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Members of Liverpool's first-team squad will filter back into Kirkby on Friday onwards, with the U21s and teenagers already back and under Arne Slot's watchful eye.

Make no mistake, though, Liverpool's prominent members will not be returning for the foreseeable, with many competing on international duty and others currently enjoying their holidays – like Andy Robertson and Dominik Szoboszlai, who were knocked out of Euro 2024 over a week ago.

A central defender, defensive midfielder and wider forward are all positions that have been discussed ahead of possible summer spending, though FSG will only make their move if the right opportunity materialises.

Regarding the base of the midfield, the right chance might just have come along…

Liverpool transfer news

According to Spanish publication Sport, Liverpool are considered the favourites in the Premier League in the race to sign Bayern Munich sensation Joshua Kimmich, who is out of contract in Bavaria in one year.

The 29-year-old is currently starring for host nation Germany at the Euros but noise from the Allianz Arena suggests that fresh terms will not be agreed and he will be sold this summer, with Bayern considering a nominal sale of just €30m (£25m).

Hansi Flick's Barcelona have a vested interest and so too do a host of top English outfits, so Liverpool will need to move quickly if their intrigue is indeed serious.

What Joshua Kimmich would bring to Liverpool

Last summer, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho were sold to the Saudi Pro League after dismal, regressive campaigns. Jurgen Klopp needed to bolster with a top-class new no. 6 and after missing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea, settled for the shrewd £16m signing of Wataru Endo.

Endo, aged 31, has been an interesting addition to the Anfield clutch but is not the long-term solution to the holding midfield conundrum at Liverpool. Industrious and tenacious, yes, but also limited technically and not the crispest in defensive challenges – winning just 41% of his ground duels in the Premier League last season.

Kimmich, while no longer a new kid on the block, would bring an elite range of passing and a sharp defensive skill set that truly could leave him in a promising position for illustrious success on English shores, a metronomic force to serve Slot's possession and progression-centric system.

He's quite clearly a cut above Endo, so cultured, so combative, so creative. Signing Kimmich would go against Liverpool's principles of targetting young, malleable talents, but exceptions can be made, right? Like when Liverpool signed distinguished midfielder Thiago Alcantara from… Bayern Munich, for £20m, seizing upon a unique opportunity.

Kimmich, unlike his former Bavarian teammate, is not so prone to extended layoffs, missing 17 matches due to injury over the past four campaigns, or 4.25 per season.

A player of myriad qualities, Kimmich ranks among the top 8% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 5% for shot-creating actions, the top 2% for passes attempted, the top 3% for progressive passes and the top 18% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

His immense stretches of ground covered on a game-by-game basis have facilitated his rise to one of the leading European players of his position, with Julian Nagelsmann among those to have gushed over his "world-class" ability.

Such is his prowess, he could be the final piece of the puzzle at Liverpool, the missing link to ensure Slot's success. He could be Liverpool's own Declan Rice, or, even better, Liverpool's very own Rodri.

Arne Slot's very own Rodri

Rodri. Where to begin? Perhaps, aptly, from the end. Last time the Manchester City machine graced a football field, he starred as Spain overcame the valiant efforts of Georgia to advance, with a continent in awe, to the quarter-finals of the Euros, setting up a tie with Kimmich's Germany, ironically.

Unmatched spatial awareness, anticipation and technical quality place the pillars that make up Rodri's standing as one of the finest players in world football. Indeed, the 27-year-old has been described as "the best midfield player, currently, in the world by far" by Pep Guardiola.

He is so influential, completing 91% of his passes as Man City won their fourth successive Premier League title last season, averaging 1.5 key passes, 2.1 tackles and 6.9 recoveries per outing and winning 59% of his contested duels.

Moreover, the Spain star scored nine goals and supplied 14 assists across all competitions last season, showcasing his ability to stretch his influence beyond the expectations and even hopes of the world's finest 'defensive' midfielders.

