All posts by z3u9t.icu

According to The Mirror, Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a £50m swoop for Lyon attacker Memphis Depay, who has impressed since leaving Manchester United in 2017.

The Netherlands international only managed seven goals in 53 games for United, which is hardly a great return for a player in the final third of the field.

Since moving to Lyon, though, the 25-year-old has registered 50 goals in 130 appearances, in addition to contributing an impressive 42 assists.

This season, the Dutchman has 11 goals in 14 matches in all competitions, including seven in 10 outings in France’s top flight.

According to The Mirror, Spurs are weighing up a £50m bid for Depay, but it would be fair to say that the club’s fans are not interested in a deal.

Indeed, a number of the supporters have taken to social media to express their views on the transfer claim, and not too many are in favour of the attacker arriving at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

A selection of the Twitter reaction is available to view below:

Manchester City are set to be offered the chance to sign an exciting young defender in a player plus cash deal, according to a recent report.

Man City now keen on "sensational" new international valued at £70m

Man City have their eye on an exciting talent who could cost them a lot of money.

ByBrett Worthington Sep 17, 2024 Man City transfer updates

The Blues are said to be looking to tie Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri down to new contracts over the coming months, as the Belgian has entered the final year of his deal at the Etihad and Rodri is the subject of interest from Real Madrid.

But as well as looking to tie players down to new contracts, Pep Guardiola and Co. are also looking at potential transfer targets for January or next summer. The latest player to be on the radar of Man City is midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.

The Blues are said to be keeping an eye on Gibbs-White and have compiled a detailed dossier on the midfielder after his impressive performances, which recently saw him handed his first senior England cap. The scouting network at the Premier League club are said to be huge admirers of Gibbs-White but may face a battle on their hands, as Nottingham Forest are keen on tying the player down to a new and improved contract.

But while City potentially look into a deal for Gibbs-White, they now potentially face a difficult task in keeping one of their star players as a European side prepares an interesting offer.

Barcelona prepare Araujo-Haaland swap bid

According to a report from Spain relayed by Football365, Manchester City could be offered the chance to sign Ronald Araujo from FC Barcelona. This report states that the Spanish giants are keen on signing Erling Haaland, and they are prepared to offer Araujo in exchange plus around £40m to sign the Norwegian.

The Blues are said to have “huge interest” in Araujo, who has been described as an “athletic monster” by BBC analyst Raj Chohan in the past. Guardiola is also keen to add a new centre-back to his squad, but the report states Barca expect City to reject their advances due to the inclusion of Haaland.

The 25-year-old has been at Barça since August 2018 and has played 150 times for the Catalans, scoring eight goals. Were Araujo to join Man City, he could become the Blues’ very own Virgil van Dijk, as the pair are very similar when it comes to their style of play and what they offer on the football pitch, as shown by Fbref’s comparison tool.

Ronaldo Aruajo

Virgil van Dijk

Pass completion rate

88.8%

91.4%

Shots per 90

1.04

1.27

Shot creating actions per 90

0.99

1.67

Tackles won

22

23

Fouls

25

23

Aerial duel win rate

73.2%

81.4%

The club’s president, Joan Laporta, sees Haaland as his dream signing for Barcelona and they think offering Araujo is a “galactic exchange”, albeit one they expect City to reject in its current format.

Everton and those behind the scenes at Goodison Park reportedly have their eye on an "outstanding" 4-2-3-1 manager who could end up replacing Sean Dyche.

Everton’s season so far

The Toffees have had a disappointing start to the 2024/25 season, losing all three of their Premier League games. The latest of those came at home to Bournemouth, surrendering a two-goal lead late on to lose 3-2.

Pressure appears to be building on Dyche, who said after the loss to the Cherries: "You have to play for every breath of the game. When you see a side dominate so clearly, and have so many chances. Just do the basics and win the game. I said to them after the game. Win your tackles, win your headers, win your races and you win the game.

