All posts by h79snht.top

Man City make enquiry to sign Grimaldo

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Manchester City have made an official enquiry to sign Benfica left-back Alejandro Grimaldo, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements needed

The Sky Blues signed Sergio Gomez from Anderlecht over the summer after failing to land number one target Marc Cucurella, who ended up joining Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Joao Cancelo has recently been operating at right-back to cover for the injured Kyle Walker, which has now left Pep Guardiola looking at other options on the left.

Following a fresh update, it appears that the 26-year-old Grimaldo has been identified as the ideal target to make the move to the Etihad…

The Latest: Man City make Grimaldo enquiry

According to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato (via Sport Witness), Man City have ‘gathered information’ about Grimaldo, but face competition for his signature from Arsenal, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Juventus.

It’s believed that the Portuguese giants would ‘consider his farewell’ in January, to avoid him leaving on a free next summer when his contract expires.

The Verdict: Cancelo alternative

Gomez has only made one competitive start for City since joining so it makes sense that Guardiola wants more senior cover for Cancelo, and Grimaldo would be an extremely exciting arrival.

The Spaniard, who is ‘good enough to play for any side’ according to Benfica sporting director Tiago Pinto, has already provided two assists in the opening six Primeira Liga games, and averages 2.2 key passes per 90 minutes (WhoScored).

Benfica will be keen to cash in during the upcoming window meaning a cut-price deal could be available, and it would be a bargain for the Blues should they be able to secure his services.

West Ham dealt huge blow to Benrahma

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

West Ham United have been dealt a huge injury blow to Said Benrahma after he was seen “on crutches” following his star performance in the clubs 4-0 win over relegated Norwich City.

That’s according to Roshane Thomas of the Athletic who took to his post-match Q&A to say: “Antonio (hip) and Dawson (calf) should be fine but Benrahma walked past the mixed zone on crutches. He was so good today. Would be a shame if he doesn’t play again this season.”

Benrahma answered any critics of his with an outstanding performance which saw him get two of the Hammers’ four goals as they marched towards a second successive season where they have secured European qualification.

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They remain seventh in the table but have increased the gap to Wolverhampton Wanderers to five points. It leaves West Ham’s destiny in their own hands with the club only having two games left to play.

Benrahma was given the second-highest rating of anyone on the pitch at Carrow Road by SofaScore at 8.0 with Jarrod Bowen the only player beating him, rating 8.5 after tallying two assists.

Given this performance, Moyes will be gutted as it will be a huge blow to the Hammers if they are without him for their final two games. The manager will be hoping that it doesn’t affect their chances of securing that European place.

He was substituted in the 76th for Nikola Vlasic but it represents a drop off in quality, and anyone brought in to replace the Algerian whilst he’s out injured would struggle to have the same effect.

His two goals move him into double figures for the season and he now sits on 11 proving he is one of the key forward players for the Hammers.

He joined the club from Brentford permanently in 2020 for a base fee of £20m after spending the season before on loan at the London stadium. It’s appearing that that purchase paid off with the player now scoring after struggling last season.

In his 33 appearances throughout the 2020/21 season he only scored one goal.

Moyes will be hoping it’s not too serious and that he can recover in time for next weekend’s game against Manchester City. West Ham have a real chance at pushing Manchester United all the way to the end and potentially securing a Europa League spot instead of a place in the Europa Conference League.

The last two matches will define the club’s season. Last week they were in with a chance of reaching a European final, come the end of may European football could be a distant memory. Hopefully, Benrahma’s absence won’t be the difference.

IN other news: Imagine him & Said: West Ham set to move for 22 y/o “hurricane”, he won’t cost a penny…

Spurs: Rodon performance goes "unnoticed"

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

If Tottenham Hotspur finish in the top four at the end of the season they will have multiple people to thank.

Heung-min Son and Harry Kane have been as dangerous as they have ever been this term but ultimately the gratitude must go to Daniel Levy, a man whose cut-throat decision making allowed for Nuno Santo to depart after a matter of months before being replaced by a serial winner in Antonio Conte.

The Italian has made this Spurs team a more regimented and organised side, one who has both benefitted from his tactics but also his eye in the transfer market, with Dejan Kulusevksi and Rodrigo Bentancur improving the starting XI considerably.

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The former wasn’t required on Sunday until appearing as a late substitute but the latter was important and reliable once again.

Couple the Uruguayan’s aggressive but calming influence in the middle of the park with Kane’s composure from the spot and Tottenham had secured a 1-0 win.

The awarding of the penalty may have been fortunate but the performances don’t matter at this stage as all Spurs need are results.

In order to qualify for next season’s Champions League, they will need all of the resources and all of their squad to get there.

