Tag Futebol

Liverpool are in desperate need of reinforcements this summer following a tumultuous season that has seen their once-successful squad turn stale in recent months.

The Reds have been knocked out of every opportunity to win a trophy this season and are currently ten points adrift of the Champions League qualifying spots inside the Premier League top four ahead of their clash with Arsenal this weekend.

Indeed, reinvestment into the forward line seems to have been the priority for FSG over the last two seasons, with Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo all making the move to Merseyside to compete for a spot in the club's infamous front three.

However, this focus on forwards has left other areas of the pitch to decline, with several key players reaching the latter stages of their careers – including Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Thiago Alcantara, Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip, who are all well into their 30s at this point.

As a result, it will be absolutely imperative that the Anfield powerbrokers utilise the summer transfer window to spark a youth revolution by adding young and hungry talents into the centre of the pitch and defensive setup ahead of next season.

One player who has recently been linked to a Liverpool move is PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ibrahim Sangare, a player who could not only be a cheaper alternative to fellow transfer target Matheus Nunes, but be a better all-round player than the Wolverhampton Wanderers ace.

Will Liverpool sign Ibrahima Sangare?

Liverpool have failed to permanently sign a midfielder since Thiago joined from Bayern Munich back in 2020, so new additions to the midfield personnel will surely be warmly welcomed by the Anfield faithful.

Not only that, but Naby Keita, Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all set to make an exit this summer due to their contracts expiring, which only adds more pressure to the Liverpool hierarchy's efforts to identify and secure the services of quality midfielders who can add depth to the heart of the team.

There is no doubt that the signing of Sangare would be a major coup for the Merseyside giants this summer and would be a much better addition than long-term Liverpool target Nunes.

When comparing his positional peer's outputs this season, the PSV star has outperformed Nunes comfortably in several attacking areas, including goals scored (4 v 1), pass completion rate (84.3% v 80.2%), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.52 v 2.29) and progressive passes completed (158 v 73).

Meanwhile, Sangare has provided a much better defensive output with a better rate of successful take-ons (75% v 52.3%), more tackles and interceptions won (79 v 63), more ball recoveries (208 v 116) and a better success rate in aerial duels (62.7% v 45.9%) – as per FBref.

It is clear that Sangare – hailed "dangerous" by analyst Aad de Mos – is much more of a prolific and complete all-rounder in the centre of the pitch compared to the Portuguese ace, and would even cost Liverpool £5m less to sign with a price tag of £45m compared to the £50m fee reported for Nunes.

With that being said, it seems like it would be a no-brainer to snap up Sangare this summer, and if Liverpool could strike a good deal it could save the club millions to invest into other key roles that need addressing.

Liverpool are interested in completing a deal to bring PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ibrahim Sangare to the Premier League, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

What's the latest on Sangare's future?

The Reds have James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all out of contract at the end of the season, whilst Arthur Melo is set to return to Juventus after the board decided not to take up his buy option, so central reinforcements will be needed during the upcoming window.

Jurgen Klopp has been linked with several potential candidates, predominantly Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount, but 25-year-old midfielder Sangare is one of the most recent names to crop up.

The Ivory Coast international's contract at the Philips Stadion isn't set to run out until 2027, but as Ruud van Nistelrooy's best-performing defensive player, as per WhoScored, he's been attracting interest.

Speaking to Voetbal International, the manager himself challenged his standout star to "go to the top" in England and make a name for himself at the highest level – which sounds exactly like what he might be about to do.

The Merseyside outfit, along with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, are reportedly known admirers and have already been alerted by Sangare's representatives that he is likely to be available for a transfer at the end of the season, while it appears FSG have positively responded to that information and are now considering a swoop.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are "keen" on a move for Sangare, who has been identified as a player who's seriously "on the radar" of possible targets at Anfield. PSV's maestro was supposedly of interest last summer but a switch failed to materialise, though the club have now been given the perfect second chance, with the Eredivisie giants "open" to letting him go for a fee of around £45m.