"But for whatever reason they score a goal and we're just staring at each other and asking 'Who's going to do that? Who's going to win those tackles, headers and races?' and we're waiting for someone else to do that. You can't do that.

"For 87 minutes its a very, very good performance, I was very pleased. But after the first goal I could smell it in the air, I thought this ain't right. I was trying to correct it, screaming that them to correct their shape and just do the absolute ugly side of the game. Play forwards, win your headers, win your tackles, win your races. We didn't, and they get a winner out of nowhere."

Reports in recent days have linked a number of managers to potentially replace Dyche in the dugout, should those at the top decide to part ways with the Englishman.

David Moyes has been mooted for a return, whereas Al-Shabab boss Vitor Pereira, who was close to joining Everton back in 2022, is keen on a Premier League move. Now, a new name has emerged on the Goodison Park radar.

Everton eye Graham Potter move

According to TBR and journalist Graeme Bailey, Everton also have their eye on former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea boss Graham Potter.

Bailey states that Dyche has been given the dreaded ‘vote of confidence’ by the club’s current hierarchy and that Potter has a number of admirers within the club.

Potter, who plays a 4-2-3-1 system, has been out of work since leaving Stamford Bridge back in April 2023. He has wins over the likes of Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta and Moyes on his CV, with the current Manchester City boss calling him “outstanding” in the past.

"I would say to Todd Boehly, give him time," Guardiola said in January 2023 while Potter was at Chelsea. "I know in big clubs, results are important but I'd say give him time. The second half is what he is. What he's done at Brighton is outstanding, but we need time in the first season. I had (Lionel) Messi in Barcelona my first season so I didn't need two seasons because Messi was there."

Celtic look set to make a statement of intent on deadline day as they are closing in on a potential club-record deal before the end of the summer transfer window.

Sky Sports reports that the Hoops have agreed a whopping £11m fee with Bundesliga side Augsburg for their central midfielder Arne Engels on a permanent basis.

The Belgian youngster now looks set to be a club-record signing for the Scottish giants, which shows that they mean business for the rest of the 2024/25 campaign and beyond.

However, there will also be a focus on outgoings before the deadline tonight as some players could move on to pastures new after falling down the pecking order.

Deadline day interest in Celtic dud

According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, English League One side Birmingham City are interested in a swoop to sign Celtic defensive midfielder Tomoki Iwata.

The reporter claims that Birmingham, managed by Brendan Rodgers' former assistant Chris Davies, are now 'pushing' to secure a deal for the Japanese metronome.

It remains to be seen whether or not Davies' connection with the Celtic head coach will help him to get a move over the line before the deadline.

Joseph reveals that the Scottish Premiership champions have been open to offers for the midfielder, but does not outline how much they would want for him.

With Callum McGregor, Odin Thiago Holm, Paulo Bernardo, Reo Hatate, and soon-to-be Engels in the building, minutes may be hard to come by for Iwata this season.

Interestingly, he currently earns more in wages, £7.6k-per-week, than the club's prospective record signing earns, £1.9k-per-week, at his current club.

Celtic must cash in on Iwata

Rodgers must ruthlessly cash in on the 27-year-old dud as he does not look set to be a part of the first-team plans moving forward under the Northern Irishman.

He has been an unused substitute in two Premiership matches so far this season and is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Hoops.

Last season, the experienced midfielder appeared in 19 league matches for the Bhoys and was an average performer in the middle of the park.

Appearances

19

Pass accuracy

90%

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.2

Ball recoveries per game

3.7

Duel success rate

50%

As you can see in the table above, Iwata only won 50% of his duels, despite playing in a holding midfield role, and this suggests that he was not dominant in physical duels, which is backed up by him only making 1.2 tackles and interceptions per game.

He was a reliable passer of the ball, as shown by his 90% pass success rate, and offered a calming presence in front of the back four at times.

