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West Ham United's form in the Premier League has taken a rapid decline in recent weeks having lost three consecutive matches.

The latest of those gut-wrenching defeats saw them surrender a 2-1 lead against Brentford to lose 3-2, applying further pressure onto manager David Moyes.

Nonetheless, Moyes could be on the hunt for more talent in January to help bolster his misfiring squad, with reports suggesting the Scotsman is after an attack-minded midfielder to bolster his squad.

West Ham transfer news – Piotr Zielinski

After chasing him in the summer of 2022, West Ham are reportedly interested in snapping up Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski in the winter window, joining Liverpool and Juventus in the race for his signature, as per Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness.

The 29-year-old has entered the final year of his contract at the Serie A club, which means he will become a free agent at the end of the season. It would be wise for the Italian side to cash in on their talent in January to avoid losing him on a free transfer months down the line.

Whilst the age of Zielinski doesn't align towards the club's new policy to acquire young talent, capturing a player of the Pole's pedigree, who helped inspire Napoli to the league title last term, is an opportunity that the Hammers can ill-afford to pass up.

According to the CIES Football Observatory, Zielinski is currently valued at £26m (€30m) but to avoid losing him on a free transfer in the summer, it is entirely possible that the midfield maestro could depart the club for much less than that figure with several sides queuing up for his signature.

The 86-cap international, who was tipped to be the next Kevin De Bruyne by former manager Maurizio Sarri, would be an excellent signing for the Hammers, with this comparison highlighting his talent.

How does Piotr Zielinski compare to Kevin De Bruyne

Zielinski has been in excellent form for Napoli in the 2023/24 campaign and showcased his creative talent on a regular basis, averaging 2.8 key passes per game, creating four big chances and an expected assists (xA) of 2.27 in the Italian top-flight, as per Sofascore.

The "complete midfielder" – as lauded by none other than Carlo Ancelotti – has demonstrated that his sensational form this season isn't a flash in the pan having chalked up 18 goal contributions in all competitions last season to help his side to their first Serie A title in 33 years.

What's more impressive about Napoli's midfield genius is the fact his exceptional creativity at the top end of the pitch has come close to eclipsing that of De Bruyne in the past year.

Kevin De Bruyne vs Piotr Zielinski's creative stats per 90 in the past year

Statistic

Kevin De Bruyne

Piotr Zielinski

Passes attempted

60.47

60.54

Touches (Att pen)

3.02

2.05

Passes into the penalty area

3.50

2.08

Progressive passes

8.71

5.93

Shot creating actions

5.98

4.83

Key passes

3.21

2.87

Carries into the final third

3.11

2.84

Figures via FBref

Man City's world-class technician is one of the best on the planet at providing telling quality in the final third – having been hailed as the "the best midfield player in the world" by pundit Jamie Redknapp earlier this year – and the above statistics suggest there was some truth in Sarri's remark about Zielinski, comparing him to the brilliant Belgian.

If West Ham can somehow fend off several European powerhouses and lure him to east London, he would be an exciting addition for the Hammers, with the Pole having showcased his technical prowess in abundance for Napoli.

Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez was sent off for dissent in the first half of his team's La Liga clash with Atletico Madrid.

Xavi rages at refereeSent off in first halfJoao Felix opens scoringGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Xavi was handed his marching orders at the Wanda Metropolitano Satdium after raging at the match official. The Barcelona boss was booked for protesting after seeing Robert Lewandowski go to ground under a challenge from Axel Witsel. Xavi then continued his protests after an apparent foul on Ilkay Gundogan and was shown a red card.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Xavi has been no stranger to yellow cards in what is his final season as Barcelona boss. The former midfielder has already served two touchline bans in the current campaign and now looks set for more time in the stands. The red card will be a blow for Xavi but his team's performance will provide plenty of cheer with Joao Felix, Robert Lewandowski and Fermin Lopez all on target.

Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?

Atletico have lost all four games against Barcelona since Xavi Hernández took charge of the Catalan giants.

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WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA

Xavi and the Catalans will move into second place in the table with a win over Atletico. The Catalans' next La Liga fixture is against Las Palmas on Saturday, March 30.

MatériaMais Notícias

O jovem Brenner, de apenas 20 anos, vive fase iluminada na carreira. Na noite da última quarta, o atacante marcou os dois gols da vitória do São Paulo, diante do Flamengo, pelo jogo de ida das quartas de final da Copa do Brasil. O garoto chegou ao seu 17º gol em 2020 e já superou os artilheiros do Tricolor nas últimas quatro temporadas, tendo ainda mais de 20 partidas pela frente.

Reserva do São Paulo durante a maior parte deste ano, Brenner assumiu a titularidade recentemente. Nas últimas 11 partidas, o garoto anotou 13 gols e disparou na liderança da artilharia. Os números são suficientes para superar Pablo na última temporada, Diego Souza em 2018, Lucas Pratto em 2017, e o argentino Calleri (artilheiro da Copa Libertadores) em 2016.

