All posts by n8rngtd.top

It's set to be a big transfer window for Tottenham Hotspur this summer as Daniel Levy and Co look to land the right players for Ange Postecoglou's exciting project.

The Australian managed to bring the team back into European football last season, but a collapse towards the end of the campaign meant it was the Europa League, not the Champions League.

To take that next stop, the North Londoners will need to sign some quality additions over the next couple of months, and based on recent reports, that may well happen.

The latest star touted for a move to N17 is an incredibly exciting winger who would help bring more goals to the side and challenge Brennan Johnson for a spot in the starting lineup.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Tottenham are interested in signing Juventus and Italy star Federico Chiesa this summer.

The 26-year-old's £150k-per-week contract expires next summer, and according to the report, the Lilywhites have matched the €6m-per-year offer the Old Lady have made him, which converts to around £5m.

However, it's claimed that the winger wants a wage of closer to €8m-per-year – £7m – and, according to reports earlier this week, it'll cost North Londoners around £25m if they want to prise him out of Turin a year early.

It could be a complicated deal to get over the line, but given Chiesa's quality, it is one worth pursuing, especially as he could be a fantastic rival for Johnson.

How Chiesa compares to Johnson

So, if Spurs can get their hands on Chiesa this summer, he'd likely come in primarily to play off the right of a front three, as that is the position he has played most in his career.

In which case, Johnson would be one of his main competitors for a place in the starting lineup, but how do they compare?

Well, when it comes to their raw output last season, the Welshman just about edges it, scoring five goals and providing ten assists in 38 matches for the Lilywhites, equating to a goal involvement on average every 2.53 games.

In contrast, the "unstoppable" former Fiorentina ace, as dubbed by Giorgio Chiellini, scored ten goals and provided three assists in 37 appearances, producing a slightly worse average of a goal involvement every 2.84 games.

However, when it comes to their underlying numbers, the tables turn, and it's the Italian "wizard", as dubbed by football media personality Roger Bennett, who comes out ahead.

For example, while the former Nottingham Forest ace produces a higher non-penalty expected goal and assists figure, more actual assists, higher passing accuracy and more goal-creating actions, he's comfortably second best for actual non-penalty goals, progressive passes and carries, shots and shots on target, key passes and shot-creating actions, all per 90.

Ultimately, if Chiesa is available for the reported fee, then Spurs cannot afford to miss out. While he might not be clear of Johnson, for example, he is clearly talented and could push the other wingers in the team to improve, if not outright replace them in time.

Spurs hit gold on "astounding" teen who's worth way more than Mikey Moore

The incredible talent has a massive future ahead of him.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 18, 2024

Paul Pogba was all smiles at his wife Zulay’s birthday bash, with the World Cup winner now a free agent after seeing his Juventus contract terminated.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• World Cup winner released by Serie A giants
• Free to resume career after ban in March 2025
• Enjoying spending time with his family for now

• GOAL
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Manchester United midfielder finds himself without a club after being released by the Serie A giants in Turin. That decision has been taken as Pogba continues to serve a worldwide football ban on the back of failing a doping test in September 2023.

Advertisement

• THE GOSSIP

  Pogba was initially suspended for four years, but has seen that sanction reduced to 18 months on appeal, meaning that he will be free to resume his professional career in March 2025. It remains to be seen who the France international will be representing the next time that he takes to the field.

• WHAT ZULAY SAID

  For now, Pogba is enjoying spending time with his family. He has taken in relaxing breaks with his partner, while also helping her to celebrate turning 31. He was among the guests at a lavish party which saw Zulay post on Instagram: “Welcome my 31!!! Feeling so thankful and blessed for everyone and everything. Thank to my baby for making all this happen @paulpogba”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT?

  Pogba is being linked with clubs across the world as he begins to mull over his next move. There has been talk of him joining the likes of Lionel Messi and Olivier Giroud in MLS, while another stint in the Premier League or potential return to his roots in France are both being speculated.

Just hours before the Euro 2024 final, Manchester United confirmed their first summer signing.

It was no secret but in came exciting young striker Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutchman appeared for the Netherlands during this summer's showpiece in Germany and arrives aiming to displace another raw centre forward in Rasmus Hojlund.

It will be exciting to see the two battle it out for a place in the side as the season goes on, but the focus for now will very much be on who else Dan Ashworth and Co can recruit.

