This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
After a turbulent time, Granit Xhaka has opened up on the way he has been treated by Arsenal fans in an interview with Blick.
What did he say?
Granit Xhaka’s position at Arsenal has completely transformed since he lost his cool after being substituted against Crystal Palace.
In the time following that he has been stripped of the captaincy and missed three games in a row across all competitions, with Unai Emery even admitting his time at the club could be over.
Having already put out a statement, Xhaka has now had an interview with Blick, in which he said: “When my shirt number lit up on the fourth official’s panel and our own fans broke into gleeful jubilation, that hit me very hard and really upset me. It was very hurtful and frustrating.
“I can’t understand a reaction like that even now, especially the vehemence of it and the extreme hostility directed against me.
“Insulting and swearing at your own captain will cause upset and a bad atmosphere for the team you are actually supposed to be supporting. That makes no sense to me and weakens the team’s spirit.”
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Past the point of no return?
Even without these comments, it would have been very difficult for the Switzerland international to work his way back into the fans’ good books following his reaction in the moment – especially considering they were already so unimpressed with him they booed before the gestures.
Charlie Nicholas also gave the opinion that Xhaka would leave before the latest comments, saying on Sky Sports, via football.london: “I think it’s broken now, I think he is still very upset. I don’t see a long-term future. I wouldn’t be surprised come January that at the age of 27 he makes the decision to move on.”
With all of this in mind, he may have taken things past the point of no return with his latest comments.
Due to the current situation, the international break arguably comes at a good time for Unai Emery, as it will give him an opportunity to evaluate what it is he does with Xhaka from here.
Considering he had already claimed the 27-year-old could have to leave the Emirates, it would be a massive surprise to see Xhaka add to his 144 appearances in an Arsenal shirt.
His latest comments aren’t quite the final nail in the coffin, but they suggest that the relationship between player and fans is broken beyond repair.
Barcelona finally returned back to winning ways against Celta Vigo at the Camp Nou.
Their previous two outings had been far from brilliant as the Blaugrana tallied a draw against Slavia Prague and a defeat to Levante in the process.
But in case of emergency, break the Lionel Messi glass, and break it they did.
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The little Argentine magician scored a hat-trick on the night, including two sublime free-kick goals along the way.
And as important as he was to the team, one other player seemed to impressed many of the fans as well.
Sergio Busquets started the game on the bench but was quickly introduced in the first half. Needless to say, as soon as that happened, the Catalans started playing much better and the experienced midfielder bagged himself a goal later on in the game as well.
Many fans were quick to recognise his display and his influence on the squad, showering him with praise on Twitter.
You can see some of their replies down in the collection of tweets below.
The summer transfer window officially slammed shut on Friday night and it was an eventful few months for Leeds United, for incomings and outgoings.
Daniel Farke led the side to a third-place finish in the Championship in the 2023/24 campaign but his team could not get over the line in the play-offs, as they lost to Southampton in the final at Wembley.
Their failure to secure promotion back to the Premier League led to a number of key first-team performers moving on from Elland Road, including Georginio Rutter, Archie Gray, Glen Kamara, and Crysencio Summerville.
The Whites also moved to bolster their squad with the additions of Manor Solomon, Largie Ramazani, Ao Tanaka, Isaac Schmidt, Joe Rodon, Alex Cairns, Joe Rothwell, and Jayden Bogle.
Leeds endured a difficult start to the season with all the uncertainty surrounding their squad, as they failed to win their first three games in all competitions.
However, they have won their last two matches, against Sheffield Wednesday and Hull City, and things do appear to be on the way up for Farke's men.
The Whites beat the Tigers 2-0 on Saturday and there was a late debut for Tanaka, who was signed on deadline day, after his move to the club.
How much Leeds paid for Tanaka
According to The Athletic, the West Yorkshire outfit splashed out a fee of €3.5m (£2.9m) to sign the Japan international from Fortuna Dusseldorf.
His team failed to earn promotion from the second division in Germany in similar fashion to Leeds, as they were beaten in their play-off clash with the 14th worst team in the Bundesliga.
During Fortuna's push to get out of the second tier, the Japanese midfield maestro caught the eye with his excellent work in possession in the middle of the park.
