Category Uncategorized

Crystal Palace have reportedly had a bid accepted for Stuttgart midfielder Naouirou Ahamada…

What’s the word?

According to the Evening Standard, the south London outfit have succeeded with a £10.5m offer for one of the Bundesliga club’s most coveted young assets.

The 20-year-old Frenchman is now scheduled to complete a medical ahead of a move to Selhurst Park, where he could join a talented crop of young players under Patrick Vieira’s tutelage.

This follows on from The Athletic‘s Crystal Palace correspondent Matt Woosnam, who stated several days prior that negotiations were in full swing.

Vieira’s own Musah

With midfield being something of a problem position for the Eagles this season, as highlighted by Woosnam, Vieira has seemingly taken the requisite steps towards trying to bolster that position and leaving the club in good stead to remain well above the Premier League relegation zone.

Blossoming into his own this season, Ahamada could bring the fire back to a furnace depleted of coals following the departure of loanee Conor Gallagher last summer, with the Chelsea man having scored eight Premier League goals in south London during his loan spell at Palace.

Contrast that to the current campaign, with none of the Eagles’ central or defensive midfielders even managing one top-flight goal just beyond the halfway point of the season.

Having made 18 appearances this season – including 17 starts in the league – the “crazy” talent (as Ahamada was dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig) has emerged as a key cog in Stuttgart’s system, following a 2021/22 campaign which saw him make only seven appearances across all competitions, albeit with injuries playing a large part.

As per FBref, the starlet ranks within the top 27% of midfielders across Europe for rate of goals and assists, the top 21% for dribbles completed and the top 17% for progressive passes received, illustrating a dynamic and forward-thinking nature which has seen him score twice and provide two assists so far in 2022/23.

FBref lists the Stuttgart gem as a comparable player to Valencia’s Yunus Musah, who has been of interest to the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool this season following his feats in La Liga and on the international stage with the USA.

Musah ranks among the top 9% of positional peers for dribbles completed and progressive passes received, and indeed serves as one of the most exciting transitional players on the market at present.

Ahamada’s injury history is worrying for a player so young, but his capabilities alone prove that signing him seems a gamble worth taking, and Vieira could yet unleash his very own Musah in swift time by bringing his compatriot to Selhurst Park. He could be just what the Eagles need in order to reinvigorate a goal-shy midfield.

Chelsea have been woeful this season, with seven defeats and just three victories from their past 12 matches across all competitions, and have consequently been throwing the kitchen sink at the January transfer market.

Having fortified the offensive ranks with the £9.7m loan signing of Joao Felix and sealing a monumental permanent deal for Mykhaylo Mudryk for £88.5m – also agreeing a £30m fee for Noni Madueke – the west London outfit have more recently seen a £55m opening offer for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo rebuffed by the South Coast club, there appears to be an onus on bolstering further departments of the field.

The right-back position is an area illuminated for swift investment, with established phenom Reece James missing 16 games due to injury this season and the 33-year-old stalwart and captain Cesar Azpilicueta approaching the twilight stage of his career at Stamford Bridge.

According to L’Equipe, Olympique Lyonnais’ 19-year-old right-back Malo Gusto is being closely monitored by Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell, with a potential £35m move indeed considered to provide competition for James.

Alphonso Davies 2.0

While James’ position down the right flank provides Chelsea boss Graham Potter with one of the most exciting and eminent in the position in the Premier League, if not the globe, the addition of a talented starlet to push for a starting berth and step in when required could prove the difference in the pursuit of silverware, with marathon seasons indeed calling for healthy rotation.

And Gusto is indeed displaying his worth as one of the most exciting young full-back talents on offer, having made 15 appearances in Ligue 1 this season, his performances and consistency on the pitch belie his youth and inexperience.

As per Sofascore, his impressive league rating this term of 7.10 is an indication of the expanding pool of ability that stems from his core, with his 1.4 key passes and 85% passing accuracy an illustration of his offensive pedigree and the 1.5 interceptions and 2.1 tackles further proof of his dynamic arsenal.

