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Glasgow Rangers manager Philippe Clement will be hoping the signings he made during the summer transfer window at Ibrox can allow the club to generate substantial profits in the future.

Indeed, Rangers are looking to establish an effective player trading system which will see young talent signed, developed and then sold on for lavish fees.

This could fund future signings which may take the Glasgow club back to the summit of Scottish football.

While the Ibrox outfit have sold plenty of players over the last few years, only a few have generated significant profit for the club. One of the most notable examples is Glen Kamara.

How much Glen Kamara cost Rangers

During Steven Gerrard’s debut season in charge of Rangers, he knew that a strong midfield would give his side the perfect chance to end Celtic’s dominance.

This led to him agreeing a pre-contract move for Kamara, who was shining for Dundee at the time. Instead of waiting until the summer, however, Gerrard paid just £50k in order for the Finnish midfielder to link up early with the Gers.

It turned into one of the finest pieces of transfer business conducted by the club in recent years. Kamara went on to make nearly 200 appearances for the Light Blues, winning the Premiership and Scottish Cup, while also helping the Glaswegian outfit reach the Europa League final in 2022.

2022/23

35

1

1

2021/22

52

4

5

2020/21

51

2

2

2019/20

39

1

0

2018/19

16

1

3

Gerrard even hailed him as a “monster” in 2019 upon his arrival, and it was clear the club would make a stunning profit on him in the future.

Last summer, Michael Beale sold the 28-year-old, hitting the jackpot on the player in the process…

Glen Kamara's transfer value in 2024

It soon became clear that the midfielder wasn’t going to be in Beale’s future plans as the summer transfer window rolled around last year.

It took a few months, but eventually, he was sold to Leeds United, who paid a fee in the region of £5m to bring the player down to the English Championship, as the club sought to bolster their squad ahead of a promotion charge.

This meant the Ibrox side had sold Kamara for 9900% more than what they paid for just four and a half years earlier, a truly incredible return on their initial investment.

The 6-foot star played a solitary season for the Yorkshire side, making 42 appearances in all competitions, yet he couldn’t lead them back into the Premier League.

This summer, he was on the move again, joining French side Stade Rennais for a fee believed to be £8.4m, meaning Leeds have even made a profit on the player.

Clement will be hoping that his time in charge of the Light Blues will allow him to sign young talent cheaply, before moving them on for transfer fees in this region.

Celtic have done this expertly in recent years. Hopefully, the Belgian has taken plenty of notice.

Rangers wanted to sign amazing star in 2023, now he's a Ballon d'Or nominee

Michael Beale came close to securing a loan deal for a £67m-rated talent

ByRoss Kilvington Sep 10, 2024

Manchester United secured their second win of the season, beating newly promoted Southampton 3-0 at St Mary’s Stadium. It was a huge win for the Red Devils, who responded well to two disappointing defeats against Brighton and Hove Albion and most recently Liverpool at Old Trafford.

There was an early scare for Erik ten Hag’s side after Diogo Dalot brought Tyler Dibling down just inside the penalty box to give the Saints a penalty. However, Andre Onana pulled off a save low to his right from Cameron Archer’s spot-kick, also managing to save the rebound.

From there, United dominated, and took the lead through new centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, who scored from a well-worked corner routine, meeting a Bruno Fernandes cross with a bullet header.

Marcus Rashford then doubled the Red Devils’ lead, scoring from range and sending his effort past Aaron Ramsdale’s far post and into the bottom corner. Alejandro Garnacho sealed the three points with a late strike off the bench.

United will be pleased with their performance, getting a crucial three points and their second clean sheet of the season. There were some impressive defensive showings from their backline, with Lisandro Martinez putting in a particularly good shift.

Lisandro Martinez’s stats vs. Southampton

The 2023/24 season was frustrating for United defender Martinez, who suffered several long-term injuries. In total, the Argentine World Cup winner missed 42 games and 188 days last term with three separate injuries.

However, he has seemed very much his old self so far this term and was integral to United’s three points on the South Coast on Saturday afternoon. The defender played with another former Ajax player, De Ligt, for the fourth time at St Mary’s.

