After opening day humiliation at the hands of newly-promoted Sunderland, West Ham United have reportedly launched their first approach to sign a Barcelona midfielder.
Potter: West Ham have to "improve" after Sunderland defeat
West Ham know all too well that the Premier League is a slippery slope towards shock relegation when teams get off to a disastrous start and must ensure that their defeat at Sunderland is a turning point in Graham Potter’s reign. Picking up where they left off last season, the Hammers were blunt going forward and vulnerable going the other way in what has been the trend of Potter’s tenure.
Having his say on a disappointing afternoon, Potter told reporters: “In the first half, I thought we were good. I thought we did lots well in terms of quieting the crowd down and creating some opportunities. We could have scored, I thought, but nevertheless, we felt OK.
“We started a bit slow in the second half, and from out of nowhere, a goal goes in and it becomes difficult. It was a game where probably the first goal, especially here with the environment, was going to be challenging for us. But we tried to push.
“But in trying to push, we opened ourselves up. The second goal’s a poor one – a mistake leads to a cheap set-piece, and then we didn’t do the basics well enough in the second phase. We haven’t done the basics well enough – it’s as simple as that, and we have to improve that.”
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1
By
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That defeat may have been the wake-up call that those at the London Stadium needed both on the pitch and in the transfer window, however, with reports now indicating that they’ve made their first move for a Barcelona talent.
West Ham launch first Casado enquiry
As reported by Mundo Deportivo and relayed by Sport Witness, West Ham have now launched their first enquiry to sign Marc Casado from Barcelona. The Spanish giants reportedly value their midfielder at just €30m (£26m), which has sparked a race between the Hammers and Wolverhampton Wanderers to secure a bargain deal this month.
24/25 league stats P90
Marc Casado
Lucas Paqueta
Minutes
1,611
2,380
Key Passes
0.50
1.36
Progressive Passes
5.98
5.87
Ball Recoveries
5.03
5.64
When compared to Lucas Paqueta last season, Casado’s quality becomes clear. Whilst he struggled to match the Brazilian when it came to key passes, the 21-year-old progressed play at an excellent standard, whilst also impressing when recovering possession.
Dubbed a “genius” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the Barcelona ace still has plenty of room for improvement and plenty of years ahead of him to realise an ever-increasing potential.
Marc Casado celebrates scoring for Barcelona.
For just £26m, West Ham would be landing an undeniable bargain and a player who would slot straight in as one of Potter’s most effective players this season.
Manchester United could now beat Manchester City to the signature of a “world-class” player, who could be essential to their top six push, according to a reporter.
Man Utd in line for successful season if Amorim fixes one issue
Despite suffering a 1-0 defeat against title-hopefuls Arsenal in their Premier League opening match, there were plenty of positives to take for Man United, with a number of their attackers looking threatening, including new arrivals Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
However, it was an error at the opposite end of the pitch that ultimately ended up costing the Red Devils, with goalkeeper Altay Bayindir failing to deal with Declan Rice’s corner, which led to Riccardo Calafiori’s goal.
With Andre Onana injured, Bayindir was given the nod between the sticks against the Gunners, however, after failing to deliver, Ruben Amorim may now be even more determined to bring in a new goalkeeper before the September 1st deadline.
Taking to X, Jan Aage Fjortoft has now revealed that Man United could still win the race for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is also being targeted by rivals Manchester City.
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However, in order to make a deal for Donnarumma a possibility, the Red Devils will have to take swift action first and ship out at least one of their goalkeepers, which could prove to be challenging. The reporter describes the PSG shot-stopper as “world-class”, while also insisting Amorim needs to sign a new goalkeeper if his side are to stand any chance of finishing in the top six this season.
However, United may have to move swiftly, given that Man City recently opened club-to-club talks over a deal for the £212k-a-week goalkeeper.
Donnarumma could be major upgrade on Onana
It would be a real coup if Man United were able to sign the 2024-25 Champions League-winning goalkeeper, and there is every indication that he would be a major upgrade on Onana, having outperformed the Cameroonian on several key metrics over the past year.
