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Mesmo com a tentativa do Vasco de colocar em campo outros pontas, um jovem revelado na base do clube tem conquistado espaço. É o atacante Figueiredo, que tem tido boas atuações e deu mais dinamismo ao ataque também a partir do segundo tempo na vitória sobre o CSA, em São Januário, no último sábado.

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Desde as primeiras participações nesta temporada, o camisa 15 deu demonstrações de que poderia ser importante no elenco e lutar por uma vaga entre os titulares. Com força física nas disputas individuais, o atacante se destaca na movimentação ofensiva e ajuda na recomposição para encurtar os espaços.

+ Confira e simule a tabela da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro

A temporada tem sido de afirmação para Figueiredo, que foi o artilheiro da Copa São Paulo de Juniores, ao lado deWerik, do Oeste, com 8 gols em seis partidas.Apesar de ter características de centroavante, o jovem tem mobilidade e aparece constantemente para dar opção de passe e criar, seja por dentro ou em profundidade.

No sábado, Zé Ricardo optou por Getúlio para tentar se aproveitar da baixa estatura do lateral-esquerdo Diego Renan, Contudo, o atacante não conseguiu render no primeiro tempo e sua substituição era questão de tempo. Na etapa final, Figueiredo fez a diferença ao lado de Palacios e Juninho, e o time passou a incomodar o adversário e levar perigo à meta de Marcelo Carné.

+Surpreso com a decisão, Vasco tenta reverter mudança de data e horário do jogo contra o Bahia. Entenda!

Apesar da boa fase, o atacante ainda busca seu primeiro gol entre os profissionais. Ele tem, até o momento, 46 jogos com a cruz de malta no peito e uma assistência. Diante do CSA, uma finalização dele acertou a trave, e uma de Gabriel Pec, ponta mais utilizado do elenco, é que foi no gol para garantir a vitória. Noutro momento do jogo, um cabeceio de Figueiredo levou perigo.

Esse crescimento atuando pelo lado do campo gera também uma versatilidade ao atacante, que é centroavante. Ele aparece para tabelar e construir por dentro. Algo que tem faltado a Raniel, a movimentação de um pivô para utilizar o corpo e tabelar com quem vem de trás. O camisa 9 é o artilheiro do time na temporada com 9 gols, mas precisa tocar mais na bola durante as partidas.

+Vasco anuncia adesão à Libra: ‘Fundamental para o futuro do futebol brasileiro’

O Vasco tem como opções nas pontas além de Pec e Figueiredo, apostas que ainda não conseguiram render como Getúlio e Jhon Sánchez. Erick chegou como destaque do Ypiranga, no Gauchão, mas se lesionou, e Bruno Nazário deixou a desejar quando atuou improvisado no setor. Além deles, a cria da base Vinícius e Lucas Oliveira, ex-Bangu, estão no elenco.

علق أيمن يونس لاعب الزمالك الأسبق على فوز الأهلي على سيراميكا كليوباترا بالمباراة التي جمعت بينهما اليوم ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري.

وتمكن الأهلي من تحقيق فوز هام على حساب سيراميكا كليوباترا بنتيجة 1-0 في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما ضمن لقاءات الدوري.

طالع | ترتيب الدوري المصري بعد فوز الأهلي على سيراميكا كليوباترا

وقال أيمن يونس في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “أون سبورت”: “الأهلي كان محظوظًا بعدم التعادل في الفرصة الأخيرة التي تألق فيها ياسر إبراهيم، الأخير يستحق جائزة رجل المباراة بسبب تمركزه الرائع وتصديه لكرة هدف محقق”.

وأكمل: “مباراة رائعة لـ علي ماهر، لولا حالة التوفيق غير العادية لـ الأهلي، وفخري لاكاي أضاع فرصة غير عادية اليوم بسبب أنه فضل إنه يعمل شو جمالي”.

وأضاف: “أرى أن نجم المباراة هو علي ماهر، والتطور الذي صنعه في الفريق، وحظ أوفر لهم، ومبروك للأهلي خطف فوز بـ ذكاء وسحر بن شرقي”.

Everything you need to know about how much USMNT midfielder Gio Reyna earns playing for Borussia Dortmund

Playing in front of the Yellow Wall at the Signal Iduna Park is a dream for many footballers and it's one that USMNT star Gio Reyna achieved that dream at just 17 years old when he made his Dortmund debut during the 2019-20 Bundesliga season.

