All posts by n8rngtd.top

This season feels like it could be a brutal one for West Ham United.

The board have made a few good signings, such as Mads Hermansen and El Hadji Malick Diouf, but with Callum Wilson being their only attacking signing, it feels like they have left themselves short.

Moreover, it now looks almost certain that Edson Alvarez will be leaving the London Stadium before the window shuts, leaving the squad even lighter on quality.

Fortunately, reports have linked the club to a midfield talent who’d be a brilliant addition to the side and a significant upgrade on the Mexican.

West Ham target Alvarez upgrade

When West Ham signed Alvarez from Ajax in the summer of 2023, there was a lot of understandable excitement around the deal.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

After all, the Mexican international won two league titles with the Amsterdam outfit and left with 147 appearances under his belt.

However, instead of coming in and making up for the loss of Declan Rice, the 27-year-old has struggled with the pace and intensity of English football, and now looks like he could leave the club this summer, either on loan or permanently.

Interestingly, the East Londoners are now being linked with an up-and-coming talent who could come in and replace Alvarez.

At least that is according to a recent report from Sky Sports’ Tim Vickery, who has claimed that West Ham are interested in Andrey Santos.

It’s not the first time the Hammers have been credited with an interest in the exciting Brazilian, as reports from earlier this month claimed that they have already seen an offer of around £42m rejected.

It remains to be seen whether this is a transfer that could happen, but if there is any chance at all, West Ham have to take it, as Santos would be an excellent signing and a massive upgrade on Alvarez.

How Santos compares to Alvarez

So, the first thing to point out is that while Santos is certainly a midfielder who can get forward and attack, and is more inclined to do so compared to Alvarez, he has still spent almost half of his playing career in the six position.

Moreover, respected analyst Ben Mattinson has gone as far as calling him a “duel monster” for the tenacious way he wins the ball off opposition players and argues that this, combined with his “top tackling ability”, helps to make him “brilliant at screening the backline.”

In other words, the 21-year-old is no pushover when it comes to the defensive side of playing in the middle of the park.

With that, how do the pair stack up against one another when we take a look under the hood, at their underlying numbers?

Unfortunately for the Mexican international, it’s an incredibly one-sided affair, as the former Vasco da Gama gem outperforms him in practically every relevant metric, including things like expected and actual non-penalty goals, progressive carries, shot and goal-creating actions, tackles, blocks, interceptions and more, all per 90.

These numbers help to paint the picture of an all-action midfielder who is dynamic and dangerous in attack, but also robust and solid enough in defence.

Finally, on top of everything else, the Blues ace is able to transform his impressive attacking numbers into real output.

In 34 appearances for Strasbourg last season, the 21-year-old phenom scored 11 goals and provided five assists and was praised by Mattinson for the way he “crashes the box.”

Ultimately, while it might require a massive fee, West Ham should be going all out to sign Santos this summer, as not only would he be a huge upgrade on Alvarez, but he’d help elevate the entire team.

Sheringham 2.0: West Ham in race to sign Premier League "proven goalscorer"

The vastly experienced goalscorer could be a brilliant signing for West Ham and Graham Potter.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 20, 2025

A 5-0 win and the announcement of Eberechi Eze. Weekends don’t get much better if you’re an Arsenal fan.

This has been a spectacular window and it was capped off by Eze’s arrival last week, signing for his boyhood club, returning to the team that rejected him at the age of 13.

It’s a dream fulfilled. The smile on his face over the last week has been joyous. Very rarely have we seen a player so delighted to sign for the Gunners.

Yet, Andrea Berta and Co aren’t done quite yet. Anyone fancy another left-sided defender? Mikel Arteta, of course you do. The window wouldn’t be complete without one arriving.

Arsenal's transfer plans after signing Eze

Surprising news emerged at the beginning of the week that with Jakub Kiwior set to depart the Emirates Stadium, another defender could arrive.

