All posts by n8rngtd.top

Jude Bellingham is yet to score this season for Real Madrid and is struggling to live up to his superb debut campaign, according to Emmanuel Petit.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Bellingham yet to score for Madrid this season
• Petit says he's not happy on the pitch
• Urges Los Blancos to play him on the right

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bellingham took La Liga by storm last season following his summer move from Borussia Dortmund. The England international scored 19 league goals to help fire Los Blancos to the title in Spain and also played a key role in their Champions League win. Much was therefore expected from Bellingham this season, particularly with Real Madrid having strengthened by signing Kylian Mbappe, but the 21-year-old is yet to manage a single goal for Carlo Ancelotti's side in 10 outings during the current campaign.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Bellingham is not the only attacker in the spotlight in the Spanish capital after what's been a difficult week for Ancelotti's side. Mbappe is also yet to consistently impress for Madrid after his move, while fellow attacker Vinicius Jr has been snubbed for the Ballon d'Or and seen Manchester City midfielder Rodri lift the coveted prize instead. Real Madrid's Clasico defeat to Barcelona last time out also means Ancelotti's men have slipped six points behind their bitter rivals and La Liga leaders and have handed the title initiative to Hansi Flick's side in the early weeks of the season.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  Petit told Jeffbet: "Jude Bellingham has to play on the right-hand side. I think he's under an enormous amount of pressure because he set his standard so high last season and now he's a shadow of what he could do. Bellingham was amazing last season and always smiling, but I never see him smile now. That's a sign he's probably not enjoying the football like how he used to."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty/GOAL
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID

  Real Madrid will not be in action at the weekend as their La Liga clash with Valencia has been postponed following the devastating floods in the region. Ancelotti's side will therefore return to action on Tuesday against AC Milan in the Champions League at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Manchester United are in the market to add a new central defender to Erik ten Hag's squad before the summer transfer window slams shut at the end of August. Experienced World Cup winner Raphael Varane is set to officially depart from Old Trafford at the end of the month, when his contract expires, and the Red Devils are on the lookout for a replacement for the French titan.

Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite appears to be one of their top targets as they have already reportedly agreed personal terms with the English ace, on a contract that would be worth up to £170k-per-week.

The Manchester Evening News reported that the Red Devils placed an offer of £43m to sign the England international but it was swiftly rejected by the Toffees, whilst Fabrizio Romano revealed that they have 'no intention' of placing an 'acceptable' valuation on his head.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his recruitment team have not given up on their pursuit of the towering colossus, however, if reports this week are to be believed.

Man United preparing new bid for colossal centre-back

According to Football Insider, the Red Devils are planning to submit and a new and improved offer to sign the former PSV loanee this month. The report claims that the club's first offer was indeed turned down by the Premier League side but that has not deterred the English giants.

It states that the Toffees are holding out for a fee of £80m for the young defender this summer but United are 'hopeful' that they can agree a deal for 'far cheaper' due to financial issues surrounding Everton.

Football Insider backs up the claim that Branthwaite has already agreed personal terms with the club, which suggests that the 21-year-old star wants to make the move to Old Trafford.

However, it remains to be seen whether or not their improved offer will be enough to convince Sean Dyche's side to cash in on their prized asset.

Why Man United should sign Jarrad Branthwaite

Firstly, signing a 21-year-old defender who has already proven himself in the Premier League represents the chance for the club to have their next star centre-back for an entire decade. If all goes well, with performances and injuries, Branthwaite is at the age where he could be a key player for Ten Hag for many, many, more years to come.

His displays on the pitch for Everton during the 2023/24 campaign suggest that the potential is there for him to come in and catch the eye as a starting defender immediately too.

As you can see in the table above, Branthwaite made far more defensive actions per game in comparison to Varane, who is now set to leave the club. They both won duels, on the deck and in the air combined, at the same level of efficiency, but the Everton defender, who was dubbed a "physical beast" by analyst Ben Mattinson, was significantly more active on the defensive end to protect his goal.

