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This season feels like it’s set to be a pivotal one for this Chelsea project.

Enzo Maresca has a season under his belt, the players from last season are that bit more experienced in the Premier League, and they looked unreal in pre-season.

Add to that the impressive signings the club made in the summer, and it’s not unreasonable to expect a genuine title challenge from the West Londoners this year.

There are several players who will play a key role in that challenge, including one who cost them even more than their old transfer target, Xavi Simons.

Chelsea's potential difference-makers this season

It should really go without saying at this point, but so long as he’s fit and available, Cole Palmer will be one of Chelsea’s most important players this season.

After all, in just two years, the Englishman has managed to rack up a simply incredible haul of 43 goals and 29 assists in 98 games.

Another key player for Maresca this year is going to be Trevoh Chalobah.

The defensive stalwart was an important player for the Blues upon his return from Crystal Palace mid-way through last season, but with Levi Colwill now out for most of the campaign, he’s become even more critical to the team.

Fortunately, he’s made an impressive start to the season, with three starts, two clean sheets and a goal to his name.

Finally, the first few games of the season have shown us that, despite still being just 18 years old, Estevao looks ready to play an important role in this team.

He might not start too many games when everyone is fit, but his direct approach means he could be incredibly effective as an impact sub, someone who could terrify settled defences.

Yet, there is another player who has impressed even more this season, someone who could be a serious difference-maker for Chelsea and cost more than Simons did.

The Chelsea star worth more than Simons

While they eventually decided against signing him, it was widely reported that one of the players Chelsea were keenly interested in for much of the summer this year was Simons.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

However, when the Blues made it clear they were no longer interested, Tottenham Hotspur swooped in, paying around £51m plus add-ons to RB Leipzig for the talented Dutchman’s services.

Now, that may well end up being a brilliant deal for the North Londoners, but the Pensioners probably don’t care, as they made a game-changing attacking signing of their own, splashing £60m on Joao Pedro.

So far, it would be fair to say that the World Champions made the right choice in signing the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace, as he has looked like a player worth twice as much.

For example, he scored three goals in three games in the USA, bagged another two in the pre-season friendlies and already has two goals and two assists in three Premier League games.

Moreover, FBref place him in the top 3% of forwards in Europe’s top-five leagues for expected assisted goals, the top 5% for passes into the penalty area and the top 7% for carries, all per 90, which suggests he’s not just getting lucky.

Finally, if we compare his output from last season to that of Spurs’ new star, it becomes quite clear that BlueCo got the better deal.

For example, the “insane dribbler,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored 13 goals and provided seven assists in 33 appearances, totalling 2299 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.65 games, or every 114.95 minutes.

In contrast, the former Leipzig gem scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in as many appearances, totalling 2763 minutes, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 145.42 minutes.

Ultimately, while Simons may well be a hit for Tottenham, Chelsea look like they have the better and more valuable player in Pedro.

Alongside Lopez: Chelsea join race for Barcelona gem with "infinite" talent

The Blues have set their sights on another Barcelona attacker…

By
Dominic Lund

Sep 8, 2025

Chelsea have now held talks to sign a “1v1 specialist” forward, and they are tempted to trigger the €40m (£35m) release clause in his contract.

Maresca keen on new attacker after Simons blow

After missing out on Xavi Simons to Tottenham Hotspur, the Blues have now been forced to move on to alternative options in attacking midfield, and Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez is rapidly emerging as a major target.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that contact has now been made with the La Liga club over a deal, with an opening offer already being submitted.

However, reports from elsewhere have detailed that Lopez is unlikely to be sold unless the Spaniard makes it clear he wants to leave Barcelona this summer, so it could be difficult for the west Londoners to get a deal over the line.

That said, Enzo Marezca clearly remains keen on adding another forward to his ranks before the transfer deadline, with talks now being held over a deal for SC Braga star Roger Fernandes.

That is according to a report from A Bola, which states Chelsea have now initiated contact over a deal, with the Premier League club now weighing up whether to trigger the €40m (£35m) release clause in Fernandes’ Braga contract.

