All posts by z3u9t.icu

Liverpool have already spoken to Real Madrid about the possibility of signing Federico Valverde this summer, according to a report from 90Min.

How much did Federico Valverde cost Real Madrid?

The midfielder hardly cost the La Liga giants a penny when he initially moved to the club, with the Spanish side opting to agree a deal for him when he was just a youngster. In fact, because of his age at the time, Real only had to stump up around 5 million Euros (or £4.2m). It's a steal for the Uruguay star, who is now one of their regular starters in the centre of the field.

Since being entrusted to make his league debut for Real as a 20-year-old, he has gone on to establish himself as a crucial member of their first-team. In 2022/23, he featured 34 times in total in the league, with 29 starts. Despite playing in the centre of the field too, he managed to pop up with seven goals and four assists – his best ever total. He ended the campaign with 11 goal contributions in 27.8 lots of 90 minutes, leaving him with an impressive rate of 0.40 goals or assists per 90.

He's already become a reliable face for Madrid, who have utilised him on 138 occasions in La Liga over the course of his time at the Bernabeu so far. That's despite the fact he is still only 24-years-old – and he is also seen as a crucial member of the Uruguay side too. For the South American outfit, he has already accumulated 49 caps and bagged five goals and there appear to be plenty more in his future if he carries on the way he is.

Are Liverpool signing Federico Valverde?

With the midfielder at the top of his game right now, he is understandably drawing interest from across Europe. Liverpool have been eager to bring in Valverde, with the Premier League side seen as one of the frontrunners to bring him to England this summer. However, Chelsea have also expressed an interest in snapping up the Uruguayan, with Mauricio Pochettino seen as a big fan of the Real Madrid star.

However, according to a report from 90Min, any side wanting to add him to their ranks this transfer window may struggle to do so. That's because Real aren't too fond of the idea of selling on Valverde and want to try and keep him at the club, telling any interested sides that he isn't available on a deal. It adds that the Reds have already asked Madrid about a potential transfer but were rebuffed by the Spanish club.

It's no surprise, as he is viewed as a real talent. He's already received high praise from those who have worked with him in Spain. Carlo Ancelotti stated that Valverde is "untouchable" recently, amid all of this current interest in his service.

It suggests that he is regarded as one of their best and most important players currently – and it is therefore no surprise to see that they are not keen to sell him. Liverpool seem to have an interest in bringing him to Anfield this summer, but it does appear as though they may struggle to prise the midfielder away from the Bernabeu.

Wolverhampton Wanderers will be aiming to bolster their attacking options during the summer transfer window in order to improve on the meagre goal totals they have recorded during the two previous Premier League campaigns.

Under Bruno Lage in 2021/22, Wolves scored just 38 goals in 38 matches while they finished last term having netted just 31 goals across their fixtures, and it was clearly the ability to grind out wins under Julen Lopetegui from Christmas onwards which kept them in the top flight for another season at least.

With this in mind, there looks set to be an overhaul at the Old Gold this summer, as Adama Traore and Diego Costa have both departed following the expiration of their contracts and this could free up the wage bill for a few new additions.

Indeed, the Molineux outfit are interested in signing Sevilla winger Lucas Ocampos, who could be available for as little as €15m (£13m) this summer, which could become a very wise move by Lopetegui should he hit the ground running in England.

The Argentinian could form a dream duo with striker Raul Jimenez, who will be desperate to put the past year behind him and kick on during the 2023/24 campaign.

Could Wolves sign Lucas Ocampos?

With the 28-year-old not breaking the bank, he could be seen as an ideal option to add some dynamism to the Wolves side, which as mentioned earlier, struggled for goals during the league last term.

Lauded as “incredible” by Dermot Corrigan, the winger registered five goals and grabbed two assists for Sevilla across 29 games, having spent the first half of the season on loan at Ajax, yet his game is more than just goal contributions.

