All posts by h716a5.icu

Erik ten Hag is slowly but surely rebuilding Manchester United the way he sees fit, adding in some quality summer signings while losing some deadwood from the club.

This season will be seen as a transitional one, yet the building blocks are there for the Dutchman to succeed long-term and bring back the glory days to Old Trafford.

There is still a few areas to strengthen, however, with the goalkeeping department a prime concern. Since the start of last season, David De Gea has conceded a staggering 89 goals in all competitions, keeping just 19 clean sheets in the same period. The Spaniard’s contract expires at the end of the season, and Ten Hag is keeping tabs on his compatriot, Robert Sanchez who plays for Brighton and Hove Albion.

The goalkeeper could shine for Man United and journalist Pete O’Rourke has spoken to Football FanCast regarding if a move for the Brighton player would be a better fit for the Dutchman than De Gea:

“It will. Sanchez does tick a lot of the boxes for what Erik ten Hag wants from his goalkeepers.

“He’s very comfortable on the ball. He can play out from the back as well. And he’s also a very commanding goalkeeper.

“I think he has shown at Brighton in the last couple of seasons one of the top stoppers probably in the Premier League and it shows how much he has improved in recent seasons that he has taken David De Gea’s spot in this Spain squad at the World Cup as well.”

In comparison to De Gea over the same time period, the Brighton goalkeeper has conceded 64 goals while keeping 15 clean sheets, and aged just 25, he certainly has the potential to be a long-term solution for Ten Hag.

In the summer, Brighton slapped a massive £50m price tag on the Spaniard and with every excellent performance, this fee will continue to rise.

Will the Dutchman swoop for a new goalkeeper in the January transfer window? Or bide his time until the summer and allow De Gea to run down his contract? The next few weeks might be a nervy time for the Brighton faithful, and if Man United offer anything close to the £50m figure the club are demanding, then he could be saying goodbye to the south coast.

Liverpool are ‘especially’ interested in making a move for Morocco and Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, according to Sky journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Lowdown: Amrabat impressing at World Cup

The 26-year-old is making a name for himself at the ongoing World Cup, helping Morocco to top their group and reach the knockout stages of the tournament in Qatar, where they will face Spain on Tuesday.

Amrabat has started all three matches for his country so far in the competition, not only enjoying an 88.7% pass completion rate but also averaging two tackles per game.

With Liverpool keen on bringing in a new midfielder amid links with the likes of Jude Bellingham and Moises Caicedo, it looks as though the Fiorentina maestro could also be a target for FSG.

The Latest: Liverpool eyeing up Amrabat move

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg claimed that Amrabat is wanted by Liverpool, although the Reds aren’t alone in showing an interest in the Moroccan, who could cost around €30m (£25.7m).

The journalist tweeted:

“News #Amrabat: Been told that many clubs from the Premier League observing him, especially #LFC (next to Bellingham & Caicedo). No negotiations now but he is open to leave #Fiorentina. Salary now around €3-4m + Boni. Price tag: More than €30m! Key player!”

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The Verdict: Strong midfield target

There is no denying that Liverpool’s midfield has been a point of weakness this season, with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson both looking leggy and the likes of Thiago and Harvey Elliott not always offering enough defensively, too.

Injuries to the likes of Naby Keita, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have also been problematic.

Therefore, it is essential that the Reds sign a new midfielder in the January transfer window, and Amrabat could be a strong option to come in and add depth in that regard.

His performances at the World Cup have shown what he is capable of producing both on and off the ball, and with him open to leaving Florence and not having a particularly expensive price tag, he could be a shrewd acquisition if FSG go for him.

Unai Emery could be set to make his mark on the Aston Villa squad in the January transfer window as a new update emerges on a potential transfer target.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian journalist Ignazio Genuardi, Villa are interested in signing Watford and Senegal forward Ismaila Sarr when the transfer market reopens next month.

Genuardi tweeted: “In addition to Villa and Everton, #Crystal #Palace also looks at the case of the former Messin and Rennais I. #Sarr ( #Watford ). The Senegalese international could be the subject of an offensive during the winter transfer window.”

Imagine him & Ings

Despite an inconsistent start to their Premier League season, the Villa Park faithful will be hoping that the recent arrival of former Villarreal and Arsenal manager will not only yield better performances on the pitch but will inspire improved acquisition of players during upcoming transfer windows.

In 2021, it was reported that Aston Villa had the highest net spend in all of Europe over three seasons, outspending the likes of Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid; and despite the club’s ambitious intent with their transfer outlay, it hasn’t translated into progression in the Premier League.

Emery now has the opportunity to bring a fresh start and new perspective to the transfer business at Villa Park, and recruiting Sarr could be the start of an improved attacking threat for the Villains.