However, Iwata is not a young and improving player, at the age of 27, and has fallen right down the pecking order at Parkhead, hence why he has not featured this season, and that is why Rodgers must capitalise on this interest from Birmingham and cash in on the midfielder.

McGregor 2.0: Celtic make last-gasp move for "highly-rated" £4m star

The Hoops are looking to add another midfielder to their ranks before the deadline.

1 ByDan Emery Aug 30, 2024

Liverpool are believed to be considering lodging a formal offer for Real Madrid star Federico Valverde this summer, with Jurgen Klopp desperate to revive his midfield.

Alexis Mac Allister has already been signed from Brighton & Hove Albion for just £35m, while the likes of Khephren Thuram and Dominik Szoboszlai have both been linked with a move to the Anfield side of late.

Perhaps a more difficult target comes in the form of Valverde, with the Merseyside outfit previously credited with an interest in the Uruguayan midfielder last summer.

And now, according to Spanish sources, Liverpool are preparing a mouth-watering €90m (£77m) offer for the 24-year-old, with the club's German manager said to be a huge admirer of the dynamic ace.

While a transfer might seem unlikely, Valverde's future at the Santiago Bernabeu has come into question following a string of central signings over the past several years, condensing the position with a wealth of first-rate talent, and Florentino Perez might just consider a bid if the sum is appealing enough.

Should Liverpool sign Fede Valverde?

While many will think Liverpool might be deterred by Real's demands, there is every possibility that concrete negotiations could commence if both outfits can find common ground.

And while Valverde was hailed as "untouchable" by Carlo Ancelotti one year ago, there is maybe cause for hope at Anfield following Los Blancos' acquisition of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund for an initial €103m (£88.5m).

Valverde is exactly the sort of profile Klopp needs to rejuvenate his side following a disappointing campaign that resulted in a fifth-place finish in the Premier League and a failure to add to the silverware gleaned across the past six years.

He could even emulate the role of Ilkay Gundogan at Manchester City, with the 32-year-old general joining Barcelona on a free transfer this summer after making 304 appearances for the Citizens, registering 100 direct contributions and being heralded as "incredible" and "intelligent" by Pep Guardiola.

Gundogan offers a different dynamic from the centre and is adept as both as a playmaker and a box-to-box midfielder, ranking among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 17% for shot-creating actions, the top 12% for pass completion and the top 20% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

Valverde, who has been called "unbelievable" by Joe Cole, also flourishes across a wealth of positions and could offer Liverpool the kind of dynamism they need to challenge across multiple fronts next term.

And given the likeness to Gundogan, it might be the perfect formula for success, given Klopp's past with the 67-cap international; the Liverpool manager secured the sensation for Borussia Dortmund for €4m (£3.5m) in 2011, where he would forge 157 appearances for the Yellow Wall, winning the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal in his first season at the club.

The £135k-per-week Valverde – dubbed an "absolute machine" by BBC Sport's Raj Chohan – also ranks among the top 7% of positional peers for goals, the top 16% for assists, the top 16% for pass completion and the top 9% for progressive carries per 90.

Valverde is the driving force Klopp craves and while a deal might prove somewhat strenuous to get over the line, if he is indeed available for transfer the kitchen sink must be thrown at bringing him to Liverpool.

Leeds United are set to lose star forward Rodrigo Moreno for pennies on the dollar as former Sporting Director Victor Orta looks to bring him to Sevilla.

Leeds United transfer news – Rodrigo Moreno

Since Leeds were officially relegated from the Premier League, there have been rumblings of a player exodus.

A lower level of competition and huge wage cuts make it hard for relegated sides to keep a hold of their star players, and that certainly looks to be the case for striker Rodrigo.

According to Spanish outlet El Paritdazo de COPE, the Spaniard is set to join Sevilla on a free as the Yorkshire club looks to free up their wage bill going into next season.

The fact that the current sporting director of the Spanish giants, Victor Orta, is also Leeds' former Sporting Director probably helped, despite Orta denying it, saying: "With this rumour, maybe from there, things have got a bit exaggerated."