Indeed, the Argentine international was so impressive against Russel Martin’s side that GiveMeSport journalist Louis Wheeldon gave him a post-match rating of 8/10. The journalist stated that Martinez put in “several critical” defensive contributions, before praising his “perfect” passing.

That was also reflected in the 26-year-old’s SofaScore stats. He completed an impressive 58 out of 60 passes, at an accuracy of 97%. Not only that, the defender won four out of four ground duels and both of his attempted tackles.

Stat

Number

Passes completed

58/60

Pass accuracy

97%

Touches

70

interceptions

4

Ground duels won

4/4

Tackles

2/2

Dribbles completed

2/2

It was certainly an impressive showing from the defender, although he was arguably outshone by his partner De Ligt, who was superb outside of the goal he scored.

Matthijs de Ligt’s stats vs. Southampton

It was a brilliant first goal for the Red Devils for the man Ten Hag made captain of Ajax at the age of just 17. Now an experienced campaigner despite being just 25 years of age, De Ligt showed all of his class at St Mary’s this afternoon.

United’s number four went off injured, and Ten Hag will be desperate for him to be available for next weekend’s trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, given the nature of his performance against the Saints.

Indeed, Wheeldon gave the Dutchman a higher rating than his defensive partner after the game at St Mary’s. He graded De Ligt’s performance a 9/10, describing him as “imperious at the back” to go along with his goal.

The 25-year-old’s stats on SofaScore also made for impressive reading. He made 59 passes out of 64 he attempted, with a 92% accuracy. Defensively, the centre-back was colossal, winning three from three aerial duels and making six clearances.

It was a phenomenal performance from, the defender, who has made himself undroppable for the time being under a manager who knows him so well.

Ten Hag must keep the Dutch international in the starting XI moving forward as he has shown the defensive steel and strength that will be needed to enjoy a successful campaign.

Chelsea are working on a deal to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli before the transfer window slams shut tonight, but there is a possibility the deal could collapse, with Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli also in hot pursuit.

Osimhen's reported £480k-per-week salary demands proved to be an early roadblock in negotiations – especially since Al Ahli are willing to fork out as much. Chelsea are desperate to sign a striker; if the deal falls through, an alternative has been lined up.

Chelsea ready for last-minute drama

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are ready to move for Brentford centre-forward Ivan Toney, despite making headway in negotiations to sign Osimhen.

Enzo Maresca is hoping to see his club complete several outgoings before the day is done, while a Premier League-proven star like Toney could make a world of difference – for £40m, the Blues might be inclined to make this move.

Why Toney would thrive at Chelsea

Toney is a top-class striker with the brawn and bullish attitude to succeed at the front of Maresca's attacking line, having actually been praised for having the "mindset of a lion" by Thomas Frank in the past.

Toney's well-documented, long-term suspension last season precluded him from taking to the field until January, and while a resounding return saw four goals and an assist plundered across his first five games back, his influence waned as the Bees failed to fly as high as recent seasons.

Injuries were prominent, but Toney showcased his quality the year before upon devastating Premier League defences in 2022/23, scoring 20 times and actually only being outscored by Erling Haaland (36) and Harry Kane (30).

1.

Ivan Toney

83

36

2.

Yoane Wissa

103

27

3.

Bryan Mbeumo

99

22

4.

Mathias Jensen

100

8

4.

Vitaly Janelt

105

8

With such strength in his focal role, lashing goals past hapless goalkeepers and using his physicality to reign supreme in the final third, he could be the perfect addition at Stamford Bridge, perhaps more so than Osimhen, who will need to acclimatise and missed large chunks of the 2023/24 season due to injury.

He could restore Jadon Sancho, who might be joining him on his potential Chelsea venture. The Manchester United winger has flattered to deceive since signing from Borussia Dortmund in a £73m package three years ago, having been ostracised from the team under Erik ten Hag and only having nine top-flight goals to show for his troubles.

Still, there's a player in there, as the England international's short-lived return to the Yellow Wall last year proved, for Sancho's fleet-footed aura, crackling with electricity, was revivified, a glimpse of the once and former prodigy received once more.

