Tag Futebol

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked to a defender ahead of the summer transfer window, as the 2022/23 season closes.

The Midlands club were saved mid-season by Julen Lopetegui, who took Wolves from the bottom of the table on Christmas day to a 13th-place Premier League finish.

The struggles are not over for the Spaniard despite the footballing calendar entering a break, as the club revealed struggles with FFP leading up to the summer window, which will jeopardise the finances the former Real Madrid manager assumed he would have.

Wolves have plenty of improvements to make on a limited budget, however, the latest link to the club would be a significant upgrade on a free transfer.

What’s the latest on Nacho Fernandez to Wolves?

As reported by Spanish outlet SPORT, Real Madrid legend Nacho Fernandez could be on the move to Molineux this summer.

The report states that the Premier League and joining Lopetegui at Wolves “tempts him”, having played under the boss with Los Blancos.

The Madrid-born ace’s contract will soon expire at the Bernabeu, with the defender opting to depart after spending his entire playing career at his boyhood club at a variety of levels.

What could Nacho Fernandez offer Wolves?

A defender that has made over 300 career appearances for a side as reputable as Real Madrid needs little introduction, with his experience and level of expertise a quality that would bolster any side.

The versatile defender, deployed mainly at centre-back, can play on both flanks at the back and showcases a range of attributes having already proven "a nightmare for Salah" at Europe's top table, as per Jamie Easton.

Despite nearing the latter stages of his playing career at 33-years-old, the defender could have a similar impact on Lopetegui’s budding Wolves defence as Thiago Silva at Chelsea.

The Brazilian signed for Chelsea at the age of 35, and has proved to be one of the most crucial players at Stamford Bridge, raising the level with his expertise in central defence.

While a coach can teach and nurture ability, one cannot replicate experience, which is what the £133k-per-week ace could bring to the struggling back line in abundance.

One player that would certainly benefit from the Madrid veterans' knowledge is Max Kilman, who at 26-years-old has excelled since trading Maidenhead United for Molineux in 2018.

The Englishman has been solid at the back for Lopetegui’s side, praised as being a “monster” since his emergence by members of the media.

Being in the earlier stages of his career, Kilman could benefit from being partnered by the five-time Champions League winner, who has played alongside some of the best defenders of this generation.

Nacho’s experience is far from the only exciting thing about the potential transfer, but his ability on the ball also, ranking as one of Europe's best central defenders in possessing over the past year.

As per FBref, the Spaniard averages a pass completion rate of 91.2% per 90, as well as executing 4.03 progressive passes per 90, highlighting his ability to play the ball from defence to advancing areas of the pitch.

A similar trait is shown by Kilman, who averages just below the Madrid defender with 3.46 progressive passes per 90, suggesting that the duo could flourish in their mirrored playing styles.

Hailed as being an “important” player by Zinedine Zidane, Nacho could be a favourable signing on a free transfer this summer for Lopetegui, who could model his defence around the experienced general.

Everton have given the green light to sell Amadou Onana during the upcoming transfer window, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

Will Amadou Onana leave Everton?

The Toffees midfielder only arrived on Merseyside from Lille last summer and has become a regular feature during his debut season with 34 appearances to date, though despite his contract not expiring for another four years, he’s already been linked with an exit.

Back in April, Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea were both credited with an interest in the 21-year-old and are believed to be weighing up bids, whilst TEAMtalk has since reported that Manchester United have also joined the race to secure his services during the upcoming window.

The Belgium international currently pockets £100k per week at Goodison Park, making him the joint-third-highest earner on the books, as per Capology, and Sean Dyche will know that he may have to cash in on some of his most prized assets should relegation occur – meaning that the talented prospect could be one of the first to go.

Are Everton selling Onana?

According to Football Insider, Everton are “planning to sell” Onana for a fee in the region of £60m this summer. The Merseyside outfit have no money available to them to purchase new signings and are therefore operating on a sell-to-buy policy, while they are “confident” that they will be able to receive a sizeable sum for the midfielder.

Everton will understandably have to raise cash to fund new signings over the coming months, but having been dubbed a “one-man army” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Onana is a key player whose services should be retained ahead of the start of the 2023/24 term if at all possible.

