Marc Cucurella has lavished praise on Cole Palmer, but insists that his Chelsea team-mate has one problem that he cannot fix.
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Liverpool are interested in signing a "dazzling" attacking star in the summer transfer window, according to an update from journalist Graeme Bailey.
The Reds are about to experience a summer of huge change, with Jurgen Klopp departing as manager after nine seasons and being replaced by Feyenoord boss Arne Slot. Michael Edwards is back at the club as CEO of Football, while Richard Hughes will make the move from Bournemouth as sporting director.
Klopp will leave his successor with a hugely talented squad – one that was still in contention to win the quadruple heading into the latter part of the season, but that's not to say that some new signings aren't needed, in order to be even more of a force next season.
Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo is seen as an ambitious option for Liverpool this summer, with the Brazilian potentially seeing his minutes limited by the expected arrival of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain. He is seen as an upgrade on Luis Diaz, who has been linked with a switch to Barcelona.
In terms of a less high-profile addition, Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy has emerged as a target for the Reds, being looked at as an ideal deputy to Alisson if Caoimhin Kelleher moves on to pastures new.
Speaking to Rousing the Kop, Bailey said that Liverpool are huge fans of Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams, but the Barca target is eyeing huge wages.
"The won’t pay him what he’s looking for at the moment. He’d be Liverpool’s highest paid player, as he would if he went to any club in England. He’s been asking for £250,000 per week plus appearance money. The English clubs who like him, and they all like him a lot, they think he’s a terrific player, but it seems as if he’s edging towards Barcelona. So, I think that’s what they’re putting it down to really.
"Will the situation change? Possibly. But at this moment in time it doesn’t look as if he’s pushing to come to England which is part of the reason for his demands. Liverpool very much like him, he’s a top winger, top performer. Liverpool were one of the ones who have done their homework on him."
The £170,000-a-week Williams could be a brilliant signing by Liverpool, considering the impact he has already made during his time at Bilbao, despite still only being 21 years of age. He has made 120 appearances for his current side, registering 42 goal contributions (19 goals and 23 assists) in that time, as well as winning 14 caps for Spain.
The wide man has also been hailed as a "dazzling" player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and he is seen as one of the fastest players in the world, having featured in a report focusing on the quickest footballers at the 2022 World Cup.
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Williams could even be looked at as a long-term replacement for the likes of Diaz and Mohamed Salah, with the Spain international capable of thriving on either flank, even if a left-sided attacking role has been his position of choice this season.
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe is set to make his return from injury against Lille in the Champions League this week.
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It's been a long season full of ups and downs for Tottenham Hotspur this year, and while they are facing the prospect of a fifth straight defeat this weekend, new boss Ange Postecoglou has done a reasonably good job given the circumstances.
The Lilywhites have had pretty severe injury problems for much of the Premier League season, and considering it's their first campaign without Harry Kane, clinching Europa League qualification would be a success.
That said, if the north Londoners want to progress under the Australian next season, they'll need to bring in some new faces in the summer and potentially upgrade on some old ones, with Richarlison's position looking particularly vulnerable.
According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Spurs are one of several clubs interested in Genoa's talented Icelandic attacker, Albert Gudmundsson, ahead of the summer transfer window.
The report has revealed that, alongside the north Londoners, Manchester United and Aston Villa, are just some of the Premier League sides keen on landing the 26-year-old's signature this year. Still, the Lilywhites have one key advantage: a pre-established relationship with the Serie A outfit.
It's been claimed that the club has an 'inside track' with Genoa due to the signing of Ragù Dragusin in January and the fact that full-back Djed Spence is on loan with the Italians, and is a player they'd like to keep permanently.
Whether this relationship just helps to grease the wheels a bit or actually decreases the €30m – £26m – asking price remains to be seen, but if Spurs can get this deal done, they should, as they could have the perfect Richarlison upgrade on their hands.
If Tottenham can get this deal over the line, Gudmundsson's positional versatility could see him threaten several players in the first team, from Heung-min Son and Kulusevski on the wings to James Maddison in attacking midfield.
However, considering his best form has come as a second striker, it would make sense to push him to the tip of the attack and, therefore, challenge the inconsistent Richarlison for a place in the XI.
So, with that in mind, how do the pair compare? Well, from a pure output perspective, which is really what matters most, it's the man from Genoa who comes out on top, scoring 16 goals and providing four assists in just 34 games this season, to give him an average of a goal involvement every 1.7 games.
In comparison, the Spurs ace has 12 goals and four assists in 31 games so far this season, meaning he is averaging a goal involvement every 1.9 games, and unfortunately for the former Everton star, his argument gets even weaker when looking at the pair's output last season.