Across Europe’s big five leagues, Ocampos ranked in the top 14% for successful take ons per 90 (2.45) and in the top 17% for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 (5.32), which is decent considering he started only 16 times across both La Liga and the Europa League.

Combining this with his ability to recover loose balls (ranked in top 8% across the big five leagues with 5.91 ball recoveries per 90) could allow him to flourish on the right wing and Jimenez could be the man to take advantage.

The Mexican striker played just 20 times for the Old Gold during 2022/23 due to suffering knee and hip problems, yet if he could replicate the form he showed during his first two years at the club, where he netted 44 goals, the supporters could be in for a treat.

Ocampos could use his ability to take the ball past defenders and create chances for Jimenez to tuck away and after a dry period in terms of goals since 2021, as another season like last might just condemn them to relegation.

Lopetegui must act swiftly to sign the Sevilla gem, and for £13m, it could be a bargain.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their plans to bolster their defensive options in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Theo Hernandez to Newcastle?

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed that the Magpies are "monitoring" AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez as Dan Ashworth plots moves to improve Eddie Howe's squad.

The reporter, however, has added that there are no ongoing negotiations between the two clubs, as it stands, and it remains to be seen whether or not the Premier League side will firm up their interest with an official offer for the defender.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the Italian side would demand a fee of at least €60m (£51m) for the defender, who is also in the sights of Manchester United.

Would Theo Hernandez be a good signing for Newcastle?

The France international would be a terrific addition to Howe's side as he would be a huge upgrade on current Magpies left-back Dan Burn.

Hernandez has proven himself to be one of the best defenders in the Serie A in recent seasons. He was named in the league's Team of the Year in the 2021/22, 2020/21 and 2019/20 campaigns and enjoyed a strong 2022/23.

The exciting dynamo, who was hailed as a chance-creation "machine" with "dangerous" crosses by editor Alexandre Gangué-Ruzic, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.96 across 32 outings and contributed with four goals and three assists from left-back, whilst he also won 59% of his defensive duels.

This was a step down from the Sofascore rating of 7.24, along with the five goals and six assists the defender produced, he managed in the division in 2021/22.

However, his recent displays still make him a significant upgrade on Burn. The Newcastle defender was a solid and unexciting performer throughout the season just gone and bringing Hernandez in could take the team to the next level in that position.

Burn averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.78 across 38 Premier League matches and contributed with one goal and zero assists, whilst he also won 56% of his duels.

The £55k-per-week titan has averaged 4.25 progressive carries and progressive passes combined per 90 over the last 365 days, which ranks in the bottom 37% or lower among his positional peers in the men's top five leagues and European competitions.

Hernandez, meanwhile, has averaged 7.58 per 90 for Milan over the last 365 days and ranks in the top 11% of full-backs for progressive carries per 90 (3.37), which suggests that the ex-Real Madrid prospect would offer far more in transition to help his team get up the pitch.

These statistics indicate that the Milan ace would be a huge upgrade on Burn as he is capable of delivering higher-quality performances week-in, week-out, whilst also being able to provide a greater threat in the final third and being more efficient in his physical contests.

Chelsea are “confident” that they can complete a summer deal for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

The Premier League playmaker still has another four years remaining on his contract with Roberto De Zerbi’s side, but having established himself as last season’s top-performing defensive player at The Amex, he’s caught the eye of Mauricio Pochettino in SW6.

The Evening Standard have reported that the Blues have identified the 21-year-old as the leading contender to replace Mateo Kovacic who is close to joining Manchester City, with Galetti also claiming that the boss has personally “asked” to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

As well as Kovacic, N’Golo Kante has left to embark on a new adventure in Saudi Arabia and Denis Zakaria has also confirmed his return to Juventus upon the conclusion of his loan, so reinforcements in front of the backline with definitely be needed, and the Seagulls star could be the perfect candidate.

Are Chelsea signing Caicedo?

