أعرب مارسيل كولر، المدير الفني للنادي الأهلي، عن سعادته بالفوز الذي حققه فريقه على حرس الحدود، في اللقاء الذي جمعهما اليوم على استاد الجيش ببرج العرب ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري الممتاز.
وقال كولر خلال المؤتمر الصحفي: “واجهنا منافسًا قويًّا اليوم، استطاع أن يقدم نتائج مميزة في المباريات التي خاضها في المسابقة”.
طالع.. فيديو | “خناقة” بين جماهير الأهلي في المدرجات عقب مباراة حرس الحدود
وتابع: “استحوذنا على الكرة وخلقنا أكثر من فرصة خاصة في الشوط الأول، ويعتبر الهدف الذي سجله الأهلي مكافأة لنا وحققنا به هدفنا”.
حقق الأهلي فوزًا ثمينًا على حرس الحدود بهدف دون رد، في المواجهة التي جمعتهما اليوم الأربعاء، ضمن منافسات الجولة الـ16 من الدوري المصري الممتاز على ملعب المكس بالإسكندرية.
بهذا الانتصار، رفع الأهلي رصيده إلى 36 نقطة، بعد تحقيقه 10 انتصارات و6 تعادلات، مسجلًا 28 هدفًا واستقبلت شباكه 9 أهداف.
أعلنت رابطة الأندية المحترفة المصرية، عن أفضل لاعب في مباراة الأهلي وغزل المحلة، التي جمعت بينهما اليوم ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.
واحتضن ملعب استاد السلام مباراة الأهلي وغزل المحلة ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة عشر من عمر البطولة المحلية، والتي انتهت بفوز المارد الأحمر بهدف دون رد.
فيديو | إمام عاشور يقود الأهلي للفوز على غزل المحلة وتصدر الدوري المصري
واختارت رابطة الأندية المصرية لاعب النادي الأهلي محمد الشناوي، ليكون أفضل لاعب في مباراة اليوم نظراً للمجهود الرائع الذي قدمه مع فريقه، إذ استطاع أن يحمي عرينه من استقبال الأهداف.
الجدير بالذكر، أن فوز الأهلي قد رفع رصيده إلى 29 نقطة حصدهم من ثماني انتصارات وخمس تعادلات فيما لم يتلقى أي هزيمة.
ويستعد الأهلي لمواجهة الإسماعيلي مساء الأحد المقبل، في خضم مواجهات الجولة الرابعة عشر من عمر الدوري المصري الممتاز.
Last campaign, West Ham’s wingers provided most of the output for the side, Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen carrying massive weight on their shoulders. The Hammers scored 60 goals last campaign, the eighth-highest in the division.
Kudus made 45 appearances for West Ham last season in all competitions, scoring 14 goals, and providing six assists. Bowen made 44 appearances, scoring 20 goals, and providing 10 assists.
Michail Antonio for West Ham
The strikers for the Hammers, on the other hand, struggled to provide the goods, only scoring eight goals between them in all competitions last season, Danny Ings scoring once, and Michail Antonio scoring seven times.
Michail Antonio's start to the season
West Ham have started this Premier League campaign slowly, losing two of their opening three fixtures, and winning the other. They haven’t had the easiest of starts, facing Aston Villa who finished fourth last season in their opener, and playing titleholders, Manchester City, in their third game.
Antonio has started all three of the Premier League games so far, taking five shots, yet to have one on target. This is in 206 minutes played, and whilst Antonio does offer many other key attributes, such as hold-up play, and running the channels, that finishing touch hasn’t been there, represented by his 5/10 match rating from 90min against Manchester City.
West Ham forward Michail Antonio
The 34-year-old has made 311 appearances for the club, scoring 82 goals, providing 40 assists, and totaling 22,266 minutes played, but it may now be time for Lopetegui to make a change in that position.
Fullkrug to be unleashed
Described as an “old-fashioned” centre forward by Ally McCoist, new signing Niclas Füllkrug is waiting in the wings should Lopetegui make a change upfront, having signed from Borussia Dortmund this summer, for a fee of around £27m.
Fullkrug made 46 appearances for Dortmund last season, scoring 16 goals, providing 10 assists, and totaling 3,605 minutes played, including 1,042 minutes in the Champions League, as Dortmund made it all the way to the final, losing 2-0 to Real Madrid.
