Tag Futebol

Liverpool are not planning on loaning out youngster Fabio Carvalho during the summer transfer window, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Frustrating first season

The 20-year-old joined the Reds from Fulham last year, having excelled for the Cottagers in the Championship, with excitement in the air regarding his ability.

However, Carvalho has endured a frustrating first season at Anfield, with the team’s struggles not helping his cause as his playing time has diminished by the month.

The attacker has only started four times in the current Premier League campaign and he hasn’t featured at all in any top-flight match since November.

The Latest: No loan move planned for Carvalho

According to Football Insider’s Wayne Veysey, Liverpool have no intention of loaning out Carvalho next season, despite his obvious lack of game-time in recent months.

The reporter states that the Reds’ plan was ‘always to phase Carvalho in gradually’, suggesting that his current squad role is no major issue.

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The Verdict: Patience is a virtue

There is no doubt that Carvalho’s first year on Merseyside has been an underwhelming one, apart from his dramatic late winner at home to Newcastle United in August.

Liverpool fans need to be patient with the youngster, though, considering that he is a part of a squad playing with no confidence or energy, as Jurgen Klopp goes through his toughest period as manager at Anfield.

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Carvalho has shown flashes of quality – Roberto Firmino has hailed him as a ‘great player’ – but he is still maturing physically, and it is unfair to expect fireworks from him on a regular basis at just 20.

A loan move wouldn’t be the worst idea, in truth, but it is a show of faith in the £40,000-per-week forward that Liverpool are seemingly intent on retaining his services in 2023/24.

Manchester United marched on into the fifth round of the FA Cup after breezing past Reading at Old Trafford on Saturday evening, with Erik ten Hag’s side picking up an 11th successive win on home soil in all competitions.

Despite the expectation that the former Ajax boss would name a weakened team for the visit of the Championship outfit, amid what is a hectic fixture schedule, the Dutchman surprised most by persisting with his tried and trusted figures, with that move more than paying off on what was a comfortable night at the Theatre of Dreams.

After a largely frustrating first half – in which Marcus Rashford was denied a 19th goal of the season due to an offside call on Wout Weghorst – the hosts eventually took control in the second period as a result of some Brazilian magic, with Casemiro netting the opener with a lovely dinked effort just after the break, following a stunning assist from teammate Antony.

The former Real Madrid man then added his second of the night just minutes later with a delightful, curling effort that evaded opposition stopper, Joe Lumley, before compatriot Fred made sure of the result off the bench with a clever, near-post flick.

That latter effort had come just moments after one-time Liverpool flop Andy Carroll was dismissed after needlessly picking up two yellow cards in quick succession, with the only bright note for Paul Ince’s side having come courtesy of Amadou Mbengue’s late header.

Although few supporters will be getting carried away after dispatching a lower-league opponent, the manner of the performance and the result has laid bare the club’s new-found confidence, with the aforementioned Casemiro having been central to that resurgence.

Lauded as “phenomenal” by teammate Harry Magure following last night’s triumph, the 30-year-old was again the real heartbeat of the side from his defensive midfield berth, notably winning eight ground duels and laying on three key passes to illustrate his all-around influence.

The £70m man was not the only figure to have stolen the show, however, with fellow summer signing and international colleague, Antony, having also once again shown his worth with a lively and encouraging performance from the flanks.

Just days after having been a “big plus” in the 3-0 win away to Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup, as per Manchester Evening News’ Samuel Luckhurst, the 22-year-old again offered a real threat off the right, notably providing four key passes from his 78 touches as an illustration of his creative flair.

That included the Sao Paolo native’s assist to tee up Casemiro’s opener, with the fleet-footed wizard producing an exquisite, defence-splitting pass to send the midfielder through on goal.

The youngster had been criticised by club legend Gary Neville for being “too predictable” following the midweek win at the City Ground, although he appeared far more dynamic up against a rather helpless Baba Rahman, notably producing great skill early on to find Aaron Wan-Bissaka with a deft nutmeg.

