All posts by z3u9t.icu

Full-backs in today’s game are a crucial position of the pitch, with modern-day managers wanting to see them effect the game in attack, while also being solid defensively.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been one of the best right-backs the Premier League has seen, but he has now left Liverpool for Real Madrid. But where does he rank in regards to best right-backs in Premier League history?

Ranking factors Appearances Longevity Titles Goals Clean sheets What others have said about them 20 best right-backs in Premier League history: in pictures 20 Dan Petrescu Sheffield Wednesday, Chelsea, Bradford, Southampton

Starting the countdown is Romanian icon Dan Petrescu, who was an attacking full-back best known for his time at Chelsea.

Petrescu cost the Blues a then-club-record £2.3m from Sheffield Wednesday back in 1995, but he starred at Stamford Bridge across a five-year spell before also featuring for Bradford and Southampton in the top flight, contributing to more than 50 league goals along the way.

Games

215

Goals

23

Assists

33

Clean sheets

42

19 Antonio Valencia Wigan, Man Utd

Starting out as a winger when he moved to England with Wigan, Antonio Valencia was slowly moved back to an attacking right-back role under Sir Alex Ferguson.

He still had that attacking output and was called a player who “has got everything” by Ferguson, with the Ecuadorian winning two league titles at Old Trafford.

Games

325

Goals

24

Assists

46

Clean sheets

105

Titles

2

18 John O’Shea Man Utd, Sunderland

Versatile defender John O’Shea would turn out as a right-back on numerous occasions for Man Utd and was also used as a centre-back and left-back during his career.

The Irishman, called a “great professional” who “never complains” by Sir Alex Ferguson, was a reliable performer and made more than 250 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils before going on to spend seven years with Sunderland.

Games

445

Goals

13

Assists

13

Clean sheets

115

Titles

5

17 Wes Brown Man Utd, Sunderland

Continuing the trend of right-backs to have played for Man Utd and Sunderland is Wes Brown, who won five Premier League titles with the Red Devils between 1997-2011.

Like O’Shea, Brown was used in a variety of defensive roles during his career and could excel at right-back. Sir Alex Ferguson, who knew his stuff, was also a big fan, calling Brown “the best natural defender in the country” back in 2009.

Games

308

Goals

4

Assists

9

Clean sheets

98

Titles

5

16 Seamus Coleman Everton

Arguably the best value-for-money signing in Premier League history, Seamus Coleman has been crucial for Everton since joining from Sligo Rovers in 2009.

Costing just £60,000, the Irishman has gone on to make more than 350 league appearances for the Toffees, coming in for praise from Frank Lampard who called Coleman “amazing”.

His longevity has been brilliant, and in his prime, Coleman has also been a real threat in the final third, contributing to 46 top flight goals.

Games

371

Goals

22

Assists

24

Clean sheets

96

15 Paulo Ferreira Chelsea

One of Jose Mourinho’s first signings at Chelsea back in 2004, Paulo Ferreira would enjoy a successful spell at Stamford Bridge, winning three Premier League titles.

The Portuguese defender sometimes went under the radar but played 29 times in the 2004/05 season which saw the Blues concede just 15 times in the league campaign.

Games

141

Assists

4

Clean sheets

56

Titles

3

14 Kieran Trippier Burnley, Tottenham, Newcastle

After coming through the Man City academy, Kieran Trippier made a name for himself in the Premier League with Burnley before spells with Tottenham and Newcastle.

A set-piece specialist from right-back, Trippier was dubbed as the perfect modern-day full-back by defensive icon Roberto Carlos and has scored and created numerous goals in the top flight.

Games

210

Goals

6

Assists

38

Clean sheets

52

13 Joao Cancelo Man City

Another brilliant attacking full-back, Joao Cancelo’s stay in the Premier League was relatively short, but he made a big impact at Man City under Pep Guardiola with his eye for a pass.

He won three titles in four seasons at the Etihad and was named in the PFA Team of the Year twice, while also being dubbed one of the best right-backs in the world by Nigel de Jong.