Stats (per 90 mins)
Fullkrug
Antonio
Goals
0.40
0.31
Assists
0.25
0.09
xG
0.48
0.29
Progressive Carries
0.76
2.37
Progressive Passes
2.28
1.29
Shots Total
2.34
1.56
Shots on Target
0.93
0.71
Shot-Creating Actions
2.52
1.83
Aerials Won
3.49
1.88
Stats taken from FBref
These metrics from last season show exactly what Fullkrug can provide. The German scored at a higher rate, averaging 0.40 goals per 90, compared to Antonio’s 0.31 per 90, as well as providing far more assists, with 0.25 per 90, compared to Antonio’s 0.09.
But it isn’t just his output, Fullkrug also offers far more box threat, winning 3.49 of his aerials per 90, compared to only 1.88 of Antonio’s. Fullkrug has a higher shot volume, taking 2.34 shots per 90, and getting 0.93 on target, whilst Antonio only takes 1.56 shots per 90, getting 0.71 on target.
Niclas Fullkrug for West Ham
What Antonio offers, which Fullkrug does necessarily, is ball carrying, but in a team with Kudus and Bowen, they offer such high levels of ball carrying and running in behind, that the striker would not need to, using his energy to effect play in and around the box, which is why he should be unleashed ahead of Antonio.
He has been revealed as an injury doubt ahead of the match but, if fit, the Germany international should be selected to lead the line for the Hammers.
Sold by Moyes in 2021: West Ham dud has been outscoring Bowen since leaving
The talent has found his goalscoring touch again in recent years.
تنطلق مساء اليوم الجمعة منافسات دور الـ32 من بطولة كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي، موسم 2024/25، حيث يلتقي مانشستر يونايتد مع نظيره ليستر سيتي.
ويخوض مانشستر سيتي مباراته في تلك الجولة، غدًا السبت، ضد خصمه ليتون أورينت.
اقرأ أيضًا.. الفرق المتأهلة إلى دور الـ16 من كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي (محدث باستمرار)
ويواجه إيبسويتش تاون، الذي يحترف في صفوفه المصري سام مرسي، مباراة في تلك الجولة ضد نظيره كوفنتري سيتي مساء السبت.
في حين أن ليفربول يلتقي مع نظيره بليموث أرجايل في الجولة نفسها، وذلك مساء يوم الأحد المقبل.
وتُعد أبرز مباراتين في دور الـ32 من بطولة كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي بين تشيلسي وبرايتون، والأخرى بين توتنهام وأستون فيلا.
وودع آرسنال منافسات كأس الاتحاد من دور الـ64 بعد الخسارة أمام مانشستر يونايتد، بركلات الترجيح. موعد قرعة دور الـ16 من كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي
كشف الاتحاد الإنجليزي لكرة القدم موعد قرعة دور الـ16 من بطولة كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي لهذا الموسم.
وحسبما أُعلن، فإن القرعة ستقام يوم الإثنين المقبل، 10 فبراير، وذلك في تمام الساعة 9:10 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 10:10 بتوقيت السعودية، 7:10 بتوقيت إنجلترا.
تأتي تلك القرعة قبل مباراتين من نهاية دور الـ32 من بطولة كأس الاتحاد، حيث هناك مباراة كريستال بالاس ودونكاستر، إلى جانب لقاء نوتينجهام فورست وإكستر.
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.
As rivals grumble over Manchester United's successful signing of centre-back Leny Yoro, INEOS grin as their persistent hounding pays off.
Yoro, 18, has yet to kick a ball for the Red Devils but he's showcased his considerable qualities at LOSC Lille over the past two years, garnering a reputation as a 'generational talent', such is the player's technical command and tactical understanding, exhibited at a precocious level.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig had previously dubbed Yoro as "world-class material", while his efforts in Ligue 1 saw him touted for the Young Player of the Season award, pipped by Paris Saint-Germain prodigy Warren Zaïre-Emery.