While there are undoubtedly frustrations to the winger’s game – as he lost possession on 21 occasions and failed to convert any of his six attempts on the night – that “superb” outing, as described by journalist Emmanuel Ayamga, has showcased that Antony is beginning to benefit from a regular run of games.

The skilful dynamo is far from the finished article – having notably squandered a decent chance late on and been somewhat culpable for Mbengue’s consolation – although Ten Hag will be delighted to see his high-profile addition beginning to repay the rather hefty £86m transfer fee.

West Bromwich Albion are interested in signing both Lewis O’Brien and Nathaniel Chalobah in the January transfer window, according to reports on Sunday morning.

The Lowdown: West Brom looking good for play-offs

The Baggies have recovered from a disastrous start to the season in the Championship, with Carlos Corberan changing their fortunes after the exit of Steve Bruce in the autumn.

West Brom now sit 10th in the table and are only one point off the play-offs and their recent form suggests that they could rise further up the division in the coming months.

New signings may be required for that to become more likely, though, and an intriguing reports has emerged in the morning hours.

The Latest: O’Brien and Chalobah in talks with West Brom

According to The Mail on Sunday [via West Brom News], Albion are in discussions to sign both O’Brien and Chalobah before the transfer deadline on Tuesday night.

The duo are currently in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest and Fulham respectively, but neither have been regular presences at those clubs and could be allowed to leave this month.

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The Verdict: Could be a great double coup

If the Baggies were able to bring in O’Brien and Chalobah, it would have the potential to be game-changing in their promotion push, considering the quality they both possess at Championship level. They have only made a total of seven starts in the Premier League between them this season (O’Brien six, Chalobah one) and could be itching to feature more prominently elsewhere.

Although things aren’t working out for them in the top flight, the former started 46 Championship games for Huddersfield Town last term, averaging 2.1 tackles per game as they reached the play-off final, while the latter has 142 appearances to his name in the second tier and has been promoted from the division with Watford and Fulham in the past two years.

O’Brien and Chalobah could provide stiff competition in the middle of the park at West Brom for the likes of Okay Yokuslu and John Swift, giving Corberan the depth to rotate his squad and keep players fresh as the game comes thick and fast in the final four months of the campaign.

Liverpool have had a number of injury issues over their Premier League campaign so far, although a new update has emerged which offers a huge boost ahead of their return to top-flight action just after Christmas.

What’s the latest?

According to Portuguese news outlet O Jogo (via Sport Witness), Reds forward Diogo Jota could be back in time to face Real Madrid in their round of 16 Champions League clash in February.

As per the report, it is claimed that the 26-year-old has been doing specific reconditioning work, and following a good stint in Dubai, he could be back much sooner than expected.

Imagine him & Fernandez

The news that Jota could be back ahead of schedule will be warmly welcomed by Jurgen Klopp and FSG, who would have potentially been looking at the transfer market in order to fill the gaps in the forward line.

Liverpool have been linked with a number of wide forwards over the last few weeks owing to their unfortunate injury issues in the attacking threat of the team, with James Maddison and Cody Gakpo two players named as potential options for the Merseysiders.

It was revealed earlier this month that Luis Diaz had aggravated his knee injury whilst taking part in the tour in Dubai and required surgery to repair the damage, leaving the talented winger out of action until March.

As a result, the accelerated return of Jota could save the club millions, as Klopp could now unleash the talented Portugal forward back into his team sooner rather than later.

Jota made an instant impact when he joined the Reds in September 2020 and has scored 34 goals and registered 14 assists in 93 appearances at Anfield, with a goal contribution every 118 minutes.

The 26-year-old hitman – who was dubbed “exceptional” by his manager – could become even more prolific on the pitch if Liverpool can complete the mooted signing of Benfica star Enzo Fernandez.

The 21-year-old Argentina midfielder ranks in the top 10% of his positional peers in the top five European leagues for assists, shot-creating actions and progressive passes over the past year, proving that he is an excellent playmaker who could offer Jota many goal-scoring opportunities.

With that in mind, the accelerated return of Jota for February would be a huge boost for Liverpool ahead of the second half of the season in their pursuit to climb the Premier League table and progress in Europe.

