Category Uncategorized

Having already welcomed Luis Guilherme, West Ham United have reportedly turned their attention towards a surprise transfer target who will soon officially become a free agent.

West Ham transfer news

Into a new chapter under Julen Lopetegui following David Moyes' exit, West Ham have the chance to build on what the Scot left and attempt a return to European football next season. The transfer window will be crucial in achieving that goal, however, and those at the London Stadium seem well aware of that after signing young winger Guilherme.

Speaking for the first time after completing his move, the 18-year-old told the club's official website: “I’m very happy to be signing with West Ham United, a Club that trusted in my work.

“I also want to thank everyone at West Ham, particularly Tim and his team who came to Brazil, and not only talked with me, but also with my family. They presented the project, and both my family and I liked it. So, I'm very happy to be signing with this Club and hope to contribute as much as possible. If things go well, we have a beautiful journey ahead."

Related West Ham eyeing move to sign £325,000-a-week star for Lopetegui

His current club want him gone.

Posts ByCharlie Smith Jun 14, 2024

With one deal signed and sealed, the Hammers are now eyeing another too. According to reliable reporter Alan Nixon on his Patreon, West Ham are eyeing a surprise move to sign Tim Krul following the expiry of his contract at Luton Town. A free agent, West Ham would only need to cover the veteran goalkeeper's reported £25,000-a-week salary in a move that should be feasible at the London club.

Given that Lukasz Fabianski is in the final year of his contract, welcoming a goalkeeper with similar experience could be a wise move from the Hammers, especially if they avoid a transfer fee.

"Outstanding" Krul can bring underrated experience

Whilst he may past his best at 36 years old, what Krul can add to a dressing room is the invaluable experience among a younger squad with players like Guilherme on his way. It's the type of experience that West Ham may miss when Fabianski does depart and the type that Krul can instantly step in to take responsibility for.

The Dutchman has certainly earned fans during his extensive career in English football, including from Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber, who told the club website after Krul's exit last summer: "Tim has been an outstanding servant for Norwich City. He has been a top class goalkeeper and leader during his time with the club.

“He has played a key role in developing the right culture at our club, and was instrumental in our two Championship title-winning seasons, with his form recognised in him winning the Barry Butler Memorial Trophy as our Player of the Season for 2019/20. To see him rebuild his career, which resulted in a recall to the Dutch national team, was also a special moment for Tim, his family and the club."

Liverpool boss Arne Slot says things need to improve with his team after a frustrating loss against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Slot admits there's something wrong at AnfieldWas left fuming after a loss against ForestLiverpool face AC Milan on TuesdayWHAT HAPPENED?

Slot, who was left fuming after his team's shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of minnows Nottingham Forest, is currently preparing for the upcoming Champions League opener against Serie A giants. The Dutch manager admits there is something wrong his players need to work on their shortcomings.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Slot era at Anfield got off to a flying start as they won all their first matches including a thumping win over arch-rivals Manchester before the international break. However, their unbeaten run ended last weekend as they went down against Forest at Anfield.

WHAT ARNE SLOT SAID

Speaking to reporters at his pre-match press conference, Slot said, "Not only the journalists were disappointed about the result from us against Nottingham Forest, the team and me were really disappointed. Although we always put it in the right perspective when we beat United, the journalists and us were really positive. Of course, we also saw things we have to improve.

"Last Saturday, we didn't do many things good as we did against United but there were still a few things that went quite well. But it was a total different game and that's also for tomorrow, I expected a complete different game against Milan. The type of players they have and the playing style of their manager compared to Nottingham Forest.

He added, "But we should be disappointed if we lose a home game against Nottingham Forest. You play for Liverpool and if you are not disappointed, if you drop points in a home game against Nottingham Forest then something is wrong. Four games nine points, it's a good start but not a great start because then we would have had 12."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

The Reds will take on AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday before facing Bournemouth in the Premier League on September 21.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS really admire a "genius" manager as a possible replacement for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, according to TalkSPORT's Anil Kandola.

