West Ham could be about to make a bid for Danish right back Joakim Maehle as David Moyes continues to strengthen his squad.
What’s the word?
That is according to a report from Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera Bergamo (print edition July 6th) which claims that the Premier League side could make a €15m (£13m) bid for the Atalanta player, and it’s a fee that the club would accept if it was in that region.
Although a right-back is down in the list of priorities for Moyes at the moment, it is encouraging to see the club trying to sign players who will add some quality to the first team.
Moyes given the green light
Moyes has already added Nayef Aguerd and Flynn Downes to his squad, whilst making goalkeeper Alphonse Areola’s deal a permanent one following his loan spell from PSG last season.
With the club coming down from the highs of last season, reaching the Europa Semi finals, and finishing seventh in the Premier League, Moyes will be aiming to continue the momentum into next season.
This will require a few extra faces and a deal for Maehle would be a shrewd signing, especially at the quoted fee.
The right-back excelled at Euro 2020 for Denmark as they fell at the penultimate hurdle to England, scoring twice and providing an “outrageous” assist in the match against the Czech Republic.
Further praise was lavished upon him, with the Bleacher Report describing one of his crosses as “perfection”, with his performances at the European Championships for Denmark plus a productive season in Serie A have put clubs like West Ham on standby.
His attacking abilities are his greatest strengths. Compared to positional peers in the big five leagues over the previous year, Maehle ranks in the 11th percentile for total shots (1.12 per 90), touches in the opposition box (2.76 per 90), and the 20th percentile for non-penalty goals (0.09 per 90).
Moyes would love an attacking full-back at the London Stadium next season, and Maehle has all the attributes to be a success in England.
AND in other news: Big West Ham transfer update emerges that’ll delight Moyes…
After an impressive run in Europe last season which saw them reach the final of European competition, Rangers fans would have perhaps been consigned to some of their best young talents at Ibrox attracting interest from abroad.
What’s the word?
One man who caught the eye last season was Joe Aribo and sides across the border are understandably keen on signing the Rangers forward after his performances in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.
The former Charlton man has been tipped to reunite with Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa and while rumours have been quiet in recent weeks, Dean Jones suggests that the Villans could still return for Aribo later in the window.
In an interview with GIVEMESPORT, he said: “I think Aribo will become an option a bit later in the window from what I’m told.
“I think he had ideas of going somewhere else that have fallen through, and now they’re going to look at further options, and I know that Villa is just one of those that need to be explored. So that might happen but further down the line.”
Supporters will be gutted
Since joining on a free transfer from Charlton in 2019, Aribo has established himself as a key player at Ibrox.
The 25-year-old has gone on to make 148 appearances for the Gers, contributing 26 goals and 25 assists in that time, while last season was certainly his best in a Rangers shirt.
Aribo would feature 57 times in all competitions for van Bronckhorst’s side, contributing nine goals and ten assists, which emphasises just how much the Dutch manager relied on the midfield maestro last season.
He also showed his versatility in the Europa League final, featuring up front and scoring the opening goal, so it is clear that he is a very-highly valued player at Ibrox.
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However, with his contract set to expire at the end of next season, it would not be a surprise to see him sold this summer.
Given just how important he has been for Rangers in recent seasons, supporters will surely be gutted to hear that an Aston Villa approach is on the cards.
And, in other news… GvB can sign his own Ballon d’Or nominee with Rangers swoop for “amazing” £20m maestro
Sunderland fans have been handed reassurances over their club’s summer transfer endeavours.
What’s the word?
That is according to an interview conducted by the club’s official website with Black Cats manager Alex Neil, who believes that his side need to add quality and depth to the squad in preparation for an ultra-competitive campaign back in the Championship.
In the interview with the club, the 41-year-old said: “That’s one thing [underestimating the division] that I’m really trying to guard against with everybody in the building,
“The Championship is a league that’s obviously been my bread and butter for a number of years, the difficulty you have is that, unlike League One or at least from the sample I had from it, you can play top of the league and then bottom, and both of the games are equally difficult.
“You need to fight tooth and nail for every point. Providing we understand that, providing we go and try and do the best we possibly can in the recruitment window, and obviously add as much quality and depth to the squad as we can, we’ll give ourselves the best chance of being successful.
Supporters surely buzzing
Despite securing promotion to the Championship and now approaching the halfway point in the off-season, Sunderland have been relatively quiet on the transfer front, signing just one player in Leon Dajaku as they executed the buyout clause in his loan deal to make his stay permanent.
