All posts by n8rngtd.top

Liverpool are reportedly eyeing Lyon’s Rayan Cherki as a replacement for Mohamed Salah, after the Ligue 1 club were hit with the threat of relegation.

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• Salah is yet to renew with Liverpool
• Reds are looking at potential replacements
• Might have to battle with PSG for Cherki

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Egyptian has been in sensational form this season and has already netted 10 goals in 17 matches under Arne Slot's management. However, uncertainty looms over his future as his contract expires next summer, enabling him to negotiate with foreign clubs starting in January.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  In preparation for the potential departure of Salah, Liverpool are reportedly targeting Lyon’s rising star Rayan Cherki, according to Paris Saint-Germain are also closely monitoring Cherki’s situation, adding competition to Liverpool’s pursuit of the young player. Cherki’s current contract with Lyon runs until 2026 but includes a clause for a one-year extension if he remains at the club beyond this campaign.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Despite Lyon’s hopes of retaining him, the club may be forced to part ways with Cherki to alleviate financial struggles. Reports suggest the club is at risk of relegation unless they resolve issues flagged by France’s financial regulatory body for football, the National Directorate of Control and Management (DNCG). Lyon's debts reportedly amount to £422 million and the financial watchdog has prohibited Lyon from making any signings until their situation improves.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  As Lyon battle financial uncertainty and Liverpool plan for life beyond Salah, Cherki’s transfer could represent a pivotal moment for both clubs. For the Merseyside club, it’s about maintaining their competitive edge, while for Lyon, it could be the lifeline needed to navigate their current crisis. In the short term, Liverpool fans will hope to see Salah keep scoring the goals as they look primed to recapture the English crown after 11 matches, having opened up a five-point gap with second-placed Manchester City.

Jordan Pickford suffered agony for his nation once again, shipping twice as Spain overpowered a stuttering England side to win their fourth European Championship.

The shot-stopper will now return to Goodison Park, where he will ready himself for his eighth successive campaign as Everton's No. 1 between the sticks.

The Three Lions might have flattered to deceive when concerning playing style this summer but Pickford was exemplary throughout, with reporter Dominic King praising his contributions as "seismic".

He's one of the country's greatest goalkeepers, and while more people are starting to recognise this, the Toffees supporters need no reminder, having enjoyed his performances as one of the club's very best for many years.

He's rightly one of Everton's highest earners, but he's not the highest, with Abdoulaye Doucoure earning quite the pretty penny on the blue half of the River Mersey.

The Mali international has been a stalwart for Everton but he's on the decline, and given that he's stepping into the final year of his contract, it might be worth cashing in now.

Why Everton should ditch Abdoulaye Doucoure

Everton signed Doucoure from Watford in a £20m deal four years ago, with the attacking midfielder since completing 130 appearances, scoring 17 goals and adding 11 assists.

He's been a valuable servant and has even been hailed as his side's "catalyst" in attack by his manager, Sean Dyche, but he's now 31 years old and lost his goalscoring touch – his principle quality – during the latter half of the 2023/24 campaign.

Indeed, while Doucoure bagged seven goals across 32 Premier League appearances last year as he bounced between central midfield and a makeshift striking role, he blanked across 15 of his final 16 outings, failing to maintain the impressive form of the first few months.

And energetic he may be, averaging 4.5 ball recoveries per game (Sofascore), but he's also failed to showcase the kind of athletic robustness needed for true success in Dyche's system, winning a lowly 35% of his contested duels last term.

Which, of course, brings us round to that aforementioned point: Doucoure is earning quite the pretty pay packet at Everton. As you will see below, he's even earning more than Pickford, one of the outfit's best players and biggest leaders.

Doucoure was actually attracting attention from the Saudi Pro League back in January, with Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq making a formal approach, so perhaps opening that window once again would be a good idea.

With Everton accelerating talks to sign Napoli attacking midfielder Jesper Lindstrom, Doucoure could find himself playing a more peripheral role next term, and considering the player's lofty earnings and the club's present financial situation, it might not be a half-bad idea to let him depart and usher in the new wave of talent.

The Premier League club already need to replace Amadou Onana, who is joining Aston Villa for a fee of £50m, but this will undoubtedly be taken care of in due course. With Lindstrom coming in and Dele Alli targetting a resurgence, Doucoure should be sold.

