Tag Futebol

Liverpool have now made an approach for Fluminense midfielder Andre, but they are set to make a decision on Thiago's future before pursuing a deal, with the Reds now open to offers for the midfielder.

Who are Liverpool signing this summer?

Jurgen Klopp has already brought in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai this summer, with the duo arriving for a combined £115m, but the manager is still keen on additional midfield reinforcements, with Romeo Lavia remaining a target.

The 19-year-old would inject some youth into the manager's ageing side, but the Reds have had two bids knocked back by Southampton already, with the Saints sticking to their £50m valuation of the Belgian starlet.

In the same report, it is detailed that Klopp still wants to sign an additional midfielder even if a deal for Lavia eventually gets done – and Liverpool have recently been linked with a move for Andre.

It has been claimed that an offer of €25m (£21m) for the Brazilian is set to be made in the next few days, with the player himself keen on the move. However, a more recent report suggests the Reds may bide their time.

Read The Latest Liverpool Transfer News HERE…

According to a report from Anfield Watch, Liverpool have made some progress in their pursuit of the Fluminense ace, having recently approached the Brazilian club, but they may choose to resolve Thiago's situation before taking any further steps.

The Reds are now open to offers for the £200k-per-week maestro, who has just one year remaining on his contract at Anfield, with a new deal not in the pipeline, as a result of his concerning injury record.

A deal for Andre is said to be feasible, with sources from Brazil claiming that a move could be finalised for €30m (£26m) if the full amount is paid, but he would not be permitted to leave for any less than that until the winter.

Is Thiago leaving Liverpool?

It now appears as though there's a good chance the Spaniard could be on the move this summer, which could be a blow for the Reds in some ways, given that he has previously been hailed as "special" by Klopp.

However, the 32-year-old has been absent for far too many games through injury in recent times, missing a total of 22 games last season, and considering he is now approaching the twilight of his career, it may be a wise move to let him leave for a good fee.

There is plenty of evidence that Andre could be a solid replacement for the central midfielder, particularly considering his passing ability, ranking in the 99th percentile for his pass-completion rate per 90 in the past year, when compared to players at a similar level.

Lauded as a "leader" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Brazil international is ten years Thiago's junior, at 22 years old, and he could make a real impact for Liverpool on the front foot, having also been described as a "roaming playmaker" by Kulig.

It would undoubtedly be sad to see Thiago leave the club, but Andre has all the right attributes to be a fantastic long-term replacement.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso won't push for a summer exit to Real Betis with manager Ange Postecoglou playing a big role in that.

Who is leaving Spurs this summer?

After completing deals for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, midfielder James Maddison and winger Manor Solomon – there are certain squad members on the chopping block to free up more squad space and funds.

Ivan Perisic, for example, has reportedly been told he can leave Spurs this summer if a suitable offer comes in. After the signing of Vicario, long-serving number one Hugo Lloris could also make way.

The Frenchman, speaking to news outlet Nice-Matin recently, admitted as much and believes this summer could be the end of an era for him in north London.

“We have reached an important moment, whether it be for the club or me,” said Lloris.

“It’s the end of an era. I have a desire for something else. I will carefully study what is possible. However, I haven’t forgotten that I have a year left on my contract at Tottenham, and in football, it’s always hard to predict what will happen."

Meanwhile, Spurs accepted a bid from Russian side Spartak Moscow for defender Davinson Sanchez, though it remains to be seen whether the Colombian will agree to join them or if the transfer will even be authorised by government officials – due to the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

Japhet Tanganga, after limited playing time last season, comes as another player expected to depart while Spurs regular Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is being chased by La Liga side Atletico Madrid.

Lo Celso had been mentioned as a candidate to leave, but according to Spanish news site Mucho Deporte, he won't exactly force the issue.

Real Betis are eyeing a move for the Argentine, and while he's interested in joining them, there is a belief Lo Celso will not push for the transfer.