As per FBref, he ranked among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Champions League last season for successful take-ons per 90 (4.19), which effectively means that he beat his man, ball pinned to his feet, with frightening constancy.

With Raheem Sterling expected to depart Chelsea today and Arsenal and Man United interested, the way could be paved for Sancho's arrival, for the west Londoners are indeed hoping to complete a merry-go-round scenario and secure Sancho's signature.

His penetrative presence and once potent goalscoring and creative threat speak highly of Sancho's potential to succeed once more, and next to Toney, he could be a menace indeed.

Who knows if either will make their way to Stamford Bridge before the sun sinks this evening, but either would be a credit to Maresca's project and would be an utter menace if bonded into one deadly offensive force.

Their answer to Saka: £40m "phenomenon" now wants late move to Chelsea

The Blues are looking to tie up some loose threads before the deadline…

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 29, 2024

An update has emerged on Manchester United and their pursuit of a deal to sign Mason Mount during the summer transfer window…

What’s the latest on Mason Mount to Manchester United?

CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that the Red Devils are set for discussions with Chelsea over a possible deal to sign the England international in the coming days.

The reporter told Caught Offside:

"Manchester United haven’t yet walked away from pursuing Mason Mount and there will be further club-to-club talks this week.

"Their latest £50+5m offer, despite being officially rejected, remains on the table. There is frustration from Manchester United that it wasn’t accepted given Mount only has a year left on current his Chelsea deal.

"Manchester United still want to get a deal done, so this could yet prove a big week, but they refuse to accept Chelsea’s £58+7m counter. This should come as no surprise. Manchester United have never been willing to pay more than £60m for Mount."

Would Mount be a good signing for Manchester United?

The 24-year-old maestro has the potential to be an exceptional addition to Erik ten Hag’s side as his previous form indicates that he could be the manager’s own version of Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne.

Mount is coming off the back of a disappointing Premier League season.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.05 across 24 league outings and contributed with three goals and two assists for the Blues.

The Chelsea academy graduate did not make a big impact in the final third on a regular basis and would not be a worthwhile signing for the Red Devils based on that form, as at least five United players managed more goals or assists last term.

However, Mount's exceptional performances during the 2021/22 season would indicate that he is worth taking a gamble on.

The 5 foot 11 dynamo averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.43 – a score that would place him second in Ten Hag's squad in 2022/23 – across 32 league appearances and chipped in with an outstanding 11 goals and ten assists from his midfield position.

FBref have listed De Bruyne as one of the most similar players to the English whiz based on their respective displays that term, as the Belgian phenomenon scored 15 goals and assisted eight in 30 top-flight matches for City, and they both ranked in the top 7% of players in their position for progressive passes per 90 in the Premier League that season.

This shows that both players are creative playmakers that have the quality to deliver goals and assists on a regular basis while also being able to progress the play at an outstanding rate with their passing ability to get their teammates into positions higher up the pitch in order to give them a greater chance of being able to make things happen in the final third.

No United player, aside from Marcus Rashford, scored more than eight league goals during the 2022/23 season, and no one produced more than eight assists.

Therefore, the potential is there for the Blues magician, who was once hailed as "outstanding" by ex-Arsenal attacker Paul Merson, to be a De Bruyne-esque player in midfield for Ten Hag with his goal contributions and progressive play, if the manager can help him back to his best.

Manchester United are ready to table an offer of €30m (£26m) for Lille midfielder Carlos Baleba, according to reports from France.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

ESPN have recently given an overview of the midfielders Man United could consider if they are unsuccessful in their pursuit of Chelsea's Mason Mount, with Moises Caicedo, Mohammed Kudus and Taylor Booth all being named as potential options.

West Ham United captain Declan Rice remains a target, despite heavy interest from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, and the Red Devils are currently considering whether to test the waters with an official bid.

With both Fred and Scott McTominay potentially on the move this summer, Erik ten Hag may be tasked with bringing in multiple new options in the engine room, and Baleba is now emerging as a target.