He became only the second-youngest American after Christian Pulisic to play in the competition and since then, Reyna has gone on to become an important member of the Dortmund dressing room and continues to be so despite a few rough patches in form.

However, given his age and occasional dips in performance, Reyna is not among the top earners in the current Dortmund squad and compared to other members of the team, his salary figures are relatively modest. What does that mean in terms of actual numbers, though?

GOAL delved into the numbers with Capology and found out!

*

• Gio Reyna's wages at Borussia Dortmund in numbers

  Under Reyna's current contract at Dortmund, he earns £40,204 ($52,630) per week, while his annual wages scales up to £2.09 million ($2.7m), making him one of the lowest-earning members of the squad.

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages in GBP	Weekly wages in USD	Annual wages in GBP	Annual wages in USD
  Giovanni Reyna	American	£40,204	$52,630	£2,090,631	$2,736,776

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Top earners at Borussia Dortmund

  Acquiring the top spot on the wage bill at Borussia Dortmund is former Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule, followed by Guinean striker Serhou Guirassy.

  At number three is goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, while Sebastien Haller, currently out on loan at Utrecht, appears in fourth place.

  Finally, rounding off the list at number five is Turkish midfielder Emre Can.

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages in GBP	Weekly wages in USD	Annual wages in GBP	Annual wages in USD
  Niklas Sule	German	£160,818	$210,521	£8,362,523	$10,947,106
  Serhou Guirassy	Guinean	£151,651	$198,522	£7,885,860	$10,323,121
  Gregor Kobel	Swiss	£144,736	$189,469	£7,526,271	$9,852,395
  Sebastien Haller	Ivory Coast	£136,695	$178,943	£7,108,145	$9,305,040
  Emre Can	Turkish	£128,654	$168,417	£6,690,019	$8,757,685

• Top earners in Bundesliga

  Despite being Dortmund's highest-paid player, Niklas Sule is nowhere near the top five across the league. He appears at number fourteen, while the top thirteen spots are occupied by Bayern Munich stars.

  Sitting at the top is English forward Harry Kane, followed by club legend Manuel Neuer in second place.

  At number three sits Joshua Kimmich, while the talented Jamal Musiala claims the fourth spot.

  Finally, at number five, we have former Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry.

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages in GBP	Weekly wages in USD	Annual wages in GBP	Annual wages in USD
  Harry Kane	English	£402,044	$526,303	£20,906,308	$27,367,765
  Manuel Neuer	German	£337,717	$442,095	£17,561,299	$22,988,923
  Joshua Kimmich	German	£321,636	$421,043	£16,725,047	$21,894,212
  Jamal Musiala	German	£303,463	$397,254	£15,780,082	$20,657,189
  Serge Gnabry	German	£303,463	$397,254	£15,780,082	$20,657,189

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• AFP
  

  Highest paid players in the world

  Although Bundesliga players, specifically Bayern stars, earn huge sums of money playing in the league, they fail to make it onto the list of the top five highest-paid players in the world.

  The list is completely dominated by Saudi Pro League players, with arguably one of the greatest forwards to play the game, Cristiano Ronaldo, sitting at the top.

  Meanwhile, his former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema follows him in second place.

  Moving on, Riyad Mahrez comes in at number three, followed by Senegalese internationals Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly.

  Player	Club	Weekly wages GBP	Weekly wages USD	Annual wages GBP	Annual wages USD
  Cristiano Ronaldo	Al Nassr	£3,216,155	$4,210,425	£167,250,468	$218,942,120
  Karim Benzema	Al Ittihad	£1,608,178	$2,105,213	£83,625,234	$109,471,060
  Riyad Mahrez	Al Ahli	£839,469	$1,098,921	£45,652,372	$57,43,893
  Sadio Mane	Al Nassr	£643,271	$842,085	£33,450,094	$43,788,424
  Kalidou Koulibaly	Al Hilal	£558,038	$730,509	£29,017,956	$37,986,458

Antonio Conte dreams of a reunion with Spurs winger Dejan Kulusevski, with Napoli's chief negotiator sent to London to discuss possible transfer.

