Tag Futebol

Manchester United have done what they set out to do this season by securing qualification for the 2023/24 edition of the Champions League in what has been an impressive debut campaign in charge for Erik Ten Hag.

The Dutchman has also achieved Carabao Cup glory this term. He will have the chance to bag a second piece of silverware this weekend when the Red Devils take on bitter rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

Once the dust settles following a long season for Manchester United, their attention will turn towards sizing up potential additions in the summer transfer window.

As per 90min, Manchester United were keen on bringing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong to Old Trafford and even made an offer to try and secure his services.

Mundo Deportivo via The Daily Express have given the Red Devils some fresh hope of reviving their interest in the Netherlands international, detailing that Barcelona may try to renegotiate De Jong's terms at Spotify Camp Nou amid rumours that the Catalan giants may have to recoup £176 million in the off-season before being able to sanction their transfer business.

Why is Frenkie De Jong so highly rated and should Manchester United pursue him?

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Dean Jones thinks that De Jong would be a sensible signing from Manchester United that would fit Ten Hag's vision at the club more than someone like Neymar, who the Red Devils have been linked with recently.

Jones told FFC: "De Jong is a better signing than Neymar for Manchester United because he fits with the ethos of what and how he's actually trying to build. If you sign Neymar, it's not fixing any of the problems that you've got and it's also changing the dynamic of the dressing room in a way that might end up being negative."

ESPN reported earlier this year that Manchester United are not completely closed off to 'reigniting their interest' in De Jong and shared quotes from manager Ten Hag praising the player, as the 53-year-old stated: "Frenkie is an incredible player and for every club in the whole world he will strengthen the squad because he has a unique quality. "If you can get him in the squad your team will be stronger. In Spain he became even better. He's a fantastic player, plays out from the back, he always has time and it was a pleasure to work with him."

In 2022/23, the 26-year-old has made 42 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona and managed to register two goals and four assists, as per Transfermarkt.

There is an argument to say that De Jong could be a perfect partner in crime for Casemiro, potentially playing in a double-pivot style system with Bruno Fernandes helping to support attacking phases of play slightly higher up in either a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 variation, which can sometimes be Ten Hag's go to, as per SPORF.

WhoScored shows that by comparing Casemiro and De Jong not to see who is better but rather looking at how they have both become consistent assets for their respective sides, you will find that they have achieved the exact same average match rating of 7.17 this term for their exploits on the pitch.

De Jong, who could cost around £63 million, ranks highly in his pass success rate, standing at 91.3%, which could bring some added composure in midfield and let Casemiro deal with winning duels. On the ground, the Brazil international who earns £350k-a-week at the Red Devils has snapped into 3.2 tackles per match across the campaign.

FBRef illustrates that De Jong is also a competent figure when it comes to providing chances to his teammates, having successfully carried out 109 shot-creating actions in La Liga in total.

Cited by Barca TV via The Manchester Evening News, Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo heaped praise on the former Ajax man in an interview, stating: "Here is the best midfielder in the world, Frenkie de Jong!"

With Manchester United known to be in the market for several additions this summer, bringing in £622k-a-week earner De Jong would be a masterstroke by Ten Hag and would potentially create a dynamite duo by fielding him beside Casemiro at Old Trafford.

Leeds United may feel they would be taking a 'risk' by appointing Andoni Iraola as their new manager at Elland Road, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Leeds United and Andoni Iraola?

As per Radio Marca via Estadio Deportivo, Iraola is expected to leave Rayo Vallecano at the end of this season and is said to have a number of options on the table as he assesses his next move.

The report states that Leeds United, Sevilla and Villarreal are beginning to 'rub their hands together' as the 40-year-old may be available for a new venture as he believes he has achieved all he can at the Estadio de Vallecas.

Last week, the Whites were relegated to the Sky Bet Championship unceremoniously following a 4-1 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur amid fan protests directed towards owner Andrea Radrizzani who was not present at the affair, as per BBC Sport.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones isn't sure that Leeds United would go down the route of hiring Iraola, who plays an exciting 4-2-3-1 style, as they try to regain promotion to the Premier League in 2023/24.

Jones told FFC: "I think that trying somebody from abroad might be seen as a risk. Victor Orta was perhaps the guy that liked to take a risk. I'm not sure the people left over will be as willing given the state that find themselves in now."

Who else has been linked to the Leeds United manager role

Phil Hay of The Athletic has stated that former Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers may come into consideration as a candidate, but that doesn't seem to likely now.

