Mauricio Pochettino has left Chelsea after just one season in charge by mutual consent, the English club announced on Tuesday.
The Blues finished sixth in the Premier League thanks to a fine run towards the end of the season but missed out on Champions League qualification and a trophy.
“Chelsea FC can confirm that the club and Mauricio Pochettino have mutually agreed to part ways,” Chelsea said in a statement.
In just two years under the ownership of an American consortium fronted by LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly and private equity group Clearlake Capital, Chelsea have spent over £1 billion ($AUD1.9 billion) on new players.
The vast majority of that was spent on rising stars and Pochettino pointed to a lack of experience and a lengthy injury list for failing to achieve consistent results.
Chelsea lost the League Cup final 1-0 to Liverpool after extra-time and pushed Manchester City all the way before losing in the FA Cup semi-finals by the same score.
But there had been signs that Pochettino’s project was coming together in a run of five consecutive wins to end the campaign that ensured Chelsea will be in Europe next season.
They will qualify for the Europa League if Manchester United lose to City in the FA Cup final and the Conference League if the Red Devils shock the English champions.
“Thank you to the Chelsea ownership group and sporting directors for the opportunity to be part of this football club’s history,” said Pochettino.
Pochettino’s stint at Chelsea is over after just one season in charge. (Photo by Darren Staples / AFP)Source: AFP
“The club is now well positioned to keep moving forward in the Premier League and Europe in the years to come.” Chelsea sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: “On behalf of everyone at Chelsea, we would like to express our gratitude to Mauricio for his service this season.
“He will be welcome back to Stamford Bridge any time and we wish him all the very best in his future coaching career.”
Pochettino is the fourth manager to depart under Boehly’s regime after Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Frank Lampard.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Pochettino met Boehly for dinner on Friday before his departure was confirmed after an end-of-season review with Stewart and Winstanley.
The 52-year-old arrived in west London with the task of getting Chelsea back on track after they finished 12th in the 2022/23 Premier League season.
The Argentine had to bed in another influx of new signings as Chelsea broke the British transfer record to buy Moises Caicedo for £115 million.
Pochettino guided Chelsea to sixth place in the Premier League. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
He suffered a difficult start as they won just three of their opening 10 Premier League games.
But led by the stunning form of Cole Palmer, only City, Arsenal and Liverpool picked up more points than Chelsea in the second half of the season.
According to reports Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness, Girona boss Michel, Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna and Enzo Maresca of Leicester are among those in contention to be next in the Stamford Bridge hot seat.
Pochettino began his coaching career at Espanyol before shining in a short spell at Southampton.
That earned him a move to Tottenham, where he established Spurs as regulars at the top end of the Premier League and took the club to a first ever Champions League final in 2019.
Pochettino was sacked by Tottenham just months later before joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, where we won one Ligue 1 title and French Cup in 18 months in charge.
Much has been made of the thrilling title race at the top of the tree in the Premier League and rightly so.
So too of the fight for survival as Everton and Nottingham Forest attempt to stay afloat in the English top flight despite being hit with point deductions for breaching profit and sustainability (PSR) regulations.
But cast your eyes towards the Championship and you might stumble upon a run home that could provide even more drama than the Premier League.
The Championship, one rung below the Premier League on the English football pyramid, is home to a host of fallen giants and teams looking to shake up the status quo.
At the top of the table is a four-horse race for automatic promotion, which is awarded to the teams that finish first and second.
This year’s push for promotion has a distinct Australian flavour to it too as a current and former Socceroo are leading a major underdogs’ return to the Premier League.
Whichever team finishes third will then drop into the playoffs which include the teams that finish fourth, fifth and sixth.
For fans of teams competing in the playoffs, it delivers a rollercoaster of emotions that only a penalty shootout can rival, but is box office entertainment for neutral observers.
Descend all the way down the ladder and the fight to avoid the drop into League One is staggering, with four points separating 17th-placed Stoke City from Birmingham City who sit in 22nd and, at time of writing, will be relegated.
Foxsports.com.au breaks down the scenarios that matter in the Championship Run Home!
Ipswich Town: Hull City (a), Coventry (a), Huddersfield (h)
Southampton: Leicester (a), Stoke City (h), Leeds (a)
Those who had hoped for some fresh faces in the Premier League next season are likely to be sorely disappointed as Leicester City, Leeds and Southampton are firmly in contention for an immediate return.
Both clubs were relegated from the top flight at the end of the 2022/23 season but thanks to parachute payments and significantly stronger playing squads, they’ve successfully flexed their muscles in the Championship.
With Enzo Maresca at the helm, Leicester have adopted a possession-heavy approach and it’s certainly paid off, scoring the third-most goals (81) and conceding the second-fewest amount (39) in the league.
Central to this new style of play has been star midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who has racked up 13 assists and constantly delivers all-action displays in the Foxes’ engine room.
Leeds made the shrewd appointment of former Norwich City boss Daniel Farke in July and after a slow start in which the club won three of its first eight games have gone on to surge up the ladder.
Firing Leeds to a Premier League return is Crysencio Summerville, with the Dutch forward bagging 19 goals and nine assists to date.
Leeds will hope they get promoted this season too if they are to hold on to Summerville, with the 22-year-old reportedly attracting interest from the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool to name two.
Crysencio Summerville has been one of the Championship’s best players this season. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Crucial to Leeds’ success has been how well Farke has set his team up defensively as his side has conceded a league-lowest 37 goals this season.
Another team vying for automatic promotion and it is one awfully familiar to those who were around when the Premier League was in its infancy: Ipswich Town.
The Tractor Boys were automatically promoted from League One to the Championship after coming second and scoring a staggering 101 goals, 19 more than Plymouth Argyle who scored the second-most.
Once again Ipswich have scored goals for fun and lead the Championship with a tally of 85.
However, they’ve leaked 53 goals, four more than 17th-placed Queens Park Rangers.
Pivotal to Ipswich’s surge is manager Kieran McKenna, who took over in December 2021 and has dazzled in his first managerial role.
There’s also a distinct Australian flavour behind Ipswich’s push for promotion as Socceroos defender Cameron Burgess is one of their starting centre backs while Massimo Luongo is a constant presence in central midfield.
Rounding out the four-horse race is Southampton, who are coming home like a thundering steam train.
It seemed as if many felt the Saints would be locked in for 4th place but thanks to a combination of games in hand plus Ipswich, Leeds and Leicester tripping over themselves, they’ve been able to sneak back into the promotion battle.
