Kylian Mbappe is being backed to become a “phenomenon” at Real Madrid once the Frenchman has solved “emotional issues” in the Spanish capital.
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Joined the Blancos from PSG in summer of 2024
Slow start in Spain led to uncomfortable questions
World Cup winner has rediscovered spark in style
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The World Cup winner became another ‘Galactico’ at Santiago Bernabeu during the summer of 2024. A slow start to life with the Blancos saw early questions asked of whether Mbappe – who is being deployed as a central striker – was the right option for Real.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Mbappe has also been left out of the last two France squads, amid questions of his commitment to that cause and general mental state, but a proven performer has rediscovered his spark to register five goals through his last seven – landing a second trophy with Real in the process.
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WHAT POLSTER SAID
His next outing will come against Sevilla, with former Los Nervionenses striker Toni Polster expecting Mbappe to silence any critics and become a legend in Madrid. He has told : “I think he is spectacular. It is true that he has not started at Real Madrid at his best level, but when he solves his emotional problems and is fully adapted he will enjoy and succeed because he has everything you can ask of an attacking player. He is a phenomenon and I bet he will succeed for sure.”
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WHAT NEXT?
Mbappe is up to 13 goals for the season, through 23 appearances, and is beginning to look more settled. A smile has returned to his face, as off-field distractions are removed, and he can now set about becoming the fearsome No.9 that Real always believed that he would be for them.
West Ham United are at the start of an exciting new era, and Julen Lopetegui has certainly been backed by the board as he seeks to get the Irons flying.
Over £120m has been spent, and with James Ward-Prowse heading for the exit door, joining Nottingham Forest in a loan move, West Ham are looking to strengthen the middle of the park.
West Ham transfer news
According to The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg, West Ham are hoping to complete the signing of Chelsea talent Carney Chukwuemeka before the deadline.
This eleventh-hour deal is separate from the ongoing talks to sign Carlos Soler from Paris Saint-Germain and would not negatively impact that move. Chukwuemeka would join on loan, with the door open for a permanent solution down the line.
The Telegraph's Mike McGrath has followed up that report by suggesting that the Hammers are actively working to get the deal done for Chukwuemeka, albeit with rivals clubs also interested in the youngster.
What Carney Chukwuemeka would bring to West Ham
Chukwuemeka signed for Chelsea from Aston Villa for a fee in the region of £20m in 2022, but injuries and a consequent fall down the pecking order have limited him to just 27 appearances – starting only two top-flight fixtures last year.
Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka.
Regardless, the £100k-per-week midfielder has so much potential and could find the London Stadium provides him with the platform to go from strength to strength and really announce him to the Premier League.
He's even been hailed as an "absolute 10/10 talent" by scout Jacek Kulig, invariably performing with silky dribbling and an eagerness to get on the ball and make things happen.
Central midfield
48
5
11
Attacking midfield
24
7
3
Left midfield
2
0
0
Defensive midfield
2
0
1
Centre-forward
1
0
0
He's a dynamic player but Chukwuemeka would likely find himself operating in the centre of the park, thrusting forward and opening circles of space in the opponent's half, in turn allowing Mohammed Kudus to zap forward down the flank, or perhaps creating an opening for Jarrod Bowen to latch onto and strike true, ball to net.
He's demonstrated something of an aptitude for an assist, and this could see the 20-year-old grow into his skin as a superb Ward-Prowse upgrade, with the Forest-bound free-kick specialist falling to the fringe since Lopetegui's arrival, lacking mobility and success when not in a dead-ball situation.
Wolves midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
Ward-Prowse ranks among the top 8% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists and the top 15% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref. Nice going, right?
Sure, but such high-ranking metrics derive from his set-piece deliveries. In regard to his production in open play, he ranks among the bottom 43% for progressive passes, the bottom 15% for progressive carries and the bottom 9% for tackles per 90.
Chukwuemeka is a vibrant talent, bursting onto the scene, and he would be a significant upgrade on West Ham's one-trick pony. He must be signed.
