All posts by n8rngtd.top

It's set to be a massively important campaign for Tottenham Hotspur in the coming season, as Ange Postecoglou looks to go one better than last year and lead the club into the Champions League places.

However, with the teams around the Lilywhites currently strengthening their squads, Daniel Levy and Co must do the same and invest heavily in the transfer market.

The good news for fans is that, based on recent reports, that appears to be happening as the latest name touted for a potential move to N17 would be game-changing and not just for the Lilywhites but the league as a whole, and he'd help make James Maddison unplayable.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from Football Insider, Tottenham, and particularly Postecoglou, are 'in the market' for a new top-level striker, and Victor Osimhen is one of the names they are 'keeping tabs on'.

The report does not mention how much a deal would cost the Lilywhites but does reveal that they would be willing to exchange some players as part of the deal.

However, whether this would convince the Partenopei to budge from the reported €130m – £109m – release clause they are after is another matter entirely.

This transfer may sound particularly far-fetched given the North Londoners' history of frugality, but with the league becoming increasingly competitive around them and their position as the wealthiest club in London, it might be time for them to go all out, especially as Osimhen could make Maddison unplayable.

Why Osimhen would be a great signing for Spurs and Maddison

While there are likely a plethora of reasons why Osimhen would be a transformational signing for Spurs and Maddison in particular, there is one that overrides all others: his output.

The Nigerian superstar has proven himself as one of the best strikers in world football over the last few years, and his ability to get on the end and finish off chances would surely propel the Lilywhites up the table and see the former Foxes ace end next season with a mountain of assists to his name.

For example, even though last season was somewhat of a down year for the former Lille ace – by his lofty standards – he still scored 17 goals and provided four assists in 32 appearances. This means he averaged a goal involvement every 1.52 games and would have been the second most productive player in Postecoglou's squad behind only Son Heung-min, who racked up 27 goals and assists in 36 games.

However, when you look back just one season prior, you get a glimpse of just how deadly the 25-year-old can be when he's on song, as he scored a whopping 31 goals in 39 appearances and provided five assists for good measure, equating to an incredible average of a goal involvement every 1.08 games.

With the ability to play that well, it's hard to disagree with José Mourinho's opinion that the Lagos-born marksman is a "world-class" player.

Now, just imagine a striker as clinical as the Napoli star playing alongside someone like the Spurs number ten, who, according to FBref, sits in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers for shot-creating actions and progressive passes – goals, lots and lots of goals.

Ultimately, while this does feel like an unrealistic transfer, it shouldn't. Spurs have the money, and under a manager as progressive as Postecoglou, Osimhen could be utterly transformational. Therefore, Levy and Co should be doing all they can to bring the Nigerian goal machine to N17 this summer.

Spurs struck gold on "monster" now worth more than Chiesa & Gallagher

The incredible star has been a massive success in North London.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 31, 2024

Manchester City have hijacked a move to sign a new forward who is "different from the rest", according to Fabrizio Romano.

Man City’s quiet summer so far

Those at the Etihad Stadium have been fairly quiet in the transfer market this summer as Pep Guardiola’s side look to win an incredible fifth Premier League title in a row. So far, the only signing of the window has been winger Savinho, whose move from Troyes was all but secured ahead of the market officially opening.

In regards to departures, the club have received fees for Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Sergio Gomez and Tommy Doyle who have joined Southampton, Real Sociedad and Wolves respectively. However, the biggest exit has been Julian Alvarez, who has now officially moved to Atletico Madrid in a deal worth around £82m.

City could have a busy end to the window, however, especially after an injury to Oscar Bobb. According to GiveMeSport, City still want to bring in another attacking option, while also adding another holding midfielder after Kalvin Phillips left for Ipswich Town on a season-long loan deal.

Adding to the club’s well-run academy is also of interest to City by the looks of things, with Etihad chiefs moving to sign a teenage forward in recent days.

Man City to sign Divin Mubama after hijack

According to Romano, Man City have hijacked a deal to sign former West Ham forward Divin Mubama. The 19-year-old was in talks with Lyon and Famalicao but it is City who look set to secure his services before potentially sending him out on loan.