Other than that, the narrative has mainly been about retaining key players at the club, with the likes of Ross Stewart a focus of attention with the likes of Rangers sniffing around.
Neil is completely correct, though. Sunderland need to add quality to the squad and, having come from the mouth of the Black Cats manager, supporters can take solace in knowing that the club are likely to be planning additions to the playing ranks.
Indeed, these comments from the 41-year-old could well have the Wearside faithful buzzing with excitement as to who might be coming in over the next few weeks.
AND in other news: Speakman now plotting Sunderland bid for “outstanding” 22-year-old, Neil needs him badly
Everton have reportedly now asked about the possibility of signing Dwight McNeil this summer.
The Lowdown: Relegated
McNeil was relegated with Burnley on the final day of the Premier League season, meaning that he will play in the Championship next term unless the Clarets can find a suitable buyer.
Dubbed a ‘sensational player‘ by The Athletic journalist Andy Jones, there is no doubt that he is still capable of performing in the top flight, having racked up over 100 appearances in the division over five consecutive seasons, scoring seven goals and making a further 17 assists (Transfermarkt).
The Latest: Enquiry
Writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that the Goodison Park outfit have now ‘asked’ about the potential to sign McNeil, although they face heavy competition for his signature.
Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Brentford, West Ham United and Fulham are also thought to be eyeing up the Englishman following his relegation.
The Verdict: No-brainer
Given his experience in the Premier League, and the fact that he could now be available at a cut price after relegation, it is surely a no-brainer for the Merseyside club to go and sign McNeil.
They already look set to sign his teammate James Tarkowski, and so it should not take long for him to settle in and adapt to life under Frank Lampard.
The 22-year-old actually shares the same agent as both Anthony Gordon and Andros Townsend, and so this is a deal that shouldn’t be too difficult to negotiate if the Toffees want it.
In other news, find out what ‘amazing’ Blues update has now emerged here!
Tottenham Hotspur and by extension transfer chief Fabio Paratici have made an offer for one of Antonio Conte’s transfer targets as news emerges from Spain in the last 48 hours.
The Lowdown: Lilywhites push for more deals…
The signing of Yves Bissouma, preceded by Bosman deals for Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster, are seemingly not the only pieces of business possible at Spurs before the 2022/23 Premier League season.
It is reliably believed that sporting director Fabio Paratici has his eyes on strengthening at least three more positions as Conte seeks a new right wing-back, a star striker and an assured central defensive upgrade for his back three.
The Latest: Mundo Deportivo share Spurs ‘offer’…
To that effect, Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan has been linked throughout this transfer window so far, but reports have now emerged involving another centre-back wanted by Conte.
According to Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet has received an ‘offer’ from the north Londoners as they eye a possible two-year loan deal.
The Frenchman, who is set to evaluate this approach alongside another one from Marseille, has now scheduled a crunch meeting with his agent ‘by the end of this week’.
The Verdict: Good option?
Despite his lofty £170,000-per-week salary, this move could be viewed as the most economical option overall for Spurs if Barca agree to a two-year loan deal.
Paying no lofty transfer fee, like they would have to for the likes of Bastoni, could save Paratici and Spurs a great deal of finance, but we believe that investing in more quality targets is far more advantageous in the long run.
Lenglet has struggled for a regular starting place at Barca over the last year despite once showing real promise, and he should perhaps come as a fallback option at best.
Liverpool could ‘have the edge’ over Barcelona for the summer signing of Leeds United winger Raphinha, according to finance expert Dr. Dan Plumley.
The Lowdown: Raphinha on the move
The Brazilian has been an impressive performer for the Whites over the past couple of seasons, scoring 17 goals and chipping in with 12 assists.
Raphinha could well move on ahead of the start of next season, though, as he perhaps looks for a fresh challenge leading up to this winter’s World Cup.
Liverpool have been linked with a move for the 25-year-old in the past but they aren’t alone in showing an interest, with Barcelona arguably the favourites to sign him.
The Latest: Liverpool given hope over Raphinha
Speaking to Football Insider, Plumley claimed that the Reds could have an advantage over the La Liga giants in a financial sense, with journalist Pete O’Rourke having recently claimed that an offer of £60m could be enough to persuade Leeds to sell.
The finance expert stated:
“Barcelona need to be careful. They have to be selective with the players that they do want. Liverpool have the edge, you would imagine, if they are keen on Raphinha.
“The reason Barcelona are in that situation is to the league restrictions on wages. They have a soft salary cap. That is where the league tell the clubs what they can spend each year on transfers and wages.
“It is linked to financial indicators around revenue, debt and liabilities. It is also around performance in the previous year.
