In quite the twist, Leicester City are now reportedly working on a deal to hijack Crystal Palace's move to sign a new winger for Steve Cooper's side, one who knows all about the Premier League.
Leicester transfer news
The Foxes are enduring a busy end to the transfer window just as the opening day of the new Premier League season approaches in just one week, with the arrival of Facundo Buonanotte reportedly imminent. The Brighton & Hove Albion man will reportedly join on a season-long loan deal to hand Cooper his fifth signing of the summer.
Those at the King Power seem unlikely to end on five arrivals too, following links to the likes of Fabio Carvalho. The Liverpool attacking midfielder has impressed in pre-season, attracting plenty of interest, and could yet choose to complete a permanent move in pursuit of game time at Leicester. It's there he could be joined by a player who England's top-flight already know all about.
According to David Ornstein and Adam Leventhal of The Athletic, Leicester are now working on a deal to sign Wilfried Zaha from Galatasaray with talks ongoing. In some twist, the Foxes could secure the winger's signature ahead of former club Crystal Palace, who have seen their deal to re-sign their ex-star collapse, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Leicester make enquiry to sign "decisive" winger who's been told he can leave
He’s been shown the door at a top six club…
ByTom Cunningham Aug 10, 2024
Zaha would undoubtedly be the standout arrival at Leicester this summer and the marquee signing that could ensure their survival. The former Palace man knows all about relegation scraps and dragging sides to safety; it's how he spent the majority of his time at Selhurst Park. Now, it may well be Leicester who benefit.
"Excellent" Zaha would be an impressive coup
Zaha should tick every box on Leicester's criteria for new signings. He has more than enough Premier League experience and has the quality to make an instant impact on Cooper's side. Throughout his last spell in English football, which only ended last summer, Zaha earned plenty of praise from former boss Roy Hodgson.
The veteran manager told reporters via Football365 after his star man found the back of the net in 2020 win over Fulham: “He’s an excellent player and that’s what he’s capable of doing.
"If ever I sound mildly critical he thinks I’m picking on him, but every press conference I go to he’s the only player they want to talk to me about! He deserves all the praise he’s going to get. He reminds us that when he’s on top of his game he’s a very hard player to stop.”
The idea of Jamie Vardy's potential last dance with the Premier League ending with Zaha alongside him in Leicester's frontline is certainly a mouth-watering prospect, to say the least. But with a matter of weeks left until the summer transfer window slams shut, the Foxes must move quickly this month.
Manchester City are constantly looking to improve and upgrade their team where possible each year as they chase continued success on the pitch.
The Cityzens may have been disappointed with only one major trophy won last season as they lifted the Premier League title but did not win the Champions League or either of the two domestic cups.
Pep Guardiola may, therefore, want to bolster his options across the pitch in order to add more pieces of silverware to the trophy cabinet next campaign.
Brazil international Savinho – a left-footed forward who typically plays on the flank – has arrived on a permanent deal to compete for a spot in the attack.
He may not be the only player to be brought in by the Premier League champions, though, as they could look to make further additions to their forward options.
One player they could look to upgrade on is winger Jack Grealish, who the Cityzens are reportedly willing to cash in on before the end of the window.
Aston Villa are said to be keen on a deal to bring the England international back to Villa Park but City would want to recoup a large portion of the £100m they spent on him.
Man City's interest in Dutch playmaker
Guardiola could land a big upgrade on Grealish by swooping to sign one of the club's reported transfer targets ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Earlier this summer, TEAMtalk claimed that Paris Saint-Germain starlet Xavi Simons is one of the talented midfielders on Man City's radar this window.
The report stated that the Cityzens are keeping tabs on his situation with the French giants, after a loan spell with RB Leipzig in Germany last season.
It revealed that Bundesliga side Bayern Munich are currently leading the race for Simons, who played against them for Leipzig last term, but no deal has been finalised yet.
TEAMtalk added that PSG are willing to cash in on the attacking midfielder for the right price and it has been reported elsewhere that a fee of £85m would be needed to secure his services on a permanent basis.
It remains to be seen whether or not City will find enough interest, at the price they want, to offload Grealish before the end of the transfer window.