Meanwhile, The Daily Mail have revealed that a compensation package between City and West Ham for Mubama has been agreed and is thought to be worth £1.5m.

An England U20 international, Mubama scored 58 goals at youth level for West Ham and also one for the senior side prior to his London Stadium exit. He came in for praise from former manager David Moyes, who labelled the teenager as “different from the rest”.

“We want to play Divin but he has quite a lot of competition. I don’t know how many 19-year-old centre-forwards are playing in the Premier League. It’s something which is getting harder because it’s such a difficult role. The level of competition to be a centre-forward is really high at most clubs.

“But Divin is different from the rest. He has a mentality and an attitude that is as good as any top player. He’s so determined and works incredibly hard for the team, so we know what we’re going to get with Divin. What we need him to do is develop in all his actions and technical ability, but he’s 19 and did a great job for us when he came on.”

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has provided an update after Kylian Mbappe was forced off injured during their win over Atalanta.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Mbappe subbed off in 35th minute
• Frenchman had opened scoring
• Will undergo tests on Wednesday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Frenchman was substituted in the 35th minute after going down with a non-contact injury in Tuesday's Champions League encounter. He was able to walk off on his own, but it was still a concerning sight for Real Madrid and their supporters.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mbappe has caught plenty of flak this season, but he's found a good run of form after scoring three goals in his past four games. That includes the opener in Bergamo, with the 25-year-old producing a great touch before firing home for his 12th goal of the season. He'll be desperate to avoid any time on the sidelines.

• WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

  "[Mbappe] has a strain, some discomfort in his thigh," Ancelotti told Movistar after the match, per ESPN. "We'll have to see. It doesn't look serious, but I don't know, we'll see tomorrow. He couldn't sprint. It was bothering him, so we had to substitute him."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• DID YOU KNOW?

  It was still a successful night for Ancelotti and his side as they ran out 3-2 winners, with Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham also on the scoresheet. They still have work to do to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase table and an automatic place in the round of 16, however. Los Blancos currently sit 18th, occupying an unseeded play-off position with two games remaining.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed the "solution" to his side's woes after their 2-1 loss at Aston Villa.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Man City lose 2-1 at Aston Villa
• Poor form continues for title holders
• Guardiola reveals "solution" to their woes

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  City suffered their ninth defeat in 12 games in all competitions after losing at Villa Park on Saturday. While manager Guardiola cut a forlorn figure after failing to pick up any points yet again, the Spaniard said their fortunes will improve when their injury list lessens. Indeed, defender John Stones could not return for the second half after a recurrence of a previous injury.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  WHAT PEP GUARDIOLA SAID

  He told BBC Match of the Day: "It can come, it can not come. It depends on us. The solution is bring the players back. We have just one central defender fit, that is difficult. We are going to try next game – another opportunity and we don't think much further than that."

  On Stones' injury, he told TNT Sports: "We make a really good first half, second half we dropped. We changed our pressing for the reason John [Stones] could not continue. Congratulations Aston Villa and keep going."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  In addition to Stones, City are without the injured Oscar Bobb, Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, and 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri. While having them back will help, the Cityzens are in their biggest crisis for decades and something special is needed to stop the rot. It seems like their Premier League title defence is over.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  City, who dropped to sixth in the Premier League, next face lowly Everton on Thursday as they try to turn their form around. They are currently nine points adrift of league leaders Liverpool and they have played two games more than Arne Slot's team.

Having added quality rather than quantity so far this summer, Arsenal are now reportedly setting their sights on the future as a bid to sign a 17-year-old gem is reportedly on its way.

Arsenal transfer news

The Gunners were in no position to panic this summer after challenging Manchester City in the Premier League title race once again. Their job this summer was always to simply refine Mikel Arteta's squad and close the gap on Pep Guardiola's winning machine in the hope of securing the title at the third attempt this season.

In their efforts to close that gap, the north London club welcomed Riccardo Calafiori earlier this summer and are now reportedly set to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, agreeing a package which could rise to €37m (£31m) with add-ons.

The Gunners could continue their late flurry with one for the future, too. According to Brazilian outlet Vozes Do Gigante, Arsenal have informed Internacional that they're about to bid €25 million (£21m) to sign Gabriel Carvalho, who is still just 17 years old.