Games

98

Goals

5

Assists

11

Clean sheets

41

Titles

3

12 Gary Kelly Leeds

A one-club man with Leeds United, Irishman Gary Kelly was one of the best right-backs in the early years of the Premier League and made more than 300 top-flight appearances for the Whites.

Twice named in the PFA Team of the Year, Kelly was defensively sound but would also get forward when he could, averaging an assist every 10 appearances at Elland Road.

Games

325

Goals

2

Assists

31

Clean sheets

103

11 Stephen Carr Tottenham, Newcastle, Birmingham

Another old-school right-back, Stephen Carr made an appearance in 15 separate Premier League campaigns but will best be remembered for his time at Tottenham, where he was included in the PFA Team of the Year on two occasions.

Although he never got near to winning the title, Carr was extremely reliable and was a right-back who “had everything” according to Irish teammate Kenny Cunningham.

Games

377

Goals

8

Assists

17

Clean sheets

83

Leeds United have now submitted an enquiry over a deal for an “explosive” forward, with his current employers setting an asking price of €40m (£34m), according to reporter Santi Aouna.

Leeds eyeing ambitious targets after sealing Premier League return

Playing in the Premier League is, of course, an attractive proposition for players all over the world, and having sealed a return to the top flight, Leeds have now set their sights on some ambitious targets for the summer transfer window.

Amid widespread reports suggesting Illan Meslier could be replaced after a difficult campaign, one of Daniel Farke’s most important tasks this summer may be bringing in a new goalkeeper, and the Whites have set their sights on Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz.

Peretz impressed at times for Bayern during the 2024-25 campaign, perhaps most notably putting in a solid performance against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, which indicates he could be ready to be a regular starter elsewhere.

Leeds make contact to sign free agent star who scored 23 goals this season

The Whites are looking for some attacking flair after claiming promotion to the top-flight.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 2, 2025

The Israeli is not the only player with Champions League experience on Leeds’ radar, however, with Aouna recently taking to X to reveal they have now submitted an enquiry over a deal for Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao.

The Whites may need to spend big to seal a deal for Paixao, however, with the Dutch club holding out for a fee of €40m (£34m), and there could be stiff competition for his signature, given that Brighton & Hove Albion and Napoli have also made contact.

The Brazilian is “highly appreciated” by Feyenoord internally, and it is clear to see why he is held in such high regard, given the level of his performances both domestically and in Europe this season.

"Explosive" Paixao impressing in the Champions League

Feyenoord ultimately finished 11 points adrift of Eredivisie title-winners PSV Eindhoven, but the left-winger’s displays were certainly of the standard of a title-winning side, collecting 18 goals and 19 assists in all competitions, which is a whopping 37 total goal contributions.

Perhaps most significantly, the 24-year-old put in some very impressive performances in the Champions League, receiving the Man of the Match award after shining against AC Milan back in February.

The Feyenoord star impressed analyst Ben Mattinson with his performance that day, saying he’s “a creative winger who’s an instinctive shooter”, while he has also caught scout Jacek Kulig’s eye in the past, who described him as “explosive”.

Paixao is undoubtedly an ambitious target, given that he has already proven himself against some of Europe’s top clubs, and may not want to be involved in a relegation battle next season, but the forward could be a real statement signing if Leeds are able to seal a deal.

Newcastle United have now made contact over a potential deal for an “outstanding” midfielder, who could be available for a fee of just £21m this summer, according to a report.

Magpies pursuing midfielder amid Tonali and Guimaraes uncertainty

Newcastle are on the brink of securing a return to the Champions League, and Sandro Tonali has been one of their most important players, with Jamie Carragher recently praising the midfielder after naming him in his Premier League team of the season.

Speaking about the Magpies, Carragher said: “They actually made a poor start to the season. I don’t think their season turned around until Eddie Howe put him [Tonali] in the holding role.

“For a lot of the time he has been there, he has been the attacking midfielder and Bruno has been the holding. I think him going to the sitting midfield role has made a huge difference.

Howe is likely to be very pleased with Tonali’s performances, but the Italian is now starting to attract interest from elsewhere, with Manchester United and Manchester City being named as potential suitors.