In 17 Championship appearances this season, the 24-year-old – who was dubbed an “unbelievable talent” by ex-Hornets team-mate Troy Deeney – has scored six goals, registered four assists and created two big chances, along with averaging 2.1 shots on goal, 1.2 successful dribbles and 3.9 successful duels per game, offering a huge presence in the forward line at Vicarage Road.

In addition, the winger – who cost Watford £30m to sign – was one of the standout performers for Senegal in their World Cup campaign in Qatar, scoring one goal and delivering 1.5 key passes, along with winning 9.5 duels, completing 2.3 dribbles and taking 2.8 shots per game.

Sarr’s ability to provide numerous goal contributions for his team when it matters most whilst also being a selfless team player who can dictate attacking play makes him the perfect partner for Villa striker Danny Ings.

The Englishman is a classic number nine and a fox in the box who thrives when he is surrounded by creative players who can bring the ball forward into dangerous positions to provide him with goalscoring opportunities, so Sarr would be a great addition to boost the service for the striker to convert chances.

Recruiting the Senegal star would be a great piece of business for Villa in January and could be the difference in them climbing into the top half of the table over the second half of the season.

Aston Villa correspondent Ashley Preece has shared what he knows following rumours of a move for Joao Felix.

The Lowdown: Felix speculation

NSWE have promised Unai Emery a ‘huge’ transfer budget in 2023, with the manager after a new A-list forward.

That man could be Felix, who is currently at the World Cup with Portugal but has recently been linked with a move to the Midlands.

Reports from Spain have suggested that Villa are currently ‘negotiating’ with Atletico Madrid to sign the forward, who is ‘destined to leave’ the Spanish club as we approach the January window.

The Latest: Preece’s update

Preece took to Twitter on Wednesday morning to share what he knows about a possible move to Villa Park for Felix.

He said that Villa ‘have been informed of Felix’s situation’ and ‘have chucked their hat in the ring’. However, he personally feels a transfer is ‘unrealistic’.

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“Joao Felix can go, says Atletico Madrid CEO. As I understand it, AVFC have been informed of Felix’s situation, have asked the question & have chucked their hat in the ring, as it were. Still feels totally unrealistic but who knows”

The Verdict: You never know…

Villa’s owners NSWE may have the financial pull to sign a marquee forward like Felix after spending more than £400m since their return to the Premier League, so a transfer shouldn’t be ruled out just yet.

Emery’s presence in the Midlands could also play a factor, with the 23-year-old contributing to 51 goals in 129 games for Atletico and the Spaniard seeing it all first hand during his time in La Liga.

He appears to fit the bill in terms of his versatility in attack, so this could be one to keep an eye on, especially after the club managed to sign a huge name in Philippe Coutinho earlier this year.

Newcastle United are enjoying a phenomenal start to their Premier League season and are currently third despite several injury issues already plaguing the squad.

Bruno Guimaraes, Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin, Emile Krafth, Jonjo Shelvey and Alexander Isak are just some of the key players who have suffered injuries over the campaign so far, but this hasn’t stopped Eddie Howe’s Magpies from flying high in the league.

Newcastle have only lost once in their first 15 top-flight outings, and even then the defeat was only recorded due to a controversial Liverpool goal deep into stoppage time at Anfield.

There is no doubt that Howe will be hoping that his team can retain their top-four status over the second half of the season, as qualifying for the Champions League would have been beyond the wildest dreams of even the most optimistic Newcastle supporters 12 months ago.

However, the Magpies have been dealt another setback ahead of their return to action on Boxing Day, when they will head to the King Power stadium for their clash against Leicester City.

Speaking on the NUFC Matters YouTube channel, journalist Ross Gregory has expressed concern about Isak’s slow return from injury, saying: “The fact that he didn’t play in the friendly and did some training off by himself still, it’s just a little bit of a concern that it hasn’t cleared up quite as quickly as possible.

“The way Eddie Howe was speaking, it was along the lines of he might not be fit for Bournemouth, he might not be fit for the Leicester game on Boxing Day.”

If the 23-year-old isn’t available to return for the upcoming fixtures, Howe will need to keep unleashing Callum Wilson in the hope that the English marksman can stay fit whilst Isak continues to recover.

The £46k-per-week goal machine has been enjoying an incredible season since regaining consistent fitness, and thanks to his exemplary form in front of goal he earned a place in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup England squad last month.

Over 11 appearances this season, Wilson – who was dubbed “unique” by former Newcastle interim boss Graeme Jones – has scored six goals and delivered two assists, also offering a selfless assist to Jack Grealish against Iran in England’s opening game of the World Cup in Qatar.