What's more, if their supposed incoming bid is accepted, the young attacking midfielder will spend this season on loan back in Brazil, before officially arriving in the following campaign.

Arsenal struck gold on "magnificent" Arteta signing worth more than Nketiah

The talented ace has become an integral part of the manager’s plans.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 24, 2024

Following somewhat in Chelsea's footsteps by turning towards the South American market, Arsenal could be rewarded in the best way possible for years to come. Signings such as Carvalho help ensure that the Gunners don't fall into the same unsuccessful period that they suffered in their final years under Arsene Wenger.

"Gifted" Carvalho is one for the future

Arsenal's current side is already one full of young talent, with many of those talents now hitting their prime – with the Gunners reaping the rewards. However, the arrival of Carvalho would focus on the next generation, in what would be sensational planning from all involved in north London. Earning the praise of analyst Ben Mattinson at the end of last year, Carvalho was described as a "gifted" player with plenty of flair.

The young Brazilian would, of course, be following in the footsteps of his compatriot, Gabriel Martinelli. The winger arrived in north London in 2019 from Ituano and has thrived ever since.

Now one of the main men at the Emirates, Martinelli may find himself welcoming Carvalho with open arms sooner rather than later. At just 17, the Internacional midfielder could be set to make his biggest move yet this summer.

Aston Villa enter the final few days of the transfer window hoping they can entice another big name to join the club.

Qualification for the Champions League has allowed Unai Emery to lure the likes of Amadou Onana and Ian Maatsen to Villa Park. Will there be one final signing before the deadline on Friday?

It appears the club have a current Premier League player on their shortlist as they look to bolster their attacking options.

Aston Villa eye late move for Chelsea striker

According to Caught Offside, the Midlands side are open to the idea of adding another striker to their squad before Friday. There are a few different names on the shortlist, but it looks as though Chelsea centre-forward Nicolas Jackson is the preferred option.

The report states Emery has monitored him for over a year as the manager is evaluating whether there is room to make a concrete offer for him in the coming days.

The £65k-per-week hitman would add something different to the Villa attack and, with a single season of Premier League experience behind him, could be a solid purchase this summer.

Nicolas Jackson’s season in numbers

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed Jackson as “superb” towards the end of the 2022/23 campaign after he scored in four successive La Liga matches, claiming the striker was “one of the best La Liga players in recent weeks” due to his displays.

It didn’t take long for the Blues to make their move, signing him that summer from Villarreal. His debut season in England yielded 17 goals and six assists across 44 matches for the Blues, a decent, if unspectacular, return in front of goal.

Among his teammates, he ranked second for goals and assists (19) in the top flight, along with ranking second for shots on target per game (1.2) and for successful dribbles each match (1.5), underling how important he was.

Ollie Watkins may have scored 27 goals last season, but the next highest goalscorer at the club was winger Leon Bailey with 14 goals, suggesting the need for another striker.

Jackson, according to FBref, is the sixth-most comparable player to Watkins. Considering how good the Englishman was last season, signing a player who plays like him would be advantageous for Emery, even if Jackson is something of a "rough diamond" according to pundit Paul Merson.

Indeed, the duo registered similar statistics in the Premier League last season with regard to shots on target per 90 (1.22 vs 1.31), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.05 vs 2.8), successful take-on percentage (51.4% vs 41.3%) and aerial duels won (35 vs 49).

Much will depend on Jackson’s price tag, but if there is any realistic chance of signing the Senegal international, then a concrete move should be made.

He and Watkins could combine to devastating effect this season for Villa, especially given their likeness, and it could fire the club back into the top four of the table.

The next few days will be interesting, to say the least.

Onana repeat: Aston Villa have discussed signing "monster" striker

He has 12 months left on his contract and could move before the deadline.