That player is Bayer Leverkusen star, Piero Hincapie. One of the most exciting defenders in the game, Hincapie has proven himself to be a rampant threat when playing as a left-back, but also a pillar of solidity when playing as a centre-back.

This move would be the icing on the cake as far as Arteta is concerned, but despite a near £300m summer spend, more forwards are still on Arsenal’s radar.

Indeed, according to Caught Offside, the Gunners and Chelsea are monitoring Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It’s reported that Lookman’s future in Italy is hanging by a thread after falling out with key figures at the club, thus opening up the possibility of a transfer in the remaining week of the window.

Inter Milan have been the most serious suitors for much of the summer but with no move forthcoming yet, a number of clubs in England have weighed up swoops.

Arsenal are said to be considering an approach, while Chelsea and Aston Villa are also interested in the £45m forward.

The two London clubs may hold an advantage. It’s claimed that Lookman has moved back to the English capital this summer.

Why Lookman could be Eze 2.0 for Arsenal

It’s safe to say that Eze and Lookman have enjoyed/endured similar journeys on their rise to footballing stardom.

Born a matter of months apart, both in London, the two 27-year-olds grew up in the capital and began their careers in a similar fashion.

While Eze was rejected by Arsenal, eventually going onto play in the academies at Fulham and Millwall, before he got his big break at QPR, it was in the EFL and London where Lookman was also first spotted, playing for Charlton Athletic.

While they caught their eye with trickery, it’s not been until the last few years that they’ve become talents worthy of playing for one of the Premier League’s biggest and best clubs.

Indeed, over the last two campaigns, Eze has dazzled for Crystal Palace, scoring 25 goals and registering 17 assists in all competitions. He’s in his prime and the numbers showcase that.

Lookman is cut from a similar cloth. He’s a “superstar” in the words of 90min’s Sean Walsh and has really exploded over the last two years in Italy. Who can forget his famous hat-trick that won Atalanta the Europa League in 2023/24?

Those are just three of 37 goals he’s scored in the last two seasons, years where he also supplied 17 assists for good measure too, the same number as Eze.

While the Nigeria international has predominantly played as a centre-forward in Serie A, like Eze, he’s capable of playing on either flank or behind the striker.

They’re dazzling with the ball at their feet too, the former Palace star notably ranking inside the top 15% of positionally similar players in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons per 90 minutes and Lookman sitting among the best 6% of positionally similar players for progressive carries.

London-born, the same age, similarly versatile, explosive and in their primes, there is a lot to compare between the two players. Arsenal could do far worse than Lookman if they are on the hunt for even more firepower before the window closes.

Perfect for Saka: Arsenal submit bid to sign "complete" star after Hincapie

Arsenal have made their move to land another star for Mikel Arteta this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 27, 2025

Manchester United could revisit their interest in Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in January, despite signing Senne Lammens earlier this year. With Ruben Amorim under pressure after a poor start to the campaign, the club are expected to explore reinforcements — and former Red Devils scout Mick Brown believes Martinez remains firmly on their radar.

• Amorim and Man Utd struggling with goalkeeping options

  Amorim’s side have endured a sluggish start to the Premier League season, winning just two of their opening six games and crashing out of the Carabao Cup to League Two side Grimsby. Despite signing Senne Lammens as competition for Altay Bayindir, Amorim is said to be keen on adding a senior goalkeeper. Brown suggests United could return for Aston Villa’s Martinez, despite their failed move for the Argentinian this summer.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Man Utd tipped to go for Martinez again

  “I’m still surprised they didn’t get Martinez,” former United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider. “They wanted him, he wanted the move, but at the end of the day they couldn’t come to an agreement with Villa so the deal collapsed. They’ve gone and got Lammens now, but Amorim has been saying he still wants a goalkeeper, so the recruitment team will be looking at their options.