Man Utd make contact for playmaker with more assists than Bruno last season

The Red Devils are one of a number of clubs reportedly keen on a deal to sign the gem.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 17, 2024

Therefore, he could come in as a fantastic, younger, replacement for the former Real Madrid legend if this new and improved offer is enough to secure his services this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur narrowly missed out on qualification for the 2024/25 Champions League as they finished fifth in the Premier League this season. The Lilywhites ended the campaign just two points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa and will rue the points they dropped that ultimately cost them a place in Europe's premier competition.

Ange Postecoglou and Daniel Levy are now tasked with navigating the upcoming summer transfer window with the aim of building a squad that can secure a top-four finish in the division next term.

The Australian head coach will be looking to bolster his options across the park and he is already reportedly looking at one player from a fellow Premier League side to add to his attacking arsenal.

Tottenham add Premier League magician to shortlist

According to Football Insider, Spurs have added Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White to their list of targets for the summer. The report claims that the former England U21 international is now on their shortlist with Ange demanding improvements to his squad.

It states that their interest in a transfer for the former Wolverhampton Wanderers prodigy is 'strong' as Postecoglou lines up a possible swoop for the young star.

Football Insider reveals that the Lilywhites boss is looking to reshuffle his options in the middle of the park and that Gibbs-White is just one of a number of players to have caught his eye. The outlet also claims that it would take a fee within the region of £60m to convince the Tricky Trees to part ways with their star attacker this summer.

It remains to be seen whether or not Spurs are prepared to pay that much money to land the English wizard to add to their midfield ranks over the coming months.

Why Gibbs-White is perfect for Spurs

One thing that was missing from Tottenham's midfield during the 2023/24 campaign was an attacking threat from midfield not named James Maddison. When the former Leicester City midfielder was absent or not at his best, Postecoglou did not have any reliable alternative options to make an impact at the top end of the midfield from the middle of the park.

Outside of Maddison, who racked up four goals and nine assists, no other central midfielder produced more than three goals or three assists in the division.

As you can see in the table above, Gibbs-White contributed to 15 goals in the Premier League for Forest, which was more than any central or attacking midfielder managed for Spurs.

The 24-year-old magician, who was once described as being "incredibly underrated" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, scored one more goal and assisted one more than Maddison did in the top-flight, suggesting that he may even come in as an upgrade on his compatriot.

Set to leave: Levy is right to bin Spurs flop who cost more than Son

The Spurs star hasn’t started a game since January.

By
Tom Lever

Jun 10, 2024

Gibbs-White, who ranked within the top 9% of midfielders in the league for Expected Assisted Goals per 90 (0.24), would arrive as a fantastic alternative to the former Norwich whiz and add another attacking weapon to Postecoglou's arsenal in the Premier League.

AC Milan star Christian Pulisic laughed off playing everywhere but goalkeeper question when delivering a first post-match interview in Italian.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Rossoneri reduced to 10 men vs Udinese
• American forward forced to work hard
• Settled in Italy & producing impressive form

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States international made another decisive contribution for the Rossoneri as they claimed a battling 1-0 win over Udinese with 10 men. Pulisic teed up the match-winning strike for Samuel Chukwueze and has now delivered a goal contribution in seven successive Serie A matches.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  WHAT PULISIC SAID

  Pulisic covered just about every blade of grass at San Siro, with the 26-year-old popping up in every position but between the sticks. Quizzed on that by at the end of a draining contest, Pulisic said: “I have to ask [Mike] Maignan! True, I played in every position, but I am happy because we deserved the victory.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Milan suffered back-to-back defeats in domestic and European competition heading into the last international break, but have now returned to winning ways and are looking to add greater consistency to their game. Pulisic added, while speaking fluent Italian: “We have to take this game and gain confidence, continuing like this we can win many games.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Pulisic is clearly fully adjusted to life in Milan on and off the field, having recently been joined in Italy by his golf professional girlfriend Alexa Melton, and will believe that there is more to come from him during an impressive run of form.

Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor has explained why USWNT star Catarina Macario isn't in the travelling squad for the Champions League clash with Twente.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Macario absent from travelling Chelsea squad
• Blues face Twente in Champions League on Thursday
• Bompastor explains why USWNT star is missing

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Blues take on Twente in the Netherlands in their second group stage match this week, after beating Real Madrid 3-2 in their first outing in Europe last Tuesday. However, they will be without Macario as they bid to beat the Dutch side.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Macario has had rotten luck with injuries in recent times. After she suffered an ACL injury in June 2022 that ruled her out for almost two years, only returning back in March, the forward had to miss the Olympics this summer due to knee irritation. That meant she missed out on a gold medal too, as the USWNT beat Brazil in the final to triumph.

• WHAT BOMPASTOR SAID

  In light of those issues, Bompastor explained in her pre-match press conference that Macario's absence from Wednesday's game was about getting her back to full fitness in a steady manner. "We are building some minutes and building her fitness," the Chelsea boss said. "That's part of the plan and part of her own process. We work a lot individually with every player and we try to give them what they need to be fit and back to the best level, or their best version. We just felt it was the good decision to have her stay in London, working individually with some staff, and she will be ready for the game on Sunday."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  The game on Sunday that Bompastor refers to is Chelsea hosting London rivals Tottenham. The Blues are currently second in the Women's Super League table, one point behind Manchester City but with a game in hand, after their match with Manchester United was controversially postponed.

One Arsenal high-earner is in talks over a lucrative move to the Middle East, and is believed to be closing in on a switch to the Saudi Pro League.

Players who could be sold by Arsenal this summer

Joining Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares, who are already confirmed to be leaving Hale End when their contracts expire at the end of this month, a host of Mikel Arteta's squad could follow them out the exit door.

Arsenal table offer for Real Madrid regular who Perez may now sell for £34m

He could bolster one key area for Arteta.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 13, 2024

Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares, who don't appear to feature in Arteta's long-term plans moving forward, spent last season on loan spells at Luton Town and Nottingham Forest respectively – with the former admitting this summer could be his last at the club (via Fabrizio Romano).

Left-back Kieran Tierney was also on a temporary spell at Real Sociedad last campaign, where he managed 27 games in all competitions, but his regular game time in Spain wasn't enough to convince Arsenal to keep him.

Reports this week have claimed both Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been told to find new clubs, as Arteta swings the axe and looks to keep evolving his Arsenal squad ahead of another potential title challenge with Man City.

As well as the two left-backs, Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah and Aaron Ramsdale have been named as Arsenal players who could be sold by Arteta this summer – as per various media reports from the last two months.

One of the most high-profile departures expected at Arsenal, though, is midfielder Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian has entered the final 12 months of his contract, with reliable journalists like Fabrizio Romano claiming Partey is set to leave in the next few months.

The £200,000-per-week midfielder has been a faithful servant since signing from Atletico Madrid for £45 million in 2020, but as the Arsenal squad keeps growing, there is no room for Partey – who also suffered from real injury problems last season.

Partey in talks and closing in on move to Saudi Arabia

As per Football Insider this week, there has been an important update on the 30-year-old's future. Indeed, it is now believed Partey is in Arsenal exit talks and closing in on a move to Saudi Arabia, via his representatives who are discussing terms.

The former La Liga star would pen a "huge" contract to swap the Premier League for the Gulf state, and FI's headline states Partey is close to agreeing the lucrative deal.

The north Londoners, if all goes to plan, will use the cash generated through Partey's sale to buy a younger central midfield replacement. Arsenal have apparently set an asking price of between £20-£25 million, which would be good business considering both the player's age and contract situation.