His staggering ability to call upon every facet of the midfield game – and more – to a superlative degree is what differentiates him from the rest of Europe's high-class midfielders, but Kimmich could take a claim for bearing such talent.

Kimmich, as mentioned above, is a midfielder of far-reaching quality, and there is every chance that he would lift Slot's Liverpool to another level upon signing this summer, proving to be the catalyst to turbo-power and raise the bar to match that of the country's imperious champions.

For just £25m, it would simply be an offence to refrain from at least making an advance…

Slot could land "elite" Diaz upgrade who wants to sign for Liverpool

Arne Slot would adore this winger.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 1, 2024

With just under a month until the Premier League kicks off again, Arsenal need to start getting a move on in the transfer window.

So far, Edu Gaspar and Co have brought in 18-year-old goalkeeper Lucas Nygaard and signed David Raya on a permanent deal, and while that could be seen as a little underwhelming, it does look like Riccardo Calafiori will be joining the club at some point this month.

However, while the club are yet to welcome a new face to the first team, there have been countless links to incredibly exciting stars, and the latest is to someone who's won everything in the game and would be unreal alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from German publication Bild (via Gooner Talk), Arsenal are interested in signing Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich this summer.

The report claims that the German international is keen to move back into a defensive midfield role next season, and with that looking unlikely at the Allianz arena, there is a strong chance of him leaving FC Hollywood in the coming weeks.

It is unclear how much the 29-year-old could cost at present, but with only a year remaining on his £312k-per-week contract, it seems unlikely that he would cost more than his €50m valuation from Transfermarkt, which converts to around £42m.

It could be a pricey deal to get over the line and one that goes against the Gunners' recent trend of buying younger players, but with Kimmich's incredible experience – which has seen him win 14 major trophies – and valuable skillset, he'd certainly be worth it, especially as he could help complete Arteta's midfield.

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FFC’s Feature & Opinion writers crunched the numbers to determine our Team of the Tournament.

By
Matt Dawson

Jul 15, 2024

Why Kimmich would be a great signing

So, while Kimmich played most of last season bouncing between the right-back and defensive midfield role for Bayern, his primary role, if he was to join Arsenal, would likely be as the recognised six, an area of the pitch he has started in more than any other.

Some might say that this would then impact Rice's game time, but given that he started 19 games last season as the team's left eight, there is no reason to believe he couldn't permanently move there at the Emirates.

In fact, in an interview last season, the former West Ham United captain revealed that while he wasn't expecting to play so many games in this new position at Arsenal, it's a development that gets him "excited."

Moreover, with seven goals and ten assists in 51 games last season, the Englishman has shown he's more than capable of influencing things at the sharp end of the pitch.

Speaking of the sharp end of the pitch, the way Odegaard would benefit from a midfield with the Bayern ace in it is really quite simple: it's extra security.

If the Arsenal captain can go into a game knowing that opponents will have to get past Rice and Kimmich before they then have to try and beat the leading defence in the league and, finally, the golden glove winner in between the sticks, he'll be able to focus much more of his energy on the attacking side of the game.

Now, he'd certainly still contribute to the team defensively – I don't think Arteta will allow anyone to slack on that front – but this extra layer of safety might see him stay that bit higher in games and, in turn, become an even more effective creator for the attacking players.

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The impressive forward was on fire last season.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 16, 2024

Ultimately, while Kimmich is older than the players Arsenal have targeted in recent years, his immense experience and ability to control games from the base of midfield make him an incredibly appealing signing. Alongside Odegaard and Rice, the "phenomenal" star, as dubbed by José Mourinho, could help create the best midfield in the league.

Wrexham's James McClean looks set to avoid further fan 'abuse' after agreeing a special substitution arrangement with the EFL.