Would Sangare fit the bill at Liverpool?

Sangare has been lauded as a "class act" and someone who can control a midfield by journalist Josh Bunting, and with him possessing strong qualities in the defensive and offensive aspects of his game, we think he would be the perfect candidate to put pen to paper for Klopp.

The 6 foot 3 colossus, who would add a different dimension to the centre with his height, naturally sits in front of the back four and loves to get stuck in and stop attacks, as shown by him ranking in the 93rd percentile for blocks and in the 90th for tackles among players in his position at similar-level competitions over the past year, as per FBref.

Whilst more used to operating in this position, he also has the versatility to play slightly higher up the field in central and attacking midfield, which gives him the freedom to contribute in the final third.

Sangare has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 38 appearances across all competitions this season, so is able to make a positive difference at both ends of the pitch, meaning that the Reds shouldn't even have to think twice about wrapping up a deal.

Leeds United’s long-standing flirtation with a return to the Premier League became one of the big stories outside the top flight, as the sleeping giant finally seemed to be stirring as they crept back up towards the apex of the Championship.

The Whites had enjoyed steady progress under Marcelo Bielsa, which would culminate in their triumphant 2020 promotion to end a 16-year absence from the top flight.

The squad who achieved the feat became instant heroes, and the Argentine a god in Yorkshire. He was the man who had done what so many before him had failed to do, and he had done so with a brand of football that captured the imagination.

However, whilst it was unknown at the time, one member of that team would seek to undermine the accomplishment through the antics of his parent club.

That player was Jean-Kevin Augustin, and the club in question RB Leipzig.

What happened with Jean-Kevin Augustin at Leeds?

Having signed on loan for the 2019/2020 season, a year interrupted due to the pandemic, the Frenchman was expected to offer fine cover for the imperious Patrick Bamford.

Across that season the English marksman would score 16 and assist a further four, featuring in all but one of their league games.

It, therefore, left the 25-year-old resigned to the sidelines, as he would feature just three times before his loan concluded. It seemed like things would simply move on and the forward would be a forgotten piece of that infamous outfit, yet two years following the German team would win a case that enforced the Yorkshire outfit to pay £18m to sign Augustin permanently.

According to the Red Bulls, a clause was inserted into the deal that noted a mandatory future fee should they achieve promotion, whilst Leeds argued that due to COVID-19 delaying the season, that feat was achieved outside the time frame of the deal.

Having lost in an appeal to the Court of Arbitration, they were ordered to fork up the sum although they would later reach an unknown settlement.

Given he made just three appearances, and the proposed fee they may well have paid, the underwhelming frontman would have cost the club £6m per appearance.

Having suffered from what former Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson described as a “stop-start” career at the time of joining Leeds, this debacle did little to get his career back on track.

It was a complete disaster all-round stemming from their brightest moment in their recent history, whilst Augustin now plies his trade in Switzerland, where he plays for Basel.

adidas are reportedly set to make a signature boot for Jude Bellingham, with the midfielder's trademark celebration a template for the logo.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Bellingham to get boots with own branding
• Already has a relationship with adidas
• Starred in advert for new Predator boot

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bellingham has become one of the most recognisable faces in world football after starring for Los Blancos this season. He is set to be rewarded for his fame, with his outfitter adidas reportedly preparing a signature boot for the star midfielder, according to .

Advertisement

• adidas
  

  WHAT JUDE BELLINGHAM SAID

  Bellingham is the star of adidas' ongoing promotional campaign for the new Predator boots, which are a throwback to some of the classic silhouettes of the iconic design from years gone by. He most recently teased the new model in an Instagram story with a wry comment: "The tongue is back.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Predator 24 has made a splash in the footballing world, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jose Mourinho and Xabi Alonso all pictured wearing the boots. There is no release date scheduled for Bellingham's supposed special edition pair.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?