The Daily Mail report that former Chelsea manager Graham Potter is another name that has been mentioned in connection with the job; however, he also has admirers at Leicester City, who will also play in the Sky Bet Championship in 2023/24.

Football Insider have also claimed that Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is a name that the Whites have 'continuously shown an interest' in; however, the prospects of that happening look to be extremely unlikely.

Whoever is in charge of Leeds United will have a difficult job on their hands as they look to rebuild a fragmented squad and try to win promotion to the top flight.

Aston Villa have been linked with a centre-back ahead of the summer transfer window, as Unai Emery looks to add reinforcements to his squad.

The Spaniard has revolutionised the Midlands club since his arrival in October, taking the Villans away from staring at the bottom three to looking up at Europe in just over six months in charge.

With two games remaining of Villa’s season, Emery has his sights set on a European finish that could crown the success of his first term, as well as provide an attractive prospect for targets in the transfer window.

Speaking to The Athletic in April, the 51-year-old expressed his desire to add strength through depth in his squad this summer, with the latest target proposing added defensive stability.

What’s the latest on Roger Ibanez to Aston Villa?

As reported by Italian outlet CalcioMercatoWeb, Villa have 'started to move' for Roma centre-back Roger Ibanez.

The report states that the Europa League finalists require €40m by the end of June to abide by Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.

Several clubs from England are speculated to be interested in the Brazilian who is worth between €35m and €40m (£30-£35m), as per the report.

What could Roger Ibanez bring to Aston Villa?

The 24-year-old centre-back has been one of the club's best performers this season in Serie A, averaging a Sofascore match rating of 7.02 over 31 games.

Once hailed as “untouchable” by the formidable Jose Mourinho, the Brazilian has been an anchor in Roma’s defence this campaign, as highlighted by his numbers that rank him amongst Europe’s best.

As per FBref, the defender ranks in the top 2% of Europe’s top five leagues for most tackles, averaging 2.22 per 90, over the last 365 days.

The “outstanding” Canela-born talent – as lauded by journalist Josh Bunting – has won an average of 70% of his aerial duels this season, making him a real presence in central defence, via Sofascore.

In terms of fitting into Villa’s set-up, Emery could create a frightening Brazilian core in central defence, placing Ibanez alongside Diego Carlos in the back line.

The Villans boss told Express and Star that the star signed last summer is due to play a “big part” in his plans at the club, having missed the majority of his first season due to a ruptured Achilles.

The 30-year-old was integral to Sevilla’s defence last campaign in LaLiga, where he won 62% of his duels, subsequently leading to his move to the Premier League.

The pair could bring the ultimate stability to Villa’s defence, with both Brazilians possessing extensive experience in playing against Europe’s elite throughout their careers.

If Emery can get the deal over the line, the Spaniard could have a defensive force to be reckoned with, on top of the talent already at Villa Park.

Chelsea could finally find a solution to their goalkeeping conundrum by issuing a transfer swoop for Aston Villa shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez.

Having signed for the Villans for £17m in 2020 after years of servitude as an understudy at Arsenal, Martinez has blossomed into one of the Premier League's finest between the sticks, with no small part played on the international stage.

Indeed, Martinez's heroics at the 2019 Copa America won Argentina their first piece of silverware for 18 years, with the 30-year-old the "hero" – as hailed by talkSPORT's David Preece – against the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup a year later before going on to save Kingsley Coman's penalty in the finale shootout to steer his nation towards the pinnacle of footballing triumph.

He has jumped levels above the expectations held in front of him upon his switch to the Midlands three years ago, and Argentinian journalist Gaston Edul is now reporting that the titan's time at Villa Park is set to come to an end, and he is "likely to change clubs in June".

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be in pole position ahead of the summer market, though Chelsea and Manchester United are on Spurs' heels as the Premier League trio consider their options.

Should Chelsea sign Emiliano Martinez?

Martinez, receiving the honour of FIFA Best Men's Goalkeeper 2022, has recorded an average Sofascore match rating of 7.05 in the English top-flight this term, keeping 11 clean sheets from 33 matches and making 90 saves at a success rate of 72%.

Chelsea's goalkeeping fortunes have been inconsistent over the past several years, with world-record £71.6m signing Kepa Arrizabalaga fluctuating from the No. 1 spot during his time at Stamford Bridge and Edouard Mendy – so important during the Champions League-winning 2020/21 campaign – never quite the same after that standout year having now been restricted to a peripheral role at Stamford Bridge.

Such woes will undoubtedly have Blues fans harking back to a time when Thibaut Courtois dominated at the foot of the pitch with his commanding and imperious demeanour.