Matches played
32
Matches started
30
Goals
2
Clean sheets
13
Pass completion
92%
Touches per game
67.6
Tackles per game
1.1
Interceptions per game
1.1
Clearances per game
3.0
Ball recoveries per game
3.9
Duels won per game
3.3 (63%)
United's £52m outlay, rising to £59m, might seem steep to many, but this is a player with the world at his feet, coveted by Real Madrid and Liverpool, bested by Sir Jim Ratcliffe's blooming project.
Raphael Varane's £350k-per-week contract at the Theatre of Dreams has expired, while Villarreal have signed Willy Kambwala, 19, for £10m. United, hungry for success, want another defender.
Man United lining up another defender
As per Sky Sports' Dharmesh Sheth – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – Man United are still in for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, who has already been the subject of two failed bids from Old Trafford this summer.
United's interest was complicated by Everton's proposed £50m sale of Amadou Onana to Aston Villa, easing Everton's need to cash in, but following the Freidkin Group's failed Toffees takeover, Branthwaite's future is cast back into doubt.
Sheth says now that the England international is a 'live option' for Erik ten Hag's side, though they would need to hit the £70m ballpark to ensure they complete their backline with a formidable new star.
Jarrad Branthwaite's 23/24 season in numbers
Branthwaite spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan with PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, returning to Merseyside last summer and since growing into one of the division's mightiest defenders.
The 6 foot 5 titan, aged 22, featured 35 times in the Premier League last season, scored three goals and kept 12 clean sheets. As per Sofascore, he wasn't just a passenger in a drilled and coherent Everton side, winning a whopping 68% of his duels and averaging 1.9 tackles, 4.5 clearances and 5.2 ball recoveries per game.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 19% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 20% for tackles, the top 18% for interceptions and the top 18% for aerial duels won per 90.
Considering his frame, it's hardly surprising that he's adept in the air, but the way he controls and manipulates with his shifty movements and steely presence in the duels marks him as one of the soundest on English shores.
Take, for example, Everton's struggles in the previous campaign. James Tarkowski is an experienced centre-half, very good at his craft, but he plied his trade on boggy footing and failed to implement Sean Dyche's iron-enforced philosophy, with Michael Keane and Yerry Mina flattering to deceive alongside him.
Jarrad Branthwaite for Everton.
Two points above the drop zone and 57 goals shipped across the 38-game campaign was not a position to take pride in, but despite the din on the blue half of Merseyside, Branthwaite and his defensive contingent have raised the ceiling and then some, confidently finishing 14th last term despite an eight-point deduction – and with a pretty impressive clean sheet record besides.
1.
Arsenal
18
2.
Manchester City
13
2.
Everton
13
4.
Liverpool
10
4.
Newcastle United
10
4.
Fulham
10
4.
Crystal Palace
10
It's clear that Branthwaite is one of the finest young defenders in the Premier League, and he would make such a difference to United's improving project.
Why Man Utd must follow Yoro signing with Branthwaite
Take a look above; the answer is in the metrics. Branthwaite is a hulking unit of a defender, with his sinewed frame and imposing presence setting him up for a career of imperious defence in the rearguard.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
For now, that's at Goodison Park, but United have registered their interest and could now follow up the stunning capture of one of Europe's biggest talents with one of the Premier League's most exciting rising stars.
Crucially, Branthwaite is left-footed. Yoro is not. This could prove to be an almighty partnership down the line, with Branthwaite the "beast" of a defender – as said by analyst Ben Mattinson – to meld into the assured, intelligent security of his French confrère.
The contrast in styles could pay dividends, with the Goodison Park side scarcely employing a possession-heavy style and thus seeing Branthwaite's pass completion rate languish below the, perhaps, desired level.
However, he will undoubtedly see that 80% completion rate rise at Man United, especially next to Yoro, who already ranks among the top 7% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion (92.1%).
Manchester United haven't been shy to spend over the past decade, but it just hasn't come together for the prestigious Premier League outfit. Now, though, the wind has shifted at the Theatre, and the Red Devils are starting to dream.
Imagine him & Yoro: Man Utd could land £46k-p/w De Ligt upgrade
The Red Devils are looking to overhaul the backline this summer.
يواجه جناح الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد، فينيسيوس جونيور، ضغوطًا كبيرة من الدوري السعودي الذي يسعى للتوقيع معه، رغم إعلانه رغبته في البقاء مع الملكي لفترة طويلة.