Better than Buonanotte: Chelsea hold talks to sign £86m gem after Garnacho

Chelsea look set to delve back into the transfer market after deals for Facundo Buonanotte and Alejandro Garnacho.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 31, 2025

Braga would not be willing to settle for anything less, with the Blues planning to sign the 19-year-old now, before immediately loaning him out to sister club Strasbourg, where game time would perhaps be more of a guarantee.

"1v1 specialist" Fernandes is one for the future

Scout Ben Mattinson lauded the youngster when he first burst onto the scene, saying: “Roger Fernandes is another player I love at Braga. 1v1 specialist with great whipped cross on him. A creative, unselfish winger. Also his maturity for only 17 is crazy, you can tell why he’s played so much already.”

Despite still being a teenager, the Braga starlet has amassed an impressive number of goals and assists in his opening two full Liga Portugal campaigns.

That said, the right-winger is still very young, and Chelsea are already well-stocked out wide, most recently confirming the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.

As such, while Fernandes could be a fantastic long-term addition to Maresca’s squad, the main focus should be to bring in a new attacking midfielder to provide competition for Cole Palmer, while a new striker may also be needed to replace Nicolas Jackson and the injured Liam Delap.

Tyler Morton scored his first goal for Lyon to secure a 1-0 victory and continue his bright start to life in Ligue 1. The former Liverpool midfielder, making his return after serving a suspension for a red card against Rennes, praised coach Paulo Fonseca for his tactics and highlighted team-mate Nicolas Tagliafico’s assist for the decisive strike.

• Morton’s winner against Lille

  Morton, making a box-crashing run into Lille’s penalty area, slipped between two defenders to finish off Tagliafico’s cross. It was his first game back from suspension after being sent off in Lyon’s 3-1 defeat to Rennes, where he had received a red card for what he described as a typically ‘English’ tackle.

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• Morton's praise for coach and teammates

  In his post-match interview, Morton praised coach Fonseca for the clearly defined roles within the team, saying: "The coach helps us enormously with tactics. Everyone knows exactly what they have to do and when they have to do it."

  He also credited Tagliafico for his assist and explained the reasoning behind his celebration: "Nico gave me an incredible cross, I'm very happy. I also remembered that there were the fans, so I went to celebrate in front of them."

  Taking to Instagram afterwards, he wrote: "Massive 3 points away against difficult opposition! We fought until the end thanks to our fans. A very proud moment to score my first goal for this club."

• Morton’s praise for Klopp

  Morton left Liverpool at the end of the summer window to join Lyon in search of playing time after current coach Arne Slot. However, he was full of praise for former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who believed in him, handed him his league and Champions League debuts, and sent him out on loan to aid his development.

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  Morton’s mid-week test against Salzburg

  Morton hopes to use his time at Lyon to further develop his game after a lack of minutes stalled his progress at Liverpool. His goal will have given him a confidence boost, and he will now be eager to face RB Salzburg on Thursday in the Europa League.

Going in search of their next Tom Rogic, Celtic now reportedly have concrete interest in signing an attacking addition who’s valued at just £1.5m ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

Next Rogic could be key for Rodgers

During his time at the club, Rogic more than played his part to continue Celtic’s Scottish dominance and ensure that Brendan Rodgers’ first spell ended with a place in the history books. Now, in his second stint in charge, it’s clear just how much of an impact a player in a similar mould would have on the current Celtic side.

A player who made his mark going forward in key moments, Rogic’s best work came when working under Rodgers, who was full of praise for the Australian during his time in Scotland.

The Celtic boss told reporters when Rogic returned from a spell on the sidelines in 2017: “He’s back in the squad. The magic man is back – what a player. He’s an amazing player. I think he can grow into one of the top midfield players in Europe.

“You saw him grow in the Champions League. You saw him against Manchester City and just purr at his quality. There was a big disappointment when he got injured because the week building up to it he was amazing. Top players know where there is space and he’s as good as any I’ve seen at finding space.”

Fenerbahce readying move to sign Celtic star who Rodgers called "brilliant"

The Bhoys could suffer a frustrating blow.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 28, 2025

Eight years on, Rogic is now retired and Rodgers is searching for his next arrivals at Celtic amid reports that the Bhoys have now set their sights on signing a 23-year-old star who has already been compared to the Australian.