Os números apenas não são melhores do que os de Alexandre Pato, em 2015. Naquela ocasião, o atacante marcou 26 gols. Contudo, Pato precisou de 59 partidas para alcançar a marca, o que lhe dá uma média de 0,44 gols por jogo. A versão 2020 do garoto Brenner chegou aos 17 gols em 26 jogos. Portanto, com uma média superior, de 0,65 gols por partida na temporada.

Importante ressaltar que o São Paulo ainda tem, no mínimo, mais 22 jogos até o fim do Campeonato Brasileiro, em fevereiro. O Tricolor tem mais 18 jogos do segundo turno da competição nacional, três partidas do primeiro turno a serem disputadas e encara o Flamengo na Copa do Brasil. Se chegar à final do torneio mata-mata, o número total de compromissos na temporada chega a 26.

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Os artilheiros do São Paulo nos últimos cinco anos:

2020 – Brenner – 17 gols
2019 – Pablo – 7 gols
2018 – Diego Souza – 16 gols
2017 – Lucas Pratto – 14 gols
2016 – Jonathan Calleri – 16 gols
2015 – Alexandre Pato – 26 gols

Arsenal's revolution under Mikel Arteta has been a measured one, with the Spaniard having seemingly planned out the progression he sought to usher in which culminated in last year's title push.

Having now reached the pinnacle of English football once again, whilst also competing in Europe's elite competition, he will be hoping to take the next step and add many more major honours to his trophy cabinet, the likes of which they certainly have the squad and the philosophy to challenge for.

However, in his haste to return the Gunners back to where they belong, and where they had been absent from for so long under Arsene Wenger and later Unai Emery, there were perhaps a few missteps taken that saw some stars discounted too early, or their potential overlooked.

Whilst few could argue with the decisions to terminate both Mesut Ozil and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's contracts, given how their careers have dwindled since, with Konstantinos Mavropanos, that was far from the case.

In fact, since Edu and Arteta sanctioned his exit, they have only been made to rue such a move, as the defender has slowly rebuilt his reputation, returning to the top this summer.

How much did Konstantinos Mavropanos cost Arsenal?

Having been signed from Greek side PAS Giannina for a reported £1.8m, this deal was viewed as one for the future, boasting little risk, but immense reward should he reach the lofty potential bestowed upon him.

Wenger, who would retire just years after the acquisition, likely viewed him as the man set to underpin his new-look outfit in the years to come, or at the very least help usher in a successful new era after he had left.

In the end, neither of these would come to fruition, and the 25-year-old would depart having only made eight senior appearances.

Game time was seemingly forever limited during his stay in north London, despite former Arsenal favourite Ian Wright lauding him after a stellar debut: "I haven’t seen a performance like this, the anticipation, the pace, the awareness, from Arsenal for a long time. I don’t think we’ve got anything to lose by playing him. You could put him up against Diego Costa, he looked like he was up for the battle. He’s fearless and has the exuberance of youth. It might work."

2022/23 (Bundesliga)

28

2021/22 (Bundesliga)

31

2020/21 (Bundesliga)

21

2019/20 (Premier League)

0

2018/19 (Premier League)

4

Stats via Transfermarkt

He would never get that opportunity to showcase whether such an outstanding first showing was merely a fluke, and with someone so talented, it felt wrong to keep them resigned to a backup role.

A string of loan spells would beckon for the Greek titan, first to Nurnberg before moving to the club he would eventually join permanently, Stuttgart.

It was here that the 20-cap colossus began to rebuild a career left stuttered by Wenger's reluctance to allow him to shine, as he would go on to prove the Frenchman devastatingly wrong.

How much was Konstantinos Mavropanos worth at Arsenal?

Such was his potential, but ultimate lack of game time, Mavropanos would see little change in his value across the four years he spent with the Gunners.

Reaching an apex of just €3m (£2.6m), he would stay at that level up until that eventual permanent exit, where the German side proved how a little bit of faith can go a long way towards repaying a price tag.

It just so happened that the one they paid became inconsequential given the rewards he offered on the pitch, and the eventual remuneration they would receive from a fellow Premier League club.

How much did Arsenal sell Konstantinos Mavropanos for?

As Arsenal sought to usher out some of that talent without taking the risk themselves, his final loan spell to Stuttgart came with some questionable clauses. One being that, were they to avoid the drop, they would be forced to purchase the centre-back for a preset fee.

However, it just so happened that the sum in question amassed to a pitiful £4.5m, marking an exceptional bargain for a defender who had just aided their survival push and was only growing with each passing month.

The Athletic even showcased that it was widely recognised as a bargain deal, with the upfront costs marking some kind of tiny consolation. They noted: "While that final fee of £4.5m is considered to be below Mavropanos’ true market value, it is expected Arsenal will receive full payment up front, meaning they will get a small cash boost ahead of the summer transfer window."

How much did West Ham sign Konstantinos Mavropanos for?

What also sweetened the deal slightly more was the 10% sell-on clause inserted too, suggesting that should Stuttgart cash in, at least the north London outfit would reap some added rewards.