Average per 90
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Andre Onana
Goals against
1.02
1.35
Save %
68.6%
68.5%
Clean sheet %
27%
21.7%
Crosses stopped %
6.4%
5.3%
Despite being willing to sanction a departure this summer, PSG boss Luis Enrique also holds the Italian in very high regard, saying: “Donnarumma is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, no doubt, and even better as a person.”
Gianluigi Donnarumma at Club World Cup final.
As such, it is exciting news that Man United could still beat their rivals to the 26-year-old’s signature, and a deal may not break the bank, with a potential transfer fee of £22m recently being touted.
Three-hundred-and-sixty days after he last played competitive cricket at last year’s World Cup final in Ahmedabad, Mohammed Shami took the field for an official game on Wednesday, at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.On Thursday, the second day of the ongoing fifth round of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy, Shami piqued significant interest, after going wicketless across ten overs on the opening day. Was he fully fit? Was his ankle troubling him? Was he bowling within himself? Was he able to bowl with full intensity?He may have cleared some of those doubts after returning figures of 4 for 54 to help Bengal take a sizeable 61-run lead against Madhya Pradesh that they stretched to 231 with five wickets still remaining by stumps. With the match not televised or streamed, you couldn’t have said if Shami was bowling with the intensity he’s known to unless you were at the venue. But those within the Bengal camp couldn’t be happier.Related
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ESPNcricinfo understands Bengal were advised to tread caution in handling Shami’s workload and not give him long spells. And every move of his over the last two days was keenly watched by Nitin Patel, head of the Centre of Excellence’s medical panel. Patel and his team have been asked to send a report to the national selectors and the team management after the match.Anustup Majumdar, the Bengal captain, revealed how Shami had been “desperate to return” after a long injury layoff. On Wednesday, when Shami asked him for the ball with a partnership brewing between Rajat Patidar and Subranshu Senapati, Majumdar couldn’t turn his back.Having bowled a first spell that read 4-0-16-0, Shami was brought back to have a crack late in the day. He bowled until close of play in a spell that read 6-1-18-0. It made Majumdar believe Shami wasn’t bowling like someone coming back from a year-long injury layoff.”It seemed like a big partnership was happening, but Shami asked me for the ball and said he wanted to bowl a new spell from the following over,” Majumdar told ESPNcricinfo. “He has proven how desperate he was to return to the field. It didn’t seem to me that he was returning from an injury.”A short snippet of Shami’s spell released by the BCCI showed him bowling off his usual run-up, hooping the ball around and troubling both the inside and outside edges. Three of his four wickets were bowled.
Shubham Sharma, the captain, chopped on, while Saransh Jain was squared up and bowled by away late movement. Kumar Kartikeya was out nicking behind to an away-swinger, while Kulwant Khejroliya, the No. 11, was bowled playing down the wrong line. In all, MP lose 9 for 61 after cruising at 106 for 1.”Someone has come back after one year and has bowled 19 overs and taken so many wickets… what’s there to say,” Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla said. “He came into the match without doing any match simulation. Can you imagine? But obviously if he plays more, he will get better.””He bowled one six-over spell and one five-over spell. Players who bowl in the IPL don’t even know how to bowl more than four overs. He bowled the sort of spells fast bowlers are expected to. I have never seen a fast bowler come back so strongly after one year away. What he did today is like a fairy-tale.”With the Ranji Trophy giving way to the white-ball leg of India’s domestic season over the next couple of months, Shami won’t have any more competitive red-ball fixtures to prove his match readiness. Only time will tell if Shami will be on the plane to Australia to feature in a three-day warm-up fixture against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra between the first and second Test.
Leeds United have now “rejected” a loan offer for an “excellent” player, according to an update from reliable journalist Beren Cross.
Leeds closing on Paixao and eyeing more signings
It looks as though Igor Paixao is increasingly likely to be the Whites’ latest signing this summer, with a move for the Feyenoord attacker now “fully approved” by the club.