The Belgian made 154 appearances for the west London giants and kept 58 clean sheets, winning two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the League Cup, since going on to bask in more illustrious success in Spain.

The £120k-per-week Martinez, who was once hailed as "outstanding" by Jack Grealish, ranks among the top 1% of positional peers for crosses stopped per 90, as per analysis site FBref, which compares the Villa ace to the Los Blancos phenom, who himself ranks among the top 9% of peers for crosses stopped per 90 and the top 1% for save percentage, illustrating his superlative shot-stopping nature.

While Martinez does not boast the same admirable save percentage as the Belgian, he is a "monster" of a player – as described by reporter Gregg Evans – and could bring a commanding aura to instil a winning mentality at Stamford Bridge compared to their current options.

His exploits over the past few years are evidence that he may well be "the best goalkeeper in the world", in the words of former Lions striker Gabriel Agbonlahor, and Chelsea would be wise to swoop.

Leeds United have deployed chiefs to watch Strasbourg striker Habib Diallo ahead of a potential move to the Premier League, according to reports.

What's the latest on Diallo's future?

The Whites have Rodrigo out of contract at the end of next season and both Patrick Bamford and Wilfried Gnonto are expected to be sold during the upcoming window should they get relegated, so if that turns out to be the case, Javi Gracia will need to enter the market to find suitable attacking reinforcements, and the 27-year-old has been identified as a potential ideal candidate.

The Senegal international has spent the last three years with Frederic Antonetti's side in Ligue 1 making 98 appearances to date, and his form this season has been particularly eye-catching being the top-performing offensive player and second overall with a WhoScored match rating of 6.97, so despite his contract not expiring until 2025, he's gained himself an admirer in Yorkshire.

According to Football Insider, Leeds are "among" a host of clubs in the Premier League that are "interested" in signing Diallo ahead of the 2023/24 term. The Elland Road outfit are "on the lookout" for a new striker and "sent club scouts" to assess the forward during Strasbourg's 2-1 defeat to Lyon on Friday evening. West Ham United, Leicester City, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Burnley, who have already sealed their promotion back to the top-flight, also "dispatched" their chiefs to the same game.

Strasbourg "understand" that it will be a hard task to retain the services of their key player and as a result are "resigned" to losing him should they receive "appropriate" bids during the upcoming window. His agent, Mark McKay, has also been given the green-light by the club to offer him to interested suitors.

Should Leeds submit an offer for Diallo?

Leeds won't yet know how much they'll be able to spend in the summer or exactly how much it will cost to prise Diallo away from Strasbourg, but should a deal be affordable to complete, the hierarchy should definitely table an offer to test the waters with their target having been lauded "quality" by Metz's former coach Vincent Hognon.

Predominantly a centre-forward but also with the versatility to play out wide on both the left and right flanks, the £10k-per-week gem has 17 goals to his name in 32 Ligue 1 appearances this season and has recorded a total of 71 shots since the start of the term which is higher than any other of his fellow teammates, as per FBRef, not to mention that he's also collected four man-of-the-match awards during that time.

Finally, Diallo shares the same agent as Weston McKennie, Adam Forshaw, Brenden Aaronson, Sam Greenwood, Luis Sinisterra and Crysencio Summerville, so this existing representative connection could potentially give the Whites an advantage over their fellow competitors in the race to secure his services this summer.

Fulham defender Layvin Kurzawa, currently on loan from Paris-Saint Germain, is expected to leave and return to his parent club this summer.

What's the latest Fulham transfer news?

It could be a crucial summer for both Marco Silva and the Whites board as they look to build upon their solid debut season back in the Premier League.

The Craven Cottage side started off brightly and have done enough to earn a second successive campaign back in the top flight, though recent results have exposed some glaring weaknesses to be fixed.

Indeed, Fulham supporters have not seen their side win a single league game since they beat Brighton back in mid-Febuary, with the west Londoners losing their last four matches against Brentford, Arsenal, Bournemouth and West Ham.

In that time, they've conceded nine goals against with only three scored themselves – potentially highlighting the need for a summer shake-up. Of the players linked with a move, FC Porto star Mateus Uribe, Roma's Chris Smalling and Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech are among the names recently mentioned.

In terms of exits, some players will need to make way for new arrivals, with Kurzawa firmly on the chopping block. According to French news outlet Le10sport, it is believed Fulham will not attempt to sign the left-back permanently and he seems set to return to PSG upon the expiry of his loan spell.

Kurzawa has apparently dissatisfied the Cottagers with his season overall, with the outlet explaining:

"Loaned this season to Fulham, the defender has not given satisfaction, and should return to Paris this summer, where his contract runs until June 2024."