In the 2023/24 campaign, Tanaka ranked within the top 14% of midfielders in the 2. Bundesliga for progressive passes (5.66) per 90, which shows that he was one of the best players in his position when it came to progressing the ball up the pitch.
The 25-year-old was a key performer for Fortuna with his quality on the ball, in the build-up play with his progressive passes and in the final third.
Appearances
30
Goals
7
Assists
3
Big chances created
6
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.0
As you can see in the table above, Tanaka pushed forward from midfield to make an impact at the top end of the pitch with great effect, scoring seven goals and providing three assists.
He hit double figures for goal contributions from a central midfield position and Farke may now be hoping that he can do the same for Leeds in the Championship this term.
However, the Whites may have already had a player who could have made an even greater impact from midfield if they had kept hold of Mateusz Bogusz, whose value has soared since his exit from Elland Road.
How much Leeds sold Mateusz Bogusz for
Leeds signed the teenage midfielder from Ruch Chorzow at the start of 2019, midway through the club's first season under Marcelo Bielsa, and added him to their academy squad.
He went on to make one appearance in the Championship as the Whites marched on to win the title the following campaign, along with one outing in the EFL Cup.
Bielsa did not deem him ready to feature in the Premier League for the club, however, and the central midfielder was sent out on loan to UD Logrones, where he produced one goal and one assist in 23 matches in LaLiga 2.
Former Leeds midfielder Mateusz Bogusz.
Bogusz was then sent out on loan to UD Ibiza in Spain for a season-and-a-half and racked up six goals and seven assists in 46 appearances for the second tier outfit.
However, his attacking contributions from a midfield position for UD Ibiza did not convince Javi Gracia, who had succeeded Bielsa and Jesse Marsch by that point, that he was ready for a chance at Elland Road in the second half of the 2022/23 campaign.
The Whites boss decided to cash in on the young dynamo and MLS outfit Los Angeles FC swooped in to sign him for a reported fee of €1m (£840k) in March 2023, which has turned out to be a big blunder by the club.
Mateusz Bogusz's soaring market value
During the recently closed summer transfer window, Scottish giants Celtic were pursuing a deal to sign the central midfielder from LAFC to bolster their squad.
They were eventually unsuccessful in their efforts to snap him up from the American side, signing Augsburg's Arne Engels instead, but the price that they were quoted for him suggests that Leeds made a big error when they sold him last year.
It was reported that the MLS side valued the Polish wizard at a whopping £8m, which is more than a £7m increase on the £840k that the Whites raked in for his services 18 months ago.
The 23-year-old midfielder's form in the MLS this year illustrates why his club values him so highly, as the talented youngster, who was described as "dangerous" by reporter Greg Beacham, has enjoyed a terrific year.
During his time in the States, Bogusz has racked up an eye-catching 21 goals and 15 assists in 78 appearances for LAFC in all competitions to date.
Appearances
25
30
Goals
13
7
Assists
5
3
Big chances created
8
6
Key passes per game
2.2
0.5
As you can see in the table above, Bogusz has produced 18 direct goal contributions in 25 MLS appearances in 2024, compared to Tanaka's ten goal involvements in 30 2. Bundesliga games in the 2023/24 campaign.
These statistics suggest that, if he could translate his form over to the Championship, keeping Bogusz may have been a better option than having to swoop for Tanaka this summer.
This is all with the benefit of hindsight but the Polish star has been in sublime form on the pitch and his soaring market value, currently standing at £8m, suggests that Leeds blundered badly on him by cashing in for just £840k last year.
Forget Solomon & Gnonto: 8/10 star could be Leeds’ next Summerville
Leeds United have a new hero they can rely on in attack.
This summer was a difficult one for Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the club losing two of their most important players in the form of Pedro Neto and Max Kilman.
The pair left Molineux to join Chelsea and West Ham United respectively, but their respective deals made the club a huge profit, with their sales making the club a combined £90m in their battle with the Premier League’s PSR and FFP rules.
However, Gary O’Neil’s side had to dip into the market to find suitable replacements to plug the gaps and improve the squad to be competitive in the league this season.
