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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Roberto has certainly had his fair share of problems in the West Ham United goal, having taken up the position between the sticks in Lukasz Fabianski’s absence.

This continued against Newcastle United, with his attempt to stop the Magpies’ second goal being truly calamitous, as he got his angles all wrong.

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The 33-year-old didn’t cover himself in glory with the other two goals conceded either, as shown in the highlights video on the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel.

Despite the various mistakes made by Roberto, there has been pretty much no mention of David Martin usurping him to get onto the pitch.

The former Millwall goalkeeper has been on the bench for the last four games, as per Transfermarkt, though it says a lot about Martin’s role that he has remained invisible during this period.

He joined on a free, alongside Roberto, in the summer, but it can now be assumed that there is little focus on him actually getting game time for the Hammers.

With this in mind, unless Joseph Anang is promoted from the U23s, it seems as though Roberto could be safe in his starting role until Fabianski returns, even if the calamity continues.

Martin looks as if he’ll remain something of an invisible man for the time being.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Phil Parkinson spoke of his relief to still be involved in the draw for the next round of the FA Cup, but also issued a stern message to his players.

What did he say?

Sunderland let their lead slip at home to Gillingham on Saturday in a result which left their manager a little despondent after the game.

He looked visibly frustrated at his team’s inability to kill off a game which they dominated in large parts, with more possession and more corners than their opponents.

It wasn’t the manner in which they conceded which annoyed Parkinson, but he did speak of the importance of reacting to that moment, and identified what his squad must start doing if they want to win matches and be successful.

Speaking to safc.com, he said: “We must be stronger as a group, you don’t always get it your own way.

“Things do go against you on a football pitch, and when they do you’ve got to make sure that there’s a toughness about us as a group to come out the other side of that.”

Too often this season the Black Cats have lacked that. They have scored two or more goals in only six out of 15 league games, and recent 1-0 defeats by Wycombe and Shrewsbury hint at a lack of fight.

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Not a promotion team?

Since dropping into the third-tier Sunderland have lacked the clinical edge which can often prove the difference between finishing in the automatic promotion spots and not.

Their five draws this term adds to their 21 in 2018/19, which underlines their inability to get games across the line and win even if they’re not playing particularly well.

That is what is needed if they are to gain promotion, and interestingly Parkinson believes it is down to a mentality, rather than the abilities of his players.

It is an alternative take from the manager because his strikers Will Grigg, Marc McNulty and Charlie Wyke have scored just four league goals between them this season, and that would seemingly be a cause in their lack of attacking prowess, and an indication that they’re not good enough.

However, once Gillingham’s equaliser went in on Saturday they started to produce more chances, with Sunderland’s players seemingly losing a bit of confidence and morale, and that is something Parkinson has to put right.

If he can instil belief in the squad and an attitude of never giving up – which he did when he won promotion at Bolton – he may just begin to turn things around, despite the apparent need to strengthen the playing squad.

Sunderland’s terrific start to the season continued on Wednesday night as they beat Luton Town 2-1 at Kenilworth Road to keep themselves top of the Championship. The Hatters took the lead on the night through Elijah Adebayo, but two quickfire second-half goals from Chris Rigg and Romaine Mundle secured all three points for Regis Le Bris’ side.

“I am proud of the team spirit and the spirit of the fans because tonight we needed everyone because it was a big battle,” said Le Bris after the game.

One man the French coach was particularly impressed with was defender Chris Mepham. The 26-year-old, who is on-loan at the Stadium of Light from Premier League side Bournemouth, put in another sturdy display at the heart of the Black Cats’ defense, which didn’t go unnoticed by his boss.

“Chris was ready for this battle, I think,” Le Bris said. “He wasn’t alone, we needed everyone and it’s a question of personality, aggressiveness.”

Jewison Bennette not feeling the love from Le Bris

While things might be going well for Mepham and plenty of other Sunderland stars, it’s not going quite so well for Jewison Bennette. The Costa Rica international, 20, joined Sunderland from Herediano in 2022, but has since struggled to make an impact at the Stadium of Light. This term, he’s played just nine minutes of first-team football, and has otherwise been limited to playing for Sunderland’s U-21s in the Premier League 2.

Amid his lack of game time, media in Bennette’s home country are now claiming his move to Sunderland has resulted in him being “completely forgotten” by his national team.