The 6 foot 4 colossus, while able to be a presence in defensive situations – only Idrissa Gueye tops him among Everton's regulars for tackles and fouls won per game – is capable of contributing to his team’s efforts at the opposite end of the pitch on occasion, having posted three goal contributions (two assists and one goal) since putting pen to paper last summer.

Onana is a great versatile option for Dyche to have at his disposal having operated in six various positions across the pitch since first bursting onto the professional scene, so losing him would surely be considered a huge blow, which is why the board need to do everything they can to maintain their status in the top division and keep him for the foreseeable.

Chelsea are eyeing a move for Barcelona midfielder Gavi this summer, with manager-elect Mauricio Pochettino driving the deal, according to reports from Spain.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

With the Blues now seemingly poised to appoint Pochettino as their new manager, they have now started to look at potential summer signings, recently being linked with a move for Bayern Munich winger Sadio Mane.

Another wide option is Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar, with Chelsea said to be interested in signing the Brazilian, and he is willing to leave the Parc des Princes this summer.

Attacking options appear to be the main priority for Todd Boehly, also being strongly linked with Brentford's Ivan Toney, however Pochettino has made it clear he wants to strengthen in a number of areas, including midfield.

According to reports from Spain (via Sport Witness), the former Tottenham Hotspur boss is the strongest candidate to take over at Stamford Bridge, with Graham Potter's successor set to be named in the next few days.

The Argentine is said to have "very clear" plans to rebuild the Chelsea squad, and wants to start by bringing in Gavi, who he "really likes", although it will not be easy to orchestrate a transfer.

The 18-year-old has no intention of leaving Barca, despite the fact he is currently on a youth contract, with his proposed contract renewal being rejected by La Liga due to the club's financial issues.

Would Gavi be a good signing for Chelsea?

If the Blues are able to convince the midfielder about a move, then he could be a very exciting signing, given that he has already emerged as a vital first-team player for Barca, despite his age, making 45 appearances in all competitions so far this season.

Hailed as "sensational" by journalist Josh Bunting, the maestro is also versatile enough to play on the wing, having featured on the left side 13 times this season, weighing in with two goals and three assists when played in that position.

Teammate Sergio Busquets has raved about the starlet, telling Movistar TV (via The Athletic): “He is at an incredible level, goals, assists, he has a brilliant future, but still many things he can improve."

That said, even though the £124k-per-week youngster undoubtedly has a great deal of potential, Chelsea already have the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Mason Mount and N'Golo Kante to choose from at central midfield.

Given that the Blues are among the lowest-scorers in the Premier League, a new striker must remain the priority, and it would not be the end of the world if they missed out on Gavi.

Brisbane’s slide down the pecking order of Australian Test venues has been slowed by the announcement of a deal to guarantee international cricket at the Gabba for the next three summers

Daniel Brettig31-May-2016Brisbane’s slide down the pecking order of Australian Test venues has been slowed by the announcement of a deal to guarantee international cricket at the Gabba for the next three summers, meaning the national team can hope to maintain its enviable record in Queensland.Starting with the day-night Test against Pakistan this December, the Gabba will retain its share of matches in the foreseeable future, despite having become increasingly vulnerable to competition for fixtures from other venues, including the redeveloped Adelaide Oval.This vulnerability had been exacerbated by an apparent lack of interest from the former state government in lobbying for Queensland’s share of international cricket, in direct contrast to South Australia in particular. This was hammered home by the Gabba’s peripheral role in last year’s World Cup, despite its reputation for having one of the fastest and truest cricket pitches in the world.Elements of the venue and its surroundings have been targeted for upgrades, but the deal between Cricket Australia (CA), the state government and Brisbane City Council is understood to cover increased investment in marketing and promoting international cricket in the state. Poor crowds at recent non-Ashes matches have raised eyebrows around the country, and the local authorities have now acknowledged that more needs to be done to sell the game to fans.Pat Howard, CA’s manager of team performance, was understandably delighted to see the deal inked. Australia have not lost a Test match at the Gabba since 1988, so the safeguarding of the ground’s international fixtures stands to help the side keep up their formidable recent home record.”We’ve guaranteed international cricket here for the next three years,” Howard said. “As we all know, the record here at the Gabba since 1988 – Australia hasn’t lost here. So it’s a place the team loves to come, loves to play, and it locks us in here for the next three years.”On top of that, as we’ve seen, pink-ball Test this year, it’s going to be an unbelievable occasion, a massive thing for the Queensland public and fans, and we know they’re going to come in their droves. So from a whole-of-game perspective, it’s going to be a wonderful thing for Australian cricket, Queensland cricket and I think for the Queensland fans.”Joe Burns, the Queensland and Australia opening batsman, explained what made the Gabba unique. “It’s a great place to play cricket, the characteristics of the wicket, there’s not too many wickets like it in world cricket anymore,” he said. “The bounce of the ball going through is fantastic for spectators to see, the contest between bat and ball, and its fantastic news for the next three years going forward.”Next season Perth will upstage Brisbane in hosting the first Test of summer for the first time since 1993-94. However the Gabba is expected to return to the opening slot for the 2017-18 Ashes series. That contest is likely to feature a day-night Test for the very first time, but it is most likely to be held in Adelaide.