The Brazilian has the ability to be a big hit at Elland Road, providing Leeds with the additional firepower that is badly needed back in the Premier League, having bagged 16 goals and 10 assists in the Eredivisie last season.
Paixao hopefully won’t be the Whites’ only addition between now and the end of the summer transfer window, however, and Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell has emerged as an ambitious target who would bring a huge amount of experience and quality to Daniel Farke’s team.
Meanwhile, Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz is also said to be a target for Leeds, with the Brazilian keen on securing a move to Elland Road after an impressive 2024/25 campaign with the Cottagers.
Leeds reject offer for "excellent" attacker
Writing on X on Friday, The Athletic‘s Cross claimed that Leeds and 49ers Enterprises have now “rejected” a loan bid with an option to buy for forward Mateo Joseph from La Liga side Real Betis.
“Leeds United asked Getafe about Christantus Uche a few weeks ago. €25m release clause. Not advanced, but one they have checked on. Betis loan offer, with option, for Mateo Joseph has been rejected. Leeds insist he’s not for sale.”
This is good news from a Leeds perspective, with Joseph a young player with lots of potential – one who Farke has spoken of fondly in the recent past.
“I’m happy with what Mateo’s delivering. As a striker you’re only 100 per cent if you score game after game, but I don’t rate him in output of just goals. His link-up play is excellent and how he holds defenders. For example the third goal [vs Coventry], Joel Piroe, everyone is speaking about Ao Tanaka and the really good assist of Willy [Gnonto]. But I praise Mateo, under pressure keeps the ball against aggressive forward defending to keep possession and bring the midfielders into a good position.”
Granted, Joseph may struggle for regular football in the Premier League, having only started 11 Championship matches last season, so it is understandable why a fresh challenge may appeal to him.
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He still has so much to offer, though, and should only develop as a footballer over the next five or six years, so Leeds selling him would be a risk.
Celtic are in the market to add another winger to their first-team squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign after they sold Nicolas Kuhn to Italian side Como and lost Jota to injury.
The Hoops have reportedly placed Royal Antwerp forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha at the top of their wishlist to fill their need for a new flanker this summer.
If the Scottish Premiership giants can get a deal over the line for the Belgian winger, who produced four goals and three assists in 12 Pro League starts last season, Brendan Rodgers could have a strong threat on the left flank.
Celtic are not only looking to sign an attacker for the left side of their team, though, as the club are also looking for another left-back option to compete with Kieran Tierney.
Celtic exploring deal for new left-back
The Scotland international has missed 45 games through injury in the last two seasons combined, which means that it is likely that the Hoops are going to need a high-quality second-choice left-back to step in when required.
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According to Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, Rodgers has identified Cercle Brugge left-back Flavio Nazinho as a candidate to come in as the back-up to Tierney next season.
The journalist claims that the Hoops are exploring the possiblity of a deal to sign the 21-year-old defender, who played for Portugal at the U21 Euros this summer.
Celtic manager BrendanRodgersbefore the match
Joseph adds that the Premiership champions are yet to make an offer for the left-footed starlet, but they are interested in signing him and watched the defender in action for his country at the U21 Euros.
Why Celtic should sign Nazinho
The Hoops should press ahead with a swoop for the Cercle Brugge full-back this summer because he could be a fantastic back-up to Tierney and a dream signing for Balikwisha.
As a right-footed left-winger, Balikwisha is a forward who likes to cut inside from the left to score and create goals on his favoured foot, which is why Celtic need to partner him with a left-back who carries an overlapping threat to draw attention away from opposition defenders.
Nazinho is the perfect profile of left-back to allow Balikwisha, and Jota when he returns from his injury, to thrive at the top end of the pitch, as he has the quality to cause problems for defenders with his runs forward.
Appearances
29
Starts
18
xG
1.46
Goals
2
Big chances created
7
xA
4.89
Assists
6
Key passes per game
1.4
As you can see in the table above, the Portuguese gem showcased his ability to get forward in the Pro League last term, with nine goals and ‘big chances’ created in just 18 starts, which shows that he likes to bomb on and provide a threat in the final third on a regular basis.