Bennette, who was in Costa Rica’s squad for the 2022 World Cup, hasn’t featured for the Tricolor since November of last year, when he played against Panama in the quarter-finals of the Concacaf Nations League. Media there claim that the likelihood of Bennette now being called back up is now slim, with the winger having gone from “fleeting growth to stagnating” at the Stadium of Light.

Bennette's Sunderland career so far

Bennette’s Sunderland career got off to a good start, scoring in just his second appearance for the club against Watford. But soon, he found himself further and further from first-team action, and in January 2024 was loaned to Greek Super League side Aris Thessaloniki for the remainder of the season.

Imagine him & Isidor: Le Bris must now unleash "top-level" Sunderland star

Regis Le Bris could be tempted to start this Sunderland star against Luton Town alongside Wilson Isidor.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 23, 2024

His time in Greece quickly turned into a nightmare, however. After making just two appearances for Aris, he was dropped. According to Bennette himself, he was dropped after complaining about the Greek club breaching his contract.

“When I arrived at Aris I started two games and after that they had to pay my salary, my house and my car. I complained to Sunderland and they were upset about that, so they started to leave me out and left me off the list,” the winger told Teletica in May.

He added of Aris: “I had to take out my savings to pay for my expenses, house and car there, they are irresponsible.”

Leeds United could be set to lose star defender Junior Firpo in the January transfer window, according to a new report.

Players who could leave Leeds in 2025

The Whites and Daniel Farke are looking to win promotion to the Premier League from the Championship in 2025 after falling short last time out in the playoff final at Wembley.

Leeds have made a relatively solid start to the campaign, sitting in the top six and suffering just one defeat to date. However, 2025 could see a number of players depart Elland Road, with striker Patrick Bamford looking to quit Leeds, it has been reported.

The longest-serving member of the squad and one of a few remaining members of the side under Marcelo Bielsa, Bamford is reportedly frustrated with his playing time under Farke after falling behind both Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe.

Alongside Bamford, full-backs Firpo and Sam Byram are out of contract at the end of the 24/25 season, with the former of the two impressing under Farke.

Firpo’s attacking output down the left-hand side has seen him produce 10 Championship assists since the start of last season and he even recently scored against Sunderland after combining with Wilfried Gnonto.

However, his £60,000-a-week deal is up soon, and by the looks of things, a New Year exit could be on the cards.

Junior Firpo eyeing Leeds exit in January

According to reports from Spain, relayed by LeedsLive, La Liga side Real Betis are looking to sign Firpo from Leeds in January. The Dominican Republic international played for Betis before his move to Barcelona and it is added that Firpo would be open to a return in what is a worrying transfer update for Leeds.

Farke commented on Firpo and Byram’s contract situation last month, saying: “If I’m honest, I haven’t thought about this scenario so far because it was such a difficult summer and we had to speak about other things. There will be the time when we speak about the future.

“You also know how much I really rate Junior and Sam, how important they are for us. Also from their personality. When we speak about Junior, especially also the last game against Burnley, after a long travel, he also played a really good game.

“I was pleased with this and he’s growing more and more, also into a leader role. He improves, also, his defensive skills. This is also what I like because he’s outstanding in this league in going forward, you all know this, but also to be able to improve further on his defending behaviour.”

Leeds now considering offer to once £11m signing who's now a free agent

The Whites are in need of reinforcements in midfield after multiple knee injuries to key players.

ByBarney Lane Oct 17, 2024

Leeds will know that January could be the last chance for them to cash in on Firpo, should he not sign a new deal, so this will be one to keep an eye on heading into 2025.

Everton could do with bolstering their squad in the January transfer window, and it looks as though The Friedkin Group have an exciting plan in place.

Friedkin looking to make his mark

A potentially successful new era beckons for the Blues, with Dan Friedkin and Co agreeing to buy Farhad Moshiri’s 94.1% stake in the club, in a move that has gone down extremely well with supporters.

Protests have been staged against the current ownership in the past, so this change is badly needed, and will hopefully make Everton more of a financial force, ensuring that relegation from the Premier League is avoided and the Merseysiders are in a healthy position when they head to their new Bramley Moore Dock home.

Friedkin will be closely eyeing the performance of Sean Dyche as manager, as he weighs up whether the Englishman is the right man to take Everton forward or not. The 53-year-old has had a better week or so, winning and then drawing at home to Crystal Palace and Newcastle United respectively, but he is still arguably under threat of losing his job.