  The midfielder figures to be in the Madrid XI for the foreseeable future. Los Blancos take on Girona in a top-of-the-table clash on Saturday, before facing RB Leipzig in the Champions League last 16 next week.

West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan entertaining the notion of selling one of their prize assets this summer is 'hard to understand' for Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

What's the latest transfer news involving West Bromwich Albion?

The Baggies have been quiet in the transfer window so far and have only confirmed two additions in the form of Josh Maja on a free transfer and Jeremy Sarmiento on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, as per Transfermarkt.

Last week, West Brom manager Corberan hinted that he could be set to enact some late activity in the market, cited by Birmingham Live, as he stated: "We are still having the conversations with the club to see what things can happen with things we can approach, how we can approach the market, so still for me it's work to do with our communication and co-ordination with the club, but it all depends about our financial possibilities."

Departures have taken precedence at the Hawthorns this summer as West Brom look to alleviate financial problems that have influenced their ability to secure new arrivals and the likes of Dara O'Shea, Tom Rogic, Jake Livermore, David Button and Kean Bryan have all left the club permanently.

West Brom winger Grady Diangana could be next to depart at the Hawthorns this window and is attracting interest from Leeds United, Leicester City, Burnley and clubs in Saudi Arabia, according to The Express & Star.

Diangana is valued at around £7 million by West Brom and is yet to feature this campaign. Last term, the Lubumbashi-born winger made 35 appearances in all competitions, registering four goals and three assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Daily Express journalist Taylor has heard that there are murmurings that West Brom don't want Diangana, which he finds 'hard to understand' due to his talents.

Asked about Leeds United being keen on Diangana, Taylor stated: “I see that as being a good signing.

“I've seen suggestions he's not wanted at West Brom, which I find hard to understand, but obviously, I'm not at the club, so I'm guessing there's more to it than that.

“But a couple of years ago, he was deemed a top talent at West Ham, and they were disappointed to see him sold.”

What now for West Bromwich Albion?

Last weekend, West Brom claimed their first victory of the Sky Bet Championship campaign after holding off a late fightback from Swansea City to run out 3-2 winners at the Hawthorns, as per BBC Sport.

Before their win at the weekend, the Baggies suffered 2-1 losses to Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City in the English top-flight and Carabao Cup, respectively; however, Corberan now has some positivity to build on following a tumultuous few months off the field, as per Sky Sports.

According to The Express & Star, West Brom were in the hunt to bring in FC Midtjylland striker Sory Kaba to strengthen their forward line this window.

Nevertheless, Mike McGrath, who is a journalist for The Telegraph, has taken to Twitter X to reveal that Birmingham City are now in pole position to land the 28-year-old, stating: "Birmingham City have agreed a fee for Sory Kaba at Midtjylland according to sources in Denmark. Watford FC were leading race for Guinea forward whose goals helped keep Cardiff up last season. BCFC entered race which included several Championship clubs."

Tottenham Hotspur have scheduled talks tonight to re-sign defender Clement Lenglet, and Barcelona see it as a "magnificent opportunity" to finally sell.

Who are Spurs signing next?

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, young centre-back Ashley Phillips, defender Micky van de Ven, playmaker James Maddison, winger Manor Solomon and striker Alejo Veliz have all officially put pen to paper on moves to Spurs this summer.

They follow on from permanent deals for right-back Pedro Porro and Sweden international Dejan Kulusevski, with Rosario Central striker Alejo Veliz being the latest confirmed arrival at N17.

Lilywhites head coach Ange Postecoglou, speaking to the press recently, also confirmed that there should be more activity to come – as Spurs hunt for another defender and look to offload fringe squad members.

“It's not done yet," said Postecoglou.

"We need bolstering in that central defensive area. We need defenders who can work in an aggressive formation, defend well & behind them. We'll be looking to bring in a couple in that area in the coming days."

On potential exits, the Spurs boss has said that certain players will be looking for new opportunities – drawing attention to Tottenham's "bloated" squad.