That has been seen over the last few days with Davinson Sanchez stepping in admirably for Christian Romero who will miss the rest of the season.

That injury blow was a blessing in disguise for not just the Colombian who has now registered clean sheets in successive games, but also Joe Rodon, who starred for a brief few moments as the clock wound down in the capital on Sunday.

Rodon has found game time hard to come by since signing for the Lilywhites and has played just 86 minutes in the Premier League throughout 2021/22. Yet, his most vital minutes were arguably this weekend.

It’s safe to say the Welshman hasn’t pulled up too many trees at Tottenham but his late header to stem a Burnley attack in the dying embers was crucial. He stood firm, planted himself underneath the ball and powered a header away from the danger zone.

It was a passage of play that Football.London journalist Alasdair Gold was quick to pick up on, taking to Twitter at full-time to say: “Might go unnoticed but a big late header there from Joe Rodon to clear the lines at a vital moment as Burnley probed in the final moments.”

Rodon didn’t have much to do when he was on the pitch but his contribution was vital, winning his one and only defensive duel with that aforementioned header and completing 100% of his passes too.

It was a backs to the wall finish from Conte’s army but he will be delighted to have got over the line thanks to Rodon’s late efforts.

Perhaps he ought to get more opportunities next season?

AND in other news, Sold at £21.2m, then became a “Rolls-Royce”: Levy made big error on Spurs’ next Modric…

Aston Villa to miss out on Boubacar Kamara

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Aston Villa have been hit with a potential setback in their hunt for Marseille’s star midfielder, Boubacar Kamara.

What’s the word?

That is according to reports in Spain, via Birmingham Live, who claim that La Liga giants Atletico Madrid are set to “close” a deal for the 22-year-old.

Kamara is set to become a free agent in the summer, with Villa touted as one of the potential clubs vying for his signature, in what was seemed to be an open race between Gerrard’s side and Atletico Madrid.

Though, according to the report, it looks as though the France starlet has signed a pre-agreement with Simeone’s side ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

Supporters will be gutted

The saga surrounding Kamara’s future, amidst interest from Aston Villa, has seemingly circulated for months. And with Gerrard looking to strengthen in the holding midfielder position, it will come as a big blow to not only him, but the Villa faithful.

Kamara boasts some serious numbers this season, so it is not wonder as to why Villa have been chasing the signature of the 22-year-old.

In comparison to Douglas Luiz, Kamara outdoes the Brazilian in the majority of metrics. The Frenchman’s passing stats are a particular standout, with his 72.09 average passes completed per 90 at a completion rate of 79.23% massively outdoing that of Luiz’s measly total of 39.69 passes per 90, with an average of 83%.

Whilst their defensive metrics are similar, with Kamara just pipping Luiz overall, it is his ability in possession that would make him such a good asset for a Villa side who look to dominate the ball, but have struggled somewhat this season – as can be seen from their rank of 14th place in the average possession charts, with just 46.2% possession averaged across 36 games.

Kamara’s average of 89.51 touches make him a metronome in the engine room, with his 60.54 carries better than the likes of Declan Rice, who has averaged 48.61 per 90.

Villa will be gutted at what will seem like a missed opportunity for NSWE to bag a star who displays potential akin to world-class.

In other news: “His priority..” Romano drops exciting transfer claim, it’s great news for Aston Villa 

Tottenham: Fabrizio Romano shares Ivan Perisic transfer update

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Fabrizio Romano has shared a potentially significant transfer update as Tottenham Hotspur eye a move for Inter Milan star Ivan Perisic.

The Lowdown: Spurs in hunt…

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte and managing director Fabio Paratici are reportedly in the mix to sign Perisic on a Bosman deal this summer alongside Serie A giants Juventus.

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As broken by ESPN on Friday evening, the Croatia international is ‘open’ to a Premier League move as the Lilywhites explore a deal for him.

This come as Conte sets his sights on a plethora of new additions at N17, including three defenders, a midfielder and a forward, with as many as eight players heading out the Hotspur Way exit door (The Times).

The Latest: Romano shares Perisic update…

Taking to Twitter on Saturday afternoon, Romano has said that the ‘new meeting’ over Perisic’s future, confirmed by Inter boss Simone Inzaghi, will take place imminently.

The reliable transfer journalist added that Tottenham have made contact to sign the 33-year-old, saying that the Croatia international has been ‘approached’ by the north Londoners.

The Verdict: Wait to pounce…

Depending on whether the Nerazzurri can agree to extend Perisic’s deal, Spurs will surely be lying in wait and ready to pounce.

Even in the twilight phase of his career, the Serie A attacker could prove an absolute snip for Conte on a free transfer, especially considering that he ranked among Inter’s best players over 2021/22 by average match rating (WhoScored).