And as per FBref, the Frenchman ranks among the top 15% of full-backs for assists, the top 5% for attempted passes and the top 19% for dribbles completed in Europe’s big five leagues, proving to be an effective offensive outlet from the right flank.

With blistering pace and innate ball-playing ability, the “special” talent – as hailed by Goal – could follow the blueprint of Bayern Munich sensation Alphonso Davies, who is listed as a comparable player to Gusto by FBref.

The 22-year-old Davies has made 135 appearances for the Bavarian outfit since his arrival, scoring six goals and providing 21 assists,  and ranks among the top 7% of positional peers for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for dribbles completed and the top 12% for attempted passes in Europe, showcasing direct similarities to that of Gusto.

£35m might appear somewhat steep for a relatively raw and unknown commodity, but given a platform to nurture his skills and earn his way into a role of greater magnitude with one of the most prominent side’s in world football, Gusto could indeed live up to each and every penny, growing into a lightning-hot force to cement the right-back position at Stamford Bridge as one of the very best any team has to offer.

Liverpool are now monitoring Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah ahead of a potential move, according to reports.

The Lowdown: World Cup standout

The American was one of the standout performers for his nation at the World Cup last year, despite Gregg Berhalter’s side getting knocked out in their last 16 game against the Netherlands.

The 20-year-old’s contract at the Mestalla Stadium isn’t set to expire until 2026 but it sounds like he’s attracting plenty of interest from the Premier League, in particular Anfield.

The Latest: Liverpool eyeing Musah

According to Spanish reports (via Liverpool Echo), the Reds are ‘following’ the progress of Musah and are joined in the race for his signature by their top-flight rivals Chelsea and Arsenal.

Jurgen Klopp is claimed to have personally made the New York native a ‘new request’ to the board in a bid to ‘reinforce’ his options in the middle of the park.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/liverpool-transfer-news-and-rumours/” title=”Liverpool Transfer News and Rumours” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cropped-2021-03-07T155652Z_1459311687_UP1EH3718ASBK_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LIV-FUL-REPORT.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Perfect for the press

Liverpool have held a long-standing interest in Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, and should they be able to complete a deal for him at some point later this year, Musah could be perfect short-term alternative to arrive this month.

The La Liga maestro is creative in the final third, having made eight goal contributions at Valencia, and is a versatile player with the ability to operate in three different positions (Transfermarkt).

However, his most important trait is his pressing ability, which is exactly what Klopp needs given the lack of energy in his midfield department currently.

Musah has been praised as an ‘elite engine, vertical, hardworking, strong and quick’ by scout Jacek Kulig, and these are all traits which could reignite the Reds’ famed gegenpressing.

Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Cody Gakpo over the last few months and now a new update has emerged on the club’s pursuit of the player ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to The Northern Echo, Eddie Howe has the Netherlands and PSV Eindhoven winger on his transfer wish list that was drawn up in the autumn.

As per the report, Newcastle have been closely tracking Gakpo and have learned that the transfer fee that his current club will command is around £40m.

Matching Erling Haaland

Howe will be thrilled with the outcome of the Premier League campaign so far with his team challenging for a spot inside the top four as they currently sit third in the league table after losing just one game this season.

Just like league leaders Arsenal, Newcastle have only accepted one defeat which is owed to the phenomenal performances the Magpies have displayed over their first 15 outings in the top flight and the manager will be hoping that his team can pick up where they left off when they return to action after Christmas.

Indeed, it would seem that there wouldn’t be too much pressure on the club to make moves in the transfer window when it re-opens next month, however, if Newcastle want to remain competitive at the top of the table they could add some new additions to improve and strengthen the already impressive squad.

It has been reported that Howe is keen to add another wide forward to his formidable forward line in the new year, so the signing of Gakpo could be the perfect move to ensure Newcastle remain firmly and comfortably within a Champions League qualifying spot at the end of the season.

The PSV winger – who was hailed a “real talent” by Nigel De Jong – currently matches none other than Manchester City striker Erling Haaland for goal contributions (21) in Europe this season, scoring nine goals and delivering 12 assists so far.

