Tag Futebol

Wolverhampton Wanderers being interested in an audacious move to sign Isco make “a lot of sense”, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

The Lowdown: Isco’s future

The former Real Madrid and Spain international is a free agent after having his contract terminated by Sevilla in December just four months after joining.

Isco started 10 La Liga games for the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan outfit but failed to score and registered just two assists – a far cry from the creative expectancy his reputation perhaps serves.

The 30-year-old won 19 major honours at Real including five Champions Leagues, but now finds his career at a crossroads when he’s supposed to be in his prime.

The Latest: Lopetegui interest

Aside from his Sevilla spell, Isco had briefly played under Julen Lopetegui in the Spanish capital but perhaps more fondly when they won the U21 2013 European Championship together, with Estadio Deportivo reporting that he would welcome reuniting with his former manager.

And now Talbot has told GiveMeSport that Lopetegui could be the man to help him get his career back on track by bringing him to the Premier League.

He said: “A player will go to a club such as Wolves, and they get the right manager or someone they’ve worked with before and they can rediscover their form. If Lopetegui has a relationship with the player and he’s available on a free, and there’s a possibility he could rekindle that form that did so well for him, then it makes a lot of sense.”

The Verdict: Incredible coup

It would be fantastic business from Wolves if they were able to pick up a player who was one of the best creators in Europe just a few years ago. Back in 2018, the midfielder had a mammoth price tag of over £100m slapped on him at Real Madrid.

With 74 goals and 69 assists in a career spent entirely in Spain up until now, his overall impact alongside a final product would be greatly welcome at Molineux, as Wolves are the worst attacking side in the Premier League with only 10 goals scored in 17 games following the weekend’s results.

Alongside the confirmed arrival of Matheus Cunha with an obligation to buy for £43m, we think the pair would transform Wolves’ attacking threat and potentially turn the tide on their season.

Chelsea manager Graham Potter will be looking to use the January transfer window to add a couple of new faces to his team and assemble his squad how he sees fit ahead of a vital few months.

He might not be under severe pressure just yet, but the previous few weeks before the World Cup break saw the London side defeated by Newcastle United, Manchester City, and Arsenal in the Premier League and improvement will be needed after Christmas.

What’s the word?

Not only do they face competition on the pitch, but Chelsea are in a fight with Tottenham Hotspur over a potential move for Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol.

That’s according to Corriere dello Sport, who claim that the defender has caught the eye of Tottenham with Potter facing a battle to secure the services of the youngster.

Indeed, Chelsea had an offer rejected in the summer and a move for the RB Leipzig star would now cost around €80 (£68m), which considering his potential and performances already this season, could be a very shrewd investment for the future.

Shining in Qatar

The 20-year-old has shown maturity beyond his years in the Bundesliga this season, losing possession on average just 6.5 times per match, while winning an impressive 2.5 duels per game at a success rate of 62%.

The £68m price tag will now surely be down to his World Cup displays for Croatia, as Gvardiol has been a key part of a defence that has conceded just once in three matches.

He has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.3/10, making 1.7 interceptions per game, 1.3 tackles, and taking a staggering 88.3 touches on average across the three group stage matches.

This clearly suggests he is extremely comfortable on the ball despite playing in high-pressure situations and by winning 64% of his total duels over the games, his physicality is one of his main strengths.

It’s no wonder he has been decreed the Erling “Haaland of defenders” by talent scout Jacek Kulig. The youngster has clearly had the same blistering impact on world football as the Norwegian striker, just at the opposite end of the pitch.

Journalist Zach Lowy even dubbed him as a “sensational centre-back” while declaring that the player had been the best player on a pitch that contained Kevin De Bruyne and Luka Modric, no mean feat.

If Potter wants to remain with the club for the long haul, signing talents like Gvardiol will make his job that little bit easier, while also signalling a massive statement of intent toward the rest of the league.

Everton have been dealt a fresh blow in their pursuit of a highly-rated European star…

What’s the latest?

Reports in Italy have linked the Toffees with a move for the Serbia international in recent weeks and now journalist Pete O’Rourke has delivered a worrying claim on the matter to Football FanCast.

“The only problem for Everton right now is probably the transfer fee, I think it might be out of their reach for January for Lukic,” he said.

“I don’t think Torino will be willing to sell for anything less than £30m and I don’t think Everton could go to that right now.”

Lampard will be gutted

Despite a summer overhaul which saw the midfield revamped, it still seems like something is missing in that position.

Whilst Idrissa Gana Gueye returned, it is clear that time has crept up on the Senegalese stalwart, and with Amadou Onana it seems like his best role is still unidentified.