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Conte wants to reunite with Kulusevski in Serie ANapoli send chief negotiator to London to work on dealConte and Kulusevski previously worked together at SpursFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to a report from AreaNapoli (via Sport Witness), Napoli head coach Conte is eager to reunite with Kulusevski and bring him back to Serie A. The club's chief negotiator has already travelled to London to initiate talks with Tottenham Hotspur regarding a potential transfer.

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Napoli's sporting director, Giovanni Manna, is reportedly working to bring Kulusevski back to Serie A and has already traveled to London to initiate talks with Tottenham. While the exact transfer fee remains unclear, Spurs are anticipated to set a high price for the Swedish winger—potentially high enough to force Napoli to reconsider their pursuit.

DID YOU KNOW?

Napoli is not the only Serie A team reported to be interested in signing Kulusevski this summer, with AC Milan also keeping tabs on the player. However, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou is determined to keep the player at all costs beyond the summer. Kulusevski's contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium lasts until 2028.

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR NAPOLI?

Conte's troops currently find themselves in the midst of a heated Serie A title race. Napoli are currently in second position on the table, just three points behind Inter. They will face Empoli in their upcoming league outing, which will take place next Monday, April 14.

Moeen Ali has become the latest high-profile cricketer to bemoan an unsustainable schedule and predict the end is nigh for one-day internationals.Over the last month, Moeen’s teammates, such as Jos Buttler, Joe Root and Ben Stokes have urged cricket’s governing bodies to reassess the schedule during a period in which England played 12 white-ball matches against India and South Africa in 25 days.Stokes, who ended up retiring from ODIs during this period in a bid to prolong his future in Tests (as captain) and Twenty20s ahead of the World Cup this winter, used his media engagements around his farewell to call for change. “We are not cars,” he said. “You can’t just fill us up and we’ll go out there and be ready to be fuelled up again.”Interim ECB chief executive Clare Connor addressed Stokes’s comments earlier this week when speaking to the BBC, confirming the governing body have listened to his and other players’ concerns. “It’s something that we have got to grapple with – that’s us with players, other boards, the International Cricket Council and the Professional Cricketers’ Association.”It is a problem that is only going to be exacerbated by the increase in franchise competitions in the calendar. Along with the Hundred, which kicked off its second season on Wednesday, new T20 offerings in the United Arab Emirates and South Africa have sprouted by to step on one another’s toes and those of the international game.Ben Stokes walks back after his final ODI innings•AFP/Getty Images

Speaking ahead of the launch of KP Snacks’ summer cricket roadshow at The Black Prince Trust in Oval, ahead of his first game of this summer’s Hundred, Moeen, captain of Birmingham Phoenix, lamented a international and domestic programme that needed to be unravelled.”It’s all over the place at the minute,” he said. “You’re trying to get a couple of franchise gigs which are decent, but you’re going to miss a couple of Test matches or the ODIs – that’s the horrible bit, I think, because you want to play for England as much as you can. You don’t want to be missing… I used to hate resting when I was a bit younger.”At the moment it’s not sustainable in my opinion. Something has to be done because I fear losing the 50-over format in a couple of years because it’s almost like the long, boring one, if that makes sense. It’s almost like you’ve got T20s, you’ve got the Test matches which are great and then the 50 overs is just in the middle – there’s no importance given to it at the moment.”So yeah, I think there’s too much – personally I feel like there’s too much going on. It’s great in a way, because there’s always cricket being played, but it should never come in the way of international cricket in my opinion.”Moeen also warned players are now more like to do as Stokes has done and ditch a format of the game for their own ambitions and well-being. The offspinning allrounder did similar at the end of the 2021 summer when he ruled himself out of Test selection, only to admit he was open to adding to his 64 caps in June.Related

• Rohit Sharma not writing off ODI cricket just yet

• ICC: 'The volume of ODIs and T20Is in the calendar is very much up to every member'

• ICC puts onus on boards to make international calendar manageable

• Khawaja: ODIs 'dying a slow death'

• Stokes urges chiefs to stop treating players like 'cars'

