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Wolverhampton Wanderers had a busy summer transfer window in 2024. They lost some crucial players over the window, including Pedro Neto, who joined Chelsea for £54m, and club captain Max Kilman, who moved to West Ham United to reunite with former manager Julen Lopetegui for £40m.

The Old Gold were able to reinvest that money smartly, bringing in eight signings, both permanently and on loan. Perhaps the marquee deal was Brazilian midfielder Andre, who joined from Fluminense in a deal worth up to £21m. Amongst other moves, they also signed the likes of experienced goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from Crystal Palace for £10m.

Signing Andre was a big coup, given he was linked with many clubs across Europe. The Old Gold will be glad to have secured his services and have potentially avoided the repeat of a deal which saw them miss out on a high-profile signing, instead signing Leander Dendoncker.

Leander Dendoncker’s Wolves record

Wolves signed versatile Belgium international Dendoncker from Belgian giants Anderlecht on a permanent deal in the summer of 2019, after initially bringing him in on a season-long loan deal. He joined the club for a reported fee of £11.6m after impressing then-manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

In total, the 29-year-old made 159 appearances for the club, including 26 in his first season in 2018/19 when he was on loan in the Midlands. He managed to score 12 goals and register four assists during his time at the Old Gold.

One of the benefits of having the Belgian in the squad was his versatility. Not only was he able to play at centre-back, as he did so on 27 occasions, but he also slotted into midfield countless times. He played 55 games in defensive midfield and 64 times in the centre of the park, too.

Sadly, things did not really work out for Dendoncker at Molineux. He moved to Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee in 2022 and has since been on loan at Napoli. Now, the 29-year-old plies his trade for former club Anderlecht once again.

Had they decided to forgo the signing of Dendoncker, the Old Gold could have ended up with someone who has turned into one of Europe’s best defenders, Ruben Dias.

When Wolves missed out on Ruben Dias

It is no secret that, under Nuno, the Old Gold built a sizeable Portuguese contingent. That included the likes of Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota, both of whom have now left the club for pastures anew.

However, they did miss out on signing Dias and showed interest in the Portugal international whilst he was still a Benfica player. At that stage, the defender had a release clause of £57m, although the Old Gold were thought to want to pay less than that value.

The report from The Express and The Star stated that he fitted the 2019 Wolves recruitment model “in being young, with potential to increase his value considerably”. Over the past few years, the likes of Neves and Jota have left for great profit, and the Old Gold likely saw a similar opportunity for profit in Dias.

In the end, the Midlands club missed out on signing the Portugal international. He joined Manchester City the following summer for a fee of £65m, slightly more than his release clause reported in 2019.

It is fair to say the defender has been successful during his time under Pep Guardiola in Manchester. So far, he has made 183 appearances for the Citizens and has won countless trophies, including a famous treble in the 2022/23 campaign. He is now valued at a whopping £67m by Transfermarkt.

Premier League

2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24

Champions League

2022/23

FA Cup

2022/23

Club World Cup

2024

League Cup

2020/21

Uefa Supercup

2023/24

Community Shield

2024/25

It is surely a deal that Wolves might regret not completing back in 2019. Had they done so, they would have had one of the best defenders in Europe in their side, who they could have sold for profit even after they paid £57m for him.

Looking back on the situation, it makes you think just how different the last few seasons could have been for the Old Gold.

Wolves flop who left in 2022 is now outscoring every member of the squad

He has finally found his best form

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 17, 2024

As a club, Arsenal haven’t always had the best of records when it comes to the transfer market.

The North Londoners have spent their fair share of money on players who were never worth their initial price tags, like Nicolas Pepe, simply not good enough, like Shkrodan Mustafi, and while he was a loan signing, they also brought in a player with a broken back in Kim Kallstrom.

However, in the last few years, under the leadership of Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar, the Gunners have become shrewd operators in the market and, as a whole, have seen their signings work out.

For example, one of their additions last season, who received plenty of criticism early on, has since become one of the most essential starters in the team.