Indeed, Perisic even won among the most Man of the Match awards for Inter, leaving little wonder as to why some members of the media have called him a ‘monster’ in recent months (Siavoush Fallahi).

In other news: Tottenham readying talks to sign 23-year-old ‘machine’ after claim he’s ‘very keen’ to play in London! Find out more here.

Leeds keen to sign Florian Grillitsch

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Florian Grillitsch is a target for Leeds United.

What’s the word?

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, writing in a recent column for GIVEMESPORT.

He claims that the Hoffenheim star, who can play in defence and midfield, is the perfect profile for what manager Jesse Marsch is looking for in terms of mentality and style.

However, there have been suggestions that he is only being viewed as a replacement for Kalvin Phillips, but Jones believes that may not be the case.

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Imagine him and Kalvin Phillips

Just imagine the two together in the Premier League next term.

It’s no secret that the Whites had one of the worst defensive records in the division last season, so they could well do with more reinforcements and another body in front of the backline wouldn’t go amiss, especially after the arrival of Brenden Aaronson, who has the ability to drive them forward in attack.

Phillips could well stay after the club sealed top-flight survival on the final day with victory over Brentford, and he’ll need someone next to him to control games. That may not be Adam Forshaw, given the fact he has suffered further injury problems, or Mateusz Klich, who has struggled for consistency.

Grillitsch could be the answer.

Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann believes that the Austrian one of the more underrated players outside of Germany’s top clubs.

“In my opinion, Flo Grillitsch is one of the best six in the Bundesliga who is already a little under the radar. At least you rarely read anything about him,” he claimed.

“He still has a few construction sites, he knows that, I’ve told him that often enough. But he is an extraordinary footballer and has an incredible ability to determine the rhythm of the game.”

The 6 foot 2 powerhouse averaged 2.1 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game in the German top flight last season, also managing a passing accuracy of 89.4%, all whilst switching between central defensive and central midfield roles, via WhoScored.

Valued at £14.4m by Transfermarkt, the Austria international could be a low-cost solution to Marsch’s midfield woes. Not just that, he’d offer superb versatility to play a variety of key positions.

The 26-year-old must be viewed as Phillips’ partner, rather than his replacement, this summer.

AND in other news, Fabrizo Romano drops Eddie Nketiah update…

Fabrizio Romano drops Mo Salah update

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Liverpool have a lot to consider when it comes to their forwards and their expiring contracts, and now a reliable source has given an update on one player’s future ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has written a column (via Anfield Watch) detailing more information on Mohamed Salah’s contract situation at Liverpool.

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As per the report, Romano confirms that there is no connection between Salah and Mane’s future and negotiations for the Egyptian won’t be compromised or dependent on the future of his teammate.

There is still no agreement on a new contract for Salah and there is a “serious possibility” that he will leave on a free transfer in the summer of 2023, however, Romano reports that no final decision will be made until 2023.

Klopp will be gutted

With Roberto Firmino, Salah and Mane all out of contract in 12 months’ time, there is no doubt that Jurgen Klopp will be gutted about the situation and will be hoping he can lay down some foundations for a worst-case scenario where all three leave next summer.

When it comes to Salah in particular, replacing his attacking output would be no easy task for FSG, especially when his equally high scoring teammate is planning to leave the club this summer according to reports.

The Egyptian winger has been a consistent goal machine for Liverpool during his time at the club scoring 156 goals and contributing 63 assists with a goal involvement every 94 minutes, which is an astonishing output that FSG would struggle to replace instantly if they can’t come to an agreement on an extension for the player.

It has been reported that Salah wants to be paid £400k-per-week to extend his stay at Anfield which would be a huge advance on his current £225k-per-week salary and would put the player hundreds of thousands ahead of his teammates, completely abolishing the tight and fair wage structure across the board that has been exercised for years.

Ultimately, FSG and the manager will need to come to a decision on whether they can offer something to the player that can keep him at the club or if they can move on without Salah next summer and bring in reinforcements that can continue Liverpool’s trajectory for success. If not, this whole situation can be seen as nothing but a big blow for the Merseysiders.

AND in other news: FSG could unearth Liverpool’s next Salah by signing “special” 131-goal star

Palace: Crook makes Johnstone claim

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Crystal Palace are on the verge of singing England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook. 

The lowdown: Wanted man

Set to become a free agent at the end of the month, Johnstone has previously attracted the attention of West Ham United, Newcastle United, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Palace recently emerged as the main protagonist for the 29-year-old’s signature as Patrick Vieira attempts to bolster the goalkeeping department at Selhurst Park.