Sky Sports: West Ham still hoping to sign Payet 2.0 in £17m talent
This would mark a terrific finish to a promising transfer window…
West Ham United have work to do after losing their Premier League opener against Aston Villa. It wasn't the start that an incensed Julen Lopetegui would have wanted but the positives were there.
Having lost their European membership after missing out on top six last term, West Ham have repackaged their first team with several exciting signings, though there may be more still to come.
Minutes played
73'
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots (on target)
2 (0)
Touches
21
Accurate passes
6/9 (67%)
Key passes
0
Dribble attempts
0/0
Total duels won
0/2
Against Villa, Michail Antonio flattered to deceive up, looking isolated and negligent of defensive duties. The burly Niclas Fullkrug has been signed from Borussia Dortmund in a £27m deal, but Lopetegui seems to want another striker to complete his frontline.
Well, despite a hefty summer outlay, West Ham might just have found the perfect player to strengthen Lopetegui's accord…
West Ham's search for a striker
As per Football Insider, Tammy Abraham is on West Ham's shortlist as the summer transfer window wheels into the final phase. Shooting for AS Roma, the Englishman has been transfer listed for €25m (£21m) following the signing of Artem Dovbyk from Girona.
Abraham, aged 26, spent the majority of the 2023/24 season out injured but boasts a proven goalscoring record throughout his career – with several European trophies to boot.
Tammy Abraham
With efforts to sign Villa's Jhon Duran seemingly exhausted, this could be the perfect move for Lopetegui's outfit, which has its sights set on reclaiming a place on the continent.
What Tammy Abraham would bring to West Ham
Abraham has enjoyed a career laden with success, and while he has been blighted by recent misfortune, there is every chance that he would rekindle his finest form with a transfer back to the Premier League.
AS Roma
119 (86)
37
13
2x
Chelsea
82 (51)
30
10
1x
Bristol City
48 (42)
26
4
0x
Aston Villa
40 (40)
26
3
1x
Swansea City
39 (21)
8
4
0x
Like Fullkrug, the former Chelsea star is rangy and effective as a focal frontman, but he is more dynamic, with sharper and breezier mobility and a creative sheen besides – indeed, across his first two Serie A campaigns, Abraham averaged one key pass per game.
And let's not forget that his maiden year in the Italian capital saw 27 goals plundered en route to triumph in the Europa Conference League, with the player remarking that his manager at the time, Jose Mourinho, had turned him into a "monster".
Standing at 6 foot 3, the 11-cap England international is indeed a towering presence but he's nimble and slippery with an intelligence to dart between the lines and latch onto threaded passes.
Now, who might West Ham have to complement that particular skill…
Imagine him & Lucas Paqueta
Lucas Paqueta's long-term future is up in the air, with the FA continuing their investigation into the Brazilian's alleged spot-fixing, but he started the current campaign with a goal, scoring from the spot on Saturday but unable to prevent his team from falling to defeat.
An elite-level player, the 26-year-old could indeed form a deadly partnership with Abraham, providing him with support to ensure that he would hit the ground running upon returning to London.
Once hailed as a "goal machine" by former youth coach Stephen Elliott, Abraham would carry the nuts and bolts of the centre-forward game into the London Stadium and would find those natural-born properties enhanced considerably by a playmaker of Paqueta's distinction.
West Ham's Lucas Paqueta in action
Paqueta – who was the subject of a £80m approach from Manchester City one year ago, before the aforementioned charges materialised – ranked among the top 12% of positional peers in the Premier League last season for passes attempted, the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 8% for tackles and the top 9% for aerial battles won per 90, as per FBref.
Those lattermost metrics are particularly eye-catching. Sure, everyone knows of the £150k-per-week phenom's creative flair, but his tenacious defensive work rate is so important for West Ham too – perhaps more so, in a way.
Encompassing the scope of the midfield game, Paqueta would make Abraham virtually unplayable with his surgical passing, and he would also enable the Roma ace to cause damage in the final third by applying tough-tackling pressure from deep.
Last season, in the Premier League, the dynamo averaged 2.3 tackles, 6.3 ball recoveries and a whopping 7.6 successful duels per game, alternating between the centre of the field and out wide on the left but invariably performing with energy and commitment.