1

By
Joe Nuttall

Aug 28, 2024

PSG are keen to sign Bournemouth centre-back Illia Zabarnyi, but may face a political headache in their attempts to sign the Ukraine international.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Zabarnyi joined Bournemouth in 2023
• Ukrainian now on PSG's radar
• French giants facing political dilemma

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Parisians have added Zabarnyi to their transfer wishlist, according to , as they go in search of a right-footed centre-back to serve as Marquinhos' backup and potential replacement. Zabarnyi has developed into a key player for the Cherries since his arrival from Dynamo Kyiv last January, playing every minute in the Premier League so far this season.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Zabarnyi, 22, will have ambitions of playing at the very highest level, something a move to PSG would help him achieve. With Milan Skriniar expected to leave and Marquinhos reportedly attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League, he could be a crucial part of the French club's next evolution.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  However, L'Equipe note the potential difficulty in completing a move for the Ukraine international, who would become team-mates with Russian goalkeeper Matvey Sofanov. Russia and Ukraine remain locked in a pitched conflict.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR PSG & ZABARNYI?

  Zabarnyi, who signed a contract extension with Bournemouth in the summer that will keep him at the Vitaly Stadium until 2029, will be focused on this weekend's trip to Manchester United. As for PSG, they take on Lens in the Coupe de France on Sunday.

Celtic maintained their perfect start to the 2024/25 Scottish Premiership season with a convincing and comfortable 3-0 win in the first Old Firm clash of the campaign.

Brendan Rodgers brought Kyogo Furuhashi and Nicolas Kuhn back into the starting XI for the Hoops and the former, in particular, enjoyed an impressive afternoon.

The Japan international was unfortunate to have an early goal ruled out due to a toenail offside decision on Kuhn in the build-up but did eventually get his name on the scoresheet for the second goal, firing in past Jack Butland with a clever, driven, effort from 25 yards.

Daizen Maeda and Callum McGregor scored either side of that long-distance strike from the former Vissel Kobe marksman, who had not scored in the league prior to Sunday's clash.

The dominant win over Rangers also came less than 48 hours after a busy deadline day for the Premiership champions, who added three new players to their squad.

Arne Engels was brought in from Bundesliga side Augsburg, central defender Auston Trusty was signed from Sheffield United, and midfielder Luke McCowan was snapped up from fellow Scottish outfit Dundee.

How much Celtic paid for Luke McCowan

Rodgers moved to improve his options in the middle of the park on deadline day and made a late swoop to bring in the left-footed star for a reported fee of just £1m.

That could end up being a bargain for the Scottish giants if he is able to translate his superb form for Dundee over the last 13 months or so over to his spell at Parkhead.

He had started the current campaign in impressive fashion with a return of two goals and one assist in three Premiership outings, to go along with 3.8 tackles and interceptions per game.

The 26-year-old midfielder, who made his debut off the bench in the 3-0 win over Rangers, had also outperformed a number of Celtic players in his position as an attacking presence last season.

As you can see in the table above, McCowan was directly involved in 15 goals for Dundee – at least seven more than McGregor, Hatate, or Bernardo managed.

This suggests that the Scottish gem has the potential to provide a huge threat in the final third for the Hoops if he can hit the ground running and showcase the best of his abilities in Glasgow this term.

McCowan was a boyhood Celtic supporter and that meant it was a lovely moment when he got to make his debut as a substitute in the Old Firm.

Celtic will be hoping to hit the jackpot with the £1m signing of the midfielder, just like Ange Postecoglou did with the bargain signing of Maeda, who starred on Sunday and is currently worth more than McCowan.

How much Celtic paid for Daizen Maeda

Postecoglou swooped to sign the Japan international from Yokohama F. M. on an initial loan deal for the season half of the 2021/22 season.

Maeda hit the ground running in Glasgow with a return of seven goals and one assist in 17 appearances in all competitions, as the Hoops won the Premiership title.

The Scottish giants then reportedly splashed out a fee of just £1.6m to sign the forward on a permanent basis ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

In his first full season with the Premiership giants, Maeda racked up an eye-catching 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions for Postecoglou's side.

As you can see in the table above, 13 of those goal contributions came in the Scottish top-flight, which shows that he provided a decent threat in the final third.

The 26-year-old attacker showcased his ability to score and create goals from a left wing position, using his relentless work rate and lightning-quick pace to cause constant problems for opposition defenders.

