Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta compared Bukayo Saka to Lionel Messi after the English winger starred in Gunners' win over Wolves.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Glasgow Rangers will be aiming to build on their Hampden heroics during their Scottish Cup semi-final win over Hearts on Sunday as they chase down what would be a stunning treble success.
Philippe Clement has already won one trophy during his relatively short time in Glasgow thus far – the League Cup last December – and will be desperate to cap off a fine debut season in style.
It will be an exciting final few weeks of the campaign as both Rangers and Celtic battle it out for domestic glory.
The Old Firm rivals could also be fighting each other in the summer transfer window over one particular signing too…
The player in question is Aberdeen midfielder Connor Barron, who has been linked with a potential move to both Rangers and Celtic in the previous 12 months.
His contract expires at the end of the season, and it looks as though he is not going to sign an extension, while interest also has emerged from Serie A, with both Sassuolo and Cagliari weighing up whether to swoop for the Scotsman in the coming weeks.
After his Scottish Cup semi-final display against Celtic, former Ibrox midfielder Andy Halliday has suggested that either of the Old Firm should be doing all they can to bring the player to Glasgow.
"Personally I thought Connor Barron was the best player on the pitch on Saturday, to be honest," Halliday said. "And he's out of contract in the summer.
"I'm not trying to prise him away from Aberdeen but I always feel they are the no-brainers that Celtic and Rangers should be looking for, especially when they're trying to get homegrown talent for their European squads. I thought he was excellent.”
Considering Rangers wouldn’t have to pay a fee, plus the fact he won't expect bumper wages indicate this is a move that Clement should be all over, especially as it can boost the club’s homegrown contingent ahead of European competition next season.
It wouldn’t be the first time the Light Blues have signed a player from Aberdeen and the Gers could repeat their Ryan Jack masterclass from 2017 by signing Barron.
Jack is also out of contract at the end of the season as it looks increasingly likely that he will depart Glasgow after seven seasons playing for the club.
In that time, he has made 210 appearances for the Light Blues, winning all three domestic trophies on offer to him along with helping the side reach the 2022 Europa League final.
Injury issues have stalled his progression over the previous few years as Jack has missed 126 games through a variety of different setbacks since the summer of 2017.
Even this season, the Scot has started just 12 matches in all competitions. Heading into the new season, Clement will want players in his squad whom he can trust to be available for nearly every match, which means Jack will be shown the exit door at the end of the season.
Barron is practically a like-for-like replacement for the 32-year-old. It is now up to Clement to work his magic in the coming weeks.
The 21-year-old typically operates as a defensive midfielder yet has still scored once while chipping in with two assists in all competitions this season for the Dons.
His growing maturity was evident as the youngster featured in all six of Aberdeen’s Europa Conference League group stage matches, ranking fifth among his teammates for accurate passes per game (18.8) while also ranking fourth for big chances created (one), second for key passes per game (1.2) and third for tackles per game (2.2), demonstrating his skills across a range of metrics on the highest stage.
Hailed as “brilliant” and “brave” by his former manager at Aberdeen, Jim Goodwin, for his displays last season, it appears as though the Scottish starlet is taking things to a whole new level throughout the current campaign.
Still only 21, there is no doubt Barron will be an excellent signing for the future, but judging by his performances in a struggling Aberdeen side this term, he is more than ready to take over the void which will be left by Jack’s imminent departure.
|
Connor Barron in the Premiership this season |
|
|---|---|
|
Accurate passes per game |
25.3 |
|
Big chances created |
3 |
|
Total duels won per game |
3.4 |
|
Tackles per game |
1.7 |
|
Possession lost per game |
12.5 |
|
Via Sofascore |
|
With age on his side plus the fact he will cost peanuts, it is a move Clement simply cannot pass up, especially as the 5 foot 9 titan could form a stunning midfield duo with Mohamed Diomande.
Barron has shown glimpses of his influential defensive abilities this season, ranking in the top 18% for tackles won per 90 along with ranking in the top 17% for interceptions per 90, showing that he is able to protect the backline during matches while winning the ball back and starting attacks from deep.