Man United's transfer strategy this summer

One of the biggest focus points for the new ownership is strengthening their defence. Matthijs de Ligt continues to be mooted with a switch and it's highly likely that another Dutchman will be arriving at Old Trafford.

Jarrad Branthwaite has been another hot topic but with Amadou Onana set to move to Aston Villa in a £50m move, it's thought the Toffees will now hold onto their star defender.

Leny Yoro of Lille is another target but he prefers Real Madrid and is waiting for the Spanish giants to make an offer.

So, where to next? Well, the midfield also needs bolstering with newfound England star Kobbie Mainoo requiring a partner with more energy than a certain Casemiro.

Benfica sensation Joao Neves is one name who just continues to be mentioned in the same breath as United but the Portuguese outfit are reluctant to let him go unless someone pays his release clause which stands at over £100m.

New reports from CaughtOffside suggest that a 'cheaper alternative' for the club is Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton.

He moved to the Eagles in a bargain £22m move last January and will no doubt fetch a considerable fee whenever the midfielder does move on.

How Adam Wharton compares to Declan Rice

Have we ever seen a rise like Wharton's? A year ago he was getting ready to embark on a Championship campaign with Blackburn Rovers. Highly rated no doubt, but few would have predicted the meteoric rise he was about to embark on.

Signed by Palace in January, he quickly looked at home in the Premier League. Before we knew it, he was making his debut for England in June against Bosnia. The end result? A promising showing that earned him a place on the plane for Euro 2024.

Despite a lust to see the 20-year-old play from the English public, he failed to get on the pitch this summer but the experience will no doubt have been incredibly beneficial for such a young player.

Coincidentally, it's the man he could partner should he join Man United who starred ahead of him; Mainoo.

This has the potential to be a fabulous partnership for Erik Ten Hag if Wharton does arrive, with United potentially set to land their own answer to someone like Declan Rice or Rodri.

Rice did not enjoy his best tournament for England but is certainly still one of the benchmark players when you talk about the best midfielders in the country.

Coincidentally, they're both pretty big fans of each other too. Speaking about Wharton this summer, Rice said: “He’s been outstanding. He's got a beautiful left foot, really crisp passing. And all round, just a really down-to-earth boy who wants to learn."

Wharton returned the favour, suggesting that Arsenal's record signing was a "top player".

Why do they love each other? Well, probably because they're pretty similar players. Although they play off different feet, they possess a wonderful ability to knock passes around with ease and break up the play.

In fact, so good has he been that Ian Wright even compared him to FFC's Player of the Tournament for Euro 2024, Spain's Fabian Ruiz.

He said on ITV this summer: "It's either Kobbie (Mainoo) or Wharton, but I'd probably put Wharton in there simply because he's the closest I've seen to Fabian Ruiz."

So, what do the numbers say about all of them? We have the answer.

Evidently, Rice is a far better carrier of the ball than both players but as far as some of the metrics are concerned, there isn't a great deal of difference.

Wharton is about as creative as Fabian and the Arsenal star, even playing more key passes per 90 minutes. Considering the others play for two of Europe's elite clubs, it's unsurprising that Wharton comes out on top in the defensive metrics but the full range of his skillset is shown here.

He can pass and create like Rice, he can break up the play like England's number 4 and he's crisp in possession. If United are looking for the perfect partner for Mainoo, they need to look no further than this ever-improving midfield sensation.

Bruno replacement: Man Utd targeting £52m Bellingham & Palmer hybrid

He has a release clause in his contract

By
Joe Nuttall

Jul 15, 2024

When a transfer window comes around Chelsea get busy. That has always been the motive since Todd Boehly took over.

However, rather than throwing the book at big-money names this summer, the Blues have been shrewd, planning for the future by wrapping up a number of deals for future stars.

Still, there could be room for one big expenditure if they can sell players like Conor Gallagher and Romelu Lukaku in the forthcoming weeks to raise funds.

Nico Williams continues to be linked with a move, as does Borussia Dortmund sensation Karim Adeyemi.

However, a striker continues to elude Boehly who will no doubt be keen to add to Enzo Maresca's firepower.

Chelsea still targeting a new striker

Last summer, Nicolas Jackson was brought to Stamford Bridge in a deal worth £30m from Villarreal.

It took a while for the Senegalese striker to get up to speed but he did actually enjoy a pretty impressive debut campaign in England despite criticism from various corners, scoring 17 goals in all competitions.