Last year, the "devastating" Icelandic ace, as described by teammate Kevin Strootman, scored 14 goals and provided five assists in 38 games. In contrast, the Brazilian international could only manage three goals and four assists in 35 games for the north Londoners.
|
Gudmundsson vs Richarlison |
||
|---|---|---|
|
2022/23 |
Gudmundsson |
Richarlison |
|
Appearances |
38 |
35 |
|
Goals |
14 |
3 |
|
Assists |
1 |
4 |
|
Goal Involvements per Match |
0.39 |
0.20 |
|
2023/24 |
Gudmundsson |
Richarlison |
|
Appearances |
34 |
31 |
|
Goals |
16 |
12 |
|
Assists |
4 |
4 |
|
Goal Involvements per Match |
0.58 |
0.51 |
|
All Stats via Transfermarkt |
||
Alongside a better output level, Postecoglou can also simply expect the former AZ Alkmaar star to be around to play more often.
Since the start of the 2021/22 campaign, he has missed just five games through injury, while his current number nine has missed a whopping 31 games in the same period.
Ultimately, while Richarlison is a talented forward who can offer more than just goals, Gudmundsson's positional versatility, availability, and better output make it clear that he would be an upgrade overall, so if Spurs have the opportunity to complete this deal, they should absolutely do so.
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Manchester City icon Sergio Aguero has revealed who gets his vote to win this year's Ballon d'Or – with Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham snubbed.
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The left-back position at Manchester United has caused Erik ten Hag plenty of issues this season, despite starting the campaign with four options.
Luke Shaw is without doubt the number one, but his continuous injuries have left United extremely weak, as highlighted by Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka filling in.
There’s no doubt that the Red Devils are a better team with the number 23, but the fact that he’s only played 12 Premier League games underlines that his lack of reliability is an issue.
With that in mind, it’s no surprise to see that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is already searching for a replacement, with one particular target potentially helping save Marcus Rashford’s Man United career.
As per a report from GiveMeSport, United are 'looking closely' at making a move for Miguel Gutierrez.
The former Real Madrid prospect has been one of the standout players in the fantastic Girona side this season, impressing enough to potentially be on the move this summer.
Because of this, plenty of top clubs, including Arsenal, are also keeping an eye on the left-back, but it’s Real Madrid who pose the biggest threat, due to a buy-back clause struck with Girona.
No fee is mentioned in the report, however, according to CIES Football Observatory, Gutierrez is estimated to be worth around the £26m mark, making him a relatively affordable option.
Unfortunately, it’s fair to say that Rashford’s season has been a complete disaster compared to his 30-goal campaign in Ten Hag’s first campaign.
Across all competitions, the number ten has netted just eight times, yet despite this, he’s still the Red Devils' joint-third-highest scorer in the league with seven.
The 26-year-old looks visibly frustrated and lacking in confidence during almost every game, yet the lack of a constant left-back partner certainly won’t have helped his performance levels.
However, signing Gutierrez could just be the lifeline that Rashford desperately needs, and together, they could nail down the left side of the United team for years to come.
|
Gutierrez's 23/24 La Liga Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
Stats |
Gutierrez |
|
Assists |
6 |
|
Big chances created |
18 |
|
Touches |
68.1 |
|
Key passes |
1.2 |
|
Pass accuracy |
88% |
|
Tackles |
0.9 |
|
Dribbled past |
0.6 |
|
Via Sofascore |
|
Firstly, it’s incredibly clear that the 22-year-old is the definition of an attacking fullback, whose first thought is to impact the game positively in the final third – Shaw has been rather unsuccessful in this regard of late, failing to register a single assist and creating just one 'big chance' in the league this term.
The Spaniard is an extremely technical player who always seems to make the right decision when in possession, whether that be making a progressive pass or simply having the composure to retain the ball even under pressure.
The fact that he’s not afraid to fire the ball further forward would instantly make Rashford more dangerous, simply by getting him involved in the play much more often and not leaving him constantly isolated.
However, what makes the number three such an “incredible” star, as dubbed by football scout Jacek Kulig, is his ability to be a creative outlet, as shown by the fact he’s created the most big chances in La Liga this season, 18 – which is two more than Bruno Fernandes for context.
This would inevitably take the pressure off Rashford to create from the left, while Gutierrez’s energy and overlapping runs would allow him to cut inside on his stronger foot to strike at goal, which is where he’s at his best.
Furthermore, as basic as it sounds, Gutierrez is extremely reliable and always available, as the last and only injury of his career was at the start of 2022, which is the main reason he'd be an upgrade on Shaw as it would allow Rashford to build a more telepathic relationship with his fullback.
Overall, Ratcliffe has to move for the Spanish international, and if he can help get the best out of Rashford, then that’s also almost a new signing in itself.