  “I have no doubt Martinez is still one of those, because he’s a top-class goalkeeper and one who would immediately solve the issues they’ve had recently. He’s strong, imposing, a top shot-stopper and a character in the dressing room which it feels like they’re sorely lacking at Man United at the moment. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to see them go back in for him, especially with the manager still demanding a goalkeeper, whether that’s in January or next summer.”

• (C)Getty Images
  

  Would Martinez be open to Man Utd move now?

  Martinez was reportedly disappointed to miss out on a move to Old Trafford, having been Amorim’s preferred choice to succeed Onana. The Argentina international has since been reintegrated into Unai Emery’s first-team setup at Aston Villa. However, with Aston Villa enduring an inconsistent start, speculation around his future could resurface if United firm up their renewed interest.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Martinez unlikely to push for January move

  Martinez remains under contract at Villa Park and is not expected to push for a move mid-season unless circumstances change dramatically. United’s focus will depend on Amorim’s position and whether Lammens or Bayindir can regain form. Should their struggles continue, the Red Devils could make another attempt to secure Martinez as part of a January reshuffle.

Manchester United now have only the weapons at their disposal until January after Monday’s transfer deadline, but that doesn’t mean clubs elsewhere aren’t looking to snap up their own assets, with some windows around the world not yet closed.

Manchester United look ahead after promising transfer window

Results haven’t been too kind to Ruben Amorim this season, but there have been flickering signs that performances at Old Trafford are beginning to come together after some high-profile signings during the transfer window.

Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon, Senne Lammens, and Benjamin Sesko took Manchester United’s summer spending spree to around £225 million, illustrating a level of ambition from INEOS to help the Red Devils challenge at the top end of the Premier League.

Ultimately, four points from nine available in the top-flight and a shock cup exit to Grimsby Town is unlikely to win any favour among supporters. Still, there is no doubt that this is a transitional season for Amorim’s men as they recover from an unfateful 2024/25 campaign.

Now, the focus is on integrating new faces for an important run of upcoming fixtures, starting with an away trip to rivals Manchester City after the international break, before a home clash with Chelsea.

After sustaining an injury against Burnley, former Wolverhampton Wanderers man Cunha confirmed via social media that he will be back sooner rather than later, stating: “What an incredible environment, it’s great to be here. I’ll be back soon, always with joy and gratitude. Thanks for all the messages.”

Sold for £5m: Man Utd must rue selling £43m star who'd get Sesko firing

Manchester United made a huge mistake in allowing one player to depart Old Trafford in recent times.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 5, 2025

With the window now over in Europe, fans could be forgiven for thinking the Red Devils’ squad is now settled for time to come, but clubs are already scouring the market for players who may become of interest, and in some cases the window is still open…

Harry Maguire attracting interest from Saudi Pro League

According to The Sun, two Saudi Pro League clubs want to sign Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, with their window open until September 23. The player himself is considering the move, but only at the end of this season, which is perhaps a hit to INEOS and a boost for Amorim, as the Red Devils will lose out on a transfer fee but the manager keeps a consistent starter this season.

Indeed, the £190,000 per week earner is committed to remaining at Old Trafford until his contract expires in the summer of 2026, but this looks like one to watch once his deal ends when he could receive a massive pay hike.

Becoming a pillar of the Red Devils’ backline in recent years, Maguire has registered 16 goals and nine assists in 249 appearances for the club. He will be 33 by the time his Manchester United contract comes to an end, and it is clear that he has plenty of options open if he wants to seek a new career challenge elsewhere – or generational wealth.

TEAMtalk report that Manchester United could look to extend his contract, citing Amorim’s belief that he is a ‘crucial’ part of the dressing room, but it appears he could now be set to follow Andre Onana amid interest from Saudi clubs in the Cameroon international.

Manchester City star John Stones has revealed that he considered announcing his retirement from professional football last season amid his persistent injury problems. Stones appeared in just 11 Premier League matches for the Cityzens in 2024-25, having to remain sidelined for a long period with foot and hamstring problems. He played his last game of the 2024-25 season in February.

