Tag Futebol

During his time at West Ham United, Felipe Anderson could polarise opinion. However, now that the 29-year-old is arguably outperforming his former team-mate Jarrod Bowen, David Moyes may well be regretting the Brazilian’s departure.

Should West Ham have sold Felipe Anderson?

The Hammers signed the tricky winger from Lazio in 2018 in a then club-record deal worth £36m but like many other attacking additions at the London Stadium, he perhaps failed to live up to expectations in the English capital.

In total, the former Brazil international made 73 appearances in West Ham colours, in which he contributed just 12 goals and 13 assists, the vast majority of which came in his debut Premier League campaign.

He struggled to replicate those numbers in his second season with the club, managing just one goal and four assists in 25 Premier League appearances before a loan move to Porto during the 2020/21 campaign.

Moyes felt that it was necessary to cash in on the winger as he targeted new signings in 2021 and Anderson was sold back to Lazio for just £4m, who were probably laughing all the way to the bank after making a £32m profit in what essentially constituted a three-year loan spell away from Italy.

Is Anderson better than Bowen?

Anderson has quickly rediscovered his goalscoring form with Maurizio Sarri’s side, notching 15 goals and 14 assists across the last two seasons, including six goals and three assists in Serie A so far this term.

This has helped him to earn a strong 7.05 rating from WhoScored for his performances in Italy’s top flight and ranks him a long way ahead of Bowen, who has struggled for form this season after a superb 2021/22 campaign.

The former Hull City man has just four goals and one assist in 23 Premier League appearances this season, with WhoScored awarding him a disappointing 6.70 rating for his performances in the top flight.

He has also averaged far fewer dribbles (0.7 vs 1.2), passes (20.2 vs 33.5) and tackles (1.3 vs two) per game than Anderson, which suggests that the Brazilian could still have offered plenty in Moyes’ side.

While the 29-year-old could have been criticised as being a flair player who didn’t work hard enough, the praise that he received from former Barcelona winger and Lazio team-mate Pedro in 2021 suggests that he was perhaps harshly judged and actually works just as hard off the ball as he does when in possession

Pedro said of the former Irons ace: “It is not easy today to interpret that role. Felipe Anderson played a perfect game, fighting, running, recovering balls, and doing all that had to be done.”

His goal return in his debut season in the Premier League suggests that Anderson was unfairly treated by Moyes; and considering his form compared with that of West Ham’s attackers this season, which sees the Hammers ranked as one of the lowest-scoring teams in the English top flight, perhaps the Irons manager is regretting his decision to sell the Brazilian so cheaply in 2021.

Crystal Palace are eyeing a move to bring Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi to the Premier League this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements needed

The Selhurst Park outfit are the fifth joint-lowest scoring team in the division so far this season, so whilst Patrick Vieira has managed to steady the ship in the capital, the need for attacking reinforcements to take his side to that next level is evident.

Wilfried Zaha and Jordan Ayew will also both be out of contract at the end of the campaign meaning that the boss will have to find suitable replacements should the duo depart, and it sounds like the 28-year-old has been identified as an ideal candidate.

The Latest: Palace scouting Furuhashi

According to Football Insider, Palace are ‘keeping tabs’ on Furuhashi ahead of a potential move later in the summer where they are looking to make ‘multiple forward signings’.

The Eagles are ‘scouting’ several targets, with the Japanese international ‘one of those’ currently on their wishlist.

The Hoops, however, ‘do not want to lose’ their talisman and it’s reported that the interest from SE25 could ‘trigger’ the club into wanting to offer him a contract extension.

The Verdict: No-brainer

Furuhashi has been hailed for his ‘world-class’ goals by journalist Josh Bunting, and should the opportunity to sign him arise upon the conclusion of the 2022/23 term, Palace should grab it with both hands.

The Asics-sponsored star has clocked up 19 goals and two assists in just 23 Scottish Premiership appearances so far this season where he’s currently averaging 2.6 shots per game.

The Ikoma native would also provide Vieira with plenty of versatility considering he can operate on both flanks as well as at centre-forward, making this a no-brainer of a deal to complete.

Everton are ‘interested’ in completing a deal for Union Berlin forward Sheraldo Becker this summer, according to journalist Christian Falk.

The Lowdown: Looking to the future

The Toffees failed to make a single signing in January and so can now only target the free agent market until the summer, but Sean Dyche already appears to be planning for his first full window in charge.

The Suriname international’s contract with Urs Fischer’s side isn’t set to expire until 2025, but after being a standout performer throughout the first half of the 2022/23 season, has caught the eye of two clubs in particular from the Premier League.

