Category Uncategorized

As Liverpool headed to the Bernabeu on Wednesday evening to face Real Madrid, they did so with only a glimmer of hope.The chances of overturning a 5-2 deficit against the most successful team in the competition’s history was always going to be a tall order, and that it was, as Jurgen Klopp’s men lost 1-0 on the night.Typically, it was Karim Benzema who found the net on an evening where the Reds never really got going.Mohamed Salah was guilty of rare errant passes in the final third, the midfield looked as toothless as it has all campaign and Trent Alexander-Arnold was cooked by Vinicius Jr on the right flank.The defeat meant that any hope of winning a trophy has now disappeared. Considering how the last few years has played out at Anfield, that is a particular surprise.Klopp and co now need to turn their attention to the summer and a transfer window that will be decisive in how they bounce back in 2023/24.One man who could well leave the club during that period is Fabio Carvalho. The former Fulham man looked capable of magic moments in his early days in Merseyside but has barely featured of late, playing just two minutes of Premier League football following the World Cup.He was then given a matter of seconds in Madrid on Wednesday as Klopp threw him into the action in the dying embers, quite literally. There was only around nine seconds left when the youngster was introduced into the fray.It was a truly bizarre substitution and one that drew plenty of reaction on social media, the best of which can be found below.

Tottenham Hotspur have ‘another talented’ unseen youngster in their ranks as members of the media heap praise on Jamie Donley.

The Lowdown: Spurs academy line…

In the last few years, Spurs’ N17 academy has produced gem after gem with the likes of Oliver Skipp and Dane Scarlett drawing praise in particular.

The former has been called a ‘future Spurs captain’ and the latter was handed his debut by ex-Spurs head coach Jose Mourinho – who likened the player to Marcus Rashford.

Elsewhere, the likes of Japhet Tanganga and Troy Parrott have turned heads at various points.

In recent weeks, the north Londoners have been rewarding their best and brightest with fresh terms – including promising young shot-stopper Alfie Whiteman.

The likes of Mikey Moore and Donley, who are yet to make first team appearances, remain unseen as far as Antonio Conte is concerned but the media are convinced Tottenham have a real gem in the latter man.

The Latest: Media praise Donley…

After Spurs rewarded the 18-year-old with a new deal, members of the media heaped praise on Donley, claiming he is a real one to watch.

They explained:

“Can either play as a forward or a number 10 type. Has excellent movement, ability to pick a pass and read the game and fantastic finishing ability.” – Spurs pundit John Wenham, via his Lilywhite Rose account.

“Another talented forward off the N17 production line… Donley has been a key part of the U18s and U21s this season.” – George Session, PA Media.

“There’s that new three-and-a-half year Spurs contract for Jamie Donley, with an option for another year. He’s got plenty of potential.” – Alasdair Gold, football.london.

The Verdict: Exciting player…

The England Under-18 international has been seriously impressing at youth level for Spurs.

As per Transfermarkt, Donley racked up a pretty incredible 16 goals and six assists in 18 appearances for the Under-18s last season.

The teenage talent has continued that form into 2022/2023, scoring three goals and assisting three others in five Premier League Under-18 appearances this term.

That form resulted in a promotion to Tottenham’s Under-21s, where he has 14 appearances under his belt this campaign.

Indeed, going by the numbers, he could well be one to watch in the next few seasons.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, with the Red Devils a ‘concrete threat’ to the Serie A side.

The Lowdown: Bastoni superb for Inter

The 23-year-old is arguably one of Europe’s most exciting young defenders currently, producing a string of influential performances for Inter in recent years.

Bastoni has made 19 appearances in Serie A so far this season, averaging 1.7 tackles per game in the competition, as well as 2.5 clearances in the Champions League, as per WhoScored.

The Italian is out of contract at Inter at the end of next season, however, meaning there could be potential suitors eyeing up his signature this summer.

The Latest: United linked with move

According to Inter Live [via Sport Witness], United are a ‘concrete threat’ to Inter with regards to Bastoni, as the Serie A giants desperately try to keep hold of one of their star men.

The Red Devils could reportedly ‘go as high as’ offering the young centre-back €8million (£7m) a year at Old Trafford, which is ‘triggering a new alarm’ at the Nerazzurri.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-news-11/” title=”Latest Man Utd news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Could be an outstanding signing

Bastoni could be a magnificent signing by United, considering what a formidable defender he already is, despite having most of his career ahead of him still.

The 17-cap Italy international could be viewed as a long-term successor to Raphael Varane at the heart of United’s defence, with the Frenchman turning 30 next month and never too far away from an injury layoff.

Bastoni and Lisandro Martinez could forge a wonderful long-term centre-back partnership at Old Trafford – one that may have the potential to match great pairings of the past, from Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, to Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister.

Whether or not Inter allow one of their most prized assets to move on remains to be seen – he won the league title in 2020/21 – but the player himself may jump at the chance to join the Erik ten Hag revolution.

West Brom are set to be missing Australia international Tom Rogic for their Championship clash with Blackburn Rovers this evening.

The Lowdown: Baggies flying…

The Baggies, after appointing Carlos Corberan to replace Steve Bruce, have been flying in England’s second tier and are in real contention for Premier League promotion.

West Brom have won ten out of 13 league matches since Corberan’s appointment, prompting interest from out-of-manager Leeds United in the Spaniard.

In a boost for the Midlands side, Corberan opted against pursuing a move to Elland Road and instead committed his future at West Brom last week.

The Latest: West Brom team news before Rovers…

Relaying the latest team news before a crunch encounter with Blackburn, journalist Lewis Cox has shared what Corberan has said in regards to who will be available.

Kyle Bartley has suffered an injury setback, and alongside the Englishman, Rogic is also out with a hamstring issue.

Cox explained:

“Just been to see Carlos Corberan. Kyle Bartley out for another 5-6 weeks after scan outcome on quad injury. Another setback for the centre-back.

“Tom Rogic also misses Blackburn tomorrow with hamstring issue. Latter not serious.”

The Verdict: Setback for Corberan?

As West Brom look to put their recent losses against Burnley and Birmingham City behind them, not having Rogic or Bartley still does come as a dampener.

In the case of Rogic, Celtic’s former star could’ve provided an injection of quality as a back-up option.

The 30-year-old, since signing as a free agent in the summer, has contributed to West Brom’s promotion push with three assists and a goal in 13 appearances overall (WhoScored).

Corberan has also raved over the ‘excellent’ midfielder when he has played this season, even if the manager has occasionally left Rogic out of the squad.

Having the ex-SPFL sensation as an option off the bench would have been ideal but it appears West Brom won’t have that luxury tonight.

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.