European football has become a need not a want in recent seasons for Newcastle United after the huge investment from the Saudi PIF.

A couple of years ago, playing in the Champions League would’ve been a far-fetched dream for the Magpies after years of off-the-field uncertainty, with the club even dropping into the Championship under the guidance of Mike Ashley.

However, the last couple of campaigns have been a rollercoaster for the players and supporters, achieving a feat that has been unheard of by an entire generation.

Trips away to Milan and Paris in the Champions League will live long in the memory of all Magpies supporters, but it has highlighted some key issues within Eddie Howe’s squad which need addressing this summer.

The injuries suffered as a result of the congested fixture schedule have seen his side depleted in numerous key areas, including the midfield, which has seen the boss rely on youngsters Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley for large spells in 2023/24.

However, the board are looking to combat this issue with new additions this summer, with one player catching the eye in recent weeks after his brilliant season in the Premier League.

Newcastle interested in Brazilian midfielder

According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Newcastle are interested in signing Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira during the upcoming summer transfer window – with the Magpies one of the clubs to have made an approach after having 'sounded out' the player's agent, Kai Joorabchian.

The former Manchester United talent has reignited his Premier League career after joining the Cottagers for a fee in the region of £10m back in the summer of 2022.

During the 2023/24 campaign, he’s scored three and assisted seven in his 37 matches – missing just one game, demonstrating his ability to stay fit which could be a massive boost for Howe’s side.

The report from Globo goes on to state that fellow English top-flight sides Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in winning the race for the 28-year-old’s signature this window, but any deal will cost at least £30m.

Pereira isn’t the first and certainly won’t be the last midfielder to be linked with a move to Tyneside during the off-season, but he would prove to be a cheaper alternative to one of the club’s other targets.

How Pereira compares to Morgan Gibbs-White

In recent weeks, Newcastle have been credited with a strong interest in Nottingham Forest talent Morgan Gibbs-White after he achieved double figures in assists – leading the Reds to Premier League survival for the second consecutive season.

However, he would be an expensive deal for Howe’s side, costing them at least £50m, but he would be an excellent addition to the Magpies squad with his abilities potentially allowing the likes of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon to bolster their goal-scoring tallies.

Despite his excellent form, Pereira could prove to be just as good of a signing, with his all-round game able to finally finish Howe’s hunt for a new talent to complete his midfield trio.

When comparing the duo – who have been noted as similar players by FBref – they have both started the same amount of games, with the Forest talent finishing with five more combined goals and assists in the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.

However, the “phenomenal” Brazilian, as dubbed by former boss José Mourinho, has completed more take-ons this season, whilst also having a greater impact at the end of his mazy runs.

Pereira has averaged more shots on target per 90 and more of his shots ending up on target than Gibbs-White, with his tally of 31% nearly more than double than that of the Englishman.

Although both players would cost the Magpies a pretty penny, they would both undoubtedly improve the Newcastle midfield, with the Fulham titan proving to be a slightly cheaper alternative.

Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton have nailed down two of the three midfield roles, with Howe potentially able to make it an all-Brazilian midfield with the addition of Pereira.

He’s been a shining light for Marco Silva’s side in 2023/24, more than deserving of a big move, with Newcastle needing to push a move to win the race for his signature this summer.

Newcastle eyeing Gordon 2.0 in £43m star who earns more than Guimaraes

The promising forward would complete Howe’s attack.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 6, 2024

Aurelien Tchouameni has issued a defiant response to claims Real Madrid forced France to leave Kylian Mbappe out of the squad.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Kylian Mbappe left out of France squad
• Rumours Real Madrid forced omission
• Tchouameni responds to claims

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mbappe was left out of Didier Deschamps' squad for France's Nations League clashes against Israel and Belgium. The France boss insisted this was due to fitness concerns, having just returned from an injury. However, suggestions have been made that Real Madrid may have had a hand in Mbappe's omission as the 25-year-old forward was able to take part in Los Blancos' game against Villarreal before the international break.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mbappe has been targeted by some fans who believe he hasn't put France on the same level of importance as Real Madrid. However, Tchouameni, who has taken the France captain's armband in Mbappe's absence, has suggested that there is "no pressure from the club" for the striker to miss out.