Three consecutive wins also helped with entering the conversation for the top two, but a surprise loss to Cardiff City has slightly dampened hopes of an automatic promotion spot.
Socceroos defender Cameron Burgess has been a rock at the back for promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Under Russell Martin, who joined from Swansea last summer, the club has, similarly to Leicester, adopted a possession-retention approach.
In fact, Southampton leads the Championship in how many passes they make per attacking sequence (5.18), proving they favour a slow and intricate approach as opposed to counter-attacks.
Burnley adopted a similar style under Vincent Kompany last season and it certainly helped as the players were fresher at the final stages of the season given they weren’t chasing the ball as much.
So, who’s going to avoid the lottery of the play-offs?
Leeds have only two games remaining while Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton all have three.
Funnily enough, it might be the Saints who have the biggest say given they play Leicester and Leeds in the final run-in, with both games away from the home comforts of St. Mary’s.
There’s also the potential for a banana skin fixture given all four promotion hopefuls take on a team fighting for survival.
Even though Southampton have a game in hand, they’re still six points off second placed Leeds and must face two of the top three, so the Saints are perhaps the least likely to make the top two.
Ipswich arguably have the next toughest fixtures with away games against Hull City and Coventry City, who are seventh and eighth in the league respectively.
By the time Huddersfield roll into Portman Road, the top two might have already got away from the Tractor Boys so we’re tipping them to end the season in third.
That means it’s likely an immediate return for Leicester and Leeds.
Not as exciting as one would’ve hoped, but a well deserved reward for being the best of the Championship after another gruelling 46-game season.
Leicester City look most likely for an immediate return to the Premier League. (Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL
17th: Stoke City (50 pts, -16)
18th: QPR (50 pts, -16)
19th: Blackburn Rovers (49 pts, -16)
20th: Plymouth Argyle (48 pts, -11)
21st: Sheffield Wednesday (47 pts, -29)
22nd: Birmingham City (46 pts, -16)
23rd: Huddersfield Town (44 pts, -27)
24th: Rotherham United (24 pts, -53)
BOTTOM SEVEN’S FINAL FIXTURES
Stoke City: Southampton (a), Bristol City (h)
QPR: Leeds United (h), Coventry City (a)
Blackburn Rovers: Coventry City (h), Leicester City (a)
Plymouth Argyle: Millwall (a), Hull City (h)
Sheffield Wednesday: West Brom (h), Sunderland (a)
Birmingham City: Huddersfield Town (a), Norwich City (h)
Huddersfield Town: Birmingham City (h), Ipswich Town (a)
Rotherham United have already been relegated back to League One, so that’s one spot in the bottom three sealed.
But the other two? Well, that is one heck of a web to untangle as all of the teams scrapping for survival have just two games remaining.
What’s interesting to note is that there’s only one fixture left that pits two of these teams against one another: Huddersfield against Birmingham City on April 28.
If Birmingham win, it’d consign Huddersfield to relegation as the deficit would be too much to overcome with only game remaining.
However, Birmingham have been horrible away from home this season with just three wins from 22 away games to date, giving Blues fans very little reason to feel optimistic.
Even if Huddersfield draw, it takes them to 45 points and keeps them in 23rd as a final day trip to the promotion-chasing Ipswich Town awaits.
A victory over Birmingham would also help the Terriers close the gap on their relegation rivals, although it may not be much of a factor if other teams pick up points on the weekend.
Huddersfield Town manager Andre Breitenreiter has a tough job to keep the Terries afloat. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
It’s also worth noting that six of the bottom seven must play a team in the top six, further emphasising how difficult it will be for teams to survive.
Even then, the only exception from that group, Plymouth Argyle, face seventh-placed Hull City who remain an outside chance for the final playoffs spot.
If there’s one team in the mix that could be well placed to survive, it might be Sheffield Wednesday.
Unbeaten in their last four, they host a West Brom side that has lost two games in a row but are all but assured of a spot in the playoffs.
Wednesday then take on Sunderland, who have nothing but pride to play for.
But what counts against the Owls is their goal difference of -29, which is the second-worst in the division.
Honestly, it’s next to impossible to try and predict who will end up finishing 22nd, the final of the three relegation places.
Heck, it was only ten days ago when Plymouth beat Leicester 1-0.
If you’re a fan of any team in the bottom seven, we wish you the best of luck over the final two games.
But for those on the outside looking in, enjoy the ride.
It’s been a quiet January transfer window in the Premier League so far, with most teams restricted from splashing too much cash due to a major crackdown on teams breaching financial rules.
Under the PL’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), clubs post a maximum loss of £105 million ($134m) over three seasons – on a rolling basis but only if they have secure funding from their owners. Otherwise the three-year limit on losses is just £15m.
The Premier League hit Everton with a 10-point deduction last November due to breaching the rules, and both Everton and Nottingham Forest are facing further punishments after the Premier League released a statement this month saying both clubs admitted going over the limit.
The two sides will argue they had mitigating factors and should be excused.
But all Premier League clubs are now more wary than ever of breaching the rules, knowing that there is a very real threat of significant punishment.
It’s had a major dampening effect on the transfer window, with far fewer big-money deals than 12 months ago, when a staggering £700m-plus was spent – one third of it by Chelsea.
So far this window, only £50m has been spent by Premier League.
Ange Postecoglou has landed two big signings at Spurs in January – but he’s been linked to late moves for a number of other stars.Source: Getty Images
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle United have each made no signings this window.
Manchester City signed teenage Argentinian midfielder Claudio Echeverri from River Plate, but he won’t move clubs until the end of the season, while they also added another teen to their academy in Alex Alcala from LA Galaxy’s reserves.
Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham has been the most active top club so far, signing former Chelsea flop Timo Werner from RB Leipzig on a loan move with an option to buy at the end of the season.
They also landed their top defensive target in 21-year-old centre-back Radu Dragusin.
But the transfer window often ends with a flurry of activity, and this year will surely be no different.
The Premier League transfer window slams shut at 11pm local time (GMT) on February 1. That’s 10am on Saturday morning AEDT.
The transfer window shuts that same day in Germany (5pm GMT), Italy (7pm), France (10pm), and Spain (11pm). And the Saudi Arabia window closed on Wednesday, meaning no players can be offloaded to that country.
But here’s what major deals could still be done before the window shuts in England.
Teenage winger Antonio Nusa was on the brink of signing for Brentford for 25 million pounds, with the Bees to loan him back to Club Brugge for the remainder of the season.