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• McClean has been targeted by supporters
• But now has substitution agreement with EFL
• Can leave pitch to go straight down tunnel

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  McClean is no stranger to controversy and has regularly clashed with supporters and opponents throughout his career. The 35-year-old has even seen objects, including cups of beer, hurled at him while playing for Wrexham. However, action has now been taken in a bid to put a stop to such activity, according to the . It's been revealed that the EFL have written to League One clubs to inform them that McClean will receive "special dispensation" whenever he is substituted. The forward will be allowed to leave the pitch by the shortest route to the tunnel possible in a bid to avoid further unsavoury incidents.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  McClean has been in the headlines during his time at Wrexham for mocking Birmingham fans who gave him abuse at St Andrew’s as well as taunting Bolton supporters by nicknaming their ground the 'Toughsh*t Stadium.' He was also caught on video saluting fans who were chanting "he hates the f*cking King" and has deleted anti-monarchy posts from his Instagram. Most recently he has once again taken to social media to outline his poppy stance after refusing to wear one on his Wrexham shirt and standing apart from his team-mates during a minute's silence as part of Remembrance Day.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  A letter from the EFL, seen by the , reads: "You will be aware that James McClean is often on the receiving end of abuse from some sections of support. This has, in the past, resulted in FA sanctions against the club due to the chanting becoming racially, or religiously motivated and therefore, classed as a hate crime. Missiles have also been thrown. It has now been agreed that on occasions in the future when Mr McClean has to leave the field of play, for whatever reason, he will leave by the shortest route towards the tunnel. This process will help to reduce these incidents and also help to manage Mr McClean's departure from the pitch without incident."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  A rule change in 2019-20 has meant that players who are being substituted must leave the pitch via the nearest touchline or goal line. The rule was implemented in a bid to reduce time-wasting.

Whilst it's been a quiet summer so far on the incomings front, Celtic have now reportedly received their first offer from Atalanta to sign one of Brendan Rodgers' best players.

Celtic transfer news

There's no doubt that the Bhoys should feel confident about their current squad, given that they just won the Scottish Premiership for a third consecutive season, but with a new campaign just a month away, there may be some concerns over their lack of arrivals. So far, Celtic are yet to welcome a single addition, with their search to find a replacement for Joe Hart and land a permanent deal for Adam Idah reportedly ongoing.

Idah would be a particularly solid deal to kickstart a quiet summer for the Scottish champions, with his best form coming in a Celtic shirt last season and his goal sealing the Scottish Cup in dramatic fashion against Rangers. Reports suggest that Celtic are set to make an improved offer to sign the Norwich striker, but as one attacking talent arrives, those in Glasgow could lose arguably Rodgers' best player.

Celtic could land dream Oh replacement in swoop for SPFL star

The Hoops are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the “top drawer” attacker.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 10, 2024

According to reports relayed by Fabrizio Romano, Europa League winners Atalanta have made their first bid to sign Matt O'Riley from Celtic this summer, joining the race for the Dane's signature alongside the likes of Southampton and Leicester City. The Serie A club reportedly see O'Riley as an ideal replacement for Teun Koopmeiners, who has emerged as a target for Juventus this summer.

It remains to be seen just how much Atalanta have tabled to Celtic, but previous reports suggested that the Scottish giants value their midfielder at a hefty £30m this summer.

Why Celtic must keep "wonderful" O'Riley

Whilst it's likely an uphill battle, Celtic should do everything in their power to keep hold of O'Riley this summer and if they do sanction a sale, they must ensure that their price tag is matched. Given their low profile in the summer transfer window so far and how fast the new season is approaching, the Bhoys may not be well placed to find an adequate replacement against the clock, either, sparking further concerns.

It's no surprise that Rodgers was so full of praise for the Dane in an excellent campaign last time out, saying via Glasgow Live: "When I looked at his numbers and everything else I think I said to him you need to score more goals as he didn't do it enough. He was a bit like Jamesie Forrest when I first came into the club. He didn't score enough for the talent they had and I was looking at Matt from last season and his first goal was in February. You can't have that talent and be waiting that long.

"It is all about arriving in the areas and finding composure to finish. I really like him, his build-up play is good, he takes the ball, and he needs to work on his pressing and intensity but he is a wonderful footballer and he is a good guy as well."