That is a remarkable man to be alongside, with the Norwegian proving to be nothing but a sensation since popping up in English football.

It’s a testament to Gakpo that in Europe’s top leagues, no one comes close to matching him or Haaland aside from Neymar, who has managed 20 goal involvements of his own.

The Newcastle target has continued that form on the biggest of stages over the last few weeks, proving to be a real stand-out performer at the World Cup in Qatar, where he outscored the aforementioned Brazilian superstar. He became an integral player for the Netherlands in their progression to the quarter-finals of the prestigious international tournament.

Over five World Cup appearances, the 23-year-old star scored three goals during a breakout few weeks for the thriving attacker.

On top of that, he successfully completed 50% of his dribbles and made two key passes per match, proving he isn’t just a goalscorer. Furthermore, he contributed immensely from a defensive point of view, averaging 1.6 tackles, 1.2 clearances and winning 4.6 duels per game.

With that being said, the signing of Gakpo could be a major coup for Newcastle especially if they can secure his signature in January. A player with Haaland-like stats, he could play a huge part in the team’s pursuit of retaining their top-four position over the second half of the season.

Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid phenom Joao Felix, with a bidding war for his services set to arise over the coming period.

What’s the word?

Reports from Spain are indicating that Atletico Madrid will listen to offers for their offensive whiz, after weeks of speculation concerning the 23-year-old’s future. 

Signing for the Spanish giants for a fee of £113m from SL Benfica in 2019, Felix has not quite enjoyed the ride he envisaged under Diego Simeone’s tutelage, with the Argentine manager’s defensive philosophy somewhat clashing with Felix’s breezing forward approach.

With United’s interest stretching back to the summer, a solution that will benefit all parties could materialise in the near future. 

Rooney 2.0

Erik ten Hag’s team are reportedly among the frontrunners to lure the forward away from the Wanda Metropolitano, and the United boss could have his very own Wayne Rooney-esque ace on his hands. 

Rooney, one of the Premier League and Manchester United’s greatest forwards, offered a unique skill-set and a towering physicality that captivated fans for years, and while Felix is not quite the same player, he could adopt the approach that the 37-year-old took with aplomb.

Both players possessing devious stratagems to outwit opponents on the pitch, and an elegance and grace on the ball that most forwards can only dream of, means that Felix can emulate the former phenom and provide a new dimension to the United attack.

As per FBref, the 27-cap Portuguese star ranks within the top 11% for progressive passes and the top 13% for completed dribbles when compared to positional peers across Europe’s big five leagues this past year.

Effectively, United would add a forward to the ranks that knits the collective offence together, aiding the transitions from midfield to attack.

And while Felix hasn’t reached the heights expected in Madrid, only scoring 33 goals and registering 18 assists in 129 matches, the abundant quality will surely shine through in a more offence-minded team.

But with the ace starring for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, putting in an average 7.33 rating, as per Sofascore, as the nation breezed into the quarter-finals, the notion that he would serve as a focal point in a team with more onus on attack is only magnified.

If United boss Erik ten Hag is successful in his pursuit, he will wield a unique centre-forward boasting a range of offensive skills, as Rooney did, perhaps capable of bridging the gap that has left the club devoid of success for several years now.

The winds are changing at Old Trafford, and the “sensation” Felix – as dubbed by Sacha Pisani – would encapsulate the shift in momentum; United must swoop.

Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho is set to sign a new deal at Old Trafford following his impressive start to the season. 

The Lowdown: Garnacho’s emergence

So far this term, the winger has made eight senior appearances for Erik ten Hag’s side across all competitions.

In those outings, the 18-year-old has chipped in with two assists and two goals, the latest of which saw him grab a late winner in United’s 2-1 victory at Fulham and ultimately receive praise from the manager.

As a result of his efforts in the first-team this season, it appears that the Red Devils are looking to see the teenager sign a new deal at the club.

The Latest: Man United preparing new Garnacho deal

According to a report from the Daily Star on Saturday, Garnacho is close to signing a new deal at United which would see his weekly wages increase tenfold.