But multiple reports claim complications have potentially stalled the deal, and could open the door to rial clubs.
Tottenham were interested in the player back in the off-season, according to Sky Sports, and were then in talks with Brugge over a deal earlier this month, which also would have seen him stay with his current club until the end of the season.
Chelsea have also been linked to the Norway international, who has already played 28 times this season with four goals and three assists.
Brentford have already signed three players this window, and are one of many clubs like Brighton, Arsenal and Fulham, interested in Leicester’s Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – but the Foxes don’t want to sell their 25-year-old midfield star.
A £30m valuation has been placed on the key player, but Leicester manager Enzo Maresca says he doesn’t want to lose a player who scored the opener in Leicester’s 3-1 win yesterday.
“I don’t want Kiernan to go – ask the club if we need to sell or not,” said Maresca.
“The only way we can do something is to sell players. I don’t think that Kiernan’s future was about this game. Kiernan is a Leicester player, hopefully he can play in the next game.
“Here, he showed once again he is in love with the club, if something will happen now, I don’t know.
“He cares about the club and he has 10 goals this season, probably for the first time in his life, these kind of things, people don’t give the right importance to and it’s not a good thing.”
Speaking of Chelsea, their sky-high spending in the last year has put them something of in a financial bind, requiring the sale of players if they are to sign any fresh faces.
The Blues want a new striker – Callum Wilson (Newcastle)and Jhon Duran (Aston Villa) have been the strongest rumours – but can’t do so unless they can find a buyer for some unneeded players.
Striker Armando Broja is up for sale, and there’s plenty of interest – but not at Chelsea’s asking price of a reported £40m to £50m.
Wolves had a loan bid rejected, with Chelsea likely looking for any loan deal to include a purchase option.
Fulham are also interested, but would probably need to sell a player of their own (like Carlos Vinicius) and even then would probably struggle to afford a lofty fee for the 22-year-old striker who has one goal this season.
But they could be more desperate for a deal after Raul Jimenez went off with a hamstring issue against Everton.
Fulham coach Marco Silva said today: “To be honest with you, if I expect many things before the end of the market – no – I was honest with you at the start of the window.
“If it was possible to do something we should have done it at the beginning of the market with the semi-finals and the FA Cup. The board is trying their best.”
Specifically asked about Broja, he replied: “I won’t talk about rumours and players who aren’t our players.”
Armando Broja is on the Chelsea chopping block.Source: Getty Images
Conor Gallagher, the 23-year-old midfielder who has been a key figure for the Blues this season and has at times even captained the side, is also reportedly up for sale.
The key reason behind the surprise move to offload such a valuable member of the team is that, alongside Broja, he is an academy product – and therefore any sale fee is viewed as pure profit in terms of PSR regulations.
He is also out of contract in less than 18 months, and the Blues are keen to avoid players running down their contracts and leaving for free.
But Gallagher reportedly does not want to leave his boyhood club, especially with the chance to play in the league cup final against Liverpool looming next month.
Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs, in need of midfield reinforcements, have long been interested in the player.
They offered £35m in the off-season, while West Ham reportedly had an offer of £42m including bonuses rejected, both falling short of Chelsea’s £50m valuation.
Conor Gallagher is a Chelsea fan favourite, but the Blues are willing to sell for the right price.Source: AFP
Tottenham are also on a tightrope when it comes to PSR, and would probably need to sell a player – likely Denmark international Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – to afford Gallagher.
Gallagher would be an upgrade on Hojbjerg when it comes to fitting in Postecoglou’s style, but the latter reportedly does not want to leave mid-season and has already turned down a move to Lyon.
His lawyer said recently: “The player never asked to leave now.
“He’s very ambitious for Tottenham and Denmark, [and] continuing to keep improving himself, like he did all his career. His only focus is Tottenham to finish the season well and to help as much as possible.”
The Times claims Spurs are preparing to launch an official bid for Gallagher, but it might be too hard to get a deal done in time.
As Ange Postecoglou said of Spurs making any more signings this window: “Unlikely, I’d say. I don’t see any incomings.”
And there is another Chelsea academy graduate up for sale – defender Trevoh Chalobah.
TeamTalk reported recently that, once again, it’s Chelsea’s price that is scaring off approaches from rivals.
Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are all reportedly interested in the 24-year-old, but a deal remains unlikely unless Chelsea lower their £25m demands.
Klopp on VVD and Mo Salah future | 00:53
BENZEMA DEAL OFF BUT OTHER SAUDI STAR COULD LEAVE
Former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema has been in Saudi Arabia for just half a year and captains Al-Ittihad, but was already reportedly looking to exit the club.
Chelsea and Arsenal were both interested in the former Real Madrid striker, who deleted his Instagram profile recently after copping plenty of criticism over his performances this season – despite 12 goals in 20 appearances for Al-Ittihad.
And another of his former clubs, Lyon, also strongly pursued a deal this month.
But multiple reports have said the 36-year-old will remain at his Saudi Pro League club, where he still has two and a half years remaining on a big-money contract.
Karim Benzema hasn’t enjoyed his six months in Saudi Arabia.Source: AFP
Another star stranded in Saudi Arabia is Jota, who starred at Celtic under Ange Postecoglou.
The 27-year-old Portuguese attacker kept for Al-Ittihad for about £25 million in July, but has endured a torrid time – and has since been cut from the squad since the SPL has a cap on the number of foreign players in a team (eight max).
West Ham are keen to sign him on loan, but there’s a major tax issue complicating the move, centring around Jota’s earnings on his £200k per week deal in Saudi Arabia.
Spurs were interested earlier in the window but a move looks unlikely, while the Hammers are still hopeful that the tax issue can be resolved and a deal can be sealed.
There has been one big player heading to Saudi Arabia – 35-year-old former Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic has done a deal to leave Sevilla for Al Shabab.
But Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron will not be joining him in Al Shabab, after personal terms could not be agreed.
Coach Eddie Howe said today: “Yes, I’m confident that he will stay now. And I’m delighted because he’s such an important player.”
Ivory Coast ERUPT with epic celebration | 01:35
WHAT OTHER BIG DEALS COULD GET DONE?
Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey is in hot demand – but is likely to remain despite plenty of interest. Newcastle United, Tottenham and Bayern Munich are all reported suitors.
Borussia Dortmund and USMNT star Giovanni Reyna is struggling for minutes in Germany, and The Athletic reported that Nottingham Forest are pushing for a loan move for the 21-year-old star.