Indeed, the Magpies striker is no stranger to injuries himself and has been plagued with numerous setbacks at St James’ Park, but Howe will be hoping that he can rely on the talented 30-year-old to spearhead the team to further success over the remainder of the campaign.

With that being said, the manager will surely be closely monitoring Isak’s progress and looking forward to his eventual return to the forward line, but if Wilson can stay fit, his boss should not be too worried about Newcastle’s attacking threat in their upcoming fixtures.

Chelsea’s new technical director Christopher Vivell will be looking to hit the ground running in his new role at the club, and will be looking to make waves in the transfer market to ail the club’s lacklustre start to the 22/23 campaign.

Since Graham Potter’s managerial appointment in the maiden period of the season, the Blues have offered glimpses of greener pastures but have still failed to ignite their season – with the weeks preceding the midseason break for the World Cup in Qatar leaving the Blues with a concerning four losses from five fixtures across all competitions.

This disconcerting run of form is something that needs swift remedy, and despite the struggles up front illuminated by torchlight – Chelsea have just 17 goals from their first 14 Premier League matches of the term – a presence of real quality in the centre of the park could go a long way toward steering the ship back on course.

According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea are now mulling over presenting an offer to Leicester City for their marauding midfield ace Youri Tielemans.

Despite heavy interest from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool – with the Gunners widely considered to be at the forefront of the race – Potter could work his magic and bring one of the division’s premier players to Stamford Bridge.

Having made 176 appearances for his English outfit since signing from AS Monaco for a fee in the region of £40m in 2019, Tielemans has snatched 28 goals and 25 assists, notably scoring the winner in the 20/21 FA Cup final against none other than Chelsea.

And this season, the 25-year-old Belgian – once dubbed a “top performer” by Foxes correspondent Jordan Blackwell – has scored four goals from 18 outings, also registering one assist.

He recently starred in the Foxes’ dominating 3-0 victory in the Carabao Cup, netting against MK Dons as he captained his side toward the next phase of the tournament.

Should the Blues manage to pip their divisional rivals to what would be a monumental signing, Tielemans could forge an innate partnership with Mason Mount as the beating heart of Stamford Bridge’s team.

With Mount ranking within the top 15% of attacking midfielders for rate of assists, and making progressive passes at an average rate of 3.76 per outing, as per FBref, Tielemans could help him flourish with his offensive role by instilling stability and resilience in front of the defence.

As per Sofascore, the £35.2m-rated maestro has recorded an average Premier League rating of 7.21 this term, making 2.3 tackles per match and winning 59% of his total duels, also creating five big chances of his own and completing 86% of his passes.

Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers once said Tielemans resides within the elite cluster of “Europe’s top midfielders”, and it is clear to see that his ubiquity in the middle would aid Chelsea in the ascension towards prominence and prosperity once again. 

Manchester United are reportedly best placed to sign Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.

The Lowdown: Contact made

The Red Devils appear to be on the hunt for a new attacking addition in January after missing out on Cody Gakpo to Liverpool.

Erik ten Hag’s side parted ways with Cristiano Ronaldo last month and have been linked with a move for Felix, his Portugal teammate.

Recent reports have suggested that United have made contact over a potential deal for the 23-year-old, and a further update has now emerged.

The Latest: United best placed

Sports Witness relayed news from Marca on Thursday regarding Felix’s future.

They claim that it is Manchester United who are the ‘main candidate’ and are ‘best placed’ to sign the forward. The report adds that Atletico are now ‘willing to agree to a negotiation’ for Felix, with his agent approaching clubs, including those at Old Trafford.

The Verdict: Get it done

United could really do with getting an attacker in as soon as possible, even if it is on loan with a view to a permanent deal in the future.

Felix, hailed as a ‘world class’ player on his day by Atletico chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin, can play in a variety of attacking roles, including as a centre-forward or second striker.

Still just 23 years of age, he has contributed to 51 goals in 129 games for Atletico, so he could be the perfect signing for United both in the short and long run after the disappointment of missing out on Gakpo.

Transfer expert Dean Jones has claimed that Arsenal are unlikely to sign FC Barcelona winger Ferran Torres in this window.

The Lowdown: Arsenal ‘really like’ Torres

It was reported by Jones in December that the Gunners ‘really like’ Torres after inquiring about him in the summer, ahead of a potential move in January.

They have also been strongly linked with moves for Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhaylo Mudryk and Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, so it is clear that Mikel Arteta wants to bring in an elite attacker to help cover for the injury to Gabriel Jesus, and push his team towards the Premier League title.

The Latest: Torres unlikely

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has claimed that the North London club are now unlikely to bring Torres to the Emirates Stadium in this window, as he is set to ‘get another crack’ at Barcelona:

“It seems like information from Spain is that Ferran is going to get another crack at making his current move work, so I’m not sure again that they’ll get much joy down that path.”