وأكد عمر مغربل الرئيس التنفيذي للدوري السعودي في تصريحات سابقة، أن انتقال فينيسيوس للعب في دوري روشن ليس حلمًا بعيدًا، بل خطوة يعملون عليها بجدية منذ فترة.
من جهة أخرى، يبدي ريال مدريد هدوءًا تجاه هذا الأمر، معتمدًا على عقد فينيسيوس القوي الذي يتضمن شرطًا جزائيًا بقيمة مليار يورو، لكنه يبقى على استعداد للاستماع إلى رغبات اللاعب.
وتشير التقارير إلى أن نادي الهلال السعودي هو الأكثر اهتمامًا بضم فينيسيوس، رغم التحديات الاقتصادية التي يواجهها النادي في ظل وجود لاعب مثل نيمار، الذين يرغبون في التخلص منه لعدم الاستفادة الفنية مع دفع راتب كبير من أجله.
اقرأ أيضًا | أنشيلوتي يرد على تصريحات سيميوني المثيرة.. ويؤكد: مبابي يسعى للشهرة
ورغم قوة عقد فينيسيوس مع ريال مدريد، فإن تحركات الدوري السعودي المستمرة قد تزيد من تعقيد الموقف خلال الأشهر المقبلة، بحسب صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية.
لأن الدوري السعودي يقدم عروضًا ضخمة لجذب النجوم، كما فعل مع كريستيانو رونالدو الذي يحصل على 200 مليون يورو كراتب وربما يكون له جزء من ملكية نادي النصر لتمديد عقده حتى 2027.
ورغم كل هذه الإغراءات، يواصل فينيسيوس تقديم أداء مميز مع ريال مدريد، فهو هداف الفريق الإسباني في جميع البطولات بالتساوي مع كيليان مبابي برصيد 14 هدفًا.
ولكن مستقبل فينيسيوس مرهون بقراره بين البقاء مع ريال مدريد والمنافسة على الألقاب أو الانتقال إلى السعودية للاستفادة من العروض المالية الضخمة.
وبعيدًا عن استهداف الدوري السعودي للاعب، ريال مدريد سيظل يدعم بقاء فينيسيوس، معتبرًا أنه لاعب مهم في الفريق، حتى لو تراجع أداؤه في بعض الفترات مثل مباراتي برشلونة وسيلتا فيجو.
Northern remain on top even as Central Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded impressive wins
Danyal Rasool05-Dec-2020
Hasan Ali brings out his trademark celebration•AFP
Central Punjab crush SindhSindh slumped to a heavy defeat in the absence of regular captain Sarfaraz Ahmed – who is currently with the national side in New Zealand – as Waqas Maqsood’s nine wickets helped set up Central Punjab’s first win in the competition. Six of those wickets came in the first innings where Sindh were bowled out for 92 to concede a 184-run lead to Central, who had put up 276 thanks to half-centuries from Ali Zaryab Asif and Usman Salahuddin.Sindh had their opportunities in the second innings after they reduced Central to 117 for 8, but tailenders Ahmed Safi Abdullah and Maqsood took the game away from Sindh by pushing the total to 247. Abdullah’s 60-ball 83, supported gamely by Maqsood in a 68-run tenth wicket partnership, gave Sindh a monumental 432 to chase. An attacking 89 from opener Sharjeel Khan led the reply, but support from the middle order was scant.Stand-in captain Asad Shafiq’s vigil at the crease, lasting 54 minutes and 35 balls without producing a run, summed up Sindh’s chase, and indeed their game. The rest was routine, with Hasan Ali making a welcome return to form, taking 4 for 66 as Central completed the rout by 227 runs. They still remain rooted to the bottom of the table, but the win – and the margin of victory – will do their prospects no harm whatsoever.Northern consolidate top spotNorthern strengthened their hold at the top of the table following an impressive six-wicket defeat of Southern Punjab in what turned out to be the only fairly competitive fixture of the sixth round. Southern, batting first after winning the toss, scored 285 which was largely down to a 143-run fourth-wicket partnership between Umar Siddiq and Saif Badar, who scored 89 and 81, respectively. Northern’s response included a hundred from Umar Amin, while Hammad Azam chipped in with 91, as they moved to a 96-run lead.In Southern’s second innings, Agha Salman got his second half-century of the game, and Imran Rafiq also hit a fifty to ensure Northern would have a challenging 200 to chase while batting last. However, the requirement proved more straightforward than what it seemed at first glance thanks to 65 from Amin in a 97-run second-wicket partnership with opener Nasir Nawaz. The pair took the pressure off after the loss of opener Sarmad Bhatti for no score, and Azam ensured his side would finish with a flourish, smashing 53 off 48 to take Northern clear at the top by six points.Khyber Pakhtunkhwa sink BalochistanKhyber Pakhtunkhwa remain hot