However, even if he stays, Guardiola could land a big upgrade on the former Villans captain by securing a deal to sign Simons from the Ligue 1 champions.
Jack Grealish's struggles for City
Since his £100m move from Aston Villa in the summer of 2021, Grealish has failed to consistently provide quality at the top end of the pitch for City.
Supporters and the club could be forgiven for expecting big things from a player with such a gigantic price tag but the winger has not lived up to the hype yet.
The 28-year-old attacker has produced just 14 goals and 18 assists in 125 games in all competitions for the English giants, which averages out as one direct goal contribution every 3.9 matches.
He managed just three goals and three assists in 26 Premier League outings during his debut campaign with the Cityzens. That was an underwhelming start to life at The Etihad after his blockbuster move from Villa, as he rarely threatened the opposition's goal.
Grealish did follow that up with an improved five goals and seven assists in 28 league games during the 2022/23 season, as City won the title as part of the treble.
Appearances
20
Starts
10
Goals
3
Assists
1
Key passes per game
1.4
Dribbles per game
0.9
However, as you can see in the table above, the English winger struggled again last term with a lack of appearances, starts, goals, and assists in the top-flight.
Overall, Grealish has not done enough in his three seasons with City so far to have justified a £100m price tag, due to his lack of goals and assists as an attacking player, and that is why now could be the right time for them to cash in on him.
Selling the England international would then free up space, and potentially some funds, to splash £85m on Simons, who could be a big upgrade on the current Cityzens flanker.
Why Xavi Simons could be an upgrade on Jack Grealish
The Netherlands international, who England fans will recognise as the player who scored against them in the semi-final at the Euros, is coming off the back of a sublime season with RB Leipzig on loan.
He had enjoyed a terrific campaign with PSV in his home country in 2022/23 with a return of 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 appearances for the Dutch giants.
PSV's Xavi Simons
Just like Grealish, Simons is an attacking midfielder who can operate centrally but is typically deployed on the left flank, cutting inside onto his favoured foot to wreak havoc in the final third.
However, unlike Grealish, the Dutch wizard, who was hailed as "wonderful" and an "artist" by analyst Ben Mattinson, has the quality to make a consistently big impact at the top end of the pitch.
His ability to make things happen as both a scorer and a creator of goals from a left wing position suggests that he could come in and provide far more to City's team than the Englishman.
Appearances
32
20
Goals
8
3
Assists
11
1
Big chances created
14
3
Key passes per game
2.5
1.4
Dribbles completed per game
2.6
0.9
As you can see in the table above, Simons wiped the floor with Grealish's contributions as a scorer, a creator, and a dribbler in the 2023/24 campaign.
These statistics show that the £85m-rated star can chip in with an impressive goal threat whilst also progressing his team up the pitch through dribbles, and then having the composure in dangerous positions to pick the right pass to create a chance for his teammates.
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The Cityzens have been linked with an interest in the Bundesliga sensation this summer.
ByDan Emery Jul 22, 2024
This is why Guardiola must now swoop to sign the PSG youngster as a big upgrade on Grealish, as he could come in and offer significantly more in the final third – as suggested by his last two seasons for Leipzig and PSV.
يستعد فريق ليفربول، بقيادة المدرب آرني سلوت، لخوض مباراة جديدة في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، اليوم السبت، ضد نظيره إيبسويتش تاون.
ويلتقي ليفربول مع إيبسويتش تاون في الجولة الثالثة والعشرين من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي على ملعب “الأنفيلد”.
طالع| مباشر بالفيديو | مباراة ليفربول وإيبسويتش تاون في الدوري الإنجليزي.. هدف أول من سوبوسلاي
ويتصدر ليفربول جدول الدوري الإنجليزي برصيد 50 نقطة، بفارق 6 نقاط عن أقرب منافسيه آرسنال ونوتينجهام فورست، ولديه مباراة مؤجلة ضد إيفرتون.
في حين أن إيبسويتش تاون لديه 16 نقطة حيث يحتل حاليًا المركز الثامن عشر في جدول الدوري الإنجليزي.