“International cricket in all three formats is by far the best cricket to play. There’s no doubt about that,” he said. “But I do worry there are so many tournaments out there that players are retiring more now – and you’ll see more retiring soon – because of overlapping schedules.He has no plans at present to trim any of his current obligations. While a Test recall for the tour of Pakistan at the end of the year is likely, it is isolated enough to not impinge on other commitments over the winter. But, at 35, he sympathises with those in the early stages of their career as they decide upon which path to take at a time when cricket’s ecosystem is seemingly in a constant state of flux.”From my point of view, because I’m in the back end of my 30s, it’s easier for me to go right like I did, where you don’t play Test matches, you now concentrate on franchise cricket. Whereas if you’re a young player coming through there’s so much to be made money-wise away from international cricket as well.”So you’re almost like I’m not too bothered because in terms of money, you lose that hunger and I guess I think you lose that thirst for Test cricket, which is the absolute pinnacle.”If I don’t play then I’ve got plenty out there. And that’s the danger really because there’s so much Test matches, there’s so much potential especially during the way England are playing at the moment. And I know it’s very early but there’s so many good players out there that could easily just turn their backs a little bit on Test cricket – not turn their backs, but not be worried that they need to play Test cricket, whereas I reckon about 10 or 15 years ago, it was all about playing Test cricket.”KP Snacks, Official Team Partner of The Hundred, are touring the country this summer to offer more opportunities for people to play cricket as part of their ‘Everyone In’ campaign. Visit everyonein.co.uk/about

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United have now won their last five clashes in the Premier League, with their last victory coming away at an injury-depleted Tottenham Hotspur side.

Only Nottingham Forest can boast a similarly impressive winning streak when taking a closer inspection at the division, with Arne Slot’s Liverpool drawing two games on the trot before a recent trio of wins, as the Magpies now sit pretty in fifth spot above the likes of Manchester City and Aston Villa.

Howe will know for his team to keep up this sterling patch of form, he will need the likes of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon to continue firing on all cylinders, with the ex-Everton attacker bagging his team’s opener in North London to keep his own excellent season chugging along.

Antony Gordon's form this season

Once costing the Toon an excessive £45m to pick up in January 2023 from Everton, Gordon is now more than justifying that wild price-tag, after initial eyebrows were surely raised.

Indeed, the Liverpool-born winger is now up to five goals and five assists in all competitions for the campaign after he confidently placed a shot past Brandon Austin to deal a big blow to Spurs.

In total now for Newcastle – since his big-money move from Goodison Park – the exciting 23-year-old has tallied up 18 goals and 16 assists from 87 contests, with Howe getting far more out of his number ten than previous managers at Everton could inspire out of Gordon.

Gordon at Newcastle
Games	87
Minutes played	6,081
Goals	18
Assists	16
Stats via Transfermarkt.

Only registering an inferior seven goals and eight assists from 78 senior appearances in Merseyside, it seems as if St James’ Park is a far happier home for Gordon now, helped no doubt by the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and the aforementioned Isak being his talented teammates.

He could soon be welcomed by another bright face this January, who will want to breathe life back into his stuttering playing days much like Gordon has managed.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Newcastle could sign their next Gordon

As per a report by the Daily Mail Online earlier this week, Newcastle are interested in adding Manchester City outcast James McAtee to their ranks this month.

Although it is further stated that major incomings are unlikely, snapping up the midfielder on a loan deal could prove too tempting to refuse, with McAtee once even being labelled as “special” by Pep Guardiola despite his lack of minutes at the Etihad as of late.

After all, the 22-year-old has shown off his class in the Premier League before when previously on the books of Sheffield United, meaning Howe could be just the right man to get more out of McAtee, much like he did with a reinvigorated Gordon.

Last season – even as the Blades sunk to a sorry relegation – the Salford-born ace was a bright spark with three goals and three assists picked up in top-flight action which included a stunning strike looping in at Bramall Lane against Brentford.

Capable of playing centrally, as a number ten or even down the right wing if needs be, McAtee could well prove to be a smart pick-up – away from purely showing his class in South Yorkshire – by giving Howe more options away from his preferred starters.

This would also be handy when you consider Newcastle’s bumper January fixture list, which sees them tackle five more clashes before the busy month is out.

Newcastle’s set of fixtures this January
Date	Fixture
1. 7th of January	Arsenal (A)
2. 12th of January	Bromley (H)
3. 15th of January	Wolves (H)
4. 18th of January	AFC Bournemouth (H)
5. 25th of January	Southampton (A)

Whilst McAtee would be cup-tied for that Arsenal game, he would be looking to make an impression at some point this month if a move was to get over the line.

