All posts by z3u9t.icu

Bayern Munich are thinking about reigniting their interest in Barcelona star Raphinha, per Mundo Deportivo.

The dangerous winger was one of the Premier League's best players during his two years in the division, with ex-manager Marcelo Bielsa hailing him as a 'complete player.'

However, after a summer of transfer links to some of the biggest European clubs last year, Raphinhia finally signed on the dotted line for FC Barcelona.

Despite initially struggling for form and game time, the Brazilian has quickly established himself as a firm favourite amongst the Camp Nou faithful.

It was after a particularly impressive display against Sevilla earlier this year that Barcelona Manager Xavi labelled him "extraordinary."

His strong end to the season in Catalonia helped the Blaugrana win a first LaLiga title since 2019.

What's the latest on Raphinha?

With the Brazilian still performing at an elite level, it should come as no surprise that he has once again attracted the attention of clubs from across the continent, most notably Bayern Munich.

According to a report from Javier Gascon of Mundo Deportivo, the Bavarian club have reignited their interest in the player due to the admiration of Thomas Tuchel.

The Spanish publication reports (via Sky) that the German coach is a 'big fan of the Brazilian winger.'

Gascon reports that, alongside Tuchel's admiration for the player, the Bayern board want to bring in a player of his quality to 'not experience another Bundesliga like the one that recently ended.'

However, should the board want to bring the 5 foot 9 winger to FC Hollywood, they'll have to loosen their purse strings.

Barcelona paid Leeds £55m for his signature just last year, and so any new deal will likely exceed that valuation.

Would Raphinha improve Bayern Munich?

Primarily playing on the right-hand side, Raphinhia would be in direct competition with Leroy Sané and Serge Gnabry.

Looking at their season ratings from WhoScored, it is the Brazilian who comes last at 7.04, whereas both Gnabry and Sane sit at 7.10. However, with rankings that close, it is hardly decisive.

Goal involvements, whilst impressive at 14 for the ex-Leeds man, are again lower compared to Sane's 15 and Gnabry's 19.

It doesn't get much better when you look at the underlying numbers, either. According to data from FBref, the Porto Alegre-born winger notches up 0.55 expected non-penalty goals and assists per90, whereas Sane manages 0.62, and Gnabry, a staggering 0.78.

Things balance out more when looking at their passing stats. Whilst Raphinha has the lowest pass completion of all three players at just 66.8%, he does average 2.20 key passes per 90, 0.19 more than Sane and 0.26 more than Gnabry.

Overall, whilst the numbers in isolation are certainly impressive, compared to his competition, they leave a little to be desired.

There is no doubt that Raphinha is a great player, and who knows, a move to Bayern might just bump those numbers up even higher.

An update has emerged on Sunderland's chances of landing a second loan deal for Manchester United forward Amad Diallo…

What's the latest on Amad Diallo to Sunderland?

According to The Sun, the Ivorian is willing to return to the Stadium of Light for another temporary spell but only if Tony Mowbray remains in the job.

The report claims that the attacking midfielder built up a strong connection with the supporters and the head coach and would not be opposed to rejoining the Black Cats.

However, it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils will be willing to allow him to depart for another season as Erik ten Hag may have other plans for the youngster.

How did Amad Diallo perform this season?

The 20-year-old magician enjoyed a terrific campaign in the Championship and Mowbray could now repeat the blinder Sunderland played with Jonny Evans by signing the ace for a second spell.

Back in 2007, the club signed the Northern Ireland international on loan from United for the second half of the season, and he made 18 appearances in the second tier.

The Black Cats were then able to snap him up for another loan in January 2008 with the titan featuring in 15 Premier League matches to help the club avoid relegation by finishing 15th in the table.

Diallo could now follow in his footsteps by signing for Sunderland for a second time from United, which could be a stroke of genius by Mowbray and Kristjaan Speakman.

In the 2022/23 campaign, the talented attacker racked up 13 goals and three assists in 37 league appearances and averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.98 – the fourth-highest in the squad.