The report adds that negotiations are well underway with the teenager’s representatives, and the Old Trafford hierarchy are optimistic that those will be successfully completed before the end of the year.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-news-6/” title=”Latest Man Utd news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”] 

The Verdict: Great move from United

Hailed by journalist Steven Railston for his “electric” cameo against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup earlier this month, Garnacho has the highest rate of shots on target per 90 minutes for United in the current Premier League campaign (2.14).

This highlights the attacking talent that he offers and how much of a threat he carries for opposition defenders and goalkeepers, as Fulham found out at Craven Cottage a week ago.

Given the promise and potential that the youngster has started to show in the senior team this season, it makes sense for the club to try and tie him down to a new deal.

If the player does sign the proposed new contract, this could be a great long-term investment for United, as long as he keeps taking every opportunity that he gets to impress Ten Hag.

Southampton are considering a move to sign Marseille midfielder Pape Gueye in January, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Bit-part player

The France-born talent made the move to the Velodrome in 2020, but he has recently fallen out of favour and is fourth in Igor Tudor’s pecking order behind Valentin Rongier, Matteo Guendouzi and Jordan Veretout.

He has played less than 400 minutes in all competitions this season, whereas the other three have all had more than 1,000 minutes of game-time (Transfermarkt).

Despite the 23-year-old still having nearly two years remaining on his contract, two clubs in particular have been alerted to his current situation and are keen on bringing him to the Premier League.

The Latest: Southampton eyeing Gueye

According to French outlet Jeunes Footeux (via Sport Witness), both Southampton and Leeds United are ‘keen’ on a deal for Gueye.

The source claims that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side will be looking to ‘take advantage of the existing contacts’, with Saints chiefs already having a connection with Marseille following the transfer of Duje Caleta-Car.

The south coast club would reportedly ‘prefer a loan with a view to buy’ whilst the Ligue 1 outfit want straight cash, but given Marseille’s urgent need for funds, the maestro could be handed over on a ‘silver platter’.

The Verdict: Don’t do it…

Southampton already have plenty of midfield options at their disposal in the likes of James Ward-Prowse, Joe Aribo, Ibrahima Diallo, Stuart Armstrong and Romeo Lavia, so this area of the pitch doesn’t need any further additions.

Also, the Senegal international doesn’t contribute enough in the final third of the pitch, having only scored four goals and provided two assists in 92 appearances for Marseille (Transfermarkt).

Whilst he has been dubbed a ‘fantastic’ player by Josh Bunting, the Saints should turn their attention elsewhere as Hasenhuttl looks to bolster his ranks in the winter market.

Southampton would have outlined this fixture as a potential chance for three points at the start of the season, but on current form, there are few more feared at the moment than AFC Bournemouth.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men have won just one of their last seven Premier League games and now travel to a side yet to lose under interim manager Gary O’Neill.

Since their 9-0 drubbing to Liverpool in late August, the Cherries have gone six unbeaten and will fancy their chances here against the wounded Saints.

With games having been played at the weekend there could be some added rotation, plus another underwhelming display will leave the Austrian manager with plenty to think about.

With that in mind, here’s the Southampton XI we’re predicting for tonight’s encounter…

From the weekend’s 1-1 draw with West Ham United, Hasenhuttl can be expected to make three changes.

Gavin Bazunu will likely start in goal behind a back line only slightly tweaked.

Armel Bella-Kotchap was forced off during their clash with the Hammers following a dislocated shoulder, so Duje Caleta-Car will be recalled to sit beside Mohammed Salisu.

Although the German has impressed, replacing him with a player who his manager dubbed a “big presence” should allow him to fill in nicely.

Goal scorer Romain Perraud will also continue at left-back, with the ever-present Kyle Walker-Peters taking up the right flank.

Similarly, it can be assumed there will be just one added change again in midfield as Ibrahima Diallo returns for Ainsley Maitland-Niles. His work rate might just be what Hasenhuttl needs to enforce his will upon the opposition and gain some control on the road.

He will partner James Ward-Prowse, who will sit just behind Joe Aribo.