Therefore, to have brought in this Serbian whose position is so clearly defined would have surely stabilised the Merseyside outfit who seem in freefall.

The 26-year-old has often operated on the left of a midfield three but can sit deeper to dictate the play. This seems to be what he is most comfortable with, having overseen a variety of roles across numerous managers at the Turin club.

Although he has suffered during his side’s World Cup campaign, in the Serie A this season he is thriving.

Boasting a 6.95 average rating, he is maintaining an 89% pass accuracy whilst also averaging one key passe and 1.4 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

These statistics paint the picture of a combative deep-lying playmaker who can play that killer pass which the Toffees’ current midfield lacks.

One particular display back in 2020 led journalist Josh Bunting to describe him as “outstanding protecting the back three”, and given how Frank Lampard often seems intent on that being his favoured system, it could have seen them move one step closer to it.

For this reason, and the general lack of stability surrounding his midfield, the 44-year-old will be frustrated that his side are likely to be priced out of a move.

With other clubs reportedly sniffing around too, it might be a step too far for Everton to complete this deal.

Leeds United failed to maintain their recent upturn in form on Wednesday evening, with Jesse Marsch’s side losing 1-0 to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup meeting under the Molineux lights.

However, despite the loss, the 48-year-old manager will not be too disheartened by the result, as there were a number of positives to take from the clash in the West Midlands.

Indeed, 19-year-old defender Leo Hjelde impressed alongside Diego Llorente at centre-back, while 18-year-old central midfielder Darko Gyabi also comfortably outshone Mateusz Klich in the middle of the park.

However, it was undoubtedly the 18-year-old forwards Sonny Perkins and Mateo Joseph who most caught the eye on Wednesday evening, with the Whites U21 pair already looking to have formed a deadly attacking duo.

Both youngsters have been in incredible form for Michael Skubala’s side this season, with summer signing Perkins having bagged eight goals over 12 Premier League 2 and Papa John’s Trophy fixtures, while Joseph has scored 12 goals and provided one assist over his 11 appearances in the same competitions.

As such, both players were well worth their first team debuts at Molineux, with Joseph being handed his first senior start on the left wing, while Perkins was handed his Leeds debut in a free-flowing number 10 role, switching positions with centre-forward Joe Gelhardt throughout the match.

And, while neither of the teenagers were ultimately able to get themselves on the scoresheet, there were nevertheless some extremely encouraging signs that the duo could go on to become a real force for Leeds in the not-too-distant future.

Indeed, Perkins’ two key passes, one dribble and four duels won demonstrated his creativity, his comfort with the ball at his feet and his strength, while Joseph’s three shots at goal, one key pass and one dribble highlighted his deadly nature in the final third, his ability to play a defence-splitting pass and his skill in possession of the ball.

Rather understandably, the youngsters came in for a significant amount of praise for their respective displays against Premier League opposition, with the Spaniard being dubbed “sprightly” by Phil Hay and “really bright” by Matty Hewitt, while René Marić singled the “explosive” Perkins out in his post-match remarks, stating:

“With Sonny, we have a player who is talented and eye-catching, that mixture of physical posture and his ability on the ball is rare.”

It is some statement to make but, considering the duos’ positional versatility – with both Joseph and Perkins able to play anywhere across a front three – creativity and clinical edge, perhaps Elland Road could be witnessing the birth of the new Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp – the pair who directly linked up for 18 league goals and bagged 200 top-flight goals between them for Arsenal in the early 2000s.

Indeed, the Arsenal duo would play off each other in mesmerising fashion, with Perkins and Joseph already showing signs at youth level of establishing a similar sort of connection, albeit not on the elite stage.

Either way, the 18-year-olds look to be two exceptionally talented young forwards who Leeds supporters will undoubtedly be seeing a great deal more of in the months and years to come – with the future looking extremely bright for the Whites.

أعلن المدير الفني لفريق مانشستر سيتي، بيب جوارديولا، التشكيل الأساسي لخوض المباراة الودية مساء يوم السبت ضد نظيره باليرمو، في إطار الاستعدادات للموسم الجديد.

ويخوض مانشستر سيتي، مساء اليوم، مباراة ودية في معقل باليرمو، قبل أسبوع من بداية مشواره في الدوري الإنجليزي.

ويبدأ مانشستر سيتي مشواره في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، موسم 2025/26، ضد نظيره ولفرهامبتون، يوم السبت المقبل.

اقرأ أيضًا | مانشستر سيتي يواجه أزمة في دوري أبطال أوروبا 2025/26

ولم يخض مانشستر سيتي إلا مباراة ودية هذا الصيف، خلف الأبواب المغلقة، ضد بريستون، حيث فاز بهدف دون رد.