The 21-year-old talent, who was described as an “exciting” young prospect by the Daily Record’s Keith Jackson, also showcased the defensive side of his game at the U21 Euros, winning 76% of his duels and making 3.3 tackles and interceptions per game across four appearances.
Celtic managerBrendanRodgerscelebrates after winning the League Cup
Nazinho is a left-back, therefore, who can combine defensive solidity with attacking work rate and flair, which is why he would be a dream signing to come in alongside Balikwisha this summer.
His attacking qualities could make opposition right-backs think twice about what to do when Balikwisha has the ball and Nazinho is bombing down the left on the overlap, potentially creating more space for the winger to cut inside onto his right foot.
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Therefore, the Hoops should be pushing hard to bring in both Nazinho and Balikwisha this summer because, at the ages of 21 and 24, they could be a pairing that brings success down the left flank for many years to come at Parkhead.
Whatever happens this summer in terms of incomings at Manchester United, there is likely to be nothing more crucial than the news surrounding Bruno Fernandes, with the talismanic skipper outlining his desire to stay put at Old Trafford.
The 30-year-old – who helped steer Portugal to Nations League glory on Sunday night – has opted to shun the Saudi riches in order to remain a central figure under Ruben Amorim, having reportedly turned down an offer of around €25m-per-season from Al-Hilal.
Bruno Fernandes
While there could be question marks over where the former Sporting CP star will fit in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system in the long-term, having frequently flitted between operating as a central midfielder or as a number ten to date, there’s no denying that United remain a better side with him in it.
Indeed, his tally of 38 goals and assists in all competitions last term says it all, with that return far exceeding anyone else in Amorim’s ranks, as Amad and Alejandro Garnacho finished in second place with 21 goal involvements a piece.
Season after season, Fernandes delivers the goods, with now the time to finally build a side around him that can compete for the top honours. Thankfully, it looks like that work is already underway..
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Matheus Cunha is already in the door, following his £62.5m switch from Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo appears next on the agenda, with a second bid for the 25-year-old seemingly in the works.
Thomas Frank’s expected move to Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly put a spanner in the works regarding that deal, albeit with it having previously been reported that United were the winger’s preferred destination – fresh off the back of scoring 20 Premier League goals in 2024/25.
The final piece of the attacking jigsaw could well be completed with the addition of Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, with reports in Spain suggesting that INEOS are ready to make an offer for the prolific Swede.
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Indeed, the report outlines that United are ready to go ‘all out’ for the signing of the 27-year-old, with the club willing to lodge a bid of around £60m in order to get their man.
The belief is that discussions are at an advanced stage, with hope at Old Trafford that an ‘understanding’ between the two clubs can be reached soon, amid prior reports that Gyokeres himself is open to making the switch.
The chance for Amorim to reunite with his 6 foot 2 goal machine appears to good to ignore, not least after missing out on new Chelsea man Liam Delap, with it a frightening prospect to see how Gyokeres could flourish with Fernandes behind him.
Why Gyokeres could thrive with Bruno Fernandes
Lauded as the “hottest striker in Europe” by ESPN’s Mark Ogden, Gyokeres is perhaps already reaching world-class status, having notably scored 97 goals in just 102 games in Lisbon – including six goals in eight Champions League appearances last time out.
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That said, the quality of the Portuguese top-flight ensures that doubts remain over whether he truly is in the top bracket of centre-forwards in Europe, with the Primeira Liga said to be just the seventh best league in the world, behind the Brazilian Serie A.
It would then be interesting to see if a player who never played in the Premier League during his time at Brighton and Hove Albion – and Coventry City – can translate his recent heroics in England’s top tier, with United in dire need of a success story following Rasmus Hojlund’s return of just four league goals in 2024/25.
Well, fear not – enter, Fernandes.
If anyone is to help Gyokeres to thrive, it is the Red Devils skipper, with the experienced playmaker possessing a magic ability to unlock a defence, having put together a highlight reel of assists or chances created in recent years.