Not Isak or Gordon: Newcastle's 8/10 star was "too good" vs Spurs

Newcastle won yet again in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Spurs

By
Ross Kilvington

Jan 4, 2025

A “fantastic” £25m star has now given his approval over a move to Aston Villa this month and an official offer is expected soon, according to a report.

Villa keen on signing a new defender

Unai Emery is looking to make some changes to his defence this month, with Diego Carlos now expected to leave, having been deemed surplus to requirements, and the Brazilian is now in talks over a move to Fenerbahce.

Yasin Ozcan is expected to complete a move to Villa Park very soon, but the Turkish defender is only 18-years-old, so Emery is likely to want a more experienced player to be brought in as an immediate replacement for Carlos.

One player who is very high up the Villans’ shortlist is Sevilla’s Loic Bade, with talks recently being opened over a January move, and there has now been a promising update on their pursuit of the defender.

Bigger coup than Malen: Aston Villa remain in the race for £21m "monster"

Aston Villa could soon pick up this in-demand attacker after finally snapping up Donyell Malen.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 15, 2025

According to reports from Spain (via Sport Witness), Bade has now given his approval over a move to Villa Park this month, as he is keen on moving to the Premier League, although he will not pressure his current employers into making a sale.

Sevilla are now waiting for Villa to make an offer for the centre-back, which will need to be in the region of €25m – €30m (£21m – £25m) to tempt the La Liga side. However, Monchi is tasked with getting Carlos off the books before making a formal bid for the Sevilla star, which could prove to be a little bit complicated.

The 31-year-old is keen on a return to Spain, but former club Sevilla are deterred by an asking price of €12m (£10m), and would only be willing to take him on loan, meaning a move to Turkey could be a more likely scenario.

Bade could be a real upgrade on Carlos

Carlos has failed to impress in the Premier League, with Steve McManaman blasting the centre-back for “awful” defending against Liverpool earlier this season, so it is no wonder Emery is looking for replacements.

Bade has proven he could be up to the task, having been lauded for his “fantastic” ability in possession of the ball by members of the media, while also receiving praise for his pace.

One of the Frenchman’s finest qualities is his tackling, ranking in the 96th percentile for tackles per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, while Carlos places in just the 13th percentile on the same metric.

The former Rennes man is also seven years Carlos’ junior at 24, meaning he could be a regular starter for Emery’s side for years to come. Given that a move for Bade will not be possible until the 31-year-old is sold, Villa’s priority now needs to be agreeing a suitable deal with an interested club, but it is promising news that the Sevilla man has now approved the transfer.

Bell-Drummond’s unbeaten 69 in vain as Lancashire turn tables after first-innings deficit

ECB Reporters Network28-Jul-2022Lancashire 145 (Henry 5-45, Saini 3-63) and 436 for 9 dec (Bohannon 134, Wells 98, Jones 65*, Henry 4-82) beat Kent 270 (Leaning 90, Stewart 64, Denly 59, Bailey 6-64) and 127 (Bell-Drummond 69*, Bailey 5-46) by 184 runs Lancashire completed an extraordinary comeback 20 minutes after tea on the final day at Emirates Old Trafford as Kent were bowled out for just 127 to hand the hosts a remarkable 184-run victory.As the home players celebrated Tom Bailey’s career best match figures of 11 for 110 it seemed a long time ago that Lancashire had been dismissed for 145 on day one or when they had conceded a first-innings lead of 125 to the visitors at the end of day two.But this Lancashire side are nothing if not determined and thanks to the likes of Josh Bohannon, Luke Wells and Rob Jones with the bat and Bailey, Will Williams and Washington Sundar with the ball they somehow dragged themselves back into the contest.The question on everyone lips as the morning session begun was how long Lancashire would bat for and did they have a target in mind? George Lavelle promptly gave a hint when he came out swinging scoring a quick-fire 30 from 30 balls before gloving one from Nathan Gilchrist to Ollie Robinson.From that point it was something of a procession with Matt Henry dispatching Luke Wood, Bailey and Williams cheaply with just 21 runs added to total as the New Zealander finished with 4 for 82 and Jones was left unbeaten on 65.With Lancashire declaring on 436 for 9, Kent were left requiring a target of 312 runs to win from a minimum of 82 overs and must have wondered how on earth they had got themselves in that position after the first day’s play.But if that was bad there was worse to come. After scoring a duck in the first innings, Zak Crawley’s Mancunian misery continued when he tried to leave a rising delivery from Bailey only to nick one through to Lavelle for four and leave Kent 6 for 1.Less than 10 minutes later it was 6 for 2 as Ben Compton edged a brilliant delivery from Williams to Lavelle for two before the same bowler trapped Joe Denly in front for 0.At 10 for 3 it was hard to see how Kent would recover despite Daniel Bell-Drummond’s defiance at the other end giving them something to cling to as they made it to lunch on 28 for 3.It took until after lunch for stand-in skipper Steven Croft to turn to spin but it proved a wide decision with Sundar immediately getting turn and bounce on the day four pitch.It was this combination that would do for Kent’s own temporary skipper Jack Leaning when he was adjudged to have feathered a Sundar delivery to Lavelle despite the batter’s angry and protracted insistence he was nowhere near the ball.If there was any doubt about Leaning’s dismissal for 15, there was no decision needed for Jack Cox who fell to a brilliant turning delivery from Sundar that bowled the batter through the gate for one to leave Kent 74 for 5.Robinson joined Bell-Drummond, who finish unbeaten on 69, at the crease and must have wondered what he had got himself into when he made the trip north to replace the covid-stricken Sam Billings.But to his credit, Robinson showed some determination as 41 was added for the sixth wicket before he was lbw to Bailey for 21.And that was pretty much it as far as Kent were concerned. Stewart edged Bailey to Lavelle without scoring to leave Lancashire needing three wickets after tea.They didn’t have long to wait. Henry was stumped charging Sundar for three before Bailey bowled both Gilchrist and Navdeep Saini for 0 and suddenly Kent had lost three wickets for one run in around 20 minutes and with it the game as Lancashire were left relishing their second successive victory from having a deficit of over 100 runs after the first innings.