“The league that set the figure and the clubs have to conform. That is why Barcelona can’t register those players.
“When you compare Barcelona and Liverpool, all things considered Liverpool have the edge from a negotiation point of view. They are in a better position.”
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The Verdict: Is Raphinha required?
Raphinha is undoubtedly a fantastic player – he has been hailed as a ‘magician’ by Leeds team-mate Dan James – and he looks set to have a big future ahead of him wherever he goes.
Whether or not Liverpool need him this summer is up for debate, though, with Darwin Nunez coming in and Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino also representing great attacking options.
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The only way that a move for Raphinha may be needed is if Salah moves into a central role, allowing the Leeds star to take up his right-sided berth – but then what would that mean for Diaz and Nunez?
Barcelona feels like the Brazil international’s most likely option, with Xavi arguably more in need of attacking reinforcements at the moment than Jurgen Klopp.
In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key Liverpool transfer update. Read more here.
A big Glasgow Rangers twist has emerged over the Ibrox club’s pursuit of a striker heading into the summer transfer window…
What’s the talk?
According to the Daily Record, ‘club sources’ have denied an imminent swoop for Mateo Cassierra is coming for Rangers.
The report claims that the £8m-rated gem will not be arriving at Ibrox any time soon as there is no deal in place for him to join, despite the player speaking about a potential move to Glasgow.
He was recently quoted as saying: “Personally, the priority is to be in Europe. I’ve been abroad for five years, in different countries and leagues. But as I say, we are in time to rest and now nothing can be ruled out”.
“There was also talk about Rangers. The coach (van Bronckhorst) knows me. There are possibilities.
“River is something that has been talked about a lot at the end of last week. But I don’t know anything, a week ago we finished and the possibilities have to be seen.”
Supporters will be gutted
Gers supporters will be gutted by this news as it does not bode well for the chances of the Premiership side landing the Colombian forward this summer.
Although they have not completely ruled out a future move for the attacker, the club sources have rejected the idea that he is an imminent target. This will give other teams, including River Plate, an opportunity to snap him up whilst the Light Blues decide what they want to do.
Fans will be frustrated if Rangers do miss out on a deal for the 25-year-old as his statistics from the 2021/22 campaign suggest that he would be a terrific addition to Gio van Bronckhorst’s squad.
In the Russian Premier Liga, Cassierra produced 14 goals and four assists in 22 matches for Sochi, averaging a superb SofaScore rating of 7.29.
His goal record immediately stands out but his creativity from a number nine position is also very impressive. He managed to create four ‘big chances’ and provided 1.4 key passes per game as he showed that he can excel as a playmaker whilst also being a predator in the opposition’s box.
This means that he would be a double threat at the top end of the pitch for Rangers with his ability to both score and create goals. Therefore, the fans will be gutted to learn that – despite his comments – the club are not closing in on the striker.
AND in other news, Big setback: Rangers dealt hammer blow that’ll leave van Bronckhorst fuming…
For a side that has now won it all under Jurgen Klopp in the last seven years or so, Liverpool haven’t actually spent ludicrous amounts of money in one transaction very often, instead opting for options outside of the box, and, in the end, more successful and cheaper players.
And that transfer genius has, in many ways, been one of the greatest keys to their success. That, and the unrelenting conductor behind it all, Jurgen Klopp.
A certain former Aston Villa striker, aside, every player listed below has failed to flop when bought for big money. Of course, that’s not to say every player has been a great revelation, with the jury still up on Naby Keita, for example, but those listed have, at the very least, played a big part in the club’s history.
Some said that Liverpool overpaid for the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane when they first joined the club, only to be proven wrong months later. The fact is, the recruitment team at Liverpool rarely makes mistakes. Each player signed is brought in to fit Klopp’s system to perfection because, simply put, anything beneath perfection is rarely good enough at Anfield these days.
The Reds have already secured one summer signing ahead of next season, with Fulham’s teenage sensation, Fabio Carvahlo, joining for £7.7m. If the 19-year-old follows in the footsteps of previous summer signings in the red half of Merseyside, then Liverpool fans are in for a treat.
As revealed by TransferMarkt, here are the top 10 most expensive Liverpool transfers of all time.
10) Roberto Firmino – £36.9m (Hoffenheim, 2016)
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When Roberto Firmino joined Liverpool under Brendan Rodgers in the summer of 2016, not many knew what to expect. And, in truth, the Brazilian only really started to hit the heights at Anfield when Jurgen Klopp arrived, and introduced the false nine role to the system.
