either Bernardo Silva or Ilkay Gundogan, as detailed by The Mirror.
Guardiola is also an admirer of Mac Allister's teammate Julio Enciso, who has burst onto the scene at the Amex Stadium and scored a terrific goal against Manchester City last month in the Premier League.
Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that Liverpool will feel they have 'control' of the situation surrounding Mac Allister at present.
Jacobs told FFC: "Liverpool's only concern is obviously that another suitor comes in and creates a complication, which is again why they're trying to be as fast as they possibly can because it's obvious that Mac Allister has had an outstanding season and was brilliant at the World Cup. There's been rumblings of Chelsea because of the Pochettino factor, but Chelsea, prior to Pochettino, had other targets; they've really moved away from Mac Allister and more towards Caicedo. If they pivot and there is a surprise, it will very much be Pochettino-led, but at the moment, Liverpool feel that they're in control of the situation."
What could Alexis Mac Allister add to Liverpool's midfield?
Mac Allister is a cultured midfielder that can add creativity and a goal threat at any level and his arrival at Anfield would be greeted with excitement by Reds supporters.
In 2022/23, Mac Allister made 40 appearances in all competitions for Brighton, registering 12 goals and three assists in total, as per Transfermarkt.
WhoScored also note that the 24-year-old had an average of 2.5 shots per game in the Premier League, demonstrating his ability to regularly trouble opposition backlines despite not being a striker.
FBRef also illustrate his inventive nature in the engine room and detail that Mac Allister successfully carried out 106 shot-creating actions this term.
Liverpool need to add fresh ideas to their midfield and Mac Allister would be a statement signing at Anfield if he is to join the Reds this summer.
Leeds United have opened negotiations to bring Fenerbahce defender Bright Osayi-Samuel to the Championship, according to reports.
Who is Bright Osayi-Samuel?
Osayi-Samuel is a Nigerian international who currently plays his football in the Super Lig having joined Jorge Jesus’ side back in 2021 where he’s since clocked up 98 appearances to date, but the younger years of his career were spent in England.
The Turkish outfit’s versatile right-sided player is an academy graduate of Blackpool having worked his way up through the youth ranks to become a regular feature of the first-team before moving onto new pastures to join Queens Park Rangers, as per Transfermarkt, and a return to his former country could be on the cards.
At Elland Road, a number of players will be out of contract at the end of next season meaning that the upcoming window could be the club's final opportunity to cash in prized assets, even more so since relegation occurred, so replacements are likely to be needed which is where the 25-year-old comes into play.
Are Leeds signing Osayi-Samuel?
According to A Spor (via Sport Witness), Leeds and Bournemouth are both “in the picture” to sign Osayi-Samuel ahead of the 2023/24 term. The Yellow Canaries have “decided to evaluate” offers over the summer and it’s stated that the Whites and the Cherries have already “started negotiations” having “contacted” his representative.
Fenerbahce will “approve the sale” of Osayi-Samuel, should they receive a “suitable offer” of €10m (£8m), and the report claims that the player “wants” to stage his comeback in England.
Fenerbahce defender Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Should Leeds recruit Osayi-Samuel?
QPR’s former manager Mark Warburton hailed Osayi-Samuel as a player that “terrifies defenders” during their time together at Loftus Road, but having managed to record only one assist all season, he could be a risky signing by Leeds.
The Europa League participant ranks as Fenerbahce’s 17th worst-performing defensive player where he’s averaging just 0.8 tackles per game so is even weak in the natural aspect of his play, not to mention that he’s also listed 22nd overall with a match rating of 6.49, via WhoScored.
Osayi-Samuel, who plays alongside former Leeds man Ezgjan Alioski, has only been handed ten starts by Jesus this season with 12 of his appearances in the Super Lig having seen him brought off the bench, so he’s clearly not seen as good enough to nail down a consistent place in the starting XI, and if he can’t perform to the standard needed at Fenerbahce, he may not at Leeds, who are desperate for quality players to get them back up to the Premier League.