Everton preparing bid for £25m Philogene alternative

This “exceptional” winger would be a real asset to Sean Dyche’s team.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 15, 2024

Following a season that saw Coventry City fall agonisingly short of an FA Cup final and the Championship play-offs, the Sky Blues are set to use this summer to bring a number of fresh faces to the West Midlands.

Coventry eye reinforcements for Robins

The big question for Coventry's summer will be how they go about replacing the outgoing Callum O'Hare. The influential midfielder is set to leave the club after his contract expired at the end of last month. Leicester are the current favourites to snap up O'Hare, with Southampton and Leeds United also keeping tabs on the 26-year-old.

As far as direct replacements for O'Hare are concerned, Coventry have dealt with that by signing Huddersfield talent Jack Rudoni. The attacking midfielder joined the Sky Blues late last month, signing a four-year deal with the club. Having spent a rumoured £5m fee to bring Rudoni to the West Midlands, it is clear that he will be the successor to O'Hare in the middle of the park.

Rudoni became the third signing to arrive at the Coventry Building Society Arena, with Bologna defender Lewis Binks and Australian winger Raphael both joining the club in the early passages of the summer window.

With Coventry's summer spending spree currently showing no signs of slowing down, the club are now in the final stages of negotiations to sign a new player to bolster Mark Robins' side.

EFL Championship done deals: Every summer 2024 transfer

Who has made the biggest moves so far in the Championship? Every in and out this summer is listed here.

By
Stephan Georgiou

Sep 18, 2024

Deal for Dovin in final negotiations

As first reported by Sport Witness, the Swedish press are claiming that Coventry City are confident about signing Oliver Dovin from Hammarby. The outlet reports that the Sky Blues are currently in final negotiations to bring the goalkeeper to the West Midlands.

Coventry have been interested in a deal for Dovin for some time, with Robins' side placing a bid for the player last week. The report by Sport Witness claims that Hammarby are asking for around £2m for the goalkeeper, with the outlet claiming that there's little distance between this request and the Sky Blues' initial offer.

Dovin has featured 12 times for Hammarby so far this season, as his side currently sit fifth in the Allsvenskan. Across his time at Hammarby, the 21-year-old has conceded 94 goals in 84 games for the club, keeping 28 clean sheets in the process.

Whilst the deal may be completed soon, Hammarby's club director Mikael Hjemberg played coy about the rumours in the media, refusing to confirm the negotiations to the press:

“We know about the interest in Oliver. He is a thorough professional. He is focused on tomorrow’s training and has his sights set on a fourth straight clean sheet on Monday against Gothenburg.”

Despite Hjemberg's reluctance to address the rumours of a deal, it is clear that the two sides are not far off agreeing on a price for Dovin and that the goalkeeper could be arriving at Coventry very soon.

With Ben Wilson and Bradley Collins sharing the goalkeeping duties for Coventry last term, the arrival of Dovin may finally allow Robins to settle on a first-choice No 1 going into next season.

Nuno Mendes says he is "proud" to play for Portugal after Cristiano Ronaldo called out those who don't want to represent the national team.

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• Ronaldo 'disappointed' by some players
• Mendes asked for his response to captain
• Spoke of his pride of playing for Portugal

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ronaldo said he is "disappointed" in players who do not want to represent Portugal and insisted there is "nothing better than playing for the national team, representing your country, your culture, your children" while collecting an award in his homeland this week.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Al-Nassr star did not name any players he was referring to, but it could not have been Paris Saint-Germain defender Mendes, who responded to the captain's comment.

• WHAT MENDES SAID

  "Everyone has their own opinion," he told reporters. "I can speak for myself, I am very proud to represent Portugal and I think it shows, I give my all on the pitch and in training. I will always give my all and I will always be available to be here."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PORTUGAL?

  Ronaldo and Mendes will both expect to feature when the Selecao take on Poland in the Nations League on November 15, which will be followed by a clash against Croatia three days later.

New Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris will no doubt want to see his Black Cats side be more of a threat in attack this coming season, as opposed to the goal-shy offerings that became far too commonplace last campaign from the Wearside outfit.

The Championship side only had Jack Clarke in their top scorer charts reach double figures at 15, with the likes of Nazariy Rusyn leading the line for Sunderland on a regular basis only getting to a meagre two in contrast.