According to a report from La Voix des Sports (via Sport Witness), Man United are now ready to put €30m (£26m) on the table to sign the Lille midfielder, who has been attracting the interest of several Premier League clubs.

Ten Hag's side and Newcastle United are named as the "most insistent" clubs, meaning a transfer battle could soon be on the cards, although the report stipulates we might need to wait a few weeks before there is any movement.

Who is Carlos Baleba?

The 19-year-old has only just started to establish himself as a first-team regular for Lille, having now made a total of 21 appearances, however, it is clear to see why Paolo Fonseca has kept the faith with the youngster.

In Lille's final home game of the season, the Cameroonian performed very well in a deep-lying midfield role, receiving a 7.4 SofaScore rating after winning seven ground duels, the joint-highest figure of any player on the pitch.

Not only that, the starlet also has some very impressive attacking qualities, ranking in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, highlighting his remarkable dribbling ability.

Teammate Remy Cabella has hailed the up-and-coming Lille star as a "monster", while also adding that it is "very, very hard to stop him" due to his "incredible strength" on the ball.

If Baleba continues his current trajectory, he could go on to be a top player, so Man United could be pursuing a star in the making, however, he is still very young, and he may not immediately become a regular starter.

The Italy under-21 side were left absolutely furious with the referee during their match against France after their would-be last-minute equaliser was not given despite the ball seemingly crossing the line.

What happened between Italy U21s and France?

This week, the European Under-21 Championship began in Romania and Georgia and the Azzurrini played their first game on Thursday night.

Taking on a talented French team, the Italians initially fell behind when Arnaud Kalimuendo opened the scoring after just 22 minutes.

Still, they were back level before halftime thanks to Pietro Pellegri who headed in a free kick from Newcastle transfer target Sandro Tonali.

After the break, though, Les Bleus restored their lead when Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie lost the ball cheaply inside his own box, allowing Bradley Barcola to fire in what turned out to be the winner.

However, the game probably should have ended 2-2 when Raoul Bellanova had a header cleared off the line by French defender Castello Lukeba.

In reality, it looks as though the ball actually hit the post and then crossed the line before being cleared, but without VAR in use or any goalline technology, the goal was not given.

You can see an image of the incident shared on Twitter below.

While a full replay was uploaded to Reddit.

Understandably the Italian players were incensed, protesting widely with the referee. While their manager Paolo Nicolato proved how enraged he was after the game with some fiery comments.

Indeed, the Italian coach told RAI Sport, as per Football Italia: “Honestly, I struggle to talk about the game today.

“It’s not possible to see refereeing like this and I have the impression it affected the result far too much. We were also unlucky, even if we lost to a great team.

“It was a good performance, we deserved more.”

Fans on social media were equally as baffled. Here are some of the best Twitter reactions…

One fan even pointed out the ball may have then been cleared with the use of a hand too.

Sean Dyche vowed Everton would learn from narrowly missing out on relegation from the Premier League last month.

The truth is, though, the Toffees will find themselves in the exact same position next time around unless new players are recruited – particularly up top.

What is the latest with Everton's striker search?

Everton have been linked with their fair share of attacking players already this window, including the likes of Wilfried Gnonto, Nicolas Jackson, Jack Harrison and Viktor Gyokeres.

According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Everton are showing a particular interest in the latter, with a formal bid set to be made this week to test Coventry City's resolve.

Sporting CP are also said to have made signing Gyokeres a priority, however, potentially setting up a bidding war for a player who could potentially go this summer for as much as £17m.

Is Viktor Gyokeres a good option for Everton?

That is a fairly sizable sum to spend on a player who has no experience of top-level football, having spent the past four seasons in the Championship and previously played for St Pauli in 2.Bundesliga.

However, prolific strikers in the mould of Gyokeres, who can also chip in with their fair share of assists, are worth their weight in gold.

The Sweden international scored 21 goals and set up ten in 46 regular-season Championship matches last season, with those 31 direct goal involvements being the most of any player in the division.