Wolves manager Gary O'Neil
Deadline day saw numerous new incomings, with Carlos Forbs just one of the new players through the door in the West Midlands, with the winger brought in to replace compatriot Neto.
He was joined by one player who could be a huge addition for the club, bolstering their ranks and providing added quality in one area of the pitch.
Andre’s move to Wolves this summer
With the funds available after the departures this summer, Wolves decided to invest in another youngster to try and improve the options currently available at O’Neil’s disposal.
Andre Trindade with Fluminense teammates.
The club decided to splash £21m including add-ons on Brazilian midfielder Andre on deadline day, with the 23-year-old arriving with high expectations after his stint for Fluminense in his home country.
Despite the midfielder being in the early stages of his professional career, he’s already made 197 appearances for his boyhood club, before making his debut for the West Midlands outfit off the bench against Nottingham Forest last weekend.
The deal for Andre made him the eighth most expensive addition in the history of the football club, but he’s still worth less than one current first-team member who has enjoyed a huge rise after his move to Molineux.
Rayan Ait-Nouri’s market value in 2024
After originally joining the club back in 2020, full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri has excelled beyond all imagination at Wolves, becoming a pivotal player under O’Neil in recent months.
Wolves player Rayan Ait-Nouri
The Algerian endured a tricky time under former boss Julen Lopetegui, looking likely to depart the club, but after the Spaniard’s departure, it gave the 23-year-old a new lease of life, going from strength to strength under the Englishman.
He joined the club in a £10m deal from French side Angers, but a handful of years on from his move to Wolves, he’s seen his market value soar as a result of his displays in the West Midlands.
1.
Matheus Cunha
£38m
2.
Rayan Ait-Nouri
£29.4m
3.
Joao Gomes
£29.4m
4.
Andre
£21m
5.
Hee-chan Hwang
£21m
6.
Jorgen Stand Larsen
£21m
The “incredible” talent, as described by boss O’Neil, is now valued at £29.4m as per Transfermarkt, a figure that is higher than the fee paid for Brazilian star Andre.
After the closure of the transfer window last week, the youngster will remain at Molineux until January at the very least, giving him the opportunity to build on his impressive form in recent months.
Ait-Nouri has the perfect qualities to play as a wing-back or even a winger with his pace, defensive qualities and his ability to create opportunities in the final third allowing the likes of Matheus Cunha to improve their own goalscoring tallies, having already chalked up one assist this season.
Worth more than Neto & Kilman: Wolves hit gold on “one of the best players"
Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano says Tottenham are "working" on a last-minute potential arrival at N17 before the transfer window cut-off, backing other reports that Spurs are not finished in the market just yet.
Manor Solomon exit to Leeds confirmed in latest Spurs transfer
Earlier this week, Spurs completed their latest piece of summer business, with winger Manor Solomon joining Leeds United on a straight season-long loan with no option to buy.
Tottenham now ready to make late move for midfielder after £20m+ Skipp sale
The north Londoners are prioritising another signing.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 28, 2024
The Israel international fell down Ange Postecoglou's pecking order following the arrival of Wilson Odobert from Burnley earlier this window, and spent most of his debut campaign in north London on the treatment table.
Solomon suffered a meniscus tear last season, which kept him out from October all the way through to July, preventing the 25-year-old from fighting his way back into Postecoglou's plans and ultimately thwarting his Spurs career.
Appearances
6
Goals
0
Assists
2
Yellow cards
1
Red cards
0
Minutes played
280
via Transfermarkt
The former Fulham star has now been granted a fresh opportunity with Leeds as he aims to get back on track and impress in the Championship.
“I am really happy to be here," said Solomon on joining Leeds. “I've heard a lot about the club, about its fans, about the heritage, the history. I know it's a massive club in England and I'm looking forward to seeing the fans and to meet them all.
"As soon as the interest from Leeds came, I started to look for the players, for the coach and I've spoken with the manager and he explained to me about the style of playing, about the players that there are in Leeds.
alejo-veliz-manor-solomon-tottenham-opinion
“I know there is a group of great lads, young people with great desire, with great techniques, and I'm looking forward to playing with them and to help them in the best way I can. I just want to get going.”