اقرأ أيضًا.. تشكيل ليفربول المتوقع أمام إيبسويتش تاون اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي
ويخوض ليفربول تلك المباراة بعد فوزه على برينتفورد بهدفين دون رد في الجولة الماضية، بينما سقط إيبسويتش تاون على ملعبه أمام مانشستر سيتي بستة أهداف دون رد.
ويلعب المحترف المصري سام مرسي في صفوف إيبسويتش تاون، حيث يُعد قائدًا للفريق الذي صعد من تشامبيونشيب إلى الدوري الإنجليزي هذا الموسم. موعد مباراة ليفربول وإيبسويتش تاون اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي
تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 5 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 6 بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة ليفربول وإيبسويتش تاون اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي
تُذاع المباراة عبر قناة beIN SPORTS 1. معلق مباراة ليفربول وإيبسويتش تاون اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي
سيعلق حسن العيدروس على أحداث مباراة اليوم.
ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا.
The Poland striker became just the third player to score 100 goals in the competition as Hansi Flick's side ran out easy winners in the end
Barcelona came into Tuesday's game against Brest with some fresh wounds from the weekend, having thrown away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Celta Vigo in La Liga. Now up against the Champions League's surprise package they needed to get back to winning ways, and they did, securing a 3-0 victory over their French visitors.
Barca turned in a controlled, professional performance, dominating possession while allowing Robert Lewandowski to bring up his Champions League century, while also seeing the best of what summer signing Dani Olmo has to offer.
It was Lewandowski who opened the scoring for Barcelona, finishing from the penalty spot after being fouled by Marco Bizot in the area. Barca dominated territory throughout the half, but Bizot stood up well to their chances, making one particularly good save from a Fermin Lopez header before the interval.
After the restart, Olmo had an effort cleared off the line, and Bizot continued to impress in goal. In the end, it took some magic from Olmo to finally find a way through and add Barca's second, as he dribbled around his marker after a fine cut-back from Gerard Martin and finished calmly. To finish as he did, in one fluid movement, was exceptional from the former RB Leipzig man.
Barca should have had a third with six minutes to go, as a loose ball out from defence found Pablo Torre on the edge of Brest's box, but his resulting shot was wild and did not trouble the goalkeeper. Instead, it was Lewandowski who added the finishing touch with a fine strike into the bottom corner in injury-time.
GOAL rates Barcelona's players from Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys…
AFP
Goalkeeper & Defence
Inaki Pena (6/10):
Barely had anything to do. Did have to pick the ball out of the net, but Brest were offside.
Jules Kounde (7/10):
Got forward constantly, linking well with Olmo. Made more than one chance and clearly enjoys the freedom afforded to him by Flick.
Pau Cubarsi (8/10):
He's just so rarely in trouble. He never gives the ball away, dominates in the air and it's almost impossible to dribble around him. Another outstanding performance, and one that belies his age.
Inigo Martinez (7/10):
Where Cubarsi is the air support, Martinez is the boots on the ground infantry, and he swept up with minimal fuss.
Gerard Martin (7/10):
A really strong full-back performance. Was rarely worried and took care of the ball with great effect. Fine assist for Olmo's glorious goal.
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Midfield
Marc Casado (6/10):
Never out of position and so rarely gives the ball away. Did get dribbled past more than once, but his on-ball ability hid most of his flaws.
Fermin Lopez (6/10):
So industrious. Always showing for the ball and trying to unpick the defence. Forced an excellent save from Bizot with a powerful header. Unlucky not to score before his substitution.
Pedri (7/10):
Lovely chipped ball into Lewandowski led to Barca's penalty. An orchestrator in midfield and not against mucking in defensively, either.
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Attack
Raphinha (7/10):
Fizzing with energy consistently, trying to get at Brest. Couldn't turn it into a goal contribution, but a lively display.
Robert Lewandowski (9/10):
Scored his 100th Champions League goal from the penalty spot and rounded off the rout with a calm finish in injury-time. Almost laid on a glorious assist with a no-look back-heel. A swaggering performance from a striker well aware he is still at his peak.
Dani Olmo (8/10):
Developing a nice understanding with Lewandowski. Saw a volleyed effort cleared off the line before scoring a gorgeous goal, beating his defender and finishing superbly. A promising, exciting performance.