Whilst they were likely therefore delighted to see him sold on for a hefty fee, the fact that it came just one year after they had sold him for such a tiny sum marked a mockery of Edu's business, which is usually so pinpoint and impressive.

West Ham United were the beneficiaries of this deal, securing a rough and ready monster just £20m ready to tackle English football once again, hopefully with greater success and faith than he earned in his last stint.

Therefore, to emphasise that dramatic shift in value, Mavropanos has actually overseen a 344% increase since departing the Emirates.

Why is Konstantinos Mavropanos worth that much?

It is quite easy to explain why the 6 foot 4 star has enjoyed such a rise, as his steady progression throughout three Bundesliga seasons is there for all to see.

His first, during the 2020/21 term, saw him maintain a solid 6.95 average rating, which would improve to 7.13 the following year.

However, the 2022/23 campaign unsurprisingly marked the pinnacle and explains why the Hammers were so keen to strike a deal. His 7.26 average rating made the £50k-per-week ace Stuttgart's second-highest-rated player, with that figure buoyed by his two goals, 83% pass accuracy, 2.2 interceptions and 3.5 clearances per game.

Content creator and Irons fan Will Lebeau clearly got it right when he branded the defender a "Rolls-Royce."

These statistics should make it even more surprising that there were not more sides battling for such dominant services, and will likely have Edu kicking himself as Mavropanos' career continues to reach new heights.

On May 28, 2022, Real Madrid secured a record-extending 14th Champions League trophy after batting away a Liverpool onslaught, leaving Jurgen Klopp's side in disbelief as their final chance to cherry-top a stunning season faded away like mist.

It was a poignantly bitter end to what, just one week earlier, tantalised to be a campaign of unprecedented brilliance, with Liverpool's hopes of a historic quadruple thwarted by Manchester City and Real Madrid's inevitability.

After the continental finale in Paris, Klopp declared to reporters that his squad would "go again", but the following year, last season, the Reds could not ignite the gas and toiled throughout a calamitous campaign.

Indeed, finishing fifth in the Premier League after dreadful form and a complete loss of cohesion, the Anfield side were rebuked for their "woeful" – as was said by journalist Caoimhe O'Neill – seasonal collapse, albeit salvaging Europa League football with improved performances and results to close the year.

It was a team at the end of its life force, an odyssey stretching too long without meaningful replenishment, resulting in weary legs and stagnancy.

In August 2022, it had been four years since a centre-midfielder other than Thiago Alcantara had been signed, and the deadline day panic buy of Arthur Melo (who played 13 competitive minutes for Liverpool) encapsulated the inept approach on the transfer front.

It all could have been so different, if only the Merseyside outfit succeeded in their pursuit of France prodigy Aurelien Tchouameni, but Los Blancos' trophy-winning victory over Liverpool was always going to pave an irrevocable path for the holding midfielder.

Did Aurelien Tchouameni nearly sign for Liverpool?

Liverpool's refusal to sign a midfielder last summer and ultimately opt for Arthur in a stop-gap move was perhaps an obstinate way of throwing the toys out of the pram after failing to sign Tchouameni, who was viewed as the perfect successor to Fabinho's position as the No. 6.

Indeed, according to multiple sources – including transfer guru Fabrizio Romano – Liverpool were in contention for the player's signature, alongside Paris Saint-Germain, though Real Madrid were always the favourites to secure his services.

However, Liverpool's pursuit would ultimately prove fruitless, with Real Madrid securing a €100m (£85m) transfer for the latest Monaco sensation, praised as "world-class" by Transfermarkt's Stefan Bienkowski.

While the prospect of playing under Klopp at Liverpool was undoubtedly enticing, the sway of the Santiago Bernabeu proved too much, especially after Vinicius Junior's goal sank the Anfield ship.

For those of an Anfield persuasion, it comes as a great shame that they were not able to get the deal done for a player who would have made a greater impact last term than Jude Bellingham, who was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool before the club withdrew from the race for his name in April.

This is largely due to the need for comprehensive change, with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch instead being landed to restore the midfield.

How good is Aurelien Tchouameni?

Not only would Liverpool have upgraded on Fabinho – who had an "awful" season at the epicentre of Anfield's demise, according to pundit Jamie Carragher – but they would have procured a new central focal point to transform the entire team.

His particular set of skills would have been a better fit than Bellingham's last season, as contentious as that may sound as the England international obliterates defences with ease after emulating Tchouameni's move to Madrid.

One of the most imperturbable presences on the ball and a superlative and tenacious defensive cog, the Frenchman ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 6% for passes attempted, the top 2% for interceptions, the top 6% for clearances, the top 20% for tackles and the top 10% for aerial wins per 90, as per FBref.

Most comparable players to Aurelien Tchouameni (via FBref)

Arsenal's Thomas Partey (1)

Manchester City's Rodri (2)

Chelsea's Moises Caicedo (4)

Tottenham's Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (6)

Arsenal's Declan Rice (7)

Given the names that the £205k-per-week is likened to, it's clear that Liverpool would have secured the services of a midfield machine custom-made for the rigours of Premier League football.