Following Solomon's temporary switch to Elland Road, attention turns to what other transfers Spurs may conduct before the clock runs out on what has been a memorable and topsy-turvy window.
There have been reports that Tottenham could move to sign a new midfielder after Oliver Skipp's £20m-plus move to Leicester City, while it is also believed that Postecoglou and his staff are pushing Spurs to bring in another defender.
Tottenham "working" on last-gasp signing for Postecoglou
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano has somewhat reinforced these claims with his own update. The journalist told GMS that Tottenham are indeed "working" on a last-gasp potential signing for Postecoglou, but is vague in the specifics based off what he's been informed by his sources.
“The deal they did with Burnley [for Odobert] was completely silent," said Romano.
"So, I think they're still working on something, and I'm told they're still working on something, but there is still nothing concrete or close to being completed. But I can confirm Tottenham are still in the market for opportunities.”
Manchester United have had a slow start to the summer market, but Fabrizio Romano has told fans to keep an eye on one potential signing.
Andre Onana is the latest goalkeeper to be linked with a move to Old Trafford as the uncertainty surrounding whether David De Gea will sign a new contract continues.
Romano states that United have already made contact with Onana’s representatives about a potential reunification with Erik ten Hag, who coached the Cameroon goalkeeper at Ajax.
Who will be goalkeeper at Man Utd?
David de Gea has received plenty of criticism for his performances this season at Old Trafford.
The Spanish keeper’s contract ends this summer, and no news of an agreed new contract has come out.
If De Gea does leave the club, United will have to source a new number one keeper.
What has Fabrizio Romano said about Andre Onana signing for Manchester United?
On his Youtube channel, Romano gave fans an update on Man United's potential search for a new goalkeeper.
Romano said: "There is the possibility for United to keep the De Gea and sign a second goalkeeper to create competition or maybe to sign a new first choice goalkeeper.
"In that case if they part ways with David de Gea, we have to keep an eye on Andre Onana."
"It's also true that Manchester United have explored the conditions of the Andre Onana deal on the player side. So Man United are informed on the situation and Onana has always has a with Erik ten Hag. Inter are looking for around €60m (£51m) for Onana."
Would Onana be a good signing for Man Utd?
Man City boss Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Onana recently ahead of the Champions League final.
Pep branded Onana as Inter’s most important player due to his abilities with his feet, something that could fit well into a system Erik ten Hag wants to play.
Guardiola stated: "For the way they play, with the high press, Onana is an exceptional goalkeeper to take the position to build-up. Really, really good,"
If United want to nail down the signing of Onana, they must act quickly. Premier League rivals Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing the goalkeeper as part of their summer rebuild.
Onana had an excellent season for Inter, conceding just 24 goals in as many games in Serie A last season. If De Gea does leave Old Trafford, he could be a worthy replacement.
Leeds United have been a side never shy in front of goal, whether it be under the exceptional Marcelo Bielsa or even the struggling Jesse Marsch.
Even when trundling towards the drop last term, the Whites still managed to notch 48 goals, outscoring most of their relegation competition. This does mark a far cry from the 62 they scored during that imperious return to the top flight though.
rodrigo-leeds-united
However, recent reports have emerged suggesting that Rodrigo, their top scorer from that torrid later campaign, has a release clause of just €3.5m (£3m), making the Spaniard ripe for the plucking from Elland Road.
A huge chunk of that aforementioned figure could be set to depart.
Given he was initially bought for £27m, the club are set to make a monumental loss on the 32-year-old who offered a brief glimmer of hope throughout a dark and depressing year in Yorkshire.
To offset such financial failures, the 49ers will have to be shrewd in this summer window, likely scouring from within the Championship or the free-agent market to find their deals.
Fortunately, an option within the latter has come to light, with soon-to-be departing Lyon forward Moussa Dembele free from his £51k-per-week contract this summer, and reportedly on the list of Leeds' new ownership.
Could Moussa Dembele replace Rodrigo at Leeds United?
Having scored 13 league goals for a relegated side, Rodrigo has already proven himself a fine asset more than capable of starring in the top flight. His exit is almost a guarantee given the tiny fee attached to him.