Sunderland could eventually be weakened by Clarke moving onto a higher-up suitor too, but they do look to be close to signing Alexandre Mendy from SM Caen, in a bid to significantly bolster the striker spots at the Stadium of Light.

Yet, just because Mendy looks to be nearing a switch to England, it doesn't mean a move for an equally potent striker should fall completely to the wayside.

Sunderland could reignite interest in wanted forward

As per football journalist Darren Witcoop on social media, many EFL sides are contemplating a move for Fulham hotshot Jay Stansfield this transfer window, after he excelled with Birmingham City last campaign.

It does look as if the money rich Blues could have an upper-hand in any impending tussle for Stansfield's services however, with Witcoop further updating that talks have taken place for the striker to return to St. Andrew's, who is noted as having a £5m+ price-tag above his head.

Sunderland have previously been interested in the 21-year-old, but this extortionate asking price from the Cottagers could put off the Black Cats, as Birmingham look to clinch another coup for League One.

Yet, if Sunderland want to show they mean business next season after a dismal 2023/24 campaign, they could go all in for Stansfield, who is arguably an upgrade on the Ligue 2 Golden Boot winner they're currently in hot pursuit of.

How Stansfield could be viewed as an upgrade on Mendy

Mendy, aged 30, did set the French second division alight last season, with the Caen number 19 bagging 22 strikes in the league, but the cut and thrust of the Championship is a different kettle of fish altogether.

Stansfield took to the pressures of the demanding division well last season, even when lining up for a side that fell victim to relegation, with 12 league goals managed for the Blues from 43 clashes.

Operating as more of a mobile threat when compared to Mendy, as can be seen glancing at the table above looking at their respective numbers involving progressive carries and successful take-ons, Stansfield might also suit the youthful side Le Bris will have at his disposal soon more so over the more fox-in-the-box presence of the current Caen man.

Stansfield will also have lots more room to grow and develop into an even more exceptional forward option, whilst Mendy could have well peaked already in Ligue 2, before becoming an expensive flop down the line.

Described as being a forward player that has "got it all" by his former Exeter City teammate in Kevin McDonald, Sunderland would send a statement out to the Championship if they did win Stansfield's services.

Both strikers entering the building would be an unlikely dream scenario, as Le Bris aims to stamp his authority onto the Sunderland starting lineup, ahead of the new Championship season kicking off next month.

Outscored Clarke: Sunderland lodge bid to sign Dijbril Cisse 2.0

Sunderland could finally have the potent striker they’ve been searching high and low for with this signing.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 17, 2024

Manchester United are reportedly looking to freshen up their attack for Ruben Amorim and are considering two Bundesliga forwards as potential targets.

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• Man Utd looking to freshen up attack
• Target forwards Marmoush and Boniface
• Man Utd looking to make signings in January

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  United's troubles this season are well-documented as Erik ten Hag led the Red Devils to just four wins in the first 14 games of the season scoring just 20 goals, with seven of those coming against League One side Barnsley. The Dutchman was fired last month and Ruud van Nistelrooy was appointed as interim boss, while the former forward was able to get his side to score goals, the Red Devils' top bosses want to refresh the squad's attacking options for new boss Amorim, and they are now monitoring the situation of two highly-rated forwards.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As per , Manchester United have earmarked Eintracht Frankfurt's Omar Marmoush and Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface for the winter transfer window, as the Red Devils want to hand Amorim the best possible squad to try and rescue United's poor start to the season. Both the forwards have long-standing contracts with their current clubs and Manchester United will have to pay through their pockets to try and sign them in January.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  The report has suggested that Eintracht Frankfurt are likely to ask for a price tag close to €60 million (£50.1m/$63m) for Marmoush. Additionally, as Liverpool are likely to make their interest in Marmoush solid, United may have to pay more for the Egyptian if pulled into a bidding war by the Reds. As for Boniface, Bayer Leverkusen are said to value the Nigerian highly and could demand a hefty fee for a January sale.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  The Red Devils are also said to be facing a few economic issues at the moment, and making big signings in January could be off the table for Amorim this winter. As such, it will be a game of wait and watch to understand what solutions United's top brass come up with if they are to sign either Marmoush or Boniface.