The Colombian forward stunned crowds and ruffled some big names in the Premier League in his spells at Wigan and Fulham

'The Barclays'. While the Premier League was technically sponsored by the aforementioned bank between 2001-16, the period which is so wistfully looked back upon by fans of a certain vintage is the first decade of the 2000s.

After its initial emergence in 1992, the English top-flight enjoyed a secondary boom in popularity following the turn of the millennium, as overseas television deals and a secondary influx of foreign stars gave the league a truly global appeal. It played host to a number of the games modern icons, too, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry and Didier Drogba among those who lit up the Premier League on a weekly basis.

When fans refer to 'The Barclays', though, it is not those household names they are referring to. Instead it is the players who were largely in the background when it came to being headline-grabbing, but were seen as key cogs in the Premier League machine by die-hard fans, while still able to produce moments of magic on occasion.

These players have come to be known as the 'Barclaysmen', but what made them so beloved, and what became of them once their Barclays life was over? Here at GOAL, we will endeavour to find out with our latest series, 'Ultimate Barclaysmen'.

You know him by his cornrows and his collection of cool strikes. For those who grew up watching the Barclays era, Hugo Rodallega undoubtedly falls into the bracket of cult hero, with the South American assassin providing many stunning moments over his spells at Wigan and Fulham. Some may argue he should have stepped up to a higher level, but the way he worked his magic for teams trapped in relegation battles only gave his career more of an endearing quality. This is his story.

• AFP
  

  Where he came from

  Raised in a village outside of Cali in Colombia, Rodallega was the youngest of three children. While many players from the South American nation speak of the poverty and crime of their youth, Rodallega is somewhat more upbeat about the area in which he was raised.

  "It's a quiet, humble place. I wouldn't call it poor. I lived with my parents and my two older sisters. Unfortunately, Colombia is seen as somewhere where you will get kidnapped, robbed and killed – and that used to be the case. It was very dangerous," he said in 2010. "But in the last five years or so, it is a completely different country. There are a lot of tourists from Europe; they come to the beach and people are starting to say nice things about us. They have got rid of a lot of the drug trafficking, they have controlled the police and the army and it's a safer place now. Luckily nothing bad ever happened to me or my family."

  His career started in amateur football before he got his professional break with Deportes Quindio, where he impressed enough to catch the attention of big boys Deportivo Cali, who snapped him up at the age of 20. He enjoyed an excellent season there, scoring 12 goals to finish joint top scorer as the team won the Primera A Campeonato Finalizacion in 2005.

  He didn't hang around for long, either, as a move to Mexico beckoned with Monterrey, and soon moved to fellow Primera Division side Necaxa. It was with the Aguascalientes club that he really stood out, scoring an awesome 25 goals in just 52 matches.

  It was no wonder, then, that Premier League interest followed and in January 2009, he was snapped up by Wigan, where he joined the likes of Mido, Lee Cattermole, Maynor Figueroa and Mario Melchiot in a team managed by Steve Bruce.

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• Barclays highlights

  The 23-year-old joined a Latics side in excellent shape midway through the 2008-09 campaign, sitting seventh in the Premier League when he made his debut at the end of January. He had some time to settle in, starting only one of their first seven games after his arrival, but he burst into life in the last two weeks.

  The Colombian's first Premier League goal was a beauty. His free-kick unsettled the goalkeeper and snuck in to equalise against West Brom, though they went on to lose 3-1. Four days later, he left Nemanja Vidic looking foolish on the ground as he won the battle for a long ball and calmly tucked it beyond Edwin van der Sar to open the scoring against Sir Alex Ferguson's men, who won 2-1. After seeing his goals cancelled out twice in a row, he made sure his next one would be crucial, with his strike in the last game of the season ensuring Wigan ended with a 1-0 win.

