Crystal Palace fans have taken to Twitter in furious fashion after it was reported by The Sun (print version, November 17, page 67) that Victor Camarasa is set to cut short his loan spell at Selhurst Park and join Norwich in January.The Spaniard joined the Eagles on a season-long loan deal back in the summer, although he has been handed just five Premier League minutes by Roy Hodgson so far this term.
Camarasa – who won the Player of the Year award at Cardiff last season – has made just one start which came in the Carabao Cup, and the midfielder didn’t even make the bench in Palace’s last outing against Chelsea.
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It is disappointing to see Camarasa’s loan spell turn out this way, seeing as the 25-year-old impressed hugely for the Bluebirds last term, netting five goals including strikes against Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.
One disgruntled fan said “how have we let this happen”, whereas another Palace supporter said that they’d “rather get rid of Hodgson.”
Let’s take a look at some more of the Twitter reaction…
This summer has been a huge change for West Ham United, with numerous new signings at London Stadium alongside a new manager taking the reins.
Julen Lopetegui came into the club to take over from David Moyes, splashing over £100m on new transfers to try and push for another European finish in the Premier League this season.
However, the Spaniard has endured a tricky start to life as Hammers boss, winning just one of the opening three league outings with the club currently occupying 13th place.
As well as incomings, Lopetegui has also made some key departures, freeing up potential transfer funds whilst clearing some of the players who unfortunately are no longer at the level required in England’s top flight.
Despite the recent sales, there’s one player who’s often looked past his best. That man remains at the London Stadium a couple of years after his big-money transfer to East London.
Danny Ings’ time at West Ham United
After moving from Aston Villa in a £15m move during January 2023, striker Danny Ings arrived with huge expectations of bringing much-needed goals to the West Ham side.
West Ham striker Danny Ings.
However, his switch to the capital has been anything but that, failing to make a huge impact despite his big-money move and hefty wages. The 32-year-old, who earns £125k-per-week as per Capology, has made 53 appearances for the Hammers, scoring on just four occasions.
Ings has often been utilised as a bit part player during his time at the club, but after the arrival of Niclas Füllkrug, he could find himself as the third choice slotting in behind the German and Michail Antonio.
He’s only managed five minutes of first-team action so far this campaign, with his market value dropping as a result.
That said, he still boasts a higher price tag than former wonderkid Grady Diangana, a fact that illuminates the remarkable fall in stock of their academy graduate.
Grady Diangana’s market value in 2024
Winger Diangana had huge potential to be a success at West Ham after breaking through the academy and enjoying a successful spell out on loan at West Brom.
Grady Diangana for West Ham.
He registered 14 goal contributions during the 2019/20 campaign, prompting vast interest from the Baggies on a permanent basis – to the displeasure of many at the club.
Club legend Mark Noble expressed his disappointment with the transfer on social media, but Diangana swapped London for the West Midlands in a deal that reached £18m including add-ons.
However, his move to Albion has been anything but successful, only registering 14 goals over the last five seasons – with his market value taking a hit as a result of his poor form.
2020/21
20
1
0
2021/22
41
2
1
2022/23
31
4
3
2023/24
36
7
8
2024/25
2
0
0
The 26-year-old is now only valued at just £3.3m as per Transfermarkt, with the aforementioned Ings still valued at £6.7m despite his own lack of goals for the Hammers.
Whilst at the time it may have been seen as a terrible decision to sell the forward, his recent lack of form in the Championship proves it was the right call to cash in on Diangana whilst his stock was at its highest.
West Brom winger Grady Diangana.
As for Ings, his lack of goals will be a concern for the club – especially considering his hefty wages – with the club desperately needing to address his situation at the next available opportunity.
It’s safe to say that both players’ careers haven’t gone in the direction they were wishing for.
West Ham hit gold on "generational" talent who's now worth more than Rice
He could be the difference-maker above all others this season…
Sky Sports and journalist Dharmesh Sheth have claimed that Arsenal are exploring a late move to sign one lucrative player wanted by Barcelona.
Arsenal looking at last-minute chance to sign forward after Merino
The north Londoners most recently sealed a deal for midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, in terms of outfield signings, with the Spain international ace making a move for around £32 million and will don the number 23 shirt.
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Gunners boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to the club's official website, said he is convinced that Merino will strengthen Arsenal's title chances to no end.
“Mikel is a player who will bring us huge quality with his experience and versatility," said Arteta on Merino.
"He has played at the top of the game at both club and international level for a number of seasons now. Mikel will make our squad significantly stronger, with his technical ability, together with his strong and positive character and personality.