The final change will see the underwhelming Adam Armstrong – who has scored just once all term – drop out of the starting lineup, replaced by Sekou Mara. Although the goalless Frenchman has also disappointed, his pace on the break could offer more than the former Blackburn Rovers forward.

Che Adams will spearhead the attack, further supplemented by Mohamed Elyounoussi.

Journalist Dean Jones has shared some news on Tottenham Hotspur and the future of summer signing Djed Spence.

The Lowdown: Spence joins Tottenham…

The Lilywhites right-back was among a contingent of new players brought in to back Antonio Conte and make Spurs a force to be reckoned with this season.

Ahead of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, Spurs signed the former Nottingham Forest loanee along with sealing Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet, Destiny Udogie and a permanent deal for Cristian Romero.

However, it hasn’t exactly been a dream start to life in north London for the defender, with Conte only calling on Spence for two league minutes in total despite his ability.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a brilliant campaign at Forest last season, with some members of the media calling him an ‘incredible’ player.

The Latest: Jones shares Spence update…

However, speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has now claimed that Spurs are set for internal exit talks over Spence’s future at the club, with a potential loan move away deemed a possiblity.

He explained: “I have said for a while that it would not surprise me if Djed Spence was made available for loan in January.

“I think it will depend on the depth of options Spurs have by that stage but, certainly, it is something that is going to be discussed.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-3/” title=”Tottenham latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: He needs minutes…

Spence going out on loan for the second half of this season could be best for all parties.

Tipped to be a ‘great signing’ by some pundits within the media, the 22-year-old needs regular minutes to continue developing and potentially one day become a real mainstay in the Tottenham squad.

The fact that he hasn’t even had a look-in despite Emerson Royal’s current suspension does not bode particularly well for him in N17 right now.

Glasgow Rangers ended a run of three defeats in succession as they beat Dundee United 2-1 at Ibrox in the Premiership earlier this weekend.

The Gers came into the Scottish top-flight clash off the back of losses against Celtic, Napoli and Ajax in their previous three outings, losing 3-0, 4-0, and 4-0 respectively.

Gio van Bronckhorst’s men may have been low on confidence heading into the match against United and were in desperate need of a win to give everyone a lift heading into the international break.

It did not take long for the Light Blues to brush the disappointment of their recent form aside as Antonio Colak beautifully collected a pass from James Tavernier on the edge of the box before rifling a shot into the bottom corner to make it 1-0 after eight minutes.

The Croatian hero, who turned 29 on the day, doubled the lead in the second half as he raced onto a cross from Borna Barisic to prod the ball into the back of the net at the front post.

United eventually pulled one back but Colak’s double was enough to secure all three points and a much-needed win for the Gers in the Premiership.

The centre-forward has been a revelation at Ibrox since joining in the summer transfer window and it appears as though Ross Wilson has struck gold in the market.

Rangers reportedly paid an initial fee of £1.8m to Greek side PAOK to sign him in the summer and he has already gone a long way to repaying that, if he has not already.

It was previously reported that qualifying for the Champions League group stages would earn the club around £25m and Colak played a huge role in the Light Blues’ successful qualification. He scored three goals in their four qualifiers and that included the winning goal in the play-off tie with PSV to secure their place in the groups, as he tapped the ball in after Malik Tillman teed him up in the box.

Journalist Josh Bunting claimed that he “creates problems” for opposition defences with his strength and that has been shown by his impressive return in front of goal, as he has also caught the eye in the Premiership.

The 29-year-old has racked up six goals and one assist in seven matches in the Scottish top-flight since arriving at Ibrox, which means that he is only five goals behind Alfredo Morelos’ league tally from the entire of last season.

Colak has been directly involved in ten goals (nine strikes and one assist) in 13 matches in all competitions so far and this means that he has cost £200k per goal – given the £1.8m they paid to bring him to Scotland.

This, along with his heroics in the Champions League, shows that Wilson has struck gold by signing him from PAOK and, hopefully, he will celebrate many more goals in the weeks, months, and years to come as Rangers’ starting number nine.