With Bruno Guimaraes also attracting attention, Howe may be forced to revamp his midfield in the summer transfer window, and a report from TEAMtalk has now revealed that Newcastle have made contact over a deal for Dinamo Zagreb’s Martin Baturina.

Baturina has a number of potential suitors from within the Premier League, with Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest also keen, and a deal for the attacking midfielder is likely to be relatively inexpensive, as the Croatian side are looking to hold out for around £21m.

Newcastle now planning face-to-face talks to sign "unbelievable" £30m star

The Magpies are set to hold discussions over a deal for a forward.

ByDominic Lund May 21, 2025

Inter Milan are also interested in signing the 22-year-old, who is now ready to move to a top league in Europe, having put in some impressive performances in his home country of Croatia.

"Outstanding" Baturina could be a bargain signing

Of course, it is always a risk to take a punt on a player who is unproven in a major European league, but the Croatian has shown that he is ready to make the step-up to a higher level with his displays for Zagreb.

The Zurich-born maestro picked up six goals and 12 assists in all competitions during the 2024-25 campaign, with three of those coming in the Champions League.

Moreover, football scout Ben Mattinson has lauded the Zagreb star for his “outstanding” vision and weight of pass, and he has displayed his dribbling ability on a regular basis over the past year, ranking in the top 1% for successful take-ons by players in his position.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.29 (97th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

3.78 (91st percentile)

Successful take-ons

2.91 (99th percentile)

Progressive carries

4.65 (99th percentile)

At just £21m, Baturina could be a bargain signing for Newcastle this summer, but there will be a hope that his arrival is not at the expense of Tonali and Guimaraes, given their importance to Howe’s side.

Leeds United have a crucial summer on the cards over the next few months, needing to invest well to prevent being relegated from the Premier League next season.

Daniel Farke’s side ended their two-year stint in the Championship after a 6-0 win over Stoke City a couple of weeks ago, before claiming the title with a triumph over Plymouth Argyle on the final day.

The German has a huge task on his hands to build a side capable of maintaining their top-flight status, whilst also doing good enough in the role to avoid losing his own job.

It’s unclear how much money he will have at his disposal during the off-season, but it’s pivotal that the board backs the 48-year-old in his quest to build an excellent side.

His task of doing so has already been a little bit harder, with it unclear if one player will remain at Elland Road upon the conclusion of the current campaign.

The latest on Junior Firpo’s future at Leeds

Left-back Junior Firpo has been a crucial member of the Leeds squad throughout 2024/25, making 32 appearances in the league and registering 14 combined goals and assists.

However, his excellent form within attacking areas may be his final contributions to the club, with his current deal in Yorkshire set to expire at the end of June – with no new contract on the horizon.

During the club’s title-winning bus parade on Monday, teammate Ethan Ampadu was heard chanting Real Betis in relation to the full-back, with the Spanish side just one team touted with a move for his signature.

He was also present on Jayden Bogle’s Instagram livestream, with the 28-year-old making a comment to chairman Paraag Marathe about a new deal at Elland Road.

However, it remains to be seen whether he will remain at the club ahead of next season, with Farke potentially needing to delve into the transfer market to land an adequate replacement.

The player who could be Leeds’ Firpo replacement

Left-backs in the modern game are extremely hard to come by, with Leeds having a challenge to replace the Dominican international should he depart the club.

Such a problem could’ve been solved had they kept hold of Ipswich Town defender Leif Davis, who was sold to the Tractor Boys in the summer of 2022, leaving the Whites for a reported £1m.

However, three years on, the 25-year-old has taken his career to the next level at Portman Road, notching 34 assists and helping Kieran McKenna’s side claim back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.

Undoubtedly, fans must wish they had kept hold of David, but could rekindle interest in another talented English star in the form of Archie Brown, who has previously been on their radar.

The 22-year-old Gent full-back, who came through Derby County’s academy, has impressed over the last few years, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur previously in the race for his signature too with a £15m deal mooted.