• Stones had an injury-plagued 2024-25 season

  Last season proved to be a nightmare for Stones, who is now back to fitness and ready to make an impact for club and country. However, he's admitted injury problems led him to some dark places mentally.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Retirement became an option

  Speaking to the , Stones said: "Last season was tough for me, to the point where I thought about stopping. I didn't want to do it. I had had enough of being so professional and trying to do everything right in my power, to then keep breaking down and not having the answers. It was a very difficult place to be in.

  "There comes a point where you don't know why it happens and it is even harder when you put in so much effort, or you are ultra professional, to be able to play and be available. When that time comes and something happens, it would be easier to say 'well I didn't do X, Y and Z that's why' – but when you do it, it's then mentally challenging. Hopefully I don't go back to that place.

  "My emotions were high. I wasn't thinking straight. I don't think deep down I would have ever done it [retired].

  "I said years ago when City wanted me to have a new challenge, I said 'I am going to fight'. That's all I have known since I was a kid – why should I stop that now? So yes, there is that fight in me and that winning mentality that doesn't want to stop."

• Stones ready to sign new City contract

  The reported last month that City want to keep Stones at the club and are ready to open talks over a new contract. The England star's current deal expires at the end of the season but he remains a key member of Guardiola's squad, and he is now minded to remain at the Etihad.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  Stones set to make England comeback

  Stones was forced to pull out of the England squad in September after suffering a minor muscle injury, but he is now up and running and has earned a Three Lions call-up for the October international games. Thomas Tuchel's side face Wales in a friendly on Thursday, before travelling to Riga to face Latvia in a World Cup qualifier five days later.

U.S. Soccer confirmed that the 2031 Women's World Cup bid will include Mexico, Jamaica and Costa Rica. The announcement comes after FIFA gave unanimous approval to expand the tournament from 32 to 48 teams. It is a new chapter in women’s football with even more participating nations and more matches

• United States to host WWC for third time

  Though the award process has not yet been finalized, FIFA has announced that there were no other bidders for the tournament. So when the 2031 World Cup kicks off, it will presumably mark the third time the United States has hosted a Women’s World Cup, following the iconic events in 1999 and 2003.

  No other country has hosted the event more than twice. The U.S. will also become the first nation to host both men’s and women’s World Cups within five years, with the 2026 men’s World Cup, co-hosted with Mexico and Canada, already on the horizon. The 2026 tournament will feature 11 U.S. host cities, with the final set to take place at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, a potential blueprint for 2031. 

  U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone expressed pride in leading what she described as a “transformative collaboration."

  "We're incredibly proud to be leading this bid for the 2031 Women's World Cup alongside our CONCACAF partners in Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica," Cone said in a statement. "Together, we have an extraordinary opportunity to host the biggest and most impactful Women's World Cup in history, one that will inspire a new generation of fans and help grow the women's game across our entire region and around the world.

  "We're excited to drive lasting progress for women's soccer by creating a legacy that reaches far beyond 2031 and sets a new global standard for the sport."

Advertisement

• Jamaica also makes history

  Jamaica's inclusion is a historic leap forward in women's sport. It marks the first time that a Caribbean country will host World Cup matches at any level, with Jamaica Football Federation president Michael Ricketts describing the news as “a dream come true.”

  "This will have a huge impact on the psyche of every single Jamaican," he said. "It is no ordinary feat for a small country like ours to host World Cup matches. This is absolutely tremendous. We are very hopeful and optimistic that we can put together an experience that is truly memorable for our players and fans. This is huge for Jamaica and for every person who proudly calls themselves Jamaican."

  FIFA President Gianni Infantino has made no secret of his ambitions for the women’s game. Following the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which broke even with $570 million (£426m) in revenue, Infantino has set his sights on generating $1 billion (£750m) from the 2031 edition.