So, is a striker really necessary? Well, it depends who it is you'd imagine. Newcastle forward Alexander Isak was linked a few weeks ago but the Toon don't want to sell and with the PSR deadline now having passed, they no longer need to cash in on their prized assets.

Who else is of interest? Well, Chelsea lodged a bid for Atletico Madrid's young striker Samuel Omorodion earlier this week. There's also a certain Victor Osimhen.

The latest on their interest in the Nigerian comes from Football.London who report that it is a deal the Blues could still 'look to do' before the window closes.

That comes after talks involving a possible swap deal including Lukaku fell through.

The trouble is that it could take a fee north of £100m to draw him away from Napoli and the Serie A.

How Osimhen compares to Alexander Isak

Now, who would turn their noses up at either striker? Certainly not us. However, there is a question to be asked, who is the better option?

Well, Isak has Premier League experience and has shone in English football already, scoring 25 goals from 40 matches in all competitions last term.

So, he knows where the back of the net is. Sadly, just like Osimhen, he doesn't have the greatest fitness record.

Besides the 2022/23 campaign, the Swedish striker appears to have a better fitness record, but even with Osimhen missing more days through injury, he has scored more goals.

Therefore, the next comparison should be in how well-rounded their game is. Let's take a look at the numbers in a bit more depth.

In some key areas for a striker, it's Isak who looks like the more captivating asset. He scored more goals per 90 minutes, registered more shot-creating actions and was more likely to carry the ball forward in a progressive manner.

That said, it's Osimhen who looks like the stronger of the two physically, reigning supreme in the air and doing his fair share of defensive work, winning more tackles.

What other factors can we take into consideration? Well, the ability to perform on the big stages should be something that Maresca and Co look at.

At the age of 25 (Isak is 24), the Napoli forward has been scoring at a bigger and more consistent rate for a number of years now. He's taken his side to a historic Serie A triumph too. In short, there is a reason that Joao Cancelo once hailed him as "one of the best strikers in the world."

Further boasting nine goals in 17 Champions League fixtures – with Isak having scored just once at Europe's top table – there is a reason to believe that Osimhen is the more likely of the two to help Boehly meet his dizzying ambitions for Chelsea.

Newcastle's star man is no doubt still a fantastic option but Osimhen, with his power and goalscoring ability, could be perfect, ushering in a new era under Maresca and taking them to the next level.

Top priority: Chelsea hold talks to sign their own Musiala in £60m phenom

A host of Premier League sides are vying for this prodigious talent’s signature.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 8, 2024

Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor and player Jill Roord have insisted the Women's Super League title race is not over despite their loss to Chelsea.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Chelsea beat Man City 2-0
• Gain upper hand in title race
• Taylor & Roord say it is not over

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Defending WSL champions Chelsea leapfrogged City into first place after a deserved 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night. Chelsea are now two points clear and having a game in hand, but City manager Taylor and midfielder Roord believe they can bounce back from this setback.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT ROORD AND TAYLOR SAID

  Roord told City's website: “No [this game doesn’t define our season], not at all. We knew coming in to this game that we wanted to win, obviously it was an important game and I think we could have [won it]. But in the end it didn’t go our way. Still, there’s a long time util the season is done.”

  While Taylor added: “For sure, the league’s never won in November. We’ve been on an incredible run. We’re obviously disappointed not to extend that, but that’s football. We’ll be back to the drawing board and make sure we’re ready for the next game and the next WSL game after the international break.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Chelsea won the 2023-24 WSL title on the last day of the season and did it despite picking up just one point from two games against City. Now, they have beaten them this term in a heavyweight clash and are on pole position to secure a record-extending sixth-straight league crown.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Chelsea will take a break from WSL action when they host Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday, whereas City travel to Hammarby the following day in the same competition.

Celtic are yet to make their first signing of the summer transfer window, which officially opened for business last month, but it is not through a lack of trying.

BBC Sport recently reported that the Scottish Premiership champions had an offer rejected for Ireland international Adam Idah, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Parkhead.

The outlet claimed that the Hoops submitted a bid that was worth between £4m and £5m for the 23-year-old attacker, but that was not enough to tempt Norwich City to cash in on the forward.

It now remains to be seen whether or not the Bhoys will go back in with an improved effort to sign the 6 foot 3 marksman, after his impressive spell in Glasgow last term.

However, Celtic do already have a striker who they have hit gold with and Brendan Rodgers could look to extract more from Kyogo Furuhashi, who is currently worth more than Idah.