It's fair to say our squad is too big at the moment," explained Postecoglou.

"There are guys who will want to explore opportunities elsewhere. I'm not involved in that. I think we'll see some movement out in the coming weeks.”

Lenglet, who spent last campaign on loan at Spurs from Barca, has been repeatedly linked in the past week and some reports even suggest he is prioritising a second stint in north London.

The 28-year-old coming back to N17 is, potentially, a very realistic possibility as a report by Spanish newspaper Sport (via Sport Witness) share an update on the matter.

Both Tottenham and Barca chiefs, during tonight's friendly match at the Estadi Olímpic Lluis Companys in Catalonia, have scheduled a summit and fresh round of talks over Lenglet's transfer.

The La Liga champions, for their part, see this as a "magnificent opportunity" to finally finalise the defender's sale and rid themselves of his hefty wages.

There is a price named as well, as Sport claim the potential move could amount to a small €5 million (£4.3m), a fee which may rise to €15m (£12.9m) if add-ons are met.

After tonight's meeting, further developments are expected.

What's been said about Clement Lenglet?

Spurs pundit John Wenham, speaking to Football Insider last season, heaped praise on the former Sevilla star after a solid north London derby outing against Arsenal.

Wenham said Lenglet appeared in the mould of a "very reliable" player who could be called upon to do a solid job as part of Tottenham's defence.

“I just wanted to give credit because I think his performance went a little bit under the radar. I have been impressed with him so far," said Wenham on Lenglet.

“The fact he has instantly come in for Ben Davies and we don’t look any weaker, that is a huge credit to him really.

“He’s a new signing to the Premier League, I know he has a lot of experience from Barcelona and with France but he already seems very reliable, like we could drop him in for any fixture.“

Glasgow Rangers have agreed on a fee with Feyenoord for striker and long-term target Danilo, Sky Sports report.

Are Rangers signing Danilo?

A number of new players have been signed by Michael Beale ahead of his first full season in charge of the club, and it looks as if Danilo could be the next through the door.

Jack Butland, Leon Balogun, Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling have all made the move to Glasgow on free transfers.

Meanwhile, money has been spent on attackers Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers, whereas Brighton forward Abdallah Sima has arrived on a season-long loan.

Despite three new additions in the final third the club have lost three attackers from last season in Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent and Antonio Colak, with Rangers receiving money for the latter after he signed for Parma.

Danilo has been a key target in Glasgow, with Beale personally thought to be an admirer of the forward. An opening offer was turned down by the Eredivisie side, who have been wanting more than £5m for the striker, and it looks as if they will get their wish after a new bid was submitted, with all parties involved on course to get what they want.

Sky Sports shared an update out of Ibrox regarding their pursuit of Danilo on Tuesday. They stated that there has been a breakthrough, with an agreement reached between the two clubs which could be worth a total of £6m.

“Some breaking news from Rangers. They’ve had a deal worth £6m accepted by Feyenoord for striker Danilo. The 24-year-old scored 12 times last season and has been the subject of several offers.

“The initial fee being £5.2m before potential add-ons. Personal terms not expected to be a problem, the Brazilian is keen on a move to Ibrox.”

Further reports have claimed that the forward is poised to travel to Scotland early next week to finalise a transfer by undergoing a medical and signing the relative paperwork, with a five-year deal on the cards.

Who is Danilo?

Danilo actually the same agency as Rangers players Connor Goldson, Fashion Sakala, John Lundstram and Rabbi Matondo, so now a fee has been agreed, you’d like to think a move will go smoothly.

The 24-year-old appears to be at the peak of his powers with a career-high €6.5m Transfermarkt valuation and joined Feyenoord on a free transfer last year. Since then, the forward has found the back of the net on 14 occasions in 48 appearances, helping the club to the Dutch top-flight title in the process.

Prior to his stint with his current employers, Danilo was on the books with Ajax and enjoyed a productive loan spell with FC Twente, scoring 17 Eredivisie goals in 33 appearances during the 2020/21 season.