David Moyes is reportedly keen on returning to Goodison Park if there is a change of manager, but it remains to be seen what will happen, with results after the international break set to be key. In terms of new signings on the pitch, an exciting update has now emerged.

Everton planning big January of transfers

According to a new report from Football Insider, Everton are planning a big January in the transfer market, looking to bring in three new players. The update claims that the Blues have a “three-man” plan in place, adding that “the new ownership will try to make funds available for Sean Dyche in the upcoming transfer window”.

Full-back is seen as a “priority” area, but a winger and striker are also being looked at by The Friedkin Group, and the hope is that they can bring in all three if the new owners can figure out their way around the PSR troubles the Toffees have faced in the last 18 months.

Everton supporters will be understandably buoyed by this update, with it acting as further proof that Friedkin plans on backing the club when it comes to transfers. This is still a Blues squad lacking the quality and depth to be more of a force in the Premier League, as highlighted by three relegation battles in a row, and they need to be in a position where there are far more top-quality options at the manager’s disposal.

Alan Myers: Everton have agreement in "principle" with versatile free agent

The situation has been cleared up nicely.

2 ByHenry Jackson Oct 6, 2024

Financial fair play will clearly be a potential factor, but if Everton were able to bring in a full-back, winger and striker in January, it could transform their season, particularly in terms of the added firepower in the final third. The early signs are certainly promising with The Friedkin Group, and Blues supporters deserve good owners after some grim times under Moshiri.

Rangers remain in the hunt for Los Angeles F.C star Jose Cifuentes with Michael Beale personally hopeful of more signings after Leon Balogun.

Who will Rangers sign?

It's been a busy, busy summer at Ibrox so far as the Gers prepare for what will be an interesting 2023/2024 Scottish Premiership campaign.

Beale's side watched on as Celtic, then lead by Ange Postecoglou, clinched a domestic treble last season with the Glasgow giants eager to avoid a sad repeat.

So far, Rangers have spent a combined £7.2 million on new signings, with Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers coming as their most expensive acquisitions from Italy.

The attacking duo are joined by Jack Butland, Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling, who signed on free transfers, while Brighton forward Abdallah Sima has also put pen to paper on a loan move.

Most recently, defender Leon Balogun re-joined Rangers on a one-year deal after leaving Queen's Park Rangers on a Bosman – with the club sealing seven major additions in total.

“Leon is a person that I have full trust in both as a footballer and a man," said Beale after Balogun's return.

“He is extremely well-liked by everyone inside the club, and we are very happy to have someone with his experience and leadership qualities re-joining our squad.

"Naturally he will integrate back into the club very quickly and he understands fully our way of working and style of play."

Despite the flurry of new additions, it is believed Rangers may not be done there, as Sky Sports share news of who could come in next after Balogun.

Indeed, the reliable broadcast giant claims Beale is still personally hopeful of adding more quality to his squad in time for the new campaign, with more signings "expected".

They name Ecuador international Cifuentes as a target, who remains on Rangers' radar following repeated links with a move to Scotland.

The 24-year-old, who featured at last year's World Cup in Qatar, is being targeted alongside Nottingham Forest defender Jonathan Ponzo.

Not much else is said on their move for Cifuentes, but given reports of his imminent move have died down somewhat, it appears a transfer is still very much on the cards.

How good is Jose Cifuentes?

The midfielder has been praised by both members of the press and Los Angeles head coach Steve Cherundolo, who recently said that the "sky is the limit" for Cifuentes.

Cherundolo, speaking to Los Angeles F.C's official website, branded the South American a "complete player" with Tim Vickery also long tipped him to be a success.

Speaking to talkSPORT all the way back in 2019, via Football Scotland, Vickery hailed Cifuentes as a terrific midfielder who previously starred for Ecuador's national youth sides.

Raving over his physical attributes as well, Vickery may have hinted that Gers supporters could witness plenty of quality if Cifuentes does move across the Atlantic.

"He was the beating heart of that [Ecuador U20] side and I think he's a terrific midfielder," said Vickery.

"He's strong, he's got quality, he's got a good engine – he's one of the best all-round midfielders, potentially, that I've seen come out of South America in a while."

The closer we get to the start of the new Premier League season, the more anxious West Ham United supporters are growing about a lack of new arrivals at the London Stadium.

With Declan Rice's £105m move to Arsenal dragging on, the Hammers are seemingly holding fire before bringing in any new recruits to bolster a side that underwhelmed domestically last season.

Who have West Ham signed so far this summer?