What has Conor McGilligan said bout the situation?

McGilligan was quick to point out that the idea of losing a player for such a small amount of money was a painful one, especially as it's their former sporting director that has seemingly got him.

Speaking on the One Leeds podcast, he said: "It hurts the fact that we've spent £31m on a player and our recruitment director is going to go back to Seville and then pinch him for €3.5m."

However, McGilligan was eager to point out that the problem could be much bigger than just Rodrigo and that Orta could know a lot more about the inner workings of the club than the fans realise, adding: "Now I think my worry with all this is that Victor Orta was top of Leeds United transfers because Andre Radrizzani didn't have a clue about football and Orta was running everything especially when it came to player contracts, release clauses, everything.

"I am massively worried that he knows the release clauses, he knows the players, and he knows what moves they may favour. Victor Orta has got a lot of our future in his hands now he's part a system at Sevilla which is a winning system when it comes to European trophies, and it's massively attractive it will be attractive for any of our players to go to Sevilla."

How good was Rodrigo last season?

The departure of the Rio-born forward will certainly be a blow to the Peacocks, as he scored a respectable 13 goals in the Premier League last season and produced one assist.

According to WhoScored, he also averaged a decent match rating of 6.81 across his 31 games last season, which considering the dysfunctional nature of Leeds last year, looks quite good.

His underlying numbers look strong as well. According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, Rodrigo is in the top 12% of players for non-penalty goals and, surprisingly, the top 11% for tackles per 90, showing that he isn't afraid to do the defensive work.

The club will miss him for his off-the-pitch influence as well.

Following a game with the Leeds development squad in 2021, Mark Jackson, the team's coach, hailed the Spaniard as "a fantastic influence on the young players."

With Rodrigo looking as good as gone, only time will tell if Orta plans on taking any more of his ex-players.

Tottenham Hotspur have seemingly identified one of their top targets for the summer…

What's the latest on Edmond Tapsoba to Tottenham Hotspur?

That's according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, who took to Twitter earlier today to issue an update on Ange Postecoglou's progress in the transfer market.

With Edmond Tapsoba a highly-rated centre back across Europe, his name being touted with a move to north London is one which will have fans excited. The journalist wrote: "Understand Tottenham have started concrete contacts to be informed on Edmond Tapsoba as new CB.

"He’s on the list since long time — and Spurs are now exploring conditions of the deal on both player and Bayer 04 side. Nothing advanced yet — Tapsoba, keen on the move".

It's been claimed by other reports that any such deal could cost an eye-watering £61m.

Would Edmond Tapsoba improve Tottenham Hotspur?

Whilst it is certain that the addition of such a defensively dominant titan would improve Spurs, the fact that it could spell bad news for Eric Dier might make this move even more worthy of the astronomical expected price tag.

After all, the England international struggled last term under the ever-changing leadership, proving himself underwhelming in a back three, and flat-out useless in a back four.

Cristian Stellini showcased this for all to see when he opted for the latter system in April only to see his side ship six goals to Newcastle United. Dier was, unsurprisingly, at the heart of this. For the rest of the term, he maintained an underwhelming 6.86 average rating.

Meanwhile, the Burkina Faso international has been ever-present at the heart of his team's back line, showcasing immense skill with the ball at his feet, and unparalleled power in his defensive work.

Whilst maintaining 1.1 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and three clearances per game in the Bundesliga is admirable, it is his 86% pass accuracy and astronomical 89% dribble success rate that truly makes him the perfect modern-day centre-back, via Sofascore.

This notion is only emphasised through Opta's player analysis tool, which showcases how the 24-year-old is a true standout in both touches and possession won. He snatches the ball back from the opposition with ease but then has the poise and skill to stride out from the back and kickstart an attack.