He’s featured in 45 games across all competitions in 2024/25, playing a total role in the club’s ambitions of claiming the Belgian Pro League title in the coming weeks.

When comparing his stats to those of Firpo, the Englishman has managed to better him in numerous key areas, further showcasing why the Whites should once again pursue a move for his services.

Games played

27

32

Goals & assists

4

14

Progressive carries

4.4

2.2

Carries into final third

3.7

1.6

Shot-on-target accuracy

36%

35%

Blocks made

1.4

0.8

Interceptions made

1.3

1.2

Take-ons completed

1.3

0.4

Aerials won

67%

58%

Brown, who’s been labelled “complete” and “fast” by Gent’s former head of recruitment Samuel Cardenas, has managed to complete more progressive carries and more carries into the final third – showcasing his direct nature with the ball at his feet.

He’s also completed more take-ons per 90, along with a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – handing the club the added attacking threat in the Premier League.

However, Brown has also thrived defensively, making more blocks and interceptions per 90, whilst also winning more aerial duels – handing Farke’s side the defensive solidity they will need in the top-flight.

Losing Firpo would be a massive blow to the side given the levels he’s produced this season, but with his contract rapidly ticking down, the hierarchy need to draw up a list of replacements.

Whilst Brown hasn’t been on their radar in recent months, the club should look to return to such a deal, with the youngster the perfect player for the role – subsequently having the potential to improve further down the line given his tender age.

Even better than James: 49ers line up move to sign Viduka 2.0 for Leeds

Leeds United could be about to land a top attacker if this deal gets over the line.

ByKelan Sarson May 5, 2025

A £50 million-rated Crystal Palace star has now told club chiefs that he is ready to leave this summer amid interest from Manchester United and others, according to a recent report.

Crystal Palace chasing midfield reinforcements

Whether Palace win the FA Cup and therefore secure Europa League football or not, it looks as though the South Londoners are going to be very busy in the summer transfer window.

New target: Crystal Palace interested in signing "fantastic" £9m "monster"

The Eagles have set their sights on a midfielder, who is set to be available for a bargain fee this summer.

ByDominic Lund May 1, 2025

A couple of weeks ago, Palace announced that midfielder Will Hughes agreed a new contract until 2027, but it is still clear Oliver Glasner and co. have their eyes on adding to their options in the middle of the park. Highly-rated Sunderland pair Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham have been linked with moves to Selhurst Park, but they are not the only options under consideration.

Palace are now interested in signing Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City, as the midfielder can leave the Foxes for just £9 million, given that he has a relegation clause.

However, they are not alone in the race, as Everton and Fulham from the Premier League are also interested in a deal. Palace are also in the running to sign midfielder Rayan Cherki from French side Lyon. However, the Premier League side are considered ‘dark horses’ in the race, given that there are many other teams from England also looking to snap up the exciting attacker.

£50m Crystal Palace star tells chiefs he wants out

Signing players like Ndidi and Cherki may become a top priority for the Eagles, given the fact they could be about to lose a key player. According to TBR Football, Eberechi Eze has told Crystal Palace he wants to leave the club this summer amid interest from Premier League teams.

TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey has now reported that Eze feels it is the right time for him to leave Palace. This news comes amid significant interest from teams in the Premier League – Manchester United are hopeful of signing Eze, while Spurs consider signing Eze as a replacement for Son Heung-min and Liverpool are considered the frontrunners to secure a deal.

Bailey said on Eze’s situation: “Much will depend on Palace’s demands around his release clause; very few are needed to be paid in one lump sum, and I don’t believe that Palace will do that to Eze either. Tottenham love the player; we know that – but they are not alone – Manchester City like him a lot. I am told that Pep Guardiola is an admirer.

“City are looking at bolstering their attacking midfield ranks, but Florian Wirtz is ahead of him in that regard, and I believe so are Lucas Paqueta, Charles De Ketelaere and Francisco Trincão, but I would not dismiss it totally. Newcastle and Aston Villa also admire him, and if he does go – it will be a team playing in Europe.