Man Utd manager latest

The Red Devils finished a hugely disappointing season in positive fashion on Sunday afternoon, following a 2-0 win away to Brighton in the Premier League. That hasn't done too much to change the managerial situation at the club, however, with Ten Hag still under pressure to keep his job.

The Dutchman still has the FA Cup final against Manchester City to come on Saturday afternoon, and the result at Wembley could have a big say on his future. A host of individuals have already been touted as possible replacements, should Ratcliffe decide to sack him, with Thomas Tuchel emerging as a strong early candidate.

The German will leave Bayern Munich this summer, immediately making him more attainable, and he is seen as United's potential answer to Jurgen Klopp at Old Trafford. England boss Gareth Southgate has also been backed to come in as Ten Hag's successor, with former Liverpool defender Jason McAteer recently claiming that a current player has told him that he is heading to the club after Euro 2024.

They are just a few of the names who have been mentioned, assuming Ten Hag doesn't manage to keep his job, and now a significant update has emerged regarding another rumoured target.

Ratcliffe likes "genius" manager for Man Utd

Taking to X, Red Devils fan and TalkSPORT pundit Kandola claimed that Ratcliffe and INEOS are fans of Roberto De Zerbi, seeing him as an ideal fit after his departure from Brighton:

"In light of the news Roberto De Zerbi will be leaving Brighton, do NOT be surprised if he’s linked with the Man United job over the next couple of days. I’m told he has big admirers within the INEOS structure and fits the mould of what the new ownership are looking for."

There are certainly plenty of positives when it comes to United potentially appointing De Zerbi this summer, with the Italian doing an impressive job at Brighton, playing eye-catching football and guiding the Seagulls to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League last season.

His stock has arguably fallen a little in recent months, mainly due to his side's season petering out, but he is a huge talent if you go by his own players' comments, with Adam Lallana saying recently: "It's important that they (fans) keep sticking with the lads and stick with the manager, because we've got a genius here – there's no other way to put that."

Related Fewer touches than Onana: Man Utd must bench 5/10 star after Brighton

Manchester United ended their league season strongly against the Seagulls.

Posts ByMatt Dawson May 20, 2024

There is no guarantee that Ten Hag will be sacked, of course, although a heavy cup final defeat to City could be the straw that broke the camel's back.

Celtic secured their third straight Scottish Premiership title with an emphatic 5-0 win over Kilmarnock away from Parkhead on Wednesday night.

The Scottish giants ran out comfortable winners against the hosts, who did not put up much of a fight, to ensure that Brendan Rodgers' side will lift the top-flight trophy once again.

Their 2-1 win in the Old Firm last weekend meant that even a point would have been enough to crown them champions, but they still went out and did it in style with a fantastic performance and result.

Matt O'Riley ran the show in the middle of the park and put on a masterclass on Wednesday night. However, he was not the only star of the evening as centre-forward Adam Idah also helped to win the title with a sublime showing.

Matt O'Riley's magical performance for Celtic

The Danish magician was on top form for the Scottish giants with two goals and one assist on the night to help the Hoops on their way to the trophy.

O'Riley's first direct contribution to the match came in the fifth minute as his fantastic right-footed cross found Idah for a tap in at the back post, to make it 1-0 on the night.

He then went on to score the fourth goal for Celtic with a thumping effort from the edge of the box, that soared into the roof of the net, after James Forrest's lay-off.

The former MK Dons star then rounded out the scoring with a composed touch and finish inside the box from Nicolas Kuhn's cutback to make it 5-0.

Overall, O'Riley created a staggering seven chances – more than any other player on the pitch – and one 'big chance' to go along with his two goals, and that is why he was the star of the show.

Adam Idah's title-winning contribution at Kilmarnock

Rodgers made a big call to drop Kyogo Furuhashi from the starting XI to unleash Idah from the start as the main centre-forward for the Hoops on Wednesday night.