How has Kurzawa fared at Fulham?

The 30-year-old has been very unlucky since signing for Silva, spending the majority of his time on the treatment table and missing out on a fair few matchday squads.

Kurzawa is currently out of action with a sideband tear and his numerous weeks spent in rehab have ultimately given the player little chance to prove his worth.

That being said, the defender has dazzled at rare points, perhaps most notably scoring a brace and grabbing an assist during Fulham's FA Cup campaign this year.

Silva certainly rates Kurzawa, having called him a 'top, top player' whilst predicting that he could hand the team a different dimension.

However, his latest injury setback appears to have been the final straw for Fulham chiefs, who now seem set to let him return to the French capital.

Journalist Dean Jones has claimed it is "pretty significant" Tottenham Hotspur remain in the hunt for Luis Enrique amid recent links.

What's the latest Luis Enrique on and Spurs?

Things are going pretty badly for Spurs this season and even the exit of former boss Antonio Conte hasn't helped ease any problems on the field.

After all, Talksport pundit Jamie O'Hara slammed interim boss Cristian Stellini recently after the Premier League loss

to Bournemouth on the weekend at home, claiming the Italian "hasn't got a clue".

With that being the case, fans will be desperate for Daniel Levy to get his next managerial appointment spot on. And the club have been linked with Luis Enrique with reports in the media claiming suggesting Tottenham are keen on the 52-year-old.

Now, the former Barcelona boss has been touted in the media as a possible option even before Conte left and insider Jones believes it is "significant" that the rumours have not died down yet.

When talking on Chasing Green Arrows, the journalist said (10:29): “Spurs and Chelsea both want Luis Enrique as manager at the moment, they're both looking into that.

"It's pretty significant that Tottenham [are] still showing interest in him here.”

Does Luis Enrique want to work in the Premier League?

The 52-year-old Spaniard has actually been on the record about hoping to come to England and manage in the Premier League one day.

Indeed, he told Cadena Ser radio (via FourFourTwo): "I follow above all the Premier [League] because I would like to go to England to work.

"I wouldn't go to any team but to one that could do important things, which greatly reduces the number. I don't put my hopes up, really, because there are many candidates.

"I am lucky because my personal life fills me up. That it takes longer, that no offers arrive, well, it is what it is. I would go to a team with possibilities. That doesn't mean that I wouldn't work in Spain."

The only concern for Spurs there is the fact that he says he only wants to go to a team that can do "important things".

With that in mind, he may have looked at how serial winners Conte, Jose Mourinho and others have all failed to lift a trophy during their spells in north London.

However, seeing as the rumours remain, Luis Enrique clearly hasn't ruled himself out of the Tottenham job just yet. And so, it certainly could be significant that he remains a candidate at this stage.

Manchester City are interested in signing Wolfsburg defender Micky Van de Ven, and they could hold one key advantage over some of the other clubs competing for his signature, according to a report.

The Lowdown: Summer rebuild planned?

Man City had a very quiet January transfer window, with 20-year-old midfielder Maximo Perrone, who joined in a £8m deal, ending up as the only addition to Pep Guardiola’s squad, however there are some signs they could be busier this summer.

The Sky Blues have recently been linked with Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson, with the Englishman viewed as a potential long-term replacement for Riyad Mahrez, who is approaching the latter stages of his career.

It is not just in attacking areas that Guardiola is reportedly aiming to strengthen, recently sending club officials to run the rule over RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, who could be targeted by a number of top clubs in the summer transfer window.

The Latest: Van de Ven eyed

While Gvardiol would be a real statement signing for City, they are also eyeing a move for another Bundesliga centre-back, with Inter Live reporting they could target Wolfsburg’s Van de Ven (via Sport Witness).

There is set to be a whole host of clubs from across Europe battling it out for the 21-year-old, with the report also naming the likes of Liverpool, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Barcelona as potential suitors.

Wolfsburg value the young centre-back at €30m (£27m), and that figure, combined with his wages, means that the two English clubs interested may hold an advantage in the race for his signature.

The Verdict: Get it done?

With Premier League clubs recently being warned that the £100m-rated Gvardiol is not for sale this summer, Van de Ven could be a viable alternative, and he is available for a fraction of the amount.

Football scout Jacek Kulig has hailed the 6 foot colossus, describing him as a ‘complete & dominant’ centre-back, while he also praised his ability in possession, saying that he is ‘confident & comfortable’ with the ball at his feet.

