Tag Futebol

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is eyeing a swoop for Real Valladolid’s budding right-back sensation Ivan Fresneda, with a January transfer potentially forthcoming.

According to Football Insider, the Red Devils have entered the race to land the signature of the defender, who has also been subject to intrigue stemming from Arsenal and Newcastle United, with Valladolid resigned to losing their most coveted asset this month.

The 18-year-old Spaniard has emerged as one of the hottest prospects in La Liga over the past year, swiftly asserting himself in a Valladolid outfit that is battling to stave off relegation from the Spanish first division, currently perched in 17th place, one point off the drop-zone.

The right-back zone is an area that United have held a strong interest in bolstering since the arrival of their Dutch manager last year, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka facing an uncertain future despite his purple patch over recent weeks.

Imagine him & Antony

Diogo Dalot is unquestionably the No. 1 in the right-back role at the Theatre of Dreams, having made 23 appearances, scoring one goal and two assists. 

However, Wan-Bissaka, signed in 2019 from Crystal Palace for £50m, has failed to grasp the mantle regarding the deployment down the right flank and has consequently been touted by several outfits this season. 

Signing Fresneda would provide United with one of the most prodigious talents the full-back position has to offer worldwide, providing Dalot with the perfect cover to offer him healthy competition and challenge for a starting berth at Old Trafford.

A fee of €30m (£26m) has been previously attached to the teenager’s name, but United have shown before that they are unflinching in parting with wads of cash should the player in question be deemed an appropriate fit.

And what a signing Fresneda would be; having made 11 appearances this season for his Spanish outfit, starting seven times, he is indeed steadily blossoming into his role having made four consecutive starting displays in the league, earning the trust of his manager despite the club’s perilous position on the cusp of safety.

An innate defensive force, Fresneda would provide the extra iron-clad resolve when defensive organisation and emphasis is required, perhaps in the pivotal moments of a season when maintaining a lead could prove the difference between advancing to the next round of a tournament or securing three points to close the gap on high-flying Premier League table-toppers Arsenal.

As per FBref, he ranks among the best 1% of full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles, the top 4% for clearances and the top 8% for interceptions – illustrating the wall that would be erected in his presence. 

His stability and assurance would potentially enhance the fortunes of United’s £86m summer signing Antony, who has displayed glimpses of brilliance since his move from Ajax Amsterdam, if not the fluid consistency his outfit cries for. 

Antony ranks among the top 13% of positional peers for total shots, and with Fresneda’s defensive foundation behind him down the right skirting of the Old Trafford pitch, he could finally flourish and start to produce clinical performances with the regularity that earned a move to one of the game’s most illustrious outfits.

Bearing these factors in mind, United must swoop for the 18-year-old Fresneda, who has been described as “beastly” by Juan Arroita, and form a deadly partnership down the right flank, nurturing his skills and growing him into a vibrant force on the continental scene, like a sunflower stretching to the sun.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has admitted that the club ‘will take a decision’ on the future of Dean Henderson at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Lowdown: Goalkeeper latest

The goalkeeper joined Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest on a season-long loan over the summer and has made an impressive start to life at the City Ground.

David de Gea has reportedly entered talks regarding a new long-term contract with United, which has raised questions surrounding the 25-year-old’s role, although the manager has now delivered a fresh update.

The Latest: Ten Hag’s comments

Speaking prior to Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Forest, Ten Hag revealed that Henderson’s future at Old Trafford will be assessed next summer.

Quoted by Manchester Evening News, the 52-year-old said: “No, I wouldn’t give that decision already now. I think he is on a loan for one season. During the season, when the season is coming to an end, we will take a decision and that depends on a lot of factors. He is playing really well at Nottingham Forest.”

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The Verdict: Don’t let him go

Henderson has almost always played second fiddle to De Gea at Old Trafford, aside from a brief spell in 2020/21, but United should keep hold of him given how efficient he can be between the sticks.