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Subs & Manager
Gavi (6/10):
On for Olmo. Building his fitness, but some lovely touches.
Alejandro Balde (6/10):
On for Martin. Slotted in and saw the game out at left-back, providing a nice assist for Lewandowski's second.
Pablo Torre (5/10):
On for Fermin. Slashed at a huge chance, sending it wide after being gifted the opportunity to score Barca's third.
Frenkie de Jong (N/A)
On for Pedri with minutes to go.
Hansi Flick (8/10):
Another satisfactory evening for the Barca boss. They remain one of the best teams to watch in Europe, with a spine filled with real quality as well as youth. It could have been more comfortable, but Flick will have been delighted with this display, especially as he continues to build up the fitness of Gavi, and rotate the likes of Olmo and Pedri.
Um dos jovens promissores do Grêmio, Pedro Lucas tem uma missão importante a partir dessa quinta-feira, 21. Na cidade de Fortaleza, contra o Ceará, a equipe gremista começa a definir o título do Campeonato Brasileiro de Aspirantes. O atleta, que foi opção da equipe principal no Gauchão, vem sendo titular da equipe comandada por Cesar Lopes nessa campanha da competição.
+ Veja no aplicativo do LANCE! o resultado dos jogos da rodada
Cria da base tricolor, no início da temporada, o meio-campista foi opção do técnico Tiago Gomes nos jogos do Gauchão. Em oito partidas no elenco principal, seis foram pelo estadual, uma pela Sul-Americana e uma pela Copa Libertadores. Atuou com destaque nas partidas e marcou seu primeiro gol profissional contra o São José, em março. Com a troca de comando na equipe tricolor, o jovem voltou para a equipe de transição onde ganhou rodagem e vem se destacando na competição nacional.
No torneio de aspirantes, Pedro Lucas atuou em 13 jogos e balançou as redes em duas oportunidades. Jogador de confiança do técnico César Lopes foi titular em doze partidas com oito vitórias, quatro empates e apenas uma derrota. Pedro é tido no clube como uma das joias da casa, com passagem na Seleção Brasileira de Base e o título da última Copa do Mundo Sub-17. Tem como características o bom passe, a armação de jogas e boa finalização.
‘A chegada na final é um trabalho duro do nosso grupo junto com a comissão técnica e a direção do clube. Vamos dar tudo para conquistar esse título e, se Deus quiser, comemorar essa conquista em nossa casa. Isso será importante para nossa carreira, para a sequência aqui no Grêmio e principalmente pelas oportunidades que vão chegar’, afirma o camisa 10.
O início dos 180 minutos entre gaúchos e cearenses começa na quinta-feira, dia 21, às 16h. A partida decisiva está marcada para acontecer em Porto Alegre, ainda sem local confirmado, no próximo dia 27 de outubro, às 17h.
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17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri scored his maiden Premier League goal in Arsenal's comfortable win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
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Aretat praises teenager NwaneriVows to help him build his careerScored first Premier League goal in win over ForestFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Bukayo Saka handed the Gunners the lead early in the first half before Thomas Partey doubled the team's lead in the 52nd minute. Nwaneri, who replaced captain Martin Odegaard in the 82nd minute, then scored his first-ever Premier League goal to seal a comfortable win for his club.
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After the game, manager Mikel Arteta praised the 17-year-old attacking midfielder as he pointed out the special qualities that the youngster possesses. He also vowed to help the young player build a career at Emirates Stadium. While his game time in the league has been limited, Nwaneri has started in both of the club's Carabao Cup ties this term and has scored four goals.
WHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID
Speaking to reporters, the Gunners boss said, "What I like is that he comes in and in that context, the first thing he does is take a touch, runs forward, runs past two players and put it inches away from the post. I am responsible to build a career for him. You have to do that brick by brick. Today he put another brick. Now we have to put another cement, make sure it doesn’t get dry so we can put another one and that will stick.
"Then we put one more layer, one more layer. If you want to put five in a row believe me it won’t work. We have to manage not only his expectation but his load as well, which is really important."
He added, "I will try to educate him, raise him, and give him the pathway that we believe is the best. His family, his agent, his friends, they will be very important as well. Don’t listen too much to the noise, focus on what he does which is to play football and he loves every minute of it and good things will happen to him for sure."