David Raya's first season

Yes, the player in question is Spanish goalkeeper David Raya, who was a surprise loan signing last summer, and we say surprise as going into that window, there was minimal discussion about Arsenal needing a new number one to replace fan favourite Aaron Ramsdale between the sticks.

In fact, many in the fanbase and media believed it was an utterly unnecessary addition to the team at the time, so both Arteta and the former Brentford ace came in for plenty of criticism and scrutiny.For example, former Manchester City and Newcastle United keeper Shay Given claimed that it looked like the manager was “signing a problem” at the time.

It was a mixed start to life in the team for the Barcelona-born shot-stopper as well, as even though he made a stunning save against Spurs in just his third appearance, he didn’t look entirely comfortable early on in the season and made some relatively high-profile and costly errors in the games away to Chelsea and Newcastle United.

In fact, despite finding his feet in the second half of the campaign, former professional and pundit Gary Neville found another way to criticise the 29-year-old, as he described his kicking in the 0-0 draw away to City as “terrible”, which, given the final result, felt quite nitpicky.

However, despite the outside noise and the occasional errors, Arteta could see what Raya brought to the team and stood by him, and after the start of this season, it just looks like another thing he’s got right.

Raya this season

Unsurprisingly, Raya has started all four of Arsenal’s games this season, and to say he’s been sensational would be downplaying it.

For example, he made a fantastic reaction save to keep the Gunners in the lead against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the club’s opening match.

The 29-year-old then took things a step further and kept this team in the game against Aston Villa by pulling off the save of the month to deny Ollie Watkins what looked to be a guaranteed goal.

He made five saves and won 100% of his duels against the Seagulls. Then, against Spurs on Sunday, he remained alert to the danger throughout the 95 minutes of action, and when he was called upon, he made several brilliant stops, and as fans have now become accustomed to, was a monster in the air.

Overall, the “outstanding” international, as data analyst Ben Mattinson has dubbed him, has firmly established himself as one of the most important players in the Arsenal squad and has become utterly undroppable.

Raya’s Arsenal record

Appearances

45

Clean Sheets

23

Goals Conceded

32

Goals Conceded per Game

0.71

Points per Game

2.20

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Ultimately, the questions surrounding Raya’s signing last summer weren’t crazy at the time, but in the year since, they have been made to look so, and once again, Arteta has been proven right.

Related As good as Gabriel: 8/10 Arsenal star who won 100% duels was “astonishing”

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 15, 2024

أثار المدير الفني لفريق الهلال، البرتغالي خورخي جيسوس، جدلاً واسعاً بتصريحاته المثيرة عقب الهزيمة المفاجئة لفريقه أمام القادسية في مباراة قوية ضمن منافسات الدوري السعودي للمحترفين “دوري روشن”.

والتقى الهلال مع نظيره القادسية على ملعب استاد الأمير سعود بن جلوي الرياضية (الراكة)، ضمن منافسات الجولة السابعة عشر، وتلقى الزعيم هزيمة بهدفين مُقابل هدف.

وقال جيسوس خلال تصريحاته عقب المباراة نقلتها صحيفة “اليوم” السعودية: “نتيجة موجعة، وغير عادلة قياسًا على ما قدمناه في المباراة”.

وبسؤاله، هل طريقة مشاركة ثلاثة مدافعين كانت سببًا في الهزيمة، رد جيسوس للهلال: “لا، ليس له علاقة بالخسارة، المشكلة لدينا لم تكن فنية، الجميع قدم ما عليه، وحسان تمبكتي إذا أشركته تنتقدوني وإن أبقيته على دكة البدلاء تفعلون نفس الشيء”.

طالع أيضًا | بعد الهزيمة بثلاثية أمام النصر.. جوميز: الفتح تحسن دفاعيًا وأنا سعيد بذلك

وأشار المدير الفني لفريق الهلال، إلى أن حسان تمبكتي هو من طلب التغيير وليس بقرار فني منه.

وأضاف جيسوس: “لا توجد إصابات في الفريق سوى اللاعب ميتروفيتش، وطبيعي في عالم كرة القدم تعرض اللاعبين للإصابات”.