• AFP
  

  WHAT TCHOUAMENI SAID

  Speaking to the media, Tchouameni said: "I have spoken about it with Kylian and with Ferland (Mendy) and it has never happened. There are physical problems, as is the case with Kylian. There is no pressure from the club."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• WHAT NEXT FOR FRANCE?

  Les Bleus will take on Israel on Thursday, October 10 before facing Belgium in a crucial clash on Monday, October 14.

Ethan Mbappe led wild celebrations following Lille’s stunning win over Real Madrid, with fans joking that brother Kylian has “turned off mentions”.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• European champions suffered shock defeat
• World Cup winner stepped off the bench
• Younger brother missed out through injury

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Champions League title holders Real made their way to France for the latest round of fixtures in elite European competition. Carlo Ancelotti named a strong side, with Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham all starting for the Blancos.

Advertisement

• WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe had to settle for a place on the bench after making a surprisingly quick recovery from injury, and he was only introduced just before the hour mark. Real found themselves trailing by that stage, with Jonathan David converting a penalty on the stroke of half-time.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Lille were able to hold on from there, allowing them to savour a memorable victory. Ethan Mbappe played no part in a meeting with his brother, as he is nursing a knock of his own, but was on the field at the end and got the party started behind the scenes afterwards.

Manchester City are reportedly willing to sell one high-profile player for a "big fee" in the summer transfer window, with Pep Guardiola not convinced about him.

Man City transfer news

City's 2023/24 season ended up being a positive one because of yet another Premier League title triumph, but given the incredible standards they set last time around, only one trophy still felt like a slight disappointment, especially following Saturday's FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United.

It gives Guardiola reason to chase new signings this summer, with the Spaniard someone who chases perfection season in, season out, and plenty of players have been backed to move to the Etihad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Midfield could be an area to look at, particularly if Bernardo Silva brings an end to his time at City, and Inter Mila star Nicolo Barella has been linked with a move. The Italian is admired by both Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, which speaks volumes, with the latter describing him as a "top-class" footballer.

Pedro Neto has matured into one of the best-attacking players outside of the big Premier League clubs, and he is another rumoured target for City. Newcastle City are believed to be looking to swoop, however, so there could be a battle to snap him up.

Pep willing to sell Man City star

On the flip side, the reigning league champions could lose players, and a new report from Football Insider claims that Manchester City could sell Jack Grealish this summer, as they look to receive a "big fee" for him.

It is claimed that Guardiola "is not completely convinced by the winger and he is considered dispensable as the club look to bring in some extra funds to continue improving their squad this summer."

There is arguably plenty of sense in selling Grealish in the summer window, with the 28-year-old enduring an instantly forgettable season on a personal level. Injuries haven't helped him, but when he has been available, his performances haven't caught the eye in the slightest, with only three goals and one assist coming his way in 20 Premier League appearances.

The £300,000-a-week England international no longer feels like a key man, especially with Jeremy Doku coming in and looking more of a threat on the left wing, and considering Grealish turns 30 next year, this summer could be the best time to cash in on him.

In fairness to Grealish, he has spent much of his time playing a more disciplined role than at Aston Villa, where he was far more of a maverick, but it's hard to shake the idea that he has rarely looked like a £100m player during his time at City, never coming close to having the same impact as the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Rodri and Bernardo, to name just a few.

Fabrizio Romano: £100,000-a-week Man City star may leave with Saudi clubs keen

He could have played his last game for the club already.

By
Ben Browning

May 22, 2024

For that reason, losing him may not feel like a big blow, so Guardiola and those high up at the club should be listening to offers for him in the coming months.