He continued to provide a strong presence at the top end of the pitch for Rodgers last season and his current market valuation is a reflection of the blinder Postecoglou played and the value the gem provides on the pitch.

Daizen Maeda's current market value

At the time of writing (03/09/2024), Transfermarkt places the Japanese winger's current market value at €7m (£5.9m), and that is significantly higher than the £1.6m they paid for him just over two years ago.

This shows that Postecoglou hit the jackpot when he swooped to sign the attacker back in 2022, who is now worth £4.9m more than the £1m signing of McCowan this summer.

Maeda did not enjoy his best season in front of goal for the Hoops last term under Rodgers but did still contribute with six goals and three assists in 28 Premiership matches.

The Japan international brings more than just goals and assists to the table, however, as the Northern Irish head coach claimed that he has the "work rate of two players" on the pitch.

He has also enjoyed a terrific start to the current campaign for the Premiership champions, with a return of three goals and two assists in four appearances in all competitions, with all five of those contributions coming in the last three games.

The Celtic star, who was once hailed as "immense" by Postecoglou, caught the eye with his exceptional display in the Old Firm clash on Sunday.

Maeda opened the scoring from Alistair Johnston's cut-back as he was on his toes and able to anticipate the cross to get to the ball before James Tavernier and then had the composure to find the back of the net.

The winger also assisted the third goal for McGregor with a pass to his captain, who then rocketed a strike into the far corner from distance in the second half.

Celtic are being rinsed by a player who earns 2x more than Scales

The Hoops appear to have blundered by signing the central defender last summer.

1

By
Dan Emery

Sep 3, 2024

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson has backed their squad to achieve great things under Arne Slot as he played down comparisons with Jurgen Klopp's team.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Alisson heaped praise on Slot
• Refused to compare the Dutchman with Klopp
• Slot's side next face Ipswich Town

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Liverpool have been in red-hot form in the 2024/25 campaign as they currently find themselves six points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand. Star goalkeeper Alisson, who was part of the club's previous league-winning campaign in 2019/20, has opened up on the club's prospects this season.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  WHAT ALISSON SAID

  Speaking to , the Brazil international said: "That team was really special. We achieved great things. It was the first Premier League title in a long, long time. "We achieved [won] the Champions League together as well the season before.

  "There is no comparison with both situations. "What makes me happy is this group of players – we have the quality to do something special. The most important thing is the commitment that is needed to win something is there."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  When asked about new boss Slot's style of play and how it has fared compared to that of Jurgen Klopp's side, the custodian added: "I don't think it is too similar [to our style under Klopp]. A few players still play in the team but we have a little bit [of a] different style, more ball possession. Before it is was really straightforward, a lot of transition, a lot of intensity."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• (C)Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  The league leaders will be back in action on Sunday as they take on West Ham away from home in a Premier League clash.

USWNT star Naomi Girma is attracting big attention from Europe, with Chelsea reportedly leading the race to sign her.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• USWNT defender Girma out of contract in 2026
• San Diego Wave star has interest from Lyon & Arsenal
• But Chelsea lead race for potential $1m deal

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  There have been plenty of reports in recent months about interest in Girma from abroad, with her having emerged as one of the most talented center backs in the entire game already, aged just 24. Indeed, after helping her country win gold at the Olympic Games last summer, USWNT boss Emma Hayes described Girma as "the best defender I've ever seen".

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lyon, home of USWNT team-mate Lindsey Horan, have been linked with her, as have Arsenal. However, understands that it is Chelsea who are currently favorites to land Girma's signature, which could come at the cost of $1 million (£820,000). The current world-record fee for a transfer in the women's game is $862,000 (£706,000), which Bay FC paid to sign Racheal Kundananji from Madrid CFF last year.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Given that potential price tag, it is unlikely that Girma leaves the San Diego Wave for another NWSL side. That's because league rules require a salary cap tax if a club spends over a net $500,000 (£409,000) on transfer fees.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• USA Today
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR GIRMA AND SAN DIEGO?

  New San Diego boss Jonas Eidevall, and the new ownership which took over in October, will certainly be keen to avoid losing Girma, who is out of contract at the end of 2026. It'll be up to them to renew that deal and avoid losing the defender to a European giant.