The "superb talent" – as dubbed by Rio Ferdinand – did not enjoy the incredible first year in Spain that many would have hoped, and despite making 50 appearances across all competitions, he was benched for every knockout tie in the Champions League and both semi-final legs against historic rivals Barcelona in the Cope del Rey.

However, the 27-cap international is still young and already boasts qualities that eclipse the lion's share of talented midfielders across Europe; that might not be the case when comparing him to Bellingham, who has been hailed as a "generational talent" by journalist Raphael Honigstein.

Moreover, as much as Bellingham is a bona fide prodigy, he is not a defensive midfielder, actually utilised in and around the final third with Real Madrid, and his French counterpart would have provided the steely assurance in the centre to prevent the malaise that seeped in last year.

Bellingham, aged just 20, joined Real in an initial €103m (£88m) deal this summer after rising to prominence in Germany with Borussia Dortmund, and has blitzed into life at one of football's greatest-ever clubs with five goals and an assist across his first four outings in the Spanish top-flight.

There were rumours that Liverpool would return for Tchouameni once more this summer, with The Telegraph's Chris Bascombe claiming that the 23-year-old had remained a coveted commodity on Merseyside, with Klopp earmarking him as he rebuilt his team's midfield.

But after starting all four of Real's LaLiga matches thus far this term, it's looking increasingly unlikely that he will be departing the Spanish capital any time soon, especially after personally distancing himself from rumours in July after liking a tweet suggesting he is not for sale amid interest from the Premier League giants.

Once remarked to be "pure gold" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Tchouameni will long be remembered as a player who could have reinvigorated the Liverpool ranks and prevented a detrimental campaign that has severed the club's illustrious seven-year stay in the Champions League.

And while Liverpool's fortunes look far brighter at present, there is no telling how mighty the squad could have become with such a blistering talent orchestrating the play from the nucleus of Klopp's system.

David Moyes has shared an official update on the possibility of West Ham United re-signing former star Jesse Lingard outside of the transfer window.

Who have West Ham signed 2023?

West Ham brought in Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse, Konstatinos Mavropanos, Mohammed Kudus and Andy Irving over the summer; spending around £118 million in total on the new arrivals.

While the latter player was loaned back out to Austria Klagenfurt as part of an affiliate arrangement between the clubs, Alvarez, Ward-Prowse, Mavropanos and Kudus come in to bolster Moyes' senior squad.

The quartet come to east London ahead of a long and congested Premier League campaign, where West Ham will also be competing in the UEFA Europa League after their unprecedented Conference League triumph In Prague last season.

So far, Moyes' side have begun in superb fashion; remaining unbeaten while clinching impressive victories in three of their last four top flight encounters prior to the international break.

West Ham put in-form Brighton, big-spending Chelsea and newly-promoted Luton Town to the sword, with their only dropped points coming away to Bournemouth on the opening weekend.

Despite their very promising start, reports in the last week have claimed that Moyes and co could bolster their ranks further by re-signing ex-star Lingard on a short-term deal.

Will West Ham sign Jesse Lingard?

The 30-year-old was released by Nottingham Forest upon the expiry of his contract in June; leaving him without a club and able to sign with any interested side on a Bosman.

Lingard spent the first half of 2021 on a six-month loan at West Ham, where he thrived under Moyes; scoring nine goals and assisting four others over 16 Premier League starts.

The attacker has been training at Rush Green on a sort of trial basis lately and featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Ipswich Town earlier this week.

He apparently impressed in flashes but later eased out of the game, mainly due to his fitness level, with Lingard now attempting to get regain his sharpness and do enough to impress the West Ham hierarchy.

Speaking to the media recently, as relayed by The West Ham Way, Moyes has shared an update on the possibility of West Ham re-signing the Englishman.

Indeed, Lingard has apparently been working very hard in training at Rush Green, with Moyes praising his "great attitude" behind-the-scenes.

On the prospect of West Ham offering him a contract, the Irons head coach had this to say:

“Jesse’s doing quite well and he’s getting his shape back,” stated the Scotsman.

“But there will be no discussion on Jesse yet. When we’re ready, we will do; but he’s working hard and he’s shown a great attitude to his work.”

How good is Jesse Lingard?

This time two years ago, Lingard was just coming off the back of his exceptional stint at the London Stadium.

The player's form and sensational goals/assists return attracted major praise, including from Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn.

“He (Lingard) looked like someone going nowhere but he’s been sensational at West Ham," said Nigel Winterburn to The Sun in the summer of 2021.

"I think there’s a conversation to be had at Man Utd as to whether he’d fit back into their plans.

“If not, he’s had this success at West Ham, so I don’t know why he’d want to sign elsewhere. He knows the club, so I think West Ham would be favourites to sign him.”

Born on August 21, 1988, in Warsaw, Poland, Robert Lewandowski's journey to stardom began in the lower divisions of Polish football.

He honed his skills at Znicz Pruszkow before moving to Polish top-flight club Lech Poznan in 2008. Lewandowski's time at Lech Poznan marked his emergence onto the international stage and his goal-scoring prowess caught the eye of top European clubs.