Everton are in pole position to complete the signing of a "sensational" 17-goal international during the summer transfer window, according to a new report from Italy.

Everton transfer news

Sean Dyche may have suffered a frustrating time of things as Blues manager, with funds not often available to strengthen this squad, but this summer is proving to be a promising one. Iliman Ndiaye has already arrived as an exciting addition from Marseille, possessing Premier League and Championship experience after a spell with Sheffield United, and Jesper Lindstrom has joined on a season-long loan from Napoli.

It looks as though Lyon and Republic of Ireland centre-back Jake O'Brien could be the next name through the door at Goodison Park, with a deal in place to complete the signing of the highly-rated young defender.

Chelsea striker Armando Broja has been a nomadic player in recent years, struggling to nail down a regular starting berth at Stamford Bridge, as well as being sent out on loan to the likes of Southampton and Fulham. Everton are believed to be looking to snap him up, though, with a fresh approach planned for the Albanian.

Meanwhile, contact has reportedly also been made with Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, who looks like he isn't wanted by new manager Thiago Motta, paving the way for a summer exit. Granted, the USA international struggled to impress during a loan spell at Leeds United in 2022/23, but he is a footballer of genuine pedigree, making 104 appearances in Serie A and winning 56 caps for his country to date.

Everton in pole position to sign "sensational" attacker

According to a new update from Corriere dello Sport [via Goodison News], Everton are now leading the race to sign Juventus striker Arkadiusz Milik this summer.

Much like McKennie, the 30-year-old looks surplus to requirements at the Turin giants this summer, having joined permanently from Marseille after a loan stint in 2022/23 beforehand, and the Blues are battling with West Ham to bring him to the Premier League.

There could be some trepidation about Everton signing Milik, considering he is now 30 and arguably not quite the force he was during his Napoli days, when he scored 48 goals in 122 appearances. He remains a top player, though, and should still have several good years left in him at a high level, netting 17 times in 73 caps for Poland, often dovetailing effectively with Robert Lewandowski.

During his time in Naples, the Polish attacker was lauded by manager Carlo Ancelotti, who waxed lyrical over a "sensational free-kick" that he scored in a 2-1 win against Lazio in the league, and the Italian knows a thing or two about what makes a good striker, having transformed Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Goodison.

Should Calvert-Lewin leave Everton this summer, Milik could be looked at as an ideal replacement, although having both in Dyche's squad would be the best outcome, providing strong competition for places between two formidable strikers on their day.

Granted, the £73,000-a-week Milik may only be a relatively short-term purchase if he does join the Blues, but he has shown what a potent attacker he is throughout his career, during which time he has won two Italian Cups.

The FIFPRO World 11 is the only global football award decided exclusively by professional footballers

The FIFPRO Women’s World 11 is voted upon annually by the best players in the modern game. Dating back to 2015, the award celebrates footballing excellence on the global level.

The 2024 awards will mark the ninth edition. The 11 players who receive the most votes at their position are selected for the FIFPRO World 11, to be announced on Dec. 9. A record 28,000 players from 70 countries have voted for the 2024 Men’s World 11 and Women’s World 11.

Here is a look back at every previous squad, with global superstars such as Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath, Sam Kerr, Aitana Bonmati and more all taking centerstage.

• FIFPRO World 11
  

  2023

  Goalkeeper: Mary Earps (England)

  Defenders: Olga Carmona (Spain), Alex Greenwood (England), Lucy Bronze (England)

  Midfielders: Keira Walsh (England), Aitana Bonmati (Spain), Ella Toone (England)

  Forwards: Alessia Russo (England), Alex Morgan (USA), Sam Kerr (Australia), Lauren James (England)

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• FIFPRO World 11
  

  2022

  Goalkeeper: Christiane Endler (Chile)

  Defenders: Maria Leon (Spain), Wendie Renard (France), Leah Williamson (England), Lucy Bronze (England)

  Midfielders: Alexia Putellas (Spain), Keira Walsh (England), Lena Oberdorf (Germany)

  Forwards: Alex Morgan (USA), Sam Kerr (Australia), Beth Mead (England)

• FIFPRO World 11
  

  2021

  Goalkeeper: Christiane Endler (Chile)