How much Adam Idah is currently worth

HITC have reported that the Canaries are looking for a fee in the region of £8m to allow their academy graduate to move on from Carrow Road, which could be twice as much as Celtic offered for him if their offer was at the lower end of the £4-5m range.

That valuation has come off the back of Idah's impressive performances in the Premiership for the Scottish giants during the second half of last term.

As you can see in the table above, the right-footed dynamo plundered an exceptional ten direct goal contributions in 15 appearances, despite starting just eight games.

Celtic struck gold with Kyogo Furuhashi

The Hoops already have a centre-forward who is currently worth more than him, though, as Football Insider reported earlier this summer that the club value Kyogo at a whopping £25m.

That is a staggering 433% increase on the £4.6m they reportedly paid to sign the attacker from Vissel Kobe in 2021, which shows that Ange Postecoglou struck gold by bringing the Japan international to Parkhead as his value has skyrocketed.

It also shows that he is currently valued at a considerably higher fee than the £8m wanted by Norwich for Idah, and that may be down to the goalscoring potential he has.

As you can see in the table above, Kyogo struggled in front of goal last season with ten more 'big chances' missed than goals scored in the Premiership.

However, the 29-year-old star's form during the 2022/23 campaign under Postecoglou shows that the quality is there for him to be a prolific scorer in Scotland, which means that all hope is not lost for him at Parkhead.

Imagine him & Hatate: Celtic given chance to sign new midfielder

The impressive central midfielder has already worked with Brendan Rodgers before.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 3, 2024

If Celtic fail to agree a deal with Norwich for Idah, Rodgers must do everything possible to get Kyogo back to his lethal best in the top-flight to reinforce that the Hoops struck gold when they snapped him up three years ago.

Neymar appears to have suffered another injury after the Al-Hilal star limped off in his team's AFC Champions League clash on Monday.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Neymar came off bench in second half
• Brazilian substituted 30 minutes later
• Pulled up with apparent injury

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Neymar came on as a substitute just before the hour mark of the home match against Esteghlal. However, just 30 minutes later, the Brazilian forward had to be taken off after he pulled up after reaching out his leg to control a pass.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The latest setback will spark fears for Neymar, who was making just his second appearance of the season. The 32-year-old had been out injured for a year after undergoing a knee operation, only making his return two weeks ago when he came off the bench late in the AFC Champions League win against Al-Ain.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Despite the upset for Neymar, Al-Hilal managed a 3-0 win against their Iranian opponents thanks to a hat-trick from Aleksandar Mitrovic. The victory preserves their perfect record in the continental competition after four matches.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?

  It is not yet known how severe Neymar's latest issue, but the ex-Barcelona star will be out of action for the next three weeks regardless. He is ilegible for the Saudi Pro League matches against Al-Ettifaq and Al-Khaleej because he was not registered as part of their squad.

Angel FC wonder kid Alyssa Thompson scores her first international goal for the USWNT vs. Iceland

• Thompson scored her first international goal
• Sam Coffey assists
• Thompson represents USWNT first time since 2023

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  In the 39the minute of the USWNT's friendly against Iceland Thursday night, Angel City FC wonderkid Alyssa Thompson scored her first international goal. Thompson received the ball outside the 18-yard-box from Sam Coffey. She dribbled down the left flank and then, with a quick inside, outside touch, rocketed the ball to the far side of the goal, scoring upper-90. Thompson's finish put the USWNT up 1-0.

Advertisement

• WHAT THOMPSON SAID

  At halftime, Thompson told TNT: “Coming onto the field in the beginning, and wearing this jersey, I was like, ‘This is surreal.’ And being able to get my first goal, I can’t describe how I feel.” I’m just so happy.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Thompson's finish is her first international goal. She made a return to the USWNT roster after previously representing the squad at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Thompson has been a force for Angel City FC this season, and was selected first overall by the Los Angeles team in the 2023 NWSL Draft.

  Thompson was the youngest player to ever be drafted into the league and started her professional journey right out of high school.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT'S NEXT FOR THOMPSON?

  The USWNT will play Iceland again on Sunday in Nashville, and then face Argentina on Oct. 30 to finish the month's round of friendlies.

Chelsea continue to hunt for a lethal goalscorer in the transfer market, to challenge Nicolas Jackson coming off the back of a good first season for the Blues.