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
The north London side will be back in action in the Champions League in midweek as they take on Ruben Amorim's ex-club Sporting CP on Tuesday night.
Seamer has chance to press for place in T20 World Cup, five years after role in 2016 campaign
Andrew Miller11-Mar-2021
Reece Topley has spent four years battling injury•Getty Images
Five years, four stress fractures, one bout of surgery and countless injections separate Reece Topley, the England rookie who took part in his side’s wide-eyed journey towards the final of the last World T20 in India in 2016, from the seasoned, 27-year-old pro whose career could yet come full circle as England’s latest T20I campaign prepares to get underway in Ahmedabad.The fact that Topley is still playing cricket at any level is remarkable in itself. By his own admission, he was “totally done with it” at one stage of his interminable injury agonies – not least on one grim afternoon in the summer of 2018, when a call to say he had been picked for the India ODIs was trumped by another confirming that, yes, he would be undergoing a back operation.But the fact that Topley has fought back from the brink, to muscle himself a berth in England’s full-strength T20I squad, is a testament to the enduring attributes of a 6ft 7in left-arm seamer – a rare breed of bowler who can generate good pace and sharp swing from his awkward high action, and whose skills at the death have not been diminished in the interim.It remains to be seen whether those attributes can earn him an instant recall (“if I get an opportunity it’s about performing that role to Morgy’s standards,” he said) but, having flirted with all manner of alternative career paths – including human-rights lawyer and financial markets analyst – during his years on the sidelines, he’s gagging to get back to the career he thought he’d fallen out of love with.Related
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“It’s unbelievable to be back amongst the set-up and with these lads,” he said. “The last time I played, I had that innocence of youth when it was that natural progression. I took it in my stride and it never really fazed me.”This time round, I seemed to enjoy the process of getting selected, working back into the team a lot more. It feels like I have really had to work hard for it, and possibly I took that for granted first time round. But this time it is something I cherish.”This will not be Topley’s official England comeback. That milestone was ticked off in the summer, against Ireland at the Ageas Bowl in August, where he capped a very serviceable return to the fray by claiming his first international wicket for 1597 days with the final ball of the innings.But, having also travelled to South Africa on the curtailed white-ball tour before Christmas, these five matches in Ahmedabad could yet mark the start of his true comeback – especially given what they could mean for the T20 World Cup in the autumn.”I do view this as a second career in a way,” Topley said. “I had such a long break in the middle, I’m older and more mature as a person, I have a totally different outlook on what being a pro cricketer is.”The last time I played in a T20 was at the World Cup, that game in Mumbai where we chased down 230-odd,” he added. “It was a very memorable game. A lot has happened between that, obviously, but I’m very pleased to be back, and quite proud of everything I have overcome.”Reece Topley played his first England international in four years against Ireland•Getty Images
That contest, against South Africa at the Wankhede, remains England’s highest T20I chase, and the third-highest for any nation. And for Topley, it proved to be the end of the road in the short term, as his two overs were slammed for 33 runs, only days after he had endured similar treatment from Chris Gayle and West Indies.But the format, in Topley’s estimation, has accelerated in the interim, and as and when he gets his chance to prove his mettle once more, he’s confident that he’ll have the mental resolve to rise to the evolving challenges, just as he had to overcome his numerous and daunting threats to his career.”I’ve still got certain attributes from last time I played for England,” he said. “I’m still a swing bowler up top and a fairly decent death bowler, but any progression that has been made, it’s probably inside my own head.”I moved away from cricket for a year, and when I came back, the game had moved on. It wasn’t until I played that I realised how batsman are taking the Powerplay differently, how things are changing at the death. It was only through that competition that you really get a grasp of how the game has moved.”Back at the start my career, you’d have your five best bowlers bowling. Whereas now, every position has a role and everyone, 1 to 11, is more under the microscope now. It’s not necessarily about the individual performances, it’s about the death bowlers closing out an innings, it’s about the guys up front taking wickets, it’s about spinners or fast bowlers taking wickets in the middle, if that’s your role.”Topley returns to a very different team dynamic as well. Whereas