وعن موقف نيمار، قال مدرب الهلال:” هذا الأمر يتعلق بجانب إداري واللاعب أيضا، أنا أعتقد أن الفريق لا يُعاني كثيرًا من أجل الحديث عن أمور سبق طرحها”.

يُذكر أن نادي الهلال قد أعلن في ساعة مُبكرة من صباح اليوم الثلاثاء، عن فسخ عقد اللاعب البرازيلي نيمار، بعد فترة قصيرة قضاها مع الفريق، لم تشهد النجاح المأمول.

وكان نيمار قد انتقل إلى الهلال قادماً من باريس سان جيرمان في صفقة قياسية، إلا أنه لم يتمكن من تقديم المستوى المتوقع منه بسبب الإصابة التي لحقت به.

MatériaMais Notícias

Na manhã desta quinta-feira, o Flamengo goleou o Vasco por 4 a 1 no Estádio Luso Brasileiro e garantiu vaga na semifinal do Campeonato Carioca Sub-15. No entanto, apesar do placar expressivo, o jogo ficou marcado por uma briga entre jogadores das duas equipes, como pode ser visto na foto acima, depois do apito final.

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>Defesa do Flamengo ganha novos holofotes contra o Atlético-GO; saiba mais

A confusão repercutiu e chegou até ex-crias do Ninho, como os atacantes Yuri César e Rodrigo Muniz. Pelas redes sociais, os dois comentaram a confusão e não perderam a oportunidade de provocar o rival.

-Toda vez a mesma coisa, no futebol não dá né “rsrs” – publicou Muniz, que foi completado por Yuri César na sequência:

-Os caras estão treinando porrada, não é possível, toma sacode e quer brigar – escreveu.

Os caras tão treinando porrada né possível, toma sacode e quer brigar 🤣🤣🤣🤦🏾‍♂️

— Yuri César (@Yuricesar00) November 4, 2021

> Veja e simule a tabela do Brasileirão

Dentro de campo, o Vasco abriu o placar logo no primeiro minuto de partida comRayan. No entanto, os Garotos do Ninho conseguiram reverter o cenário negativo e, comos gols foram de David (2), Lorran e Pedrinho, eliminaram o Cruz-Maltino das quartas de final.Agora, o Fla aguarda o adversário, que sairá do confronto entre Botafogo e Nova Iguaçu.

>Justiça acata denúncia contra presidente do Flamengo; entenda

Mais tarde, o time Sub-17 do Flamengo também carimbou a vaga na semifinal do Carioca. Os Garotos do Ninho golearam o Bangu no Luso Brasileiro por 5 a 0 com gols dePetterson (2), Victor Hugo, Zé Welinton e Vinícius.Agora, o time rubro-negro aguarda o adversário da próxima fase, que sairá do duelo entre Vasco e Botafogo.

Newcastle United were a day late and a dollar short in the fight to secure a second successive season on the continent, having lost their Conference League spot after Manchester United won the FA Cup in May.

Eddie Howe's outfit had been ravaged by injuries last season and still managed to impress in spells, finishing seventh in the Premier League and unluckily finishing bottom of their Champions League group despite impressing and facing some contentious calls.

The squad really was threadbare at some stages, but Howe and Co have moved to mitigate that issue this summer by enforcing several exciting deals, tieing up last year's loanee Lewis Hall on a permanent transfer and signing Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer after his contract with Bournemouth expired.

There is more to come, with sales of Elliott Anderson and Yankuba Minteh placating PSR and freeing up space to make more emphatic ventures.

The signings completed thus far have addressed the issue of depth but clear upgrades are required to the first team. The wide flanks have been much discussed at St. James' Park and United's new sporting director Paul Mitchell might be honing on the perfect addition.

Newcastle transfer news

As per Football Insider, Newcastle have opened talks with Chelsea to discuss the transfer of Noni Madueke, who has been shortlisted on Tyneside as Howe looks to improve his right flank.