Portugal's Bruno Fernandes in action with Denmark's Christian Norgaard and Portugal's RafaelLeao
Indeed, Fernandes ended last term as the player to have laid on the most chances in the Premier League for the third season in a row, having also created 16 ”big chances’ – despite registering ‘just’ ten assists.
In essence, the midfield genius – who also averaged 2.5 key passes per game – is in need of someone to finish off the plethora of opportunities he conjures up, with Gyokeres perhaps the perfect fit.
Most chances created in PL – 24/25
Player
Chances created
Bruno Fernandes
91
Cole Palmer
89
Mohamed Salah
89
Enzo Fernandez
79
Bryan Mbeumo
70
Dejan Kulusevski
65
Martin Odegaard
63
Mikel Damsgaard
63
Leif Davis
61
Yourie Tielemans
61
Stats via Fotmob
An “insane” ball-striker, as per analyst Ben Mattinson, the one-time St Pauli marksman netted a mammoth haul of 39 league goals last term, having scored once every 72 minutes with a goal conversion rate of 28%.
While he did miss 23 ‘big chances’, Gyokeres would almost be supplied with an endless stream of openings to convert by Fernandes, with the latter man notably teeing up Amad to header home with a delightful dinked pass against Aston Villa on the final day.
You can only imagine the success that Gyokeres would enjoy if supplied with similar service, with combining with Fernandes a way to truly elevate his game, thus confirming that ‘world-class’ status.
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Liverpool are riding the crest of a towering wave right now. Not only has Arne Slot won the Premier League in his first season since replacing Jurgen Klopp in the dugout, but he’s done so without overseeing any meaningful first-team investment.
And while Liverpool have proven themselves in their current iteration, FSG are of the opinion that they should strengthen while they are on top, moving swiftly to secure different signings before the 2024/25 campaign has even concluded.
Anfield will celebrate the top-flight title this weekend after tomorrow’s fixture against Crystal Palace is wrapped up, marking the end of the season, but the fans will have an extra decibel in their cheer, for sure.
Liverpool fans – Anfield
Indeed, Jeremie Frimpong has completed his medical ahead of his slated transfer, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, while Milos Kerkez is also in advanced talks with sporting director Richard Hughes, viewed as Andy Robertson’s long-term heir.
However, it’s the staggering signing of Florian Wirtz (not yet finalised) that will prove to be Hughes’ magnum opus, for the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker is truly a “generational talent,” as claimed by sports media professional Cristian Nyari.
The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool
There was a point, not too long ago, when the fight for Wirtz appeared a two-horse race between Bayern Munich and Manchester City. Now, City have dropped out and the Bundesliga champions’ senior officials have ceded defeat in the race for the sought-after sensation.
Oh, this stems from Liverpool’s success. Many reports, corroborated by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, have revealed over the past day or two that FSG have convinced the 22-year-old Wirtz to make the move to Merseyside this summer, ending his illustrious career beginnings with the Werkself.
Though Leverkusen value their prized possession at around €150m (£126m), FSG will hope to structure the package in an astute fashion, thus leaving room to make another signing this summer – important given the need for a new centre-forward.
Bayer Leverkusen's FlorianWirtzreacts
Liverpool are moving with the intent and confidence of champions, likely sealing three priority targets before the shops have even been unshuttered, but it’s important that Slot still promotes academy talent.
In a way, both Wirtz and Frimpong have combined to replace Alexander-Arnold, but fans would love nothing more than to see another homegrown prospect break onto the scene and prosper.
Bayer Leverkusen's FlorianWirtz
Well, they might just have such an up-and-comer in the works, one who could prove a homemade version of the elite playmaker.
Liverpool are brewing a homemade Wirtz
Liverpool don’t always produce superstars, but sometimes, one-in-a-kind talents emerge from the Merseyside floor to send waves across English football.
And while Slot will be keeping a close eye on the likes of Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, perhaps the two creams of the development squad’s crop, another has gone well under the radar in Trent Kone-Doherty.
Liverpool manager ArneSlotlooks on before the match
Still only 18, Kone-Doherty has gone through the gears within Liverpool’s youth system since being signed in 2022, leaving Derry City in his Irish homeland.
