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Celtic are now reportedly plotting a 2026 move to sign a Manchester City ace, who Pep Guardiola called “world-class”.

Celtic targeting Premier League goalkeeper

There’s a lot of work for Wilfried Nancy to do in the transfer window and that work may well include signing a new goalkeeper next summer. As things stand, current No.1 Kasper Schmeichel is set to leave Celtic as a free agent at the end of his contract next summer, handing the Bhoys the task of finding a replacement.

The former Leicester City man has been an excellent servant since replacing Joe Hart in 2024, but looks destined to bow out of Scotland at 39 years old.

Celtic star with 'high ceiling' could be biggest winner of Nancy's arrival

This promising young Celtic talent could be the biggest winner of Wilfried Nancy’s arrival at the club.

ByDan Emery Dec 6, 2025

Celtic may also have no choice but to target attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window, amid reports that Daizen Maeda could leave the club. The Japan international has plenty of admirers in the Premier League and could yet deal the Bhoys an undeniable blow this winter.

Speaking about the January transfer window and potential additions after arriving, new manager Nancy told reporters: “Each organisation, the idea is to improve.

“I’m going to have to assess the team. I know them as a team because I’ve watched many games. Now it’s about knowing them as a person. After that we’ll see what is the best for the team. I like to take my time. I know that I don’t have a lot of time.

“It’s not a secret I want to play in a certain way. Proactivity, try to put [pressure] on the opposition, try to attack the ball as soon as possible and after that also be disgusting to play against when we defend – because we’re going to have moments when we’ve got to suffer.”

With that said, it could be a busy 2026 for those at Celtic Park and one that includes the arrival of Man City’s Stefan Ortega, according to reports.

Celtic plotting Ortega move

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Celtic are now plotting a move to sign Ortega when his current Man City contract expires next summer. The 33-year-old could come straight in for Schmeichel as the Bhoys turn to English football for yet another shot-stopper.

Whilst Ortega has dropped down the pecking order at the Etihad, Guardiola hasn’t held back from praising the experienced goalkeeper in the past – telling reporters just last year: “Ortega is a world-class goalkeeper. An exceptional, exceptional goalkeeper.”

For Celtic, the move makes perfect sense. Their move for Hart worked out for all involved, so too did their move for Schmeichel. Now, it looks like they’re ready to follow the blueprint by signing Ortega.

After reporting the news, O’Rourke told Football Insider: “Ortega would be a good fit, you would think, especially if he does become a free agent in the summer.

“He’s basically just fallen totally out of favour at Man City, with Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford ahead of him, and Marcus Bettinelli has been travelling with the squad.

“If Celtic are looking a new goalkeeper come the summer when Schmeichel’s contract is up, Ortega could be a really good pick up on a free transfer.

Liverpool agree terms to sign "aggressive" Celtic teenager in first Nancy exit

أكدت تقارير صحفية بريطانية تطورات جديدة بشأن مستقبل آرني سلوت مدرب ليفربول، والنجم المصري محمد صلاح بعد الهزيمة أمام آيندهوفن برباعية لهدف واحد في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وبحسب “بي بي سي سبورت” البريطانية فإن منصب آرني سلوت ليس في خطر وشيك، ويمتلك سمعة طيبة بعد موسمه الأول الذي فاز من خلاله بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويسود شعور في آنفيلد بأن الفريق مر بفترة صعبة مع وفاة ديوجو جوتا وقد استثمر النادي 400 مليون جنيه إسترليني في محاولة تجديد الفريق.

ولعب المدير الرياضي ريتشارد هيوز والرئيس التنفيذي إدواردز دوراً رئيسياً في تعيين سلوت مدرباً للنادي، ولا يزال المدرب الهولندي يحظى بدعم الثنائي.

ولا يتخذ ليفربول قرارات متسرعة، حيث سبق للنادي أن أعطى مهلة لمدربه السابق بريندان رودجرز أكثر من ثلاث مواسم كمدرب رغم خروجه من المراكز الأربعة الأولى مرتين.

أقرأ أيضاً.. “أصبح عبئًا”.. ديلي ميل تهاجم محمد صلاح وتطالب سلوت بقرار جريء

ومع ذلك فإن محمد صلاح النجم المصري يثير قلق ليفربول بشأن التراجع الملحوظ في مستواه قبل لقاء وست هام في الدوري الانجليزي، وقدم الفريق أفضل أداء هجومي له في آخر 12 مباراة خلال المباراة التي غاب فيها محمد صلاح عن اللعب بشكل أساسي وكانت الفوز ضد آينتراخت فرانكفورت بخمسة أهداف لهدف.