The £29k-per-week wizard created four 'big chances' for his teammates and provided 41 key passes in total throughout the campaign, suggesting that he was unfortunate to end up with just three assists to his name.

Diallo also only missed six 'big chances' in the division as the loanee plundered 13 goals from 8.3 xG. This shows that the youngster was clinical in front of goal as he outperformed the level of chances that were coming his way from fellow forwards.

The Athletic's Peter Rutzler hailed the ex-Atalanta starlet as "electric" during the season and that sums the maestro up perfectly. He is capable of providing a spark in the final third at any moment, making him an undeniable game-changer with his ability to score and assist goals at Championship level.

Therefore, Mowbray could repeat the blinder the club played with Evans by securing another deal to sign the winger this summer.

Former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford says he has told the Whites’ current players ‘not to let’ Kalvin Phillips leave the club this summer. 

The lowdown

Beckford made more appearances for Leeds between 2006 and 2010 (151) than he did for any other club in his professional career. Now 38, the Englishman was something of an Elland Road hero, impressively bagging 85 goals for the Whites.

Phillips has two years to run on his contract at Leeds, but the club have yet to make significant progress toward an extension.

The midfielder is now reportedly attracting interest from some of the Premier League’s big hitters, including Manchester United, Manchester City and, most recently, Liverpool.

The latest

Speaking to the Sunday Express, as quoted by MOT Leeds News, Beckford said he had urged Leeds players to do whatever they could to persuade Phillips to stay put.

He revealed: “As it stands, I’ve spoken to one or two other lads and told them not to let Kalvin go, and to handcuff to the crossbar if they have to!”

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The verdict

You can understand why Beckford is desperate for Leeds to keep hold of Phillips.

The 26-year-old one of his country’s best footballers, earning England’s Player of the Year award for 2021 ahead of Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount. Also, 24% of Leeds fans also voted him as their Player of the Year, which left him second only to Raphinha.

His influence and industry in Jesse Marsch’s midfield is evidenced by his match averages of 2.7 tackles and 1.2 interceptions, placing him joint-second and fifth in the Elland Road squad for those respective metrics, as per WhoScored.

The Whites stayed up by the skin of their teeth in 2021/22, usurping Burnley for 17th place on the final day, but they could be fearful that losing key players like the England midfielder might land them in trouble again next season.

In other news, further talks are planned over this potential Leeds transfer

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has dropped another major update on Manchester United’s attempts to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

The Lowdown: De Jong links

De Jong appears to be a key target for new United boss Erik ten Hag, with Romano revealing in the middle of May that there was contact between the two clubs.

Ten Hag and De Jong worked together at Ajax, with the latter moving to Barcelona in 2019 in a deal worth £77.4m.

The 25-year-old has made 139 appearances at the Nou Camp over the last three seasons, but due to Barcelona’s financial situation, a move to another of Europe’s super clubs could well be on the cards.

The Latest: Romano’s next update

Romano took to Twitter on Wednesday morning to share his most recent update regarding De Jong and Manchester United.

He revealed that United have ‘opened direct talks with Barca’ for the Dutch midfielder, who has a price tag of around €85m (£72m). De Jong ‘wants’ Champions League football, however, Romano once again cited Barcelona’s ‘financial issues’ and said the Red Devils will try to ‘push again’.

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The Verdict: Fingers crossed

United have clearly not given up hope when it comes to De Jong and have now opened direct talks, which can only be a positive sign.

Hopefully, we’ll hear that talks have progressed in the coming days and should a move eventually materialise, you’d expect De Jong could be a direct replacement for Paul Pogba.

The Frenchman will become a free agent at the end of June after the Red Devils officially confirmed his imminent exit, so De Jong, who has enjoyed success under Ten Hag in the past, could be the ideal signing to bolster the club’s midfield ranks.

In other news: Man Utd and Ten Hag now hold talks over yet another target; interest ‘serious’. 