Appearances
247
Goals
27
Assists
30
Yellow cards
56
Red cards
2
Minutes played
19,449
Transfermarkt
“As we all saw in the summer, Mikel is also a winner, with his strong performances throughout the Euros helping Spain win the tournament. We are delighted to welcome Mikel and his family to the club and can’t wait to start working with him.”
Arsenal are also chasing a new second-choice keeper to replace Aaron Ramsdale, but could still add a new outfield player after Merino alongside this.
2024 is shaping up to be the club's busiest summer transfer deadline day in years, with Edu Gaspar looking at last-minute opportunities to sign a new forward according to the likes of Fabrizio Romano.
“I think it’s not going to be a super big name. I don’t expect Arsenal to go for a central striker," said the journalist on Men in Blazers (via TBR).
"There was some fear around the injury of Gabriel Jesus, but I’m told it’s quite positive. The idea of Arsenal is to sign a winger rather than a number nine, looking at a last-minute opportunity on the market."
Arsenal exploring late deal for Kingsley Coman
As per Sky journalist Sheth, Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman is very much still on Arsenal's radar. The Frenchman, reportedly on a whopping £300,000-per-week at Bayern, has been linked throughout this week – and it is believed Arsenal are in fact exploring a late deal for Coman.
"Arsenal are one of many clubs who have explored the conditions of a deal for Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman," said Sheth (via the Sky live blog).
"It's understood the club may want to bring in another winger to compete with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli before Friday's deadline. Barcelona have also enquired about Coman but a deal would be difficult given their financial issues.
"Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have made an offer, as the player assesses all his options. Staying at Bayern has also not been ruled out."
Leeds United have pulled out of the race to sign a "top Bundesliga player" in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh claim.
Leeds eyeing late-summer business
This summer has been an up-and-down one at Elland Road, with Daniel Farke hit by the exits of some of his most important players. Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and Georginio Rutter have all left the club, joining West Ham, Tottenham and Brighton respectively, and Wilfried Gnonto could also reportedly be on his way out of the exit door, as he pushes for a move away.
Leeds have also done some important incoming business, however, bringing in Largie Ramazani, Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle, among other new faces, but there is still time for Farke to add the extra quality to his squad that could make all the difference in their Championship promotion push.
Spurs attacking midfielder Manor Solomon may also be a target for the Whites between now and the end of the month, allowing him to dovetail with fellow winger Ramazani. The former was limited to just five appearances in the Premier League last season, only two of which were starts, suggesting that a move away from north London could be best for his development.
Glen Kamara's summer exit to Rennes has left a lack of depth in Leeds' midfield, highlighting the need for reinforcements, and Lausanne-Sport's Alvyn Sanches has emerged as a possible option to come in and make up for the loss of the Finland international.
Leeds out of race to sign "top" midfielder
According to a report from Bild [via Sport Witness], Leeds owners 49ers Enterprises were weighing up making an improved offer for FC Koln midfielder Dejan Ljubicic this summer, having already seen one £3.3m bid rejected.
The update claimed that the 26-year-old wanted to move to Elland Road before the end of the current window, with the Whites very much "on his mind".
Dejan Ljubicic for FC Koln.
However, since then, a new report from the same outlet, relayed by SW again, revealed that Leeds have now pulled out of the race to sign Ljubicic. Koln wanted £6.7m to do a deal, while it is added that Leeds also found it complicated to deal with Ljubicic and his reps in recent days and that a dream move to Yorkshire is now off.
The Austrian has won nine caps for his country, while former Koln manager Timo Schultz has said of him in the past: "He is a player who has a big heart. He is an extremely important player. If he can maintain his performance, he is a top Bundesliga player who will be very important for us."
Ljubicic is now playing in the Bundesliga.2, following Koln's relegation last season, so there is no longer the lure of being in Germany's top flight.
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A box-to-box midfielder who can shine both in and out of possession, the Austria ace scored five goals in the Bundesliga in 2022/23, while last season, he averaged 1.7 tackles per game in the competition, showing what an asset he could have been for the Whites.
Everton are interested in acquiring the services of Swansea City forward Joel Piroe in the summer transfer window, according to a new update.
Who is Swansea star Joel Piroe?
The 23-year-old joined the Welsh side from PSV Eindhoven back in 2021 and has become a key player in that time, catching the eye with his performances in attack.