واكتفى مانشستر سيتي بمشاركته في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية ذلك الصيف، في أمريكا، حيث ودع المنافسات من دور الـ16 على يد الهلال السعودي.

وحسبما نُشر، يتواجد المحترف المصري عمر مرموش في التشكيل الأساسي لمباراة مانشستر سيتي اليوم. تشكيل مانشستر سيتي أمام باليرمو وديًا

حراسة المرمى: جيمس ترافورد.

خط الدفاع: ريكو لويس، عبد القادر خوسانوف، جون ستونز، آيت نوري.

خط الوسط: نيكو جونزاليس، نيكو أوريلي.

خط الوسط الهجومي: أوسكار بوب، ريان شرقي، عمر مرموش.

خط الهجوم: إيرلينج هالاند.

البدلاء: إيدرسون، روبن دياز، تيجاني ريندرز، ناثان آكي، جيريمي دوكو، إيلكاي جوندوجان، برناردو سيلفا، مانويل أكانجي، سافيو، ماتيوس نونيز، موكاسا.

West Ham United manager David Moyes has shared a fitness worry before Liverpool with an update on defender Kurt Zouma.

The Lowdown: Hammers travel north…

The Hammers travel to Anfield this evening as Moyes aims to maintain his recent unbeaten run.

West Ham haven’t tasted defeat since their last trip to Merseyside, losing 1-0 to Everton in mid-September, with the east Londoners enjoying five matches without defeat in all competitions.

This includes crucial victories against the likes of Wolves and Fulham but Moyes will be disappointed his side couldn’t pick up all three points at Southampton on Sunday.

A much tougher Premier League test now awaits against Jurgen Klopp’s men and West Ham have some concerns ahead of tonight.

The Latest: Moyes shares Zouma worry and team news…

It appears former Burnley star Maxwel Cornet will miss tonight, having not returned to training yet, whilst fellow summer signing Nayef Aguerd has trained but still not ready just yet.

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Doubts also surround defender Craig Dawson, and according to Moyes, another central defensive star could miss Liverpool tonight.

Indeed, Zouma is another doubt, with West Ham’s manager claiming they are ‘not sure’ about his involvement.

He explained (via Claret and Hugh):

“Kurt has done a little bit of training, we’re not sure yet. Craig Dawson we’re unsure about. Maxi is getting closer, he’s probably going to train this week. It’s really good news he’s on his way back.”

The Verdict: Potential blow…

Called a ‘colossus’ by Moyes, missing the former Chelsea star tonight would be a blow given just how undroppable he appears.

As per WhoScored, Zouma played in every single top flight game for West Ham before his recent illness – making more clearances per 90 and winning more aerial duels than any Hammers teammate.

If West Ham are to come away from Liverpool with anything, Moyes will need every quality player possible at his disposal.

Sunderland’s academy has produced some solid Premier League talent over recent years, with Jordan Henderson their main export that has gone on to take the league by storm.

Having left the club in 2011, the Black Cats earned £20m which, at the time, seemed like a fine piece of business.

However, having gone on to succeed Steven Gerrard as captain of Liverpool, he will now go down in the history books at Anfield.

He has led his new side to victory in nearly every competition possible, with the Premier League, Champions League and both domestic cups under his belt, as well as a FIFA Club World Cup and a UEFA Super Cup.

Just 79 games at the Stadium of Light was modest compared to the phenomenal 455 games for the Reds, and he has overseen their growth from mid-table struggle to mentality monsters.

In his five appearances this season, he has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.06 and has done well to establish himself as one of the more dependable Premier League midfielders. 

During the year in which Liverpool won England’s top flight, the England international stepped his game up even further, raising his average match rating to 7.23 across his 30 league appearances in 2019/20. He also scored five goals and assisted four, which was impressive given how that is not normally his role.

The 32-year-old was just last year labelled an “immense captain” and “a real leader” by Leanne Prescott, who also cited his MBE as “richly deserved”.

Curtis Woodhouse also claimed that people won’t respect Henderson until he has retired, as he is a “proper all-round midfielder” and a “monster”.

It is impressive how much he has grown from the young Mackem lad playing for his boyhood club.

While £20m seemed like good money at the time, to see his growth as the Black Cats slumped down the divisions must have been a bitter pill to swallow for the club’s supporters.

As he geared up for his first of three Champions League finals – so far – the Wearside outfit had already been resigned to relegation to League One.

He could have captained Sunderland to glory, but instead, he led the revitalisation of Liverpool. They will surely regret the call to sell him now, with hindsight.

Aston Villa are back in the race to sign Watford attacker Ismaila Sarr at the 11th hour, according to Senegalese journalist Papa Mahmoud Gueye.