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta
With players like Crysencio Summerville and Luis Guilherme signed to Lopetegui's team this summer, Paqueta will be expected to perform from a central position with regularity, thrusting forward to influence and dictate.
Fullkrug provides the steel and doggedness that can change a game, while Antonio's power and physique make him a constant threat, despite the fact that he is 34 years old.
In Abraham, though, West Ham might just find that they gain the services of a striker who can perform with a multi-skilled ability, all the while inflicting damage with a sharp shooting quality.
For a player whose "currency is goals", as was said by one-time Aston Villa boss Dean Smith, bringing Abraham back to the English top flight feels like something of a no-brainer. Lopetegui boasts a healthy mix of attacking talent, but this could be the final piece to lift the Irons to new heights.
Approach made: West Ham want "complete midfielder" who plays like Odegaard
The Hammers are piecing together an exciting new team…
France defender Dayot Upamecano is not happy with the way international team-mate Kylian Mbappe is being treated.
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Upamecano wishes for more support for Mbappe
Forward left out of France squad by Deschamps
Madrid ace facing continuous backlash
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WHAT HAPPENED?
France centre-back Dayot Upamecano has urged everyone to show a bit more support to forward Kylian Mbappe following his expulsion by Didier Deschamps from the squad for this month's international games in the Nations League. The Bayern Munich defender's backing of Mbappe isn't the first of his kind, as several other players have recently shown support for the French superstar.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Mbappe found himself in the middle of controversy following Deschamps' decision to leave him out for France's games against Israel and Belgium last month, owing to fitness concerns. Furthermore, Deschamps admitted it would be "better like this", speaking with respect to his decision to snub him for this month's international fixtures for the second successive time.
French media have been particularly harsh with the former PSG superstar, prompting Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate to publicly back the player, admitting that all the spotlight and media scrutiny can be tough to deal with on a constant basis.
Upamecano echoed his defensive partner's sentiments while speaking to reporters on international duty with France.
WHAT DAYOT UPAMECANO SAID
"There is no concern, but we cannot forget what Kylian has done for this team and we miss a bit of support for him. We must not forget that he is our captain and I hope he will be back with us soon," Upamecano told reporters (h/t MARCA).
"There are a lot of games and I said that at the start of the season. We are human beings and the mental aspect counts a lot for us. I'm not going to go into those details, but as I said before he is our captain and I hope he will be with us soon. He is very important for us.
"He's a friend, a super player and I know what he's capable of. I hope he comes back and when he's here I hope he wears the armband."
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WHAT NEXT FOR FRANCE?
France will be facing Israel and Italy in their upcoming UEFA Nations League A Group 2 group stage fixtures with the aim of capturing top spot from the Azzurri, who have one more point after four games.
The IPL is mulling the possibility of conducting the entire league stage of the 2021 season in Mumbai before moving to Ahmedabad for the knockouts. This is according to Parth Jindal, co-owner of the Delhi Capitals, during a chat with ESPNcricinfo soon after Thursday’s auction in Chennai.”From what I’m hearing and seeing, if England can come and tour, if the ISL (Indian Super League) can happen all in Goa, if Vijay Hazare Trophy (domestic 50-over competition) and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (T20 competition) can happen across venues, I can’t fathom the IPL moving out of India,” Jindal said. “I do believe the IPL will happen in India.”I believe they’re contemplating whether to have the league phase at one venue (city) and playoffs at another venue. There’s a lot of chatter about Mumbai being possibly being one venue because it has three grounds (Wankhede Stadium, Brabourne Stadium, DY Patil Stadium) and enough practice facilities, and Motera (Ahmedabad) hosting the knockouts, but it’s all unverified, it’s all just what I am hearing.”Jindal further stated having the league phase in Mumbai, for example, could be advantageous to the Capitals, who have a number of players from the city in their mix. Although the possibility of playing in Mumbai could be slim given Maharashtra’s recent spike in Covid-19 cases which has prompted a new round of lockdowns.”If you look at our selection of Steven Smith, we felt the wickets in Mumbai will suit his style of batting.””The