Arsenal have it all to do tonight, as they travel to Manchester City in the hopes they can pull off what would be a miracle.

Having led the way in the chase for the Premier League title, recent slip-ups have allowed Pep Guardiola's side to creep into the driving seat, with their clash at the Etihad expected to only extend that lead further. However, should Mikel Arteta pull off the unthinkable and claim victory, it would blow the title race wide open once again.

With just six games left for the Gunners, nothing less than six wins will be enough to topple the reigning champions.

As aforementioned, those three draws in their last three games have somewhat derailed a league campaign that had been largely faultless beforehand. The latter of the results, against West Ham United and Southampton, sting particularly so.

They should be sweeping aside these relegation-battling teams, yet perhaps a mentality issue is creating a barrier for this team that are admittedly inexperienced when it comes to such a venture.

In an effort to calm everyone down and reclaim some control in the engine room with Granit Xhaka's expected absence, perhaps Jorginho deserves a start given his pedigree and intangible qualities.

Will Jorginho start vs Manchester City?

Given Guardiola once tried to sign the Italian for his side, it is clear just how highly the Spaniard rates the 31-year-old.

Therefore, it will not be a big boost for the tactician to see that their usual Swiss maestro is a doubt given the strength of his replacement. Not only is the former Chelsea powerhouse a calm presence on the ball, but he has experience that few others in the travelling dressing room will boast given his stacked trophy cabinet with the Blues.

Having only moved to the Emirates in January, the "classy" conductor – as branded by journalist Dan George – has been reduced to more of a cameo role by Arteta despite a strong start.

Averaging just 65 minutes per game across the season, the £110k-per-week star retains two tackles per game and an 86% pass accuracy that outlines what he can bring to the table, via Sofascore. Screening a back four that has looked unstable of late could be crucial in quelling Erling Haaland, who everyone is likely petrified of facing Rob Holding.

Once dubbed a "midfield general" by talkSPORT commentator Ian Abrahams, Jorginho will have to use every ounce of his quality to ensure Arsenal gain a positive result on the road.

Winning this evening would really shake up what many now see as a foregone conclusion, but a loss would likely end all hopes of a first league title since 2004.

Newcastle United are reportedly among the "favourites" to snap up Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby during the summer transfer window.

Is Diaby having a good season?

The 23-year-old is part of a Leverkusen squad currently thriving under Xabi Alonso, proving to be an important figure. This season, he has scored nine goals and registered six assists in 26 Bundesliga appearances, as well as three goal contributions in the Europa League, helping them reach the quarter-finals of the competition.

Diaby's performances have understandably caught the eye of a number of clubs across Europe, with a summer departure potentially on the cards. The Frenchman's current deal expires in the summer of 2025 and it could be that the best chance for Leverkusen to receive big money for his services is at the end of this season.

With Newcastle looking for a memorable summer in the transfer market, more attacking firepower is perhaps required in their squad – particularly with a European campaign next season looking likely – and the Leverkusen star could be just the man to help solve that issue.

Are Newcastle signing Moussa Diaby?

According to SportBILD (via Sport Witness), the Magpies are "among the favourites" to acquire Diaby's signature this summer, seeing him as an exciting option to add more quality in the final third. A number of top clubs are believed to be "getting serious" about signing him, with the player himself also claiming that "it’s fun when many clubs are interested in you".

It is stated that Newcastle were keen on bringing in Diaby during the January transfer window, but a move failed to materialise at that point. Anthony Gordon's struggles are mentioned in the report, having "failed" to make an impression so far – he is yet to get a goal or an assist in seven Premier League appearances, suggesting that Diaby would be considered an upgrade on the former Everton man.