He’s described himself as being “fearless” on the pitch, something that is clear when watching his long striding gait, his slick turns and artful skills.
Trent Kone-Doherty – Liverpool Stats by Level
Level
Apps
Goals
Assists
Liverpool
1
–
–
Liverpool U21
33
5
1
Liverpool UEFA U19
12
6
2
Liverpool U18
29
19
4
Stats via Transfermarkt
Kone-Doherty is not just a showman, though, but also provides a clinical edge at the top end of the pitch, from a wide or central berth.
This term, having been promoted to the U21s, his potency has taken a hit, but it’s been a fundamental point in the player’s development, making his senior bow during Liverpool’s bitter FA Cup defeat against Plymouth Argyle in February, only featuring for 14 minutes but making a positive impression as he completed his one attempted dribble and finding the mark with one arcing cross, as per Sofascore.
He’s also earned rave reviews for his performances on the continental stage, with former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor hailing the teenager’s “absolutely magnificent” goal against Girona after the English side had gone a man down, praising his movement, strength, and intelligence.
Though Kone-Doherty typically operates from a wider berth than Wirtz, his unique blend of skill, strength, and sharpness suggests he could become a homegrown version of the German ten, demonstrating a natural goalscoring sense but also an eye for a neat pass which could play into Slot’s creative ambitions.
Slot, furthermore, has already shown a willingness to hand the Republic of Ireland U19 star his chance on the major stage, also placing him on the substitutes’ bench for the Reds’ 3-2 Champions League defeat against PSV Eindhoven in January.
Former U18s coach Marc Bridge-Wilkinson has also praised Kone-Doherty’s ability to go past bigger and stronger opponents with a breeze, owing to his clever approach to his football.
This, of course, is the bread and butter of Wirtz’s football. As per FBref, the Leverkusen superstar ranks among the top 6% of Bundesliga attacking midfielders and wingers for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive passes and progressive carries, and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90.
All this highlights a technical quality of peerless scope, but also an athletic underbelly that charges his efforts. This is further revealed by his average of 5.2 successful duels per league game this term, as per Sofascore.
Though Kone-Doherty’s attacking quality centres more on his goalscoring than Wirtz, who knows where the back of the net is but is better known for his fountain of creativity that wells up whenever he’s in the danger area, he could enjoy a similar rise to the fore as a sort of hybrid between the left wing and a more central attacking position.
Both players bear a positional fluidity which, in Kone-Doherty’s case, could prove a trump card in standing out above the rest, capable across numerous areas.
And if he can translate his clinical shooting, bagging 19 goals from 29 games for the U18s, into life in Slot’s squad, the Dutch head coach might just find he has another Wirtz breaking through the ranks.
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Tottenham Hotspur are being told to appoint an “influential” manager by incoming chief Fabio Paratici, with current Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou still heading for an exit despite reaching the Europa League final.
Tottenham welcoming Fabio Paratici back after worldwide ban ends
Reports claim that Paratici’s return to Spurs is gaining serious traction, after talks to become AC Milan’s new sporting director reportedly fell through recently.
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The 52-year-old was forced to resign from his post as Tottenham managing director in early 2023 after being found guilty of false accounting during his time at Juventus, with FIFA handing Paratici a 30-month worldwide ban from official footballing activity.
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
Aston Villa (away)
May 18th
Brighton (home)
May 25th
However, that ban is due to end on June 30th, and it is believed that Paratici is now very likely to make a return to Tottenham after rumoured meetings with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy – which were reported as far back as March.
A popular figure among the fan base, Paratici also played a role in appointing Antonio Conte during his time in N17, and if his comeback is made official, the Italian will likely have a major say on Tottenham’s potential replacement for Postecoglou.
While Spurs eased past Bodo/Glimt to reach their first European final since 2019, where they have a golden chance to clinch their first piece of silverware since 2008, reliable media sources have claimed that Postecoglou could still leave Tottenham regardless of their success abroad (The Telegraph).