  If that half-season didn't make the rest of the league sit up and pay attention, Rodallega made sure everyone knew what he could do in the first game of the next campaign when he whacked in a stunning volley from outside the box as Wigan started with a 1-0 win against Aston Villa. After that, the Latics won almost every time Rodallega scored as they got the better of West Ham, Chelsea and Liverpool with him on the scoresheet. Wigan were still in danger of being relegated when they hosted Arsenal late in the season, but the situation looked hopeless as they were 2-0 down with 10 minutes left. Then-manager Roberto Martinez, who had replaced Bruce in June 2009, saw his side pull off an insane comeback, though, complete with a stoppage-time winner set up by the Colombian.

  Rodallega proved even more crucial as Wigan endured a troublesome 2010-11 season. He netted the only goal in their first Premier League win against Tottenham, earned draws with Bolton and Liverpool and then orchestrated a 2-1 victory over Wolves with a goal and an assist. The following week, he haunted Arsenal again when he headed onto the unfortunate Sebastien Squillaci to score a late equaliser.

  His goals were always important, but one goes down as the most important of all. Wigan were on their way down in the last game of the season away to a notoriously stubborn Stoke team and with 13 minutes to go, the situation looked dire. Up stepped Rodallega, lashing in the decisive goal as the Latics left with three points and their future in the top-flight secured for another season.

  The attacker's final season at Wigan was horrific as he made clear in January that he would be leaving, telling Colombian radio: "It is likely that these will be my last three months with Wigan." He would go on to let his contract run down before joining Fulham. Rodallega came back to haunt his former side with his first Cottagers goal, too, beating the Latics 2-1. His debut year was far from ideal, though, as he dropped out of the starting XI and saw his playing time dry up at the end of the season.

  The second season was even worse as injuries plagued his campaign and he had a falling out with then-coach Rene Muelensteen. Tensions were high as Fulham spent nearly the whole season in the relegation zone, but Rodallega gave them hope of survival near the end with a late winner against Villa.

  "He said that he would come on, and that he would score, and so I put him in. He did just what he promised," said then-coach Felix Magath.

  A week later, he settled matters against fellow relegation candidates Norwich, but Fulham simply couldn't get out of the bottom three after getting two points from the next four matches.

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  'Better than Messi'?

  There is one story that has followed Rodallega around for almost his entire professional career: the claim he said he is better than Lionel Messi.

  The pair, alongside the likes of David Silva, Pablo Zabaleta, Ryan Babel and John Obi Mikel were impressing at the U20 South American Championship, but Rodallega was the cream of the crop. He scored a stunning 11 goals – six more than joint-second top scorer Messi – as Colombia won the crown, and he was asked how he compares to the rising Barcelona star. The story swept across Argentina, Colombia and elsewhere that Rodallega, who was still playing for Deportivo Cali, believes he's better than Messi.

  It stuck with him for years, and he finally spoke out 15 years later when asked about it, saying: "That day the journalist asked: 'Do you think you are the best in the tournament?' And I said to him: 'I don't think I am the best in the tournament, but we are first with Colombia, I am a goalscorer and I feel very good, no, I am the best in the tournament, but I don't think I am better than Messi'."

  He added in another telling: "I spoke to [Messi], I spoke to Zabaleta years later, when we were in England, Zabaleta was at Manchester City and when we faced each other we stayed talking, he asked me and we talked about it. I also spoke to Messi in Holland and it was clear that that never happened, but nothing, Messi asked me the same thing and then he told me, 'don't pay attention to the press, they're idiots.'"

  Of course, comparisons to Messi may be ridiculous for almost anyone whose initials are not C and R, let alone a player who didn't reach a higher level than mid-table Premier League clubs. However, Rodallega's career could have gone in a much different direction than it did, with Arsenal among the teams interested in signing him from Wigan.

  "Arsenal are interested in me and this is a club I have always liked," he said in 2011. "There are many teams interested, it's true. Villarreal, Sevilla, Arsenal also have some interest, Everton of England."

  He said of Arsenal in another interview: “It is not only from this year, last year there was also interest. It is a team that has always wanted to have my services and that makes me feel satisfied and proud, and shows that I have been doing a good job at Wigan. We are handling the issue very calmly and prudently, as should be done with a club as big as Arsenal. I have had very good steps in the teams where I have been. Getting to Arsenal would be one of the main objectives. It is a challenge that one sets oneself as a child and I think that if it comes to fruition it would be like fulfilling a dream."