Taking to Twitter, Galetti revealed that Chelsea are closing in on Caicedo, with Brighton’s midfielder expected to green-light the deal imminently. He wrote:

“#Chelsea are still pushing for Moises #Caicedo. Understand that #CFC are working to close the gap with #Brighton and they're confident to reach an agreement for the MF. Personal terms set to be agreed: evolving situation.”

Could Caicedo be a strong recruit for Pochettino?

Caicedo may only be 21 years old but he’s already been dubbed a midfield “leader” by talent scout Jacek Kulig and he’s at the age where you could build a team for the long-term future around him, so he would definitely be an excellent addition for Pochettino.

The Ecuador international, who earns £60k-per-week, is stronger in the natural aspect of his game protecting the backline, having made 100 tackles last season which was higher than any of his teammates, via FBRef, whilst averaging 1.5 interceptions per top-flight game.

The World Cup participant, however, is also capable of chipping in at the opposite end of the pitch on occasion, having scored one goal and provided an assist during the previous campaign too.

Finally, Caicedo is a versatile operator having been deployed at right-back and slightly higher up in central midfield alongside his usual role, which will be yet another attractive quality to the boss, so should he put pen to paper, it would be a massive coup for the Blues.

Arsenal have missed out on the signing of Ilkay Gündogan, who appears set to choose Barcelona as his next club, with his agent close to saying 'yes', according to reports in Spain.

What's the latest Gundogan transfer news?

The report all but confirms Mikel Arteta will miss out on a player who would significantly impact his young Gunners side, as Gündogan's agent has apparently told the Catalans they will sign at Camp Nou, with the definitive agreement expected very soon.

This will be a disappointing blow for the Spaniard who would have fancied his chances of picking up the in-demand free agent, with Football London suggesting Arsenal were close to completing the move.

Last week Arsenal academy boss Per Mertesacker revealed his club were in a 'good position' to sign Gündogan from Man City, while speaking as a pundit in Germany, as reported by The Mirror.

The German would have been a brilliant coup and real statement signing for Arteta's project – a player who has won everything at club level, including the treble with City last season, his experience would've been invaluable.

The reason why Arteta will be disappointed to miss out on the midfielder is quite self-explanatory – Gündogan is a wonderful footballer, who despite being 32-years-old, is at the pinnacle of his game and coming off his best ever season. The 2022/23 campaign saw Gündogan tally up 11 goals and seven assists for City, along with countless key performances and big moments, particularly in crunch time.

Among his best performances was an immaculate brace against Everton in May to put City on their way to another league title. This performance prompted Manchester United legend Roy Keane to hail the midfielder saying: "What an outstanding player. What a player this guy is, absolutely brilliant."

High praise from a rival club's former legend, just proving the point that Gündogan is a special talent. Having played under Pep Guardiola for so many years, and given Arteta is essentially a student of Pep, Gündogan would have fit Arsenal like a glove.

Who are Arsenal linked with?

With Gündogan off the table, Arteta will now likely turn his attention toward alternatives. One name consistently linked with the Gunners is of course West Ham United's Declan Rice, who is fresh off his Conference League success in Europe.

Rice is reportedly being tracked by multiple Champions League sides, including Manchester City, Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

With Arsenal also reportedly willing to sell Thomas Partey, along with Granit Xhaka departing, Arsenal could be facing a huge effort to rebuild their midfield this summer and Rice could also be joined by Romeo Lavia.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could be poised to enrich his central ranks by swooping for one of Europe's most coveted prospects in Celta Vigo's Gabri Veiga.

What's the latest on Gabri Veiga to Liverpool?

At least, that's according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who recently took to Twitter to reaffirm that Liverpool are "informed on the conditions" of a move for the 21-year-old, who has a buyout clause of €40m (£34m) with the Sky Blues.

Newcastle – while Romano quashed claims that a deal had been concluded – remain firmly in the race for the dynamic midfielder and boast the allure of Champions League football next year to entice Veiga, something Liverpool cannot offer next term.