Chelsea signed the England U21 international from PSV Eindhoven in a £29m transfer in January 2023 and he rose in importance under Mauricio Pochettino last term.

Aged 22, Madueke would be a terrific signing for the Magpies – though Chelsea would undoubtedly look to make a profit, should positive movements be made over the coming days and weeks.

Noni Madueke's Chelsea career so far

Miguel Almiron has been a stalwart for Newcastle, signing from Major League Soccer side Atlanta United for a club-record £21m fee in January 2019.

2023/24

33

3

1

2022/23

34

11

2

2021/22

30

1

0

2020/21

34

4

1

2019/20

36

4

2

2018/19

10

0

0

The 30-year-old has his strengths but he's simply not prolific enough, and if Newcastle hope to enter the ascendancy once again he must be sold this summer – or at least, relegated to a second-rate position on the right wing, allowing a player like Madueke to strut their stuff.

Hailed as a "crazy talent" by football scout Jacek Kulig, Madueke arrived at Stamford Bridge in tough conditions but has indeed started to showcase his considerable talents, scoring eight goals and supplying three assists across 34 matches in all competitions last term – despite receiving only 19 starting berths.

Electric and enterprising, the £50k-per-week wide forward ranked among the top 11% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 5% for pass completion, the top 2% for progressive carries, the top 7% for successful take-ons and the top 4% for clearances per 90, as per FBref.

This is a marvellous representation of the rooted skills that suggest that Madueke could become one of the leading forwards in English football down the line, and Newcastle must act quickly to secure his services before his market value mushrooms.

Why Noni Madueke could thrive with Alexander Isak

Madueke might not be a superstar – yet – but he is a highly talented young winger who has all the skills needed to carve out success on Tyneside. Placed on Alexander Isak's flank, he might just skyrocket into a position as one of Newcastle's sharpest signings in recent years.

Isak is, without a doubt, one of the finest strikers in Europe. Last season, the Sweden international scored 25 goals from 40 appearances and was praised for his striking ability to "manipulate defenders" – as noted by Sky Sports' Dougie Critchley, who was drawing comparisons between Isak and Arsenal icon Thierry Henry.

Newcastle created 97 big chances in the Premier League last season, alongside Manchester City and behind only Liverpool (102). Isak is a formidable sharpshooter but he was supplemented by a cohesive and dynamic squad that fed him through ample opportunity.

Madueke would only enhance that, utilising his pace and ability to stretch backlines and creating more space for Isak to wreak havoc from.

And considering that Isak is that clinical, missing only 21 big chances in the Premier League despite scoring 21 goals, Chelsea's fleet-footed star could indeed find himself forming the perfect partnership – especially after playing alongside Nicolas Jackson last term, who is a talented forward but missed 24 big chances in the English top flight, scoring only 14 times.

1.

Erling Haaland

31

27

2.

Cole Palmer

33

22

3.

Alexander Isak

30

21

4.

Phil Foden

35

19

4.

Ollie Watkins

37

19

4.

Dominic Solanke

38

19

Isak is also more than just a marksman, ranking among the top 14% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and progressive carries, the top 17% for progressive passes and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90.

He's fast and he's crisp, suggesting that he could bond fluidly with Madueke's style. That's without even mentioning Anthony Gordon on the alternate flank…

Described as a "mentality monster" by his former coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst, Madueke has already demonstrated as such after impressing throughout a turbulent time at Chelsea, but at Newcastle, he truly could emerge as a leading figure on English shores.

There's hope at Chelsea and a belief at Newcastle, since they are hoping to sign the winger, that Madueke has "enormous potential" – as has also been said by Kulig – and while he's starting to find his feet in west London, Howe can offer the promise of a real chance to grow into his skin and become one of the Premier League's finest.

The end for Almiron: Newcastle offered deal to sign £50m "magician"

The Magpies are looking to improve their forward line this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 20, 2024

Southampton are "in pole position" to complete the signing of an award-winning international player in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh claim.