Last season, the £10,000-a-week-earning Piroe scored 19 goals in 43 appearances in the Championship, arguably standing out as one of the best attacking players in the division. The previous year, he netted 22 times in the competition, in what has been a hugely impressive two-year spell in Wales.
The Dutchman's displays clearly aren't going unnoticed, and with his current Swans deal expiring in the summer of 2024, it could be that they realise now is the best, and last, opportunity to receive a hefty amount of money for his services.
Everton are clearly on the lookout for more attacking quality ahead of the new Premier League season in August, and it looks as though they are in the conversation when it comes to Piroe's future.
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Are Everton eyeing Piroe move this summer?
According to Wales Online, the Blues have shown an interest in snapping up the Swansea hero this summer, although they aren't alone in eyeing up a move:
"Leicester are likely to submit a bid over the coming days, although they aren't the only ones showing an interest.
"WalesOnline understands an unnamed Serie A side is also in the running, while Russell Martin's Southampton have also shown interest, although the ongoing tension between the two clubs may well complicate the prospect of a move to St Mary's.
"Premier League duo Everton and Nottingham Forest have also made tentative enquiries, but are yet to firm up any interest with a serious approach."
Piroe could be a really exciting signing by Everton, and while their interest doesn't necessarily seem hugely strong, it is encouraging that they are in the mix.
Granted, the step up to the Premier League from the Championship can be great, but he has shown such consistency since joining the Swans and he is a player who is only likely to get better.
Piroe has been lauded as an "excellent athlete" by former manager Russell Martin in the past, and a record of eight goals in just 13 caps for the Netherlands' Under-19s in the past further outlines his pedigree.
An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their efforts to bolster their defensive options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign…
What's the latest on Charlie Cresswell to Rangers?
According to Football League World, the Light Blues have had an offer turned down by English Championship side Leeds United for centre-back Charlie Cresswell.
The report claims that the Gers made a bid for the Millwall loanee's services, although the fee remains undisclosed at this time, and it was not enough to tempt the Whites into cashing in on the young talent.
It states that Michael Beale is interested in signing the 20-year-old enforcer, whose contract at Elland Road runs until 2025, and it now remains to be seen whether or not the Scottish giants will return with a second proposal.
Rangers have been busy in the transfer market this summer as they have already confirmed four new arrivals ahead of next season; including Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling, Kieran Dowell, and Sam Lammers.
Three of those players, with Lammers being the exception, are coming up from England, and Cresswell is the latest gem from Beale's home country to be targeted.
Who is Charlie Cresswell?
The central defender, who was once hailed as "unbelievable" by Leeds presenter Joe Wainman, is a talented young player who is coming off the back of an impressive campaign in the Championship on loan at Millwall.
Millwall loanee Charlie Cresswell.
Despite his young age, Cresswell, whose heading ability was lauded as "powerful" by journalist Josh Bunting, proved himself to be capable of delivering consistently excellent performances in the second tier of English football.
He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.13 across 28 league appearances for the Lions and used his strength to win 60% of his individual duels, which shows that the towering 6 foot 3 colossus was able to dominate opposition forwards on a regular basis and that his youthful inexperience did not make him a liability from a physical perspective.
Connor Goldson, meanwhile, (7.29) was the only Rangers centre-back to average a higher average Sofascore rating than the English machine in the Scottish Premiership last term. This indicates that the Whites prospect is already performing at a level that could be an upgrade on Beale's other defensive options outside of Goldson.
The 20-year-old titan, who made 2.8 tackles and interceptions per game, also has Premier League experience. Cresswell won 65% of his contests across five top-flight outings for Leeds in 21/22 as a teenager, which highlights how highly rated he is within the walls at Elland Road.
Therefore, this bid being rejected by the Championship side is a blow for Beale as the young battler has the potential to be an excellent signing for the Light Blues.
With rumours abound that new Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is set to oversee a mass clearout at N17 this summer, the Lilywhites will no doubt need to find suitable, quality replacements for those departing assets in the upcoming window.
Having been lauded for his "exceptional" recruitment record at former club Celtic – as hailed by ex-Hoops skipper, Scott Brown – the 57-year-old will seemingly be hoping to enjoy similar success with regard to his incomings in north London, with the aim of improving a squad that missed out on European qualification in 2022/23.
According to 90min, the Greek-Aussie could potentially return to his previous employers in order to make a handful of key additions, with the report suggesting that there are fears at Parkhead that the treble-winning coach could return to snap up Reo Hatate from the Glasgow side, among others.
The 25-year-old midfielder has proven a truly standout figure for the Old Firm outfit over the last 18 months or so, having initially been signed by Postecoglou for a fee of just £1.4m back in January 2022.