The England international has recorded 13 clean sheets in just 29 senior appearances for the Red Devils, not to mention that he still has two-and-a-half years remaining on his current deal with the club.

Dubbed ‘awesome’ by former Sheffield United team-mate Sander Berge, the shot-stopper will have a point to prove upon his return to Manchester, and an accomplished 2022/23 season could help him to force his way into Ten Hag’s plans moving forward.

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a potential blow in their bid to bring Randal Kolo Muani to the Premier League next summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to the centre-forward’s agents, who revealed in a recent interview with German media outlet Sport 1 (via Sport Witness) that, despite a number of reports linking the 24-year-old with a move away from Eintracht Frankfurt at the end of the current campaign, the France international is likely to stay put with the Bundesliga side for at least one more season.

This is sure to have come as a huge blow to both Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte, as French media outlet Foot Mercato reported earlier this month that Tottenham had already held meetings with the player’s representatives regarding a potential switch to north London next summer – while Eintracht are believed to value the striker at a figure in the region of €80m (£69m).

Regarding the interest in the attacker’s services, his agents said: “Our plan is for Kolo Muani to stay in Frankfurt for at least another year. He feels very comfortable at Eintracht. Here Randal has the perfect location for his development. If Kolo Muani scores 20 goals in his second season, then such a move would be more realistic.”

Henry 2.0

While these latest comments concerning Kolo Muani’s future do not appear overly positive for Paratici’s chances of landing the centre-forward next summer, considering just how impressive the 24-year-old has been in Germany so far this season, it would still appear highly advisable for the Italian sporting director to launch a bid for the striker at the end of the current campaign.

Indeed, over his 14 Bundesliga appearances in 2022/23, the £43m-rated talent has been in devastating attacking form, having already scored five goals, registered nine assists – the most in the division – and created six big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.0 shots, making 1.4 key passes and completing 2.0 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the 6 foot 2 forward average an extremely impressive Sofascore match rating of 7.04, currently ranking him as Oliver Glasner’s third-best performer in the top flight of German football.

The £23k-per-week striker who Glasner dubbed a “great dribbler” has also impressed over his six outings in the Champions League, hitting the back of the net on two occasions, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots – 1.2 of which have been on target – making 0.5 key passes and completing 0.7 dribbles per match.

The forward has also caught the eye for his country at this year’s World Cup, having featured in the group stage defeat to Tunisia before finding the net this evening against Morocco, scoring a historic semi-final goal with a tap in at the back post.

Furthermore, with the Frenchman also being more than capable of operating from either the left or right wing, coupled with his clear eye for goal and ability to create chances for his teammates, it is no surprise that Bundesliga.com have compared Kolo Muani to a certain Thierry Henry, with the website writing:

“Much like Kolo Muani, legendary France striker Henry started his career by impressing with his pace and trickery out wide before being repurposed as a centre-forward. Both players also clock in around the six-foot-two mark and cut very similar, rangy figures.

“Kolo Muani also has a languid dribbling style and immense turn of speed that were hallmarks of Henry’s game – especially at a young age. He bears similar strength on the ball and a cheekiness to his play that will leave Bundesliga defenders both in his wake and cutting frustrated figures.”

As such, while it would seem as if the striker’s agents are eager for him to remain at Eintracht for one more season, it would appear an extremely wise move for Paratici to do all he can to convince the forward of a move next summer, as the three-cap international is not only extremely deadly in the final third, but he could well be the Premier League’s next Henry-esque talent.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could dip into the market and snare a former academy prospect, bringing him back to the Emirates Stadium with a lucrative bid.

What’s the word?

90min are reporting that Valencia have initiated contract talks with their rising star Yunus Musah, who signed for the Spanish outfit in 2019, after departing from the Gunners academy. 

With Liverpool and Chelsea also emerging as potential suitors for the dynamic midfielder, Arteta will need to move swiftly if he is indeed to make his move for a player they have been tracking since 2019.

The report states that while Valencia would be open to sale, should they fail in their contractual offer, Musah’s release clause of €100m (£86m) could be a wall too insurmountable to overcome. 