وسجل النجم المصري سبعة أهداف خلال 25 مباراة منذ إعلان تجديد عقده في أبريل، ويتم الحكم على اللاعب صاحب الـ33 عاماً بناء على المعايير التي وضعها خلال سنواته الثماني مع النادي.

أما عن سوق الانتقالات الشتوية القادمة، فإن ليفربول يستهدف التعاقد مع مارك جويهي مدافع كريستال بالاس بعد فشله في ضمه في اليوم الأخير من سوق الانتقالات الصيفية، وسيكون اللاعب حراً للرحيل في يوليو.

Newcastle United have a tough run of fixtures to contend with for the rest of November, before the bumper Christmas schedule weighs heavily on the calendar.

Indeed, the up-and-down Magpies have a tricky home clash with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City up next, as Eddie Howe no doubt worries already as to how his porous defence will deal with a free-flowing Erling Haaland.

Then, it’s back-to-back away fixtures at Marseille and Everton in the Champions League and Premier League, with Howe, presumably, under even more intense pressure if he fails to pick up a win or two across this stretch of contests.

Far too many players Howe has relied on over the years have failed to deliver the goods across recent matches, with many of those underperformers also falling into the high earners bracket at St James’ Park.

Assessing Newcastle's current wage bill

Newcastle’s highest earner currently continues to lead by example for the most part in club captain Bruno Guimaraes.

Understandably, during losses on the road against West Ham United and Brentford, the Brazilian wasn’t at his liveliest.

But, the £160k-per-week “talisman” – as he has been recently labelled by Michael Carrick – does still have three goals next to his name this season, when bailing his topsy-turvy side out of some sticky situations, which included this wonderfully taken strike breaking the deadlock against Nottingham Forest last month in a much-needed 2-0 win.

The same adoration isn’t being extended to Joelinton and Anthony Gordon – who both take home a hefty £150k-per-week pay packet – with the pair notably struggling in league action this season. Neither player has scored a single goal or registered an assist from a combined 16 Premier League outings.

Thankfully, Nick Woltemade has lived up to his club-record £69m price tag, and his high £132.5k-per-week wage, on the contrary, with four league goals already next to his name.

There will be some grumbles about Anthony Elanga’s £55m fee and £100k-per-week wage, though, with the ex-Manchester United attacker dubbed a “massive overpay” by analyst Raj Chohan, with the Swede yet to show off his exhilarating best on the wings. He remains goalless so far on Tyneside.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The likes of Elanga and Gordon are not the only players being hounded.

A "legendary" star must be ditched by Newcastle

Elanga will also surely have the benefit of patience on his side, with the 23-year-old only 17 games down for his new employers. In time, the hope will be that the expensive £55m purchase does come good.

Whereas, in the case of Joe Willock, the peak of his Newcastle career looks to be very firmly behind him now, with his drop-off in form on Tyneside a very concerning tale.

Towards the start of his Newcastle playing days, Willock perform the role of a bright spark in front of goal from the midfield ranks expertly, much like Guimaraes now provides Howe and Co.

Staggeringly, he scored in seven straight Premier League matches during his initial loan spell from Arsenal during the 2020/21 season, as Willock lived up to Mikel Arteta’s words of being a “special” talent.

Ex-Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell even went as far as to state that Willock had achieved “legendary stats” at St James’ Park with this unbelievable goalscoring run, further hailing the number 28 as “god-like” to the Tyneside masses.

Games played

133

Goals scored

10

Assists

9

Transfer fee

£25m

Wage per week

£80k-per-week

Willock has, arguably, become a victim of his own successes at Newcastle, with the former Arsenal midfielder only managing to cough up two more goals across 133 games, away from exploding onto the scene with a breakneck eight goals during his first 14 outings.

The Athletic’s Chris Waugh has simply labelled the 26-year-old as a major “disappointment” over the past couple of seasons, with only 100 minutes of Premier League action handed his way this campaign, really bringing into view his lavish £80k-per-week wage.

Wildly, that means summer arrival Malick Thiaw earns less than Willock, despite being an ever-present part of Howe’s defensive unit in the Premier League so far this season, with the German only banking a £70k-per-week salary.

It’s far from the most uplifting story seeing the decline of Willock in real time, but if Howe is to turn around his side’s fortunes right now, he will have to consider shelving the EFL Cup-winning midfielder for good very soon, alongside other previous regulars who have now fallen off the horse.