Southampton transfer news

The Saints are edging towards their first game back in the Premier League after a year away, with supporters hopeful that a new era under Russell Martin is only improving all the time. New signings are needed to ensure that happens, however, and the south coast club continue to be linked with players.

Southampton are believed to be in a strong position to sign Ben Breteton Diaz from Villarreal this summer, having spent last term on loan at Sheffield United. The Blades' relegation to the Championship back in May means the Chile international could remain in a top European league with Southampton, though.

Another rumoured Saints transfer target is Crystal Palace youngster Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who could be viewed as one for the future by Martin. He may also be considered someone who could shine alongside Adam Armstrong in attack, providing good service to the speedy striker.

Attacking players seems to be the order of the day for Southampton in the current transfer window, with West Brom's Brandon Thomas-Asante also linked with a switch to St Mary's before the 2024/25 season gets underway.

Southampton "in pole position" to sign 20 y/o

According to journalist Sebastien Denis on X, Southampton are also leading the way to sign Metz midfielder Lamine Camara this summer, with the French club rejecting a bid of more than €15m (£12.6m) from Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah. They've also seemingly turned down the "latest offer" from the Saints.

"Lamine Camara refused a crazy offer from Al Qadsiah who offered more than €15 million to Metz. The Senegal international wants to join the Premier League. Southampton are still in pole position to recruit one of L1's revelations but the latest offer submitted by the Saints does not suit FC Metz…"

Camara may not be the household name that some Saints supporters crave this summer, but that's not to say that he doesn't possess real pedigree as a footballer, not to mention being a young player with great potential.

The 20-year-old was voted the Best Young Player in the African Cup of Nations group stage earlier this year, scoring two goals in three appearances for Senegal in the competition. He already has 23 caps to his name for his country, scoring six times, and there is no reason why he shouldn't only improve in the coming years.

He wants to join: Southampton looking at “extraordinary” Adams upgrade

Southampton would get over the blow of Che Adams leaving a lot quicker if this star was to join soon.

1 ByKelan Sarson Jul 26, 2024

Having enough firepower is essential for Southampton as they look to avoid a quickfire return to the Championship next season, and Camara is someone who can not only thrive in attack-minded midfield areas, but also play a more disciplined role in the middle of the park. Such versatility could appeal to Martin, as he looks to add as much depth as possible, making this one to watch.

Newcastle United have made an approach for an "incredible" Premier League player alongside Max Kilman, according to a new transfer update.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies could be looking to strike some early summer transfer business in the coming weeks, as Eddie Howe looks to strengthen his squad well before the 2024/25 season gets underway.

One player who has been linked with a switch to Newcastle is Wolves centre-back Kilman, with defensive additions badly needed next term, following injury problems in that area of the pitch, with both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles expected to be out for many months with serious knee issues. A player-plus-cash bid was even submitted by the Magpies and then rejected by Wolves.

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been mentioned as a potential signing for Newcastle numerous times in the past, and he is again being backed to seal a move there at some point in the near future, with a transfer thought to be close. The Englishman only has one year remaining on his current deal, so the Blues may feel that now is the last realistic chance to earn good money for him.

The Magpies are also reportedly in talks to sign Sporting CP central defender Ousmane Diomande, following a successful season that saw the youngster clinch Primeira Liga title glory.

Newcastle make contact with "incredible" ace

According to HITC, Newcastle have made contact with Wolves over winger Pedro Neto and a move to St James' Park in the summer transfer window. It is stated that Wanderers want around £50m for arguably their most prized asset.

The Magpies are one of a number of clubs who are "keeping tabs" on the Portuguese, with fellow Premier League sides Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United all mentioned in the report, too.

Neto could be a spectacular signing for Newcastle ahead of next season, with the winger arguably one of the most exciting attacking players in the Premier League on his day. In 2023/24, the 24-year-old bagged nine assists in just 18 league starts, outlining his productivity in the final third, and manager at Molineux Gary O'Neil once said of him:

"He has been absolutely incredible for the six or seven weeks I have been here. I am really pleased with where Pedro is at. He has given absolutely everything and showed a big moment of quality [at Luton] which sums up how he has been for me for the last six weeks."