Gyokeres has a natural ability to find himself in the right zones, highlighted by his 7.16 touches in the opposition box per 90 minutes last season, as per FBref, which ranks him in the top 3% of strikers across Europe's next best eight leagues.

The 11.01 progressive passes he received per 90 minutes – a completed pass of ten yards or more into his path – ranks him in the top 1% of strikers, meanwhile, and suggests he is always alert to where spaces are going to open up.

Those are exactly the type of qualities Dominic Calvert-Lewin showed at his Everton peak when scoring 29 combined Premier League goals in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.

Calvert-Lewin struggled to show anything close to that form last season, though, when restricted to 15 starts due to injuries. The England international scored just two goals and assisted one more, with those stats described as "embarrassing" by Alan Shearer.

As Shearer pointed out in February, Everton are "so poor in forward positions", with Neal Maupay another who came in for criticism from the Premier League's all-time record goalscorer.

Calvert-Lewin – on a reported £100k-a-week at Goodison Park, according to Capology – cannot be relied on by Dyche next season if Everton are to avoid being dragged into another serious relegation scrap.

There are other options out there ready to plug the gap, but on the basis of last season, Gyokeres seems to perfect choice for the Toffees.

Glasgow Rangers are showing interest in winger Kwadwo Opoku ahead of the summer transfer window as Michael Beale looks set to continue with his Ibrox rebuild.

What’s the latest on Kwadwo Opoku to Rangers?

According to German outlet Fussball Transfers, Rangers have ‘signalled interest’ in winger Opoku, who plays for MLS side Los Angeles FC.

The Light Blues aren’t alone however, with Old Firm rivals Celtic also keen, alongside Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart, while several teams from Ligue 1 and the Premier League also keeping tabs on the player, as Beale faces stiff competition.

He could cost the Gers around €4.8m (£4.1m) if any move was to be sealed, which is surely within the 42-year-old's budget this summer.

Could Kwadwo Opoku move to Rangers?

With Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos departing Rangers, it’s clear Beale needs reinforcements both in the wide positions and through the middle heading into next season.

One key issue the manager has is in the right-wing area, which could well be fixed by signing Opoku.

Todd Cantwell has shone when being deployed there during his first few months at the Gers, registering 11 goal contributions from 20 games, however, with Malik Tillman returning to Bayern Munich following his loan spell, the Englishman could be pushed to a more central role in 2023/2024.

The LAFC winger has enjoyed success in America, registering 11 goal contributions during the 2022 season as he led his team to the MLS Cup, and he has continued this rich vein of form into the current campaign.

Two goals and two assists in 13 league matches underline his attacking potential from a wide position, and he averages two shots per game, makes 0.8 key passes per game and has created two big chances, solid numbers from the 21-year-old.

According to WhoScored, Opoku’s strengths include passing and long shots, while he typically likes to cut inside and dribble past opponents as often as possible, suggesting that he tends to make things happen as opposed to being static and waiting for the right chance to drop.

This proactive nature could be crucial for Rangers next term, especially with goals paramount for success, both domestically and in Europe, as Celtic scored 21 more times in the league than the Ibrox side last season, a key factor to where the title eventually ended up.

For just over £4m, the “magnificent” Ghanaian – as so dubbed by journalist Owuraku Ampofo – could be a wise investment and given he has plenty of experience in scoring and creating chances for others, it’s a move that makes perfect sense in the long run.

The goalkeeper conundrum is one of the main issues that Mauricio Pochettino must combat if he is to oversee any progression during his first season at Chelsea.

Edouard Mendy’s form has suddenly capitulated after an imperious campaign in England that culminated in the club’s second Champions League victory in May 2021.

In the final stages of last season, Kepa Arrizabalaga was the preferred choice between the sticks, but he was unconvincing and unreliable – traits that have embodied the Spaniard’s career in West London since his record-breaking £71.6m move from Athletic Bilbao.

Indeed, writer Jai McIntosh aptly summed up his campaign in 2022/23, suggesting the Spaniard had "improved" but in the grand scheme of things, was still "terrible".

As such, one player who has caught the attention of the Blues hierarchy is Mike Maignan, who would be an excellent solution to an ongoing problem.