Apps

142

Goals

30

Assists

23

“Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all fully aware of him and are fans of his talents, but I don’t believe he is a priority for them as it stands. Eze, for his part, feels the time is right to move and has expressed this to Palace.”

Eze, who has been dubbed “frightening” by teammate Joel Ward, would cost teams a minimum of £50 million this summer.

With Fabio Paratici set to return to the club, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly in constant contact with an impressive defender who’s also found himself on the radar of Real Madrid.

Fabio Paratici set for Tottenham return

Having left the North London club in 2023 following a two-and-a-half-year ban by FIFA which he is still serving, Paratici has reportedly agreed to return to Tottenham. The Lilywhites have plenty of work to do this summer and the return of an experienced sporting director may well go a long way towards things finally changing for the better under Ange Postecoglou.

How much room Spurs have to manoeuvre in the transfer window is the big question. Should they miss out on winning the Europa League and, subsequently, a place in next season’s Champions League, those in North London are unlikely to have a large budget to spend. After taking one leg in the final with a 3-1 first leg victory over Bodo/Glimt, however, Europa League victory is still very much a possibility.

Many will be quick to assume that a place in Bilbao is now firmly in Spurs’ grasp and Postecoglou reiterated that a repeat of his side’s performance on Thursday night next week will see them advance.

He told reporters: “Obviously they scored the goal late, which doesn’t reflect our dominance in the game, but if we repeat that performance next week it’ll be enough for us to get through.

Tottenham may sign £300k-p/w Premier League star if they win Europa League

A lot is on the line.

ByEmilio Galantini May 1, 2025

“Yeah, I think it puts us in a good position. I thought the players were outstanding today, I thought our performance was everything it needed to be, really well organised and disciplined defensively and really calm going forward and created good opportunities for ourselves.”

Europa League victory would no doubt help to turn the narrative of their season on its head, perhaps saving Postecoglou’s job in the process and even luring top transfer targets to the club.

Tottenham in constant contact with Jonathan Tah

According to The Boot Room, Tottenham are in constant contact with Jonathan Tah over a summer switch following the expiry of his current Bayer Leverkusen deal at the end of the season. The Lilywhites are far from alone, however, with Manchester United and now even Real Madrid also looking to convince the defender into a move.

As Paratici plots his first transfer back, those in North London could end the summer having landed a true bargain. The Leverkusen defender played a pivotal part in last season’s invincible domestic double and has impressed once again throughout the current campaign.

A player who’s earned plenty of praise over the years, former Germany boss Joachim Low told reporters after handing Tah his international debut at the beginning of his career: “He’s a young player with a lot of potential. He’s physically strong and very quick. Everything is possible.”

Arsenal could now be handed the chance to sign yet another Bayern Munich player, following their recent talks with Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman.

Arsenal make contact with Leroy Sané and Kingsley Coman

Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are reportedly keen to bring in a new winger this summer, prompting the Gunners to reach out to Bavaria in search of quality options.

Arsenal convinced they'll sign "world-class" player by June, talks ongoing

He could be Andrea Berta’s first major signing as sporting director.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 16, 2025

At the beginning of April, it was reported that Arsenal held “fresh talks” with Sane over joining on a free transfer.

However, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Vincent Kompany’s side have tabled a formal contract proposal to Sane, who was recently named Bayern’s Player of the Month for March amid his sensational end to the campaign, and it is highly likely the German will extend his stay – dealing a blow to Arsenal in their pursuit.

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

After seemingly missing out on the 29-year-old, Arsenal then turned their attention towards Coman, who has expressed a desire to leave Bayern and is far more likely to seal a departure.

Clubs in Saudi Arabia, not to mention arch rivals Tottenham, are also believed to be expressing an interest – so it won’t be plain sailing for Berta.

“Kingsley Coman has already internally expressed his desire to leave this summer, as revealed,” wrote Plettenberg on X.

“Saudi clubs are now taking the matter seriously and are planning a visit to Munich for talks with Bayern. In England, Arsenal are currently the most concrete option – especially since Leroy Sané is about to extend his contract with Bayern. Spurs would like to sign Coman but are currently in a waiting position due to his high salary.”