In 2010, he made a pivotal move to Borussia Dortmund, where he truly blossomed. At Dortmund, Lewandowski formed a deadly partnership with fellow forward Marco Reus. He helped guide the club to back-to-back Bundesliga titles, showcasing his knack for finding the back of the net with incredible consistency.

During his Dortmund tenure, Lewandowski also etched his name in Champions League history, scoring an unprecedented four goals in a semi-final against Real Madrid in 2013. His performances not only earned him individual accolades but also drew attention from European giants Bayern Munich.

In 2014, he joined Bayern, where his goal-scoring exploits reached new heights, winning numerous domestic and continental titles. His five-goal haul in just nine minutes against Wolfsburg in 2015 remains a Bundesliga record.

He's now continuing his goal-scoring exploits in Spain with La Liga giants Barcelona, where he has shown no signs of slowing down. Lewandowski's journey from Polish lower divisions to global football stardom is a testament to his talent, work ethic and determination.

Robert Lewandowski at Znicz Pruszkow

Lewandowski's early career at Znicz Pruszkow marked the genesis of his remarkable football journey. From 2006 to 2008, he honed his skills at the Polish club, showcasing his burgeoning talent as a forward.

He very quickly made a name for himself in the 2006/2007 season, netting 15 goals in the Polish third division to help Znicz to promotion. He followed that up in the next campaign by scoring 21 goals to be the Polish second division top scorer.

A record of 38 goals in 66 first-team appearances led to a transfer to Ekstraklasa side Lech Poznan in June 2008.

Lewandowski's Honours at Znicz Pruszkow

III Liga (1)

2006/2007

Robert Lewandowski at Lech Poznan

Robert Lewandowski's tenure at Lech Poznan from 2008 to 2010 marked another pivotal phase in his football journey. During this period, he rapidly evolved into a goal-scoring sensation, amassing 41 goals in 82 first-team appearances. His contributions played a vital role in Lech Poznan's Polish Cup victory in the 2008/2009 season.

Lewandowski's remarkable goal-scoring ability unsurprisingly caught the attention of Europe's top clubs, propelling him into the spotlight. His time at Lech Poznan laid the foundation for his subsequent successes, and his impressive performances became a stepping stone for his move to Borussia Dortmund in June 2010, marking the beginning of his ascent to becoming one of the world's most renowned strikers.

Lewandowski's Honours at Lech Poznan

Ekstraklasa (1)

2009/2010

Polish Cup (1)

2008/2009

Polish Super Cup (1)

2009

Robert Lewandowski at Borussia Dortmund

Robert Lewandowski's spell at Borussia Dortmund, spanning from 2010 to 2014, is a chapter that solidified his status as a world-class striker. Arriving from Lech Poznan in a deal worth just €4.5m, the Pole seamlessly transitioned into the Bundesliga and left an indelible mark on both the league and the club.

His tenure at Dortmund saw him play a pivotal role in the club's renaissance under coach Jurgen Klopp. Lewandowski's ability to find the net with precision and consistency was a cornerstone of Dortmund's successes during this era.

He formed lethal partnerships with players like Mario Gotze and Marco Reus, helping the team capture back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2010/2011 and 2011/2012.

Lewandowski's statistics during his Dortmund years are a testament to his prowess. He scored a total of 103 goals in 187 appearances for the club, an impressive tally considering the intense competition in the Bundesliga. One of his most iconic moments came in the 2012/2013 Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, where he scored all four goals in a historic victory.

His accolades during this period included being named the Polish Footballer of the Year multiple times and earning a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season. His 24 goals in the 2013/2014 Bundesliga campaign also earned him the league's top scorer title.

Beyond the statistics, Lewandowski's Dortmund stint was marked by memorable milestones. His performances not only elevated Dortmund's profile but also established him as a sought-after talent across Europe. His style of play, marked by intelligent movement, clinical finishing and a strong work ethic, endeared him to fans and pundits alike.

Lewandowski's time at Borussia Dortmund laid the groundwork for his subsequent move to Bayern Munich, where he continued to etch his name in football history. His impact on Dortmund's resurgence and his legacy as one of the greatest strikers of his generation are undeniable, and his Dortmund chapter remains a crucial part of his illustrious career.

Lewandowski's Honours at Borussia Dortmund

Bundesliga (2)

2010/2011, 2011/2012

DFB-Pokal (1)

2011/2012

DFL-Supercup (1)

2013

Robert Lewandowski at Bayern Munich

Robert Lewandowski's illustrious career at Bayern Munich, spanning from 2014 to 2022, was a testament to his exceptional skill, dedication and legacy as one of the greatest footballers of his generation. His time with the Bavarian club was defined by extraordinary goal-scoring exploits, historic records and a lasting impact on the sport.

Lewandowski's journey at Bayern Munich began in the summer of 2014 when he completed a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund. The move was met with high expectations, and he quickly proved himself worthy of the iconic number 9 jersey. From the outset, it was clear that he was ready to take his game to the next level and embrace the challenges that came with playing for one of the most successful clubs in the world.