Celtic interested in "Rogic-esque" Fallenius

According to Fotboll Direkt in Sweden, Celtic now have a concrete interest in signing Oskar Fallenius from Djurgarden this summer afetr sending scouts to watch him in aciton.

The winger reportedly cost the Swedish club just £1.5m in 2023, but that price is only likely to increase if they decide to sell their emerging star in the coming months.

Celtic’s interest should come as no shock. As detailed by Celtic Down Under’s – a Celtic fan channel in Australia – and X account UnDiluted, Fallenius is a potential “Rogic-esque” fit on the Bhoys’ radar.

The podcaster reiterated that whilst the Swede is not a like-for-like clone of Rogic, he does share some similar traits. The Australian’s greatest strengths came in his close control, powerful striking ability and creative vision. In comparison, Fallenius is similarly physical – standing at 5’11 and reportedly has a reputation for his skill and movement.

With that said and Celtic’s interest reportedly concrete, Fallenius looks set to be one to watch in the coming months.

Manchester United’s forward line has been massively underwhelming throughout 2024/25, undoubtedly contributing to their lowly Premier League standing.

The Red Devils have only registered 42 goals in their 37 league outings to date, an average of just 1.1 per 90, highlighting the need for investment in such a department over the summer.

Ruben Amorim will want to make key changes to his squad during the off-season to try and right the wrongs of the current campaign and be a success at Old Trafford.

With the summer window right around the corner, work has already been done by the hierarchy to back the manager and hand him the tools he requires to change the fortunes at the club.

However, it’s crucial that the manager makes the right additions to the squad, with quality over quantity needed if they are to return to their former glory in the near future.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Viktor Gyokeres has been a constant target for United over the last couple of months after Amorim’s arrival, understandably so given their time together at Sporting CP.

The Swede has registered 53 goals in 51 games throughout the current campaign, leading to rumours of a £60m switch to Old Trafford, with Arsenal also in the race for his signature.

However, the club have targeted alternatives over the last couple of weeks, leading to further links with Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap, according to journalist Laurie Whitwell.

His report states that the Red Devils are set to hold face-to-face talks with the striker over a move to the club after his impressive debut Premier League campaign, which has seen him net 12 times in 36 outings.

It also claims that Amorim’s side are leading the race for his signature and are willing to trigger the £30m release clause that has become active after the Tractor Boys’ relegation was confirmed.

Why United’s £30m target could be their next Rooney

Wayne Rooney will forever be a club icon at United, given their success he endured at the club over a sustained spell, breaking a whole host of impressive records.

The Englishman joined the Red Devils in a £30m deal from Everton back in 2004, with little to no fans expecting the forward to have the impact he did at Old Trafford.

He registered a staggering 253 goals in his 559 appearances, the most of any player in the club’s history, highlighting the impact he made during his spell in the North West.

Rooney also won 12 major honours during his spell at the club, including five league triumphs, something which now appears to be a distant memory given the recent slump at the Theatre of Dreams.

However, this summer, Amorim could land his own version of Rooney in a deal for Delap, following suit by joining for £30m from a smaller Premier League outfit.

The comparisons could also be made with their respective playstyles, with the Ipswich star having similar ball-striking abilities and a battering ram-like presence in forward areas.

His stats from this campaign are evidence of how much of an impressive addition he would be for the Red Devils, offering a cheaper alternative to a deal for Gyokeres.

Delap, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has completed 1.4 take-ons per 90, along with 1.6 carries into the final third – offering the side a needed all-round presence in attacking areas.

He’s also won 1.9 aerials per 90, along with a 45% shot-on-target accuracy, handing the side the added aerial and clinical threat they’ve been lacking throughout 2024/25.

His £30m clause could prove to be a potential bargain should Amorim sign him this summer, offering a cheaper but just as impressive option in attacking areas.

Should he get anywhere near the levels produced by Rooney at Old Trafford, it would be a sensational piece of business and one that could push the side back towards their former glory.

The new Van Nistelrooy: Man Utd make approach for £55m Delap alternative

Man Utd are desperate to sign a new centre-forward this summer, with Liam Delap just one target to have emerged.

By
Robbie Walls

May 20, 2025

Everton manager David Moyes has the opportunity to make his stamp on the first-team squad this summer, with investment expected from the Friedkin Group.