It was a call that paid off big time for the Bhoys as the Ireland international, who earned a 9/10 rating from GlasgowWorld's Ben Banks, was integral to how Celtic got a foothold in the match.

His sublime number nine play provided the rest of the team with a platform to take the game to Kilmarnock, as he dropped deep, ran the channels, and held his position to retain the ball depending on the situation – reading the game and making the right movements when needed.

This was summed up perfectly by his goal as Idah dropped deep to receive the ball, spun his man and then drove forward before laying the ball out wide. He then made a movement to the back post and was in the perfect position to finish from close range.

Minutes played

62

Touches

35

Shots on target

4

Goals

1

Pass accuracy

85%

Key passes

1

As you can see in the table above, despite having fewer touches than Joe Hart (46), the 6 foot 3 ace had a big impact on the game with four shots on target and one chance created.

His hold up play was also crucial to the third goal for Celtic as he held off a defender before playing a sensational ball around the corner for Daizen Maeda, who then crossed for James Forrest to convert.

Celtic make £6m+ bid to sign "highly rated" goalkeeper to replace Hart

He could be the new first-choice ‘keeper at Celtic Park.

ByBen Browning May 15, 2024

Kyogo, who averages 5.7 passes per game and a duel success rate of 40%, does not offer the same all-round centre-forward play, which is why Idah's inclusion was so important for Celtic and why he helped Rodgers to win the title alongside O'Riley with his crucial performance.

Tottenham Hotspur have been fantastic on the whole this season, with their position of fourth place a true reflection of their performances.

Cristian Romero and Heung-min Son have both been the key leaders under Ange Postecoglou, with their influence being one of the main reasons they’re in such a strong position to secure Champions League football.

But one of Spurs’ more underrated players this campaign has been Pedro Porro, who’s been a reliable and consistent performer at right back.

However, Spurs will look to bolster the backline in the summer, with one target set to rival Porro for the full-back role.

Tottenham’s search for a versatile defender

According to a report from Sky Germany’s Phillip Hinze on X, Spurs are “interested” in signing Mohamed Simakan.

The defender currently plays for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, but he’s open to a move away from the German club, and he particularly likes the prospect of playing in the Premier League.

That said, the French ace does have a release clause that is valid in the summer, which is in the region of £60m.

However, Spurs aren’t alone in their quest to sign the talented star, with Newcastle United also set to rival them.

Simakan could rival Porro next season

The former Sporting gem has been excellent over his 28 Premier League appearances this season, and he finally got his first league goal of the campaign against Nottingham Forest last weekend.

The 24-year-old is the definition of an attacking full-back, whose first instinct is to progress the play and create opportunities, as shown by his seven league assists.

During the 2023/24 campaign, Porro has particularly improved defensively, which has seen him cement himself as the first-choice right back, but in truth, his profile is better suited to a wing-back role.

This is where the potential signing of Simikan comes into the picture, as the 23-year-old is more of a defensive player than the Spaniard, as he can comfortably interchange between right back and centre half, which he technically is by trade.

Touches

64.9

Pass accuracy

87%

Tackles

1.6

Balls recovered

3.8

Clearances

2.3

Duels won

4.7

As you can see by his average statistics from the Bundesliga this season, Simakan is an extremely well-rounded centre-half, with Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig even calling him “complete” with regards to his pace, physicality, versatility, and technical class.

With both Porro and Udogie being attack-minded full-backs, Simakan’s ability to play as a third centre-back would allow Postecoglou to be tactically flexible throughout matches, potentially alternating between a back three or four depending on the game state.

In theory, the France U21 star could be the Lilywhites’ own version of Arsenal's Ben White, who offers very similar attributes to the Leipzig titan.

Like Simaken, he started off as a central defender and now possesses the tools to play as a complete full-back.

Overall, the signing of Simakan would most definitely send a message of intent to the rest of the Premier League, and his ability to excel in multiple roles would only make Tottenham a much more complete squad.