This is mostly down to Postecoglou, who is delighted with the midfielder's efforts in pre-season, and Lo Celso himself feels comfortable playing under the Australian and fits in well to his system.

It's added that the South American has fun in each training session under Posteocoglou and works hard for him.

How good is Giovani Lo Celso?

Signed for £27.2 million from Betis in January 2020, Lo Celso has endured a mixed Spurs career to date, but has showcased his quality on loan spells with Villarreal.

Just last season, during a temporary stint with Villarreal, he averaged their joint-highest rate of key passes completed per 90 in the final third – all the while scoring two goals and assisting three others (WhoScored).

The 27-year-old could fit in well to Postecoglou's system as a more advanced playmaker, with Spurs superstar Son Heung-min once showering praise on Lo Celso.

“I think he’s unbelievable!” said Son on Lo Celso's form in 2020.

“He’s working really hard in every single training session so I think every player is really happy for him to be doing so well and working so hard."

After three seasons of trying, it could well be the case that Lo Celso has found a perfect managerial fit in Postecoglou, so it will be interesting to see if he becomes a key player next season.

كشف مصدر بنادي الزمالك عن موقف أحمد سيد زيزو لاعب فريق الكرة من اللحاق بمباراة القلعة البيضاء المقبلة أمام دريمز الغاني ضمن منافسات كأس الكونفدرالية.

ويلتقي الزمالك مع منافسه دريمز الغاني يوم الأحد المقبل 28 أبريل الجاري في إطار لقاءات إياب نصف نهائي المسابقة القارية.

وعلم بطولات، أن أحمد سيد زيزو اقترب من اللحاق بمباراة الزمالك المقبلة أمام دريمز الغاني في لقاء العودة بين الفريقين.

وذلك حيث إن الإصابة التي يعاني منها اللاعب في كاحل القدم تعد في مراحلها الأخيرة والجهاز الطبي رأى عدم خوضه مباراة أمس لتكون حالة الاستشفاء بشكل أسرع.

طالع.. حكم مباراة الزمالك ودريمز الغاني في إياب نصف نهائي الكونفدرالية

ويمتلك الزمالك متسعًا من الوقت حتى مباراة الأحد المقبل تصب في صالح لحاقه بالمواجهة.

وكان الزمالك قد تعادل سلبيًا أمام دريمز في مواجهة الذهاب التي أقيمت أمس الأحد على أرضية استاد القاهرة.

Manchester United seem set to continue their summer spending, highlighting a new key position that will bolster Erik ten Hag's squad massively.

Is Sofyan Amrabat joining Manchester United?

The latest on the fresh pursuit comes via Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, who took to Twitter to suggest that the Red Devils have made a huge step towards tempting Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina.

He would write:

"MU have made an initial verbal offer to Sofyan Amrabat's agent. Al-Ahli have also made an offer (€15M). But for now, he is not interested and is still dreaming of Liga. He prefers to stay at Fiorentina if he doesn't get a good club. Many big clubs are monitoring his situation."

Fabrizio Romano had detailed a reported price tag of around €40m (£35m) back at the start of the month, suggesting that this could end up being another lucrative deal for a side seeking to make the necessary additions to truly turn them into Premier League title challengers.

How good is Sofyan Amrabat?

Whilst the Moroccan midfield general shot to fame due to his stellar World Cup performances, the 26-year-old has actually been a consistent performer for his club during the 2022/23 campaign too, further emphasising his preparedness for a step-up such as this.

In the Serie A, his 90% pass accuracy showcases his ability to dictate the play, whilst his 1.3 tackles per game help outline his defensive security, via Sofascore. He is combative, relentless and impressively clever in the engine room, only throwing himself into tackles at the perfect moment and otherwise simply blocking the space.

With this, plus his hulking figure and unbridled physicality, it is hard not to immediately draw comparisons with Ten Hag's current enforcer, Casemiro.