on the heels of table-toppers Northern following their third win in six games, a 175-run defeat of Balochistan. A magnificent 153 from 25-year old Kamran Ghulam inspired Khyber, as he ended up scoring nearly half the runs in a team total of 320. Ghulam kept the runs ticking over even as his team-mates struggled to kick on despite decent starts, with only wicketkeeper-batsman Rehan Afridi making a respectable 58. In reply, Balochistan collectively managed a mere 120, giving Khyber a decisive 200-run first innings lead.Even though Khyber managed just 199 in their second dig, a Balochistan side that had just one win all season still needed to chase 400 to win, a task that only became more challenging after they slipped to 95 for 3. Though Balochistan gave a better account of themselves in the second innings, no batsman could get to more than Ali Waqas’ 44. That meant the chase was never really a serious prospect, as Sameen Gul followed up his three-for in the first innings with as many wickets in the second to rip through the middle order. Eventually, Balochistan folded up for 224 with Mohammad Wasim also getting three wickets for Khyber.
It is fair to say that it has already been a busy summer for Chelsea Football Club. Following the conclusion of last season, they decided to sack Mauricio Pochettino, despite the fact he got the Blues into an FA Cup semi-final, came runners-up in the Carabao Cup and ensured European qualification for his side.
However, the Argentine was removed from his post and was replaced by Leicester City’s Championship-winning manager Enzo Maresca. The Italian signed a five-year deal with the option of a further year at Stamford Bridge. Already, since the appointment, the Blues have been fairly active in the transfer market.
Chelsea have secured two signings already, bringing Tosin Adarabioyo to the club on a free transfer, after his old deal with Fulham expired. They are also set to sign Marc Guiu from Barcelona for just £5m. The young striker has already had a medical in London according to Fabrizio Romano.
Other potential incomings to Stamford Bridge at this moment include Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who could depart Leicester and reunite with Maresca at Chelsea. Not only that, they are also in need of a centre-forward at the club and are thought to be interested in one player who could bolster their front line.
Chelsea target Bundesliga striker
The player in question here is Hoffenheim and Germany striker Maximilian Beier. The 21-year-old has had a very impressive season for the Bundesliga club, and has now been linked with a move away, with clubs including Chelsea thought to be interested in signing him this summer.
According to a report from Christian Falk for CaughtOffisde, the Blues are “interested” in bringing Beier to Stamford Bridge over the summer transfer window. However, Falk confirms that the striker is “not yet convinced” about moving to West London ahead of next season.
Maximilian Beier
Not only that, the Blues will not be the only Premier League side who are vying for the youngster's signature over the summer. Liverpool are thought to be particularly keen on the move, although fellow Merseysiders Everton, as well as relegated Burnley and Chelsea’s fellow London side Brentford are also hopeful of doing a deal this summer.
In terms of price, Beier has a very cheap release clause that makes a deal even more attractive given the quality of the player in conversation here. Interested clubs can activate his £27.5m release clause to sign the striker this summer, a deal which the likes of Chelsea – or rivals Liverpool – would be able to pull off.
Why Beier would be a good signing
Should Chelsea manage to pull off a move for Beier, it would be reminiscent of their move for Kai Havertz in 2020, whom they paid £71m for from Bayer Leverkusen.
It would be a similar switch given Chelsea would be adding the next big thing amongst German centre-forwards to their squad. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig called Beier “the best German striker at the moment” in March 2024.
Chelsea centre-forward Kai Havertz.