Spurs could already have another Porro brewing in 18y/o "real talent"

Ange Postecoglou can look towards the academy to find the next starting right-back at N17…

ByRobbie Walls Mar 21, 2024

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras tem sofrido com diversas ausências desde o início da temporada. Além das convocações para Eliminatórias e Copa América, o desgaste provocado pelo calendário tem lesionado alguns atletas da equipe. No momento, o setor defensivo é o mais prejudicado pelos desfalques e, em decorrência disso, Felipe Melo pode voltar a ser utilizado na zaga para suprir a falta de opções.

Barcelona anuncia contratação, United aumenta oferta por Sancho, PSG entra na briga por meia francês… O Dia do Mercado

Na última partida do Alviverde diante do Juventude, o zagueiro Luan saiu de campo ainda no primeiro tempo sentindo dores e, após exame posterior ao jogo, teve edema na panturrilha constatado. Felipe Melo recuou para zaga e cumpriu a função do parceiro de equipe durante o duelo, enquanto Zé Rafael substituiu o camisa 30 como volante.

Felipe teve atuação defensiva segura, ajudando a equipe a não ser vazada e sair com o resultado de 3 a 0 em Caxias do Sul. Além disso, contou com grande acerto no número de passes (97%) e de lançamentos (85%), o que agregou qualidade à saída de bola da equipe.

>> Veja a tabela completa do Brasileirão

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasLucas Lima não consegue se explicar para direção do Palmeiras e opta por manter silêncio públicoPalmeiras19/06/2021PalmeirasEscalação do Palmeiras: Verdão treina pênaltis e encerra preparação para confronto contra América-MGPalmeiras19/06/2021PalmeirasJunior Barranquilla vai notificar o Palmeiras que pagará R$ 22,5 milhões por BorjaPalmeiras18/06/2021

Como opções de origem para a zaga, apenas Renan e Kuscevic, retornando de lesão, estão disponíveis. Principal defensor do plantel, Gustavo Gómez está representando a Seleção Paraguaia e, Luan, sua dupla na defesa central, agora está lesionado. Outra alternativa era Alan Empereur, que encerrou seu empréstimo com o clube e não teve sua opção de compra efetivada.

Esta não é a primeira vez que Felipe Melo desempenha a função no time. Na temporada passada, sob o comando de Vanderlei Luxemburgo, ele foi escalado como zagueiro durante boa parte da passagem do treinador. Inclusive, tendo sido importante para o Alviverde na final do Paulistão jogando na posição.

Embora o objetivo de recuar o jogador tivesse como principal ponto a tentativa de melhorar a qualidade no passe e a saída de bola da equipe, havia outra intenção por trás. A ideia passava também por tentar fazer com que Felipe fosse advertido com cartões menos vezes, fato que não teve o retorno esperado.

Em compensação, nesta temporada o volante demonstra uma melhora no quesito comportamental, sendo este o seu início de ano com menos cartões desde 2017. Alternando entre oito e nove cartões amarelos nos primeiros 21 jogos desde sua chegada, em 2021, Felipe Melo levou somente cinco cartões com o mesmo número de partidas.

Como opção na zaga ou no meio-campo, o camisa 30 deve estar entre os titulares do próximo jogo do Palmeiras. O Verdão vai a campo às 11h (horário oficial de Brasília) deste domingo (20) contra o América-MG no Allianz Parque.

Chelsea have reportedly agreed a deal with Atletico Madrid for the sale of in-demand midfielder Conor Gallagher.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Gallagher set to depart Stamford BridgeChelsea & Atletico Madrid agree termsRejected Chelsea contract extension(C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?

Gallagher has been heavily linked with a move away from Chelsea this summer, and it was thought he could be offloaded earlier in the window to help the Blues meet the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability rules prior to the June 30 deadline.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

As per talkSPORT, Gallagher could now be on the move after Chelsea agreed a deal worth £33 million ($42m) with Atletico Madrid for the England international. Earlier this summer, Chelsea had accepted a larger bid from Aston Villa but Gallagher rejected the move.

