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Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have been told that ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ is “boring”, with a former promotion rival taking aim at their documentary.

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• Hollywood stars calling the shots in North Wales
• Window to the world has been opened up
• Not everybody is a fan of the cameras

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The FX-produced show is now award-winning, with praise raining down on a series that is into its third season. Every area of life in North Wales is covered, with Reynolds and McElhenney making a point of showcasing much more than just events on the field.

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  That is, however, not to everybody’s taste. There is plenty of football in the show, as the lid is lifted on back-to-back promotions for the Red Dragons. Cameras go inside the dressing room, as the air is often turned blue, but there is also a lot of focus on the local community.

• WHAT SARCEVIC SAID

  Ex-Stockport star Antoni Sarcevic – who is now on the books at Bradford – has explained why he was left disappointed when watching the first two series, with a man that helped the Hatters to beat Wrexham to the League Two title in 2023-24 telling the podcast: “I’ve not seen the latest one, no. I’ve seen the earlier ones but it weren’t really on the football was it. It was quite boring. I was thinking it was like the ‘All or Nothing’s’ that are on Amazon Prime. I thought it was going to be solely on the football, but it’s just everything around it.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  A fourth series of Welcome to Wrexham has already been announced, with Phil Parkinson readying his side for life in League One. Reynolds and McElhenney are set to make the funds available that will allow more transfer business to be completed this summer.

Arsenal Women's Player of the Season Lotte Wubben-Moy has revealed the secret to her success this campaign.

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• Wubben-Moy opened up on her secret to success
• Won Arsenal Women's Player of the Season award
• Gunners finished third in WSL and won the Conti Cup

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The central defender experienced an outstanding season with the Gunners as they finished third in the Women's Super League and won the Conti Cup. Wubben-Moy has also significantly increased her standing with the England team.

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  Only two years back she was just a squad player in the Lionesses side that won the European Championship 2022, however, her performances have considerably improved over the past 12 months. Now, Wubben-Moy has revealed how several changes she's made have helped her improve her game.

• WHAT WUBBEN-MOY SAID

  Speaking to , the 25-year-old said, "I made small changes with things like yoga and I do more relaxation methods. I wanted to pinpoint myself as one of the best centre-backs in the league and force myself into the England team. That was something that two years ago I might not have thought was possible but it’s been such a conscious thing that I kind of knew it would happen."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LOTTE WUBBEN-MOY?

  England are set to take on France in back-to-back Euro 2025 qualifying games on May 31 and June 4, however, the Arsenal player will miss the clashes as she is yet to recover from her foot injury.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been on a solid run of form recently, winning three out of their last five matches in the Premier League and are currently level on points with Chelsea in the table.

Furthermore, Wolves are merely five points behind Europa Conference League champions West Ham United in the race for the final European spot so qualification to the continent's third-ranked contest certainly isn't outside the realms of possibility.

O'Neil could land dream Dawson replacement in Wolves move for 6ft 1 "monster"

Wolves may be looking to complete a few signings next month to bolster their squad.

By
Ross Kilvington

Dec 23, 2023

However, if the Midlands club are to make a push for Europe for the first time since Nuno Espirito's spell in charge a few seasons back, investment will need to be made in January to bolster the squad.

Wolves transfer news – Che Adams

It was initially reported by TEAMTalk during the summer that Wolves had agreed a deal with Championship outfit Southampton to take Scotland international Che Adams on a season-long loan with the option to buy him permanently at the end of the current campaign. The Athletic added on transfer deadline day that the option-to-buy deal was worth £15m, but the move was eventually blocked by the Saints.

However, on Boxing Day, The Athletic provided another update to this ongoing transfer saga, revealing that Wolves are set to reignite their interest in the Scottish striker once the January transfer window opens. It has been confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano that Fabio Silva will be sent out on loan to Rangers for the remainder of the season, leaving Wolves' attacking department a little bare.

Furthermore, journalist Dean Jones has admitted that Adams "might leave" the St. Mary's Stadium over the coming weeks, with there being interest from other Premier League clubs, including Everton, but Wolves seem to be leading the race thus far.