One of the most iconic moments in Lewandowski's career, and perhaps in football history, came on September 22, 2015. In a Bundesliga match against Wolfsburg, he scored an incredible five goals in just nine minutes. This remarkable feat showcased his unparalleled scoring instincts, composure and ability to seize control of a match single-handedly. It's a record that stands as a testament to his greatness and has become an enduring part of his legacy.

Lewandowski's consistency in finding the back of the net is a hallmark of his time at Bayern. Season after season, he has been a prolific scorer in both domestic and continental competitions. His performances helped the club win eight Bundesliga titles, three DFB-Pokal victories, and a UEFA Champions League.

In the Bundesliga, Lewandowski repeatedly clinched the top scorer title, establishing himself as one of the most lethal finishers in the world. His goal-scoring prowess is matched only by his versatility – he can score from long range, finish with finesse and outmuscle defenders in the box. His statistics are awe-inspiring: he reached the 100-goal mark for Bayern in just 120 Bundesliga appearances.

A defining moment in Lewandowski's career came during the 2019-2020 season. He played a central role in Bayern's historic treble-winning campaign, which saw the club secure the Bundesliga title, the DFB-Pokal and the UEFA Champions League. Lewandowski's 15 goals in the Champions League that season propelled Bayern to European glory, and he was the top scorer of the competition.

The 2019-2020 Bundesliga season also saw Lewandowski equal a longstanding record. By netting 34 league goals, he matched Gerd Muller's record for the most goals in a single Bundesliga season. This achievement not only honoured Müller's legacy but also highlighted Lewandowski's own legacy as a modern-day football icon.

Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Lewandowski's influence on and off the field has been immeasurable. He is often praised for his work ethic, professionalism and leadership. His commitment to the team's success inspired his teammates, and he was a guiding figure in Bayern's dressing room. His humility and dedication have endeared him to fans worldwide, making him a role model for aspiring footballers.

Lewandowski's dedication to maintaining peak physical condition is evident off the pitch. He has consistently prioritized fitness, nutrition and recovery, enabling him to maintain his exceptional performance levels even as he's progressed in age.

In May 2022, after eight seasons with Bayern Munich, Lewandowski announced his desire to leave the club and two months later he was signed by Barcelona in €45m deal, a transfer which made him the most expensive Polish player in history. He ended his Bayern Munich career with an outstanding record of 344 goals in 375 first-team appearances.

Lewandowski's Honours at Bayern Munich

Bundesliga (8)

2014/2015, 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022

DFB-Pokal (3)

2015/2016, 2018/2019, 2019/2020

DFL-Supercup (5)

2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021

UEFA Champions League (1)

2019/2020

UEFA Super Cup (1)

2020

FIFA Club World Cup (1)

2020

Robert Lewandowski at Barcelona

Lewandowski signed a four-year deal with Barcelona in July 2022 and unsurprisingly hit the ground running in his first season in Spain.

The veteran Polish striker netted 33 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions during his first campaign away from Germany, helping the Catalan giants to the La Liga title while also finishing at the top of the La Liga scoring charts with 23 goals.

That personal triumph would make Lewandowski the first player in the top 5 European leagues to win the top scorer award in six consecutive seasons.

Lewandowski's Honours at Barcelona

La Liga (1)

2022/2023

Supercopa de Espana (1)

2022/2023

Robert Lewandowski with Poland

Robert Lewandowski's international career with Poland has been as remarkable as his club exploits. Since making his debut in 2008, he has become the nation's all-time leading goalscorer and a symbol of Polish football excellence. His contributions to the national team have been pivotal in raising Poland's stature on the international stage.

His debut marked the beginning of a prolific run that has seen him consistently find the net in crucial matches. He played a key role in Poland's qualification for the 2016 UEFA European Championship, where he showcased his ability on a continental platform.

One of the standout moments in Lewandowski's international career came during the qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In a match against Armenia in October 2017, he scored a sensational hat-trick in just four minutes, becoming the quickest player to achieve such a feat in World Cup qualifying history.

Lewandowski's leadership qualities were recognized when he was appointed captain of the Polish national team in 2013. His influence extends beyond his goal-scoring prowess; he motivates his teammates and plays a crucial role in shaping Poland's tactical approach.

He became Poland's all-time leading goalscorer in 2017 when a hat-trick in a 6-1 win over Armenia took him to 50 goals for Poland, surpassing Wlodzimierz Lubanski's previous record of 48.

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the striker scored his first goal at a finals in a 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. He scored his second World Cup goal in a 3-1 round of 16 defeat to eventual finalists France.

To-date, Lewandowski's record for Poland stands at 79 goals in 142 appearances.

Robert Lewandowski's Personal Accolades & Records

Robert Lewandowski's illustrious career has been adorned with an array of personal accolades, awards, records and milestones that cement his status as one of the greatest footballers of his generation.

His numerous awards include being named the Polish Footballer of the Year 10 times, a testament to his impact on his home country's football scene. At Borussia Dortmund, he earned a spot in the Bundesliga Team of the Season and clinched the Bundesliga's top-scorer title. However, it's his time at Bayern Munich where his individual accomplishments reached unprecedented heights.