(C) Getty ImagesDID YOU KNOW?

Following the passing of the PSR deadline, Chelsea offered Gallagher a contract extension that would have seen him become one of the best-paid midfielders at Stamford Bridge. However, the 24-year-old wanted a longer offer than the two-year deal presented by Chelsea, which included the option of an additional year.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

WHAT NEXT FOR GALLAGHER?

Gallagher is yet to agree terms with Atletico Madrid and it's said he will only do so if the terms are right for him. Tottenham are interested in signing him, and the player could also choose to run down his contract which expires in 2025.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino still faces a future shrouded in uncertainty, amid a turbulent season where he contends with backlash from fans.

Supporters boo Pochettino as Chelsea tenure grows sour

Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Brentford not only made them lose more irrecoverable ground in the race for Europe but also put more strain on the relationship between Pochettino and the club's fanbase.

Chelsea considering Liverpool manager target to replace Mauricio Pochettino

It’s not Xabi Alonso…

By
Emilio Galantini

Mar 6, 2024

The Argentine's debut season has been a whirlwind, despite Stamford Bridge chiefs backing him with a £400 million-plus investment in new signings for the squad last summer.

Chelsea currently languish in mid-table with just one Premier League win from their last five top-flight matches, recently losing the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool in extra-time to add insult to injury.

Pochettino still has a chance to clinch major silverware with their FA Cup run intact, but it's safe to say the former Tottenham boss has had to contend with his fair share of criticism.

Chelsea's last five league games under Pochettino	Result
Brentford (away)	2-2
Man City (away)	1-1
Crystal Palace (away)	3-1 (win)
Wolves (home)	4-2 (loss)
Liverpool (away)	4-1 (loss)

Supporters jeered the 52-year-old during Chelsea's last league game away to Brentford, with Pochettino then taking all the blame for their draw at the Gtech Community Stadium.

“We cannot blame the fans,” said Pochettino on supporters protesting his position.

.“My message is, OK, if they need to show their frustration I prefer it to be through me than the team. I’m strong and with time we’ll change the perception. But I don’t want the fans to blame the players. I prefer that I get the blame to let the players be free on the pitch. I don’t care, I’m strong enough. I’m 52 now.

“The players don’t deserve it. They deserve credit and support from our fans. If someone needs to get the blame, it’s no problem. That’s why I’m the coach.”

While Chelsea have decided to stick with Pochettino until the end of this season, that hasn't stopped the club from weighing up alternatives. Indeed, the likes of Roberto De Zerbi and Ruben Amorim have been linked with the Chelsea job this week, with another surprising name now emerging.

Indeed, Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel is now being floated by sections of the media – with Chelsea's former boss set to leave Bavaria at the end of the season.

Tuchel open to joining Chelsea after Bayern Munich

According to German news outlet SportBILD, Tuchel is now open to replacing Pochettino at Chelsea – despite the sour end to his last tenure.

Club chiefs unceremoniously parted company with the German in 2022, and his exit wasn't exactly harmonious in any respect. It could therefore be deemed a shock that he would be willing to make a return to west London, but Tuchel has at least proven to be successful at Chelsea before.

The £10.5 million-per-season boss masterminded a 1-0 win over Man City in the 2021 Champions League final, and also proved popular with certain members of the squad like defender Ben Chilwell.

Al-Nassr missed Cristiano Ronaldo as Sadio Mane squandered a spot-kick in the club's first pre-season friendly match.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Mane missed a penalty in Al-Nassr's first pre-season friendly
• Saudi club held to a 1-1 draw
• Ronaldo enjoying summer break after Euros exit

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Liverpool star failed to convert a penalty as Al-Nassr were held to a 1-1 draw by Portuguese fourth-division side Louletano DC in their first pre-season friendly on Sunday. The Saudi Pro League giants were trailing at halftime, however, Mohammed Maran's 55th-minute strike made sure that Ronaldo's team avoided embarrassment.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Al-Nassr were without the services of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is enjoying a vacation with his family after Portugal's heartbreaking exit from the quarter-final of Euro 2024. The 39-year-old, personally, had a nightmare outing in the European Championship as for the first time in his career, the star striker failed to score a goal in a major tournament.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Al-Nassr are all set to offer a new lucrative contract to Ronaldo, whose current deal expires next summer. The new contract would see Ronaldo prolonging his career well beyond the age of 40.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR AL-NASSR?