  The expanded format, coupled with the massive commercial pull of the U.S., makes that goal achievable.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Expansion to 48 teams

  FIFA’s decision to expand the competition to 48 teams is another important step in the expansion of women's sport. The 2031 tournament will adopt a 12-group format, extending the schedule by one week and increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104.

  This will mark the largest Women’s World Cup ever staged. Since its inception in 1991, when just 12 nations competed in China, the Women’s World Cup has expanded steadily to 16 in 1999, 24 in 2015, and 32 in 2023, when Spain lifted the trophy.

  Now, the jump to 48 teams represents a milestone. The next edition, in 2027, will be hosted by Brazil, keeping the 32-team format before the full expansion comes into play in 2031.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• UK in 2035?

  While the Americas prepare to take center stage in 2031, with their joint bid alongside Jamaica and Costa Rica uncontested, the next chapter for women’s football is already being written. The United Kingdom is expected to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup, with England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland submitting the only valid joint bid, as confirmed by Infantino.

  There have been suggestions that the UK edition could feature iconic venues such as Wembley, Hampden Park, and Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, alongside potential new builds such as Manchester United’s new stadium and Birmingham City’s proposed 62,000-seater home, provided the construction of the state-of-the-art facilities finish in time.

With less than 12 months left of his current deal, Liverpool are facing a familiar situation with Ibrahima Konate and one that Anfield chiefs must solve sooner rather than later.

Ibrahima Konate contract latest

Of course, it wasn’t so long ago that Liverpool faced this exact situation with Trent Alexander-Arnold. But as the former Liverpool star is finding out, life at Real Madrid offers no guarantee of game time. As things stand, he finds himself behind veteran Dani Carvajal in the pecking order under Xabi Alonso, which recently cost him his England place.

Whether Konate heeds that warning is the big question. The Frenchman has been locked in talks with Liverpool without the emergence of an outcome that suits all parties. It’s been a frustrating situation for all involved, but one that Konate far from helped on international duty when he joked that Kylian Mbappe is attempting to lure him to Real Madrid.

Had Liverpool signed Marc Guehi on deadline day like it looked as though they would then any concerns around Konate’s future may have been eased. After Crystal Palace pulled the plug on their captain’s late switch, however, Arne Slot has been left with four senior centre-backs, which includes the injury-prone Joe Gomez.

Gary Neville’s incredible Salah claim from 2019 has come back to haunt him

He has had a shocker with this one.

By
Henry Jackson

Sep 16, 2025

Guehi could still become a Liverpool player at the end of his own contract in the summer, but keeping Konate should still be the priority. After a tough start to the season, the Frenchman has been back to his dominant best in the last two games against Arsenal and Burnley, helping his side keep their first two clean sheets of the season.

Alas, with his contract ticking down, and Real Madrid stepping things up, Liverpool have a big decision to make on Konate’s future.

Liverpool now considering Konate decision

According to reports in Spain, Michael Edwards and Liverpool are now considering selling Konate in the January transfer window. The central defender is reportedly set to be the subject of a winter offer from Real Madrid, who are ready to go all out amid their centre-back crisis.

The Spanish giants are supposedly ready to offer €40m (£35m) in an attempt to sign Konate in January in what is similar to the £20m that they offered to sign Alexander-Arnold last winter. Last time around, Liverpool rejected Madrid’s early attempts. This time, things could seemingly be different.

It’s no surprise that there’s been some added urgency from Madrid in their chase for the Frenchman, either. Dean Huijsen has endured a shaky start to life at the Bernabeu and Antonio Rudiger’s recent injury has once again left them short on options.

Dubbed “fantastic” by Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, the Reds won’t want to lose Konate on a free like they did Alexander-Arnold, but there’s no denying that he would be a tough player to replace midway through the current campaign.

Chelsea are now ready to open agent talks to sign a “spectacular” forward, who is also being targeted by Premier League rivals Arsenal.