However, this French forward could perhaps pose a fine alternative, despite the statistics of late suggesting a recent loss of form.
Just three goals in 23 Ligue 1 showings are a harsh indicator, given the form of Alexandre Lacazette ahead of him. The 26-year-old has only started eight games in the league.
As the machine-like striker in the season prior, he showcased his true talents by finding the net on 21 occasions, proving himself more than capable of leading the line. When handed confidence and a run of games, the former Celtic man has proven his talent in front of goal.
That spell in Scotland, where he would score 51 goals in just 94 games, saw Brendan Rodgers rush to praise him. The currently out-of-work manager claimed:
"Moussa has everything with his power and pace. It was a different sort of system and the boys looked a real threat and linked up really well.
“His opponent at centre-back was strong but Moussa is so powerful with ability, touch and work rate. He was excellent. I am very pleased to have him back and his contribution."
With the 49ers having inherited something of a mess in this Leeds team, still licking their wounds from a relegation that three different managers could not halt, they could offer some clarity by making a confident first foray into the market.
Not only would it mark a huge statement of intent, but it would also offer an immediate replacement should Rodrigo exit Elland Road.
Arsenal have been linked with a host of players ahead of the transfer window, with the latest news suggesting that the Gunners are eyeing a fellow Premier League ace.
Mikel Arteta will hope to arm his squad with the necessary depth to challenge once more for the league title, after falling short this season to treble-winners Manchester City.
What’s the latest on Timothy Castagne to Arsenal?
As reported by Belgian outlet Het Belang van Limburg – relayed by Sport Witness – Leicester City defender Timothy Castagne has been eyed by Arsenal.
The report runs off the narrative of Belgium’s match-ups against Austria and Estonia, stating that the ties will be a chance for players to show their worth ahead of the transfer window.
It’s suggested that Castagne could have a potential suitor in Arsenal, following his relegation to the Championship with the Foxes.
The full-back is currently valued at £26m as per Football Transfers.
What could Timothy Castagne bring to Arsenal?
Lauded as “brilliant” by teammate Jamie Vardy, the Belgian has been a revelation since trading Serie A for the Premier League, signing from Atalanta for £21.5m in 2020.
A flock of players have been linked with moves away from the Foxes following their relegation, with movements starting with Youri Tielemans who has made the switch to Aston Villa.
Arsenal could land themselves added defensive quality in moving for the 27-year-old, in a move that could finally see Cedric Soares depart.
The Portuguese defender went on loan to Fulham in January with his place in Arteta’s squad out of reach, however the 31-year-old only made six appearances at Craven Cottage, failing to make an impact this campaign.
Arsenal are in need of defensive depth, after a double blow to William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu back in March left Arteta with minimal options for quality cover, having a significant impact on the Gunners’ season.
Based upon Castagne’s statistics from this season, and Cedric’s last term at the Emirates, the Belgian could prove to be an upgrade in depth on the out-of-favour right-back.
As per FBref, the £67k-per-week ace averages better than the German-born Portugal international over a range of defensive attributes.
The Leicester defender averaged 2.41 tackles and 1.19 interceptions per 90 this season in the league, as well as winning 51% of his total duels with an average of 4.5 won per game.
Last season, the Arsenal right-back averaged 2.30 tackles and 0.97 interceptions per 90 as per FBref, and won 49% of his total duels with three won per game on average, showing that the Gunners could land a worthy upgrade in the newly relegated gem.
Another area that suggests that Castagne could be a good fit for north London, is his ability to get forward, most prominently identified through his average of progressive passes he received per 90 this campaign with 4.12, via FBref. It's that sort of performance level that's seen him dubbed a "constant threat" by journalist Josh Bunting.
Arsenal whiz Ben White scored 3.65 in this area this season, showing the ability the Belgian has in getting into attacking positions considering the success of the Englishman in the defensive flank role under Arteta.
With no moves made yet ahead of the window, only time will tell if rumours are to be believed, however, the Gunners could finally wave goodbye to Cedric to make way for the FA Cup-winning defender.
Tottenham are “already pushing to seal a deal” for Leicester City star James Maddison, despite there currently being no manager.