A big Tottenham Hotspur transfer update has now come to light involving Eintracht Frankfurt wing-back Filip Kostic, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Spurs summer reshuffle…

Following the conclusion of a whirlwind 2021/22 Premier League season at Spurs, all eyes are now on the transfer window and how chairman Daniel Levy and co will back manager Antonio Conte for his first full campaign in north London later this year.

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The Italian is reportedly set to make major demands behind the scenes as he eyes six new signings, with just as many players going the other way. The Times claimed that as many as eight Spurs squad members could be offloaded, including Sergio Reguilón, Emerson Royal, Steven Bergwijn, Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele.

In terms of incomings, Conte is said to want three defenders, a midfielder and a forward, with news now coming to light involving one Bundesliga star in Kostic.

The Latest: Tottenham ‘readying’ Kostic bid…

According to The Daily Express, Tottenham are now ‘readying a summer bid’ to sign the 29-year-old, coming after Lilywhites officials were dispatched to run the rule over Kostic during his side’s Europa League final victory over Rangers during the week.

It is also claimed that Conte is personally ‘intent on moving’ for the £25m-rated Serbia, who he has ‘admired for some time’.

The Verdict: Finalise?

Journalist Ryan Taylor recently claimed that he would ‘love’ to see Kostic playing under Conte at Spurs, drawing attention to the fact that the 29-year-old is a ‘phenomenal wing-back’ (Twitter).

Indeed, Taylor’s verdict is also backed by some of the Serbia international’s impressive statistics from the German top flight. According to WhoScored, Kostic finished the 2021/22 season as Eintracht Frankfurt’s best player going by average match rating (7.11), all while making more key passes per 90 (2.8) than anyone else in their squad.

The wide man also racked up nine assists, again the highest tally of any Frankfurt player, and it’s little surprise that Conte has taken a firm interest with Spurs now readying an offer.

In other news: Broadcast giant: Tottenham ‘exploring a deal’ to sign ‘incredible’ forward, he’s open to joining…find out more here!

Leeds United have been handed another boost ahead of today’s crunch match with Brentford…

What’s the latest?

Jesse Marsch’s squad has already been bolstered by the likely return of Patrick Bamford, who is in line to feature in some form down in Hounslow this afternoon and now, it’s been confirmed that the Bees will be without three of their key stars.

Home boss Thomas Frank has ruled Zanka, Ethan Pinnock and Saman Ghoddos out with injury, whilst Frank Onyeka remains a doubt, as per the club’s official website.

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Big boost

It remains to be seen just how many minutes Bamford can manage in the tank, given he has only played 100 minutes since early December but after a 17-goal feat last term, his return is a timely and much-needed lift.

Leeds have to better Burnley’s result this afternoon to keep their Premier League status for next term. There is a scenario where a 0-0 draw is enough but the Yorkshire giants cannot bank on that outcome.

The fact that Brentford are light on numbers, in a game that means very little to them, is certainly positive for the Whites.

Pinnock had been one of their standout performers, ranking fourth in the squad for average WhoScored rating. His aerial presence, having won an average of 4.5 duels per game, will be a big miss. Not to mention his defensive ability after making 1.6 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game.

Zanka, also a centre-back, limits Frank’s options at the back, whilst Ghoddos has proven to be a solid substitute option managing 1.4 shots and one key pass per 90, also via WhoScored.

The trio will surely be a big miss for the west Londoners, so that’s something Leeds can look to capitalise on, even more so with Bamford back involved.

Marsch must be a little more confident heading into kickoff as he will want to see his side turn their fortunes around on the final day.

AND in other news, Marsch can save Leeds millions with 20 y/o “Duracell Bunny”, he’s “such an asset”…

The Athletic’s Liverpool reporter James Pearce has provided a crucial update on the fitness of Mohamed Salah with the Reds’ Champions League final just two weeks away.

What’s the latest?

The Egyptian winger was withdrawn in the first half of Liverpool’s FA Cup victory over Chelsea on Saturday through injury, with supporters holding their breaths.