Fabio Paratici recommends Roberto De Zerbi to Tottenham
A succession of managers have been linked with the job over the last few weeks, but Paratici has a particular name in mind – compatriot Roberto De Zerbi.
The Italian moved to Marseille after a successful period at Brighton, where he’s now on around £105,000-per-week, with De Zerbi remaining popular among those close to Spurs – specifically Paratici.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to The Boot Room, Paratici has recommended De Zerbi to Tottenham, and the chief is believed to be a huge fan.
“I understand Roberto De Zerbi is a name that Fabio Paratici – incoming Spurs technical director – is a fan of,” said Bailey.
“He liked him during his time at Brighton and recommended him. Even during his talks with AC Milan recently, he was a name put forward. De Zerbi is understood to be on the radar of a number of Italian clubs – but Spurs do like him.”
The outlet themselves add that Postecoglou is “set to leave” this summer, and De Zerbi could be a fantastic candidate to replace him, going by the words of Man City boss Pep Guardiola, who called him “one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years”.
“There is no team playing the way they play – it’s unique,” Guardiola said of De Zerbi’s Brighton in 2023.
“I had the feeling when he arrived the impact he would have in the Premier League would be great – I didn’t expect him to do it in this short space of time. He creates 20 or 25 chances per game, better by far than most opponents. He monopolises the ball in a way it hasn’t been for a long time.
As new sporting director Hugo Viana looks to make his mark, Manchester City are now reportedly battling Chelsea to sign a 6 foot 8 goalkeeper who could replace Ederson this summer.
Man City racing to sign Ederson replacement
It’s set to be a summer of change at Manchester City as the Citizens look to make their way back to the top of English football following a disastrous campaign. As things stand, Pep Guardiola’s side remain on course to take the new Champions League place in fifth, but Erling Haaland’s injury is more than likely to throw a spanner in the works for the remainder of the season.
Following yet more injury news, those at the Etihad will simply be desperate to see their campaign come to an end before turning their attention towards a much-needed overhaul.
It’s then that Ederson could be replaced, with just over a year left on his current deal and reports suggesting that he could be among those shown the door this summer. If that is to be the case, then Viana could instantly welcome a fresh option between the sticks.
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According to Calciomercato, Manchester City are now battling to sign Vanja Milinkovic-Savic ahead of Chelsea this summer. The Torino man reportedly has a release clause worth just €20m (£17m) and a fan in City sporting director Viana, who could welcome the first signing of a new era by securing the 28-year-old’s signature.
Standing at a staggering 6’8, Milinkovic-Savic could replace Ederson and hand City one of the most imposing goalkeepers in the Premier League.
"Unbeatable" Milinkovic-Savic is better shot-stopper than Ederson
Whilst there may be some that are concerned over Milinkovic-Savic’s age, the Serbian international is at the peak of his powers at 28 years old and could yet follow the familiar role of goalkeepers maintaining their place at the top well into their 30s. If he does do exactly that then City would be wise to secure their deal as soon as this summer.
Clean Sheets
9
5
Save Percentage
77.5%
69.6%
Saves
104
47
Pass Completion
66.9%
87%
A level above Ederson in the shot-stopping department, Milinkovic-Savic certainly has the foundations to become a No.1 around Europe’s top sides, albeit whilst needing to work on his ball-playing ability.
Described as “unbeatable” by Opta Paolo after saving his fourth penalty of the season in February, the 28-year-old will be one to watch this summer if he decides to leave Torino.
With Chelsea also reportedly interested, Manchester City will hope to get one over on their Premier League rivals by swooping in and landing their own goalkeeping upgrade, replacing Ederson by doing so.
Ahead of their tour to India, Masabata Klaas and Nonkuleleko Mlaba talk team dynamics, motherhood, and their paths into cricket
ESPNcricinfo staff22-May-2024In an all-South African interview, Masabata Klaas and Nonkuleleko Mlaba talk team dynamics, motherhood, friendship and their different paths into cricket ahead of their series in India. Firdose Moonda and Valkerie Baynes also chat about the South African Women’s coaching situation and Pakistan’s current tour of England.