Everton enter race to sign £88m South American "machine" with Newcastle

The Toffees need a creative spark.

1 ByTom Cunningham Nov 16, 2025

Aroldis Chapman is returning to the American League East division.

Chapman, who spent seven seasons with the New York Yankees, on Tuesday agreed to a one-year deal with the Boston Red Sox worth $10.75 million, according to multiple reports. Chris Cotillo of MassLive was first to report news.

Chapman, a seven-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, found the best way to confirm the news to MLB fans. Donning a Red Sox cap, posed for a photo next to his dog in what appeared to be his home gym, posting the picture onto his account on X (formerly Twitter).

It's hard to think of a better way to confirm news. It's also hard to think of many better free agent destinations than Boston for Chapman.

Incumbent closer Kenley Jansen is a free agent—and unlikely to return—and fellow relief pitcher Chris Martin is also ticketed for free agency.

In Chapman, Boston adds a flamethrowing southpaw who is familiar with handling the pressures of the ninth-inning role. The 36-year-old ranks third on MLB's active career saves list with 335 in 15 years. He has not operated as a closer since 2021, though he could do so with the Red Sox, who also have three-time All Star Liam Hendriks on their roster.

In 61 2/3 innings pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2024, Chapman posted a 3.79 ERA with 98 strikeouts and 39 walks.

Durham 104 for 5 (Windsor 36*) beat Hampshire 103 for 7 (Southby 25, Turner 3-17) by five wicketsDurham Women gave their slim chances of making the Vitality Blast Finals Day a timely boost with a bonus point win over Hampshire Hawks, with the five-wicket defeat ending the visitors’ own chances of qualifying.It was the host’s bowlers who put them in charge at a sun-kissed Banks Homes Riverside with seamer Phoebe Turner taking three wickets in the 12th over to turn the game Durham’s way before restricting the hosts to just 103 for 7 from their 20 overs.After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the Hawks made a decent start in reaching 30 without the loss of a wicket off four overs, with Australia star Ellyse Perry looking dangerous. But when Perry was caught at cover by Katherine Fraser in Mady Villiers’ first over for 23 off 16 balls it triggered a collapse that saw the Hawks lose five wickets for 28 runs as Durham blew away the southern outfit’s middle order.Turner was executioner in chief, removing skipper Georgia Adams for 4, opener Rhianna Southy for 25 and Naomi Dattani for 1 in a devastating over.Turner was supported by the legspin of Katie Levik who finished with 1 for 11 off her four tight overs and Villiers who took for 2 for 23.Only a seventh-wicket partnership of 35 saved the Hawks’ blushes with Freya Davies’ unbeaten 20 and 12 from Mary Taylor adding some much-needed gloss to a lethargic batting performance.New Zealand legend Suzie Bates got Durham off to a flyer but they were pegged back in the third over when Daisy Gibb had Emma Marlow caught behind without scoring.The battle of the Antipodean stars then proved a relishing prospect with Bates hitting Perry’s first ball for a boundary before the Australian had the last laugh when the batter edged her sixth ball behind to leave Durham 35 for 2 at the end of the powerplay.With Villiers brilliantly caught in the deep by Kemp off a Bex Tyson full toss for 14 the home side’s nerves were kicking in and they only increased when Bess Heath was bowled by Adams for 1 to leave Durham 49 for 4.It was left to skipper Hollie Armitage and Emily Windsor to steady the ship with three consecutive boundaries from Windsor off Adams’ 12th over proving a crucial turning point in the run chase.Armitage fell caught and bowled by Davies for 17 but the 40 run partnership for the fifth wicket meant Durham needed just 15 runs to win with Windsor finishing unbeaten on 36 off 23 balls to seal the win in the 16th over.

Liverpool supporters have erupted online after Federico Chiesa was named the club’s Player of the Month for September, despite the Italian not starting a single Premier League game during that stretch. Chiesa’s recognition has reignited anger towards head coach Arne Slot, with fans questioning his team selections and labelling the forward "Liverpool’s best player" who continues to be unfairly benched.

• Chiesa voted Player of the Month by Liverpool fans

  Chiesa has been voted Liverpool’s Standard Chartered Men’s Player of the Month for September, securing 34% of fan votes in the official club poll. Alisson Becker and Ryan Gravenberch tied for second place with 18% each, but Chiesa’s impact in limited minutes proved decisive. Despite starting just one Carabao Cup fixture all month, the Italian’s three goal involvements across three appearances captured the admiration of supporters.