Who could Tottenham sign this summer?
Spurs are in dire need of a new head coach to replace the departed Antonio Conte, who left north London over two months ago.
The Lilywhites are also thought to be chasing a new sporting director to succeed Fabio Paratici, but the club haven’t yet announced a new name for either role.
Amid all of this chaos, Spurs are worryingly flirting with being left behind in the summer transfer market, as other clubs are believed to be well ahead of them in preparations.
However, that isn’t to say Tottenham haven’t been linked with fresh faces, as chairman Daniel Levy has reportedly earmarked the signing of a new goalkeeper to replace Hugo Lloris.
Leicester City forward Harvey Barnes has also been tipped as a target in recent days, not to mention Southampton star James Ward-Prowse.
Spurs are targeting attacking players, with Hee-chan Hwang of Wolves mentioned and another key player for Leicester in Maddison.
Leicester City's James Maddison celebrates scoring their second goal with Harvey Barnes
Sharing news on the latter man, reporter Pete O’Rourke has an update for Tottenham supporters.
Writing for Football Insider, the journalist claims Tottenham are “already pushing to seal a deal” for the England international, and have made him their priority summer target.
One of the site’s well-placed sources has claimed that Spurs are hopeful of winning the race for Maddison, despite there being no manager in place right now.
Newcastle and Arsenal are in the frame too, but it’s Tottenham who think they have the advantage, with the 26-year-old set to become one of this summer’s hottest properties following Leicester’s relegation to the Championship.
Who is James Maddison?
The playmaker, who looks likely to leave the King Power Stadium, has been a pivotal figure for Leicester and star player.
As per WhoScored, he finished the 2022/2023 campaign as their best-performing player by average match rating – having racked up 19 goal contributions in the top flight alone (10 goals, nine assists).
England boss Gareth Southgate has also previously heralded Maddison as a brilliant player.
“He’s a player of outstanding technical ability,” said Southgate to the media back in 2019.
“He has an eye for an incisive pass, his set-play delivery is world class – absolutely top.”
Maddison has long been tipped for greatness, it would seem, and we believe Tottenham could sign a serious upgrade in the former Norwich City star.
Indeed, pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has even called Maddison a "really top player".
Manchester United look keen on signing Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund this summer as Erik ten Hag aims to bolster his attacking options ahead of next season.
What’s the latest on Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United?
The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell wrote on Twitter:
“MUFC hold detailed talks over Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.
“Erik ten Hag ideally wants a young forward plus an experienced one. Hojlund, 20, falls into former category. Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani also discussed.”
The striker won't come cheap however, with Serie A side Atalanta demanding “north of £60million at the very least this year" according to journalist Jacque Talbot and this is a figure United could afford, especially as Ten Hag will surely move a few players on this summer.
Could Rasmus Hojlund replace Anthony Martial?
The Red Devils only scored 58 Premier League goals during the 2022/23 campaign, and it’s clear they need much greater attacking options ahead of next term in order to mount a serious title challenge.
Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes scored 17 and eight of these goals respectively, while Anthony Martial scored only six league goals all season and Hojlund could certainly be an upgrade on the Frenchman.
The “scary quick” sensation – as once described by journalist Sacha Pisani earlier this year – not only has more goals across all competitions this season (15 to nine) than the United striker, but he has also more than double the number of assists (seven to three), albeit he has played 12 games more.
Not only that, but the Dane has also registered more shots on target per 90 (1.34 to 1.1), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.78 to 2.58), touches in the attacking penalty area (124 to 49) and crosses (12 to four), clearly suggesting he’d be way better than Martial for next season, that’s for sure.
Remarkably, the United hitman is still only 27 years old, yet he has never really fulfilled his potential at the Old Trafford side, managing to score over 20 goals across all competitions in just one of his eight seasons in Manchester, a poor showing.
Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund
He has just one year remaining on his contract and this summer could be the ideal chance for Ten Hag to cash in on him to raise some funds for signings. Hojlund, meanwhile, is only 20 years of age and there is no doubt that, given the opportunity under the Dutchman, he could thrive in the pressure cooker environment at United next term.
The next few weeks could be very interesting for the Red Devils indeed.