fact that we have so many Mumbai boys – Prithvi [Shaw], Jinks [Ajinkya Rahane], Shreyas [Iyer] helps. Mumbai has true bounce, the ball moves a bit because it’s on the coast, and all that played a role. The other option is being mulled right now is, why not open up all venues, go everywhere and show the world we’re ready for the T20 World Cup? They [BCCI[] are still unsure, I think it all depends on how the covid situation plays out in India over the next two weeks.”A few other key personnel from other franchises offered a straight bat. VVS Laxman, mentor of the Sunrisers Hyderabad, said “things were still uncertain regarding venues”, while Venky Mysore, chief executive of Kolkata Knight Riders, echoed Laxman. Anil Kumble, head coach of Punjab Kings, meanwhile, said they’d picked a composition of their squad keeping “all options” and conditions in mind.”We’re extremely delighted with what we could manage,” Kumble said. “We had the largest purse which meant people would chase us and keep upping the price, but the squad looks like what we wanted. We have all bases covered. If the tournament’s going to be in India, we have all options covered. If in case it moves out, we wanted to cover those options as well [at the auction].”Mysore, meanwhile, said: “Every team you can see has gone for that balance to adapt to whatever conditions we’re given. These are unusual times and we’re all very supportive of the BCCI. That the IPL was held itself was fantastic given the pandemic. If it happens in India, we’re supportive of working through that and if it’s elsewhere too. Most important the collective effort towards the tournament happening and in the most unimpeded way.”The ongoing England series is BCCI’s first full International series at home since the pandemic broke out in February last year. After hosting the first Test in Chennai behind closed doors, they opened up the venue for the remainder of the series with crowds up to 50% of the stadium’s capacity, despite the Indian government allowing outdoor sports events to have capacity crowds. England are scheduled to play five T20Is in Ahmedabad followed by three ODIs in Pune to wind off the tour on March 28.”This year is going to be big as well because of what it is,” BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had said earlier in the week, without divulging further details on the venue. However, over the past few months, he has been vocal about prioritising hosting the tournament in its entirety in India. “We’ll see whether we can get the crowd back into the IPL, it’s a decision we’ll have to take very shortly. But it’s going to be another great tournament.”
They might not have a trophy to show for it just yet, but over the last few years, Arsenal have improved dramatically under Mikel Arteta.
Just a couple of years ago, they were left licking their wounds following a 3-0 defeat in the North London derby that saw them miss out on Champions League football, whereas just a couple of months ago, they were two points from winning the Premier League.
From top to bottom, it feels like the Gunners have been transformed from the butt of people's jokes to a serious threat in every competition they take part in, although the one area of the pitch that feels like it could do with an upgrade is centre-forward.
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have done admirable jobs there, but no striker has been as prolific as ex-captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was in his pomp, but based on recent reports, Edu Gaspar and Co could be about to land the player to solve that problem.
Arsenal's strikers search
According to a recent report from Portuguese publication Correio da Manha, Arsenal have reignited their interest in Sporting CP's star striker, Viktor Gyokeres.
Sporting CP strikerViktor Gyokeres.
The report claims that following the Swede's seemingly rapid recovery from his recent knee surgery, the Gunners are again interested in the prolific number nine and will send scouts to watch him play in preseason to see how he gets on.
If the former Coventry City ace appears unaffected by the short layoff, then the story has revealed that a proposal from the North Londoners may arrive in Lisbon in early August, which could see them pay the player's €100m release clause – £84m.
Viktor Gyokeres in action for Sporting
This transfer would represent a massive investment from Arsenal, but given Gyokeres' incredible form, it is well worth making, especially as he could be the club's best striker since Auba.
Why Gyokeres would be Arsenal's best striker in years
It's been just over two and a half years since Aubameyang left Arsenal under a cloud of controversy and general disappointment. While his lacklustre final year and a half with the club can't be ignored, neither can the years of his incredible performances.
In all, the Gabonese superstar scored 92 goals and provided 21 assists in just 163 appearances for the North Londoners, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 1.44 games – a seriously impressive feat.