Socceroos boss Graham Arnold has made three changes to the team that beat India as Australia look to seal a spot in the knockout stages with a win over Syria.
Jordan Bos, Aiden O’Neill and Cameron Burgess have been named to start as Craig Goodiwn, Keanu Baccus and Kye Rowles drop to the bench.
Follow all the action from the Socceroos’ Asian Cup clash against Syria in our LIVE BLOG below!
Bos earned plenty of plaudits for his impact off the bench against India as the left winger scored with his first touch of the game and provided plenty of attacking endeavour.
Burgess’ physicality will be welcomed, especially on set pieces, while O’Neill is tasked with breaking up Syrian attacks at the base of midfield while keeping the Socceroos ticking over with precise passing.
Syria go into the contest off the back of a gutsy 0-0 draw against Uzbekistan in which the latter had 66 per cent of the ball and fired off 14 shots but could not find a way through.
Towering defender Harry Souttar fears for his Socceroos future due to his lack of football at club level.
Despite his name being one of the first on national coach Graham Arnold’s team sheet, Souttar admits that will end if he continues to sit on the bench for English Championship leaders Leicester City.
The 200cm centre-back has made just four appearances, only two of them as a starter, in all competitions for Leicester this season as he remains out of favour with manager Enzo Maresca.
Souttar has been linked with moves to Scotland and Saudi Arabia, as well as English Premier League cellar dwellers, but is adamant a move has “not even crossed” his mind as he concentrates on the Socceroos’ current Asian Cup campaign in Qatar.
“My full concentration is on Australia and I think it would be disrespectful to the country, my teammates, and the staff here if my head was anywhere else and thinking about these other things when we’ve got a massive tournament here,” he said.
Souttar knows he needs to be playing more at club level if he is to keep his spot in the Socceroos. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
However, the 25-year-old Scotland-born Socceroo knows he can’t afford to remain inactive at club level if he wants to continue being selected for Australia.
“It’s not been great that I’ve not got match minutes at my club, and obviously I know that can’t continue if I want to be a part of the national team,” Souttar said.
“Any player just wants to play football so I’m looking at it as a positive that I’m here (in Qatar) and I’m getting minutes and playing football, doing what I love again.
“You always want to pull that (Socceroos) shirt on. It just gives you an added something.
“You’re running on adrenaline and you’re playing football for a different reason as well, which always helps.
“There’s always that little bit more of that something special in the air.”
On what was a wild transfer deadline day, Socceroos star Harry Souttar was caught up in the chaos as his potential move away from Leicester City hit a roadblock.
Souttar was rewarded for his impressive World Cup campaign last year when he joined Leicester City from Stoke City in a move that was supposed to keep him at the club until the end of the 2027-28 season.
What initially looked like a dream move has quickly become a nightmare for Souttar though, with the Foxes relegated to the Championship and Souttar falling out of favour.
The 24-year-old has yet to play any minutes for Leicester this season under new manager Enzo Maresca, prompting reports both parties could be looking for a mutually beneficial exit.
The Athletic had previously reported ahead of the deadline that the Rangers were interested in Souttar’s services, although it would have only been a loan move.
Still, it would have been an ideal scenario for Souttar, who would have been given the opportunity to play alongside his brother John.
Celtic, meanwhile, was also reported to have shown interest in the Australian, who was signed at Leicester by new manager Brendan Rodgers in the first place.
Rangers though always seemed like the more likely team to watch ahead of the deadline, that was until the potential move “hit a snag” according to Football Scotland.
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According to the report, the Rangers’ chances of being able to make a play for Souttar were dealt a blow when they were eliminated from the Champions League earlier in the week.
Rangers would have pocketed about 18 million euros in prize money had they advanced to the group-stage draw.
Without that money, Rangers were said to be unable to meet Souttar’s salary demands and the portion that Leicester specifically wanted them to pay, although a figure has not been reported.
Only compounding their woes was the fact they were unable to sell Ben Davies, with Record Sport reporting Stoke City were interested in taking him on in a loan move.
That would have also allowed Rangers to launch a late bid for Souttar, but in the end Rangers reportedly rejected an “unacceptable” offer that was put on the table.
Ange Postecoglou is finally trimming some of the fat from his squad, with three of his Tottenham Hotspur players headed for the exit door.
Sergio Reguilon, who joined Tottenham in the summer of 2020, is set to link up with Manchester United on a loan deal, per The Athletic.
The Red Devils had hoped to snap up Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella, but a deal was deemed to expensive so they have since moved for the Tottenham defender.
Reguilon had featured throughout Tottenham’s pre-season but has had to make do with a backup role so far this season as Destiny Udogie earned the starting role at left back.
Another defender who won’t be at Tottenham for much longer is academy product Japhet Tanganga.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is the final member of the departing trio, with the Dane heavily linked with a switch to Fulham.
The Cottagers appear resigned to losing star defensive midfielder Joao Palinha, who looks likely to join Bayern Munich.
But Fulham are wasting no time in finding Palinha’s replacement and have made a £25 million offer for Hojbjerg, per the Daily Mail.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is heavily linked with a move to Fulham. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)Source: AFP
SOCCEROO SET FOR SURPRISE REUNION?
Socceroos star Harry Souttar could find himself leaving Leicester City almost as quickly as he arrived.
The towering centre-back has struggled to break into Foxes boss Enzo Maresca’s side this season, with Wout Faes and Jannik Vestergaard preferred ahead of him.
Whether Souttar would leave on a permanent deal or a loan remains to be seen, but a departure from Leicester looks to be his best chance for regular game time.
Harry Souttar looks likely to leave Leicester in search of regular football. (Photo by Will Palmer/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
ENGLAND STAR PENS EMOTIONAL GOODBYE TO RED DEVILS
Dean Henderson has penned an emotional goodbye after securing a permanent move away from Manchester United.
The England international has joined Crystal Palace on a five-year, £20 million deal having struggled for first team football at his boyhood club.
Henderson, who had been with the Red Devils since he was 14, stated his United journey was a “dream come true.”
“Saying goodbye to United is an emotional moment for me,” Henderson said.
“This club has been a part of my life since I was a kid.
“From growing up as a United fan, to joining the academy aged 14, to stepping out on the pitch at Old Trafford!
“The journey has been a dream come true and I feel very blessed and fortunate to have fulfilled that dream.”
The 26-year-old will now contest for the starting goalkeeper role with Sam Johnstone at Palace.
Follow all the big deals on Deadline Day in our LIVE BLOG below!