  Chiesa was at his creative best during the Reds’ 2-1 Carabao Cup third-round win over Southampton at Anfield, providing an assist for Alexander Isak while earning the Player of the Match award. Days later, he came off the bench to score in Liverpool’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace, though the result overshadowed his personal contribution. The 27-year-old’s spark and energy in cameo appearances have prompted many fans to demand he play a more central role in Slot’s plans.

  Collecting the award at the AXA Training Centre, Chiesa expressed his gratitude to supporters, saying: "Of course, I'm glad I won this prize. Thank you to the fans for the support and for voting for me. I would rather not get it in the future and win more games. But thank you again.

  "The support always has been amazing. I try to give my best on the pitch for the fans and for Liverpool. I love to see that the fans actually appreciate what I'm doing."

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• Supporters split on award

  On social media, Liverpool fan @luciruoc questioned: "Is this a joke! Fede is brilliant but how can you win PotM being a bench player than rarely gets more than 15 mins a match."

  @MartinEra_ joked: "Spent 500M and 13M Chiesa is your best player."

  @tsk58cc wrote: "Imagine – bench player winning it. Shows how poor the team has been and also strange that Fede doesn't get more starts."

  @eramiegbami said: "My kind of player. Head down. No complaints. Gets his chance and plays like it’s a Champions League final."

  @briggsisgreat added: "Man’s been running like he’s got rent due every week, give that guy two trophies — one for performance and one for pure chaos energy on the pitch."

  @Akmathurx concluded: "Player of the month from the bench. I can't believe he's still not starting any games. So happy for him, our most hardworking player."

• Chiesa barely getting a start under Slot

  Chiesa’s award comes amid growing tension within the fanbase over Slot’s squad management and player rotation choices. The former Juventus winger, who joined Liverpool last year, has often been seen as a game-changer from the bench yet continues to be overlooked for a regular starting berth. His performances this season have reignited calls for him to start ahead of several underperforming attackers, particularly with Liverpool struggling for consistency in the Premier League.

  His direct involvement in three of Liverpool’s goals this month despite limited game time underscores his effectiveness and sharpness in the final third. As frustration builds, many fans have taken to social media questioning whether Slot’s tactical setup is holding back one of Liverpool’s most dynamic attacking talents.

  Chiesa himself has maintained professionalism amid the debate, insisting that he remains focused on contributing whenever called upon. "Whatever the minutes are that I’m playing, I try to give my best, I try to help the team, stay positive and make an impact," he said. "That’s what I’m here for. I hope I keep on pushing and giving something back to the fans."

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  Could Chiesa become a Liverpool starter?

  Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures offer Chiesa another chance to stake his claim for a regular starting role, especially as they face a mini-injury crisis with five games staring them down in the next 15 days.

  With the Reds aiming to end a stuttering domestic run and maintain momentum in Europe, Slot will be under pressure to reassess his lineup and reward form over reputation. Chiesa’s creative influence and eye for goal have become too evident to ignore, and fan sentiment could soon make his inclusion a necessity rather than an option.

Leeds United are already looking ahead to the January transfer window and could seek to target an international star who will currently be available for free in 2026.

Leeds trying to move on after transfer frustration

Daniel Farke has acknowledged that the Whites could’ve done more in the window as they look to stay in the Premier League, albeit the German coach will have to play with the cards he has at his disposal for the time being after a heartbreaking late defeat at Fulham on Saturday afternoon courtesy of a bizarre Gabriel Gudmundsson own goal.

Like any newly-promoted side, home form and being able to withstand barrages while on the road from elite outfits will be key to their chances of survival. Either way, the former Norwich City boss has admitted he will need to cope with the ‘reality’ of their situation.

He stated via The Independent on their transfer dealings: “I’ve got a few principles with how I work and this is crucial for me. One principle is I like openness and transparency. I like to name it how I see it.

“The second principle is once a transfer window is closed and I can’t influence things anymore, you won’t hear one bad word or comment from me in any way. I’m pretty fortunate to be allowed to work in the business. My job is to adapt to the reality and work with what I’ve got.”

Failed late Leeds moves for Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin, among others, have left the Whites a little light for Farke’s liking, but that is the way of the window, and he isn’t the only top-flight manager in that situation.

Ultimately, time is the greatest healer and January isn’t a million miles away, which could see movement emerge regarding another star who was heavily pursued during the summer.