  Luis Castro's side will be next seen in action on Friday as they take on Portuguese second-tier club Maritimo in another pre-season friendly.

Michael Beale's short-lived stint in charge of Sunderland was nothing short of a car-crash to watch, the divisive manager never winning over the Black Cats masses before being put out of his misery just two months into the post.

Picking up just four wins from his 12 matches in charge, Beale couldn't galvanise his youthful troops into ever putting together a positive sequence of results, with a brilliant victory then often followed up a crushing loss.

Now, the assistant manager to Beale in Mike Dodds – who was already at the club before Beale and acted as interim manager when Tony Mowbray exited late last year – will take the reins until the end of the season whilst the Black Cats hierarchy methodically go about finding the perfect long-term boss.

They could well have this name on a list of potential successors to replace the unpopular former Rangers boss, with the out-of-work manager in question even boasting a promotion up to the Premier League on his CV…

Sunderland's plans for the summer

Dodds occupying the Stadium of Light dug-out for the remainder of the campaign gives the Black Cats ample time to find the best possible Beale successor, with a few names already being talked up.

TEAMtalk are reporting that the likes of left-field choice Marek Papszun and ex-Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom are potential targets when the vacancy opens back up in the summer, but one name really sticks out from the speculated pack.

Steve Cooper is being touted to take over at the Wearside club, according to the report, with the ex-Nottingham Forest figure still searching for a new job after being let go of at the City Ground at the end of 2023.

With Cooper's expertise at second tier level clear for all to see – helping Forest return to the top flight via the playoffs during the 2021-22 campaign – it could well also be his glowing track record at developing youngsters whilst managing England U17s that further makes him perfect for the gig.

Regardless of all this being stacked in his favour, the Welshman, most importantly, would be a major upgrade on the outgoing Beale.

Steve Cooper's managerial record

Cooper, unlike Beale, has managed to be arguably successful wherever he's gone across his managerial career to date – with Beale notably earning sack at former club Rangers, prior to his dismal short stint at Sunderland.

Whilst managing the England U16s and U17s, Cooper managed to steer those youthful international England groups at his disposal to success – managing the U17s to World Cup glory in 2017, with Phil Foden and Marc Guehi excelling as teenage stars in the set-up amongst other now household names.

That would be music to the ears of Sunderland, with the Wearside outfit brimming full of exciting young talents currently such as Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg.

Cooper's managerial record
Club	Games managed	Wins	Draws	Losses
England U16s	2	1	0	1
England U17s	74	52	10	12
Swansea City	105	47	28	30
Nottingham Forest	107	42	27	38
Sourced by Transfermarkt

Never quite managing to win promotion with Swansea City whilst in charge of the Welsh side, Cooper learnt from those experiences with the Swans and immortalised himself into Forest folklore in his next job when helping the sleeping giants leap back up to the Premier League.

Cooper was responsible for Brennan Johnson coming through at Forest and dazzling, whilst also managing to get the best out of Djed Spence who has never looked the same since his blistering days at the City Ground on loan.

Not one for jumping ship quickly either, Cooper – who was once described as being an "incredible" manager by former West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce on his No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast – does seem to fit the bill of what Sunderland could be looking for in a lasting manager after Dodds' temporary time in charge is up.

Dodds could even throw his hat into the ring for the permanent job if he succeeds in the hot seat, with Sunderland just aiming to get the fans back on side now after such a topsy-turvy season.