Standing at 6 foot 4 too, such an imposing figure that marries his power with fleet-footedness makes him a true physical marvel, and a certainty to thrive in English football. After all, he has been noted as something of a "monster" by scout and writer Antonio Mango.

His arrival to play as a right-sided centre-back would in turn make Dier obsolete, relegating him to the backup role that many would agree he suits. With 361 games for the club under his belt, the 29-year-old has been a loyal servant during his tenure.

However, as Postecoglou seeks to usher in a new, brighter era, this level of player must be removed and replaced with a higher quality. Tapsoba would mark just the start of this revolution.

Newcastle United are interested in raiding Southampton for their star right-back Kyle Walker-Peters following the south coast club's relegation from the Premier League.

What's the latest on Kyle Walker-Peters to Newcastle?

The Telegraph states that the Magpies are intrigued by the possibility of bolstering their ranks by signing the 26-year-old defender.

A previous report from the publication claims that Newcastle are interested in a full-back this term, and given the Englishman's aptitude across both flanks, he could be the optimal addition.

Valued at around £15m, Walker-Peters could address the defensive dilemma for an affordable fee and provide study cover and an opportunity to cement a regular starting role as Newcastle enter Champions League competition after two decades away.

Should Newcastle sign Kyle Walker-Peters?

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe does not boast a bottomless hoard of cash despite popular belief following the lucrative PIF takeover in 2021, and with several high-profile names being targeted, a shrewder route must be taken to reinforce the remainder of the squad.

Given Walker-Peters' supposed availability and proven top-flight experience, he would likely make a marked impact on the depth and dynamism of the Tyneside squad, who, despite an incredible 2022/23 campaign, will now know the pressure is on to emulate the success and perhaps even sniff out some silverware – all the while enduring the increase in competition that comes with European football.

Kieran Trippier was the recipient of the club's Player of the Season award and he will likely be at the forefront of the team's exploits once again, but at 32 years old, the imperial right-back will not be an ever-lasting presence in this new Toon dynasty – and signing an heir will be firmly in the mind of technical director Dan Ashworth.

Having signed for the Saints from Tottenham Hotspur for £12m in 2020 after impressing on loan, Walker-Peters has made 120 appearances, scored three goals and supplied seven assists – dubbed an "outstanding talent" by Danny Higginbotham.

Having also attracted attention from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United this term, the two-cap England international is clearly a top-class talent and was indeed one of the "star" performers in a woeful year for Southampton, as remarked by reporter Alfie House.

As per FBref, the £20k-per-week ace ranks among the top 10% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries, the top 8% for successful take-ons and the top 9% for blocks per 90, which illustrates his first-rate driving presence that would only enhance the Magpies' prospects as they seek forward-thinking outlets across the park.

His skill set does differ from pass-master Trippier's, who ranks among the top 1% of full-backs for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for assists, the top 5% for passes attempted and the top 4% for progressive passes per 90, but this level of dynamism in the ranks would only add to the multi-dimensional squad at Howe's disposal.

Considering that Newcastle might make several lucrative additions over the coming months, Walker-Peters would be a brilliant signature to obtain, prudent and brimming with potential, while finally being able to demonstrate the full scale of his abilities in a thriving outfit.

Incoming Tottenham Hotspur boss, Ange Postecoglou could already be eyeing up a first signing of the summer at N17, following an update regarding the club's pursuit of Leicester City star, James Maddison.

What's the latest on Maddison to Tottenham?

According to journalist Sean Walsh, writing on Twitter, the 57-year-old is said to have "approved" of the Lilywhites' pursuit of the England international, with the ex-Celtic man having been named as the new permanent head coach on Tuesday.

In his attached piece for 90min – alongside colleague Graeme Bailey – Walsh adds that the north London outfit are set to rival Newcastle United for the signing of the 26-year-old, with the playmaker in line to leave his current home following the Foxes' recent relegation.