Despite this, Klopp's Reds have been reported to be 'firm favourites' for the Spaniard's signature by the Northern Echo, and there is a sense that the race will enter the crucial stages over the coming weeks.

How good is Gabri Veiga?

The Spain U21 international has been riding the crest of a wave this season after plundering 11 goals and four assists from just 28 starting appearances in LaLiga.

Only last year, he plied his trade in the Spanish third tier before earning a call-up to Celta Vigo's senior side, playing seven top-flight matches, and now looks set for a career of great prosperity at the highest level.

Should he join the crowd at Liverpool, he will be provided with a platform to flourish and cement a prominent role in Klopp's system, with James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all departing upon the expiry of their contracts this summer.

And given his box-surging style of play draws parallels to the latter, Oxlade-Chamberlain, he could prove to be an almighty upgrade on the injury-stricken England international, who has been riddled with setbacks over the past few seasons after looking so promising during the early phases of his Merseyside career following his £35m switch from Arsenal.

The one-time Southampton youngster averages 1.2 shots and 1.7 dribbles per game across the duration of his professional career, as per WhoScored, also completing 81.8% of his passes and once being lauded for his ball-carrying prowess and offering "something totally different" by Rio Ferdinand, but his inhibition has resulted in nothing more than a peripheral role over the past few years.

Suffocating pressure and high-octane intensity are staple points of Klopp's system when it is firing on all cylinders, and Veiga, who has been hailed as a "top talent" by Romano, certainly looks like he embodies this.

As per FBref, the prodigy ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 2% for total shots, the top 20% for rate of assists, the top 12% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons, and the top 11% for touches in the opposing box per 90.

Dubbed "baby Kaka" by football content creator Rimedi, Veiga wields the whole gamut of tools to craft a formidable career path for himself, and under Klopp's wing, he could be the destructive midfield force needed to rekindle the once burning furnace that was the nucleus of Liverpool's illustrious success.

Chelsea are going to "push very hard" for the signing of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo this summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Is Caicedo leaving Brighton this summer?

The future of the 21-year-old has been a big talking point in recent weeks and months, with a move away from the Amex Stadium expected soon.

Caicedo's Brighton teammate Alexis Mac Allister has already sealed a switch to Liverpool and it would be a big surprise if he hadn't also completed a transfer sooner rather than later.

Chelsea are one of numerous top Premier League clubs who are reportedly in the mix to sign the £15,000-a-week Ecuadorian – Arsenal arguably appear to be the favourites to snap him up – but given the level of interest in him, it won't be easy for the west Londoners to get their man.

It certainly looks as though they are not going to give up without a fight, however, with a fresh update offering encouragement to Blues supporters.

Are Chelsea going to sign Caicedo?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs claimed that Chelsea are going to really try to sign Caicedo before the start of the new season:

"We know that they tried for Ugarte before pulling out. Caicedo will be a high priority, as he was in January, and Chelsea bid £55million back then. I expect Chelsea to enter the race for Moises Caicedo and push very hard on that front because he has been a long-standing target.

"He is exactly what Chelsea need – a number six with strong defensive qualities and, on top of that, the ability to get box-to-box. But they will want one more, for sure."

Caicedo, who was called an "old school" player by Garth Crooks, could be an absolutely superb summer addition by Chelsea – he has been hailed as "fantastic" by former Brighton and Blues manager Graham Potter – at a time when N'Golo Kante has sealed a move to Saudi Arabia, and Mateo Kovacic could also move on.

The 30-cap Ecuador international clearly isn't going to be available on the cheap, but he could be worth every penny, having averaged 2.7 tackles in the league in 2022/23, which was a higher tally than any other Brighton player.

There is also the issue of Chelsea not having any European football to offer Caicedo, following a dire domestic campaign, which has the potential to work against them, considering some of their rivals than offer him playing time in the Champions League. They must do all they can to get him, though, in what would be such a significant piece of business.