During the 2019-2020 season, he matched Gerd Muller's long-standing record for the most goals in a single Bundesliga season with 34 goals. This remarkable achievement showcased not only his exceptional scoring ability but also his dedication and consistency.

Lewandowski's international records are equally impressive. He is Poland's all-time leading goalscorer, surpassing legendary figures in Polish football history. His captaincy of the national team is a testament to his leadership qualities and his ability to inspire and motivate his teammates.

The individual awards that Lewandowski has amassed are a testament to his influence on the global stage. In 2020, he was awarded the prestigious FIFA Best Men's Player award, beating out stiff competition from footballing giants. This recognition was a culmination of his outstanding performances and a nod to his dedication to the sport, while he has been named the Ballon d'Or Striker of the Year on two occasions.

Lewandowski's Personal Honours

Ballon d'Or Striker of the Year (2)

2021, 2022

European Golden Shoe (2)

2020/2021, 2021/2022

Best FIFA Men's Player (2)

2020, 2021

FIFA FIFPro World XI (2)

2020, 2021

FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball (1)

2020

UEFA Men's Player of the Year (1)

2019/2020

UEFA Champions League Forward of the Season (1)

2019/2020

UEFA Champions League Top Scorer (1)

2019/2020

UEFA Champions League Top Assist Provider (1)

2019/2020

UEFA Team of the Year (2)

2019, 2020

Golden Foot (1)

2022

European Sportsperson of the Year (1)

2020

Ekstraklasa Best Player (1)

2009

Ekstraklasa Top Scorer (1)

2009/2010

Ekstraklasa Goal of the Season (1)

2008/2009

II Liga Top Scorer (1)

2007/2008

III Liga Top Scorer (1)

2006/2007

Polish Footballer of the Year (10)

2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021

Polish Sports Personality of the Year (3)

2015, 2020, 2021

Polish Young Player of the Year (1)

2008

Bundesliga Player of the Season (5)

2012/2013, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2019/2020, 2020/2021

Bundesliga Team of the Season (10)

2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022

Bundesliga Top Scorer (7)

2013/2014, 2015/2016, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2021/2022

Germany Footballer of the Year (2)

2020, 2021

DFB-Pokal Top Scorer (5)

2011/2012, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020

Bayern Munich Player of the Season (1)

2019/2020

Pichichi Trophy (1)

2022/2023

La Liga Team of the Season (1)

2022/2023

Lewandowski's Individual Club & International Records

All-time Poland Appearances

142

All-time Poland Goals

79

Most Goals in a Bundesliga Season

41

Manchester United built their Premier League success under Sir Alex Ferguson by counting on the use of solid, dependable English centre-backs.

Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister formed the cornerstone of a team who claimed United’s first league title since 1967 during the 1992/93 season and as time went on, Ferguson turned to the transfer market to source local talent.

Rio Ferdinand made the move from Leeds United to Old Trafford in 2002 for a then British record transfer fee of £30m.

The move was a stroke of genius by the wily Scot as the defender won six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown under the tutelage of Ferguson, racking up 455 appearances in the process.

With the need for a dominant centre-back at United, could Erik ten Hag repeat United’s Ferdinand masterclass by making a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi?

Are Man United interested in Marc Guehi?

Ten Hag has already signed the club's new number seven, Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund this summer, yet it is clear he is after another defender or two.

Harry Maguire is edging closer to a move away from the Red Devils and this heightens the Dutchman’s need for some reinforcements.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

According to the Chris Wheeler of The Daily Mail, Guehi has emerged as a possible target for United, and he could cost Ten Hag a fee in the region of £60m.

How did Marc Guehi perform last season?

The Ivorian-born starlet enjoyed a solid campaign for Palace in 2022/23, exuding a positive influence across the squad for his performances, despite his tender years.

He ranked seventh among his teammates for tackles (1.4) per game while ranking second for interceptions (1.2) and for clearances (3.6) per game during the league campaign, demonstrating his defensive ability.

According to WhoScored, Guehi’s key strength is concentration, and he is able to maintain excellent standards during the whole course of a match, similar to Ferdinand, who never let standards slip.

The England international was previously lauded as an “absolute tank” by Josef Bursik, a former teammate during his time playing for the Three Lions' U21 side, while Statman Dave hailed the youngster as a “brilliant talent” in December 2021.

It’s evident that he has progressed since then, going on to win four caps for England at senior level, and he could be a key figure heading into the 2024 European Championship.

The £50k-per-week gem has served his apprenticeship at Palace and now seems destined for a move to the upper echelons of the Premier League.

He should take solace from the trajectory of Ferdinand. Although slightly more experienced at the time, a move from another top-flight side into an environment containing elite players arguably made him reach a much higher level – having blossomed into becoming arguably 'one of the greatest ball-playing central defenders of his era', according to the Premier League's official website.

Guehi may have a fight on his hands to go straight into the starting XI should Ten Hag secure his signature – amid the presence of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane – and he could become their modern-day version of the 81-cap former United defender in the process.