In his immediate absence, Alexandre Lacazette took up the role as the club's main striker, but just a few months later, Jesus arrived from Manchester City for £45m and, while his tally of 19 goals and 15 assists in 69 games for the club is impressive, it has nothing on the Gabonese star.
The most recent player to be given the chance to start as the club's main number nine has been Havertz, and while he's looked good in patches, his overall haul of 14 goals and seven assists in 51 games is again incomparable to the former captain's record.
So, that brings us to the Sporting CP "powerhouse", as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, who played like a man possessed last season, racking up 43 goals and 15 assists in 50 appearances, equating to an outrageous average of a goal involvement every 0.86 games.
Appearances
50
51
36
Goals
43
14
8
Assists
15
7
8
Goal Involvements per Match
1.16
0.41
0.44
This incredible output dwarfs the efforts of Arteta's current crop of strikers, and while it's impossible to be sure how well his form would translate to the Premier League, he's currently outperforming Auba at his peak.
Ultimately, Arsenal are in a great position at the moment and have a team full of incredible talents, and should they sign Gyokeres, they'll have a striker to match.
After Calafiori: Arsenal 'close' to signing dream Odegaard teammate
The impressive international would add some more grit to the Gunners’ midfield.
It wasn't the smoothest of debut campaigns for Ange Postecoglou last season, but considering the injuries he had to deal with and the departure of Harry Kane before a ball was kicked, qualifying for the Europa League has to be seen as a success.
However, the Australian will be looking to guide a club the size of Tottenham Hotspur further up the Premier League table than fifth next year, and with the right transfers, he might just be able to.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou
Daniel Levy and Co have already secured the signature of Leeds United's wonderkid Archie Gray for just £30m, but the latest start touted for a move to N17 plays at the sharp end of the pitch and may well be an upgrade on Dejan Kulusevski.
Spurs looking at Premier League forward
According to a recent report from insider Paul O'Keefe, Tottenham have reignited their interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers ace Pedro Neto in the last few days.
O'Keefe does not mention a potential price, but another report from Football Transfers last week revealed that the Old Gold have reduced the winger's asking price to just £43m and that the Lilywhites North London rivals Arsenal were potentially interested in the 24-year-old as well.
While the transfer could prove complicated due to the Gunners' interest, if Levy and Co can land a player as talented as Neto for the reported price, then it's certainly worth pursuing – even at the detriment of Kulusevski.
Pedro-Neto-Wolves
How Neto compares to Kulusevski
So, if Neto does end up signing on the dotted line and moving to the white side of North London, the fact he favours playing off the right of a front three will inevitably put him up against Kulusevski for a starting role. So how do they compare?
Well, from a pure output perspective, it's a comprehensive win for the Portuguese international. In 24 appearances last season, he scored three goals and provided 11 assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 1.74 games.
In comparison, the Swedish international scored eight goals and provided three assists in 39 appearances, which equates to a goal involvement every 3.54 games.
What about what's going on under the hood then? Is it another comfortable victory for the Old Gold's star winger when we compare their underlying numbers?
Unfortunately for the former Juventus ace, it is. For example, while he makes fewer progressive passes, maintains a lower passing accuracy and takes fewer shots on target, the 24-year-old "monster", as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, comes out ahead in most other metrics, including non-penalty expected goals and assists, progressive passes, shots, key passes, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons, ball recoveries, key passes and aerial duels won, all per 90.
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists
0.47
0.40
Progressive Passes
3.21
4.69
Progressive Carries
5.83
4.92
Shots
1.98
1.81
Shots on Target
0.68
0.69
Passing Accuracy
74.5
77.2
Key Passes
2.26
2.15
Shot-Creating Actions
4.45
4.14
Goal-Creating Actions
0.83
0.26
Successful Take-Ons
2.20
1.76
Ball Recoveries
4.70
4.33
Aerial Duels Won
0.24
0.23
Overall, it starts to look like the Wolves ace is the better option here, but the major concern with the talented winger is his injury record, which has seen him miss 46 games for club and country in the last two campaigns.