Firmino fit the role like a glove, and hasn’t looked back since. The £36.9m fee looks like a bargain nowadays.
9) Sadio Mane – £37m (Southampton, 2016)
Soccer Football – Champions League – Semi Final – Second Leg – Villarreal v Liverpool – Estadio de la Ceramica, Villarreal, Spain – May 3, 2022 Liverpool’s Sadio Mane celebrates scoring their third goal REUTERS/Pablo Morano
Arguably the first player to reach new heights under Klopp, Sadio Mane rose to stardom in the 16/17 season, and has kept improving year on year, cementing his Liverpool legacy.
Now a legend of the club with countless honours to his name, Mane looks likely to depart Liverpool this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, after scoring 120 goals in 269 appearances.
8) Mohamed Salah – £37.8m (AS Roma, 2017)
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The final of the famous front three on this list, Mohamed Salah is arguably the best of the lot. When signed for £37.8m from Roma in 2017, many believed that Liverpool had overpaid for the winger. A record-breaking 32-goal Premier League season later, however, and the Reds looked like genius’.
When the Egyptian king does depart, whenever that turns out to be, he will go down as one of the greatest players in the Klopp era.
7) Diogo Jota – £40.23m (Wolves, 2020)
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Another player many believed that Liverpool overpaid for, Diogo Jota’s success at Liverpool occasionally goes under the radar. The Portugal forward has become a serial goalscorer at Anfield. In 2021/2022, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man managed 21 goals in all competitions.
It speaks volumes that, whilst Salah and Mane were away at AFCON, Liverpool didn’t struggle for goals with Jota at the fore.
6) Fabinho – £40.5m (AS Monaco, 2018)
Fabinho is one of few names on this list that many actually expected to succeed when signed. He was tipped as the missing piece in many ways and has gone on to become a vital player under Klopp – picking up the ‘lighthouse’ nickname.
Signed alongside Alisson Becker in 2018, the summer of his arrival will go down as one of the most important in Liverpool’s modern-day history.
5) Christian Benteke – £41.85m (Aston Villa, 2015)
Christian Benteke getting a place on this list is proof that not everyone is perfect, especially Liverpool’s recruitment team before Klopp. The big Belgian forward never stood a chance in Klopp’s heavy metal system and was quickly sold to Crystal Palace for £27m.
Benteke did, at the very least, leave the club with a stunning overhead kick against Manchester United to boast about. But, the acrobatics aside, he had a year to forget.
4) Luis Diaz – £42.3m (Porto, 2022)
Soccer Football – FA Cup – Final – Chelsea v Liverpool – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – May 14, 2022 Liverpool’s Luis Diaz celebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup final REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
The latest success story (so far), Luis Diaz arrived in Liverpool in January 2022, before going on to transform the Reds’ season. When he arrived, Liverpool were 14 points behind Manchester City, and looked set for an underwhelming season.
The Colombian’s impact took the title race to the final day, however, as Liverpool narrowly missed out by a point to Man City. Diaz also became the first Colombian to start a Champions League final, in which he was on the losing side against Real Madrid.
£42.3m looks an absolute bargain.
3) Naby Keita – £54m (RB Leipzig, 2018)
This is a difficult one. Can we call Naby Keita a success? Based on the trophies he’s won, yes. But, based on his injury record and general impact, it’d have to be a no. In the 2021/2022 season, he looked like the player that Liverpool hoped to have bought in 2018 for the first time.
Yet, is it too little too late?
When fit, Keita is one of Klopp’s best midfielders, as proven in 21/22. And, if he can stay fit for the majority of what could be left of his time at Anfield, then he could go down as a success story.
For now, however, 116 appearances in four seasons just simply isn’t enough.
2) Alisson Becker – £56.25m (AS Roma, 2018)
Soccer Football – FA Cup – Final – Chelsea v Liverpool – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – May 14, 2022 Liverpool’s Alisson saves a penalty from Chelsea’s Mason Mount during the shoot-out REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
When Loris Karius dropped the ball (quite literally), against Real Madrid to cost Liverpool the 2018 Champions League final, it was one mistake too many for Klopp and his ambitions, which needed a new goalkeeper.
So in came Alisson Becker – a goalkeeper that will go down as one of the best that the Premier League has ever seen, come the end of his career. With two Premier League Golden Gloves to his name, and even one goal, it’s fair to say that the £56.25m fee paid in 2018 has been more than justified.
1) Virgil van Dijk – £76.19m (Southampton, 2018)
Topping the list, as some may have predicted, is Virgil van Dijk. And, of course, like the majority in this top 10, many believed that Liverpool overpaid for the Dutchman. As cool as ever, however, Van Dijk quickly proved his doubters wrong.