Chelsea boss Graham Potter could be set to reignite the club’s former interest in FC Barcelona’s fearsome flanker Ousmane Dembele…

Barcelona are looking to swiftly accelerate contract talks with the French international following a recent report from Spanish publication Marca, stating that La Blaugrana may be resigned to losing the 25-year-old due to a release clause of €50m (£44m), which could prompt the Blues to make their move next summer, when it becomes active. 

The story continues to say that Chelsea are joined by Paris Saint-Germain in their interest, and are still indeed looking to swoop for the ace when the Barcelona transfer department displays a chink in the armour.

According to Spanish outlet El Desmarque in 2019, Chelsea were among the suitors for the dynamic winger at one point, and now could return for a player that could provide a timely boost amid a flagging season.

Having flourished for his club recently and playing a central role in France’s surge towards the 2022 World Cup final, which they agonisingly lost on penalties to Argentina, he would make a marked impact on the west London giants, should a move materialise.

A huge Ziyech upgrade

Signed for Barca for a reported £135.5m from Borussia Dortmund in 2019, Dembele has often been plagued by injuries but have since found a vein of vitality to lead him towards a resurgence of sorts this past year.

As per Transfermarkt, Dembele has recorded five goals and seven assists from 20 outings for his outfit this term, dazzling down the right flank and steering the club back on track after a testing few years, with Barcelona currently topping the Spanish La Liga with 12 wins from 14 fixtures.

And last year, the 35-cap star really blossomed into his own; despite scoring just two goals, he served as Barcelona’s roaring creative focal point in assisting 13 times from just 21 league appearances – illustrating the effect he can have if he can get fit and firing.

Dembele is one of the sport’s premier offensive flankers, heralded as a “phenomenon” and a “jewel” by former teammate Rennes teammate Gelson Fernandes (via talkSPORT), and he would certainly boost a Blues side struggling for form and offensive fluidity.

The club currently languish in eighth place in the Premier League, picking up just six wins from 14 matches and scoring a paltry 17 goals – the lowest of any outfit within the top-ten.

With FBref ranking the £52.7m-rated gem within the top 2% off wingers for dribbles completed and rate of assists this past year, it’s clear that his selfless creativity could kick the ball in motion for brighter horizons ahead at Stamford Bridge.

Should Chelsea manage to get the deal over the line, he would likely be a huge upgrade on Hakim Ziyech, who, despite a monumental World Cup campaign with Morocco, has failed to ignite any genuinely striking form with regularity at Stamford Bridge.

Having made 92 appearances for the club since his £33.3m move from AFC Ajax in 2020, the 29-year-old has only scored 14 goals and served ten assists, and Dembele could increase the output.

Indeed, the Moroccan has sank further down the pecking order at Chelsea this term, making nine showings and blanking with both goals and assists on each occasion.

Chelsea’s newly-appointed technical director Christopher Vivell must throw the kitchen sink at Barcelona in a bid to sign their phenom, making an instant impact with the Blues faithful – and with a release clause allegedly soon materialising, a tantalising offer must be presented soon in order to secure his signature.

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has had to endure a number of problems on the left of his backline since his arrival at Elland Road back in February, with Junior Firpo having struggled with both form and injuries ever since his £13m move to the club last summer, while stand-in left-back Stuart Dallas has also been sidelined since April with a fractured femur.

As a result, Victor Orta has been linked with a number of players in the position in recent months, with the likes of Torino’s Ola Aina, Empoli’s Fabiano Parisi, Valencia’s Jesus Vazquez and Philadelphia Union’s Kai Wagner all believed to be of interest to the Whites’ director of football ahead of the opening of the January transfer window.

However, undoubtedly one of the higher profile names believed to be on the Spaniard’s shortlist of left-back targets this winter is Borussia Dortmund star Raphael Guerreiro, the 28-year-old defender who has been a key part of BVB’s backline ever since his move to Germany from FC Lorient back in the summer of 2016.