With 27 goals and assists to his name in just 66 games for his current side to date, the Japanese maestro has simply been a "joy to watch" in Scottish football in recent times – as per journalist Sacha Pisani – hence why it could prove an astute move for the Spurs boss to reunite with the 5 foot 8 dynamo over the coming weeks.
What's Reo Hatate's style of play?
It may be of interest to Tottenham supporters to note that the former Kawasaki Frontale sensation is believed to share a statistically, similar profile to that of Manchester City's, Ilkay Gundogan – according to analyst Ben Griffis – with the pair both thriving in the centre of the park for their respective clubs.
Much like Hatate – who bagged nine goals and registered 11 assists in all competitions this season – Gundogan has also been a reliable attacking presence for Pep Guardiola's side, having contributed 11 goals and seven assists so far this term.
Man City's Ilkay Gundogan
That stellar haul for the German international notably includes a brace in last weekend's FA Cup final victory over rivals Manchester United, with the 32-year-old having previously been lauded as a "special player" by Red Devils legend, Roy Keane.
To be able to land their own version of the former Borussia Dortmund ace would then be a real coup for the north Londoners, as the club are arguably in need of a more reliable goalscoring presence in the centre of the park, with Rodrigo Bentancur having been the top scorer among his fellow midfielders with just six goals in 2022/23.
Hatate is also similar to the City star due to his creative quality having averaged 1.3 key passes and recorded ten big chances in 32 Scottish Premiership games, while Gundogan also averaged 1.3 key passes and created six big chances in his 31 Premier League outings.
Lauded as a "machine" and a "different animal" by pundit Kenny Miller, the Celtic man can also put in the hard yards defensively having averaged 1.2 tackles per game in the league, while the Etihad gem shares that willing work ethic having averaged one tackle per game in the top flight.
With Gundogan a player that can seemingly "do everything" – according to Guardiola – Hatate is also a jack of all trades, with pundit Alan Hutton previously stating of his talents: "He is all action, all energy, he is everywhere, tackling, scoring, creating".
As such, amid the chance to potentially acquire the latter man on the cheap – with the diminutive ace valued at just £6m, according to Football Transfers – Postecoglou must do all he can to push for a reunion.
With Ange Postecoglou now at the helm, Tottenham Hotspur are seemingly set to step up their summer transfer dealings, with the Lilywhites seeking to improve upon a rather turbulent and underwhelming 2022/23 campaign.
As per 90min, the 57-year-old has already given his approval with regard to certain transfer pursuits – including the club's interest in James Maddison – while there are also said to be fears among those at his former club, Celtic, that the Greek-Aussie may return to raid the Old Firm outfit.
The piece notes that among those who the one-time Australia head coach may be keen to reunite with is wing wizard, Jota, with the Portuguese sensation having dazzled under Postecoglou's watch over the last two seasons.
The 24-year-old was originally snapped up by the experienced coach on a season-long loan deal from Benfica back in the summer of 2021, before signing permanently with the Parkhead giants on a £6.4m deal a year ago.
That bargain capture already appears rather astute as the wide man is now said to be valued at around £12m, according to Football Transfers, with that a marker of the meteoric rise he has made of late.
Who is Celtic's Jota?
The £17k-per-week trickster could well prove to be the heir apparent to Heung-min Son on the left flank, with the Celtic star mirroring the South Korean international with his ability to offer quality service and a clinical presence in front of goal.
While Son endured a poor season by his own lofty standards – after scoring 'just' ten Premier League goals – the 30-year-old has typically been a consistent force for the Lilywhites over the years, bagging 145 goals and providing 80 assists in 372 games across all fronts.
Much like Jota would be to most Spurs supporters, the former Bayer Leverkusen ace was something of an unknown quantity after initially making the move to north London in 2015, although has gone on to establish himself as a "world class" talent, according to former boss, Antonio Conte.
Spurs' Heung-min Son
While the Bhoys ace may not be quite at that level just yet, the Lisbon native has been something of a "revelation" in Scottish football to date, according to pundit Alex McLeish, having contributed 54 goals and assists in just 83 games in all competitions for his current side.
The 5 foot 9 ace notably showed flashes of his quality during the club's Champions League run having whipped in a delightful free-kick in the defeat to Real Madrid back in November, with pundit Frank McAvennie subsequently stating that it was "scary" that the playmaker could get even better, having not been fully fit at the time.