Tottenham Hotspur can now look forward to the start of a new regime under newly-appointed boss, Ange Postecoglou, with the 57-year-old set to be tasked with reviving the fortunes of the club following what proved a rather dour, 2022/23 campaign.

One prominent issue that will be on the agenda for the former Celtic boss will be to secure a resolution regarding the future of talisman, Harry Kane, with the England captain having been linked with moves to both Manchester United and Real Madrid amid his expiring contract.

If the 29-year-old does opt to leave the Lilywhites this summer in search of a new challenge, Postecoglou will no doubt need to find a suitable replacement for the club's leading scorer ahead of the start of next season, with £60m addition, Richarlison, hardly looking like the man to fill the void after scoring just one league this season.

Amid the potential need to acquire a new centre-forward, recent reports in Spain suggested that Aston Villa marksman, Ollie Watkins has emerged as a possible target for the north London outfit, with the 27-year-old having enjoyed an impressive campaign with the Midlands side after bagging 15 top-flight goals.

The former Brentford ace – who has been valued at around £70m – has proven himself something of a "machine" in front of goal of late, according to iNews journalist, Daniel Storey, as he now boasts 40 league goals since the start of the 2020/21 season.

Interestingly, as far as Spurs supporters are concerned, the Englishman has been likened to a previously prolific striker who shone at White Hart Lane, in the form of Jermain Defoe, with pundit Trevor Sinclair stating back in 2020 that Watkins "reminds [him] of Defoe in and around the 18 yard box".

That comparison bodes well for the impact that the Villa man could make in the capital, with Defoe having been a truly clinical attacking weapon across his two spells at the club.

How good was Defoe at Tottenham?

Having begun life on the books at London rivals West Ham United – where he also scored 19 goals in 30 appearances while on loan at Bournemouth in 2000/01 – the now-retired ace was snapped up by Tottenham on a £7m deal in February 2004, before quickly endearing himself to Spurs supporters after bagging seven goals in just 15 league appearances in the second half of that season.

The 5 foot 7 menace would go on to score 36 league goals across the next three-and-a-half seasons before joining Portsmouth on an initial loan deal in 2008, albeit while then making a swift return to north London in the summer of 2009.

That return paid instant dividends as the ace scored 18 goals during the 2009/10 campaign, helping to secure an overall tally for the club of 143 goals in 363 games in all competitions, prior to joining MLS side, Toronto in 2014.

An undoubtedly "prolific striker" – according to former boss Andre Villas-Boas – a key feature of Defoe's game was his ability to stretch a defence, with his former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard describing the Englishman's movement as "fantastic", while also stating that "he’s a dream for a midfielder because his movement tells you where to play the ball."

That quality is seemingly shared by his compatriot Watkins – as Sinclair alluded to – with journalist Josh Bunting having heaped praise on the one-time Exeter City man for his intelligence when leading the line:

"His movement opens up the centre-backs and it allows him to make those direct runs in between."

That likeness between the pair, due to their movement and finishing prowess, would seemingly suggest that Watkins could prove to be Tottenham's next Defoe, if Postecoglou does push for a move for the £75k-per-week speedster this summer.

Newcastle United have joined the long line of suitors for Barcelona centre-back Jules Kounde, with the France international allegedly unhappy at Camp Nou despite winning LaLiga this season.

What's the latest on Jules Kounde to Newcastle?

According to Spanish outlet AS (via Chronicle Live), Magpies manager Eddie Howe is an admirer of the dynamic defender and could look to commence a transfer bid in the coming weeks, with Barcelona asking for at least €75m (£65m) for his signature.

With reports that Kounde is disgruntled in Catalonia and seeks clarity over his future role under Xavi's tutelage after spending the majority of the campaign at right-back, Newcastle could take advantage and entice the 24-year-old into a switch to the Premier League.

Chelsea looked poised to complete a deal for the defender last summer before he completed a £50m move to La Blaugrana, but now Newcastle could prise him away after offering a central role in the club's ambitious sporting project.