The one standout question mark against Neto is his injury record, however, with consistent spells on the sidelines often coming his way, so there could be a risk in Newcastle making a move for him.

Newcastle bid for "outstanding" star ace alongside Calvert-Lewin

An offer has been tabled for the player in question.

By
Henry Jackson

Jun 23, 2024

He is such a special talent that it could be worth the gamble, however, and if he can rid himself of his fitness woes, he may well be the next attacking hero at St James'. His combination of pace, dribbling and devilish end product could get even more out of Alexander Isak, too, who would no doubt thrive off his delivery from out wide, and at 24, Neto is still a young player with so much more to offer.

Several U.S. internationals had big performances in the English Championship, including Aaronson and Wright

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Aaronson scores wondergoal
• Wright breaks out of cold spell
• Duane Holmes scored against Josh Sargent's Norwich

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Brenden Aaronson brought his birthday party on the pitch as the U.S. international scored a wonder-volley in the seventh minute to give Leeds an early goal over Watford at home.

  Yet, the now 24-year-old wasn't the only American standout in the competition. Haji Wright got on the scoresheet, also in the seventh minute, for Coventry in their 1-1 draw against QPR.

  Meanwhile, U.S. striker Josh Sargent dropped the game-tying assist in Norwich's 2-2 draw with Preston North End – a match in which fellow American Duane Holmes scored to put the The Lilywhites up 2-1 before they would ultimately concede in the 61st minute, with Shane Duffy scoring.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Aaronson's resurgence has been one of the biggest storylines of the season in the Championship as he now has three goals and an assist in 11 matches from midfield.

  And Wright might be joining in him in picking up form. The Coventry forward was a breakout star last season, scoring 16 goals and six assists in 44 appearances. Wright hasn't been as prolific this campaign and has experienced lengthy spells without a goal or assist.

  After scoring two goals in Matchweek 2 on Aug. 16, Wright did not score or assist again for club or country until Oct. 1 against Blackburn. He had another four-game drought in scoring until getting on the board Tuesday.

  Holmes' story is interesting as the Georgia-born midfielder has bounced around the EFL over the past 11 years, and internationally, has two USMNT appearances. It was his first goal of the season and the 31st of his career.

  Sargent, meanwhile, is on four goals and five assists in 11 appearances for the Canaries this season

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Aaronson has tripled his career goal tally at the English club in 2024. During the 2022-23 season, he scored just one goal at Elland Road before being loaned out the following campaign. Now, in 2024, he's bagged three, turning a new leaf at the club.

  Leeds are now second in the Championship after Tuesday's results, while Norwich are seventh. Preston are 14th and Coventry are in danger of relegation, sitting in 22nd.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Leeds clash with Bristol City in the English Championship on Saturday, while Coventry take on Luton Town. Norwich, meanwhile, play Middlesbrough while Preston meet Plymouth Argyle.

Liverpool have made a fresh proposal for a highly-rated player hailed for being a "quick learner", according to an exciting new Reds transfer update.

Liverpool transfer news

The Arne Slot era at Anfield is slowly kicking into gear, with the Dutchman now officially in charge and looking to fill the enormous void left by the departed Jurgen Klopp. While Liverpool are yet to make any new signings this summer, with Euro 2024 getting in the way at the moment, they have still been linked with plenty of potential additions.

Jamal Musiala is currently shining for Germany at the Euros, outlining his reputation as one of Europe's most prodigiously gifted young players, and the Reds are reportedly eyeing an audacious swoop for him. They would have to break their transfer record, however, with Bayern Munich likely to want around £100m for his signature.

Speaking of enormous talents with big futures in the game, Lille central defender Leny Yoro has been backed to seal a switch to Anfield in the near future, amid a battle for his services.

Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is another superb attacking talent whose name has emerged on the list of mooted additions for Liverpool, being seen as a player who could get the best out of Trent Alexander-Arnold in a midfield role.