  Indeed, there were several directions his career could have gone. After he was released by Fulham in 2015, his dream was to play for America de Cali in his homeland, if only for his dying father.

  "I called [the club president] to tell him about my situation, what my father is going through, and I told him that I want to play for America to please him, it's his wish," he said. "My father doesn't want me to leave him alone, he wants me to be close. He's in a very complicated situation now and we want to please him in every way we can. I visit him every day and he always expects me to bring him good news."

  A month later, his father passed away.

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  Moving on

  After two seasons culminated in relegation with Fulham, Rodallega stuck around for a third year at Craven Cottage and was a rare spark for the London club. Their misery continued as they sunk towards the bottom half of the Championship, but their South American forward was back to his best. He ended the season with 10, often important, goals as they finished 17th – just 11 points clear of the danger zone, which included his former team Wigan.

  Fulham could not afford to keep paying grand wages as they were left fighting to avoid relegation to League One instead of promotion back to the top-flight. Rodallega was one of many stars released after one season in the second tier, bringing an end to his time in England.

  While he went on to a new adventure in Turkey, Fulham fell as low as a 20th place finish in the Championship in 2015-16, though they reached the promotion play-offs the following campaign.

It's been a mixed preseason for Manchester United thus far, with a 1-0 loss to Rosenborg followed up by a 2-0 win over Rangers, but one thing the club have seemingly got right this summer is their transfer business.

The Sir Jim Ratcliffe revolution looks to be thoroughly underway as the exciting additions of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro have already indicated the progressive direction the Red Devils are heading in, and it looks like more exciting names are set to come through the doors of Old Trafford in the coming weeks.

One of the names heavily touted for a move to United would be the ideal player to replace Sofyan Amrabat and has even won comparisons to a player the Red Devils were heavily linked with last summer: Frenkie de Jong.

Manchester United transfer news

According to a recent update from Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, United are keen to bring Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte to Manchester this summer and have already made "several verbal offers."

However, while Plettenberg claims the player himself wants to make the move, he also reveals that the Red Devils' offers have been "too low."

According to the German journalist, the Parisians are "demanding" at least €70m – £59m – for the Uruguayan's signature, and negotiations are ongoing.

It would be an expensive transfer to get over the line, but Ugarte would undoubtedly be an upgrade on Amrabat and, therefore, worth it – the comparison to De Jong is just a bonus.

How Ugarte compares to De Jong and Amrabat

So, before we examine how Ugarte stacks up against Amrabat, let's look at this comparison with De Jong and where it comes from.

It stems from FBref, which compared players in similar positions in last season's Champions League, created a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and concluded that the Barcelona ace was the fourth most similar midfielder to the PSG ace in the competition.

They didn't reach this conclusion purely off the eye test, though. Instead, it was based on how closely the pair ranked in several key underlying numbers, such as progressive carries, passing accuracy, live passes, tackles won, blocks and clearances, all per 90.

So, with his similarities to the talented Dutchman cleared up, how well does the Uruguayan "monster," as Statman Dave dubbed him, compare to the player he could either replace or compete with next season – depending on what happens in the market – Amrabat?

Well, when we look at their underlying numbers from 2023/24, it becomes quickly apparent that the former Sporting CP ace is the far superior midfielder.

For example, while he comes out second best for clearances and progressive passes, he comes out way ahead in almost every other metric, including non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive carries, shots, passing accuracy and key passes, tackles won, and interceptions, ball recoveries, aerial duels won, and he even makes fewer errors that lead to a shot, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Amrabat isn't necessarily a poor player, he is significantly worse than Ugarte. If Erik ten Hag wants to have a more complete and competent midfield next season, then he should prioritise signing the PSG ace, even if that means matching the French side's valuation.