David Moyes' side have yet to make a single senior signing ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, despite the fact that they have already kicked off their pre-season programme.

Rice's departure will surely be confirmed by the end of the week, whilst Manuel Lanzini is another first-teamer who has departed during the close season following the expiration of his contract.

For all the doom and gloom, though, Denis Zakaria is reportedly close to arriving from Juventus, and Spanish outlet ABC de Sevilla suggests the Europa Conference League winners are in advanced talks for Real Betis defender Luiz Felipe.

How good is Luiz Felipe?

The report indicates that the Irons are confident of completing a €20m (£17m) deal for Felipe – who was once described as "excellent" by FootballClub writer Juanlu Rodriguez – in the coming days.

The 26-year-old titan has only spent one campaign with Betis, having arrived from Lazio – where he had been a regular for five Serie A seasons – in July last year.

Felipe thrives in the defensive aspects of the game – always a priority for any centre-back, of course – as he ranks in the top 1% of all of his positional peers for blocks per 90 minutes (2.39) across Europe's top five leagues over the past year, as per FBref, and in the top 5% for clearances per 90 (2.39).

To put that second figure in some perspective, Kurt Zouma – the most likely candidate to make way should Felipe arrive in East London – averaged 0.77 blocks, placing him in the bottom 8% of centre-backs across Europe's elite leagues.

Felipe was often guilty of overstepping the mark last season, as he became the first player to receive three red cards in his first 11 LaLiga games this century, as per Opta. After the third of those sendings-off at the start of February, however, he did not see red again before the end of the season.

If West Ham's need for a new centre-back – or perhaps even two – was not already clear, the statistics lay it bare. Zouma is in the bottom 1% of centre-backs for tackles per 90 with 0.41, which compares to 1.55 for Felipe (top 56%).

Italy international Felipe does lack in other areas, yet he still ranks higher than Zouma for passes attempted per 90 (47.07 v 37.60) and successful take-ons (0.21 v 0.09), which are becoming increasingly more important traits for defenders to have.

Zouma's performances have noticeably dropped over the past year or so – perhaps coinciding with off-field events – and the time for change is now. Having also previously been touted as a target for Barcelona, Felipe looks well suited to slot in alongside compatriot Ogbonna in the heart of Moyes' defence.

Liverpool continue to track Mainz's teenage striker Nelson Weiper and could look to lodge a formal bid this summer, according to recent reports…

What's the latest on Nelson Weiper to Liverpool?

That's according to German outlet BILD (via Sport Witness), who claim that the 18-year-old is a player who Liverpool have been very keen on for several years now, but his Bundesliga outfit will not sell him for anything under €20m (£17m).

There are even claims that Die Nullfünfer could value the player at around €50m (£43m) in two years' time, given that the meteoric rise he is currently riding shows no sign of abating as he continues his development.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp is understandably prioritising bolstering the midfield this summer, though the opportunity to sign such a precocious talent could be too good to turn down.

Who is Nelson Weiper?

It's been a tremendous start to life on the major stage for Weiper; having scored 41 goals from 39 matches at youth level, the German "mega-talent" – as hailed by German football consultant Adam Khan – netted twice for Mainz's senior side last season.

Indeed, Weiper scored twice in the Bundesliga from just nine appearances, and given that he is still yet to make his full debut in the competition it is no wonder that clubs of Liverpool's stature are circling.

The teenage sensation has been active for Germany U21s at the U21 European Championships this summer and started once from three outings, no he yielded no goals as the nation foundered in the group phase – albeit demonstrating his striking instincts by registering 2.7 shots per game, as per Sofascore.

While the onus will indeed shy away from the centre-forward position on the red half of Merseyside this summer given the necessity for reinforcements elsewhere and the recent acquisitions of Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez, Weiper would be a remarkable option for the future and is undoubtedly a true footballing "prodigy" – as also proclaimed by Khan.

His prospective move could spell danger for Kaide Gordon, who has been making a comeback from injury after impressing at youth level for Liverpool and scoring one goal from four senior appearances – on his debut against Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup.

Gordon has been described as an "exceptional" prospect by his German manager and does have the advantage of thriving across a multitude of positions, notably the offensive flanks and central striking role, but has indeed been unfortunate to have seen his progress hindered by a cruel injury that has left him on the sidelines for over 16 months.