In total, Danilo has scored 87 goals in 175 appearances at youth and senior level, but with a first taste of senior football outside the Netherlands on the cards, it will be interesting to see if he can find the back of the net regularly in Scotland.

Marcos Alonso ready to leave Barcelona but not before next summer amid interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Alonso could leave Barcelona next summerSaw his game time reduced at BarcelonaAttracting interest from Saudi Pro League clubsWHAT HAPPENED?

Alonso, who has appeared in just seven matches for Barcelona across all competitions this season, could part ways with the club in the future but not before his contract expires in the summer, according to .

The Spaniard reportedly has offers from several Saudi Pro League clubs and it was expected that he would leave once the transfer window opens in January but the player has no intention of moving out until the end of his current deal.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

There is a clause on Alonso's contract that allows Barcelona to extend his stay by one more year provided he plays half of the club's matches this season. With only 299 minutes on the pitch, it is unlikely that the former Chelsea star would regularly feature in Xavi's lineup for the remainder of the season.

The 32-year-old was linked with a move to Manchester United during the summer but they later decided to sign Sergio Reguilon on loan. But the Red Devils could rekindle their interest in the player in January again as Erik ten Hag wants to bolster his backline.

DID YOU KNOW?

Out of the four La Liga appearances Alonso has made this season, he has featured in Xavi's starting lineup only twice which came against Villarreal and Celta Vigo. In the Champions League, the full-back started in the home and away fixtures against Shakhtar Donetsk.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

After edging out Atletico Madrid last weekend, the Catalan club will now hope to get three points against second-placed Girona and close in on the gap with league leaders Real Madrid who sit at the summit with 39 points from 16 matches.

Hampshire continued their winning start to this season’s Natwest T20 Blast campaign thanks to a Man-of-the-Match performance by Michael Carberry

ECB Reporters Network14-Jul-2017
ScorecardMichael Carberry summoned some of the old magic [file picture]•Getty ImagesMiddlesex were still closed away in the dressing room, refusing requests for interviews, more than a hour after a spectacular collapse against Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl consigned them to a 29-run defeat in the NatWest Blast.Even that was something of a release for Middlesex, who found themselves 74 for 7 in the 13th over before Tim Southee hammered five sixes in his 64 off 32 balls to narrow the margin.Hampshire were still comfortable winners, with young leg-spinner Mason Crane taking 3 for 15 off four overs and Reece Topley, Gareth Berg and Kyle Abbott all grabbing a wicket a piece.Crane said: “”Three good performances so far and everyone has contributed in all of them. It hasn’t been the same players in every game and that shows we have a strong team. The crowd were amazing. I’ve never seen it that full for a Hampshire game.”Hampshire continued their winning start thanks to a Man-of-the-Match performance by Michael Carberry, who smashed 77 off 45 balls and followed it up with two catches.The former England opener showed he is still capable of some devastating power hitting at the age of 36, while captain James Vince played some classy shots in his brief 34 to get his side on the front foot from the off.Vince won the toss and opted to bat first in his side’s first home game of the season, backing up his decision with six classy fours and a six in his quickfire 34 off 15, before skying one from Toby Roland-Jones high into the air only to be caught by Southee at square leg.Rilee Roussow and Carberry put on a measured 48-run partnership, ensuring the scoreboard ticked over, but the South African soon followed his captain back to the dressing room after clubbing a flat catch to James Franklin at long-on off the bowling of Nathan Sowter.Carberry followed up his 41 not out against Sussex on Wednesday night with a magnificent batting display in front of the Ageas Bowl crowd, placing a delicate shot through gully to reach his 50 off 32 balls. And the 36-year-old wasted no time in following that up with two sixes straight back down the ground and into jubilant crowd.A tough evening for the Middlesex bowlers showed no sign of easing up, as Aussie George Bailey smacked 28 off 19 balls, with a six and three fours, but Roland-Jones cut his innings short as it began to reach full flow having him caught at long-on by Dawid Malan.Shahid Afridi’s batting struggles continued, the 37-year-old failing to add anything to a tally of five runs in this year’s Blast competition when he was caught in the deep by Malan trying to power Roland-Jones for six.After looking as if they would set Middlesex a score of over 200 to win, the steady fall of wickets, including that of Carberry in the final over, bowled by Franklin, Hampshire managed 189 for 8.Roland-Jones, released by England from the Test squad, ended the pick of Middlesex’s bowlers after taking 4 for 39 off his four overs, while Franklin took three wickets in the last over of the innings to end with 3 for 19 off two overs.Hampshire continued as they started, Abbott sending Paul Stirling packing for just six runs and Topley following up with the wicket of dangerman Brendon McCullum, thanks to a stunning acrobatic catch from Rossouw at midwicket. England captain Eoin Morgan put up some resistance, making 23 off 22, before wicketkeeper John Simpson and New Zealander Southee came together in an eighth-wicket stand of 86 to try and salvage the game.Southee reached a half-century off 28 balls, while Simpson made 37 off 34 as Middlesex fell 29 runs short.