The Latest: Everton eyeing Becker

According to Falk (via CaughtOffside), Everton, alongside top-flight rivals West Ham, are both considering a move for Becker later in the year, with a mystery bid having already been submitted by one of the two sides shortly before the deadline. He said:

“Both West Ham and Everton are interested in Sheraldo Becker. We’ve just had it confirmed that Union received a concrete offer on Monday, though it’s not immediately clear which of the two submitted it.

“Union, however, now have a chance to potentially secure Champions League football next year and they’re still in the cup, so that’s why they were reluctant to sell Sheraldo.

“But in the summer they know they could lose him. He’s got a contract that runs until 2025. I could imagine seeing him switch to the Premier League in the summer.”

The Verdict: Ideal candidate

Becker has been described as a ‘clinical’ and ‘creative’ attacker by journalist Josh Bunting, and he could be the ideal reinforcement that Everton have been missing so far this season.

According to WhoScored, the winger really stands out among Union’s best players – having attempted more shots at goal and key passes per 90 than any player in their squad.

The Amsterdam native already has eight goals and seven assists to his name across all competitions this term and has the versatility to play as a second striker as well as at centre-forward (Transfermarkt).

The Union Berlin star also ranks in the 96th percentile for most progressive carries per 90 minutes, highlighting his desire to get forward, which is exactly what the Merseyside outfit need in the final third.

Liverpool could unearth their next Giorginio Wijnaldum in the mould of Valencia’s Yunus Musah.

What’s the word?

The 20-year-old USMNT international has been linked with a move to Anfield over recent months, with manager Jurgen Klopp intrigued by his dynamic skill set.

Speaking to Football FanCast, transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has claimed that the young Valencia midfielder – who boasts a release clause of £90m – could be the midfield presence to reignite the spark that has been missing within the Reds’ midfield.

O’Rourke said: “He’s a box-to-box midfielder and Liverpool haven’t really replaced Wijnaldum since he left the club. I think they’ve signed one midfielder in the last four and a half years.

“So someone like Yunus Musah, who’s a young player and does play at the highest level in Spain, as well as on the international stage, is somebody they would definitely think could be an improvement for them.”

Gini 2.0

Having spent his formative years within Arsenal’s Hale End youth academy, impressing after making 18 appearances with the U18 side, registering five goals and three assists, Musah decided to make the switch to the Spanish La Liga in search of a foundation to kickstart his career.

This season, despite his tender age, Musah has been an ever-present in the Valencia set-up, having made 15 appearances and served two assists, and has been nurturing an all-encompassing toolkit that is earning the plaudits for his work.

As per FBref, the industrious pro ranks within the top 6% of midfielders for dribbles completed, the top 11% for progressive passes received, and the top 21% for touches in the attacking penalty area, indicating a vibrant, ubiquitous presence within his outfit on the pitch.

Indeed, much like Wijnaldum, Musah is the “real deal”, as praised by Ives Galarcep, and could bring life and energy back to a team that has lost the intensity levels that have gone in tandem with the philosophy under the enigmatic German manager.

Wijnaldum, a supreme passer of the ball and relentless recycler of possession, has left gulf within the very core of the Merseyside outfit after joining Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in 2021.

Having made 237 appearances, scoring 22 goals and serving 16 assists, the Dutch phenom was integral in winning the Premier League and Champions League, among other honours.

As per Sofascore, Musah recorded an average rating of 6.75 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, starting all four matches as the USA clinched qualification to the knockout phase, notably drawing 0-0 in the group stage against England in a match that the nation will feel could’ve resulted in victory.

Musah’s average passing accuracy of 87% across the campaign, along with the 2.0 tackles, 0.5 interceptions and 1.0 possession wins per match, were integral within the endeavours, and an encapsulation of the robust presence he brings in Wijnaldum-esque fashion.

Hailed as the “connector” by national team head coach Gregg Berhalter, Musah is steadily earning his place as a glistening gem on the European scene, and with a move to Liverpool, under Klopp, he could ascend to the next level.

Leeds United are back in Premier League action this evening as they welcome West Ham United to Elland Road in what is a clash at the foot of the table.

Both teams have struggled so far this campaign and with the Whites winless in four outings across all competitions, manager Jesse Marsch needs to find a solution fast or he’ll risk his side facing a relegation fight for the second successive season.

The Hammers are just two points behind the west Yorkshire outfit and occupy that final spot of safety, so a defeat tonight could be disastrous for Leeds.

Marsch’s side have looked woeful in the final third, having managed just two shots on target in their last two games, albeit against defending champions Manchester City and the division’s best defensive side in third-placed Newcastle United.

One player who has epitomised the struggles is Jack Harrison, who is on a barren run of 12 games without a goal or assist. He was one of the poorer players against the Magpies, having lasted a little over an hour before being hooked.