Liverpool send fresh proposal to "quick learner"

According to AS [via Empire of the Kop], Liverpool have sent a new "proposal" for Lille star Yoro, as they look to secure the services of the highly-rated centre-back in the summer window. Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on striking a deal for the 18-year-old, who is arguably one of world football's most exciting players in his position.

A £42m bid from the Reds has already been rejected last week, and Lille want £59m for one of their most important individuals, though it is not clear how far off that number the new bid sits.

This is a hugely encouraging claim from abroad, with Yoro such a special talent who has all the tools to become a true great at the heart of Liverpool's defence over time. Finding a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk has to be seen as important in the near future, ensuring the legendary Dutchman's eventual exit is as bearable as possible, and the Frenchman could be an ideal successor, being hailed by former coach Jean-Michel Vandamme.

This outlines what a massive talent Yoro is, as does the fact that he started 30 out of a possible 38 Ligue 1 games last season, already being trusted as one of the first names on Lille's team sheet despite still being a teenager.

Appearances

32

Starts

30

Goals

2

Assists

0

Pass completion rate

92.2%

Clearances per game

3.0

Aerial duel wins per game

1.4

Tackles per game

1.1

Liverpool must do all they can to bring him in, beating other huge clubs in the process, with few defenders possessing such a high ceiling moving forward. It would be an enormous coup for Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, heralding an exciting early signing under Slot.

Newcastle United face a battle to secure sixth place in the Premier League table. Not only will they have to win their match against Brentford, but hope Chelsea lose against AFC Bournemouth in order to snatch a top six spot.

Tough? Yes. Impossible? Absolutely not. Eddie Howe will be urging his men for one final push in what has been a season filled with injuries and a lack of any real consistency.

Following the midweek defeat to Manchester United, could the Englishman perhaps change things up for the final game of the season? Especially as substitute Joelinton enjoyed a solid cameo appearance from the bench.

Joelinton’s statistics against Manchester United

Joelinton came on with just under 30 minutes remaining in the tie for the ineffective Elliot Anderson, who didn’t enjoy his finest game for the Magpies.

Indeed, Anderson took just 29 touches during his spell on the pitch, while also losing possession six times and winning just two of his five contested duels.

Elliot Anderson and Joelinton's stats vs Man Utd
Metric	Anderson	Joelinton
Minutes	62	28
Touches	29	24
Key passes	0	1
Total duels (won)	5 (2)	11 (7)
Big chances created	0	1
Via Sofascore

This should give Howe licence to ditch the youngster this afternoon and unleash Joelinton in midfield.

The 27-year-old not only made one key pass and created a big chance, but also managed to take three shots in total while winning seven of his 11 duels contested, indicating how impressive a display it was despite playing only 28 minutes.

With a must-win tie against Brentford coming up this afternoon, surely it is time for the Brazilian to be unleashed in the starting XI.

Joelinton’s stats for Newcastle this season

The £150k-per-week star has made 26 appearances for the Magpies this term as injury issues have restricted his game time, most notably a groin problem which required surgery.

Despite his lack of action, Joelinton has still scored three goals and registered four assists, clearly making his mark whenever he gets the chance.

Alongside his goal involvements, the midfielder has also created four big chances, averages 1.1 key passes per game and succeeded with 0.9 dribbles per game – a success rate of 61% – to prove that he certainly adds an extra attacking threat when fit.

Additionally, Joelinton also ranks in the top 5% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (3) when compared to positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, while also ranking in the top 11% for successful take-ons per 90 (1.33), further evidence of the danger he possesses in the final third.

Journalist Thomas Hammond lauded the Brazilian as “phenomenal” in 2023, and it is clear when he is fit and firing, the 27-year-old is a key member of Howe’s starting XI.

Newcastle struck gold on free signing who's now worth more than Joelinton

He’s excelled at St James’ Park in his breakthrough campaign.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 17, 2024

Against Brentford, every player will need to be at their very best in order to secure all three points and give the club a chance of securing sixth place in the top flight.

It might not secure qualification for the Champions League, but featuring in Europe next season is extremely important for Howe and his players as they look to end a near 60-year wait for a major trophy.