What’s the latest on Mike Maignan to Chelsea?

According to La Repubblica (via FC Inter News), Chelsea has submitted an offer of €60m (£52m) for the AC Milan goalkeeper.

The Frenchman has previously attracted interest from the capital, as Frank Lampard was reportedly plotting a move for him in 2020, as per le10sport.

The 27-year-old’s future has been plunged into uncertainty as it has been revealed that Milan director Paolo Maldini will leave the club due to disagreements with club chairman Gerry Cardinale.

La Repubblica has announced that this has left many players perplexed, and they are now considering their futures, and the six-cap international is one of those who could be tempted to depart.

Would Mike Maignan be a good signing for Chelsea?

The £60k-per-week star has been in imperious form this season, having made 29 appearances in all competitions he conceded just 27 goals and kept ten clean sheets.

His string of impressive performances means that he ranks within the top 11% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for goals against per 90, as well as the highest 22% for his clean sheet percentage, according to FBref.

The former Lille man has been described as a "monster" by Goal's Robin Brainer and his international teammate Raphael Varane has also provided a glowing sentiment of his compatriot, saying: “Maignan is a goalkeeper who brings serenity, as well as having those skills in goal.

“He is a calm person, sure of his strengths, and it is true that as a defender, feeling this presence behind is important. It’s not just the potential he has but also the presence he has on goal.”

The ability to instil calmness within the defence is an unteachable trait, and it's something that Kepa has drastically failed to achieve.

His lack of presence and quality has been a defining theme of his troubled time at Chelsea.

Ian Wright feels the £150k-per-week shot-stopper “makes too many mistakes” and on his podcast ‘Wrighty’s House’ he added: “I cannot as a Chelsea fan look at that goalkeeper and feel like he’s going to help us win a game. I can’t see it.”

If Pochettino was able to secure Maignan it would be a huge coup and a logical step in what is set to be an exhaustive rebuild.

Manchester United will try and negotiate with Chelsea to land midfield target Mason Mount on a cheaper deal, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Mason Mount?

As per The Independent, Manchester United are the frontrunners to sign Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount this summer, though have yet to match the Blues' valuation of seeking at least £55 million to let the England international depart Stamford Bridge.

The Red Devils are in the process of being taken over and 'agreement on a price is now the only obstacle to his move to Old Trafford' amid rival interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, with Mount's preference said to be moving to Manchester United.

90min have revealed that Mount is said to be sitting down with his current employers next week for a meeting over his future in west London, as he is set to enter the final year of his £80k-a-week contract at Chelsea.

Mauricio Pochettino, who will manage Chelsea next term, is a big admirer of Mount and wants him to be a key part of his squad heading into 2023/24 if he can fend off admiration from Premier League clubs in his services.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that Manchester United may try to land Mount for a cheaper price to reflect his contract situation at Chelsea.

Jacobs told FFC: "When I talked to the suitors, they believe that Mount should be worth, given the contract situation, £15-£20 million less than that, so there would be some negotiation to be done in order to broker a deal. All parties, regardless of what happens, whether Mount stays or goes, would like a speedy resolution. Mount wants to know his next club early in the window. Manchester United want to get business done early if they possibly can, despite the complications that I've outlined and Chelsea know that if Mount tells them he has no interest in staying and signing a new deal, that they will need the fee."

Would Mason Mount be a good signing for Manchester United?

Mount is a talented midfielder with plenty of Premier League experience and would fit nicely into Erik Ten Hag's project at Old Trafford as he looks to build on an impressive debut season in charge.

The 24-year-old did endure an inconsistent 2022/23 campaign with Chelsea, registering three goals and six assists in 35 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

WhoScored also takes into account that Mount has been a creative force at the Blues in a campaign of disappointment, averaging around 1.3 key passes per match in the English top-flight.

Previously labelled as "unbelievable" by former Chelsea icon Joe Cole, it isn't hard to see why Chelsea are desperate to keep hold of Mount for next season, though Manchester United look to be in pole position to offer the Portsmouth-born ace a Stamford Bridge escape route, as things stand.