However, this could allow Postecoglou to play him and Kulusevski regularly throughout the season, ensuring they get adequate game time and rest time.
Spurs struck gold on "titanic" ace worth millions more than Archie Gray
The sensational star was one of the Lilywhites’ best performers last season.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 2, 2024
Ultimately, it's practically impossible to find the perfect transfer, and while his injuries are undoubtedly a concern, Neto is too good a player to pass up on, especially at this lower price.
Eberechi Eze is a name that’s been circulating in the Tottenham Hotspur fanbase over the last few weeks.
The reason for this is due to the Crystal Palace star being linked with a move to Spurs recently, and given his quality, it’s no surprise the Lilywhites faithful are excited.
Palace’s number ten was absolutely instrumental in the Premier League, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists.
A big price tag may well be needed to prise him away from Selhurst Park, although it's not more than one of their current star men.
What Spurs paid for Cristian Romero
Prior to the start of the 2021/22 campaign, Tottenham reinforced their backline with Cristian Romero from Atalanta.
The Argentine moved to Spurs off the back of an impressive Champions League and Serie A campaign in Bergamo, picking up three goals and five assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.
Romero originally joined on a season-long loan, starting 22 league games in his debut Premier League season and becoming an important player.
Therefore, upon the expiration of his loan, Spurs triggered his option to buy for £41m without hesitation, with Daniel Levy viewing him as a player who could develop into a world-class defender at Tottenham.
Christian Romero and Son Heung-min applaud the fans after a Premier League clash from Tottenham Hotspur.
However, Romero’s signature wasn’t exactly cheap, as they also had to meet his salary demands, and he eventually signed a £165k per week deal until 2027.
Romero’s transfer value in 2024
His first season as a permanent Spurs player featured plenty of ups and downs, including picking up two red cards.
However, under Ange Postecoglou, the World Cup winner has progressed brilliantly, starting 33 times in the Premier League last season.
Tottenham defender Cristian Romero
The centre-back ended the campaign as Spurs’ fourth-highest goalscorer with five, while also boasting the most passes completed, interceptions, and clearances in the squad.
Tottenham’s “perfect” defender, as dubbed by football scout Jacek Kulig, has truly become irreplaceable, acting as a true leader at the heart of the backline, but what is he exactly worth today?
Premier League's Most Valuable CB's
Player
Value
William Saliba
£68m
Ruben Dias
£68m
Gabriel Magalhaes
£59m
Cristian Romero
£51m
Micky van de Ven
£47m
Via Transfermarkt
Well, as you can see from the table above, Romero is now estimated to be worth an incredible £51m, as per Transfermarkt.
This makes the 26-year-old the fourth-most valuable centre-back in the entire Premier League, only behind the Arsenal duo and Ruben Dias, which just proves how important he truly is.
On top of that, he’s currently the second-highest valued player in the entire Spurs squad, only behind James Maddison, who’s worth £59m.
Interestingly, despite the season that Eze just had, Romero is also worth more than the attacking midfielder, who’s currently valued at £47m. The Palace sensation was a true hit last term and would be a fantastic signing for Tottenham.
Fans may even get a look at him in action at Euro 2024 with the winger earning a well-deserved call-up to Gareth Southgate's England squad for the tournament.
Nevertheless, as impressive as Eze has been, it’s also quite clear that Romero is one of the finest in England, with his £51m market value reflecting that perfectly.
Despite costing £41m originally, Spurs have truly hit the jackpot on the number 17, and if he continues to perform as he did last season, he’ll only be viewed as an even bigger bargain.
What Spurs' starting lineup could look like after £201m spending spree
Spurs will want to give Postecoglou everything he needs to build a successful side this summer.
O Palmeiras derrotou o Athletico-PR neste sábado (28) por 2 a 1 pelo Brasileirão. Rony, que não marcava há seis meses foi o responsável por garantir a vitória ao Verdão com o segundo gol do time na partida. Após o duelo, Abel Ferreira celebrou o feito do atacante, em especial, por ter sido com a perna canhota.