Who will make the next Socceroos squad for the match against Mexico on September 10.Source: Getty Images
BELGIUM
The Jupiler Pro League in Belgium recently gained two Aussies, with former Melbourne City duo Jordan Bos and Aiden O’Neill joining KVC Westerlo and Standard Liege respectively.
The pair were some of Melbourne City’s finest performers last season en route to a premiership and grand final appearance and resulted in Socceroos call-ups for both.
Bos’ switch to Westerlo broke the record for the most expensive outgoing from Australia, with the deal reportedly worth $AUD2 million.
Westerlo have wasted no time in throwing the left-back into the deep end as Bos has started three from four games for his new club.
As for O’Neill, he has started all four games for Standard Liege as a defensive midfielder but is yet to taste victory.
With Bos and O’Neill enjoying regular game time so far, it bodes well for the rest of the season as they look to maintain their spots in Graham Arnold’s Socceroos squad.
The other Aussie in Belgium is Jason Davidson, who joined KAS Eupen last season.
Davidson has been a left-back for most of his career but has impressed for Eupen as a centre-back this season and has played every minute of his side’s four games with two wins and a
Jordan Bos battling Angel di Maria of Argentina.Source: Getty Images
ENGLAND
Tom Glover, Riley McGree and Sammy Silvera (Middlesbrough)
There’s three Aussies at Boro this season, with Olyroos gun Samuel Silvera also joining the books just last month. But it hasn’t been a great start to the season, with the team failing to win any of their first three Championship matches. Left-winger Silvera has been having the best run so far, with an assist to pick up a draw last time out, and another assist in a cup win. After starting on the bench in the opening league game, he’s now started three straight games (all comps) and the 22-year-old looks set to have a big impact as he takes a major step up this season after joining from the Central Coast Mariners.
25-year-old Glover, who also moved from down under in July, played the cup game but is currently the number two gloveman at the club behind Senegal international Seny Dieng, who joined one day later. But with Boro struggling defensively, Glover will be hoping to crack into the first team – or else enjoy a good cup run to get minutes under his belt.
McGree meanwhile started the first league game but has since come off the bench in the three other matches – and bagged a goal in the cup. The 24-year-old even had a stint at an unfamiliar left-back position in pre-season. As the team looks to climb up the ladder after their miserable start, he could find a way back into the starting side more regularly.
McGree in action against Argentina in June.Source: Getty Images
Harry Souttar (Leicester City)
There’s been plenty of talk over a possible exit from the club after they were relegated from the Premier League, but it hasn’t happened … yet. Leicester sold Harvey Barnes and James Maddison for big money to balance their books, but they still need to trim a bloated squad (and wage bill!). Harry Souttar hasn’t been given much of a look-in by new manager Enzo Maresca, and an exit appears reasonably likely. He was left on the bench for their first league game and out of the squad completely for the two following games. Maresca said: “Harry’s a guy who since day one has been working very well. But because the window is open, for Harry and for the rest of the 25 players that we have, something can happen.”
Scottish giants Rangers have been linked with a move that would reunite Harry Souttar with his brother John. Without a move, Souttar seems likely to only get limited game-time.
Alexander Robertson (Portsmouth, on loan from Manchester City)
The 20-year-old central midfielder has settled in very well to life in League One at Portsmouth, playing all five of their matches (all comps) since his loan move this month. He scored in a penalty shootout win after coming on as a substitute in the EFL Trophy (formerly the Papa John’s Trophy, a cup competition), and has started their last two league matches. The young playmaker looks extremely classy and comfortable on the ball and the early signs are promising a breakout campaign in his first full season of senior football. Making it into Manchester City’s senior team still feels a while away, but with Kevin de Bruyne’s serious injury and subsequent surgery ruling him out until the end of the calendar year, another injury or two could see Pep Guardiola recall the Aussie young gun from loan for added depth. It’s not likely, but it’s not out of the realms of possibility – and every week that Robertson continues to impress at Portsmouth helps to build his case.
There’s another Aussie at Portsmouth in 24-year-old Kusini Yengi, a former Olyroos player, with the left-winger starting the season brilliantly by scoring four goals in three appearances before an ankle injury ruled him out until mid-October. When he’s back, keep a close eye on the former A-Leagues star.
There’s also several other Australians in England who are either in or awfully close to the Socceroos squad.
Ipswich Town duo Massimo Luongo and Cam Burgess are no doubt loving life at the minute.
It’s early days in a long and gruelling Championship season, but the Tractor Boys are in first place having won three games from three and conceding just one goal in that time.
Luongo and Burgess have played every minute of Ipswich’s campaign so far and have caught the eye of Arnold who reportedly watched the duo last weekend.
Burgess was set to be included in the Socceroos squad for the Argentina friendlies but was ruled out with injury, yet his form so far has no doubt boosted his chances.
Massimo Luongo is in the Championship for the first time since 2020-21.Source: Getty Images
Elsewhere in League One is Aussie duo Callum Elder and Kenny Dougall who are at Derby County and Blackpool respectively.
Elder came off the bench for slim minutes in the first four of Derby’s league matches and the 28-year-old left back is struggling as he pushes for a first-team spot.
30-year-old central midfielder Dougall has two starts, one in the cup and one in the league, with two more league appearances off the bench.
However, with Arnold taking a view towards the future in his squad selections the chances of Elder and Dougall returning to the Socceroos fold appear limited.
There’s also Tyrese Francois with Premier League side Fulham. Francois, a 23-year-old midfielder, spent part of last season on loan at HNK Gorica in Croatia after making one Premier League appearance off the bench. He suffered an injury late last season and it’s unclear if he’s currently fully fit, having trained with the first-team squad but not travelling with them to the USA in pre-season. He has not been named in a Fulham squad so far this season. A transfer is also a possibility, as is a loan deal, as he needs more match minutes to grow in his career.
FRANCE
Denis Genreau (Toulouse)
Denis Genreau will look to pick up right where he left off after the midfielder enjoyed a strong end to the 2022/23 Ligue One campaign.
The midfielder, who dealt with a series of niggling injuries last season, started Toulouse’s first league game of the season in a 2-1 win over Nantes before coming on as a substitution in a 1-1 draw with PSG.
At 24 years of age, Genreau is only going to get better and if he can nail down a regular spot in Toulouse’s midfield, there’s no reason to assume otherwise.
He made the Socceroos squad for the recent Argentina friendly and will hope to maintain it in the lead-up to the Asian Cup.