Since then, Arsenal have moved to open talks with Coman’s representatives, and this communication is said to be “ongoing” as the north Londoners seek to tempt him with a move to N5.

Amid these discussions, it is now believed another Bayern ace could be on the table for Arteta – £165,000-per-week midfielder Joao Palhinha.

Arsenal likely to be offered Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha

According to CaughtOffside, Palhinha is likely to be offered to Arsenal, as his representative seeks a new landing spot just one year after he joined Kompany’s side – following a lengthy Fulham transfer saga.

The Portugal international has made just 21 appearances in all competitions, partly due to a muscle injury, with Liverpool and Man United also set to be handed an opportunity to strike a deal for the former Premier League star.

The Bundesliga frontrunners could be open to selling Palhinha, as they’re currently prioritising a contract extension for Leon Goretzka, so the 29-year-old’s availability is on the cards.

“He’s been absolutely sensational this season,” said pundit Rio Ferdinand on the midfielder in 2023.

“You need someone like that in front of you as a defender.”

Despite PSR concerns, Aston Villa have now reportedly joined a hectic race to sign a Bundesliga defender ahead of a number of Premier League rivals for Unai Emery this summer.

Aston Villa's PSR concern

On the pitch, Aston Villa are a side competing for consecutive top-four finishes in the Premier League and find themselves in the last eight of the Champions League and the last four of the FA Cup. It seems as though things can’t get much better.

In reality, however, as successful as they have been on the field, concerns are reportedly emerging over profit and sustainability rules behind the scenes.

Questions will be asked over just how a side of such recent success have struggled to stay in line with the rules, especially after the big sale of Jhon Duran to Saudi Arabia in January, but it looks as though Villa could be in for a cautious summer.

Whether those concerns will result in player sales or limited spending remains to be seen. However, reports are emerging on both the incoming and departure fronts.

On the departure front, it’s Boubakar Kamara who has attracted attention in recent days with Liverpool reportedly eyeing a move to sign the Aston Villa midfielder.

Meanwhile, if the Villans choose to run the risk of spending once more this summer, names such as Marc Casado and Andreas Christensen could steal the headlines fresh from Barcelona, according to recent reports.

Aston Villa make contact to sign "animal" who can be Douglas Luiz 2.0

Aston Villa could raid Barcelona this summer for a player or two.

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 11, 2025

The same can also be said for one Bundesliga talent, as Aston Villa look to reinforce their backline and beat Liverpool and Manchester City to the signature of a talented defender this summer.

Aston Villa battling to sign Sildillia

Putting their financial concerns to one side, those in the Midlands have reportedly joined a hectic Premier League race. According to CaughtOffside, Aston Villa are now battling to sign Kiliann Sildillia from SC Freiburg ahead of Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool and Man City.

The Bundesliga side are reportedly valuing their right-back at just €16m (£14m) this summer – a price Villa may be able to match even amid their PSR frustrations.

At just 22 years old, the Bundesliga right-back has earned plenty of praise in recent years – including from Antonio Mango. The U23 scout took to X to describe Sildillia as an “extremely athletic” defender “who possesses a great burst of pace and acceleration”.

However, whether those are traits Aston Villa are left to benefit from remains to be seen as Premier League clubs race to sign the talented right-back.

AC Milan are now reportedly plotting a move to sign Niclas Fullkrug from West Ham United after the striker’s agent made a damning admission ahead of the winter window.

The forward has struggled ever since arriving in the Premier League, but whilst he continues to contemplate his future, things have been looking up for West Ham. The Hammers made it back-to-back league wins on Saturday by defeating relegation rivals Burnley 2-1. It followed their 3-1 victory over Newcastle United last weekend and took them level on points with the Clarets.

The international break comes at a bad time for the Hammers, with Nuno Espirito Santo now settled into life in London and gradually turning things around. After the break, his side visit Bournemouth in search of a third-consecutive victory which could take them out of the relegation zone.