Diomande is a more forward-thinking midfielder. Alongside Barron, the Ivorian would have a greater licence to bomb forward often, assisting the forwards with the many attacks Rangers conduct during games.
Indeed, since arriving at Ibrox, Diomande has scored twice in the top flight, created a big chance, averaged 1.4 key passes per game and succeeded with 50% of his dribbles, showcasing a desire to join the front four when Rangers have the ball in the final third.
This duo could be the future of the Rangers' midfield for years to come. Barron is able to screen the defence while moving the ball on accurately as Diomande bursts forward into the opposition danger zone in order to add an extra body during the attacking phase.
Having someone like Barron alongside him could give the 22-year-old more confidence to leave his position, knowing the young Scot would be there to sweep up anything in his absence.
Clement looking at Ryan Kent 2.0 who wants to sign for Rangers
Rangers appear to be showing interest in a player who could turn out to be the next Ryan Kent
By
Ross Kilvington
Apr 24, 2024
The move is a no-brainer for the Gers, especially considering Clement is trying to establish a player-trading model at the club, which could see someone like Barron eventually sold for millions of pounds worth of profit.
The next few weeks could be very interesting indeed.
Rayo Vallecano president Martin Presa has compared the signing of "Formula 1 driver" James Rodriguez to Diego Maradona's move to Napoli in 1984.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Manchester United are looking to pip bitter rivals Liverpool to a new signing ahead of the 2024 summer transfer window.
2023/24 has been a mixed campaign for Manchester United to say the least. The Red Devils are in an FA Cup final but are sat 6th in the Premier League with no real chance of securing a Champions League place for the forthcoming season.
But with a new owner at the helm in the form of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, big things are expected from Manchester United during the summer, with a number of names already being tipped to make the move to Old Trafford. According to a report on Friday, Manchester United have ‘intensified contact’ to sign Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong, with the Dutchman believed to be available for £35m due to his release clause.
Elsewhere, the Red Devils are 'looking closely' at making a move for Girona left-back Miguel Gutierrez, while Fabrizio Romano recently listed Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, Juventus’ Gleison Bremer and Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba as three potential targets for the Manchester outfit:
“I would keep mentioning Jean-Clair Todibo, a cheaper option. From what I’m hearing, it could be something like £40 million. Then there is Gleison Bremer, he has a release clause active in summer 2025 but Juventus are prepared to discuss this summer in case that money comes to the table. I would keep an eye on other potential names for example Edmond Tapsoba is a player they have been scouting for a long time at Bayer Leverkusen, but he is going to be very expensive, I think."
Now, it appears Manchester United have turned their attention toward a player who is also being looked at by their old rivals, Liverpool.
Reports emerged last week that claimed Liverpool have made an approach for Luis Guilherme, with the Reds thought to have offered €20m (£17.1m) for the services of the 18-year-old.
There has since been a fresh update from journalist André Hernan (via Sport Witness), who details the race for the Palmeiras youngster. It is said that Manchester United are one of the clubs who recently sent scouts to watch the player, as well as AS Monaco and Borussia Dortmund.
The report adds that Luís Guilherme is protected by a €50m (£43m) release clause, with Liverpool and Monaco said to be willing to pay €20m (£17m) for his services. As a result, Manchester United could easily get one over on their old rivals by offering the Brazilian outfit a fee closer to Guilherme's release clause.
In any case, it is understood that if United, Liverpool or any other interested club make an offer for him this year, it would be a way to start lining up a potential deal for 2025, rather than for the upcoming season.
Luis Guilherme is a product of Palmeiras' academy and has so far notched 38 appearances across all competitions for them, scoring one goal in the process. He is a right-winger by trade but has operated on the opposite flank and as a centre-forward on several occasions.
Real Madrid have reportedly been left pleasantly surprised that new ‘Galactico’ Kylian Mbappe is “totally different” to club legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Leeds United are one of a number of clubs that are considering a move for a 25-year-old Swedish international.
Leeds United have spent much of the 2023/24 Championship campaign in and around the automatic promotion places. The Whites headed into the latest set of fixtures sat second in the table and a point above Ipswich Town with 44 games played. However, their hopes of securing a top-two finish have been dented after they were thumped 4-0 by the QPR on Friday night.