Che Adams' stats this season

Having once been described as "dynamite" by sports reporter Jamie Borthwick, Adams is not enjoying his most prolific campaign as a player but has still chipped in with five goals in 21 appearances for Southampton. In fact, he is the joint-second-highest goalscorer at the club with only Adam Armstrong finding the net more for the Saints this season.

Nevertheless, the 27-year-old has been more potent in previous campaigns for Southampton but the striker has already matched his tally of five from last season, although the quality level of the Premier League compared to the Championship has played a helping hand with this. Regardless, in half a season, Adams has scored five times whereas, in his 72 appearances with Wolves, Silva has scored just five goals.

Since joining from Porto back in 2020 for a whopping £36m, the Portuguese centre-forward has really struggled to make any impact at all. This season alone, the frontman has one goal from 12 appearances in all competitions which came in a 5-0 win against League One outfit Blackpool in the EFL Cup.

While Adams may not be as prolific as Armstrong this term on the south coast, the duo have built up a really nice partnership when leading the line and have combined to score 39.5% of Southampton's goals this season in the Championship as Russell Martin's side are currently the third-highest scorers in England's second tier. Wolves boss Gary O'Neil will be hoping Adams can build up this type of partnership with his side's star centre-forward Hwang Hee-chan.

Hwang has found the net 11 times in 20 appearances while registering two assists in the meantime. Together, the pairing could be a force to be reckoned with in O'Neil's 3-5-2.

Wolves are quite reliant on Hwang to find the net lately as Wolves' second-most prolific player has just five in total. The addition of Adams could help alleviate the pressure off of the South Korean forward to put the ball away and may make Wolves an all-around better attack.

Borussia Dortmund are the latest club linked with Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood, whose Getafe loan is at an end.

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• Greenwood commands more interest
• Dortmund waiting to make approach
• Man Utd could trigger contract extension

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Dortmund are reported to be weighing up a summer approach for Greenwood, with explaining that a decision on whether to pursue that will be made after Saturday's Champions League final against Real Madrid at Wembley.

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  Greenwood has just finished a season on loan with Getafe that yielded 10 goals and six assists across 36 appearances in all competitions. It was his first campaign back in football after charges of assault, attempted rape and coercive and controlling behaviour were dropped in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew and "new material came to light". Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Juventus have also been credited with interest in recent months, while Getafe have made no secret of their desire to keep the Englishman but lack the financial tools.

• WHAT DORTMUND SAID

  "I don't want to talk about that now," Dortmund sporting director told reporters when pressed on the Greenwood speculation ahead of the upcoming Champions League final.

  "Of course we do have our plans for the next season and of course we discuss many scenarios, but nothing for today. Let's focus, let's anticipate that match on Saturday and then we'll see how we move on."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GREENWOOD?

  Greenwood isn't expected to be reintegrated at Manchester United, despite Sir Jim Ratcliffe leaving the door ajar. But the club could still trigger the 12-month extension option in his contract to ensure he doesn't leave as a free agent in 2025 if a loan, rather than a permanent transfer, is all they can secure this summer. Previous reports have suggested that the Old Trafford side want as much as £50 million ($64m) for the 22-year-old.

Tottenham Hotspur will commence their FA Cup campaign against struggling Burnley on Friday, with Ange Postecoglou's side in fine fettle after a recent revival in the Premier League.

Vincent Kompany's Burnley, by comparison, have been poor on their return to the top-flight and sit five points adrift of 17th-placed Everton after 20 matches, with just three wins all season.

Postecoglou will be eager to wade deep into this competition after falling at the first hurdle in the Carabao Cup; moreover, last year's eighth-place finish means Spurs sit this year out on the continental stage.

Heung-min Son, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr will all be absent after heading off to the Asia Cup and African Cup of Nations, though several regular starters should retain their spot as Postecoglou looks to avoid a potential banana skin tomorrow night.

AFC Asian Cup 2023: Every Premier League & Scottish Premiership player going

With the AFC Asian Cup 2023 now upon us, FFC takes a look at which players from the Premier League and Scottish Premiership will feature.