In France’s second tier is Mohamed Toure, who linked up with Paris FC on loan from Reims.
The teenager came on as a sub in Paris’ second game of the Ligue Two season against Grenoble but wasn’t in the squad for their other two fixtures due to an unknown injury.
Even if Toure doesn’t get the minutes he hopes for, a loan experience at 19 is invaluable as he looks to prove himself in France.
Toulouse’s Australian midfielder Denis Genreau (L) in a pre-season friendly with Roma this month.Source: AFP
GERMANY
Jackson Irvine and Connor Metcalfe (FC St Pauli)
Many have said it before, but it’s hard to think of a footballer who fits a club’s ethos quite like Jackson Irvine does at FC St Pauli.
The all-action midfielder, who dons the captain’s armband for the club in the German second tier, has started every game for St Pauli this season and will no doubt be a key figure in their push for promotion.
Irvine is joined at the club by fellow Australian Connor Metcalfe, who moved to St Pauli last season.
Although the 23-year-old showed glimpses of his quality, he never quite found a consistent run of form.
But Metcalfe has also started in St Pauli’s three league games so far as a right winger which bodes well for getting opportunities to shine.
St Pauli came awfully close to promotion to the Bundesliga last season and finished fifth, so expectations will be high for Irvine and Metcalfe to deliver if they are to achieve their ultimate goal.
Irvine captaining St Pauli this month.Source: Getty Images
INDIA
Jason Cummings (Mohun Bagan)
Not many score a hat-trick to win an A-League grand final in their last game, but then again, not many footballers are Jason Cummings.
The cult hero left a lasting impression both on and off the field in a two-year stint with the Central Coast Mariners where he scored 31 goals from 50 games and earned a spot in Australia’s World Cup squad.
Cummings has since moved to India for a life-changing salary and has already scored twice for his new club Mohun Bagan in three games.
However, his status with the national team could come into question given the level of football on show in India.
Time will tell whether it proves to be a detrimental factor but if Cummings scores goals in India like he did in Australia, it will be hard to argue he doesn’t deserve a spot in the Socceroos squad.
There’s also Rostyn Griffiths in India, with Mumbai City. The 35-year-old has never been capped for Australia and has missed his chance, but keep an eye out for the Asian Champions League, where he’ll face Saudi mega-team Al-Hilal featuring Neymar, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Ruben Neves, and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
Cummings moved to India after winning the A-League with the Central Coast Mariners.Source: Getty Images
ITALY
Cristian Volpato (Sassuolo)
Cristian Volpato finds himself in new surroundings after moving to Sassuolo from Roma in the summer window for an estimated £6.4 million.
It is hoped a switch to Sassuolo will lead to increased game time for the talented 19-year-old, although both of his first two games for his new club have come from the bench.
Volpato did chalk up an assist in Sassuolo’s 5-2 win over Cosenza in the first round of the Italy Cup.
Prior to the 2023/24 season, Arnold confirmed he would visit Volpato in an attempt to convince him to represent the Socceroos ahead of Italy, but as of now there are no indications who he will play for on the international stage.
Time will tell on Volpato’s international future, but the teen must focus on performing for his new club first before thinking about whether to don the green and gold or the famous blue of Italy.
Alessandro Circati (Parma)
After a lengthy courting process, Arnold finally convinced promising defender Alessandro Circati to pledge his international allegiance to Australia ahead of the Argentina friendly.
The teenager had the benefit of playing in a defensive unit for Serie B side Parma with legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon barking orders behind him.
Although Buffon has since retired, Circati has no doubt taken on plenty of wisdom from the Italian superstar and will look to apply it this year for club and country.
The 19-year-old was part of a defensive unit that kept a clean sheet in Parma’s Serie B opener against Feralpisalo and in their Italy Cup first round clash against fellow promotion hopefuls Bari.
Ajdin Hrustic (Hellas Verona)
Having long been heralded as Australia’s key attacking force from midfield, Ajdin Hrustic has struggled in recent times.
Hrustic moved to Verona from Eintracht Frankfurt in last year’s summer window in search of game time but that never quite materialised.
The 27-year-old also underwent ankle surgery in early January and is yet to return to the field for Verona in Serie B after they were relegated at the end of last season.
There’s still plenty of time for Hrustic to turn things around at club level but if he cannot get on the park in the Italian second division, it will spark serious fears for his hopes of making Australia’s Asian Cup squad.
Hrustic has a lot of work to do.Source: Getty Images
JAPAN
Mitch Duke (Machida Zelvia)
The veteran striker joined Machida Zelvia in January and has had a strong season, with five goals and six assists in 24 appearances in the second division plus a cup goal. He was a regular starter earlier for most of the year but has come off the bench in the last four games for the team currently six points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand. His team still has 12 matches to play as they chase promotion.
Socceroos star Duke and Lionel Messi shake hands at the World Cup.Source: Getty Images
Mitch Langerak (Nagoya Grampus)
Langerak is having yet another fantastic season for top-flight side Nagoya Grampus. The entrenched starting goalkeeper has played 28 games in all competitions with just 23 goals conceded and 11 clean sheets. He was a shock omission from last year’s World Cup and at 35 years old appears to be on the outer of the national team, but is consistently performing at the top level and could fill in for the Socceroos at any point. Nagoya are third on the ladder, five points off the lead.
Thomas Deng (Albirex Niigata)
Deng is also in the top flight with Albirex Niigata, the 14th-placed team. It’s been an up and down season (which began in February) for the 26-year-old central defender. From late May to early June he dropped out of the squad completely, but regained his place for seven-straight starting appearances before a stint off the bench last time out. Overall he’s made 21 appearances in all competitions this year. If he can lock down that place in the starting XI, he’ll continue to press his case for a spot in the Socceroos’ defensive line.
KOREA
Harrison Delbridge (Incheon United)
Delbridge continues to be a mainstay in the backline for Korean side Incheon United, starting 19 of 27 league games this season.
His impressive form last year earned a call-up to the Socceroos for the double-header against New Zealand where he made his international debut.
However, Delbridge likely faces an uphill battle to break back into the team with the likes of Souttar, Kye Rowles and Circati ahead of him in the pecking order.
Delbridge for the Socceroos in September last year.Source: Getty Images
NETHERLANDS
Garang Kuol (Volendam, on loan from Newcastle)
18-year-old Kuol had a difficult first season in Europe, making just nine appearances for Hearts in Scotland on loan from Premier League side Newcastle – and almost all of them coming off the bench. Now he’s been sent to Volendam, a renowned nursery for young players, to get more minutes and continue his development. He got 24 minutes in their first league match of the season but was left out of the squad for the second match. Coach Matthias Kohler said: “We have to be patient with him. That is simply the case with a young player who comes from a foreign competition.”