Ramsey heir

Arsenal have gone from strength to strength across the past few seasons, and now top the Premier League table after 14 matches played, ahead of the formidable Manchester City by five points.

There is a desire to improve several departments of the team, however, with The Sun reporting earlier this season that Gunners owner Stan Kroenke will present the Spaniard Arteta with funds to target impactful additions, with the centre of the park and the wide flanks desired.

Musah played an integral role in the USA’s commendable World Cup campaign, where the side finished second in the group phase and lost in a thrilling round-of-16 encounter against the Netherlands.

As per Sofascore, the industrious midfielder recorded an 87% pass success rate in Qatar, making 2.0 tackles per match and aiding his team as the central focal point, linking the offensive and defensive departments with a refined presence that belies his tender age.

His tenacity in the centre offers shades of Aaron Ramsey, who starred for the Gunners, making 371 appearances for the London giants, scoring 65 goals and assists apiece and playing a vital role in securing three FA Cup trophies during his lengthy stay. 

Musah, who ranks within the top 7% for dribbles completed when compared to midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues this term, as per FBref, displays a clear aptitude for seeking out forward transitions and instigating positive plays. 

Much like Ramsey, there is a knack for implementing a forward-thinking mindset into the game, and Arsenal would certainly welcome this approach back to the Emirates, with the “connector” – as Gregg Berhalter calls him – raising the performance of all his teammates when he’s fit and firing. 

Having already plied his trade at Arsenal at youth level, the door remains open for a return, and despite the deal likely being rather expensive, Arsenal would boast a newfound presence of dogged ubiquity in the middle, who could help them continue to rise.

Scottish champions Celtic are seemingly already eyeing potential January moves, with manager Ange Postecoglou having admitted that the Hoops have completed much of their preparation for when the market re-opens.

The winter window proved particularly fruitful earlier this year as the Old Firm giants brought in MK Dons playmaker Matt O’Riley for just £1.5m, having also completed a triple J-League swoop with the additions of Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Yosuke Ideguchi.

That latter trio could well be joined by another Japanese colleague in the form of Vissel Kobe starlet, Yuki Kobayashi, with the emerging centre-back believed to be on his way to Parkhead in the New Year, according to the latest reports.

According to recent speculation in the player’s homeland, the 22-year-old’s move to Glasgow is now all but confirmed, with the Scottish Premiership side set to acquire the highly-rated prospect on a free transfer, with the defender’s existing deal set to expire in January.

To bring in the promising youngster on a free could well prove to be something of a coup as far as Postecoglou and co are concerned, with journalist Sacha Pisani having suggested it is “madness” that the Bhoys are set to land him for nothing.

While something of an unknown to most in Scotland, the belief is that the 6 foot 1 sensation could go on to impress in his new surroundings, with the aforementioned Pisani notably stating of his talents: “Yuki’s good in the air. Reads/anticipates game well. Comfortable on ball as left-footer & very good at blocking shots. A lot of upside.”

The former Japan U20 international – who has racked up 78 appearances for his current side to date at senior level – would offer a unique alternative for those at Celtic Park as a left-footed option at centre-back, offering a potentially more balanced fit to the club’s backline.

Kobayashi’s introduction at left centre-back could well see the Hyogo-born machine form a stellar partnership with full-back, Greg Taylor, with the Scotland international having been in fine form on the left of the defence so far this term.

The 25-year-old – who has provided four goal contributions this season – has been lauded for his displays by both fans, teammates and pundits alike, with ex-Hoops playmaker Kris Commons notably dubbing him the “most improved player in Scotland” amid his recent resurgence.

The diminutive ace was also praised for being “very, very consistent” by the aforementioned O’Riley earlier this season, while the ten-cap gem himself has admitted he has improved “insane amounts” since first arriving from Kilmarnock back in 2019.