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However, Pearce tweeted that Salah confirmed he will be fit for the Champions League final against Real Madrid, stating after the FA Cup final: “Of course, all good.â€

The 29-year-old has scored a whopping 30 goals in 49 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side and would be a colossal miss if the forward was unable to make the Champions League final.

Liverpool supporters will be buzzing

Liverpool supporters would have certainly feared the worst when they saw their star player hobble off the Wembley pitch on Saturday with two crucial Premier League matches left as well as Europe’s showpiece fixture against Real Madrid in Paris.

Despite Manchester City now boasting a three-point lead, Klopp’s men are still in the hunt for the Premier League title with games against Southampton and Wolves to come.

However, they may well need a favour from Aston Villa on the final day.

Therefore, focus will certainly be on the Champions League final, with the German manager admitting: “The quadruple is off because of the situation we are in. We have to make changes against Southampton.â€

Granted, Liverpool have a plethora of world-class attackers in Sadio Mane, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota. However, replacing a player who has netted 30 goals is virtually impossible.

Moreover, Salah has unfinished business against Real Madrid given how the Egyptian was cruelly forced off against the Spanish outfit in the 2018 final through injury, with Liverpool eventually losing the match 3-1.

The 29-year-old’s availability for the Champions League final will certainly have his manager, teammates and supporters buzzing.

AND in other news: Liverpool must now brutally sell £85k-p/w dud who’s lost possession every 4.5 minutes

Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell has predicted a mass squad overhaul at Newcastle United in the upcoming summer transfer window. 

The lowdown: A new era awaits at Newcastle

Following the completion of the protracted takeover in 2021, newly-appointed Toon manager Eddie Howe was able to sign Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier, Matt Targett and Chris Wood during the January transfer window.

Those arrivals meant that previously regular first-teamers Jamal Lewis, Ciaran Clark and Isaac Hayden were all left out of the Premier League squad for the second half of the 2021/22 campaign.

Since then, the Magpies have moved clear of the threat of relegation and can already begin planning for life in the top flight next term, as Howe himself predicted that ‘difficult decisions’ regarding the squad lie ahead.

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Those plans could well include a mass exodus, according to one onlooker…

The latest: Campbell predicts multiple departures

Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell – who works for talkSPORT as a pundit – has suggested that Howe will oversee plenty of changes to his Newcastle squad this summer.

The 52-year-old former Arsenal striker explained: “They have got to clear the decks. They might have to play some players off. That is the other thing that has to be considered.

“We saw Arsenal do it in order to create room in their squad for new signings. Players are on such good contracts now. Clubs have to pay players off in some cases.

“Newcastle will have a plan of what they want to do. I’m sure they have a deep budget. Adding quality to that squad is the order of the day. I don’t think it matters what department. They will be big, big movers and shakers this summer.”

The verdict: Exciting times

Following on from the euphoria of the eagerly anticipated takeover, the Newcastle faithful will have been delighted with the upturn in fortunes under Howe.

However, the recent defeats at the hands of Liverpool and Manchester City have served as a reality check as to just how far away the Magpies are from challenging in the upper echelons of the Premier League.

Similar smart recruitment akin to what was an impressive January window would suffice for the Toon, whilst the likes of Lewis, Clark and Hayden in particular could be fearing for their futures at St James’ Park as the new-look hierarchy make their intentions known.

Beyond that outcast trio, the likes of lesser-seen players such as Federico Fernandez, Paul Dummett, Jeff Hendrick and Dwight Gayle (just 22 combined Newcastle appearances this season) might all be fearing for their roles in Howe’s plans, should Campbell be on the money with his prediction.

In other news, talkSPORT man admits ‘concern’ over Newcastle star

Celtic not only have the best attacking record in the Premiership this season but also the best defensive record.

With 35 games played, Ange Postecoglou’s side have scored 81 goals and conceded 20, which is 10 more than the next-most prolific team has scored and nine fewer than the next-best defence.

One area of Celtic’s squad which has proved to be rather effective for the team in terms of both defending and attacking is full-back.