Signed just last summer, the 31-year-old had an instant impact at Old Trafford, adding the necessary steel into midfield to finally allow them to take ahold of games.

In the Premier League, the Brazilian maintained a 7.21 average rating, buoyed by his 79% pass accuracy, 3.2 tackles and 2.1 clearances per game, via Sofascore. His solidity was exactly what was needed to allow Ten Hag's philosophy to shine.

Whilst he is not getting any younger, the similarities between these figures and Amrabat's World Cup campaign should make for pleasant viewing, given he could now be chosen as his successor.

Across seven games in their historic run to the semi-final, his 6.83 average rating perhaps belied his importance. He would record an 85% pass accuracy but saw his tackles rise to 2.3 per game, and his clearances to 1.4 per game, via Sofascore.

Such displays even led journalist Carlo Garganese to claim: "Amrabat the best centre midfielder in the tournament. MONSTER."

Should he choose to move to Manchester now, he could enjoy a few solid years under the tutelage of such a legendary midfielder, before eventually taking his place as the former Real Madrid stopper moves on.

Especially considering One-Versus-One helps to draw further comparisons between the two, as they rank similarly for fouls per 90 (1.85 v 2.33), passes into final third per 90 (8.69 v 9.71) and challenges won per 90 (37.81 v 38.23). He could easily slip in as the disruptive, progressive and defensive hero that is needed within such a system.

Casemiro could then leave safe in the knowledge that his presence helped underpin Ten Hag's regime and offered the necessary platform for their return to the Champions League and subsequent successes.

If Amrabat enjoys half as successful a career as the one the ageing general has had, then this will prove to be an extremely fruitful signing for Manchester United.

Aravinda de Silva has decided to resign from the SLC cricket committee, of which he was chairman, 13 months after he took on the role. A board release said de Silva will step down on June 30 due to “personal commitments that would hinder his availability and time investment in the Committee further”.”It is understandable that [de Silva] needs to prioritise his personal commitments,” board president Thilanga Sumathipala said. “He has supported the strategic vision of this administration and been vastly instrumental in many of the developments we have made.”We intend to continue to engage Aravinda’s expertise in our key cricketing activities on a consultancy basis,” Sumathipala added.During his time in the committee, de Silva had been among the more influential SLC figures, overseeing, in particular, a re-order of SLC’s coaching structure. However, his clout is also understood to have waned in recent months, with SLC having appointed other officials to advise the national team. De Silva had also twice served as chief selector – most recently in an interim stint last year, when his selection panel picked the squad for the World T20.

ذكرت تقارير صحفية أن نادي برشلونة الإسباني، على استعداد لبيع أحد لاعبيه في السوق الصيفي القادم، في محاولة للتغلب على وضعه المالي السيء.

ويعاني برشلونة من أزمة مالية، ومن المنتظر أن يبيع بعض لاعبيه ذوي الرواتب المرتفعة، ويستفيد من أموال بيعهم لموازنة حساباته.

وبحسب صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية، تلقى رافينها اهتمامًا من أربعة أندية من الدوري السعودي، وتم التواصل مع ديكو المدير الرياضي لبرشلونة بالإضافة للمحادثات مع اللاعب البرازيلي.

وذكرت صحيفة “سبورت” في وقت سابق، أن عرضًا مؤكدًا من الدوري السعودي وصل إلى برشلونة، بقيمة تجاوزت 80 مليون يورو، والتي قيم بها برشلونة لاعبه هذا الموسم.

اقرأ أيضًا | ليكيب توضح موقف ماركينيوس من مباراة باريس سان جيرمان وبرشلونة

النادي المهتم برافينها هو الهلال السعودي، وهو من تقدم بعرض لنادي برشلونة للتعاقد مع البرازيلي الدولي، وهم على استعداد لرفع عرضهم إلى 100 مليون يورو، بين ثابت ومتغير وهو عرض لا يمكن لبرشلونة رفضه.