Leeds United plan move to sign Fulham's Harry Wilson

According to Football Insider, Leeds are planning a renewed move to sign Fulham winger Harry Wilson in January after missing out on the Wales international in the final hours of the summer window.

Encouragingly, the £55,000 per week earner is out of contract in 2026 and the Whites are keeping a close eye on his situation, while the Cottagers may be willing to sell him should he fail to agree an extention over the next few months.

Leeds are brewing a homegrown Wilson in “very talented” 18-year-old star

Leeds United are brewing their very own Harry Wilson in this 18-year-old sensation.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 13, 2025

Labelled “outstanding” by Michael Beale, Wilson, who shares the Unique Sports Group agency with Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow, per Transfermarkt, scored six times in 27 appearances last term and has featured in all of Fulham’s matches so far in 2025/26, though is yet to get off the mark.

Clearly, Farke has had to deal with frustration at Elland Road in his mission to land key targets, but the chance to achieve retribution in pursuit of a player who could potentially arrive on a cut-price agreement or for free next year may sweeten his set of circumstances.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em noite de pouca inspiração, não faltou transpiração ao Botafogo ao se deparar com o Cruzeiro. O empate em 0 a 0 no Mineirão renovou a confiança da torcida em alguns torcedores, mas deixou alguns sinais de alerta para o técnico Bruno Lage na sequência da temporada.

Por mais que o Alvinegro tenha aumentado para 13 pontos sua vantagem na liderança, ainda há algumas arestas para serem aparadas.

A opção por fazer com que as jogadas de ataque passassem por Eduardo passou longe de funcionar. Diante da pressão cruzeirense, o camisa 33 era bem marcado e não conseguia tabelar com Tchê Tchê ou com o setor ofensivo. As raras investidas de Victor Sá e Júnior Santos culminavam em lançamentos para que Tiquinho Soares disputasse com a zaga adversária.

Enquanto isso, Lucas Silva tinha liberdade para distribuir passes e encontrava brechas para que William e Matheus Pereira surgissem nas costas de Marçal. Foi nesse momento que o Alvinegro começou a mostrar sua maior qualidade no confronto.

Victor Cuesta e, principalmente, Adryelson se mostraram implacáveis na marcação. O camisa 34 praticamente se atirava a cada lance para impedir eventuais investidas. A dupla de zaga honrou sua grande fase ao mostrar bom entrosamento.

No entanto, a atípica pouca inspiração ficou ainda maior depois da baixa de Tiquinho Soares. A decisão de lançar Lucas Fernandes e designar Eduardo para atuar mais adiantado não evitou que a equipe andasse em círculos e ficasse previsível diante de um adversário com meio de campo forte. A entrada de Matías Segovia no intervalo culminou no único chute alvinegro na partida, mas as jogadas botafoguenses continuaram a não sair com naturalidade.

Posteriormente, Carlos Alberto e Janderson entraram e tentaram dar mais poderio ofensivo ao Glorioso. Mas a equipe estava muito desajustada, sem sintonia e pouco criava.

Além disso, os laterais Di Plácido e Marçal também subiam pouco, devido à força que o Cruzeiro passou a impor na reta final. Rapidamente, o Botafogo foi perdendo o rumo e se atando de novo.

Mesmo em meio a tantos apuros, o Alvinegro, mais uma vez, viu sua salvação passar pelas mãos de Lucas Perri. O goleiro salvou chute traiçoeiro de Matheus Pereira. O cerco cruzeirense continuava e, nos últimos minutos, coube a Perri espalmar duas cabeçadas à queima-roupa de Rafael Elias.

Em meio a solavancos, tensões, dores e queixas do gramado do Mineirão, o ponto agarrado graças às atuações do camisa 12, de Adryelson e Cuesta. Passada a rodada na qual o Botafogo teve atuação aquém do esperado, o momento é de abrir novamente os caminhos para a criação de jogadas. Há muito em jogo.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is set to tie down star midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur to a new deal. The Uruguay international's current contract expires in the summer of 2026 and Spurs are not willing to let him leave for free next season. Bentancur has made a bright start to the season under new boss Frank and has started in four out of their first six Premier League matches.

• Spurs don't want to lose Bentancur for free

  Bentancur, who joined the north London club in 2022, has entered the final year of his Spurs contract and is yet to sign a new deal. Tottenham are desperate to hold on to the Uruguayan star and are considering offering him a new contract as they don't want to lose the midfielder for free next summer, according to .