The 26-year-old looked a bit lost as suggested by LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross after the game:

“Harrison, unfortunately for him, it just continued in the same vein that he finished the first phase of the season in.

“Really not having any real impact on the match in any way at all. Going under the radar, not making an impression in an attacking or defending sense.”

Well, the Whites cannot afford to carry a passenger in what is one of their most important games of the season, so Marsch must make the ruthless call to axe him from the starting XI, something he has only done once in the top-flight this campaign.

The £50k-per-week winger – once dubbed “awful” by CBS Sports’ Jake Winderman – has been a shadow of the star that bagged eight goals and eight assists in 2020/21 before another eight-goal return last term, having only found the net just once from 13 starts, via FBref.

Harrison is also registering fewer shots per game than seven other players, which is the worst of all but two of Marsch’s other attacking options (Joe Gelhardt and Wilfried Gnonto).

Such poor form would usually see a player dropped without question but injuries to his nearest challengers have kept that at bay for now, though with Crysencio Summerville lurking, it could be time for that to happen.

His inclusion in the starting XI is only holding Leeds back right now, so the American head coach must make the bold decision to name one of his favourites in Harrison on the bench against the Hammers this evening.

AND in other news, Orta could sign Leeds’ next Milner in swoop for £40m “leader” who’s “Mr Dependable”…

An update has emerged on Aston Villa and their interest in signing midfielder Weston McKennie in the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has Tweeted that the Villans are “interested” in snapping up the USMNT star before the end of the month.

The accompanying article also states that the player would be keen on a move to Villa Park if the right proposal came his way and Juventus are not expected to need a replacement for the gem before cashing in on him.

It was previously reported, by Calciomercato, that the Italian giants are hoping to sell the central midfielder for a fee of up to €30m (£26m) but it remains to be seen whether or not Johan Lange is willing to match that figure.

Leander Dendoncker upgrade

Villa signed Leander Dendoncker on a permanent deal from fellow Premier League side Wolves in the summer transfer window but the Belgium international has struggled to find his feet this season.

The 27-year-old has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.72 across 13 appearances in the top flight and that places him 17th in Unai Emery’s squad, which does not suggest that he is anywhere near being one of the club’s top performers.

McKennie, meanwhile, has averaged a score of 6.85 across 11 outings in the Serie A for Juventus and this immediately indicates that he could be an upgrade on Dendoncker in terms of the average standard of his performances in the middle of the park.

The USA dynamo has also created three ‘big chances’ for his teammates and provided 0.6 key passes per game from midfield, whilst the Villa man has created just one ‘big chance’ and made only 0.3 key passes per outing, proving he does not offer as much in possession as the Old Lady gem.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as an “incredibly underrated” player and his former Schalke coach, David Wagner, once lauded the warrior by saying: “He’s an outstanding talent. In the No.6 or No.8 position he has the mentality, a real working mentality that you need. And he’s brave on the ball as well. He can be one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga.”

This suggests that he will work his socks off for Emery in midfield, which could suit the manager’s all-action midfield set-up, and he still has room to grow at the age of 24, which means that the boss can work with him on the training pitch to improve his performances.

Therefore, Villa could land an excellent signing for the here, now and for the future by swooping to sign McKennie before the end of the month.

Leeds United absentee Stuart Dallas could make a pleasing return from his serious leg injury in the coming months, according to expert Ben Dinnery.

The Lowdown: Dallas out for many months

The Whites suffered all sorts of injury problems last season but Dallas’ setback was arguably the greatest gut punch, given the severe nature of his issue and his popular status around Elland Road.

Dallas suffered a femoral facture in a Premier League clash with Manchester City back in May, with a long-term absence guaranteed for the Northern Irishman.

However, it looks as though it won’t be too long until he is back in action.

The Latest: Return edging closer

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Dinnery, an expert on sports injuries, claimed that Dallas could be back in early 2023, in what is a hugely positive update:

“The end of December, maybe coming into early 2023 is realistic for a Dallas return.

“It could be that he makes some appearances for the U21 side first, to try and transition from training into eventually moving back into the first team.”

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The Verdict: Will he be the same player?

This is such good news for Leeds and Dallas, with the versatile hero a big miss in recent times, whether it be in midfield or acting as an auxiliary full-back.

At 31, there is the potential that he may not be the same energetic player again, however, such was the severity of his injury, although his physical prowess means he has as good a chance as anyone of remaining a force.

Having Dallas back in the squad again will suddenly give Jesse Marsch more options in various positions – Alan Shearer has called him ‘outstanding’ – and his return could help turn the Whites’ season around further.

Liverpool are monitoring a potential deal which would see Ajax’s Ghanaian star Mohammed Kudus swap Amsterdam for Anfield as early as January. 