We think Diaby could be a great signing for Newcastle, with his end product speaking for itself this season, while nine caps for a star-studded France team also outlines his pedigree. He has been hailed as "incredibly dangerous" by Freiburg coach Christian Streich, and his overall record of 94 goal contributions (48 goals and 46 assists) in 162 appearances for Leverkusen is highly impressive.

At 23, he also has his best years ahead of him, meaning he could be an immediate key man as well as a future potential superstar at St James' Park.

All things considered, we feel there is every reason for Eddie Howe to splash the cash on the winger this summer.

Journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke outlined his surprise that both Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason have remained in charge of Tottenham Hotspur after Antonio Conte was sacked.

What's the latest on Cristian Stellini and Spurs?

On Sunday night, Spurs officially announced that the club's now former head coach would be leaving by mutual agreement as they thanked him for his contribution.

In the statement, chairman Daniel Levy said: "We have 10 Premier League games remaining and we have a fight on our hands for a Champions League place. We all need to pull together. Everyone has to step up to ensure the highest possible finish for our Club and amazing, loyal supporters.”

On top of that, it was explained that Stellini and Mason would remain in charge of Tottenham for now with the 48-year-old Italian working as acting head, coach while the Englishman would be his assistant.

While speaking about this development on TalkSport, Pitt-Brooke explained why he was somewhat taken aback by the news that both men would remain with the club.

Indeed, he explained (1:16): “Well, it's very unusual, isn't it? Off the top of my head. I can't think of any other examples of a manager leaving and his two assistants stay in place.

"I mean, I think the presumption was that Ryan Mason would stay on which of course is what he did after Mourinho was sacked in 2021. But not many people expected Stellini to stay on as well.

“I think in part, it reflects the fact that they don't want a complete repeat of 2021 when Ryan Mason had the last few games. Equally. I think it's also just an acknowledgement of what a good job Stellini and Mason did.

"I mean, frankly, that was his best run in the season when Conte was recuperating from surgery at home in Italy. And Stellini and Mason helped them beat Manchester City and Chelsea. But you're right, it is very odd. It's not something that would normally happen."

How did Ryan Mason do as Spurs manager?

As Pitt-Brooke mentions, Mason was of course in charge as the club's interim for seven games back in 2021 after former coach Jose Mourinho was sacked.

Promisingly, for fans, he actually managed to win four of these games. However, he lost the other three and in that period even managed to squeeze in a Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

He has remained as a coach at Spurs ever since and so it's safe to assume he'll remain in that position when the club do hire a permanent replacement.

As for Stellini, though, it remains unclear if he will remain in north London when a new man comes in. After all, he was hired by Conte and so is very much connected to the Italian's tenure – which explains why there is some surprise that he too hasn't now departed.

While West Ham were able to secure a 2-0 win against AEK Larnaca on Thursday evening to all but seal their progression in the Europa Conference League, David Moyes is still a man under serious pressure at the London Stadium.

Will West Ham sack David Moyes?

Last weekend’s 4-0 defeat at Brighton was a microcosm of how far the Hammers have fallen under the Scottish manager this season, with dreams of a top-four finish a distant memory.

There is no doubt that, despite the money that was spent on exciting new additions in the summer, the Hammers are in a relegation battle this season and a change is clearly needed to get the best out of this talented squad.

Unfortunately for West Ham fans, many of whom were singing anti-Moyes chants in the loss last Saturday, it seems as if the Scottish manager is here to stay.

Jim White, who is a journalist for Sky Sports and talkSPORT, revealed live on his radio show yesterday that the club have no plans to part ways with Moyes, even if the worst were to happen and West Ham were to be relegated this season.

“This source tells me that even if West Ham end up going down in the Premier League, the thought process is that David Moyes will carry on going into next season,” he said.

It was suggested by The Times ahead of the 4-0 win against Nottingham Forest that a defeat could see the former Everton boss sacked by West Ham but that result in isolation is seemingly enough to have saved his skin, as the subsequent defeats against Manchester United and Brighton warranted no action.

Could the Hammers be doomed to relegation?

Moyes has an array of attacking talent at his disposal and yet the Hammers are one of the lowest scorers in the division, which suggests that the 59-year-old simply cannot get the best out of his side.