Diogo Jota scored 22 seconds after being introduced from the bench at the City Ground on Tuesday evening, salvaging a point for first-placed Liverpool in the Premier League.

It put an emphatic seal on the number nine debate at Anfield. Luis Diaz adds a kind of charged dynamism to Liverpool’s attack when moonlighting as a centre-forward, whereas Darwin Nunez brings his own energy while also offering a more conventional approach to the striker’s role.

But Jota is a true marksman, the clinical and commanding presence that the club need going forward. Should he stay fit, you’d think that the Portuguese will enjoy plenty of football as the central focal point.

Jota has posted eight goals and two assists from just 11 starts in 2024/25. Liverpool might have been sniffing around for a new forward this month, but that doesn’t feel like a priority when looking at the full scale.

Liverpool cool Kvaratskhelia interest

The early knockings of the winter transfer market brought to the fore Liverpool’s interest in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Paris Saint-Germain had already put them in the driving seat to sign the Napoli star, but an obvious briefing to correspondents confirmed that FSG were ready to act if the Georgian confirmed his desire to leave Serie A.

Well, PSG have made steady advancements over the past week and are now on the cusp of completing a deal, with radio silence coming from Anfield during the intervening period.

While it’s somewhat strange that the Reds showed their hand before backing back into the shadows, it may well be that a market opportunity emerged and the club considered it. Anyway, Liverpool’s frontline is hardly going to suffer from the left-sided forward’s non-arrival.

Liverpool’s Frontline under Arne Slot

Player

Apps

Goals

Assists

Mohamed Salah

29

21

17

Luis Diaz

27

12

3

Cody Gakpo

30

12

4

Diogo Jota

18

8

2

Darwin Nunez

26

4

4

Federico Chiesa

5

1

1

Stats via Transfermarkt

It might be that sporting director Richard Hughes is turning to more demanding issues, with Andy Robertson, 30, on the decline and a new left-back clearly needed.

Liverpool targeting a new left-back

As per The i Paper, Liverpool are set to win the race for Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, ahead of both of the Premier League’s Manchester sides, with the player himself believed to favour a move to Anfield this summer.

Kerkez has been one of the division’s brightest emerging talents this term and the Cherries will attempt to frustrate in end-of-season negotiations, with the report claiming that an agreement must fall in the region of £50m.

That said, Andoni Iraola welcomed Argentinian left-back Julio Soler to the Vitality Stadium this month for a £11.5m fee, so moves have already been made down south to mitigate the Hungarian’s potential sale.

