Khusanov is set to become City’s first signing of the transfer windowCredit: Getty
Khusanov will now undergo a medical ahead of signing a four-and-a-half year contract with the option of an extra year in what will undoubtedly be the biggest deal of the January window so far.
The Uzbekistan international was previously a target for Tottenham but will now join their Premier League rivals this month instead.
He is set to be City’s first signing of the January transfer window and will be a welcome boost given their injuries in defence.
John Stones is currently nursing a foot injury whilst Ruben Dias is dealing with a muscle problem.
Khusanov was a youth player for Uzbek club FC Bunyodkor before he moved to FC Energetik-BGU Minsk in Belarus.
He scored four goals in 37 appearances for the club to earn a transfer to France with Lens.
The defender became the first Uzbek player to ever feature in the French top flight when he made his debut in September 2023.
At international level, he has made 18 appearances for his country and featured at the AFC Asian Cup last year.
City could also be set to make another addition in January to help revive what has been an underwhelming season as defending champions.
Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush is of interest to the club but talkSPORT understands they’ll need to pay £50million for him.
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The centre-back will help ease their problems in defenceCredit: Getty
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Marmoush could also be on his way to the Premier League championsCredit: Getty
Marmoush has netted 13 goals in the Bundesliga this season, which is one behind leading scorer Harry Kane of Bayern Munich.
Pep Guardiola chose not to comment on his potential arrival when he spoke to the media before their FA Cup clash against Salford City, live on talkSPORT.
“I was clear in my answer, I’m not going to talk,” he insisted.” He’s a player from another club, I’m not saying an answer.
“You can say in every single press conference to talk about the transfer window until the end, I’m not going to answer one question!
“In the past, the same happened. I was clear. You can try it any time you want, no problem at all, but you know my answer. It’s easy. No comment.”
Meanwhile, Frankfurt’s director of football Markus Krosche has previously commented on the club selling players.
Man City put on red alert as Eintracht Frankfurt’s asking price for Omar Marmoush revealed
“For us, we don’t want to lose so many key players,” Krosche said.
“I have to honestly say that no Eintracht player is unsellable, but we want to keep the team together.
“I talk about Marmoush after every game. But that’s a good thing. Omar gives our game an incredible amount.”
A Marmoush arrival for £50million would become the biggest deal of the January window so far as clubs strengthen for the final months of the season.
The Premier League has been treated to the talents of some of the best African footballers of all time over the years.
And there have been countless goals scored in the English top flight by Africa’s biggest superstars.
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Salah is the highest-scoring African in Premier League historyCredit: AFP
From Mohamed Salah to Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure, talkSPORT.com has taken a look at the top 10 highest-scoring players in Premier League history…
10. Nwankwo Kanu (54 goals, 273 matches)
The majority of the other players on this list made their names in the top-flight within the last 15 years, but Kanu’s peak was before then.
Arsenal signed the forward in 1999 from Inter Milan for just over £6million, and he was a big hit.
He made over 100 top-flight appearances for the Gunners and scored 30 goals, helping the club win the Premier League twice.
He left in 2004 but remained in England, joining West Brom and then Portsmouth, but he only scored 24 more goals across six seasons before Pompey were relegated in 2010, and he retired in 2012.
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Kanu is still in the top 10 African scorersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
9. Yaya Toure (62 goals, 230 matches)
Given Toure was a central midfielder, his numbers in the Premier League are even more impressive.
The Ivorian arrived from Barcelona in 2010 for around £25m, but many people felt City had overpaid, and they couldn’t have been more wrong.
Over the next eight years, Toure became the ideal box-to-box midfielder, possessing sublime technique and an incredible engine.
He played his part in some brilliant sides, but no one will ever forget his 2013/14 campaign, as he scored a staggering 20 top-flight goals to help win City the Premier League trophy.
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Toure is a Manchester City legendCredit: Getty
8. Wilfried Zaha (68 goals, 305 matches)
Zaha could go down as one of the Premier League’s most underrated wingers of modern times.
There were times when it seemed he was keeping Crystal Palace in the league on his own, and he was often the club’s top goalscorer.
Across his last five years in England, the Ivorian registered double figures for goals three times.
Unfortunately, a move to a big English club never materialised after his initial transfer to Manchester United failed before returning to Palace.
But in 2023, he decided it was time for something new and joined Galatasaray, where he scored in the Champions League at Old Trafford to silence his former club.
When we think of Aubameyang, we probably remember Mikel Arteta throwing him out of Arsenal and his Chelsea struggles, but before all that, he was a top striker.
His goals-to-games ratio is incredible, and under Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery and Arteta, the Gabonese international scored plenty.
Aubameyang joined the Gunners from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018, and he scored ten times in his first 13 league games.
He followed that up with two years of 20+ before his numbers dropped and problems started to crop up.
In the end, Arteta decided to put the team first, and Aubameyang was shipped out, but we shouldn’t forget how good he was for two-and-a-half years.
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Aubameyang was a goalscoring machine before things turned sourCredit: GETTY
6. Riyad Mahrez (82 goals, 284 matches)
Treble-winner Mahrez is also among the top African scorers after an incredible career, scoring a total of 82 goals for Leicester and Man City.
Signed for just over £400,000 by Leicester in 2014 from Le Harve, the Algerian international played a huge role in the Foxes’ shock title win during the 2015/16 season.
He scored an incredible 17 times as Leicester stunned everyone to become champions of England.
Mahrez joined Man City in the summer of 2018 and became a key player for Pep Guardiola out on the right.
The winger proved to be a lethal finisher and scored all types of goals as he added more and more trophies to his personal haul before departing for Saudi Arabia in 2023.
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Mahrez has won five Premier League titles while scoring plentyCredit: Getty
5. Yakubu Aiyegbeni (95 goals, 252 matches)
‘Feed the Yak, and he will score’ became a very popular chant at Everton while Yakubu played for the Toffees.
At his peak, he was a top striker who scored over double figures in six top-flight seasons.
Yakubu is perhaps one of the least fashionable names on this list, but he was a born goalscorer and is a cult hero at all of his previous Premier League sides.
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Yakubu had an iconic celebration
4. Emmanuel Adebayor (97 goals, 241 matches)
Adebayor is fourth after spells at Man City and north London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.
The Togolese international initially joined the Gunners in 2006 from Monaco and struggled to make it into the team.
But his breakthrough year proved to be the 2007/08 season when he scored a staggering 24 goals before joining City in 2009.
His most infamous moment came while at City when he scored against Arsenal and charged to the other end of the pitch to celebrate in front of the travelling Gunners fans, sparking angry scenes in the away end.
Adebayor then left for a brief spell with Real Madrid before returning to play for Spurs, meaning many Arsenal fans aren’t big fans of their former striker.
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Adebayor scored plenty of goals for multiple teams in the ‘Big Six’
3. Didier Drogba (104 goals, 254 matches)
When it was Drogba’s day, there was little any Premier League defender could do about it.
The Ivorian was an elite striker, and after joining Chelsea from Marseille in 2004, he helped the Blues win three Premier League titles during his first spell with the club.
Drogba also played a huge role in Chelsea’s first Champions League triumph, scoring a late equaliser against Bayern Munich and then slotting home the winning penalty in the shootout.
The forward then departed for a spell at Galatasaray before Jose Mourinho brought him back, and he played one more season for the Blues, winning a fourth league title.
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Drogba was top before Salah and Mane took overCredit: Getty
2. Sadio Mane (111 goals, 263 matches)
Salah’s former Liverpool teammate, Mane, also makes the list after years of tormenting defences under Jurgen Klopp.
The now Al-Nassr forward sits in second place in the all-time goalscorer rankings for African players in the Premier League.
Mane initially joined Southampton in 2014 from RB Salzburg and scored the quickest hat-trick in history against Aston Villa (2 minutes and 56 seconds).
As a unit, they scored 338 goals and provided 139 assists as Liverpool won the Premier League and became European champions.
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Mane was unstoppable at times under KloppCredit: Getty
1. Mohamed Salah (175 goals, 282 matches)
Liverpool superstar Salah is the highest-scoring African player in Premier League history.
The Egyptian has dominated the top flight ever since signing for the Reds in 2017 following a brief stint with Chelsea.
Salah became the first-ever player to score 32 goals in one season in his first year at Anfield, and he has netted at least 18 goals every campaign since.
Only two of his league strikes came for Chelsea, while the rest have been scored for Liverpool.
Ally McCoist claims Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is behind Liverpool’s Mo Salah in the Ballon d’Or race
He is the club’s all-time top goalscorer in the Premier League, sitting above Robbie Fowler and Steven Gerrard in the rankings.
And there are no signs of him slowing down, despite his future at the club being up in the air.
He’s now become Liverpool’s third all-time top scorer and he also broke Wayne Rooney‘s record for the most games both scoring and assisting – moving up to 37 in total.
On top of that, he made some Premier League history in December, becoming the first player ever to reach 10+ goals and 10+ assists before Christmas Day.
He continues to set the standard and there is definitely an argument to say Salah is one of the league’s greatest-ever players.
Graham Potter is close to being appointed West Ham boss.
West Ham cancelled their scheduled press conference with Julen Lopetegui on Wednesday morning, as they prepare to confirm the Spaniard’s departure.
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Lopetegui will be axed by West Ham after eight months in chargeCredit: Getty
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Potter is set to replace him and could be in charge for their next match on Friday nightCredit: Getty
Former Brighton and Chelsea manager Potter is very close to signing a deal that will see him succeed Lopetegui in the Hammers hotseat.
A breakthrough in negotiations means Potter is expected to join imminently on an initial six-month deal that could rise to two-and-a-half years assuming he hits certain targets.
And his first task could be a tough one as West Ham take on Aston Villa Park in an FA Cup third round tie on Friday night, live on talkSPORT.
talkSPORT revealed on Monday that West Ham had taken the decision to ditch Lopetegui and begun negotiations with Potter.
Despite Lopetegui knowing he is heading out of the club, he still arrived to take training with the team on Tuesday.
MORE ON THE PREMIER LEAGUE
But West Ham called off a planned press conference on Wednesday morning at which he was set to preview Friday’s FA Cup third-round tie at Aston Villa as they prepare to make an official announcement.
Lopetegui only arrived in the summer as the successor to David Moyes, but is making a swift exit with the club 14th in the Premier League.
He has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks amid their poor form, with just six wins coming from 20 league games.
Now he has paid the price for back-to-back heavy defeats by Liverpool and Manchester City over the Christmas period.
Potter is poised to replace him after positive talks and make his long-awaited return to management, having been out of work since he left Stamford Bridge in April 2023 following a successful stint at Brighton.
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Potter has been out of work for 21 monthsCredit: Getty
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Steidten has played a key part in bringing Potter in but his future at West Ham is also unclearCredit: Getty
Sporting director Tim Steidten also faces an uncertain future at West Ham. That comes as it emerged Steidten is staying away from the training ground after a breakdown in his relationship with Lopetegui.
West Ham spent around £130million on nine new players in the close season, but have lost nine of their 20 top-flight games this season.
Speaking to talkSPORT about Lopetegui as it was revealed he is facing the sack, West Ham legend Tony Cottee said of club chiefs: “They should hang their heads in shame.
“Tim Steidten, the board, it’s a pathetic appointment in the first place and I can’t believe what they do at times. West Ham is my club but it was just so the wrong appointment.
“Yes you can blame Lopetegui… But Tim Steidten is the director of football, David Sullivan is in charge of the club. They’ve got to take responsibility, they can’t keep making these stupid mistakes.
“If you get rid of one of West Ham’s most successful managers in terms of trophies then you’ve got to make the right appointment.”
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Lopetegui struggled for wins during his West Ham tenure
An unbeaten run of four matches, which included two wins, over the festive period had sparked a sense of an upturn in form.
But the Hammers have tasted back-to-back defeats in the Premier League, with a 4-1 reverse at City following a 5-0 mauling by Liverpool at home.
Although West Ham remain seven points above the relegation zone, the club’s hierarchy took the decision on Monday to make a change.
A push for European qualification during the second half of the season appears to be an unlikely prospect as of now.
It would spark a second consecutive campaign without continental football just two years after they won the UEFA Conference League.
West Ham’s chances of success ahead of the summer have been dealt a huge blow too amid Jarrod Bowen’s recent injury.
The club captain was substituted in their home defeat to Liverpool and has suffered a fractured foot.
Bowen is set to miss six to eight weeks, which potentially rules him out until early March.
West Ham next face Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday night, live on talkSPORT.
They then return to Premier League action on January 14 at home to Fulham followed by another London derby against Crystal Palace.
Graham Potter is close to being appointed West Ham boss and could be in charge for their FA Cup tie against Aston Villa on Friday night.
The former Brighton and Chelsea manager is very close to signing a deal that will see him succeed Julen Lopetegui in the Hammers hotseat.
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Lopetegui is set for the West Ham exit door after eight months in chargeCredit: Getty
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Potter is set to replace him and could be in charge for their next match on Friday nightCredit: Getty
A breakthrough in negotiations means Potter is expected to join imminently on an initial six-month deal that could rise to two-and-a-half years assuming he hits certain targets.
And his first task will be a tough one as West Ham take on the Champions League side at Villa Park in the third round tie, live on talkSPORT.
West Ham are yet to announce Lopetegui exit despite talkSPORT revealing on Monday that they had already decided to show him the door.
Despite Lopetegui knowing he is heading out of the club, he still arrived to take training with the team on Tuesday.
The Spaniard joined the Hammers in the summer as the successor to David Moyes, but is making a swift exit with the club 14th in the Premier League.
MORE ON THE PREMIER LEAGUE
Lopetegui has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks amid their poor form, with just six wins coming from 20 league games.
A 4-1 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday was the final straw.
Potter is now poised to replace him and make his long-awaited return to managing, having been out of work since he left Stamford Bridge in April 2023 following a successful stint at Brighton.
Sporting director Tim Steidten also faces an uncertain future at West Ham. That comes as it emerged Steidten is staying away from the training ground after a breakdown in his relationship with Lopetegui.
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Potter has been out of work for 21 monthsCredit: Getty
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Steidten has played a key part in bringing Potter in but his future at West Ham is also unclearCredit: Getty
West Ham spent around £130million on nine new players in the close season, but have lost nine of their 20 top-flight games this season.
Speaking to talkSPORT about Lopetegui as it was revealed he is facing the sack, West Ham legend Tony Cottee said of club chiefs: “They should hang their heads in shame.
“Tim Steidten, the board, it’s a pathetic appointment in the first place and I can’t believe what they do at times. West Ham is my club but it was just so the wrong appointment.
“Yes you can blame Lopetegui… But Tim Steidten is the director of football, David Sullivan is in charge of the club. They’ve got to take responsibility, they can’t keep making these stupid mistakes.
“If you get rid of one of West Ham’s most successful managers in terms of trophies then you’ve got to make the right appointment.”
An unbeaten run of four matches, which included two wins, over the festive period had sparked a sense of an upturn in form.
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Lopetegui has struggled for wins during his West Ham tenure
But the Hammers have tasted back-to-back defeats in the Premier League, with the City result following a 5-0 mauling by Liverpool.
Although West Ham remain seven points above the relegation zone, the club’s hierarchy plan to make a change now.
A push for European qualification during the second half of the season appears to be an unlikely prospect as of now.
It would spark a second consecutive campaign without continental football just two years after they won the UEFA Conference League.
West Ham’s chances of success ahead of the summer have been dealt a huge blow too amid Jarrod Bowen’s recent injury.
The club captain was substituted in their home defeat to Liverpool and has suffered a fractured foot.
West Ham legend tells club to ‘hang their heads in shame’ after ‘stupid’ Julen Lopetegui appointment
Bowen is set to miss six to eight weeks, which potentially rules him out until early March.
West Ham next face Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday night, live on talkSPORT.
They then return to Premier League action on January 14 at home to Fulham followed by another London derby against Crystal Palace.
West Ham have decided to part company with manager Julen Lopetegui, talkSPORT understands.
The Spaniard joined the Hammers in the summer as the successor to David Moyes, but is set for a swift exit with the club 14th in the Premier League.
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Lopetegui is set to be shown the door at West Ham after eight months in chargeCredit: Getty
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West Ham have won just eight points from their last eight league matchesCredit: Getty
Lopetegui has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks amid their poor form, with just six wins coming from 20 league games.
A 4-1 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday has appeared to be the final straw, with the club expected to confirm Lopetegui’s departure imminently.
Ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter is in talks to replace Lopetegui and is the frontrunner to be named as his replacement.
Potter has been out of work since he left the Blues in April 2023 following a successful stint at Brighton.
MORE ON THE PREMIER LEAGUE
The length of his contract remains to be seen but it is understood that he is happy to join initially until the end of the season.
talkSPORT reported last month that former Juventus manager Max Allegri was in talks with the club.
However, it looks as though Potter is on course to seal a return to management with an appointment at West Ham.
Sporting director Tim Steidten also faces an uncertain future at West Ham.
That comes as it emerged Steidten is staying away from the training ground after a breakdown in his relationship with Lopetegui.
West Ham spent around £130million on nine new players in the close season, but have lost nine of their 20 top-flight games this season.
Speaking to talkSPORT about Lopetegui as it was revealed he is facing the sack, West Ham legend Tony Cottee said of club chiefs: “They should hang their heads in shame.
“Tim Steidten, the board, it’s a pathetic appointment in the first place and I can’t believe what they do at times. West Ham is my club but it was just so the wrong appointment.
“Yes you can blame Lopetegui… But Tim Steidten is the director of football, David Sullivan is in charge of the club. They’ve got to take responsibility, they can’t keep making these stupid mistakes.
“If you get rid of one of West Ham’s most successful managers in terms of trophies then you’ve got to make the right appointment.”
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Potter has held talks with the clubCredit: Getty
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Lopetegui has struggled for wins during his West Ham tenure
An unbeaten run of four matches, which included two wins, over the festive period had sparked a sense of an upturn in form.
But the Hammers have tasted back-to-back defeats in the Premier League, with the City result following a 5-0 mauling by Liverpool.
Although West Ham remain seven points above the relegation zone, the club’s hierarchy plan to make a change now.
A push for European qualification during the second half of the season appears to be an unlikely prospect as of now.
It would spark a second consecutive campaign without continental football just two years after they won the UEFA Conference League.
West Ham’s chances of success ahead of the summer have been dealt a huge blow too amid Jarrod Bowen’s recent injury.
The club captain was substituted in their home defeat to Liverpool and has suffered a fractured foot.
Bowen is set to miss six to eight weeks, which potentially rules him out until early March.
West Ham next face Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday night, live on talkSPORT.
They then return to Premier League action on January 14 at home to Fulham followed by another London derby against Crystal Palace.
Darren Bent believes Graham Potter would be the IDEAL replacement for Julen Lopetegui at West Ham
Tottenham have been told to make a huge decision on the future of club captain Heung-Min Son.
The South Korean superstar is coming to the end of his current contract in north London but is currently in sporadic form as Spurs struggle.
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Son is not as prolific, or as effective, as he once was and looked toothless against Nottingham ForesCredit: Getty
Defensive injury issues have hampered Ange Postecloglou’s team in the Premier League.
They have, though, reached the League Cup semi-finals where they will face Liverpool, and are well-placed in the Europa League too.
Son has 13 goal contributions 21 appearances across all competitions but wasn’t anywhere near his usual self against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
That form has led former Premier League striker Tony Cascarino to query if the 32-year-old will get the new deal he wants.
And he believes there is a chance the next five months could be his last in north London, insisting sometimes difficult decision need to be made.
He told talkSPORT: “I don’t think Son will stay at Spurs. No, I don’t. I think it’s one of them that you’ve got to make a big call on as well.
“He’s been brilliant for them over the years, but it’s time to move on in football sometimes.”
Tottenham do have the option to extend the South Korean’s deal but talks are ongoing over a renewal.
However, Cascarino is insistent it would take a big resurgence in form for Spurs to pull the trigger on a new deal.
He added: “He will survive, or they would definitely keep him, if he had a second part of the season that was superb.
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Son is into his second season as captain in north LondonCredit: Getty
“If he has that season where it hasn’t really worked to now, and then he goes and gets 15 or 12 goals in the second part of the season, plays well, then Tottenham will probably use that option.
“But as it is today, I think it’s more likely that he could go.”
Son, now the club’s all-time top assister in Premier League history, is not the only top-flight star in this predicament.
Kevin De Bruyne is in the same bout but Cascarino believes Man City’s decision about retaining the Belgian playmaker relies on how fit he is.
He added: “It’s another big call for Manchester City, because if it’s a fit Kevin De Bruyne, then you’ve still got one hell of a talent. He still won’t lose his ability to pass the ball.
“But they look a team a little bit like Manchester United. They’re running out of legs on the pitch in many different positions.”
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De Bruyne has been linked with a move to MLS in recent weeksCredit: Getty
Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood is also out of contract in the summer – and has been in fine form.
Cascarino, though, believes he should easily be able to claim a new contract from his current employers.
He added: “I think Chris Wood, Forest will try and give him another year, because he doesn’t rely on pace.
“You’re talking about a player that never has to think about, ‘Oh, he’s lost half a yard’. It doesn’t matter if Chris Wood loses half a yard.
“If you’ve got Anthony Elanga one side and Callum Hudson-Odoi the other, and Morgan Gibbs-White joining him, and Elliot Anderson joining him as well, you don’t really need to worry about that.
“He could do another year, no problem. So I don’t see that as an issue.”
Simon Jordan criticises Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou for his attitude towards the media
Rory Jennings wants the football public to apologise, insisting he was ‘right’ about his controversial Erling Haaland verdict.
Jennings made headlines when, three years ago, he infamously predicted Haaland would fail to live up to expectations ahead of his move to Manchester City.
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Despite a blistering start to the campaign, Haaland has struggled for formCredit: Getty
He also felt it was ‘disrespectful’ to anoint Haaland is a shoe-in for the golden boot, especially when established Premier League superstars like Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane were already competing for the honour.
“He isn’t the player everybody thinks he is,” Jennings said in 2022. “He’s profligate, he’s wasteful in front of goal at times. His build-up play isn’t good enough at the moment to play in a City team.”
However, Haaland erased any doubts about whether he’d hit the ground running in English football as he smashed in 52 goals across all competitions in his first season at the Etihad Stadium.
The Norwegian’s absurd debut season goal haul included 36 in the Premier League, earning him the golden boot award, and also set a new record for the most Premier League goals scored in a single season.
The 24-year-old followed up his sensational campaign by scoring 38 goals in 45 games across all competitions in his second season for Man City.
Although Haaland scored just 27 league goals from 31 games, it was still enough to win the Premier League golden boot for a second year running.
That all made Rory look very silly. He even admitted live on air that he ‘misjudged’ the Norwegian.
However, was Rory right all along?
It certainly looked like Haaland would be well on his way to a third-straight Premier League golden boot when he banged in ten league goals in City’s opening five games, this term.
But ever since his goal against Arsenal in a thrilling 2-2 draw in September, Haaland’s well of goals has run dry.
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Jennings believes he’s finally been proven right on his controversial Haaland claim
Following a 1-1 draw against Newcastle on September 28, Haaland has scored just three goals in his last 13 league appearances.
What is more concerning is the fact Haaland has just one goal in his last seven league fixtures.
It’s not as if Haaland isn’t getting chances to get on the scoresheet, either.
According to WhoScored, Haaland has missed 11 clear-cut goalscoring opportunities since that wild result against Arsenal in September.
No Premier League player has missed more.
Additionally, Haaland’s expected goals figure (xG) for the last 13 league games sits at 8.2, so his three goals represents an alarming underperformance in front of goal.
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Outside of Haaland’s penalty, he had just one shot against Everton
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Haaland struggled to get involved in City’s attack against the Toffees
He also could – and perhaps should – have found the back of the net against Everton on Thursday, only to be denied from the penalty spot by Jordan Pickford.
With Haaland’s barren run coinciding with City’s alarming form slump that now reads as one win in their last 13 matches across all competitions, Jennings took the opportunity to remind fans about his prophetic call all those years ago.