By
Luke Randall

Jan 2, 2024

With this in mind, it's predicted the hosts will make six changes from the team that defeated Bournemouth 3-1 in the league last time out.

1

GK – Fraser Forster

While Postecoglou could opt to hand first-choice shot-stopper Guglielmo Vicario his first appearance outside of the Premier League for Tottenham, the veteran Fraser Forster started during the Carabao Cup penalty defeat against Fulham back in August and should be placed between the sticks against the Clarets

2

RB – Emerson Royal

It's been a while since Emerson Royal the right-back played at right-back, but then Pedro Porro's imperious form and injuries across the backline have called for the Brazilian's versatility to patch over the absences.

Ebbing and flowing like a tide in the wind but recently showing signs of greater solidity, Emerson should return to his natural role on Friday evening to give the club's No. 1 down the right flank a well-deserved break.

3

CB – Eric Dier

Postecoglou was decidedly vague when questioned about Eric Dier's future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and while the long-serving England international has been firmly on the fringe this season – starting only once all term – he will surely be given a start against Burnley.

Star centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are both sidelined and with Emerson moving back out wide, Dier – who has played 364 times for Spurs – should be handed a start.

4

CB – Ashley Phillips

Ben Davies has played every minute of the past nine Premier League encounters amid Tottenham's injury crisis and should receive a rest against Burnley, meaning youngster Ashley Phillips could finally make his debut after signing from Blackburn Rovers for £3m.

Dubbed a "monster" by Spurs expert John Wenham, the 18-year-old is commanding and powerful and could convince his manager for a bigger role with a strong showing.

5

LB – Destiny Udogie

Destiny Udogie is potent and robust and has been a revelation at left-back this season, having risen to prominence on English soil after spending the 2022/23 season out on loan with Udinese after signing from the Serie A team the season before for £15m.

As per Sofascore, the £75k-per-week whiz has completed 87% of his passes, won 53% of his duels and averaged 2.5 tackles, 2.4 clearances and 6.4 ball recoveries this season.

6

DM – Oliver Skipp

Oliver Skipp, aged 23, has featured regularly for Tottenham this season but has never quite established himself as a key figure, starting just twice in the Premier League.

The Englishman has completed an average of 88% of his passes over the past year and will be expected to keep it tidy in the centre of the park tomorrow.

7

CM – Rodrigo Bentancur

2023 was not a good year for Rodrigo Bentancur, who ruptured his ACL against Leicester City last February and was out until October.

Returning off the bench three times, the Uruguayan was the victim of a lunging challenge from Matty Cash as Spurs lost to Aston Villa, throwing him back into the medical room for the next six fixtures.

However, he started against Bournemouth in a display of promise, and will now need to start building his fitness and form.

8

CM – Giovani Lo Celso

Having spent the past campaign-and-a-half on loan with Villarreal, Giovani Lo Celso was welcomed back to the fold last summer and has proved his value with some important performances over the past several months as James Maddison recovers from an ankle injury.

As per FBref, the Argentina international ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, pass completion, passes attempted and progressive passes and the top 8% for shot-creating actions per 90.

9

RW – Dejan Kulusevski

Dejan Kulusevski missed his first league match of the season against Bournemouth after picking up a one-match suspension, but he should return to give the Lilywhites energy and creativity in abundance.

Highlighting his best attributes, Sky Sports' Jamie Weir recently said: "Dejan Kulusevski really is a special special player. Works so hard, covers every blade of grass. Hell of an engine on him, and just so much heart."

10

LW – Bryan Gil

With Son now out on international duty for the forthcoming month or so, one might assume that Brennan Johnson would get the job against Kompany's team, but Bryan Gil should receive only his third start of the campaign.

The 22-year-old winger was once said to be "like Bernardo Silva" by erstwhile Spurs manager Antonio Conte because of his technical quality, and while it hasn't happened on English shores, perhaps all that is needed is a star showing to turn the tide.

After Sandro Tonali was hit with a lengthy ban earlier this season for breaching betting rules, Newcastle United were left short on options in midfield and have paid the price ever since.