وأكد التقرير أن برشلونة سيدرس العرض بجدية، في ظل سعيه لحل أزماته المالية والاستفادة من بيع بعض لاعبيه في الصيف.

Liverpool are interested in signing Rennes and Belgium attacker Jeremy Doku in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh claim.

Have Liverpool been linked with Doku before?

The 21-year-old has been seen as a potential target for the Reds in the past, although a move for him has never materialised over the years, as he forges an impressive career for himself.

Currently plying his trade at Rennes, Doku has become a key player for the Ligue 1 side, scoring six goals and registering two assists in the league last season, as well as two of the latter in the Europa League. The winger has also caught the eye for Belgium since making his debut, netting twice in 14 caps, and possibly being seen as a long-term starter as he matures with age.

With Liverpool looking to enjoy a busy summer in the transfer market, it looks as though their interest in Doku isn't yet dead in the water.

What's the latest on Doku to Liverpool?

According to journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter on Twitter [via Get French Football News], the Reds' level of intrigue is "powerful", suggesting a move is far from out of the question this summer.

Not a huge amount else is provided on the matter, which suggests a bid hasn't been tabled, but it certainly looks as though Anfield is a potential next destination for the Belgian.

Doku is a massive talent who could have a big future in the game – journalist Robin Bairner has described him as "devastating" in the past – so in many ways, it is exciting to see him being linked with a move to Anfield. That being said, there have to be questions marks over whether Liverpool actually need to bring him in right now, considering they already have Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo as strong attacking options.

It is hard to see where Doku would fit in, especially in terms of playing regular football, with his preferred right-sided role filled by Salah, who is one of the most indispensable players at the club and has been a regular over the years, scoring 186 Liverpool goals in 306 appearances.

If the Rennes star was happy to warm the substitutes' bench most weeks, possibly playing a role as an impact substitute looking to break through down the line, then a move that could work out – he could be viewed as a long-term starter – but the Reds' money could be spent on more pressing areas of the pitch, such as midfield.

Someone in the know, and we can’t really say which someone in the know, said these words at Newlands on New Year’s Day. They weren’t said quite as robustly as a resolution, nor with as much whimsy as a wish, but with just the right mix of nerves and certainty to be taken seriously.South Africa have asked the groundstaff to leave much more grass on the pitch than usual, as they did in Port Elizabeth. That strip was designed to turn Rangana Herath into Casper the Friendly Ghost and it succeeded. This one is expected to do the same and more. The thick grass covering could aid seam movement, as it did when South Africa played Australia in November 2011 and the ball moved just enough to cause chaos.After South Africa were bowled out for 96 replying to 284, Australia were dismissed for 47. Twenty three wickets fell in the day, the record at a South African ground, as some part of all four innings unfolded. Gary Kirsten, who was South Africa’s coach at the time, left the ground to be with his new-born daughter and when he returned asked if there had been rain because the action had been fast-forwarded so much.The memory of that madness, however, has faded for his successor, Russell Domingo, who was then the assistant. “It was so long ago that I don’t even remember it,” he half-jokingly told journalists on Sunday to play down the prospect of something similar in the next five days. “Those things don’t happen too often. So I can’t see that happening for a while.”Since the beginning of the series against Sri Lanka, Domingo and captain Faf du Plessis have praised South African pitches for providing a fair contest while acknowledging they were also prepared to suit the home side.”I wouldn’t we are say making the most of it [home advantage]. South Africa and Australia are maybe the two places that provide for a fair contest with both bat and ball. It showed in Port Elizabeth, where it did a bit on day one. But then it was really good to bat on and the ball spun a little bit on day three. Our wickets produce good, fair contests,” Domingo said.Sri Lanka coach Graham Ford almost agreed. “I guess home advantage is something you see around the world. Certainly the pitch in Port Elizabeth suited South Africa. It’s exactly what they wanted and not what we wanted,” he said. “This looks pretty similar. Maybe they’ll give it another cut. I think they’ve had pretty dry conditions here for a while. Hopefully there’s not too much moisture in the surface.”Ford was proven right. Despite initial suggestion that no grass would be cut off the pitch, after South Africa’s training session had ended and with Sri Lanka at the ground, there was a bit of trimming going on. It was not known whether the instruction from South Africa had changed, or the threat of a dramatically shortened Test was looming too large.South African administrators would prefer the match went as deep as possible, ideally five days, because Newlands is their best chance of making money on gate-takings. On Friday, over 57,000 tickets had been bought for the match including a capacity 22,000 on the first day and 6,500 for each of the fourth and fifth days.The weather is set to play ball too. Apart from some strong gusts, conditions should be perfect for cricket watching. Depending on which side you are on, perhaps not entirely perfect for playing.