Despite an apparent lull in the proceedings, it’s now been claimed that Johnstone remains on course to arrive in South East London in the near future…

The latest: Crook on Johnstone

Speaking live on talkSPORT during his transfer notebook segment, Crook suggested that the three-cap England man is set to become a Palace player when his contract expires at West Brom.

He said: “I was told a couple of weeks ago that Crystal Palace are very close to signing Sam Johnstone, I’ve got no reason to believe that is off course.

“I think if he went there he would go as number one as well.”

The verdict: Smart move

Snapping up a goalkeeper of Johnstone’s calibre to compete with and perhaps usurp 35-year-old Vicente Guaita would be a superb piece of business from the club.

Despite suffering relegation from the Premier League in 2020/21, the former Manchester United academy prospect caught the eye with some standout displays for West Brom, earning high praise from former Palace boss Sam Allardyce, who hailed the stopper as ‘one of the best’ following a 1-1 draw against Liverpool.

Johnstone continued to impress in the Championship last season, making on average 1.6 saves per game whilst keeping an impressive 15 clean sheets in what was a disappointing campaign overall for West Brom.

As a free transfer, this deal would make an abundance of sense for Palace, particularly as Jack Butland has been heavily linked with a move away this summer and as it would leave money in the coffers for Vieira to strengthen other necessary positions in the squad.

In other news, Palace are eyeing two Manchester United players.

Leeds transfer news on Gonzalo Plata

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Leeds United could move for Sporting Lisbon’s Gonzalo Plata, according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo. 

The lowdown

Plata spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Real Valladolid in Spain’s second tier, helping them to finish second and win promotion back to La Liga.

The 21-year-old is predominantly a right winger, although he is also capable of playing on the left.

It may be significant that his agency Wasserman also represents Leeds players Crysencio Summerville and Adam Forshaw.

The Whites are seemingly set to finalise their second signing of the summer in Rasmus Kristensen, and Plata may be their next target.

The latest

Real Valladolid, whose club president is Brazil legend and Ballon D’Or winner Ronaldo, would like to sign Plata permanently.

They have the option to do so for €10m (£8.5m) but are hoping they can snap up him for a reduced fee. Sporting have thus far held firm and refused to entertain a cut-price sale.

Leeds are said to be ‘attentive’ to the situation and could see the stand-off as an opportunity to step up their interest in the 21-year-old.

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The verdict

Plata started 23 La Liga 2 games last season, scoring six goals and providing five assists. He found the net or set up a team-mate more than once every two matches (171 minutes, to be precise), a very respectable record.

Even though he is still quite young, he has amassed 27 senior caps for Ecuador and notched nine goal contributions for his nation.

After helping his country reach the semi-finals of the Under-20 World Cup in 2019, he was awarded the tournament’s Bronze Ball.

However, given that he was playing his football in the Spanish second tier in recent months, you’d imagine that he would initially be a rotational option at Leeds rather than a consistent starter.

In other news, read this big Lewis O’Brien transfer claim

Leeds must seal Nicolas Raskin transfer

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Leeds United have already added two new midfielders to their squad this summer in the form of Brenden Aaronson and Marc Roca.

Another midfielder with whom the Whites have been linked is Nicolas Raskin of Standard Liege.

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With Leeds at risk of losing Kalvin Phillips this summer, in addition to having two rather senior midfielders in their squad in Adam Forshaw (30) and Mateusz Klich (32), it’s easy to see why this is an area of focus for strengthening the squad this summer.

In terms of Raskin, he could well be seen as the Whites’ ideal heir for Klich, given how the latter is currently the oldest player at Elland Road.

Back in 2017, the Yorkshire club signed the Poland international from FC Twente. Since then, he has made 179 appearances across all competitions, scoring 22 goals and providing 21 assists along the way.

As for Raskin, the 21-year-old has spent all of his career in Belgium and made 78 senior appearances for his current club. In that time, the Belgian has found the net four times and delivered nine assists, which highlights how useful he can be in front of goal on occasion, just as Klich has proven to be throughout his time at Leeds.

From a defensive point of view, the youngster won 50 tackles throughout his previous league campaign, which is significantly more than the 26 that Klich won in the Premier League last season.

To further highlight what sort of a player Raskin is, Bob Faesen of Belgian newspaper Het Belang van Limburg said about him previously: “He is still only 19, but he has really shone. He is a box-to-box midfielder. He can play in every position in the middle of the park. He is technically gifted, but he is also a bit of a pitbull. He can run a lot, is powerful and has a good shot.”

Taking all this into account, it’s safe to say that Leeds could have a real gem on their hands should they secure a deal for the £4.5m-rated midfielder this summer and ease the club’s potential concerns about finding a suitable heir for Klich in the near future.

In other news: Leeds now chasing “sublime” £9m-rated “incredible talent”, Marsch badly needs him