Why Liverpool want Milos Kerkez

Liverpool have raised their collective level in Slot’s system this term but Robertson has unfortunately flatlined. Once the most electric player on the team, years of exhausting service have seemingly ended his prime performance as a Red.

It might have felt like a surprising deal for Kvaratskhelia would have been the exhilarating and statement signing that Liverpool needed but that’s simply not the case, not when efforts could be focused in areas like left-back.

Of course, eighth-place Bournemouth seem to be stuck on their stance that they will not sell Kerkez this month as they drive their outside chance of qualifying for Europe, but Liverpool seemingly have funds ready to be launched and a £50m bid could tempt their rivals’ resolve given that a replacement has already been welcomed.

The i Paper actually hail Dominik Szoboszlai’s Hungary teammate as ‘the new Andy Robertson,’ with his pace and potency from wide playmaking situations doing the perfect lifting for Bournemouth’s side.

The 21-year-old has scored one goal, added three assists and kept five clean sheets in the Premier League this season and, as per Sofascore, has averaged 1.4 tackles and 4.5 ball recoveries per game, winning 59% of his ground battles.

Moreover, his Sofascore heatmap makes a firm comment on Kerkez’s energy and ground-covering style. Robertson’s heatmap is equally accurate, with his loss of pace and potency reducing him to a more cemented role on the left side of defence, averaging 0.1 dribbles per match.

Kvaratskhelia might have been the flashier and more exciting signing to prioritise, but Liverpool might be better placed focusing on Kerkez, whose skill set may serve as the lasting tonic at left-back, allowing Robertson to retain his role in the first team while easing the burden that he shoulders, being ahead of Kostas Tsimikas though clearly struggling, the weak link in an elite-level system.

It’s settled, then; Kerkez would be the better signing. One thing FSG excel at is drowning out the din from supporters and biding their time in the market until the right time to strike presents itself. It can be frustrating for those of a Liverpool persuasion, but which team usually comes out on top on the field?

Look, Kerkez would be a wonderful addition at the 2024/25 campaign’s midpoint, but Liverpool are top of the Premier League and Champions League tables and are still in both domestic cup competitions. If it doesn’t come together until the summer, there’s still every reason to be excited for this season and beyond.

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Tottenham Hotspur have now made contact over a move for an “incredibly fast” defender, according to a report.

Tottenham looking to strengthen their defence

Spurs have struggled defensively at times this season, with their frailties at the back particularly on show in the 6-3 home defeat against Liverpool. Shipping goals is to be expected when playing Ange Postecoglou’s attacking brand of football, which the manager is unwilling to compromise on, but he may be a little concerned by some of the performances.

As such, Spurs could look to strengthen in the January transfer window, and they have identified a number of defensive targets, with the need to bring in a new centre-back heightened by the injury crisis currently ongoing at N17.

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The Lilywhites have held initial talks over a move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, while they are also in the mix to sign Rayo Vallecano defender Andrei Ratiu, who is very likely to leave the La Liga club in the January transfer window.

Now, a new report has revealed another name on Postecoglou’s list of targets this winter, with The Boot Room confirming that contact has been made with intermediaries to discuss a deal for Borussia Monchengladbach’s Ko Itakura.

Spurs are looking to bring in at least one new defender this month, and they have identified Itakura as a possible target, although the potential move is still seemingly in the early stages.

Another option for Tottenham is Abdukodir Khusanov, with talks also being opened about a deal for the Lens defender, so it is clear that Postecoglou is not short on targets this winter as he looks to rectify his side’s defensive issues.

Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming fixtures

Date

Newcastle United (h)

January 4th

Liverpool (h)

January 8th

Tamworth (a)

January 12th

Arsenal (a)

January 15th

Everton (a)

January 19th

Spurs targeting another quick defender

Postecoglou already has one unbelievably quick defender at the club in the form of Micky van de Ven, and he is clearly interested in bringing another one to the club, given that contact has been made over a deal for Itakura.

The Monchengladbach defender was lauded for his pace during his time with FC Groningen, with analyst Hans Kraay Jr saying: “One of the best central defenders in the Eredivisie . He can play football well, he can head well and he is incredibly fast. He is such a good player.”

Not only is the Japan international a solid defender, but he is also a threat going forward, ranking in the 91st percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 over the course of the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

The 27-year-old is showing signs he could be more than capable of making a move to one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs, so it is promising news that Tottenham are in the race for his signature as we enter the January transfer window.