Manchester United are believed to be in the race for Fiorentina sensation, Sofyan Amrabat, as manager Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his midfield ranks this summer.

What's the latest on Amrabat to Man United?

According to Spanish outlet, Sport, the Red Devils are seemingly ready to rival La Liga giants Barcelona for the signing of the Moroccan international, with the two clubs said to be among 'several' suitors who are interested in the 26-year-old.

The report suggests that United are showing 'serious' interest in the 6 foot 1 gem ahead of next season and have already made 'contact' regarding a potential summer swoop, with the Netherlands-born maestro seemingly up for grabs with just a year left to run on his existing deal.

Amid that expiring contract, recent reports have claimed that the 48-cap warrior – who joined his current side from Club Brugge back in 2020 – could be available for as little as €25m (£22m).

Should Man United sign Amrabat?

The one-time Utrecht and Feyenoord ace has certainly warranted that hefty interest from the Old Trafford hierarchy amid his standout form for both club and country of late, having notably impressed during Morocco's surge to the World Cup semi-final during the winter.

Hailed as a "monster" and the "best centre midfielder in the tournament" by journalist Carlo Garganese, Amrabat was an immense presence for the Atlas Lions amid that remarkable run to the last four, having notably racked up 2.3 tackles per game from his seven outings in Qatar as a marker of his ball-winning prowess.

Also described as "extraordinary" by ex-Spain boss, Luis Enrique, the £32k-per-week asset has also enjoyed a strong campaign in Florence to date, having helped the Italian side to the Europa Conference League final after averaging 1.6 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game from his 12 outings in the competition.

Not just a ball-winning machine in front of the back four, Amrabat also offers real quality in possession as he ranks in the top 8% among his European peers for progressive passes, as well as in the top 5% for pass completion.

That all-round quality is seemingly shared by another of Ten Hag's reported targets in the form of Mason Mount, with the Chelsea playmaker – who could well be on his way to Manchester this summer – also able to make an impact both in and out of possession.

While typically operating in a more advanced role than the Serie A star, Mount also offers a real creative threat on the ball as he ranks in the top 7% among those in his position for progressive passes.

Equally, like Amrabat, the Englishman is also effective at breaking up play as he ranks in the top 12% for tackles made, with the 24-year-old previously described by former Blues teammate Antonio Rudiger as a "master" at putting in the hard yards defensively.

As such, for United to potentially have two figures who can both dictate play and win back possession effectively would be a real bonus, hence the potential excitement at seeing Amrabat lining up alongside Mount in the centre of the park next season.

Hampshire’s attempts to pull off Great Escape 2 started well as they moved towards a formidable first-innings score on a sandy pitch at the Ageas Bowl