England’s last World T20 campaign was conducted on a wing and a prayer, with Eoin Morgan instructing his players to “embrace the naivety” of being the competition’s outsiders, this time they arrive as 50-over world champions, and the No. 1-ranked side in both white-ball formats. As such, the chances to impress may be scarcer, but the rewards of success could be more lasting.”If I get the opportunity, it’s for me to force [Morgan’s] hand and take that chance,” Topley said. “Whatever the role for the game that I’ve been given, perform that for the team so that Morgs has a difficult choice of leaving me out, whenever that time comes.”It’s probably one of the harder teams in the world to try and crack into. I can only do that by taking opportunities if any come my way. Healthy competition for places is what you need in a great side and, if you look back to the one-day series leading up to the World Cup that England won, there was massive competition for places there. I think that shows it’s healthy. I am going to try and take all the opportunities that come my way and hopefully perform my role for the team.”But whatever happens, Topley is at least back on the stage that his ability has long warranted, even if his body has struggled to match up to the expectations.”I’ll be honest, I did sort of give up at one point,” he said. “I was totally done with it. I remember people saying I wouldn’t play cricket again. I’d washed my hands of cricket and was well on to looking at other things. But I think it was something to do with being told you can’t do something. When it comes full circle to playing cricket, it is extremely rewarding. And thankfully I can say it’s pain free. It’s something I won’t take for granted again.”
The fast bowler spent the last many weeks recovering from a fractured forearm at the NCA
PTI29-Mar-2021Mohammed Shami is “absolutely fine and ready to go” for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2021 after spending time at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) recovering from the fractured forearm he suffered during the first Test in Australia in mid-December.”The injury while batting was unfortunate as I have not had any fitness issues for a long time, but this was something I couldn’t do anything about but it is part of the game,” Shami, who left the NCA on March 20, told . “I always look at the positives. The last season was good for me and hope I can carry that form into the IPL. Because of the injury, I got more time be ready for a big tournament like the IPL.On life in the bubble
“It is very tough as you can’t meet your friends and family they way you usually do. That helps take your mind off the game, which is very important. But, right now, it is the need of the hour. It is better to have the bubble than not having the event at all.”
“I was at NCA most of the time. I could have gone back home but because of the current Covid environment, I decided to spend more time at NCA as the facilities are much better and you can follow the Covid protocols.”The 2020 season, played in the UAE, was Shami’s best – after his first go in 2009 – on all markers: he got 20 wickets from 14 games at an average of 23.00 and strike rate of 16.10, with an economy rate of 8.57, all superior to his numbers in previous seasons. His IPL best of 3 for 15 also came last season.But with Ravi Bishnoi the only other bowler to have an impact, the Punjab Kings [Kings XI Punjab till last year] failed to make the playoffs. They have bolstered the bowling department ahead of the upcoming season, buying Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith, Jalaj Saxena, Moises Henriques and Fabian Allen at the auction earlier this year.”We can’t change the past,” Shami said. “I tried my best last season and also helped the fellow pacers whenever I could. We got good overseas players now. It is a stronger squad so we should do better this time.”Your mind has to be absolutely clear in the shortest format. As a unit, we did good work, but lost close matches we should have won. The support staff and players were frank with each other about that. Our death bowling seems better compared to last year, so we should do better.”
Leeds United are in the market to land a new winger to replace Crysencio Summerville before the summer transfer window slams shut at the end of this month.
The Whites cashed in on the Dutch wizard, who moved to Premier League side West Ham United, and are now looking at players who could come in to bolster Daniel Farke's options out wide.
One player who does not look set to end up at Elland Road, though, is Norwich forward Jonathan Rowe. Marseille are reportedly poised to agree an £8m deal to sign the England U21 international amid interest from Leeds.
That news could force Farke to look elsewhere to find a new winger to come in and take Summerville's spot in the team on the left flank, and that could open the door to a swoop for one of the club's other reported targets in that position.
Leeds' interest in Dutch forward
Earlier this month, it was reported that the Whites are one of the teams eyeing up a swoop to sign NEC Nijmegen forward Sontje Hansen this summer.