The Lowdown: Bags of potential

The 22-year-old is delivering on the World Cup stage for his country, scoring two goals in a lively performance and all-important win against South Korea on Monday. 

Kudus has been regarded as a big prospect since he burst onto the scene with Danish Superligaen outfit FC Nordsjaelland, with his last season in Farum seeing him notch 11 goals in 25 appearances in 2019/20. 

A move to Ajax followed, with a lack of starts at the Johan Cruyff Arena a big concern, and his third season in the Eredivisie now seems a crucial one.

Despite a lack of domestic starts, Kudus has made 14 appearances and five goals to his name in the Dutch top flight. 

The Latest: Liverpool looking at Kudus

According to transfer expert Dean Jones, Liverpool are looking at the Right to Dream graduate, with the World Cup giving the Reds “an idea of his mentality”.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT about Kudus, Jones said: “Liverpool are looking at him and they just need to make sure he raises the quality of the squad enough if they’re going to go ahead and make that move.

“The World Cup has given them an idea of his mentality and how he can rise to an occasion, I think that’s key. It’s going to be very interesting.”

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The Verdict: Sign him up!

Having been the subject of a £15m offer from neighbours Everton over the summer, Liverpool could well grab a game-changing bargain in Kudus, who could provide Jurgen Klopp with a fresh attacking asset from central midfield. 

The Ghanaian is incredibly versatile and is listed as someone who can play anywhere along the spine of the team from the midfield upwards. 

You can only imagine the impact that Klopp’s coaching could have on Kudus, whose potential over the next few years seems vast, judging by his performances at club and international level.

Given Liverpool’s midfield woes in recent months, he seems like the perfect candidate to come in and revitalise the Reds.

Rangers could look to use some of their recent revenue to strengthen their squad in the upcoming January and summer transfer windows according to Pete O’Rourke. 

The Lowdown: Rangers’ club-record revenue

Last month it was reported that the Ibrox club are set to announce club-record revenues of over £80m in their next set of financial results, which has since been officially confirmed by Rangers themselves.

This was apparently down to the prize money from having made it to the Europa League final last season, in addition to the supplementary commercial and match-day cash hikes.

Now though, it appears that O’Rourke has shared his thoughts on what this could mean for the club and their plans for the upcoming transfer windows.

The Latest: Financial boost for Rangers

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke had this to say when asked about Rangers’ reported financial boost and what it could mean for them going forward in the transfer market. He said:

“That’s obviously good news for Rangers that the figures are in such a healthy state and their finances are looking good.

“So, obviously, Rangers fans will be hoping that those financial records will enable the club to go out there and spend a bit of money in the January transfer window and also the summer transfer window as well, because it seems like they have fallen behind Celtic right now in the title race, so it’s going to be hard for them to get back into that one right now.”

The Verdict: A positive factor for Rangers

The previous summer transfer window saw the Gers be rather active in terms of the deals they managed to complete, with numerous players joining Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s squad on permanent, loan and free transfer deals.

This should fill a lot of Rangers fans with confidence that the club will seemingly still be able to strengthen again in January, especially if they have extra financial backing to do so.

Bearing in mind how there are five clubs in the SPFL this season that have racked up a higher percentage of shots on target than Van Bronckhorst’s side this season (31.2%), perhaps signing a player in January that can be a bit more clinical in front of goal could be the best way for the Gers to have a chance of securing the league title.

Leeds United need to sign a striker in January in order to take the pressure off the struggling Patrick Bamford, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Bamford struggling this season

The Whites experienced another bad day at the office on Sunday afternoon, losing 3-2 at home to Fulham to continue their Premier League struggles.

Bamford was left out of Jesse Marsch’s starting line-up and came on in the second half but he again failed to open his goalscoring account for the season.

The 29-year-old looks a far cry from the player who thrived so much back in 2020/21, when he scored 17 top-flight goals, with subsequent injuries and a possible lack of confidence seemingly holding him back thereafter.

The Latest: Leeds urged to sign a striker

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones admitted that bringing in a fresh attacking face in the January transfer window could take the burden off Bamford and has urged Leeds to strengthen in that department.

The journalist said:

“Bamford has so much pressure on him to score and, if he doesn’t, they don’t. It’s really not okay. They’re going to have to consider investing in the January market in another goalscorer.”

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The Verdict: Makes complete sense

Bamford’s drop-off has been alarming over the last 12 months or so, although it must be stressed that he has not been helped by the ongoing fitness issues which have plagued him.

While Rodrigo has done well this season, it is still essential that a new striker comes in during the January transfer window, injecting the team with fresh blood and added firepower.

With each passing week, it feels increasingly as though Leeds could again find themselves battling relegation.

A new signing in the final third could be the difference between them staying up or losing their top-flight status, especially if Bamford’s woes continue.