The Scotsman rejoined the club in January after Sean Dyche’s dismissal, returning to the role after previously managing the Toffees over an 11-year period.

He’s led the club clear of any relegation threat and will lead the side into their final ever at Goodison Park against Southampton this weekend – in what will be a memorable occasion for all involved.

The move to the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium presents a new era for the Toffees, which could lead to added investment and changes in the first-team squad.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, work has already been done behind the scenes to ensure a quick start is made to hand Moyes with the ammunition he needs to make the changes he desires.

The latest on Everton’s hunt for new additions this summer

Various names have already been linked with a move to join Everton this summer, with it unclear how much funding the manager will have at his disposal in the coming months.

The likes of Liam Delap, Emanuel Emegha and Dan Neil have all been on their radar in recent weeks, but no progress has yet been made with any of the aforementioned stars.

However, the hierarchy has already registered interest in another Championship star in the form of Bristol City talent Jason Knight, according to TEAMtalk.

The report claims that the board have been scouting the 24-year-old over the last few weeks and are considering a move for his signature ahead of the summer window.

It also states that the club are targeting younger options at the heart of the side, potentially being a replacement for either of Idrissa Gana Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure, with both of their contracts set to expire this summer.

Why Everton’s latest target could be Moyes’ next Cahill

Australian forward Tim Cahill is one of many legends who have previously plied their trade for Everton, starring during his eight-year spell on Merseyside.

He joined the Toffees from Millwall back in 2004 and made over 250 appearances and registered 68 goals – an average of a goal every four games, a solid record over such a timeframe.

His iconic corner flag celebration became a staple during their success under the Scotsman’s reign, with the striker producing countless moments of magic.

Arguably, one of his best goals for the club came against Chelsea, scoring an incredible bicycle kick against the Blues at Stamford Bridge way back in 2007.

However, 13 years on from his departure, Moyes has the chance to land his next version of the Australian in the form of Knight this summer, in a move that would certainly bolster their ranks.

The Republic of Ireland international could replicate Cahill by joining the club from a Championship side, but that shouldn’t take away from the levels produced by the 24-year-old in 2024/25.

He’s played a key role in the Robins’ ability to finish within the play-off places, featuring in every minute of their league campaign – registering three goals and six assists.

His underlying stats are just as impressive, completing 56% of the dribbles he’s attempted and creating 1.3 chances per 90 – having the tools to hand the players in front of him.

Knight, who’s been labelled “incredible” by one analyst, has also won 58% of the tackles he’s entered, whilst winning 5.6 duels per 90 – handing Moyes an added defensive presence in the middle of the park.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the Bristol City ace would cost this summer, but it’s clear that he has the potential to make the jump to England’s top-flight and be a success on Merseyside.

If he were to get anywhere near the levels produced by Cahill at the club, it would be a sensational piece of business, allowing the Toffees to have a key player at the heart of the side for many years to come.

As well as Harrison: Moyes' "animal" must now never play for Everton again

Everton are set to part with a host of stragglers this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 14, 2025

Fulham are now set to open talks over a deal for a “beautiful footballer” this summer, who is set to be available on a free transfer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Cottagers stepping up summer transfer plans

The Cottagers have been showing signs of year-on-year development under the helm of Marco Silva, and they are in a good position to record a top-half finish in the Premier League, which should put them in a good position to attract some quality players this summer.

Silva’s side have managed to progress despite losing some key figures in recent windows, with Joao Palhinha among them, but the midfielder’s move to Bayern Munich hasn’t gone exactly to plan, which means a return to Craven Cottage could now be on the cards.

The west Londoners are keen on strengthening in the middle of the park, and they are also looking to upgrade their defence, with contact being made to discuss a deal for versatile Juventus defender Nicolo Savona, who has impressed in the Serie A this season.

Fulham star's agent meets with rival club who desperately want new forward

He could be about to cross the divide.

By
Barney Lane

Apr 21, 2025

Savona’s main position is right-back, but the Italian is not the only target in that area of the pitch, with Sky Sports reporter Sheth recently taking to X to reveal Fulham are now interested in signing Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters.