The trio of Anthony Ralston, Josip Juranovic and Greg Taylor have scored seven goals and delivered 10 assists between them in the league, showing just how useful they are in an attacking sense from the back.

Now that the next summer transfer window is around the corner, it seems as though a development has emerged regarding the possibility of Celtic adding another capable attacking full-back to their ranks.

What’s the news?

After recent reports linked Celtic with a summer move for Hammarby full-back Mohanad Jeahze, the Swedish club’s sporting director Jesper Jansson admitted that there is “interest” from the Premiership leaders in the 25-year-old, albeit without a formal approach yet being made.

He said on the matter: “There is certainly an interest but I have not heard anything.”

Since joining Hammarby in the summer of 2020, the left-back has made 56 appearances for the club across all competitions. In that time, he has chipped in with two goals and 12 assists along the way in highlighting his attacking capabilities, which is something that Postecoglou would certainly want for his side.

To further highlight the player’s attacking prowess, no other defender at Hammarby has been able to match the number of crosses (25) that the Iraq international has supplied this season.

Great news for Celtic fans

Not only would it surely delight a lot of Hoops supporters to see Jeahze make the move to Parkhead in the summer, it would also please them knowing that Taylor has some suitable competition for the left-back spot.

With the 24-year-old only providing two assists in 21 league games this season, perhaps having a player like Jeahze breathing down his neck could be beneficial in making him improve his performances and attacking output for the side.

Also, with Boli Bolingoli hardly featuring for the Bhoys this season and not training with the rest of his team-mates, if he were to leave this summer, his exit would presumably pave the way for the Hammarby maestro to come in and compete with Taylor for a place in the Celtic team.

In other news – Forget Carter-Vickers: Celtic can save millions by unleashing “phenomenal” barely-seen Hoops gem

Gio van Bronckhorst secured a place in his second final as manager of Rangers as his side won 3-1 at Ibrox on Thursday night.

The Gers were 1-0 down on aggregate heading into the second leg of their Europa League semi-final in Glasgow but they produced a magical night in front of their home supporters as they put in a brilliant display under the lights.

James Tavernier and Glen Kamara both scored well-worked goals in the first half to put the Light Blues 2-1 up in the tie.

Alarm bells may have been ringing inside Ibrox as Christopher Nkunku levelled the tie with a sublime volleyed finish past Allan McGregor but they were soon silenced by the explosion of noise when John Lundstram made it 3-2 to the Gers on aggregate.

The midfielder reacted first to a loose ball inside the box and placed the ball into an empty net with his weak foot to send the stadium into raptures.

It was a special night for the Gers and a number of heroes on the pitch put in terrific performances to help them on their way. However, one player who failed to step up to the standard set by his team-mates was left-back Borna Barisic, as he put in a disappointing display.

The Croatia international was described as “spooked” against Celtic on Sunday by ex-Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson and that criticism could have been used again last night. The 29-year-old’s play was lacking in quality and consistency as he struggled at the back, with the occasion potentially causing him to lose his cool.

On the ball, he was erratic and unreliable. As per SofaScore, he only completed 44% of his attempted passes and lost possession 14 times. He was successful with two of his five crosses and had a 0% success rate with his five long passes, which shows that he was unable to find his range during the match as he consistently gave the ball back to the opposition.

Out of possession, he was also rather weak. As per SofaScore, he lost four of his six duels and did not make any blocks or interceptions. He did make two tackles but was also dribbled past once as he failed to assert his dominance on the Leipzig forwards, although he did make one fine challenge on the edge of the box in the first half to stop a promising run.

Overall though, the Croatian almost cost Van Bronckhorst the tie as he put in a disappointing performance at both ends of the pitch. The 29-year-old liability was constantly giving the ball back to the visitors and was far from good enough in his individual battles, with his team-mates bailing him out in the end.

AND in other news, Forget Lundstram: Rangers’ £5.4m-rated “absolute baller” got Ibrox “rocking” last night…