This follows a previous report from The Sun which also claimed that both Spurs and the Magpies are 'pushing hardest' to sign the former Norwich City man ahead of next season, with the two-cap gem set to be available for around £40m with just a year left to run on his existing deal.

Would Maddison be a good signing for Tottenham?

The fleet-footed "magician" – as previously hailed by Statman Dave – would likely prove an astute capture for new man Postecoglou, with the Coventry-born sensation having proven his credentials in the Premier League in recent years, with 75 goals and assists in 163 games in the competition to date.

Despite forming part of a Leicester side that only recently suffered relegation, the £110k-per-week maestro did still enjoy a positive individual campaign after racking up 19 goal involvements in 30 league appearances, with only Harry Kane contributing more goals and assists (33) among the Spurs squad.

That ability to make a telling impact in the final third could ensure that Maddison proves to be a dream partner to Kane at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next term, with the latter man likely to thrive off such elite service.

Hailed for his "world class" delivery in the past by Three Lions boss, Gareth Southgate, Maddison notably recorded 12 big chances and averaged 2.3 key passes per game in 2022/23 as a marker of his creative prowess, with that illustrating that he can be the man to deliver the goods on a plate for Tottenham's free-scoring, talisman.

Previously hailed as "the best centre-forward in world football" by his England colleague, Kane has been linked with a departure in recent times, although the current suggestion is that the 29-year-old will not be sold this summer, despite having just 12 months to run on his current deal.

As such, the 280-goal marksman would likely thrive off having quality figures around him under Postecoglou next season, such as Maddison, with the latter man clearly an asset who seeks to play forward at every available opportunity as he ranks in the top 15% among his European peers for progressive passes, as per FBref.

With Spurs seemingly "in need of that creativity" – as pundit Noel Whelan previously stated – the signing of the Leicester man could well have Kane licking his lips this summer…

Following the culmination of a dramatic final day in the Bundesliga, champions Bayern Munich have turned their attention to the transfer market and specifically one of the league's standout players.

According to Italian outlet ilBiancoNero, Bayern are looking to sign Frankfurt forward and French international Randal Kolo Muani for an estimated €80m (£69m) this summer.

Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic is another option for Thomas Tuchel up front, and could be available for a similar price.

Why are Bayern Munich looking at Kolo Muani?

Kolo Muani is one of the hottest prospects in European football. At just 24, the striker is on the radar of multiple clubs around Europe as he enters the prime of his career.

It’s not hard to see why Bayern are considering Kolo Muani as their signature signing of this summer window.

The Frenchman is predominantly a No.9, playing as the central striker in Frankfurt’s front three. Kolo Muani has the ability to play both on the left wing and the right wing, and provides both goals and assists to his current Frankfurt side.

Kolo Muani notched 15 goals and 14 assists this season in the Bundesliga for Frankfurt, meaning the 6 foot 1 forward was involved in exactly 50% of the teams goals during the 22/23 campaign.

The Frankfurt frontman also contributed six goals and three assists in the German cup this season and finished as the top goalscorer in the competition.

The striker’s form was rewarded by France manager Didier Deschamps, giving Kolo Muani his international debut in September 2022. So far, the former Nantes player has made six appearances for his country, netting one goal.

Are Bayern Munich likely to sign Kolo Muani?

Having joined Frankfurt from Nantes just last summer for an estimated €16m, Kolo Muani will be a cheap option this summer. The player is contracted to the winners of the 2022 Europa League winners until 2027, so Frankfurt will have a strong hand in negotiating a hefty fee for the sought-after target.

Bayern have a history of sweeping up talent from within the Bundesliga. Mats Hummels, Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski were all signed from title rivals Borussia Dortmund, while defender Dayot Upamencano and Marcel Sabitzer were both signed from RB Leipzig in the same summer transfer window.

It’s part of the reason Bayern have 11 straight Bundesliga titles, and the signing of Kolo Muani could help take Thomas Tuchel’s side to the next level, replacing the aging Thomas Müller and Eric Choupo-Moting up front.