Walker-Peters’ contract is set to expire at the end of the season, which means he will be available on a free transfer this summer, and the Cottagers are expected to open talks with his representatives when the campaign comes to a close.

Sheth states there will be “competition” for the defender, with London rivals West Ham United being named as potential suitors last month.

"Beautiful footballer" Walker-Peters could thrive in better side

It has been a season to forget for Southampton, who have recorded just two victories in the Premier League all season, which indicates it could be a gamble for Fulham to sign a player who has been a key part of such a poor side.

However, the 28-year-old has impressed in the Premier League in the past, chalking up 147 appearances in the competition, while also earning two caps for his national side.

Not only that, but the London-born defender has also received very high praise from former manager Russell Martin in the past, with the ex-Saints boss lauding him as a “beautiful footballer” after scoring in a 1-0 victory against Bristol City, before adding: “He can score more and assist more. It’s a brilliant, brilliant goal.”

As such, there are signs that Walker-Peters could thrive in a better side, and his availability on a free transfer is an added bonus for Fulham, making him a low-risk addition to Silva’s squad.

Leeds United are looking to sign a new dominant in the air player who is being compared to former Whites midfielder Marc Roca.

Leeds transfer rumours following promotion to the Premier League

The 49ers Enterprises haven’t been wasting any time since Leeds secured their promotion back to the Premier League from the Championship on Easter Monday following a 6-0 win over Stoke City and Burnley’s 2-1 win over Sheffield United.

In fact, Daniel Farke’s future as Leeds manager has been thrown into doubt, with the club concerned about his previous record in the top flight with Norwich City.

Talking after sealing promotion, chairman Paraag Marathe said that the club have been “quietly preparing the club” for the Premier League.

“The Premier League is where Leeds belongs, and our goal is to establish a long-term presence there. With that in mind, we have been quietly preparing the club for this moment. The road ahead won’t be easy but we are ready to step confidently into this next chapter. Above all, this is your club and your promotion. I want to thank each and every one of you, along with the players and every member of staff at Elland Road and Thorp Arch, for your tireless commitment in pursuit of this unforgettable moment.”

A number of new signings look likely to be made to give Leeds the best chance of Premier League survival, including former midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

Leeds and Farke race to sign "amazing" new 21 y/o defender for bargain fee

The Whites have set their sights on a new target, who could be available for a cut-price fee this summer.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 23, 2025

Currently on loan at Ipswich Town from Manchester City, Phillips is thought to be ready to return to Elland Road this summer. Elsewhere, loanee Manor Solomon is expected to make his move to Leeds permanent from Tottenham Hotspur, with Spurs valuing the winger at £15m-£20m.

Now, an update has emerged on another target with Premier League experience, something the 49ers are after when it comes to summer signings.

Leeds want to sign £18m Premier League "machine"

According to reports in the Czech Republic, relayed by TBR Football, Leeds could now sign Tomas Soucek from West Ham United ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The Whites have been named as a potential destination for the 30-year-old, who was signed by the Hammers for £18m from Slavia Prague back in 2020.

Since then, the central midfielder has made 240 appearances for West Ham, with almost 200 of those coming in the top flight. Everton are also thought to be keen on Soucek, who was dubbed a “machine” amid links to the Toffees.

Talking earlier this year, Soucek hinted at a potential move away if he wasn’t getting regular game time: “I know a few guys who are happy with the money coming into their account every month, they enjoy the life of a footballer and don’t care about the bench. I can’t do that. I need to play. I suffer on the bench.”

Graham Potter has placed Soucek on the bench in West Ham’s last four games, and as can be seen, Football Transfers have likened the midfielder to Roca, who left Leeds for Real Betis.

As per FBref, Soucek has also been ranked in the top 1% over the past 12 months for aerial duels won (3.49 per 90), so he’d certainly bring a physical presence to Yorkshire, should a move go through.

It’s been a very frustrating season for Arsenal supporters, but it could still end with the ultimate glory.

On Wednesday night, goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli saw the Gunners win 2-1 at the Bernabéu, actually smashing Real Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the end, despite all the talk of a remontada.

The Gunners will now take on Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals, just the third time the club have ever reached the Champions League’s last four, with Gooners worldwide dreaming of making the pilgrimage to Munich for the final on 31 May.