Their own Rodri: Man Utd want one of 'the best CMs in the world'

Manchester United looking for their very own Rodri

By
Connor Holden

Jul 25, 2024

USWNT boss Emma Hayes is prepared for the 'weird moment' with national anthems when her team face England this week.

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• Hayes braced for "weird moment" in England clash
• Ex-Chelsea boss has found a solution
• USWNT take on England on Saturday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The legendary ex-Chelsea boss took charge of the United States women's national team after exiting Stamford Bridge at the end of the 2023-24 season. Since taking the reins, Hayes has done a phenomenal job with her team as she guided them to an Olympic gold medal in Paris in the summer.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Olympic champions are now preparing to take on reigning European champions England in an international friendly and ahead of the highly anticipated clash, the 48-year-old is caught in two minds over singing the national anthem of the country she works in and of her birthplace. Hayes, however, has found a solution to avoid any controversy.

• WHAT EMMA HAYES SAID

  Speaking to reporters, the record WSL-winning manager described the situation as a "weird moment", as she said: "It’s something I will hum along to as I always have done, being the English person that I am. I’ll also do the same for the American national anthem because I love both anthems."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR USWNT?

  After facing the Lionesses on Saturday, Hayes' USWNT will play their next friendly game against the Netherlands on December 3.

Fiorentina star Eduardo Bove has regained consciousness and has urged his La Viola team-mates to return to action in their Coppa Italia clash.

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• Bove regains consciousness after cardiac arrest
• Urges team-mates to return to action
• Midfielder 'laughing and joking' from hospital

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bove is no longer in danger after the 22-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest during Sunday's game against Inter Milan. The Roma loanee is still under observation at Careggi Hospital as tests continue, but Fiorentina general manager Alessandro Ferrari gave a positive update on Bove after the Fiorentina squad and top brass visited him in the hospital on Monday. The Italian midfielder also urged his team-mates to return to the field for the Coppa Italia clash against Empoli on Wednesday.

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  WHAT FERRARI SAID

  Speaking to Sky Italia, Ferrari said: "[Bove] managed to talk to the team, he convinced them to play on Wednesday [against Empoli in the Coppa Italia]. "We will take to the field immediately on Wednesday because there is a desire to get back to life quickly, thanks also to the enthusiasm that Edoardo has transmitted to us.

  "We are much happier and more relaxed than yesterday. We saw the boy this morning, we spoke to him together, he is lucid, alert, with his desire to laugh and joke. The situation obviously must remain under control, it is something that will have to continue in the coming days, but the boy is fine."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Reports have suggested that the 22-year-old did not suffer any sort of acute cardiac, neurological, or respiratory damage after the incident, which saw him collapse on the pitch in the first half. Additionally, the Italian publication, Ansa, also revealed that Bove had to be resuscitated on the way to the hospital in the ambulance.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BOVE AND FIORENTINA?

  The 22-year-old will remain under hospital care until he's cleared to leave by doctors. Bove's team-mates will be in action against Empoli in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday, December 4.

West Ham has already been hard at work this summer, with new manager Julen Lopetegui overseeing a huge squad revamp, as they prepare for the upcoming Premier League campaign playing a new brand of football.

Exciting forward line acquisitions have already been made, with former Leeds United winger and Championship POTY Crysencio Summerville joining, alongside the young talented Brazilian, Luis Guilherme, and veteran forward, Niclas Füllkrug.

But the Hammers don't look set to stop there in their attempts to bolster the squad and improve on their 60 goals scored last season, looking to ease the goal-scoring and chance-creation burden of Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen.

West Ham transfer news

According to reports via TheWestHamWay, West Ham have enquired about the highly-rated Juventus winger, Federico Chiesa. Another club showing interest is London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, who are also looking to sign the Italian.

An intermediary, David Lavelle, recently stated: "I think he could find a chance at a couple of Premier League clubs and I can say that we have some requests for a left winger from Fulham, who would be willing to pay, and from West Ham."