Regardless, the one-cap England U18 international would likely see Weiper leapfrog him in regard to the ceiling of his career should he be signed, but from a more positive slant, there is every chance that the pair could forge a deadly striking alliance to wreak havoc in the future.

Tottenham Hotspur could tempt Italian giants Inter Milan with a bid to sign midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu this summer, according to reports.

Who are Spurs signing this summer?

The arrival of new manager Ange Postecoglou has also marked the signings of three major players, with Dejan Kulusevski, Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison joining Spurs in that order.

Kulusevski has put pen to paper on a permanent deal from Juventus, after spending the last 18 months on loan, while both Vicario and Maddison have been signed in this summer transfer window.

Postecoglou, speaking to Tottenham’s official website (via football.london), says the latter duo have a perfect mentality suited to a Spurs team he’s looking to build

“It’s not just about the talent they bring as footballers,” said Postecoglou.

“Both those guys have got it in abundance. I could hear it in their voices when I spoke to them. I had a couple of chats with both of them before we signed them and I knew that they were the right types to bring into the dressing room.”

Manor Solomon, who is joining on a free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk, is also in London for a medical today as Tottenham close in on a fourth signing.

As the hunt for a new defender continues, with both Micky van de Ven and Edmond Tapsoba heavily linked, there is a surprise claim that Tottenham could move for Calhanoglu from Inter.

That’s according to Inter Live.it, who say Spurs could end up tempting the Champions League finalists with an offer of around £30 million for the Turk.

They add this bid comes “out of nowhere” and to “especially” keep on eye out for Tottenham’s approach.

“Several British companies could, in fact, end up attempting an alleged offensive advance against Calhanoglu at any moment,” wrote the outlet.

“United and Chelsea aside, keep an eye out especially for Tottenham: a club that has set itself the goal of strengthening its midfield and that, out of nowhere, could even end up tempting the Nerazzurri by placing an offer of 35 million euros on the plate.”

What’s been said about Hakan Calhanoglu?

Last season, the 29-year-old averaged Inter’s second-highest performance rating per 90 (7.07), a number only bettered by their star striker Lautaro Martinez (WhoScored).

Over his 33 appearances, Calhanoglu racked up nine goal contributions, three goals and six assists, all while making more key passes per than any other Nerazzurri star (WhoScored).

Journalist Josh Bunting, writing on Twitter last year, also lauded the international attacker’s “absolutely sensational” range of passing.

Chelsea have scheduled a meeting this week to discuss a deal to sign Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

When does Victor Osimhen's contract expire?

Osimhen is a striker who currently plays his football at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium having moved there from Lille back in 2020 ,where’s he’s since gone on to become a regular feature of the first-team, clocking up 101 appearances to date.

The Nigeria international still has another two years to run on his contract in the Serie A, but having established himself as Rudi Garcia’s both overall and offensive top-performing player last season with a WhoScored match rating of 7.45, has grabbed the attention of Mauricio Pochettino.

Back in May, Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed that the Blues were “pushing” to sign the 24-year-old who is at the “top of the list” for attacking targets in the final third, and it sounds like club chiefs are now planning to take their interest one step further.

Are Chelsea signing Osimhen?

Taking to Twitter on Saturday, Tavolieri revealed that Chelsea, alongside Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United, have all arranged meetings with Osimhen’s representatives this week to present their project. He wrote:

“The Victor Osimhen saga will move on the market! #ManUnited, #ChelseaFC & #Liverpool have meetings planned with the entourage of the top scorer of #SerieA. Next week should define the intentions of his 3 clubs. The priority of #Osimhen is #PremierLeague.”

Chelsea are believed to be close to confirming the arrival of Villarreal centre-forward Nicolas Jackson after he completed his medical over the weekend. And having been dubbed “lethal” by journalist Josh Bunting, Osimhen could be a fantastic recruit should he follow in his footsteps, a more natural number nine than the versatile Jackson.

The Nigeria star posted a remarkable 31 goal contributions (26 goals and five assists) in 32 Serie A outings last season, form which saw him receive five man-of-the-match awards and named his division’s top goalscorer for the 2022/23 campaign.

Napoli’s £90k-per-week earner also recorded a total of 132 shots over the course of the previous term which was higher than any other member of his squad, as per FBRef, highlighting the prolific threat he poses when leading the line.

Finally, Osimhen would also add wonderful versatility to Pochettino’s ranks with his ability to operate everywhere across the frontline, despite his natrual dominance through the middle, so it would be a massive coup if he was to put pen to paper.