Where Newcastle stand on transfers and FFP

It won't be an easy transfer window for Newcastle when it comes to finding incomings, given their Financial Fair Play situation. According to The Guardian, Newcastle may have to sell players before they can welcome further big-money incomings this month. This comes as a result of the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, which state that clubs are allowed to report a loss of £105m over a three-year period. Newcastle's loss reportedly sits above that, but investment in the women's team, charity foundation and academy don't play a part, leaving them within the guidelines.

Speaking on the situation, the Magpies' chief executive Darren Eales said, via The Guardian: “If we’re going to get to where we want to get to, at times, it’s necessary to trade your players. It’s a counterintuitive part of the PSR system that there is an incentive to trade players if you want to reinvest.”

That said, there could still be some room for reinforcements this month, which could include a defensive midfielder. According to Tutto Mercato Web, Newcastle have made contact to sign Ederson and are even ready to make an important offer. Atalanta, however, have made it clear that their player is not for sale this month unless they can find a replacement quickly, which is unlikely.

Newcastle's head scout Steve Nickson was reportedly in attendance to watch Ederson in Atalanta's victory over Frosinone recently, but may be forced to wait until the summer before he can potentially see the Brazilian lining up at St James' Park.

"Strong" Ederson would be an upgrade on Longstaff

Even though Newcastle may have to wait until the summer to land Ederson, he is a player who is more than worth the wait. Now 24-years-old, the Atalanta man should be entering his best years, making a move to the Premier League potentially better timed than ever, should the Magpies push on and secure his signature. Ederson's stats show that he'd be a major upgrade on Sean Longstaff for Newcastle too.

Looking at the numbers, it's no surprise that South American football expert Tim Vickery has been so full of praise when speaking to Sky Sports about Ederson. Vickery said: "24-years-old, strong, well-built central midfielder. Strong on the ball, versatile, box-to-box. Strong personality as well. The first time I remember him was his professional debut really.

"He was thrown in the deep end in a big team called Cruzeiro, who were really on the slide. They were relegated in dreadful form and even in this bad context, he stood out, so a lot of virtues."

La Roja are yet again set to blend youth with experience as they aim to win their fourth continental crime this summer

The most recent golden generation of Spanish football has officially passed. With Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba having left the national team set-up for good, the last dregs of one of the greatest international sides of all-time have disappeared.

But that doesn't mean La Roja are without talent. The most-recent Nations League winners reached the semi-finals of Euro 2020 with a side that combined youth with experience, and though Luis Enrique has since moved on, his replacement – Luis de la Fuente – has maintained that philosophy since taking over the reins.

They will face a fight to make it out of their group, however, having been drawn alongside defending European champions Italy and fellow Nations League finalists Croatia, meaning De la Fuente cannot afford any missteps. So, who has the Spain boss decided to take to Germany? GOAL takes a look at La Roja's 26-strong squad below…

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  GOALKEEPERS

  Unai Simon was installed as Spain's starting goalkeeper ahead of the delayed Euro 2020, and has kept the role ever since, though he is now coming under strong pressure from David Raya, whose improved performances for Arsenal could yet earn him the No.1 shirt in Germany.

  Meanwhile, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Robert Sanchez have fallen out of favour at club level for Real Madrid and Chelsea, respectively, opening the door for uncapped Real Sociedad 'keeper Alex Remiro to become third-choice.

  Name	Club
  David Raya	Arsenal
  Alex Remiro	Real Sociedad
  Unai Simon	Athletic Club

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  DEFENDERS

  Despite moving to the Saudi Pro League, Aymeric Laporte remains first-choice at the back for Spain, and looks set to be partnered by Real Sociedad's Robin Le Normand in Germany.

  The full-back positions also look settled, with Alejandro Grimaldo likely to be rewarded for his superb season at Bayer Leverkusen with a starting role on the left, while Dani Carvajal will take up his usual role on the right flank.