Will Macpherson at the Ageas Bowl20-Sep-2016
ScorecardJames Vince found form at the right time•Getty ImagesHampshire’s pursuit of the 22 points they began this game needing to guarantee safety, and a second consecutive Great Escape, could barely have started better. By day’s end, on a pitch already turning with some venom, four of those points were in the bag. A fifth – they need 30 runs in 13 overs – seems there for the taking. Events at Edgbaston are going their way.There was, it seems, a masterplan in place. The players have been agonising over this pitch since their last game, against Surrey at the Oval, finished in a draw 11 days ago. Then James Vince, the captain, had hinted that they wanted, perhaps needed, the ball to turn and that Mason Crane, Liam Dawson and even Will Smith would have substantial roles to play with the ball. Spin-bowling, as Hampshire had suspected and Vince subsequently proved in his fine hand of 92, is not Durham’s forte.Smith, who made 90, seemed pleased with Hampshire’s day. “It’s a wicket where we don’t think it’s going to get any better so getting as many runs as we can first up is great,” he said. “To be 370 on day one is great, with some bonus points – get that final one and we have done well.”Paul Collingwood looked up (on a cold, cloudy morning), not down (at a dry, straw-coloured surface with a small ridge running down it that apparently had umpire Nick Cook smiling before play), and invited Hampshire to bat without so much as the flick of a coin.In trying to play to his strengths – seam and swing, he was unwittingly playing his part in the masterplan. Hampshire wanted to bat first, bat big, and then let the pitch disintegrate under Crane and Dawson’s watch. The sight of Ryan Pringle’s off-breaks coming on – and immediately finding turn – to try and break in the game’s 12th over reaffirmed this.Pringle would bowl 31 overs by the end of the day and take three wickets – the first and third, left-handers Tom Alsop and Ryan McLaren, both lbw, with notable turn – but at the significant cost of a daddy ton of runs. The other wicket, Sean Ervine caught behind trying to cut a ball too close to him, came a ball after the batsman reached 50 (his fifth in six innings), just as he was looking to cut loose.There was plenty of spin, but even more loose balls. “We have played the turn well,” said Smith, “trying to put pressure onto their spinners. It will be interesting what happens once we bowl because it should turn consistently and more and more as the game goes on.””It was a disappointing day,” said Collingwood, “the amount it is turning on day one you would expect to take more wickets. I knew it was going to turn for day one, there is a lot of sand on that wicket which is the same tactic Somerset seem to be using as well. But we didn’t quite get it right and to only get six wickets on day one is pretty disappointing.”Vince, particularly, mauled Pringle, to the tune of 52 from 45 balls. Having walked to the crease a ball after lunch, he instantly looked at ease, exploiting the vast gaps for twos and threes from dabbed sweeps and late cuts. There was that cover-drive, which felt so much safer to the spinners but was played with control to the seamers too, while a single Pringle over yielded two swept fours and a skip down for six over long-on. In the blink of an eye he had a 48-ball 50, brought up with his first false stroke, an edge over the keeper as Ben Stokes found pace and bounce.By tea he had 89, having added the backfoot drive and pull to the repertoire, but he was run out by Ervine shortly after the break. The left-hander pushed to cover point, and called Vince through, failing to note the presence of Stokes. Vince hesitated, and Stokes had the wherewithal to forgo the direct hit, knowing the keeper had time to finish the job. Despite the careless ending, this was the Vince the selectors picked – achingly elegant and, as in last season’s Great Escape, doing it in a jam, too.Jimmy Adams and Smith, with whom Vince shared 102 before the opener skewed to point, had laid the foundations for Vince’s knock. They put on 111 for the first wicket until Adams chopped on to Scott Borthwick’s second over, his eighth half-century of the season curtailed before a first ton was reached. Nevermind, it had been a punchy, platform-building innings full of pleasant off-drives and dainty cuts. Survival would mean more to Adams than most; he is as Hampshire as the hills around the Ageas Bowl and, in 2016, it is odd to think he played a full season with Robin Smith all those years ago.Will Smith ploughed on, sweeping the spinners and cover-driving Hampshire into a fine position against the county he captained to the title (and won two others with) before his abrupt release. He knows better than anyone, however, that games are not won on day one. “There is so much ebb and flow to come,” he said. “Sure, we are ahead, but Durham are a side who have fought back incredibly well in games like this. We will have to be incredibly wary of that.”