With Taylor having seemingly nailed down the left-back berth – despite the signing of Alexandro Bernabei – the £8.2k-per-week menace could well be the man to help guide Kobayashi if he is to join the club in the winter window, helping to form what could be an ‘insane’ and impressive duo on the left side of the defensive unit.

Wolverhampton Wanderers failed to win yet again as they drew 1-1 at Brentford in today’s Premier League clash.

It was a gritty performance from Wolves, who were looking to claw their way out from the relegation zone, although it took a Ruben Neves equaliser in the second half to secure what might yet be an important away point.

Diego Costa, who looked lively during the match, was sent off in stoppage time for violent conduct, and that summed up Wolves’ campaign so far.

Rising star Hugo Bueno didn’t give his best performance either, winning just four of his ten duels during the game and losing the ball ten times, but Adama Traore was perhaps the Old Gold’s biggest liability.

Adama Traore put in another poor performance

Benefitting from an extended run in the team due to Pedro Neto’s injury, the Spain winger hasn’t exactly set the world on fire recently.

Against Leicester City last weekend, the 26-year-old completed just 20 passes as Wolves were thrashed 4-0, and today’s lethargic display won’t do him too many favours either.

A SofaScore rating of just 6/10 was the worst on the pitch today and he failed to threaten Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, registering no shots during the match.

The winger also failed to record a single successful dribble from three attempts while managing to lose possession a staggering 18 times as he struggled to assert his influence on the game.

With just 14 successful passes played, it’s clear that Traore was starved of any meaningful service on the wing, but this shouldn’t have hindered him from dropping deeper and trying to create opportunities.

The Spaniard has heaps of ability, but in tight matches such as today, the 26-year-old needs to be at his best in order to provide plenty of chances for his team-mates. With six failed crosses out of six, it was another bad day at the office.

Wolves face a home clash against Brighton and Hove Albion next week, and it is already looking like a must-win encounter if they are to go into the World Cup break outside of the Premier League relegation zone.

أبدى النجم المصري محمد أبو تريكة عدم رضاه عن المدير الفني لفريق ليفربول، آرني سلوت، بسبب ما يحدث في الموسم الحالي 2024/25، تحت قيادته.

ويتصدر ليفربول جدول الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز برصيد 70 نقطة، حيث يُعد قريبًا من تحقيق لقب البطولة هذا الموسم.

ولم يعد أمام ليفربول سوى بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي هذا الموسم، حيث أهدر فرصة تحقيق موسم تاريخي، بعدما فشل في تحقيق 3 ألقاب أخرى.

البداية كانت عند كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي حيث خرج ليفربول من البطولة مبكرًا، وتحديدًا من دور الـ32 على يد بليموث بعدما خسر بهدف دون رد.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي بعد فوز آرسنال على فولهام

ثم خرج ليفربول من دوري أبطال أوروبا، من دور الـ16، أمام باريس سان جيرمان حيث خسر بسبب ركلات الترجيح.

وفشل ليفربول في تحقيق لقب كأس رابطة الأندية الإنجليزية حيث خسر في المباراة النهائية أمام نيوكاسل يونايتد بهدفين لهدف.

وقال محمد أبو تريكة، خلال الاستوديو التحليلي لشبكة قنوات “بي إن سبورت” القطرية: “إذا كان كلوب يدرب ليفربول عن بُعد هذا الموسم، لكان قد حقق الثلاثية”.

وأضاف: “ولكن سلوت سيأتي ويخبرنا إنه ملك، هناك مثل برتغالي يقول (الأعور في بلد العميان ملك)، أنت ملك لأن هذا الموسم سيء في الدوري الإنجليزي، أنت حققت الدوري لأن جميع المنافسين حولك سيئين”.

وواصل: “لقد أهدرت فرصة الفوز بكأس الرابطة وكأس الاتحاد ودوري أبطال أوروبا رغم أنك كنت الأفضل”.

Wolves’ shortlist for Bruno Lage replacements at Molineux looks set to get a little shorter, with reports suggesting that Championship side Hull City are set to appoint Pedro Martins.

What’s the word?