How good is Jules Kounde?

The 5 foot 11 machine is a burgeoning force in European football and is a defender with genuine "world-class potential" – as lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig – having played 38 matches across all competitions since joining Barca from Sevilla, scoring once and providing six assists.

The 19-cap Frenchman has clinched the LaLiga title to complement his Europa League success with The Red and Whites in 2019/20, but indeed played 21 matches at full-back as opposed to 17 at his preferred central deployment and could now be seeking a route out of Barcelona after just one season.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of central defenders across Europe's top five leagues for rate of assists, the top 2% for shot-creating actions and the top 2% for progressive passes per 90, though it is important to remember that he has fluctuated between central and wide defensive positions this term.

Regardless, the £226k-per-week phenom is one of the best ball-playing defenders around and has been hailed as "sensational" by analyst Marcus Bring, with one tactical report once illustrating his agility and efficacy in contributing with crisp passing during offensive transitions.

Dubbed a "warrior" by Frank Leboeuf, the one-time Bordeaux prospect could be the perfect heir to Fabian Schar's position in Howe's Tyneside team.

Schar has been transformational for the Toon this season and has been integral in securing top four, starting 36 Premier League matches.

The 31-year-old is out of contract in one year however, and while technical director Dan Ashworth might be inclined to offer him a new deal, maintaining the ascension could warrant the arrival of a gem of Kounde's ilk.

The £40k-per-week Newcastle titan ranks among the top 6% of positional peers over the past year for rate of assists, the top 2% for shot-creating actions and the top 9% for aerials won per 90, with a knack for contributing from an attacking standpoint that Kounde could replicate, as the evidence suggests.

With Newcastle seeking clarity over their future among Europe's elite, Kounde would be a "simply awesome" addition, as also described by Kulig, and Howe must complete a swoop this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher ahead of a potential move this summer, according to reports.

Is Caoimhin Kelleher leaving Liverpool?

The Irishman is an academy graduate at Anfield having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to get promoted to the first-team four years ago, and despite establishing himself as Jurgen Klopp’s firm second choice behind Alisson Becker, he’s made zero appearances this season in the Premier League.

The Reds shot-stopper primarily only gets a chance to feature during the likes of the EFL Cup and FA Cup and therefore, back in December, the 24-year-old admitted that he’ll have to consider his options at the end of the season should he want to receive more regular game time.

Speaking during a recent interview, Klopp publicly claimed that he can’t see the 6 foot 2 colossus leaving during the upcoming window, but should he end up on the market looking for a permanent move elsewhere, there are already a trio of top-flight clubs queuing up to sign him.

Who is signing Kelleher?

According to Football Insider, Spurs, Brentford and Brighton and Hove Albion are all “keeping tabs” on the situation of Kelleher ahead of the summer. Liverpool are “braced for offers” for the goalkeeper, although are “determined” not to let him go for a cut-price fee, despite it being stated that is “attracting interest” from the name-checked potential suitors above.

The Cork native, however, could create a scenario where he “forces the issue” to sanction his sale to become a number one at a new club, so this could be one to watch.

Tottenham are reportedly on the hunt for a new goalkeeper with Hugo Lloris expected to depart upon the conclusion of the current campaign, and whilst he’s still not got bags of experience in the Premier League, Kelleher could be a great signing for the long-term future of the club.

Liverpool’s titan has kept ten clean sheets in 20 senior appearances on Merseyside and recorded a 75% success percentage in 2021/22 having made six saves from eight shots on target against, as per FBRef, not to mention that he is a “hero” when it comes to penalty shootouts, as lauded by journalist Josh Bunting.

The Champions League participant, who earns £10k-per-week, also shares the same agency, CAA Stellar, as Fraser Forster and Ben Davies, so this existing representative connection could potentially give the Lilywhites the edge over their fellow competitors when attempting to get a deal over the line in the months ahead.