Despite his limited minutes at club-land, he picked up his first Socceroos goal against Ecuador in March.
This will be a big season for Kuol’s growth, and getting as many minutes as possible is crucial.
Kuol celebrates his first goal for the Socceroos in March.Source: Getty Images
Mat Ryan (AZ Alkmaar)
The 31-year-old gloveman is the settled number one at AZ Alkmaar, having joined the Dutch club in January. The Socceroos skipper has had a great start to the season, with two clean sheets in his first five matches – four wins and a draw. Their two league wins and a +6 goal difference has them top of the Eredivisie league ladder, having finished a strong fourth last season.
On Friday morning, his side continued their bid to reach the third-tier European continental competition – the Europa Conference League – with a 1-1 draw in the first leg against Brann of Norway. Ryan made five saves in another strong showing.
NORWAY
Gianni Stensness (Viking FC)
The 24-year-old centre-back/defensive midfielder had been in fine form in recent months, earning himself a first Socceroos call-up in 12 months against Argentina in June. But things came crashing down when he tore his ACL in training later that month. He’ll be out until the end of the year.
But young Aussie teammate Patrick Yazbek, 21, is having a sensational season, bagging one goal and five assists in 18 appearances (all comps). The centre-midfielder looks to be a key figure in the Olyroos team aiming to reach the Paris Olympics.
Rounding out the Australian trio at Viking is Nick D’Agostino, although the striker has largely been consigned to an impact role off the bench.
The Heart of Midlothian contingent again features FOUR Aussies this season, although Garang Kuol has been replaced this year by another young gun Calem Nieuwenhof.
The team is third in the league after two rounds, with a win and a draw, and are also competing in the Europa Conference League play-offs, where they suffered a 2-1 first-leg loss to Greek league leaders PAOK on Friday morning.
Right-back Nathaniel Atkinson has started five games so far including that defeat, after a very strong finish to last season after a rollercoaster year saw him bounce in an out of the side but mostly feature off the bench. Early signs are very promising for the 24-year-old as he looks to take a step up in his career.
25-year-old Kye Rowles has played every minute of their six games in centre-back and is a lock to start. He’ll be hoping to avoid another injury like the metatarsal fracture he suffered in September last year that threatened his World Cup hopes. Luckily he returned in time to star in Qatar and quickly nail down his place in the Hearts’ starting side after that – and this season promises another strong campaign.
Cameron Devlin has enjoyed a bright start to the season.Source: Getty Images
Cammy Devlin bagged a brace in the Europa Conference League play-offs a week ago and has started five matches already, coming off the back of a breakout 41-game season last time around. With Aaron Mooy’s retirement, he’ll back himself to step up and fill the gap in the midfield – and his early form certainly boosts his case.
Calem Nieuwenhof, 22, made the move to Scotland on the back of a truly outstanding individual campaign for the Western Sydney Wanderers. The versatile midfielder is on a four-year contract and has plenty of time to grow, but appears to have settled well after a transfer he called an ‘easy decision’. He started their first league game in an attacking midfield role and a cup game in a defensive midfield position, and his ability to play in different roles is a key reason he should feature plenty off the bench, if not force his way into the starting team.
Devlin celebrating his brace.Source: Getty Images
Marco Tilio (Celtic)
Tilio broke the record for an outbound transfer from Australian shores at the start of July when he left Melbourne City for the Scottish giants for a fee over $2 million Australian. The youngster who turned 22 this month is however still recovering from an unknown injury that he suffered on Olyroos duty in June, with Celtic coach Brendan Rogers revealing last month that Tilio would miss the first few weeks of the season.
It will take him some time to get up to speed with the intensity of Scottish football and life at the champions. With the likes of Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda on the wings at the club, he’ll find it hard to break into the first team as a regular starter, but he’s got plenty of promise and will look to show what he can do off the bench at first.
Keanu Baccus and Ryan Strain (St Mirren)
Last season was Keanu Baccus’ first in Scotland after joining St Mirren from Western Sydney Wanderers, and he racked up 36 appearances. That led to St Mirren agreeing a reported £275,000 sale to Bolton in England’s League One (third tier). But the deal fell through – reportedly due to difficulties obtaining a work permit – and reported interest from Scottish rivals Hibernian never eventuated.
The 25-year-old has played every minute of the club’s two league games already – both wins – and has also picked up one assist in three League Cup matches.
His physicality and hard work continues to impress in the rough-and-tumble Scottish Premiership, and he’ll hope to guide St Mirren to better than last year’s sixth placed this time around, especially after they struggled at the dying stages of last season.
With just one year left on his contract, St Mirren will definitely be looking to lock him down on a fresh deal so they can cash in when bigger clubs (almost inevitably) come calling.
And Baccus continues to go from strength to strength for the Socceroos, playing the full game against Argentina in June. With Aaron Mooy’s retirement, coach Graham Arnold could turn to another Scotland-based player in Baccus to step up at the base of the midfield.
Baccus battling Argentina in June’s friendly.Source: Getty Images
Like his club teammate Baccus, Ryan Strain had a standout season in his maiden campaign in Scotland. The right back is receiving interest this transfer window, and a deal could easily still happen before the window closes.
But manager Stephen Robinson said last month that the club had ‘no bids or offers’ for the player, claiming that meant other clubs were “not realising how good a player” he is.
“Long may it continue,” the St Mirren boss told BBC Scotland.
“We don’t want to let him go. We don’t need to sell, we’re not in the [financial] position we were in last year.
“Ryan’s done terrifically well. He’s a very, very good footballer if he doesn’t complicate the game.”
He’s started five cup games and bagged four assists already, and also started both league games in a sensational start to the season.
Scottish journalists are raving about the 26-year-old, with many declaring him the best right wing-back in the league outside of the ‘big two’ of Celtic and Rangers.
He only debuted for Australia last September and missed the World Cup, but the 26-year-old is arguably the most in-form Socceroo in the world right now.
Like Baccus, he also is in the final year of his contract, and St Mirren will make handing him a new deal a priority so as not to lose him for free at season’s end.