  Name	Club
  Dani Carvajal	Real Madrid
  Marc Cucurella	Chelsea
  Alejandro Grimaldo	Bayer Leverkusen
  Aymeric Laporte	Al-Nassr
  Robin Le Normand	Real Sociedad
  Nacho	Real Madrid
  Jesus Navas	Sevilla
  Dani Vivian	Athletic Club

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  MIDFIELDERS

  There's no question who Spain's best player is heading into the Euros, with Rodri remaining the most impressive defensive midfielder in the game right now as he bosses central areas for Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, while also popping up with an occasional important goal.

  Pedri who could also offer so much if he can stay healthy. His Barca team-mate Fermin Lopez may also get a look, while Fabian Ruiz could have an important role to play after a series of impressive showings for former Spain boss Luis Enrique at Paris Saint-Germain.

  Name	Club
  Alex Baena	Villarreal
  Fermin Lopez	Barcelona
  Mikel Merino	Real Sociedad
  Pedri	Barcelona
  Rodri	Manchester City
  Fabian Ruiz	Paris Saint-Germain
  Martin Zubimendi	Real Sociedad

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  FORWARDS

  Lamine Yamal has been, quite comfortably, the best young player in Europe this season, but like so many Barcelona starlets, will need to see his game time managed. Still, he figures to be a must-start if fit.

  Alvaro Morata will likely have the central role nailed down, meanwhile, but there are questions to answer on the left-hand side of the forward line. Dani Olmo can certainly play out wide, but is at his most effective slightly tucked in. That would seem to open up space for Nico Williams, who has improved immensely for Athletic Club this season.

  Ferran Torres will perhaps get a look, too, as he's provided some timely goals for Barca this season, and could be a strong option off the bench. Ayoze Perez was a surprise inclusion following a solid season at Real Betis.

  Name	Club
  Joselu	Real Madrid
  Alvaro Morata	Atletico Madrid
  Dani Olmo	RB Leipzig
  Mikel Oyarzabal	Real Sociedad
  Ayoze Perez	Real Betis
  Ferran Torres	Barcelona
  Nico Williams	Athletic Club
  Lamine Yamal	Barcelona

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland was asked to identified himself to balaclava-clad police during an armed raid on a Marbella beach club.

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• Norwegian enjoying summer break
• Has headed from France to Spain
• Drama during relaxing vacation

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 23-year-old striker is enjoying his summer break after helping City to a historic Premier League title triumph in 2023-24 – with the prolific Norwegian landing himself another Golden Boot along the way. He has no football to contend with at present after failing to help his country to Euro 2024.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Haaland is making the most of an opportunity to let his hair down, with time spent in France before heading to southern Spain. He is a regular visitor to Marbella and the popular Playa Padre club. His latest visit has, however, proved to be memorable for all of the wrong reasons.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Haaland was forced to show ID after seeing security forces in riot gear force their way into the bar in question, while a helicopter circled overhead. A similar raid recently took place at the famous Ocean Beach club in Puerto Banus, with local police clamping down as part of the Operation Marbella project.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Tourists have been told to brace themselves for unscheduled and unexpected raids, with police forces eager to point out that “there’s nothing serious going on” and they are merely completing “routine” checks. Haaland – who was captured parting with DJs at a Marbella nightspot last week – may think twice before heading back to the region in future.

Ahead of the summer, Celtic have decisions to make on a number of players coming to the end of their contracts. One of those is Rocco Vata, the talented youngster who had looked set to leave Parkhead amid interest from Italy, only for the Hoops to open negotiations over a new deal. Celtic have made progress towards an agreement with the 18-year-old and an extension is now thought to be close.

The outlook is comparatively bleak when it comes to the future of midfielder David Turnbull, though. Speaking last month, Brendan Rodgers said he "won't lose sleep" over his refusal to pen fresh terms after unsuccessful talks last summer.

Intriguingly, there could be some upheaval in the goalkeeping ranks in Glasgow, with both Joe Hart and Scott Bain into their final six months. And it seems Rodgers is already adamant about what he wants to do with the former.

Celtic to bid farewell to Hart

According to Football Insider, Celtic will replace Hart as their first-choice goalkeeper ahead of next season. The Scottish Premiership leaders are "actively seeking" a new number one in their preparations for the summer transfer window.