Summer signing Gianluca Scamacca has been consigned to the bench for recent fixtures, while the likes of Jarrod Bowen, Pablo Fornals and arguably Declan Rice have all regressed this season, so it is no surprise to see the Hammers looking over their shoulders at the relegation places.

It is hard to see how Moyes turns things around as his defensive set-up for big games is consistently costing his side points, as Rice pointed out after the 2-0 defeat against Spurs last month.

“Last season we were so good,” Rice told Sky Sports (via The Athletic). “You felt like every game we’d go into we’d score one or two goals.”

It is therefore extremely worrying that West Ham are reportedly not considering sacking Moyes, as while this squad might be far too good to go down on paper, it remains a real possibility given their recent lacklustre displays.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez may well be coming to the end of his final season for the club, according to an update from transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Martinez linked with exit

The 30-year-old has arguably become one of the world’s most high-profile goalkeepers in recent months, following his 2022 World Cup heroics with Argentina, even being shortlisted for FIFA’s ‘The Best’ awards.

Martinez was magnificent in Qatar, proving to be the hero in two penalty shootouts, and he has continued to be a strong performer for Villa too despite the unfortunate ending to the defeat against Arsenal.

However, recent reports have linked him with a move away in the summer transfer window despite being contracted at Villa Park until 2027, with his relationship with Unai Emery thought to be dangling by a thread.

The Latest: Fresh update emerges

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones suggested that Martinez is now in his final few months as a Villa player:

“You have to wonder if this will be Martinez’s last season at Villa. The talk just doesn’t go away and he is a huge character who has a mind of his own.

“I think, as a manager, you have to accept that or just draw a line and move on from him because there’s not really an in-between here.”

The Verdict: Feels highly likely

At this point, it would now be a massive surprise if Martinez stayed at Villa beyond this summer, with so many reports backing him to move elsewhere and the conflict with the manager seemingly bubbling under the surface.

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At 30, the £120,000-a-week Argentine may feel that now is the time to challenge himself at a Champions League-playing club, and his performances on the big stage do merit a move to a team of that stature.

Rio Ferdinand called Martinez ‘fantastic’ during the World Cup and he is arguably one of Europe’s top ‘keepers right now, with his value skyrocketing in the last couple of seasons.

Therefore, NSWE can hopefully demand huge money for the 26-cap Argentina international’s signature, given his contract situation, which could go a long way towards improving Emery’s overall squad.

Phil Hay has insisted that people at Leeds United had been speaking about Jesse Marsch’s future since early January.

The Lowdown: Marsch’s sacking appeared inevitable

After just 11 wins as Leeds manager, it’s no surprise to see Marsch sacked after yet another loss last weekend, however, the fact he was recently backed in the transfer window does raise some questions.

Marsch has had to stand on the touchline and listen on as Leeds fans chanted for him to be sacked in recent games, which may well have been a sign of him losing the fanbase, and it’s difficult to come back from that.

Some may see the decision to sack someone you’d just handed three new players to in January as a knee-jerk one after the Forest loss, but it appears many at Leeds had been unhappy with Marsch for some time now, according to Hay.

The Latest: Leeds considered Marsch’s future for some time

It appears as though some people high up at Leeds haven’t been convinced by Marsch since they lost 2-1 at Aston Villa in mid-January, as Hay highlighted on the latest episode of The Phil Hay Show.

He said: “The first time his future was actively discussed was after the defeat to Aston Villa back in the middle of January. Again, dissent from the away end that evening, but the decision was made to keep him and Victor Orta in particular [was] very supportive of Marsch and very determined to try and make this work.

“You have to say that since then, it’s been kind of full-on support for Marsch via transfers and via the appointment of Chris Armas as his new assistant.”

The Verdict: Orta was potentially delusional

The fact that Orta was seemingly very keen on making his Marsch appointment work may well have blinded him from what was actually happening on the pitch.

Leeds haven’t won a league game this calendar year and indeed have just two wins in their last 17 league outings, which is quite telling of where Marsch was going to be taking Leeds if he wasn’t sacked soon.

Marsch was clearly out of his depth having won just 11 games and despite being backed with several American players and ones also from the Red Bull Group he is very familiar with. He simply couldn’t get a tune out of them, so the right decision was made, albeit perhaps a bit later than was necessary.