Blues keen on new winger amid slow start for Gittens

Jamie Gittens arrived at Stamford Bridge in a £51.5m deal back in July, but it would be fair to say the winger has made a slow start to life in west London, having failed to record a goal or an assist in his opening four Premier League games.

After struggling against Brentford, touching the ball just 17 times, the 21-year-old has been rested for the last two matches, with Enzo Maresca opting not to call upon the left-winger at Old Trafford, despite the Blues trailing for most of the game.

Gittens still has plenty of time to prove himself ahead of the January transfer window, but the west Londoners have now set their sights on a new winger, who could push for a starting spot on the left-wing.

Chelsea now set to open talks to sign "baller", Maresca thinks he's ideal

The Blues are planning to enter discussions to sign a new midfielder.

By
Dominic Lund

Sep 21, 2025

That is according to a report from Bianconera News (via Sport Witness), which states Chelsea have ‘come knocking’ for Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, who is attracting widespread interest from the Premier League, with Arsenal and Manchester United also keen.

Such is the Blues’ level of interest, they are now ready to open talks with his agents over a deal, but it could be difficult to prise Yildaz away from Juventus, given that the Italian club are reluctant to sanction a departure, and have started working on a new contract.

The report doesn’t state how much the Serie A side are looking to receive, but it may take a huge bid to get a deal over the line, with Maresca’s side having a £61m offer knocked back during the summer transfer window.

"Spectacular" Yildiz could be Gittens upgrade

The 20-year-old has made a flying start to the new Serie A campaign, picking up four goal contributions in his opening four games, while also finding the back of the net against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

Scout Jacek Kulig has also lauded the youngster for his ability to make “spectacular solo runs”, and he has outperformed Gittens across a number of key attacking metrics over the past year.

As such, Yildiz could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea, but it may take a huge offer to get a deal done, given that a £61m bid was knocked back during the summer, and the Turk is yet to prove himself over a long enough time period to justify paying that sort of fee.

Italy cruised to a 3-0 win over Israel in their World Cup qualifying clash on Tuesday, which sees the Azzurri stretch their winning streak to five games. Head coach Gennaro Gattuso was pleased with his side's performance and heaped praise on goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, while also hoping for "God's blessings" as they aim a World Cup play-off spot.

• Italy continue winning run in World Cup qualifying

  Israel gave Italy a run for their money in last month's qualifiers, which dramatically ended 5-4 in the latter's favour. On Tuesday, though, the result was rather straightforward. Gattuso's troops registered a comfortable 3-0 victory, thanks to a brace from Mateo Retegui and a stoppage time goal from Gianluca Mancini. The result mathematically secured Italy's spot in the World Cup play-offs and extended their winning streak to five games. 

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Gattuso happy to keep a clean sheet, praises Donnarumma

  Speaking to after the game, Gattuso said: "We played well. We all remember the match a month ago. They had us dancing, taking us for a walk. Congratulations to the lads, especially Gigio [Donnarumma], who made some good saves. Personally, I'm satisfied. I saw great spirit and I'm happy not to have conceded a goal. We played the game we needed to play, even though we had everything to lose today… Very, very good."

• Gattuso wants 'God's blessings' in hopes to qualify for 2026 World Cup

  Italy are at risk of missing out on a direct spot at next year's World Cup, which means they might have to settle for a play-off spot. However, the former AC Milan head coach continues to show belief in his squad. 

  "But we have to know how to suffer; few teams in the world can handle it," he added. "And when we have the ball, the quality is there, but we need to regain consistency and work on every inch. Playoffs? We won't rest, let's hope for God's blessings and that we don't lose any players. We'll play two solid matches and try to form a compact core that can perform well on and off the pitch."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  Italy hoping third time's the charm to qualify for World Cup

  Italy's last appearance in World Cup finals was in the 2014 edition. Since then, they have suffered the humiliation of failing to qualify for both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. The latter failure was especially stunning, coming just over a year after they had been crowned European champions. 