It was claimed that Leeds and Birmingham City are both keen on a potential deal to sign the 22-year-old forward before the window slams shut.
However, the Dutch side are in a strong position with his contract, as he is not in the final 12 months of his deal, and that means that they can demand a sizeable fee, although the report did not mention an exact price.
Leeds could now repeat the masterclass they played with the initial signing of Summerville by swooping to land Hansen to bolster their wide options.
Why Hansen could be Summerville 2.0
In the summer of 2020, the West Yorkshire outfit moved to sign the right-footed Dutch left winger from Feyenoord on a permanent basis, after he had produced two goals and six assists in 21 appearances for ADO Den Haag on loan in the Eredivisie during the 2019/20 campaign.
Leeds gambled on him being able to make the step over to English football and to develop further, and it was one that paid off big time, as Summerville produced 19 goals and nine assists in the Championship last term.
Hansen could now follow in his footsteps as another right-footed Dutch left winger who can chip in with both goals and assists on a regular basis, if he can take his game to the next level.
Starts
25
xG
3.72
Goals
6
Big chances missed
4
Big chances created
7
Assists
4
As you can see in the table above, the 22-year-old whiz caught the eye as a finisher with six goals from 3.72 xG and as a creator with seven 'big chances' created for NEC last season.
The £5.9k-per-week star, who was once lauded as "prolific" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, produced more goals and more assists than Summerville did in the Eredivisie before his move to Elland Road.
He also impressed at youth level for Ajax earlier in his career, with 21 goals and 13 assists in 58 appearances for the Dutch giants' academy.
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This suggests that the potential could still be there for Hansen to take a leap in his development to become a regular provider of goals and assists from a left wing position at Leeds, which is why the club could repeat their Summerville masterclass by bringing him to England.
Manchester United are believed to be eyeing a £50m move for a "phenomenal" player before the end of the transfer window, a new report has claimed.
Man Utd transfer news
The Red Devils may have been beaten in the Community Shield on Saturday afternoon, but there is every reason for confidence to be high heading into the new Premier League season. There is still time for new signings to come in, with Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui on the verge of completing moves to Old Trafford, while some exciting players continue to be linked.
Fenerbahce centre-back Ferdi Kadioglu has emerged as a potential option for United, following an impressive Euro 2024 campaign for Turkey that saw him reach the quarter-finals. The 24-year-old started all five matches for his country in Germany this summer, averaging an eye-catching 3.6 tackles per match.
Meanwhile, Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes has been touted as an addition for the Red Devils in the coming weeks as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to make his presence felt in the transfer market. The 23-year-old is being eyed as an alternative to Manuel Ugarte, who still has hopes of completing a move from Paris Saint-Germain in the near future.
Youssouf Fofana has also been linked with joining United, being seen as a long-term replacement for Casemiro in the heart of the midfield, having impressed for Monaco since arriving from Strasbourg back in 2020. INEOS are thought to have held talks with the Frenchman as they look to bolster their options in the middle of the park, though other clubs are also interested.
Man Utd eyeing "phenomenal" £50m attacker
According to The Daily Star, Manchester United are interested in completing the £50m signing of Brighton striker Evan Ferguson this summer.
The Red Devils are said to have had a "long-standing interest" in the Seagulls forward, though they are "concerned" that Chelsea could pip them to the 19-year-old's services.
Brighton strikerEvan Ferguson.
Ferguson could be an outstanding long-term acquisition for United, considering how highly rated he has been for a number of years, emerging as one of the brightest young attacking talents in the Premier League.
Someone who has witnessed his quality up close is Brighton teammate James Milner, who has said of him: "His finishing is phenomenal you know, just so good. If a chance is falling, you want it to go to him."
Interestingly, current sporting director Dan Ashworth will also be familiar with the Irishman, with the duo both on Brighton's books following the youngster's arrival in 2021.
Despite still being in his teenage years, Ferguson already has 12 Premier League goals to his name from 47 appearances, as well as three goals in 12 caps for the Republic of Ireland at full international level.
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He is a player with vast potential and the natural talent to grow into a world-class striker over time, so the idea of United snapping him up in a big-money move is mouthwatering. He could provide immediate competition for Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, and be at the club for the next decade or so.