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  Frank hails Bentancur as 'top professional'

  Speaking about Bentancur's future at the club, Spurs boss Thomas Frank said: "I think, first and foremost, I’m very happy with Rodri. He’s been a very good player for us, a top professional in every aspect. I’m happy with him, he’s happy with being here. I know that for a fact. Let’s see what’s going to happen in the future."

• Bentancur's extension priority after Romero's new deal

  Frank has made it his priority to tie down Bentancur to a new deal after Cristian Romero agreed to sign a new contract earlier this season, after he was made the captain of the club. The Argentine received the armband following the departure of club legend Son Heung-min.

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  Two more Spurs stars' contracts due to expires next season

  If Bentacur agrees to sign a new deal, then only Yves Bissouma and Ben Davies would be left in the first-team squad with contracts due to expire next summer. Frank's side next face Bodo Glimt in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Tottenham Hotspur’s business within the transfer market this summer has been impressive, to say the least – subsequently handing boss Thomas Frank the tools he needs for success in the role.

Former chairman, Daniel Levy, backed the new manager with the funds to make the desired changes, leading to over £100m being spent on new additions in North London.

Mohammed Kudus was the biggest addition, costing £55m from rivals West Ham United, with Xavi Simons also making the move in a £52m transfer from RB Leipzig.

Such moves have offered the Lilywhites further quality and depth in the final third – strengthening their chances of being competitive in the Premier League throughout 2025/26.

However, they’ve already made numerous departures, offloading players who are no longer in the manager’s plans and or below the levels needed for success in the near future.

Spurs’ departures throughout the summer window

Winger Heung-min Son ended his decade-long Spurs career this summer, leaving the club in a £20m deal to join MLS side Los Angeles FC earlier in the window.

The South Korean international racked up over 450 appearances for the Lilywhites, ending his tenure in North London as the club’s fourth-highest goalscorer in their history.

Yves Bissouma is another player who was constantly touted with a move away from the club – after Frank axed him from his squad for multiple disciplinary reasons.

The Malian international has also failed to appear in a single matchday squad since the Dane’s arrival, prompting huge rumours about an exit away from North London.

With the Saudi and Turkish transfer windows still open, the 29-year-old could yet leave the club, ending his three-year spell in the side – after joining from Brighton in a £35m deal back in 2022.

The former Spurs star who’s now worth less than Bissouma

Given his absence from the first-team squad, it would be a surprise to no one to see Bissouma depart Spurs in the coming days – putting a sour end to his time at the club.

However, his spell with the Lilywhites has been littered with various incidents, previously being suspended after being caught inhaling nitrous oxide during the Ange Postecoglou reign.

Despite scoring two goals and often having a positive impact, it’s his off-field antics that have negatively affected his time at the club – with the hierarchy needing to cut loose in the weeks ahead.

The hierarchy could still command a decent fee for the midfielder, similarly to the departure of former attacker Steven Bergwijn, who left the club back in the summer of 2022.

The Dutchman arrived in a £27m deal from PSV back in January 2020, with the attacker making an immediate impact after his big-money transfer to England.

He scored a superb effort in a 2-0 triumph against Manchester City in North London, but it’s safe to say his career at the club never took off after such a spectacular moment.

Bergwijn only managed to score eight goals in his 83 appearances for the Lilywhites, subsequently returning to the Netherlands after just 18 months at the club.

He subsequently rejoined Dutch outfit Ajax in a £28m deal in the summer of 2022, leading to one content creator labelling his spell at the club as “woeful”.

The winger, who now plies his trade for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, is now valued at £9.3m by FootballTransfers – showcasing the decline he’s endured over the last couple of years.

Transfer Fee

£27m

Wages (Total)

£75k-per-week (£9.4m)

Appearances

83

Cost per Appearance

£439k

Goals

8

Cost per Goal

£4.5m

Assists

9

Cost per Assist

£4m

Goal Involvements

17

Cost per Goal Involvement

£2.1m

Such a figure is lower than that of Spurs outcast Bissouma, with the Malian still valued at £15.7m despite his recent antics and lack of first-team action in North London.

Given the value of Bergwijn, there’s no denying that the hierarchy made the right call in allowing the attacker to depart the club after his unsuccessful stint in the Premier League.

As for Bissouma, it’s crucial that the board replicate such a deal in allowing him to depart, subsequently avoiding losing him for nothing when his contract expires next summer.

Not just Tel: Spurs dud who's like a "pub player" is finished under Frank

Tottenham Hotspur could be set to part ways with numerous players in the near future.

1 ByEthan Lamb Sep 4, 2025