A number of Leeds stars failed to impress in the loss to QPR, suggesting Daniel Farke still has a lot of work to do with the Peacocks no matter what division they end up playing their football in come the start of the 2024/25 campaign.
Should the West Yorkshire outfit secure a swift return to the Premier League, which remains very possible this season, they will need to add a much higher quality of player to their ranks to ensure they are not relegated straight away, like Sheffield United and Burnley are expected to be this term.
When can Leeds United get promoted? Latest standings, fixtures, results & dates
All the latest on Leeds’ promotion push.
By
Luke Randall
Apr 29, 2024
One player who would certainly add some top-flight quality to their squad is former star Kalvin Phillips. The Englishman has struggled for any sort of consistent form since leaving Leeds for Manchester City, and it was claimed earlier this month that Leeds had contacted Phillips’ representatives over a summer move, setting aside £30m to secure a permanent transfer.
Elsewhere, according to a report earlier this month, Leeds United would 'love' to turn Joe Rodon's current loan into a permanent move in the summer. Rodon has been crucial to Leeds having one of the best backlines in the Championship this season. Even after conceding four versus QPR, they still have the second-best defence in the division with 41 goals conceded across 45 games.
As well as looking to make Rodon a permanent member of their backline for the forthcoming campaign, Leeds have now been tipped to improve their goalkeeping options.
According to a report from Swedish outlet Aftonbladet [via Sport Witness], Leeds United are considering a move for Rotherham United star Viktor Johansson, but could face competition from fellow Championship side Stoke City and the soon-to-be relegated Sheffield United.
Unlike Stoke or the Blades, Leeds could well be plying their trade in the Premier League next season. As a result, it is unsurprising to see the report claim that Leeds are currently considered the frontrunners to land Johansson, with the belief in Sweden that the goalkeeper will not be staying at Rotherham next season.
|
Viktor Johansson's best games this season |
|
|---|---|
|
Game |
Match Rating |
|
Rotherham 2-0 Coventry (Oct 2023) |
8.83 |
|
Rotherham 0-1 Plymouth (Apr 2024) |
8.55 |
|
Rotherham 0-0 Huddersfield (Mar 2024) |
8.31 |
|
Southampton 1-1 Rotherham (Oct 2023) |
8.12 |
|
Swansea 1-0 Rotherham (Apr 2024) |
8.05 |
|
(data via WhoScored) |
|
Rotherham have endured a dismal 2023/24 season, sitting on just four wins from 44 league outings heading into this weekend. Despite their awful form, Johansson, who is valued at around £2.5m by Transfermarkt.com, has shone on a number of occasions, including in their recent 1-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle, during which he made 11 saves. The 25-year-old's impressive form even earned him his first cap for the Sweden national side on 12th October, 2023.
It will be interesting to see how Leeds' end to the season affects their transfer activity.
Kylian Mbappe, Rodri and Erling Haaland have been revealed as EAFC 25's highest-rated players.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Cast your mind back to August 13th, 2023. Aston Villa had just been trounced 5-1 at St. James' Park to start their Premier League season off with a whimper, casting a dark blanket over a summer of excitement.
It has proved to be a match in isolation, but Sir Alex Ferguson's prophetic prediction about Unai Emery's side impressing him the most following the events of matchweek one has now come to fruition with thrilling resonance.
Villa rejoiced after Tottenham Hotspur were defeated against Manchester City in the English top flight this week as it confirmed their status as top-four finishers, securing a first-ever place in the Champions League in its modern format.
Emery has been the architect, turning the languishing outfit into an expertly wrought squadron of winners, and Ollie Watkins will be in with a confident shout for the club's Player of the Season award following an incredible campaign as the attacking focal point.
Last month, The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell hailed the England international as the "Premier League's second-best striker – maybe No 1, on current form," with Watkins scoring 27 goals and supplying 13 assists in all competitions.
His ascendency to the upper echelon of Europe's forwards is reflected through his market value, but he's not actually the most lucrative player in the Villa Park first team. That tag lies with Douglas Luiz, the true conductor of the Lions' success.