  Defenders: Magdalena Eriksson (Sweden), Wendie Renard (France), Millie Bright (England), Lucy Bronze (England)

  Midfielders: Barbara Bonansea (Italy), Carli Lloyd (USA), Estefania Banini (Argentina)

  Forwards: Marta (Brazil), Alex Morgan (USA), Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands)

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• FIFPRO World 11
  

  2020

  Goalkeeper: Christiane Endler (Chile)

  Defenders: Millie Bright (England), Wendie Renard (France), Lucy Bronze (England)

  Midfielders: Barbara Bonansea (Italy), Veronica Boquete (Spain), Delphine Cascarino (France)

  Forwards: Megan Rapinoe (USA), Pernille Harder (Denmark), Vivianne Miedema (Netherlands), Tobin Heath (USA)

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal may target new signings in the January transfer window as they look to tackle an injury crisis.

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• Arsenal struggling with defensive injuries
• May bring in January reinforcements
• Arteta optimistic despite key absences

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Gunners have dealt with a plethora of injury problems this season, recently losing Riccardo Calafiori to a calf issue while fellow defenders Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all out, too. Meanwhile, makeshift full-back Thomas Partey and midfielder Mikel Merino missed training on Tuesday.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  With a Premier League tile challenge on the line, the north London side need to find a solution for their many absences and the Spanish coach has suggested they will bring in some new faces next month.

• WHAT ARTETA SAID

  He told reporters: "The window gives us an opportunity to strengthen the team if we feel that is needed and we feel that we have the capacity to do that as well. We are on it and just have to assess the situation because it is changing every week. I’m positive that in a few weeks we’re going to be in a better place."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  The English side are in action against Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday, which will be followed by a home game against Everton on Saturday.

Liverpool are gearing up for their first Premier League season without Jurgen Klopp at the helm since 2015, with new manager Arne Slot set to take charge of his first league game on Saturday, taking on newly promoted Ipswich Town.

The Reds are yet to make a first-team signing, with links to Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi heating up.

There have also been several outgoings, Adrian leaving on a free, Thiago Alcântara retiring, and Joel Matip's contract not being renewed.

Another situation that remains up in the air is the future of Mohamed Salah, who has been subject to interest from Saudi Arabia before but could stay for one final season at Anfield.

Liverpool transfer news

According to reports from Spain, Liverpool retain an interest in Real Madrid superstar, Rodrygo, who is also attracting interest from Premier League champions, Manchester City, as a forward line replacement for Julian Alvarez.

The report states if the door opens for a Rodrygo exit, Liverpool will be there to try and sign him. However, the Brazilian remains in training ahead of Madrid's European Super Cup game, where they will take on Atalanta this week.

Rodrygo made 51 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid last season, scoring 17 goals, providing nine assists, and totalling 3,707 minutes played.

How Rodrygo compares to Mo Salah

The long-term future of Liverpool's star man, Salah, remains up in the air, and his replacement is bound to be in the back of their minds as they plan their squad for the coming years.

Salah made 44 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions last season, scoring 25 goals, providing 14 assists, and totalling 3,132 minutes played. He is also, of course, a three-time Premier League Golden Boot winner, and has been Liverpool's main man for the best part of seven years.

Rodrygo, who was described as one of "the best players in the world" by manager Carlo Ancelotti, is of course one of Madrid's key players too and based on the numbers above, he'd be a mighty fine addition to the Anfield ranks.

So, why with such impressive numbers, could the Brazilian depart? Well, fellow countryman Vinícius Júnior has become the focal point of the team, along with new signing Jude Bellingham, which could in turn have a downward effect on Rodrygo's output, as the goals and assists are spread.

In Salah's case, whilst the G/A are also spread out at Liverpool, the Egyptian carries a large load in the attacking third, providing chance creation, goals, and, of course, being the penalty taker, which again causes a slight spike in some metrics.

The 22-year-old Rodrygo is nearly ten years younger than Salah and could prove to be the heir to Salah's throne, bringing an even better level of carrying and 1v1 ability, adding the output desired, and becoming the main man in a team, being unleashed from the shadows of Vini Jr and Bellingham at Madrid.

Imagine him & Zubimendi: Liverpool targeting £20m sensation who Klopp loved

It’s not the first time the Reds have made a move for his services.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 9, 2024