In his first season, the Senegal international scored 14 Premier League goals, provided five assists, and played 2,813 minutes. Bettering the numbers of Chelsea all-time great Didier Drogba in his first season at the club.

Jhon Duran from Aston Villa seems to have been the most concrete name in recent weeks, but many names are appearing as Chelsea do their due diligence to acquire competition for Jackson.

Chelsea transfer news

According to reports from The Athletic's David Ornstein, Chelsea have now held talks with the representatives of Lille striker Jonathan David.

There has been no approach to Lille so far, according to the reports. However, the two clubs have "good relations" and Chelsea are exploring the possibility of a summer move for the 24-year-old Canadian.

This signing could provide somewhat of a more known quantity, compared to others names such as Duran and Samuel Omorodion, who have been linked in recent weeks.

How David compares to Jhon Duran

On the surface level, David is the clear option for a striking reinforcement, scoring 26 goals for Lille last campaign, providing four assists and playing 47 games in all competitions. Not only does this prove his tendency to score goals, but also his availability.

Compare this to Duran who, despite making 37 appearances in all competitions, played 2500 fewer minutes than David. The Colombian managed eight goals in those minutes, five of which came in the Premier League.

David has also got a track record of scoring goals behind him, managing 26 in the 2022/23 season, 19 in the 2021/22 season, and 13 in his first season at Lille in the 2020/21 season. Therefore, it would make sense as to why Chelsea are interested, as they look to bolster the squad with a natural goalscorer up top.

Much like Jackson, the Canadian can drop in and link up play. Making 2.7 progressive passes per 90, 1.61 progressive carries per 90, and supplying 1.81 passes into the final third per 90, showing his ability to drop in deep, as well as affecting the game in the box.

Compare this to Duran, who is a riskier move due to sample size, not being an established goalscorer like David, and possibly even costing more money.

However, what the 20-year-old Aston Villa forward does offer is a physical profile that Chelsea lack. Standing at 6 foot 1, Duran has a powerful build which allows him to often get his own way against defenders, winning duels, not prevailing with 3.79 aerials per 90.

When you compare Duran's 3.79 aerials per 90, with the 0.72 of David, and the 1.13 of Jackson, it is clear to see a profile like the Colombian would provide something Chelsea currently don't have in the squad.

Both strikers clearly offer assets to this Chelsea squad. It will eventually come down to the decision of adding a different profile in Duran, or a proven goal-scoring option in the "fantastic" as dubbed by Micah Richards, David.

Chelsea are now on the verge of signing their answer to Olise

Chelsea are making early moves in the transfer window.

By
Matt Dawson

Jun 23, 2024

Wayne Rooney is said to be a "little worried" about his wife Coleen taking part in I’m a Celeb, with relationship beans potentially being spilled.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Ex-England captain back in management
• Partner ready to jet off to Australia
• Stories for her to tell fellow campmates

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  It is being suggested that Coleen Rooney is set to enter the Australian jungle on the biggest fee ever paid to an 'I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here' contestant. She has been in the public eye for some time, largely due to her relationship with ex-Manchester United and England star Wayne, but is ready to enhance her own brand.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE GOSSIP

  Rooney is back in club management, at Championship side Plymouth, and that is allowing Coleen to explore other career options. ITV bosses are delighted to have her on board for a trip Down Under, with there plenty for her to discuss around the camp fire – including her marriage and recent Wagatha Christie legal battle with Jamie Vardy’s wife Rebekah.

• WHAT A SOURCE SAID

  A source has told of the reaction to a big call from Coleen: "Wayne is a little worried about what she will say about their marriage, and whether all his past misbehaviour gets brought up. Coleen is very open and honest – if she bonds with someone in there, she will talk about everything she’s been through, including stuff with Wayne and Becky. If she does the show and wins, it’ll be Coleen who is the family’s big star now, not Wayne. A few years ago, their marriage might not have survived this – but they are stronger now."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty/GOAL
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  PR expert Lynn Carratt added on what Coleen can expect to get out of I’m A Celeb, which will air in the UK from November: “His career always came first. Now her boys are older and Wayne is working in the UK, it’s her time. And there is no better show to do it on than I’m A Celebrity – it really shows how likeable and tenacious a person can be – and Coleen has always come across as loyal, and likeable. Never mind the brand deals that will undoubtedly follow. She could make in excess of £5m if she comes across well in the jungle. But she needs to tuck in on those Bushtucker trials and win over the public.”