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BBC journalist Fraser Fletcher has revealed that Celtic are now in âadvancing talksâ to bring Lanus defender Alexandro Bernabei to the Scottish Premiership.
The 21-year-old still has just over 12 months remaining on his contract with the Argentine giants, but there has been plenty of speculation surrounding his future at the Lanus City Stadium in recent days after he was left out of their match-day squad twice in a row.
The Hoops have been heavily linked with a move for the starlet, and it was reported that they even had an official opening bid for their target rejected. Following a fresh update, it appears as though the Glasgow outfit have come back for a second bite at the cherry, and itâs news that fans just might want to hear.
Taking to Twitter, Fletcher revealed that Celtic have been âin contactâ with Bernabeiâs agents and now have a strong chance of being able to complete a deal. He wrote:
âCeltic are now advancing talks for Alexandro Bernabei from Club AtlĂŠtico Lanus. First bid was below but Celtic now back in and moving.
âThey are in contact with the players representatives/Lanus and things are moving closer.”
Celtic are believed to be on the hunt for a new left-back as Ange Postecoglou ramps up his transfer efforts ahead of the start of the new season, and Bernabei could be the ideal candidate to provide some serious competition for Greg Taylor.
The ÂŁ2.97m-rated ace has never played in Europe before, nor has he got any kind of experience at this level, but has an impressive record at Lanus, providing ten assists and scoring four goals during his time at the club, via Transfermarkt.
This kind of attacking prowess highlights the qualities and pace that Bernabei can have down the flank, and that is something that could fit the Australianâs system perfectly.
In other news⌠a Sky Sports journalist has dropped a major update on Celticâs interest in one of their summer transfer targets.
Speaking live on Sky Sports (via Football Daily), journalist Dharmesh Sheth has shared the very latest on West Ham United and their attempts to seal goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on a permanent deal from Paris-Saint Germain.
David Moyes will be looking to build upon his team’s brilliant run to the Europa League semi-finals last term whilst maintaining their place among the Premier League’s elite.
West Ham narrowly missed out on another place in the Europa League for next season, falling just short to Manchester United on the final day of 2021/22, with Moyes and co having to settle for a place in the Europa Conference League.
As they gear up for what looks set to be an interesting 2022/23 season, it is believed that the east Londoners have closed in on their first major signing this summer in Rennes star Nayef Aguerd, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Amid the Morocco international’s pending arrival, it is also believed that West Ham are working on an agreement to seal loanee goalkeeper Areola on a permanent deal.
Speaking to Sky Sports (via Football Daily), Sheth explained: “You’ll remember last summer they signed Areola from PSG, on loan, with the option to buy for ÂŁ11 million.Â
“Now it’s likely they will trigger that option once personal terms are finalised with Areola. The one sticking point at the moment is that there are a couple of other clubs starting to show a bit of an interest in Areola.
“But, I think West Ham do remain hopeful of getting a deal over the line. So Aguerd looks like it’s happening, Areola being worked on.”
While the Frenchman was an understudy to untouchable Irons stopper Lukasz Fabianski in the English top flight, Areola proved himself a fantastic alternative in cup competitions.
The 29-year-old pulled off some memorable performances during West Ham’s run in Europe last season and Moyes may well have a ready-made heir for the ageing Fabianski if the Hammers can finalise a permanent deal.
An outlay of ÂŁ11m could be a shrewd investment on GSB’s part, and we believe that sealing Areola on a permanent basis is a must.
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Liverpool’s interest in signing Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic this summer is ‘genuine’, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.
The 23 year-old American star could potentially be on the move this summer, having failed to make himself a regular starter under Thomas Tuchel.
Pulisic did cost Liverpool two points this season with a goal in the thrilling 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge back in January, but he was limited to just 13 starts in the Premier League overall.
The Reds have been linked with a move in recent days as a possible Sadio Mane replacement and it appears as though a transfer isn’t out of the question.
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Crook claimed that Liverpool’s interest in the man Jurgen Klopp called ‘fantastic’ is very real, but Darwin Nunez’s imminent arrival could change things:
“I think Liverpoolâs interest is genuine, or it was before the Darwin Nunez deal really accelerated. So, whether they need another attacking player now, probably, I would say no.”
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Pulisic is an impressive young player who can still mature over time and it is easy to envisage him thriving for Liverpool, given his pace and trickery out wide.
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It is hard to see how the USA star would get regular playing time, however, considering Luis Diaz’s arrival in January, Nunez is set to join and the likes of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino are also great options.
Pulisic could end up finding himself in a similar situation to the one he is in at Chelsea, and for the money Liverpool would have to pay, it wouldn’t be worth it.
In other news, Liverpool have been given hope over one signing. Find out who it is here.