Despite his age, the Netherlands international has established himself as a key player for Wolfsburg, making a total of 28 appearances so far this season, and he has already made a total of six caps for his national side at U21 level.

That said, the Dutchman is no match for Gvardiol, averaging a far lower pass completion rate, as well as fewer aerials won and non-penalty goals per 90 than the Croatian in the past year.

As such, the RB Leipzig centre-back should still be Man City’s priority signing this summer.

West Bromwich Albion are a club that has enjoyed success in recent months, with Carlos Corberan’s leadership helping drag them from a potential Championship relegation battle to pushing for promotion.

It has been a tumultuous season, but one which now seems poised to bear fruit for a fanbase that has suffered in recent years.

One of the few shining lights of those campaigns was the emergence of academy graduate Taylor Gardner-Hickman, who reminded everybody that the Baggies still boasted a top-class youth system that was brimming with talent.

With the young midfielder having paved his way into the first team, it could provide a foundation for more local talent to burst onto the scene, following in his footsteps.

Should that be the case, Jamie Andrews will surely be due a call-up soon.

Could Jamie Andrews be West Brom’s next Chris Brunt?

A versatile midfielder with the ability to play out wide, it is hard not to draw similarities between him and legendary figure Chris Brunt.

The northern Irish stalwart featured 421 times for the Midlands outfit, cementing himself as a steely yet creative asset who would also record 49 goals and 89 assists across that period.

He revelled in a tough tackle, but with his wicked left foot always boasted the capability to deliver with precision.

Now, with two goals and six assists in just nine Premier League 2 games this season, it appears that the 20-year-old dynamo could be set to emulate his work.

This came after his half a season loan spell with Yeovil Town, where he made just eight appearances in what will have offered him vital experience in senior football to go with his one first-team appearance for his parent club.

It has been a year where the youngster has truly outlined himself as a creative leader for the U23s team, and surely if anyone is coming up on Corberan’s radar it is him.

Andrews even admitted at the start of the season that he was preparing to “take the next step”, and has since gone on to shine, even captaining his team too; a feat which his potential predecessor earned in the senior side for over three years.

With the success West Brom enjoyed by employing a classy yet workmanlike asset such as Brunt, finding his replacement could be imperative not only in securing promotion but ensuring their continued presence in the Premier League, just like when the 38-year-old used to grace the Hawthorns turf.

Tottenham’s Antonio Conte, Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason decided to take a huge gamble with their team selection on Sunday evening.

It was a joint decision, one made by all three amid the Spurs manager’s recent surgery.

The Italian is no doubt a big miss but even with his absence from the touchline, their call ultimately paid off.

The decision to drop Heung-min Son may not have been altogether surprising given his form this term but leaving him on the bench paid dividends for a second time in 2022/23.

Last time Conte made that call back in September, the South Korean responded in emphatic fashion by coming off the bench to score a hat-trick in the 6-2 win over Leicester, and he scored as a substitute again in Spurs’ 2-0 win over West Ham.

Harry Kane slid the ball into Son who took it like a man who won the golden boot last campaign, not like a player with just five top-flight goals to his name all season.

However, that goal will undoubtedly lead to a selection headache.

How did Richarlison play against West Ham?

Richarlison was selected ahead of Son on Sunday evening with the Brazilian earning his first start since the World Cup.

The forward has had a troubled first campaign in north London following his £60m switch from Everton with it safe to say that he hasn’t paid an ounce of that fee back.

The 25-year-old has scored twice in the Champions League but is yet to find the net in the Premier League, a record that perhaps owes to his 11 games out through injury as much as it does his own performances.

It may be harsh to call him a flop already but Richarlison’s showing against the Hammers was perhaps telling of his stint in the capital to date.

The Brazil international had a fantastic opportunity to beat the goalkeeper in the first half but in a moment that BBC pundit Glenn Murray labelled “very poor” on Radio 5 Live commentary, stuck a tame and weak effort right at Lukasz Fabianski.

That was as good as it got for the 6-foot attacker who struggled before ironically being withdrawn for goal-scorer, Son.

During the former’s time on the pitch, he not only spurned that ‘big’ chance but made just nine passes from his 26 touches, the lowest of any Spurs player to start the game.

Furthermore, the former Watford man registered no successful dribbles and was victorious in only four of his 13 duels.

A frustrating and combative afternoon for Richarlison ultimately ended in three points but he did his own chances of securing a regular starting spot no favours.

If this was the summer arrival’s big test under Stellini and Conte’s watchful eyes, then he failed it. Son simply has to come back into the side at the first time of asking next weekend.