Before PSG visit North London on Tuesday week, Mikel Arteta’s team do have two Premier League fixtures to fulfil, which started with a trip to Ipswich on Sunday and then Crystal Palace in midweek with this huge European tie in mind.

Thomas Partey's importance

With only five minutes remaining on the clock in Madrid, Thomas Partey, needlessly and stupidly, got himself booked by referee François Letexier, which was his third caution in as many Champions League appearances, meaning he will be suspended for the first leg against PSG.

Alex Howell of BBC Sport describes this as a ‘big blow’ considering how ‘important’ he has been this season, with James Olley of ESPN adding that, arguably, the Ghanaian has enjoyed his best campaign for the club, managing to stay injury-free.

The table below underlines how important Partey has been since arriving from Atlético Madrid for £45m on deadline day in the summer of 2020.

Meantime, Toby Rathborne of Breaking the Lines believes Partey is amongst the best in the world when it comes to ‘technical skill and physical dominance’ as well as his ability to operate in tight spaces.

Thus, he will be a major miss as Arsenal seek to combat les Rouge-et-Bleu’s midfield trio of João Neves, Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz, which Graham Ruthven of Total Soccer Show believes to be the ‘best in the world’.

So, how will Arteta fill the Partey void against PSG? He faces quite the conundrum.

Arsenal's alternative midfield options

The most obvious Partey deputy would be the vastly-experienced Jorginho however, he suffered a suspected broken rib against Brentford last weekend, therefore the Italian did not travel to Madrid in mid-week, with his participation against PSG currently in serious doubt.

Thus, alternatively, Arteta could move Mikel Merino back into midfield, with Leandro Trossard therefore coming into the side as the false nine but, speaking on the Arsecast, Andrew Mangan and Ryan Hunn both agreed they would not want to tinker with the Spaniard’s position, given his excellent form as the makeshift centre-forward.

So, if Jorginho is injured and moving Merino is off the table, what options is Arteta left with?

This may feel like a rogue suggestion, although it really shouldn’t be, but should Arteta consider using Oleksandr Zinchenko in midfield something, as noted by Andrew Mangan and Phil Costa on the Arsecast, we have ‘almost never seen’?

The Ukrainian international’s importance at Arsenal has significantly diminished this season, starting only six matches across all competitions, although he did get the nod to deputise for Martin Ødegaard as an attacking midfielder during recent home draws with PSV Eindhoven and Brentford.

Teammate Saka has previously praised Zinchenko’s “quality”, adding that “he’s an outstanding player” who “controls the game”. He was also previously described as “absolutely unbelievable” by Armand Traore upon his arrival at the Emirates.

Furthermore, Sam Dean of the Telegraph exclaims that he is a “playmaking warrior”, while James Lloyd of Breaking the Lines believes there are few better in world football when it comes to ‘ball circulation and line-breaking passes’.

Thus, despite his lack of match action, Zinchenko has to be under serious consideration to start against PSG so, given this, Arteta should certainly trial him in midfield.

He's like Isak & Mbappe: Arsenal chasing Europe's "most inform player"

The incredible international would make Arsenal far more dangerous.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 18, 2025

Being a football manager is brutal, and at the top level, the level of scrutiny and pressure to perform is even greater.

Southampton’s record-breaking relegation from the Premier League recently highlighted this, with the Saints hierarchy overseeing two of the worst top-flight managerial tenures in history this season.

Ivan Juric’s departure brings an ill-fated stint at St Mary’s to an abrupt end, but how do his shortcomings stack up against the worst the Premier League has ever seen?

The 10 longest-serving Premier League managers

The Premier League has seen some dynasties, and these are the longest.

By
Ben Browning

Nov 21, 2024

Here are the worst Premier League managers based on points earned per game. Some of these managers proved or even redeemed themselves at other top-flight clubs, but there’s no escaping these horror appointments.

For this list, only permanent managers who were in charge for at least four games are included.

13

Daniel Farke (Norwich City)

0.53 points per game

Daniel Farke has yet to excel in the Premier League, despite getting Norwich City promoted twice from the Championship.

Across his 49 top-flight games in charge – spanning three seasons as a result of relegation in 2019/20 – the German only oversaw six victories, which include a shock result against then-champions Manchester City in September 2019.