The 26-year-old is reportedly "out of Juventus' project" under new manager Thiago Motta, according to Fabrizio Romano, alongside a host of other players, as Juventus look to revamp their squad for the new manager.

Chiesa made 37 appearances in all competitions for Juventus last season, providing three assists, and scoring ten goals across 2,512 minutes played.

Chiesa and Fullkrug as a partnership

The Hammers have added a veteran goalscorer to the squad this summer in the shape of Fullkrug from Dortmund, who made 46 appearances last season, scoring 16 goals and providing ten assists.

Adding a "special" player and creator, as dubbed by Max Statman – an expert in Italian football – would give Fullkrug even more chance of succeeding at West Ham, providing him with more chances to score, and players around him to link up with.

Chiesa is a top-level creator, who has a variety of tools to use off of both flanks. Being right-footed, he can cut inside from the left wing, using that high shot volume, averaging 3.03 shots per 90, 1.02 of which are on target, and scoring 0.33 goals per 90.

He can then mix things up, go on the outside, and produce chances for others, averaging 4.55 progressive carries, 1.43 successful take-ons, 2.21 key passes and 0.74 crosses into the penalty area per 90. That final metric, Chiesa ranks in the top 1% among wingers in the top five European leagues.

This would go hand in hand with a player like Fullkrug, who stands at 6 foot 2, and is a target man type striker. Fullkrug wins 3.49 aerials per 90, and Chiesa's ability to put crosses into the box, and find him with creative passes, would allow the big German to maximize his qualities.

Fullkrug is also good at holding the ball up, to link play and bring his other forwards into play, as seen by his 0.26 assists per 90, and 2.28 progressive passes per 90, which would allow Chiesa, as well as West Ham's other talented forwards to bounce play off him, and find themselves in dangerous areas around the box.

Chiesa could prove to be the correct amount of creation and variation, in order to get the most of their new veteran talisman and improve their overall goal tally this upcoming season.

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By
Connor Holden

Aug 7, 2024

Closing in on completing the signing of Pedro Neto, Chelsea could now show the door to a Premier League winner who's reportedly the subject of interest from Juventus.

Chelsea transfer news

In what is becoming a yearly trend, the Blues have once again endured a hectic summer transfer window, welcoming the likes of Filip Jorgensen, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Aaron Anselmino.

Things are only set to get busier, with Neto on course to become the latest arrival at Stamford Bridge and the biggest yet this summer, as a reported €60m (£52m) move from Wolverhampton Wanderers is seemingly imminent.

However, Neto's arrival could spell the end for one particular player at Stamford Bridge, with Enzo Maresca almost certain to choose his new star over the Premier League veteran, who's attracting interest from Italy.

According to CalcioMercato, Juventus have contacted Chelsea about signing Raheem Sterling this summer, requesting information about the former Manchester City star. The report also claims that Sterling, who earns a reported £325,000 a week at the west London club, has reportedly been shown the door, with Chelsea preferring to "sell him outright" this summer.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 11, 2024

The winger was a serial winner at Manchester City and is a Premier League veteran these days, but Neto's arrival will undoubtedly limit his game time even further. At 29 years old, the England international could have one last big move left – something Juventus could now offer him.

Given that the Italian giants reportedly want to part ways with Federico Chiesa this summer, there will almost certainly be room for the arrival of Sterling.

"Experienced" Sterling should leave Chelsea

If he's handed the chance to join Juventus, Sterling should take it this month. Under a new boss in Maresca and with plenty of competition for places in the former Leicester City manager's side, the England international would be wise to move on. Neto's arrival should result in the end of his starting place and perhaps the end of his Chelsea career altogether.

That said, there's no doubt that the winger brings a wealth of know-how, as pointed out by Mauricio Pochettino last season, describing Sterling as "experienced". The former Chelsea boss told the club's official website: "I’m so happy for Raheem because I see him smiling every day, It’s very clear that he is very happy right now, and that is very important.

"He has started the season very well. He is scoring goals, he’s making assists and he is helping the team. This is much better for us, but also for him, because when you are playing well, you are very happy in your work."