And, with the Portugal international’s current contract at Signal Iduna Park set to expire at the end of the current campaign, Leeds will be able to open pre-contract negotiations with the full-back upon the turn of the year ahead of a potential move on a free transfer next summer, or try to tempt the Bundesliga side into a sale with an offer in the January transfer window.

Either way, considering just how impressive Guerreiro has been for Dortmund over the last year, Orta managing to convince the 28-year-old of a move to Elland Road this winter would represent a massive coup for a club of the Whites’ current stature.

Indeed, according to FBref, the £17.5m-rated talent ranks in the top 4% of full-backs of Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, in addition to the top 5% for non-penalty xG, the top 6% for shots, the top 25% for assists, the top 19% for xAG and the top 20% for shot-creating actions over the past 12 months – demonstrating just how deadly Guerreiro is in the final third.

The £59k-per-week flanker also ranks in the top 11% of full-backs for passes attempted per 90, as well as the top 17% for passes completed, the top 7% for progressive passes, the top 13% for dribbles completed and the top 25% for touches in the opposition penalty area over the last 365 days – highlighting how impressive the defender is in possession of the ball.

Furthermore, while it is undeniable that the Portuguese star is primarily a forward-thinking full-back, he still returns impressive defensive metrics, with the left-footer making an average of 1.5 tackles and 1.4 interceptions over his 12 Bundesliga appearances this season, while also making an average of 1.8 tackles and 2.0 interceptions over his four Champions League fixtures this term.

As such, with Guerreiro not ranking below the top 25% of all full-backs in Europe’s big five leagues in any attacking metric, in addition to the “unreal” left-back appearing extremely solid in a defensive capacity, the argument that Orta simply must move for the 28-year-old this winter is an easy one to make, as Guerreiro would be an unbelievable addition to the Leeds defence.

West Ham United have been handed a huge injury boost concerning Lucas Paqueta.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Ben Dinnery, with the injury analyst revealing in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that, after missing the Hammers’ last four fixtures in all competitions due to a shoulder injury, the Brazil international could finally be in line to make a return to first-team football against FCSB on Thursday night.

Regarding the 25-year-old’s current condition, Dinnery said: “Everything that we know, up until this point, indicates that he should be very close for Thursday. If not, then we’re maybe looking at Sunday.”

Big boost

Considering just how important a part of David Moyes’ first-team squad Paqueta has already proven himself to be following his £51m move to east London this summer, Dinnery’s claim that the playmaker could be available for selection against FCSB on Thursday, and if not for the visit of Crystal Palace on Sunday, is great news for the 59-year-old manager.

Indeed, over his six Premier League appearances so far this season, the £45.5m-rated talent has highly impressed, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.5 shots – the most in the Irons’ squad – making 0.3 key passes and completing an average of 0.5 dribbles per game.

The £150k-per-week midfielder has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.3 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 1.8 clearances and winning 4.7 duels per fixture.

These returns have seen the 25-year-old average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.90, currently ranking him as the Hammers’ joint sixth-best performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, it is clear for all to see that the return of Paqueta ahead of the Europa Conference League meeting with FCSB or the Premier League meeting with Palace this weekend will come as a huge boost to Moyes, as the 34-cap international has already proven himself to be an influential part of the Irons’ first team squad this season.

Manchester United are still interested in signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong but may need to sacrifice a pursuit for another reported target, according to reliable journalist Miguel Delaney for The Independent.

The Lowdown: United miss out on De Jong

The Red Devils seemingly spent most of the summer transfer window eyeing up a move for the Dutchman, seeing him as their primary midfield target.

Instead, De Jong ended up staying put at Camp Nou, with Erik ten Hag managing to acquire the signatures of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen to bolster the midfield ranks at Old Trafford.

While United failed to get their man from Barcelona first time around, it looks as though such a transfer could still happen.

The Latest: United may face De Jong dilemma

According to Delaney for The Independent, United are still keen on bringing in De Jong, although they may have a decision to make as to whether they revive that particular pursuit or vie with the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid for Jude Bellingham.