Aston Villa signed Luiz from Manchester City for a fee of £15m in 2019. The Brazilian was not likely to break into Pep Guardiola's first team but had showcased his quality on loan at Girona in La Liga.
Having amassed 203 appearances for the Midlands-based side, the 5 foot 10 ace has now established himself as "one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders," also claimed by Tanswell.
He's a commanding, controlling general of a player and his energy and enterprise in the centre of the park has been a priceless part of Emery's machine, with Luiz playing 52 times in all competitions this season and posting ten goals and ten assists apiece.
His natural attacking prowess is among the highlights of his skill set, ranking among the top 10% of central midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 17% for assists and the top 15% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.
When considering that all these qualities belong to the same player, it's no wonder that Luiz has been said to do "everything that [Declan] Rice can do and better" by pundit Jermaine Pennant. It's a comment that would no doubt rankle a few but this remains a testament to the star's rise.
|
Premier League 23/24: Douglas Luiz vs Declan Rice |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stat (per 90) |
Douglas Luiz |
Declan Rice |
|
Matches played |
34 |
37 |
|
Matches started |
34 |
36 |
|
Goals |
9 |
7 |
|
Assists |
5 |
8 |
|
Pass completion |
89% |
91% |
|
Big chances created |
9 |
8 |
|
Key passes |
1.5 |
1.2 |
|
Ball recoveries |
5.3 |
4.7 |
|
Tackles |
1.7 |
2.2 |
|
Duels won |
4.3 (52%) |
4.1 (53%) |
|
Dribble attempts |
0.7 (60%) |
0.6 (53%) |
|
All stats via Sofascore |
||
It's important to remember that Arsenal fought to bring Luiz and offered three official bids in 2022 before accepting that NSWE had no interest in discussing their sensation's possible sale.
The Gunners' third-and-final offer totalled to £25m. This puny proposition was rightly batted away with the ferocity of a batsman chasing a match-winning innings.
One of the most formidable units in Europe, Arsenal are hardly going to regret the signing of Rice, but Pennant's claims might just hold some weight when comparing Luiz and Rice's statistics in the English top-flight this season, with the Villan coming out on top.
Villa can hardly say that they made the wrong call, especially when Luiz indeed perches atop the pile as Aston Villa's most valuable asset.
Inevitably, Emery and Monchi and all the powers that be at Villa Park will face a barrage of advances from rivals both domestic and abroad this summer.
Watkins, for example, is one of the Premier League's hottest forwards around and, as such, Manchester United have come a-calling, with talkSPORT's Alex Crook revealing that the Red Devils are plotting an audacious swoop for the Three Lions star this summer.
No transfer figure is mentioned but the 28-year-old would not come cheap, with CIES Football Observatory appraising him at £51m – though, in truth, a greater figure would be needed.
Luiz, however, is deemed to be worth closer to €80m (£69m) – according to the same source – thus outlining his increased importance to Emery's side, perhaps even ahead of Watkins.
The Brazil international is only contracted to Villa Park until 2026 but transfer insider Dean Jones stated in March that the chances of an agreement for new terms is growing – even despite reports that the one-time Girona man remains a target for the Gunners ahead of this summer.
And why not remain at the heart of a project that is just starting to stretch its roots into an illustrious sphere? Villa are demonstrating incremental growth and while there is plenty of work still to do, with Luiz continuing his journey as Emery's string-puller, there is no telling how high the ceiling is.
One thing is for certain: Aston Villa played a blinder rejecting Arsenal's advances two years ago. Standing firm has resulted in Aston Villa's place in the 2024/25 Champions League proper, with Luiz now one of the Premier League's most priceless jewels.
Emery must ditch Aston Villa flop who earns more than Duran
Aston Villa must cut their losses on this defender.
By
Joe Nuttall
May 16, 2024
Phil Parkinson has revealed the “biggest challenge” that he has faced since joining Hollywood superstars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at Wrexham.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
| Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱 |
Frenkie de Jong has denied he earns €37m a year with the Barcelona star also rubbishing claims that he refused to have surgery on his ankle.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
| Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱 |