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Liverpool and Manchester City target Martin Zubimendi has picked up a 'serious' injury which could affect the two Premier League sides' January plans.

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• Zubimendi rejected Liverpool in the summer
• Man City also interested in the midfielder
• Zubimendi picks up 'serious' injury

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Zubimendi was a major target for Liverpool in the summer as the Reds looked to bring in a defensive midfielder, however, the Spain star decided to stay put with his boyhood club. Manchester City have joined the race to sign the Spaniard in January as they look to replace the injured Rodri amid their inconsistent form.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  However, Zubimendi has now picked up what has been described as a serious injury while playing with Real Sociedad in their 3-0 win against Leganes. After suffering a blow to his back, Zubimendi was in clear pain, he signalled to the bench and was quickly replaced by Jon Ander Olasagasti. La Real boss Imanol Alguacil has now opened up on his back injury.

• WHAT ALGUACIL SAID

  Speaking to the media, Alguacil said: "Zubimendi and Aihen Munoz asked me to change them, and it seems serious."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ZUBIMENDI?

  However, it is reported bythat Zubimendi will only miss two to three weeks of action and return for Real Sociedad's last two league games of the calendar year. As such, it is possible that Liverpool and Manchester City's plans are not hindered.

Chelsea are closing in on another signing this summer after agreeing a £17m+ deal for the next exciting talent out of Brazil, according to recent reports.

Chelsea building for the future

It has been a strange two years since Todd Boehly's arrival at Stamford Bridge, with much of the first team sold off to fund moves for future gems.

Significant sums have been spent on players who are either yet to join or who have been sent out on loan for the most part, with only Romeo Lavia, Malo Gusto, Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu likely to be part of Enzo Maresca's squad for the upcoming Premier League season from the teenagers signed.

The method is yet to truly bear fruit either, with Chelsea finishing in a Europa Conference League spot last season despite five straight wins to end the season, a finish that saw them part ways with manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Meanwhile, homegrown talents are being sold off to make space for the additions; Ian Maatsen has joined Aston Villa this summer and Conor Gallagher is on the verge of joining Atletico Madrid, while Trevoh Chalobah continues to be ostracised from the squad amid reports he could leave the club too.

Chelsea agree deal for "Neymar-esque" forward

Chelsea have reportedly finally agreed a deal to sign 16-year-old Brazilian talent Gabriel Mec from Gremio. The attacker is yet to make a senior appearance for Gremio, and has just six U20 appearances to his name, registering one goal in the process.

However, he is already widely touted as a future superstar; Football analyst Ben Mattinson described him as "a 2-footed, skilful Brazilian attacker" with a "Neymar-esque play-style" on X. He tends to play in the wide areas or as a number 10, but it is added that "wherever he plays he’ll drop deeper or central to receive the ball".

Boehly now working to sell "the future of Chelsea" after £21m signing

The west Londoners have offered him out across Europe.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 3, 2024

Now, the same outlet that broke Chelsea's initial interest in the teenager have claimed that a deal has been agreed, with the Blues ready to pay in excess of 20m euros (£17m) with add-ons included.

Meanwhile, other reports claim Mec is "open to the move" to Stamford Bridge, where he would join a growing contingent of Brazilian youngsters with Estevao already set to make his way to west London to join Angelo and Andrey Santos.

Of course, Mec can not leave Brazil until he turns 18, which will see him head across the Atlantic in the summer of 2026 to join his new club. If he lives up to the weight of expectation that surrounds him, he could prove an excellent piece of business for the Blues, albeit at the cost of their current squad.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has claimed that the press are targeting him too much after Los Blancos' slow start to the season.

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• Real Madrid suffer poor start to the season
• Ancelotti's future at Real Madrid questioned
• Italian boss claims media taking shots at him

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Real Madrid were looking to follow up their La Liga and Champions League double with a strong start to the season, however, that has not been the case for Ancelotti's side as they have struggled for form and balance in the side after Kylian Mbappe's introduction to the squad. The 15-time European champions are four points off Barcelona in the La Liga standings and sit in 24th in the Champions League league stage standings, which is the last place that will achieve qualification to the playoff stage.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Real Madrid's poor form has put into question whether Ancelotti is the right man to bring the club back into form as he has been unable to bring the required balance into the team, with cracks seeming to open up in the dressing room as well. The Italian coach has now criticized the Spanish press for their constant criticism and claimed that they take 'too many shots' at him.

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  WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

  Speaking to the media, Ancelotti said: “It’s normal because the team is not showing its best version, it’s criticism I have to accept, and as always happens in football, the manager is the one most responsible. That said, I think you are taking too many shots at me. Maybe you are tired of me. But I am not tired of this job. The criticism is acceptable, and I understand, also it’s worth noting that the stress can also be fuel for a reaction.”

  Ancelotti was later asked whether some of those shots at him in the media were justified, to which he added: “Your shots? You’re the one taking shots? Because sometimes I read them. I don’t live in another world, I live in this world, and I read. I read the criticism sometimes, and I note the journalist but I am not able to connect the journalist’s name with their face, so I need the press to give me a list of their names and their faces,” he said laughing.

  “As I said, when there is criticism, there has to be some truth behind it. Now if you’re asking me which shots annoy me most, some yes, some do annoy me. It affects, sometimes, your identity. Because I don’t mind when it’s I made a bad change, a bad line-up, that affects the professional side.

  “But when it affects your identity, what you are, who you are, that’s what annoys me. It’s the difference between saying you’ve said something stupid, or you’re stupid. It’s different.”

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• WHAT NEXT FOR ANCELOTTI?

  The Real Madrid boss has agreed that there is cause for concern after the start that his side have had, however, the Italian has also claimed that there is no need to write off the season just yet. He added: "It’s normal, it’s not a funeral, we’re still in the fight. We have to have optimism that we can solve the problems that we have had. We have a good squad with quality. So we have to be optimists."

The Frenchman's fifth goal in four matches sent Enzo Maresca's side on their way to another European victory.

Christopher Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk got the goals as Chelsea kept their perfect Conference League record intact with a 2-0 win at Heidenheim on Thursday, but it was Jadon Sancho who deserved most credit for the victory.

Sancho created both goals with excellent crosses in the second half, overcoming a quiet start to tee up Nkunku and Mudryk for fine finishes as the Blues put the first blemish on the hosts' own record in the competition.

The German side had a few chances to hurt the Blues, in part thanks to some questionable displays from the likes of Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile, but they came up against a superb shot stopper in Filip Jorgensen. They were also frustrated to see two goals chalked off.

Chelsea had the upper hand for the majority of the game, with Marc Guiu showing a lot of promise early on but he failed to deliver. It was left to Nkunku to break the deadlock when his outstretched leg met Sancho's cross and the forward added a composed finish.

The game appeared to be fading out when a smart combination from Sancho and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall ended with the winger's excellent ball back to Mudryk to send it into the top corner.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from the Voith-Arena…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Filip Jorgensen (8/10):

  Pulled off some excellent saves to keep Heidenheim at bay.

  Renato Veiga (7/10):

  Was aways looking to get forward to add energy to Chelsea's moves.

  Benoit Badiashile (5/10):

  Booked right at the beginning of a shaky display for the centre-back.

  Tosin Adarabioyo (6/10):

  Made some passes to help Chelsea get forward but was a bit erratic at times.

  Axel Disasi (6/10):

  A bit of a hectic display as he gave plenty away, but made the challenge that kickstarted the move for the goal.

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  Midfield

  Mykhailo Mudryk (7/10):

  Tried his best to create some danger but failed to connect to his team-mates a few times before a lovely finish to make it 2-0.

  Cesare Casadei (6/10):

  Looked uncomfortable in his role and needed more support. Ended up being sent off with a second yellow late on.

  Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (7/10):

  Made some poor decision making and bad passes but had a role in the build up for both goals.

  Jadon Sancho (8/10):

  Kept quiet in the first half despite his efforts to get the ball forward, but got the assist for Nkunku and looked more dangerous afterwards. His excellent work created the second.

• AFP
  

  Attack

  Christopher Nkunku (7/10):

  Lively throughout and was rewarded with the goal after a fantastic first touch but he should have had a second.

  Marc Guiu (5/10):

  Had a bright start with good runs and smart positioning, but his finishing let him down.

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  Subs & Manager

  Joao Felix (5/10):

  Didn't have impact after replacing Guiu beyond a good pass to tee up Nkunku for a wasted effort.

  Carney Chukwuemeka (5/10):

  Put a good ball in but couldn't connect with a team-mate.

  Samuel Rak-Sakyi (N/A):

  Had no time to impact the game.

  Tyrique George (N/A):

  Came on in the final minutes.

  Enzo Maresca (6/10):

  His side got over the line but gave away too many chances and the coach will be concerned by some of his players' performances.

The hope and expectation is that Enzo Maresca will instil his philosophy into a talented Chelsea team that had raised its game toward the end of the 2023/24 campaign and that the Blues will return to prominence.

It's been a painful few seasons for the west Londoners, who have become so used to sustained silver-laden successes over the past few years, only to fall by the wayside since Todd Boehly and Co assumed ownership in 2021.

But Mauricio Pochettino's one-year reign seems to have stabilised Stamford Bridge after a previous campaign of turbulence and turmoil. Maresca has inherited a talented if unrefined team and has ventured to score improvements thus far through the £30m signing of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in midfield and centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo, who joined on a Bosman after his contract with Fulham expired last month.

Presently, the Blues are moving to sign Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen in a £20m deal, but once that one's tied up, Chelsea will move to address the frontline.

While the search for a high-level centre-forward rages on, sporting director Paul Winstanley is keeping tabs on an attacking midfielder whose arrival could make all the difference at the start of a new era.

Chelsea transfer news

According to Spanish outlet Sport – via Caught Offside – Chelsea are interested in signing RB Leipzig winger Dani Olmo this summer, with the Spaniard having been one of the standout performers at Euro 2024.

A host of outfits – including both Manchester giants in the Premier League – are interested in a move, with the expiry of Olmo's €60m (£51m) release clause doing little to dissuade suitors.

The Spain international, aged 26, will be allowed to leave for a figure in the same region, and with Chelsea in the market for a dynamic wide forward, he could be just the man for the job.

What Dani Olmo would bring to Chelsea

Olmo endured something of an injury-hit campaign with Leipzig after playing a crucial part in two DFB Pokal-winning seasons prior, but he still managed to impress with a prolific haul of eight goals and five assists across 20 starting appearances.

And of course, the £152k-per-week forward played a significant part in Spain's triumph on the continent this summer, with pundit Ally McCoist praising his "magnificent" displays.

The former Barcelona academy star's performances for his country last month probably serve as a better, more apt representation of his technical acumen than his efforts over the last year for Leipzig, and with injury issues seemingly behind him, Chelsea must start to ramp up the gas and prepare to bypass the competition for his signature.

His silky-smooth passing game and prowess as a "natural-born goalscorer" – as said by former La Masia coach Denis Silva Puig – could see Olmo emulate Cole Palmer at Stamford Bridge, with FBref actually listing the two attacking midfielders as comparable players.

Olmo's Spain bested England in the Euro 2024 final but Palmer certainly did his bit, slicing a driven strike into the bottom corner to restore parity in the second half, before the Three Lions ultimately rolled on their back. It was a fitting seasonal finale for a player who had posted 25 goals and 15 assists across 45 outings in his maiden season with Chelsea.

Olmo, who can operate across the frontline, could be the perfect addition to complete Maresca's set, with his skillset possibly even serving to unlock the talent of Christopher Nkunku, who did not enjoy the same kind of debut Blues term as his peer, Palmer.

Imagine Olmo & Christopher Nkunku

Chelsea confirmed the £52 signing of Nkunku from Leipzig back in June 2023, with the France international having enjoyed an incredible couple of years in Saxony, Germany. Indeed, across the two seasons prior, he had scored 58 goals and added 29 assists in this time frame, proving to be quite the effective striker.

Injuries absolutely wrecked his first year on English shores, however, limiting him to just 11 outings and two starts in the Premier League – still, he bagged three goals.

Having enjoyed a summer of recuperation, missing out on France's Euro 2024 squad due to such issues, Nkunku has now expressed that he is "feeling better" ahead at another shot at success with Chelsea.

Bonding him with Olmo – who he wreaked havoc within Germany – once again could prove to be the perfect way to steady the ship, with the duo combining for 13 goal contributions at Leipzig, the joint-most of any of Nkunku's career colleagues.

Nkunku is also much more than just a goalscorer; across the 2022/23 campaign, in the Bundesliga, he ranked among the top 1% of forwards for shot-creating actions and pass completion, the top 13% for progressive passes and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Chemistry. It's an all-important word in football; the elite-level outfits have it in spades. Chelsea, admittedly, lacked that steel-reinforced bond throughout their attack last term, with only Liverpool (79) missing more big chances than Pochettino's side last year (73).

Olmo and Nkunku could dig up their former fluency in Germany and strike a chord under Maresca's wing, propelling Chelsea back into the ascendancy and restoring that trophy-winning feeling that feels to have dragged on for an interminable amount of time.

Imagine him & Palmer: Chelsea can land £152k-p/w ace who's like Bellingham

The star has caught the attention of multiple sides across Europe this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 27, 2024

Jack Grealish has confirmed he's "back" in action for Manchester City after a spell on the sidelines that also saw him miss out on England duty.

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• Grealish pulled out of the Three Lions squad
• Had been nursing a groin injury since late October
• Has returned to training after successful recovery

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Grealish was notably absent from Manchester City’s Champions League squad in late October during their clash with Sparta Prague. Despite this, England interim manager Lee Carsley surprisingly included the 29-year-old in his final squad for the Three Lions' Nations League matches. This decision raised eyebrows, particularly as City manager Pep Guardiola had already stated that Grealish would not be fit until after the international break.

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  Following medical evaluations, Grealish became one of nine players to withdraw from Carsley’s squad to allow him sufficient time to recover. Now, after weeks of rehabilitation, Grealish has resumed training with his Manchester City team-mates, the midfielder revealed on Instagram. John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Kevin de Bruyne are also back in training along with Grealish in what will be a big boost to manager Pep Guardiola.

• WHAT GREALISH SAID

  Grealish shared a story captioned, “Finally back with the boys.”

  @jackgrealish Instagram

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

  City’s upcoming match against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday presents a significant challenge. The North London side eliminated City from the Carabao Cup and will look to repeat their heroics at the Etihad on Saturday. Guardiola will look to leverage the international break as an opportunity to reset and recalibrate his team’s strategy after an unprecedented run of four consecutive defeats. And Grealish’s return could play a crucial role in revitalizing the Cityzens.

Newcastle United are battling with two Premier League rivals to complete the signing of a £76m-rated player who Real Madrid and Brazil superstar Vinicius Jr has raved about, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Newcastle transfer news

A recent rumour has suggested that the Magpies are willing to spend close to the £30m asking price for the signature of James Trafford, seeing the Burnley goalkeeper as an ideal long-term signing to replace Nick Pope at St James' Park.

Newcastle may have missed out on the signing of former Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, who has instead sealed a summer move to Bayern Munich, but Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville is seen as a great alternative. The Dutchman was named the Championship's best player last season, but is unlikely to want to remain in the division.

The Magpies are also believed to be one of the interested parties when it comes to Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, who could leave Old Trafford before the 2024/25 season gets underway. Southampton, Everton, West Ham and Fulham all all mentioned as possible suitors, though.

While new signings are essential, retaining the services of influential current players is also vital, and one report has claimed that Alexander Isak could agree a new contract St James', which would be a massive boost.

Newcastle want to sign "very strong" £76m ace

According to a report from Spain, Newcastle are among the clubs keen on signing Barcelona centre-back Ronaldo Araujo this summer, potentially triggering his €90m (£76m) release clause in the process. Manchester United and Manchester City are both also believed to be in the mix, however, as they look to snap up one of La Liga's leading defenders.

Araujo could be a genuine statement signing by Newcastle if they strike a deal this summer, considering his reputation as an elite centre-back in the modern game.

Real Madrid superstar Vinicius has singled the Uruguayan out for praise, calling him "the best defender I have ever faced", while Carles Puyol has also waxed lyrical over him in the past, admitting: "Right now, if he’s not the best central defender in the world, he’s among the top three. He’s young, he still has room for improvement and I think we have a very good central defender at Barcelona for many years to come."

With key defender Sven Botman still out injured for a number of months with a serious knee issue, a top-quality player needs to come in at Newcastle his month, especially considering Jamaal Lascelles is also out, and Fabian Schar is an ageing figure despite his quality service to the club.

Araujo would be perfect in that respect, and one report has suggested that the Magpies would be willing to increase his current £114,000-a-week wages, but the competition from City and United is clearly strong. At 25, he is at a great point in his career to come in and be a star for Newcastle for many years, and an average of 4.5 aerial duel wins per game at Copa America this summer highlights a physicality suited for English football.

Tottenham Hotspur are one of the teams looking at Memphis Depay…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Italian journalist Gerard Romero, who delivered a fresh update on the Dutchman’s situation at Barcelona to his Twitch channel, where he revealed that Spurs and Serie A giants Juventus are two likely destinations for the forward.

The 28-year-old is expected to leave the Nou Camp on a free transfer, as revealed by Fabrizio Romano last week, who tweeted:

“Excl: Barcelona and Memphis Depay lawyers are in negotiations to reach an agreement on free agency. No way for €20m fee. Depay will accept to leave Barça only in case he’ll find the right option for his future.

“Memphis Depay will only consider top clubs.”

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Free agent bargain

That means the former Manchester United man may not cost the Lilywhites’ owners, the ENIC Group, a penny in terms of a transfer fee as Barcelona will be desperate to get his wages off the books.

And just like with Ivan Perisic, sporting director Fabio Paratici and his recruitment staff could seal another free transfer masterclass.

Another forward may be the least of manager Antonio Conte’s priorities, having added the £60m acquisition of Richarlison to a frontline containing Harry Kane, Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Moura, but another option would add serious depth and quality to the squad, especially when they could be available for nothing.

The north Londoners will also be competing in the Champions League this season and in a World Cup year, rotation could be imperative heading into the second half of the season – at least if Spurs are aiming to end their trophy hoodoo.

Depay may have struggled in the Premier League before but that came at an early time in his career.

Since then, he has bagged 19 goals in 36 appearances in 2017/18, then 20 goals across 37 league matches in 2020/21, both for Lyon, and even finished last season as Barca’s top goalscorer, despite losing his place to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

It’s no wonder he has been lauded as a “special talent” by Dutch legend Marco van Basten, who certainly knows a thing or two about goalscoring himself.

Not only does he offer goals, though, as he ranks inside the top 1% of all forwards across Europe for passes attempted (48.11 per 90), as well as the top 3% for progressive carries (7.37 per 90), showing that he can get on the ball and help provide for his teammates, whether that be through a pass or a drive through the defensive line, as per FBref.

With Depay valued at €40m (£34m) by CIES Football Observatory, who assess the transfer value of professional footballers on a scientific basis, it’s clear that signing him on a free would be an absolute bargain, not to mention his aforementioned credentials.

As such, the Dutchman would be a pretty good depth option for Conte this season but they’ll have to beat Juventus to his signature.

AND in other news, Paratici can seal “incredible” Maddison alternative in Spurs bid for “special” target…

Wolves have been linked with a move for Inter striker Edin Dzeko recently and the former Manchester City man could form a dream partnership with Pedro Neto in Bruno Lage’s attack.

Reports from Italy have suggested that the likes of Wolves, Everton and Leicester City are all interested in signing the Bosnian hitman, who could be set to leave the San Siro, despite an impressive debut season at the club.

The 36-year-old signed from Roma after a prolific spell with I Giallorossi and contributed 17 goals and ten assists in 48 appearances, which emphasises that he still has the ability to produce at the top level.

It is no surprise to see Wolves linked with such a consistent goalscorer, considering their lack of goals in the top flight last season, with only the relegated sides scoring fewer.

Raul Jimenez has not been the same player since his head injury, while Fabio Silva has left for Anderlecht on loan after failing to find the net last season, so a new striker is definitely required.

Should the Old Gold convince Dzeko to make the move to Molineux, the veteran striker could excel alongside Portuguese winger Neto, who may well feel like a new signing after missing much of the last campaign through injury.

The 22-year-old made just 13 appearances in the Premier League last year having been one of the star performers in the 2020/21 season, and he will be hoping to make a similar impact in the upcoming campaign.

Jamie Redknapp was full of praise for Neto last season, saying:

“He’s not going to be a good player, he’s going to be a world-class player once he comes back from injury.

“You could see last year when you were watching him he was developing every single week.”

With Neto’s pace and ability on the wing, he is sure to create goalscoring opportunities next season, and who better to put them away than the “fantastic” Dzeko.

AND, in other news: Wolves plotting bid for £20m target who’s “full of assists”, he’s Lage’s dream signing

Lewis Bate is set to follow the likes of Jamie Shackleton and Ian Poveda out of the Leeds United exit door this summer, reports Joe Donnohue.

The Lowdown: Busy summer

Jesse Marsch, along with Victor Orta, has been hard at work all summer, rebuilding the Whites’ squad with six exciting new signings.

Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra, Tyler Adams, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca and Darko Gyabi have all arrived, but of course, their presence requires spaces to be cleared within the squad.

Alongside the high-profile exits of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, Marsch and Orta are also hard at work finding homes for many of the club’s young players, and Bate now looks set to venture away from the Premier League in search of regular first-team football.

The Latest: Another exit

According to Donnohue, Bate, who has one very important admirer in the shape of Andrea Radrizzani, ‘could be the next LUFC youngster heading on loan after Shackleton’, with interest from multiple League One clubs.

‘Understand the reason he didn’t go on tour is due to (the) loan interest,’ the Yorkshire Evening Post reporter writes.

Ian Poveda is also expected to depart, with the club reportedly willing to listen to loan and/or permanent offers for the former Manchester City talent.

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The Verdict: Great decision

With the arrivals of Gyabi, Roca and Adams more than filling the void left by Phillips, the decision to send Bates out into the big bad world of lower-league football is certainly a good one.

At 19, the midfielder has already paid his dues in underage football, racking up 57 appearances for Chelsea’s various youth sides and a further 23 while at Leeds, popping up in the Whites’ first-team just four times, per Transfermarkt.

Likened to a young Jack Wilshere and hailed by Jermaine Beckford for his ability to control the ball in tight spaces, spray passes around and drive forward with the ball, if Bate can display all of these skills on a consistent basis in League One there is no reason he cannot be a part of Marsch’s plans from 2023/24.