Whilst it did not work out for Havertz at Stamford Bridge – aside from his Champions League-winning goal against Manchester City – he put up some very similar numbers in his final season in the Bundesliga to what Beier has racked up in 2023/24, with the pair proving their clinical nature in Germany’s top-flight.
Stat
Beier (2023/24)
Havertz (2019/20)
Games
33
30
Minutes
2439
2463
Goals
16
12
Assists
3
6
Of course, Havertz has now left the Blues, instead plying his trade down the road for Arsenal. He did not prove to be the striker Chelsea were searching for in the long run, but perhaps Beier will be that man, instead.
In terms of Beier’s profile, the 21-year-old is a tall striker, who has impressive hold-up play, will run the channels well and has a real eye for goal. In terms of pure goals, he was outscored by only four players last season; Harry Kane scored 36 times, Serhou Guriassy found the back of the net 28 times, Lois Openda scored 24 goals and Deniz Undav scored 18 times.
The 21-year-old is an excellent ball carrier, using his lanky frame to his advantage. The German likes to pick up the ball from a wide area and drive into the penalty area. As per FBref, he averages 1.34 carries into the penalty area per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the top 11%. Football scout Antonio Mango called the striker “exceptional”, and it is attributes such as his impressive carrying from wide areas such a well-rounded player.
For just £27.5m, the signing of Beier could be ideal for Chelsea. They would be able to bring in another genuine number nine, who can compete for the starting spot with Nicolas Jackson. Whilst the transfer itself would be similar to that of Havertz, the Blues will no doubt be hoping Beier can have a more successful time of things at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea plot to steal ace who’d be as influential as Palmer for Maresca
The Chelsea target reached double figures for goals and assists last season.
The summer transfer window officially opened for business on Friday and Aston Villa have plenty of time left to strengthen their squad before it slams shut.
They could start the window with an exit, though, as Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that negotiations are at the final stages to sell central midfielder Douglas Luiz to Juventus, albeit with Weston McKennie and Samuel Iling Junior coming the other way as part of the move.
The Villans are reportedly keen on a deal to sign £35m-rated full-back Ian Maatsen, who spent the second half of this season on loan with Borussia Dortmund, and are leading the race to land Denzel Dumfries from Inter.
They are now seemingly eyeing up a swoop to land a new centre-forward to bolster their firepower, with a free agent number nine on their radar.
Aston Villa's interest in promotion-winning star
According to Football Insider, Aston Villa sporting director Monchi is lining up a deal to sign out-of-contract star Kelechi Iheanacho this summer.
The Nigeria international is currently set to become a free agent at the start of next month, once his contract with Leicester City expires, and that could open the door for the Villans to snap him up for nothing.
Football Insider reports that Monchi had already flown out to hold a meeting with the player's representatives in May over a potential transfer to the club later in the summer.
Leicester City strikerKelechi Iheanacho.
It states that the club are keen to add another marksman to Unai Emery's playing squad as Jhon Duran is said to be in advanced talks over a switch to Premier League rivals Chelsea.
However, it does remain to be seen how many other teams are prepared to put a contract on the table for Iheanacho and whether or not the player is keen on a move to Villa Park.
Why Iheanacho could be a good signing for Aston Villa
If Monchi can get a deal over the line for the former Manchester City, Villa would be bringing in a proven Premier League forward who could be a fantastic alternative to Ollie Watkins next season.
He did, however, just spend the 2023/24 campaign in the Championship with the Foxes and racked up five goals and one assist in just ten starts as his team won the division and promotion to the top-flight.
xG
9.05
3.63
6.13
Goals
12
5
5
xA
3.53
2.71
3.71
Assists
2
5
5
As you can see in the table above, his last three years in the Premier League for Leicester, before their relegation in 2023, proved that he can provide quality in the final third at the top level. Iheanacho, who was once described as a "scary" finisher by ESPN's Colin Udoh, scored 22 goals from an xG of 18.81 across those three years, which speaks to his efficient finishing ability.
Aston Villa now in daily contact with "incredible" £35m target
He was recently called up for Euro 2024.
ByTom Cunningham Jun 16, 2024
The left-footed dynamo only started 39 games in that time and that suggests that he would be the perfect back-up to Watkins as the Nigerian star has proven his quality as a second-choice number nine who does not need to start regularly.