The Verdict: Not a major blow

Even though Torres would have been a shrewd addition to Arsenal’s ranks, it will not be seen as a major blow to lose out on him, given their pursuits of both Mudryk and Felix respectively.

Footballing legend and Barca boss Xavi rates Torres very highly, claiming that he is ‘world-class‘ after signing him last January, as he ranked in the 93rd percentile for shots and progressive passes received per match of all wingers in Europe’s top five leagues in 2022, and 92nd for non-penalty xG.

Of course, it would have been class to reunite him with two of his former team-mates at Manchester City in Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko, and play under former City assistant coach Arteta, but now the Gunners can at least concentrate on deals for Mudryk and Felix while Torres looks unlikely to join.

Leeds United target Viktor Gyokeres is someone Victor Orta is keeping an eye on, according to Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Striker next up

After Leeds managed to address one key area very early on in the January transfer window by bringing in Maximilian Wober, the next priority appears to be a new striker.

Leeds have been linked with moves for players such as Gyokeres and Che Adams in recent times, with Jesse Marsch looking to add greater depth up front.

It’s obvious that Leeds are desperate to bring in a new striker as their only available options as things stand are Rodrigo and youngster Joe Gelhardt, so links to the in-form Gyokeres make a lot of sense from a footballing and business perspective.

The Latest: Gyokeres admired by Leeds

The Sweden international is thriving in the Championship having netted 12 goals thus far and has caught the eye of Leeds and Orta, as Hay confirmed on The Phil Hay Show.

He said: “He’s been linked before and Orta definitely has had an eye on him. He’s been kind of in the ether in the way that Che Adams at Southampton has been as well.

“To my mind, he clearly scores goals, clearly has something about him; to my mind [he] would kind of fit the model that Leeds tend to go for or tend to look at.”

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The Verdict: Orta must deliver a new striker

It would be crazy for Leeds and Orta to look at their squad and think a new striker isn’t necessary given Rodrigo hasn’t usually shown the form he’s on this season, so he could simply have been in a purple patch during the first half of the season.

In terms of Gyokeres, it would make a lot of sense for Leeds to target someone that’s impressed in England and could make an impact immediately if they came in.

Also, the fact that Gyokeres is in the best form of his recent career with 12 goals already in an average Coventry side shows he could arguably be a good piece of business for £20m, especially if he can become ‘unplayable’ in the Premier League as he has in England’s second tier.

West Ham United finally ended a seven-game winless streak in domestic competitions on Saturday evening, with David Moyes’ side grinding out an impressive 1-0 win over Brentford in their FA Cup clash at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Indeed, after what was a relatively even match, Said Benrahma’s 79th-minute wonder goal ultimately proved to be enough to knock his former club out of the competition, with the Algeria international’s strike seeing the Hammers qualify for the fourth round of the tournament for the sixth season in a row.

However, while Moyes will undoubtedly be delighted to record his first win against an English club since a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth in October, there were nevertheless still a number of individual performances which will be a cause for concern for the 59-year-old, with Ben Johnson and Jarrod Bowen both disappointing on the night.

Having said that, arguably the most notable of these below-par showings was turned in by Tomas Soucek, with the Czech midfielder continuing a run of poor form which recently saw Scott Parker claim the 27-year-old is “not at the levels he was last year” for the Hammers.

Indeed, over his 69 minutes on the pitch, the £40m-rated talent looked a shadow of his former self in the middle of the park, enjoying just 37 touches of the ball – 40 fewer than fellow central midfielder Declan Rice – completing just 22 passes and ceding possession 10 times, meaning that he lost the ball with every 3.7 touches he had.

The £65k-per-week Czech Republic international was also beaten by an opponent once, committed two fouls and missed one big chance – with the 27-year-old somehow turning Emerson’s cross wide of the Brentford goal despite being unmarked from roughly seven yards out.

These metrics saw the former Slavia Prague sensation earn a well below-par Sofascore match rating of just 6.3, the lowest received by any West Ham player this evening, while football.london journalist Jonty Colman also awarded the midfielder a five in his own player ratings.

He stated of Soucek’s display: “A poor game for Tomas Soucek, who lacked the dynamism required to break through Brentford’s midfield and defence. Picked off too easily and stood out as a weakness in midfield. Had a golden chance to score the opening goal, steering a volley wide from about seven yards out. West Ham looked better after he was taken off.”

As such, while it is true that West Ham did get their first win of 2023 on Saturday evening, the continued “abysmal” form of Soucek – in the words of journalist Josh Bunting – will certainly be a worry for Moyes and his side, as the 27-year-old well and truly failed his manager once again against Brentford.