He also went one further by insisting the Norwegian isn’t anywhere close to being the best striker in Premier League history, saying he can’t lace the boots of the division’s legendary marksmen.
“I think Haaland is a very good player,” Jenning said on talkSPORT.
“I also think he’s one of the best strikers around at the moment. But I think people have gone crazy.
“You know when people start comparing Haaland to any striker of a bygone era. There’s no way Haaland is a better striker than Alan Shearer was. There’s no way Haaland is a better striker than Robbie Fowler was. There’s no way Haaland is even a better striker than Les Ferdinand. I don’t think he’s anywhere near that.
Pep Guardiola reveals Manchester City’s plans for the January transfer window
“I think playing for a brilliant team has obviously helped. Having the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva putting them on a plate for you has helped. He obviously also knows where the back of the net is.
“But people have gone mad with the praise.”
When asked by talkSPORT co-host Majestic whether people should call up and apologise, Jennings replied: “I don’t hold my breath for that because one thing I’ve learned about the football-supporting public in this country is they don’t like to apologise.
“But yes, I do. I was correct, basically. I was right.”
Luckily for City and Haaland, the January transfer window may offer some reprieve for their recent struggles.
Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, Ederson, Matheus Nunes and John Stones were all absent from the matchday squad for the 1-1 draw against Everton.
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Guardiola has an almighty job on his hands to turn City’s stumbling season aroundCredit: Getty
The five omissions added to the absences of Ruben Dias, Rodri and Oscar Bobb, highlighting just how depleted City’s stocks have become.
Christmas may have come and gone, but Man City’ boss Pep Guardiola – and his players – are hoping for presents in the form of new signings.
City have been ravaged by injuries over the course of the season, with none more impactful than Ballon d’Or winner Rodri‘s torn ACL which has ruled him out for the season.
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City have struggle to deal with the absence of Rodri since he tore his ACLCredit: Reuters
The five omissions add to the absences of Ruben Dias, Rodri and young talent Oscar Bobb, who sustained a fractured leg before the season’s start.
Although Stones, Nunes and Ederson were somewhat expected to miss the Everton clash, Walker and Grealish missing out is cause for concern, especially given how threadbare Pep Guardiola‘s squad is at the minute.
Remarkably, City’s squad against Everton marks the first time since May 2017 that at least one of Walker, Stones, Ederson or Grealish has not featured in a Premier League fixture.
Luckily for Guardiola, an opportunity to reinforce his squad is just around the corner in the form of the January transfer window.
Speaking to Amazon Prime ahead of the Everton clash, Guardiola confirmed City will look to be active in the market and will target multiple players.
However, the Spaniard stressed closing a deal in the January window is ‘not easy’.
“If we can, we have to add players, definitely,” Guardiola said.
“We struggle, especially in the back, in the middle.
“Saying that, I don’t know what’s going to happen. Because in the transfer window in winter, it’s not easy. But everybody’s aware.
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Guardiola confirmed City will look to strengthen in the January windowCredit: Amazon Prime
“I think even the players asked us, ‘We are going to add some players, please.”
Since Guardiola arrived at the Etihad Stadium in July 2016, City have traditionally not been big spenders in January.
He did oversee two big-money arrivals early on in his tenure as Gabriel Jesus and Aymeric Laporte arrived for £26.6million and £54m in 2017 and 2018 respectively.
Since then, the only signing of note made by Guardiola in January was the £17.7m capture of Julian Alvarez from River Plate in 2022.
City’s stars and Guardiola will hope any new arrivals can aid in arresting the club’s alarming form slump of late.
Having won the last four Premier League titles, City have looked a shell of the swashbuckling side that has dominated the English top flight as they enter the Everton fixture in seventh and 12 points away from league leaders Liverpool.
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Man City just can’t shake their terrible formCredit: Getty
They will look to break down an Everton team that has kept an impressive five clean sheets in their last six games, a run which included fixtures against Arsenal, Chelsea and the free-scoring Brentford.
The Toffees have also lost just once in their last six games, with the only defeat being a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Manchester United on December 1.