He left the club in November 2021, bizarrely not long after securing a first win of the campaign.

12

Roy Hodgson (Watford)

0.50 points per game

Roy Hodgson has had a glittering managerial career, but after making an unexpected comeback to football with Watford, his bid to save them from relegation couldn’t have gone much worse.

He only managed two wins in 18 games at Vicarage Road, and the Hornets were ironically relegated following a defeat to Hodgson’s former – and future – club, Crystal Palace.

It won’t diminish his stature as one of the managerial greats, but not many have done worse than the ex-England boss during this unforgiving spell.

11

Alan Pardew (West Brom)

0.44 points per game

Alan Pardew was a highly experienced Premier League manager, so coming into West Brom, he must have backed himself to turn the club’s ailing fortunes around.

In the end, one win and eight consecutive defeats in the Premier League was his undoing, with just eight points taken from a possible 54.

West Brom were eventually relegated without Pardew in the dugout, and the manager’s career has been low-key ever since.

10

Billy Davies (Derby)

0.43 points per game

Taking Derby County into the Premier League for the first time in five years via the play-offs will have made Billy Davies a hero at Pride Park, but the beginning to their fateful 2007/08 campaign was a disaster.

The Rams’ sole win on matchday 6 was the only highlight post-promotion, and failure to repeat the trick in the eight games that followed saw Derby and Davies part ways.

The Scot’s only solace is perhaps that even his successor – who features below – couldn’t get a tune out of the team, either.

9

Nathan Jones (Southampton)

0.38 points per game

After impressing at Luton Town, Nathan Jones got his big break when Southampton came calling following the sacking of Ralph Hasenhuttl in November 2022.

But Jones and his unpredictable methods saw his tenure last just eight Premier League games, with the Saints only managing one win over Everton in that time.

With 0.38 points per game, he comfortably has one of the worst records in Premier League history.

8

Jan Siewert (Huddersfield)

0.33 points per game

When Jan Siewert was drafted in to save Huddersfield Town’s Premier League status, even he must have been daunted at the size of the mountain he will have had to climb.

Arriving with the Terriers 10 points adrift at the bottom of the table, it would have taken a miracle to salvage anything positive from the campaign.

Siewert earned one win and lost eight on the spin before being relegated, lasting just three (winless) Championship games before he was dismissed.

7

Terry Connor (Wolves)

0.31 points per game

Terry Connor was handed a somewhat poisoned chalice after Mick McCarthy’s spell at Molineux turned sour, and he was unable to get a tune out of Wolves as they battled relegation in 2011/12.

Promoted from assistant to head coach with the Old Gold staring down the barrel of demotion, Connor oversaw a hapless, winless run that consigned his side to Championship football.

Connor didn’t take another full-time managerial role until joining the Grenadian national team in 2023, and is now assistant manager at National League side Dagenham & Redbridge.

6

Russell Martin (Southampton)

0.31 points per game

Russell Martin set out his stall following Southampton’s promotion last season, vowing to play his way towards Premier League survival.

That turned out to be a horrendous call, with the Saints losing game after game, earning just five points before his eventual sacking in December 2024.

But if Southampton thought Martin’s average of 0.31 points per match was bad, they were in for a nasty surprise with his successor.

5

Ivan Juric (Southampton)

0.29 points per game

Ivan Juric had left Roma before joining Southampton to save their Premier League skin.

But after starting his tenure with six straight defeats, it was clear that Southampton were never going to turn the corner under the Croatian.

Losing by four goals or more on three occasions in his 14-match spell, the Southampton hierarchy have to take some of the blame, with their run of appointments in the top flight being almost completely useless.

4

Mick McCarthy (Sunderland)

0.27 points per game

Throughout his Sunderland tenure, Mick McCarthy recorded one relegation and two disastrous Premier League campaigns.

In 2002/03, McCarthy replaced Howard Wilkinson in the Sunderland hot seat, but endured nine straight defeats as the Wearsiders recorded what was a record low Premier League points total.

He did get the Black Cats up at the second time of asking, but McCarthy’s second attempt at top-flight success in the north-east ended having lost all but six of his games in charge.