The Lowdown: Villa linked with Sarr move

The Senegal sensation currently finds himself in the Championship, having suffered relegation from the Premier League last season and not yet finding his big move back to the top flight.

Villa are one of those who have been linked with a summer move for Sarr, but their interest had seemingly cooled after their initial move collapsed.

It now looks as though the transfer isn’t dead in the water just yet, however, following a new update.

The Latest: Late twist?

Taking to Twitter, Gueye claimed that Villa’s interest in Sarr has returned on deadline day:

“Aston Villa back in the Ismaila Sarr chase.”

The Verdict: Great for squad depth

Sarr is a proven Premier League player after scoring ten goals and registering eight assists in the competition for a struggling Hornets side, so he could be a shrewd signing for Villa.

While Steven Gerrard may not necessarily see the forward as a regular starter week in, week out, he would be a great squad player, affecting games from the substitutes’ bench when legs are tiring.

Not only that, but Sarr is also still just 24 years of age, meaning he would be considered a long-term addition whose best years are still ahead of him.

Tottenham Hotspur chief Fabio Paratici has submitted an enquiry for Memphis Depay, according to reports…

What’s the word?

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) claim that the Barcelona forward has been left intrigued about the prospect of returning to the Premier League, stalling a potential move to Serie A giants Juventus.

The influence of Paratici and manager Antonio Conte has left the Dutch international with something to think about.

It remains to be seen what sort of fee Depay would cost, if any, given other outlets speculating that he could have his £158k-per-week contact at the Nou Camp cancelled.

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Kulusveski 2.0

Whilst many around north London will remember the 28-year-old from his time at Manchester United, which came at a very early time in his career, Depay has since won back his reputation as one of Europe’s best versatile forwards.

And Paratici could well repeat his trick with Dejan Kulusevski by recruiting him at Spurs.

The Swedish winger was very much an outcast at Juventus and arrived with plenty of doubts but now he’s arguably the most in-form player in the Premier League, having delivered more assists than anyone else since February this year.

After returning to Lyon from Old Trafford, Depay bagged 19 goals in 36 appearances in 2017/18, then scored 20 goals across 37 league matches in 2020/21.

That form earned him a move to the Catalan side, where he finished last season as their top goalscorer, despite losing his place in Xavi’s starting lineup to winter signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Depay could add more than just goals to this Tottenham side, though, as his passing ability is second to very few other attackers. His 48.11 attempts per 90 sees him rank within the top 1% of his positional peers across Europe, as per FBref, who also place him inside the top 3% for progressive carries.

Clearly, he likes to help create opportunities in the final third just as much as scoring them, which is why he could be a wise rotational option for Conte heading into the rest of the season, where Spurs will be competing in the Champions League.

Once lauded as a “magician” by journalist and presenter Deji Faremi, Paratici could make a smart signing in the Dutch dynamo, and one that has plenty of similarities to his deal for Kulusveski earlier in the year.

AND in other news, Spurs could seal “huge signing” in “amazing” £33m workhorse, he’s better than Zaniolo…

Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that Leeds United left-back Junior Firpo could be back sooner than expected following his recent injury.

The Lowdown: Eight-week timeframe

The 25-year-old, who is the only senior left-back available to Jesse Marsch, suffered a fresh injury in the club’s opening pre-season friendly against Blackpool.

As a result, the Spaniard didn’t travel to Australia, with the manager taking youngster Leif Davis instead. Firpo was expected to be out for eight weeks, but Jones has made an exciting claim after talking to people inside Elland Road.

The Latest: Jones’ comments

Talking to The Transfer Tavern, Jones was asked about the possibility of a new left-back potentially arriving due to the 25-year-old’s injury.

He said that ‘some people in the club’ think Firpo could be back in six weeks instead of eight, which could impact the club’s pursuit of a new full-back.

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Jones stated:

“I think it’s going to depend on how long Firpo is actually out for. It’s being talked about as eight weeks, but actually, some people in the club feel it could actually be more like six weeks.

“If it’s six weeks you might be able to get by, so I think that’s what they need to weigh up.”

The Verdict: New left-back needed anyway?

Even if Firpo returns two weeks quicker than expected, it could be wise for Leeds to bring in a new left-back regardless.

They have done that on the opposite flank this summer with Rasmus Kristensen, who will rival the injured Luke Ayling to become first choice right-back in the long run.

Firpo endured a number of injury issues last season, so there’s no guarantee that he’ll constantly remain fit over the next 12 months.

Additionally, with the versatile Stuart Dallas also out for the foreseeable future, it could be wise for Leeds to bring in a new senior left-back over the coming weeks.