Previous claims had suggested that the former Olympiacos boss was one man who could take over at Wolves after Lage was handed his marching orders following the 2-0 defeat against West Ham last weekend.

But now, The Athletic claim that the 52-year-old is set to join Hull City in the second tier, with the Tigers also managerless after they sacked Shota Arveladze.

Wolves avoiding a howler

In truth, Wolves should be setting their sights higher than Martins, who has been without a club since leaving Olympiacos in January.

During his time with the Greek giants, he would take charge of 221 matches, of which he won 143 with an impressive points per game average of 2.13, winning the league on three occasions.

He has also worked with the likes of Jose Sa and Daniel Podence during their time in Greece, but other than in a league which Olympiacos are expected to win, Martins’ managerial career has been very ordinary.

The 52-year-old started out at Maritimo in Portugal before spending time with Rio Ave and Vitoria Guimaraes in the same division, never averaging more than 1.55 points per game.

He has no experience of working in England and while he might be Portuguese so could communicate well with Wolves’ large lusitanic contingent, there is little to suggest that he would be an improvement on Lage, who had worked at a higher level than Martins in Portugal with Benfica.

The fact he is willing to take a job at Hull, who are currently 20th in the second tier, suggests that the Premier League may have been a step too far for Martins, and Fosun may well be dodging a bullet by not having him as an option.

The Old Gold will have to turn their attention towards other targets, such as Ruben Amorim and Bo Svensson, now that a move for Martins is seemingly off the table.

Liverpool midfielder Fabio Carvalho didn’t train with his teammates before the Champions League clash with Napoli, reports James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Jones missing out again

Jurgen Klopp’s side head to Naples for a tough assignment on Wednesday evening, as they get their European campaign underway for another season.

There are still injury problems for Liverpool to contend with, despite Thiago’s return being a huge boost, with Curtis Jones one of those who looks set to be unavailable for the game.

It was hoped that the 21 year-old local lad would be nearing full fitness this week after returning to training before the trip to Goodison Park, but he suffered another slight setback, and it appears he’s not the only young talent struggling…

The Latest: Pearce drops news update

Taking to Twitter on Tuesday, Pearce confirmed that Carvalho wasn’t part of training, meaning he almost certainly won’t feature at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona:

“No sign of Carvalho or Jones in open training at Kirkby.”

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The Verdict: Shame for the youngster

This is a real blow for Carvalho, who will have been on cloud nine this time last week after scoring a dramatic last-gasp winner at home to Newcastle United.

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His progress has been halted at a cruel time and it adds to Liverpool’s current midfield injury woes, with the youngster joining Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the sidelines.

The hope is that Carvalho is available for the weekend Premier League clash with Wolves at Anfield, however, potentially playing another key role from the substitutes’ bench.

Leeds United are in the hunt to sign Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan, according to Alan Nixon.

The Lowdown: Hwang profiled

Hwang is 26 years of age and has only just made his move to Molineux permanent this summer following a loan spell last year.

The South Korea international has scored five times in 35 appearances for Wolves, taking his career tally for club and country to 76.

Labelled as a player who has “got everything” by pundit Ian Wright, Hwang can play anywhere across the front three and previously worked with Jesse Marsch at RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig.

The Latest: Leeds links

MOT Leeds News relayed an update from reliable reporter Nixon on Wednesday regarding the Whites and Hwang.

He claimed that Leeds are showing an interest in the player due to his versatility and could have a great chance if Dan James completes a move to Tottenham.

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The Verdict: Why not…

Leeds could do with a new forward even if James remains at Elland Road, with Patrick Bamford unable to remain fully fit.

Marsch is the manager who has got the best out of Hwang during his career, with the player contributing to an impressive 40 goals in 43 games under the American for both RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig.

The Leeds boss seemed unhappy with Hwang on the opening weekend after he threw himself to the ground right in front of the dugout at Elland Road under minimal contact. However, this could well be a link to keep an eye on and a transfer that seems to make sense in Yorkshire.