India women’s wicketkeeper-batsman Sushma Verma, who hardly got batting opportunities in the past, cashed in on the chance against Pakistan with a 35-ball 33

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Jul-2017Sushma Verma has established herself as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper since making her debut in 2014. However, her contribution as a batsman has been minimal, largely because she has hardly had opportunities to prove herself. Prior to Sunday, she had batted just eight times in 22 ODIs, facing a grand sum of 56 deliveries, off which she scored 13 runs, a strike rate of 23.21.She batted at No. 8 or lower in seven of those eight innings. The last time she batted before Sunday, she was sent in at No. 10, even below Ekta Bisht, no more than a tailender. Until the Pakistan game, India’s third at the World Cup, this hardly mattered thanks to robust contributions from the top order. But on a sticky wicket with the top order having a rare off day, the team needed Verma to overcome her battles, and she did.Promoted to No. 7 ahead of the more-accomplished Jhulan Goswami, who has a reputation of being a big hitter, Verma exhibited tremendous composure and match awareness to make a 35-ball 33 to help India recover from 111 for 6 to 169 for 9. Her 34-run stand with Goswami for the seventh wicket, significant in the context of the game, earned plaudits from her captain Mithali Raj.”At that point in time, when we were losing wickets, it was important to slow down a little,” Raj explained of Verma’s promotion. “On a few occasions in domestic cricket, when our Central Zone side was in similar situation, she bailed us out. We expected her to play that role and she did until the 48th over. Those boundaries were also very crucial.”Her partnership [with Jhulan] got us to 170. We were looking for 170 when we lost the top four. When you play such matches, it’s important to continue the momentum but not every day will the same batters will score runs, so I’m happy someone has stood up to get those runs. It’s important we got this opportunity to reflect on our batting order.”Opportunities have been rare for Verma in domestic cricket too as she started her career with Himachal Pradesh and moved to Railways for better cricketing prospects. But moving to a more-established outfit also brought about a fresh set of challenges. Playing in a team that has a star-studded batting line-up that boasts of Raj, Harmanpreet Kaur and Punam Raut has largely meant that a berth in the top order, which she may have been guaranteed at Himachal, has been non-existent.In the entire 2016-17 season, she had four opportunities to impress, twice each in the one-dayers and T20 competition. She managed 21 in those four knocks. It’s a role she has taken awhile getting used to, but one she has grown to accept, Verma said. “The team management has been working a lot on the lower-order batting. We have been getting equal attention as the top and middle order. I was waiting for this opportunity.”I’ve understood I will have minimum balls to face, I need to make maximum impact. Today, there was such an opportunity. It’s not that I’m confident only because of wicketkeeping. For me, the main concern and focus is to score as many runs as possible in as little balls as possible.”