The journalist shared a link to the article via Twitter, stating:

“United maintain contact with Barcelona on De Jong, but may face choice, based on Bellingham’s choice. Feeling in England is it’s United-Liverpool depending on how teams evolve – with City watching. Feeling in Germany is Madrid.”

The Verdict: Ideal midfield target

De Jong is a fantastic midfielder who has been hailed as ‘world class’ by influencer Rafael Hernandez, so the idea of him in a United shirt is mouthwatering.

He could be an ideal foil for the more naturally defensive Casemiro, dictating midfield battles, dribbling in tight areas and creating with his passing brilliance.

Also, at 25, he is younger than Eriksen (30) and Bruno Fernandes (28), so he would represent more of a long-term option for the Red Devils.

De Jong’s metronomic brilliance on the ball is outlined by a 92.5% pass completion rate across seven La Liga appearances this season, better than any midfielder at Old Trafford has managed; and if United are to miss out on Bellingham, the Barcelona man is the perfect alternative.

Finance expert Dr. Dan Plumley has saluted Manchester City after the Sky Blues confirmed some lucrative off-field news this week.

The Lowdown: CFG agree Unilumin renewal…

The City Football Group, as announced by the Premier League champions on Tuesday via their official website, agreed to renew their partnership with LED display solutions firm Unilumin.

Working in tandem since early 2021, the Citizens claim their agreement with the LED display partner has made them the most ‘commercially valuable’ side in England when it comes to pitch side media.

Utilising the latest innovative technologies, as stated, has allowed City greater scope to communicate with supporters on match days through these state of the art screens and picture quality.

The Latest: Finance guru hails off-field Man City deal…

Dr Plumley, speaking to Football Insider, now claims agreements like this can help CFG grow the Sky Blues further and further – praising the club for their deal.

“I think we could see some technological improvements as part of the deal here.

“That is the message that is coming out of the club. They claim that the company has made them the most commercially valuable club in the Premier League in that advertising space.

“City are most definitely the benchmark in this area. When you have deals like this in place, that then allows you to grow even further.

“They have been innovative in this area among others in recent years. You can see the rewards already. I expect them to continue to push on in this area in years to come too.”

The Verdict: Growing and growing…

From investing £200 million into a state of the art academy to pledging their efforts in rejuvenating Manchester’s housing community, CFG are continuing to build City both on and off the pitch.

This latest agreement to extend their partnership with Unilumin is yet another signal that City chiefs are looking to seriously grow the general brand as well as Pep Guardiola’s first team.

The Blues’ stock and value continues to rise year-by-year yet it appears there is no sign of slowing down as CFG continuously look for more ways to innovate.

Rangers are interested in making a late move for FC Midtjylland midfielder Evander, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Second opportunity gifted

The 24-year-old had negotiated an exit agreement with the Danish giants and looked all set to link up with Galatasaray, but director of sport Svend Graversen has since revealed that the move has fallen through.

The Scottish Premiership side had also been linked with the maestro earlier in the window, and despite initially missing out, it appears that the Glasgow outfit may now have a strong second chance to secure their target heading into the final 24 hours of the window.

The Latest: Rangers considering Evander deal

According to Daily Record, Evander is ‘on the Ibrox radar’ of Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who is ‘weighing up his options’ before Thursday’s 11pm deadline.

Graversen has admitted that Midtjylland are ‘open to cashing in’ on the Brazilian, who is ‘keen to find a new club’, with Ibrox being touted as the player’s ‘preferred destination’ this summer.

The Verdict: Instead of or alongside Barkley?

Chelsea star Ross Barkley has been linked with a move to Rangers after being released by the Blues, but Evander is the midfielder who GVB might favour given his long-standing interest.

The Rio de Janeiro-born talent, dubbed ‘immense’ by sports journalist Josh Bunting, has netted 49 goals throughout his career and is a versatile individual, having previously been used in all three midfield positions and on both wings.

With Rangers having now secured Champions League football, the club should have become even more of an attractive proposition for potential new signings, which could have a huge impact on whether Evander decides to make the switch before 11pm on Thursday.