Evidently a man for the big occasion – having registered five goals and assists in just ten meetings with rivals Rangers – Jota also mirrors Son due to his creative quality having created 13 big chances and averaged 1.9 key passes per game in 33 Scottish Premiership games this season, while the current Spurs ace has created nine big chances and averaged 1.8 key passes per game from his 36 league outings.
Although Postecoglou is unlikely to upset the apple cart by replacing Son in the short term, the incoming boss could well find a suitable, long-term replacement for the long-serving speedster with the signing of his former asset.
West Ham lead to the race to sign Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes this summer, but face competition for his signature from other Premier League clubs, as per Matt Law of The Telegraph.
The fire sale has begun at the Kingpower Stadium after their disastrous season ended in relegation to the Championship, and a host of Premier League clubs have lined up to attempt to sign some of the club’s best assets this summer.
West Ham transfer news – Harvey Barnes
It is set to be a busy summer at the London Stadium after West Ham owner David Sullivan confirmed that Declan Rice would be leaving West Ham during this transfer window.
According to Sam Dean and Law, the Hammers have priced Declan Rice at £92m.
Bayern Munich and Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Rice, but Arsenal are currently leading the race to sign the Europa Conference League-winning captain.
West Ham aim to spend the windfall from Rice’s transfer to acquire English winger Harvey Barnes, according to the aforementioned report.
Leicester forward Harvey Barnes.
The Irons will face Premier League competition in the fight to sign Barnes, with Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United all expected to make a run at the 25-year-old.
It is believed that the Foxes currently value Barnes at £40m, but West Ham are likely to start the bidding at around £30m.
Should West Ham sign Harvey Barnes?
Since joining the Midlands outfit from Barnsley in 2018, Barnes has been an important piece in the side – as per Transfermarkt, he has notched 45 goals and 32 appearances in 187 appearances, primarily from a left-wing position.
The tricky winger, who has one cap for England, was a key member of the Leicester side that won the FA Cup in 2021, defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the final at Wembley Stadium.
Michael Cox of The Athletic once stated that Barnes’ game 'is almost solely based around the simplest concept in football: the give and go', arguing the Burnley native’s style is simple and direct, but effective.
Barnes, who Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp once hailed as an "unbelievable player," loves playing one-two passes with his inside forward, and this play style could work wonders in a David Moyes system where the striker often has his back to goal holding up play.
The speed of the player is also one of his greatest strengths.
His top speed of 35.44km/h ranked sixth of all Premier League midfielders last year, and this electric pace would surely be a significant upgrade on the left wing for West Ham over Said Benrahma.
An update has emerged on Everton and their plans to bolster their attacking options in the upcoming summer transfer window…
What's the latest on El Bilal Toure to Everton?
According to the Daily Mail, the Toffees are stepping up their interest in Almeria centre-forward El Bilal Toure as they eye a swoop to sign the ace.
The report claims that the club are keen on the 21-year-old as they want a replacement for current striker Neal Maupay, who could leave to join Salernitana in Italy.
It is stated that the La Liga outfit value the young forward at £25m and it remains to be seen how much Sean Dyche's side are willing to splash out on him this summer.
Who is El Bilal Toure?
He is a 6 foot 1 number nine who currently plays in the top-flight of Spanish football with Almeria and the marksman could be a huge upgrade on Maupay.
The Frenchman, previously of Brentford, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.56 across 27 appearances in the Premier League and contributed with one goal and zero assists, starting 11 times, as the flop failed to consistently make an impact at the top end of the pitch.
Everton forward Neal Maupay.
He missed seven 'big chances' and did not create a single one for his teammates over the course of the campaign, which shows that the dud was wasteful in front of goal and offered almost nothing from a creative perspective, as he made 0.3 key passes per match.
Toure, meanwhile, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.79 and plundered six goals and two assists in 20 outings in La Liga – starting 14 times. This suggests that the titan could provide more quality than Maupay in the final third if he can translate his form for Almeria over to England.
The youngster, who has completed 71% of his passes, was once dubbed a "major talent" by journalist Graeme Bailey and his form in 22/23 has started to back that up as the ace is making a big impact in a major European league despite his young age.
Maupay, 26, struggled badly in the top flight and did nowhere near enough to prove himself to be a reliable option for the manager heading into next season.
Therefore, Dyche swooping to bring Toure to Goodison Park could improve the club's squad as the Mali international has the ability to offer far more in front of goal than the ex-Brentford man.
This means that ruthlessly ditching the current Toffees striker in favour of a £25m swoop for the La Liga hotshot could be a terrific piece of business by Everton.