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O treinador revelou que a lesão sofrida no adutor da coxa esquerda o impediu de finalizar com a esquerda durante um bom período nos treinos. Além disso comparou o camisa 7, em tom de brincadeira, ao saci, personagem folclórico brasileiro, por utilizar uma perna apenas.
– O Rony teve uma ruptura do tendão do adutor quase que total. Fico feliz por ter feito gol com a esquerda. Lembra do saci? Ele, no treino, fazia o saci. Não chutava com a esquerda. Estava com medo. Ficamos felizes por ter usado o pé esquerdo – afirmou.
Em sequência, Abel apontou que Rony tem passado por um ano difícil, assim como Luiz Adriano, depois da última temporada de destaque.
– O Rony, tal qual o Luiz Adriano, tem passado por uma temporada difícil e atípica. São jogadores que nos ajudam e vão continuar ajudando. Eles se ligam bem, mas tiveram os dois alguns problemas – declarou.
Ao final, ele também esclareceu as três substituições realizadas no início da segunda etapa, que mudaram a maneira de atacar do time na partida.
– Substitui o Veiga pelo Rony para dar mais velocidade. Breno a mesma coisa. O Veron tinha um determinado tempo para jogar e quem entrou, entrou bem. Parabéns pela equipe que manteve a calma após o gol sofrido. Calma e foco nas tarefas – concluiu.
Em decorrência do adiamento da partida contra o Ceará, o Palmeiras volta a campo apenas contra o Flamengo, pelo início do returno da competição. A partida está marcada para o dia 11 no Allianz Parque.
Good news off the pitch is hard to come by at Everton these days, but those at Goodison Park could be set to finally receive some positive headlines, given that the Toffees have reportedly opened contract talks with one of Sean Dyche's star men.
Everton transfer news
With their takeover not any closer to completion and more doubts than ever about 777 Partners' ability to even reach that stage, Everton could be in for a long summer transfer window. Without those funds, the Toffees will likely be forced to sell at least one star player to fund further incomings and avoid even more FFP sanctions.
Everton now make first move to sign in-demand "sensation" for Dyche
He’s one for the future…
ByTom Cunningham May 30, 2024
This could see the likes of Amadou Onana depart, with Everton reportedly more willing to sacrifice the Belgian than young defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the coming months. Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich are both among the clubs to have been linked with a move for the midfielder this summer, as Everton look to cash in.
The hope will be that Onana's departure injects enough funds into Everton's budget to avoid a similar sale when it comes to Branthwaite. But it's not just the star defender that the Toffees reportedly want to keep hold of.
Amadou Onana for Everton
According to The Athletic, Everton have opened talks with Dominic Calvert-Lewin over a new contract at the club. The forward's current deal expires next summer and with Newcastle United reportedly interested in landing a deal in the coming months, those at Goodison Park have acted to ease any exit fears.
Whilst their ability to welcome fresh faces remains in doubt, keeping hold of players such as Calvert-Lewin should be the priority at Everton. The England international showed enough form at the back end of the season to suggest that he's well on his way to rediscovering his most clinical form in the Premier League too.
"Excellent" Calvert-Lewin is still a key player at Everton
After several injury issues and a struggle to find his best form, Calvert-Lewin finally came to life at the end of the season just when the Toffees needed him most. After scoring just four goals in the first 30 games of the Premier League season, Calvert-Lewin managed four in the final eight games, including one in a 2-0 victory over Merseyside rivals Liverpool.
By the end of the campaign, the forward managed eight goals and three assists with those final eight games representing the type of form that Dyche will be desperate to see at the start of next season.
The Everton boss was full of praise for Calvert-Lewin after defeating Liverpool, saying via BBC Sport: "I thought he was excellent. His physical performance was outstanding. This season has not been too bad on the injury front.
"But it shows it does take time mentally and physically to clear your mind of that and start to play freely again. I said to him after the match, 'That is the sort of performance that gets you back around the England squad'."
With contract talks underway and Calvert-Lewin far closer to his best form, Everton could finally have a solution for their goalscoring problems next season