Whatever happens, the Dutchman will need to act fast as the transfer window is due to shut in just under three weeks and time is slowly running out for the former Ajax manager.

Liverpool are reportedly set to "reignite" their interest in Southampton's Romeo Lavia in the summer transfer window, as a new report reveals their chances of landing Moises Caicedo.

How old is Romeo Lavia?

The 19-year-old's future has been one of the big talking points of the current window, with an exit from St Mary's widely expected after their relegation from the Premier League back in May.

For much of the summer, Lavia has been one of Liverpool's primary midfield targets, having impressed for Saints last season and stood out as a potential long-term replacement for Fabinho in the No.6 role following the Brazilian's exit to Saudi Arabia.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

It has felt as though a move to Anfield is inevitable at times, but things have taken a dramatic twist in recent days, with Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo also entering the equation. The 22-year-old is wanted by both the Reds and Chelsea, in a saga that is moving all the time, but the west Londoners are also seemingly right in the mix to sign Laiva.

A new update has now emerged regarding Liverpool's interest in the highly-rated young Belgian, as a crazy period in the summer shows no sign of going away.

What's the latest on Lavia to Liverpool?

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are now expected to go back with new talks for Lavia, having turned their attention to Caicedo earlier this week, a move which is now absolutely off according to their sources:

"Liverpool are set to reignite their move for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia after missing out on Moises Caicedo, sources have told Football Insider.

"Football Insider revealed on Friday (11 August) that Caicedo’s Anfield move is “100% off” despite a British-record hijack from the Merseysiders. It is believed the Brighton star is now set to sign for Chelsea after a drawn-out transfer saga which has dominated the summer window."

Lavia has looked like a fantastic option for months now, given his long-term potential and the fact that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has described him as "incredible". That being said, Caicedo feels like the better current option because he is three years older and therefore a more experienced, polished all-round defensive midfielder.

The Southampton man is a great option to fall back on – ideally, Liverpool would actually end up signing both he and Caicedo, but that feels almost impossible – but if he does arrive, another midfielder is also needed, as well as left-sided centre-back who can also thrive at left-back. Sporting CP youngster Goncalo Inacio has again been linked with a move and he would be ideal, in that respect.

The fact that the Reds are back in for Lavia again does suggest that they feel Chelsea will end up signing Caicedo over them, which is an obvious blow, considering a £110m fee was reportedly accepted by Brighton, only for the Blues to come back in and flex their financial muscle.

As the years pass, though, it could be that Lavia develops into an even more formidable footballer than the Seagulls star, however – he averaged 2.1 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game in the Premier League last season – so if Liverpool have signed him instead, it could be a case of them having the last laugh.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola once opted to fine himself after he had a heated confrontation with Phil Foden during a match.

What happened between Pep Guardiola and Phil Foden?

We all know football is a game of passion and sometimes, in the heat of the moment, certain individuals can see red and lose themselves.

Essentially, anyone who has ever played the sport at any level will have witnessed someone going into full meltdown mid-game and it appears this can happen at the very highest point of the game too.

Indeed, when Man City were playing a Champions League tie against Porto a few seasons ago, Guardiola scolded English midfielder Foden for something that happened on the pitch and it carried all the way into the dressing room.

James Ducker explained how it all played out in his recent article for The Telegraph, noting that it began when the club's manager was unhappy with his player for not doing what he wanted from a free kick.

Guardiola screamed at Foden: “F***ing hell Phil! F***ing hell! You haven’t done what I said!”

Unhappy with how he'd been spoken to, however, the 23-year-old wasn't able to let his anger go and after the full-time whistle, he lashed out.

Confronting his manager in the dressing room, Foden eventually fired back: “Don’t ever do that to me again! You wouldn’t do that to other players.”

While some managers may have doubled down and even punished a player for having the nerve to talk back at them in such a way, Guardiola conceded that he had been in the wrong.

The former Barcelona coach apologised profusely in person, and then called a full team meeting to say sorry to Foden in front of the entire squad before paying a self-imposed fine into the players’ kitty, which was supposedly a "widely admired" gesture.

Journalist Ducker explained how this "X-rated row" actually played a key role as a "turning point" in the youngster's City career, as Guardiola "loved the sight of Foden putting his foot down and viewed it as a significant example of this boy slowly but surely becoming a man" having previously hoped to see the player stand up for himself more.

How many trophies has Phil Foden won?

As it happened, that season – the 2020/21 campaign – turned out to be Foden's breakthrough as he truly established himself as a first-team regular.

The Englishman played 50 times for Man City across all competitions, scoring 16 goals and netting ten assists. The English outfit also did a domestic double that season as they won the Premier League and the League Cup.

In total, Foden has won 12 major trophies across the entirety of his relatively short career so far, having also lifted the FA Cup and the Champions League on top of the aforementioned league and cup lifts. On top of that, he has also won the Community Shield twice and the u17 World Cup with England (though those do not count as major trophies).

No doubt the player will be hoping to add more to his collection in the upcoming season which begins on Friday night with his side taking a trip to Burnley for the opening Premier League game of the 2023/24 season.