Now classed as one of the best defenders that the Premier League has seen, Van Dijk may just go down as the greatest signing in Liverpool history. He completely transformed Klopp’s side from nearly-men to serial winners.
It would come as little surprise if Liverpool splash the cash once more this summer, and with great success, too. At the moment, everything the Reds touch seems to turn to gold. And that’s a major credit to Klopp and his coaching staff.
Whether the summer is used towards building for the future or for the season ahead, fully expect Liverpool to push Manchester City all the way in the Premier League title race once more.
Competing with a City side led by Erling Haaland will be difficult, but the Reds will no doubt have their own transfer strategy in mind this summer.
Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has shared doubts that Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson is worth the £40m price tag amid strong interest from Newcastle United.
What’s the story?
Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny admitted that the former Sheffield United loanee has been “unfortunate” but isn’t worth £40m, saying:
“He had two amazing seasons at Sheffield United where I watched a lot of him.
“He was unfortunate to go back to Man United and have the luck that he has had. De Gea has been unbelievable and then Henderson had COVID which doesn’t help.
“The fee I have seen batted about for Henderson is £40million and that is a lot for a player who hasn’t really played this season.
“But he comes with the English tax, doesn’t he? Also, you are paying for the potential so it depends on what they want to do.
“Is the goalkeeper position an area Newcastle really need to strengthen? I think they want to do that everywhere but I wouldn’t be paying £40million. I’m really not sure about that to be honest.”
The Manchester Evening News claimed earlier this week that the goalkeeper is still looking to secure a move to the North-East having played just three games for Manchester United this season.
Newcastle must complete Henderson swoop
Despite comments from Kenny, Newcastle supporters should still be excited regarding what Henderson could provide the Magpies.
Since returning from his two-year spell at Bramall Lane, the 25-year-old has endured a mixed two seasons at Manchester United.
The 2020/21 campaign saw the shot-stopper make 26 appearances with 13 coming in the Premier League.
However, interim boss Ralf Rangnick has regularly stuck with first-choice David De Gea this term with the Spaniard having a strong season despite his side’s struggles, seriously limiting Henderson’s chances.
Although £40m is a colossal transfer fee for someone who has hardly played all season, money doesn’t seem to be an issue for the Toon Army with the deep pockets of PIF.
It would arguably be harsh on Martin Dubravka who has been largely impressive in between the sticks for the Magpies since joining from Sparta Prague, initially on loan, in 2018.
The Slovakian has kept 37 clean sheets in 130 appearances for Newcastle with the vast majority of his tenure seeing his side struggle in the bottom half of the table.
At 25 though, Henderson could provide Eddie Howe’s side with a long-term solution and could be the first choice at St. James’ Park for seasons to come.
That would certainly justify spending £40m on a goalkeeper that, if he is to join Newcastle, supporters will surely love.
AND in other news: Enquiry made: Newcastle eyeing swoop for “clever” £40m monster, imagine him and ASM…
Reliable journalist Roberto Rojas has revealed that Everton are among a number of clubs who are now ‘interested’ in signing Miguel Almiron this summer.
The Lowdown: Out of favour
The 28-year-old has been largely out of favour at Newcastle this season, having played the full 90 minutes on just five occasions in total (Transfermarkt).
It is expected that the Magpies will bring in a handful of quality signings after their January spending spree, which may leave fringe players like Almiron out in the cold and likely to be moved on.
The Latest: Everton interest in Almiron
Taking to Twitter, Rojas has revealed that Everton are one of four teams who would be ‘interested’ in signing the Paraguay international, should he be made available for transfer.
The reporter stated: “Sources tell me that Miguel Almiron is highly praised by Eddie Howe & the #NUFC brass but would also like to play a huge part at the club next season.
“Everton, Fulham, Sevilla & Napoli are among the clubs interested in the Paraguay international should a transfer be needed.”
The Verdict: Sign him
If Newcastle are willing to let Almiron go, then the Toffees could get a good deal for him, especially with only two years left on his contract at St James’ Park.
Once dubbed ‘magnificent’ by Magpies legend Alan Shearer, the Paraguay international does possess abundant technical qualities, as demonstrated by his delightful effort against Crystal Palace which won April’s Premier League Goal of the Month award.
He has ample experience of playing in the Premier League, so he should be able to settle in fairly quickly on Merseyside should he end up making the move to Frank Lampard’s side.
In other news, Everton are now ‘front of the queue’ to sign this player