Rodgers is apparently happy to keep Hart between the sticks for the remainder of the current campaign, but he's "eager" to replace him straight away, with the position marked out as the "top priority" for the off-season.

Champions League exposes Hart as Kelleher eyed

It's slightly surprising that Hart's exit is already considered an inevitability given the extent of his involvement this season. He's played 29 games so far, starting all but one match across all competitions – he was suspended for the league game against Motherwell at the end of September after picking up a red card versus Livingston.

There hasn't even been rotation for the cup games, with Hart donning the armband against Highland League side Buckie Thistle last weekend, but that would appear to reflect Rodgers' doubts about the strength of his backup options rather than any overwhelming confidence in Hart.

Indeed, while he's kept 11 clean sheets this term, he struggled in the group stages of the Champions League. Celtic conceded a joint-competition high of 15 goals, and while that isn't automatically a knock on the 'keeper – sometimes there's nothing they can do – Hart only faced a post-shot xG total of 13.3, which gave him the fifth-poorest shot-stopping record in the tournament. Rodgers will want somebody who can truly hold their own against the toughest opponents.

Celtic could land dream O'Riley replacement in £3m Bernardo rival

Speculation is rife regarding the future of Parkhead’s new talisman…

By
Robbie Walls

Jan 25, 2024

Who could Celtic go out and get, then? Well, one possible name is Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher. It was reported this week that they're considering a move for the Irishman, who wants to leave Anfield, but they're banking on Liverpool first lowering their £20m demands. As much as Rodgers may view him as a solution to his problems, there's a feeling that no suitor will even come close to that valuation.

The January transfer window may only just have closed, but already Manchester United and their new minority shareholder Jim Ratcliffe appear to be hard at work on potential additions to the squad this summer.

One of those is Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, with recent reports suggesting that United are at the front of the queue, ahead of several Premier League sides, to sign him from Everton. Manager Erik ten Hag and his recruitment staff view him as a long-term target, but he's not the only one attracting their interest in the backline.

Over in Italy, it's been claimed that United are setting up a meeting with Juventus to discuss the availability of centre-back Gleison Bremer, a player Ten Hag views as an "ideal" fit, and now there's been an encouraging update on the Red Devils' chances of landing him.

United lead the way for £60m Bremer

According to Calciomercato, United are in pole position to sign Bremer this summer. They've been on the "trail" of the Brazilian "for some time now" as they pursue a "reliable centre-back" and there's a feeling that he'd "adapt perfectly" to the English top-flight.

Man Utd star has now seen his value soar by 5000% in 1 year

The Red Devils youngster has burst onto the scene under Erik ten Hag this season.

By
Dan Emery

Feb 5, 2024

It was only a couple of months ago that Bremer signed a new deal that runs until the summer of 2028 and improves his earnings, but Juventus' policy is that any player can leave if the right offer is received. In the case of Bremer, they intend to drive a hard bargain, demanding a fixed fee of around £60m (which means United won't be able to reach their demands with add-ons).

Bremer would try to offer Varane upgrade

Bremer, described as an "animal" by former Torino team-mate Mergim Vojvoda, won Serie A's Best Defender award in 2021/22 and was named in the Team of the Season last year too, underlining his status as one of Europe's top players in his position.

However, what will really matter for United is whether he represents an upgrade on Raphael Varane, who's set to leave Old Trafford this summer after the club decided not to exercise their option to extend his contract by another 12 months.

It's difficult to compare the numbers of two different defenders, because the volume of their actions will depend upon how much they're being asked to do within certain matches. It shows us how busy they are rather than how good they are.

There are, however, a few metrics that are of use. As you can see in the table below, Varane is a more precise distributor than Bremer despite executing more progressive passes, although it should also be noted that the latter is attempting almost twice as many long balls per game.

As for the defensive fundamentals, Bremer has the edge when it comes to halting the runs of attackers, and while Varane would appear to have a big lead in the air, it should be noted that he's only contested 18 duels to his counterpart's 107. Already determined to move on from the Frenchman, we can expect United to watch the Juve star closely until the end of the campaign as they decide how much they're prepared to pay for his services.