Nuno says West Ham have a "really good" talent who's "massively impressed" Carrick

The former Hammers midfielder has lavished praise on him too.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 8, 2025

It’s also a game that could see Callum Wilson square off against his former club in search of two goals in two games. Getting the summer arrival fit and firing on all cylinders will be key to West Ham’s survival and potentially key to determining Fullkrug’s future.

AC Milan join Fullkrug race after agent admission

According to Tuttomercatoweb, AC Milan have now joined the race to sign Fullkrug, who has missed the last four Premier League games through injury and scored just three goals during his time at West Ham.

When the forward arrived from Borussia Dortmund, there were question marks about his age, but those questions that were answered by the impressive season that he had just enjoyed in Germany – helping his side reach the Champions League final in 2024.

Any hope that Fullkrug could replicate that form in the Premier League didn’t take long to disappear, however, and now he looks destined to leave.

Speaking on the TOMorrow Business Podcast, Fullkrug’s agent Thorsten Wirth made a damning admission about the forward’s time at West Ham, saying: “Looking back, we have to say the transfer didn’t work out. There’s no point in sugar-coating it.”

Meanwhile, when asked about Fullkrug’s future, he said: “This always has to happen in cooperation with the club, but I believe it can make sense to change something there.”

Although Peter Crouch went as far as calling the forward “excellent” at Euro 2024, it’s fair to say that Fullkrug’s time at West Ham simply hasn’t worked out and he should move on in 2026.

As exciting as Potts: 19-year-old West Ham star has "the world at his feet"

Nottingham Forest have now reportedly joined Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign an in-form Serie A striker in the January transfer window.

Dyche "disappointed" by VAR call

On a night that saw Nottingham Forest edge past Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers courtesy of Jesus’ second-half effort, it was VAR that stole the biggest headlines. Once again, the technology was at the centre of the controversy after Dan Ndoye was adjudged to have been interfering with play in an offside position for what many believed to be Jesus’ initial opener.

It’s the type of call which has split opinions in recent weeks and the type that Sean Dyche didn’t understand – telling reporters at full-time: “Well, I’m the only manager who ever mentions why they (referees) go over to the screen. It’s funny how it goes against us, that was interesting.

“Managers in the old days could lose a job on a bad decision. At least now it gives you a better chance of everyone, in theory, having similar decisions. There’s always going to be tough decisions, even with VAR.

“Tonight I’m bound to say he (Dan Ndoye) doesn’t impede anyone. He doesn’t. He just stands still. He’s not trying to deflect it in or anything like that.

“I’m bound to say I’m disappointed in it. I don’t think the keeper would have saved it. But you never know, these keepers are so agile. He’s a good keeper as well, so he might have. But I’m bound to say that I’m aggrieved.”

Nottingham Forest now keen on £117k-a-week UCL defender who may replace Murillo

The Tricky Trees are looking at signing a new centre-back in the January transfer window, amid doubts over Murillo’s future.

ByDominic Lund Dec 2, 2025

Eventually, the decision did not prove costly as Forest picked up three points for the fourth time in their last five games in all competitions – highlighting Dyche’s impact.

Evangelos Marinakis will be most relieved that his managerial call is finally working out after already sacking Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou earlier this season. The Greek owner, with relegation fears eased, now has the chance to strengthen Dyche’s side in January.

Nottingham Forest racing to sign Pellegrino

As reported by Calcio Mercato and relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are now battling to sign Mateo Pellegrino from Serie A side Parma in 2026. The Tricky Trees are joined by Tottenham and West Ham United in the race, but could yet get one over on the two London clubs.

With Jesus still finding consistency and Chris Wood yet to match last season’s outstanding form, Dyche could certainly do with a player of Pellegrino’s talent.

The Parma striker has enjoyed an impressive campaign so far and is reportedly unlikely to come cheap if Forest want to make their move in the January transfer window.

Minutes

579

1,100

Goals

1

4

Assists

0

0

Expected Goals

2.3

1.9

It’s easy to see why Premier League sides are interested in Pellegrino. Compared to Jesus, the 6’3 forward has outperformed his expected goals by just over two and is on course for an impressive Serie A season.

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