  As many as 48 teams will qualify for the 2026 World Cup, out of which 16 slots have been assigned to teams that fall under UEFA's governance. There are currently 12 groups in the UEFA World Cup qualifiers. Winners of these 12 groups will automatically qualify for next year's showpiece event, while the 12 runners-up will be joined by four best-ranked Nations League section winners. These 16 teams will vie for the remaining four UEFA slots at the World Cup.

  Italy have racked up 15 points from six games, three less than Norway, who have won all six games so far. In order to attain a play-off spot, they need to ensure they collect at least one point from their remaining two games. If they want to win the group, they will have to win the remaining two games against Norway and Moldova, while hoping that the Scandinavians drop points against Estonia. 

Despite not starting the 2025/26 season in perfect fashion, one thing that Manchester City have not had trouble with in their five Premier League games so far is finding the back of the net. According to Understat, there are just four sides that have scored more than City’s nine goals so far this term.

Indeed, Pep Guardiola’s side have been consistent in front of goal this season. The Citizens have the fourth-highest expected goals tally in the English top flight, with 8.8xG. That means they’re exceeding it by just 0.2xG so far, showing extreme consistency.

It is no surprise that City’s goalscoring form has coincided with Erling Haaland’s fine form.

Haaland’s start to the 2025/26 season

There is a certain inevitability about Norwegian striker Haaland. The 25-year-old has been one of the best strikers in the Premier League since he first moved to East Manchester.

His record for City currently stands at 131 goals in just 152 games.

This season, the former Borussia Dortmund star simply cannot stop scoring.

He’s already found the back of the net seven times in just six appearances, which included two goals per game against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester United on derby day.

There has been a constant debate over the past 12 months over who is the better striker, Haaland or new Liverpool recruit Alexander Isak. Of course, the Swede scored 23 times in the top flight last season, finishing second in the Golden Boot race behind new teammate Mohamed Salah.

It is not easy to settle. Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones used data to assess the pair. This shows Isak to be “the more complete footballer”, although when he posed the question of who he would want to score a goal for his life, he said it “has to be Haaland.”

Well, in actual fact, City once sold a striker who now ranks close to Isak in numbers and shone in the 2024/25 campaign.

City already sold their answer to Isak

Imagine a team with both Isak and Haaland leading the line. That would certainly be a strike partnership that would be nigh on impossible to stop. Actually, Guardiola had something similar at the club, with a former player.

One of the most exciting duos up front in recent times was certainly Haaland partnered with Julian Alvarez. The Argentine striker was excellent for City before moving to Atletico Madrid last summer, where he has excelled.

During his time at the Etihad Stadium, the 2022 World Cup winner scored 36 goals and assisted 19 in 103 games for the club.

However, he only played 6007 minutes and averaged just 66 full games. That left him with a goals and assists per game record on average of 0.8.

Since moving to the Spanish capital, Alvarez has once again shone. In 63 appearances, he’s found the back of the net 33 times and grabbed a further nine assists. 29 of those strikes came last season, with eight assists also coming in 59 games.

It is for that reason that Argentine journalist Roy Nemer called him “the best forward in the world” back in March. This term, that forward has four goals and an assist in six La Liga games already.

If the stats from the past year are anything to go by, Alvarez really could have been Guardiola’s own Isak.

The pair are deemed to be statistically similar, as per FBref, both averaging 0.2 goals per shot and similar goal-creating action numbers each game, where Alvarez averages 0.49 and Isak 0.45.

Perhaps, on reflection, the decision to sell Alvarez last summer was one Guardiola regret. Having both he and Haaland in the same side was a luxury they enjoyed for a few seasons, but they could have had their own Isak in the side and been even more imperious.

He really could have been City’s answer to Isak and made them an even bigger threat in front of goal.

Outclassed by Foden: Pep must drop Man City star who "created nothing"

Phil Foden spearheaded Manchester City to a comfortable EFL Cup victory over Huddersfield Town.

1

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 25, 2025