It looks like an all-Scottish league battle for Australia’s right back spot between Strain and Atkinson.Source: Getty Images
Martin Boyle, Jimmy Jeggo, Lewis Miller (Hibernian)
Martin Boyle is back! Earlier this month, the 30-year-old winger scored a brace in his first competitive fixture since October 2022, when he underwent surgery on an historical ACL injury. He had said days before that the team’s physios must “hate him,” given how hard he was pushing to return ahead of schedule. All up, he’s now had seven starts for three goals. He’s still not fully fit, but signs are promising that he’ll return to his best.
Jimmy Jeggo has been battling for a spot in the first team at Hibs, making two starts and five bench appearances so far this season. He joined the club in late January and played 17 times in all competitions last season, starting every single one of those games. But Hibernian signed 22-year-old Wales international Dylan Levitt in July, a former Manchester United academy player, and the pair look set to battle for starting duties in the coming weeks.
It’s also worth keeping an eye out for Lewis Miller, the 22-year-old right back who hasn’t yet played for the Socceroos but has featured for the Under-23 Olyroos. Miller is in his second season with Hibernian, but looks set for far more game time this campaign.
However, he’ll have to improve his game after a torrid showing in Hibs’ 5-0 loss to Aston Villa in the first leg of their Europa Conference League playoff clash at Easter Road, where three of the goals came from Miller’s flank.
SERBIA
Milos Degenek (Red Star Belgrade)
Degenek is back for a third stint at his boyhood club, having spent 18 months in the US. With three starts, three wins, and three clean sheets – and the team not conceding after he came off the bench in the other league match – it’s been a perfect opening to the new campaign. The 29-year-old has fit right back in, and looks like he’s cemented himself as one of the first-choice options at the heart of defence. He’ll also get the chance to play in the Champions League once again.
Interestingly, six-time reigning champions Red Star are playing a three-man backline this campaign, which could give Arnold room to change up his Socceroos defensive structure.
Degenek is in good form at the start of the new season.Source: Getty Images
SINGAPORE
Bailey Wright (Lion City Sailors)
In a move that caught many by surprise, Bailey Wright left Sunderland a year early to join Singapore Premier League side Lion City Sailors.
The switch to Singapore brings and end to Wright’s time in England where he had played since 2010.
Wright confirmed he had received offers from clubs in England and even from the A-League, but turned it down in pursuit of a new challenge in Singapore.
Having made the Socceroos’ World Cup squad, the decision to move to Singapore is a curious one.
But the 30-year-old has earned the opportunity to pursue a switch for financial reasons and could still venture down to the A-League at some stage in the future.
SWITZERLAND
Awer Mabil (Grasshopper Club Zurich)
The pacy winger will play in a seventh European country this season after signing a deal at Swiss side Grasshoppers.
The team is the most successful in Swiss history, but haven’t won the league in two decades and have struggled in recent years – finishing eighth and seventh in the last two seasons after returning to the top flight after a couple of years in the second division.
They’ve started the new campaign poorly with just one win and one draw from their first four games, meaning Mabil has a great opportunity to cement a spot in the line-up.
It is a much-needed move for the Aussie with 32 international caps and nine goals to his name. Having struggled for game time at Cadiz in Spain’s La Liga (six appearances), he moved to Czechia for the latter half of last season with Sparta Prague, but 15 of his 16 appearances came off the bench. He scored twice (both penalties) and added three assists.
Ahead of his 28th birthday next month, he’ll hope for regular minutes to return to top form. The deal is for two years with an option for a third.
QATAR
Trent Sainsbury (Al Wakrah)
Having been left out of the Socceroos squad for the World Cup, many felt it was the end of the road in the national team for 31-year-old Trent Sainsbury.
Whether he can force his way back into contention remains to be seen, but starting for Qatari side Al Wakrah will give him the best chance possible for that.
Sainsbury started and kept a clean sheet in his side’s Qatar Stars League opener against Muaither SC as Al Wakrah ran out 3-0 winners.
But no matter how often he plays in Qatar, Sainsbury has plenty of bodies in front of him if he is to return to the heart of the Socceroos backline.
Sainsbury’s last Socceroos match in September 2022.Source: Getty Images
WHO ELSE?
Left-back Brad Smith is in the USA for Major League Soccer club Houston Dynamo, where he’s scored two goals in 15 appearances (all comps). But he’s struggling to lock in a spot in the first team and a recall to the Socceroos looks unlikely.
Meanwhile, Tom Rogic is without a club after leaving West Brom in May after a difficult season. He turned down an optional one-season extension on his contract and has not yet found a new club. It mirrors what happened 12 months ago, when he left Celtic but didn’t find a new club – West Brom – until September. This time around, the 30-year-old might look for an easier challenge, including a possible return down under.
In one of the biggest moments in Australian football history, Ange Postecoglou has officially become the new manager of Tottenham.
Spurs confirmed on Tuesday night (AEST) they had signed the 57-year-old from Celtic, making him the first Aussie manager in the English top flight.
Postecoglou has signed a four-year deal, showing Spurs’ commitment to the Aussie who will hope to reinvigorate the club and reenergise their game style.
“Ange brings a positive mentality and a fast, attacking style of play,” Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said.
“He has a strong track record of developing players and an understanding of the importance of the link from the academy – everything that is important to our club. We are excited to have Ange join us as we prepare for the season ahead.”
Postecoglou just completed a domestic treble in Scotland and previously coached Yokohama F. Marinos and Brisbane Roar to league championships, along with leading Australia to the Asian Cup.
The Telegraph reported a deal had been made with Tottenham to pay the Scottish giant less than £5 million (A$9.4m) in compensation.
Benzema calls time on 14yr Madrid career | 01:05
The Telegraph reports that Postecoglou’s arrival is expected to trigger a player clear-out with up to seven first-team players on the chopping block.
Among them include veteran goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris, as well as full back Ivan Perisic, Davinson Sanchez and Ryan Sessegnon.
Transfer bids for Ben Davies and Eric Dier could also be entertained, while Arnaut Danjuma and Clement Lenglet were also named by the Telegraph report.
And the clear-out may not stop there with Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Harry Winks also potentially heading towards the exit.
Cummings bags ‘last dance’ hat-trick! | 01:23
The biggest transfer issue facing Postecoglou on arrival, however, is star striker Harry Kane and whether he will be leaving.
Kane is entering the final year of his contract and Spurs will need to sell him now, otherwise it runs the risk of losing him for free at season’s end.
Manchester United led the race to sign Kane, but Real Madrid has since emerged as the front runner as the Spanish giants seek a replacement for Karim Benzema.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy values Kane at over £100 million.
