All posts by h716a5.icu

It's starting to look like a season to forget for Manchester United fans as a lacklustre Premier League campaign has left them six points adrift of fourth place with ten games to go.

That said, an extraordinarily dramatic win over Liverpool in the FA Cup and a semi-final draw against Coventry City means Erik ten Hag could yet turn things around.

If the Dutchman is to win his second major trophy in as many seasons at Old Trafford, he'll need his star striker Rasmus Hojlund firing again.

Rasmus Hojlund's valuation in 2024

The Danish marksman completed his £72m move from Serie A side Atalanta in August, and while he's been in tremendous form of late, his transition into English football wasn't easy.

Despite leading the Champions League goalscoring charts during the group stages, the 21-year-old didn't open his domestic account until Boxing Day – the 15th time of asking.

Team

FC Copenhagen

Sturm Graz

Atalanta BC

Man Utd

Appearances

32

21

34

31

Goals

5

12

10

13

Assists

0

4

4

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0.15

0.76

0.41

0.48

However, once he had his first, he wanted more, and in his next five league games, the Copenhagen-born monster scored six goals and provided two assists for good measure, thoroughly putting to bed any murmurings that he was a big-money flop.

In all, the 6 foot 3 ace has scored 13 goals and provided two assists in just 31 games for the Red Devils, meaning that in his first season at the club, he is currently averaging a goal involvement every two games, which should probably worry opposing teams.

This brilliant form, combined with his age and potential, has seen his valuation rise quite significantly over the last ten months or so. According to Football Transfers' Expected Value model, the Danish international was worth just €22m – £19m – last May but is now worth around €62m, which is about £53m today.

Now, that is clearly less than he cost United last summer, but players often end up costing more than their true worth, especially when big clubs with specific needs come calling.

That said, with his trajectory, it won't be long before his valuation soars past that fee, although he would have to be genuinely world-class to be worth more than a former legend would be worth today.

Wayne Rooney's valuation in 2024

Yes, the player in question is none other than United legend and all-around footballing icon Wayne Rooney.

The Liverpool-born superstar shot to prominence in the early 2000s before securing his big-money move to Old Trafford in August 2004 at age 18.

Over the next 13 years, the 5 foot 9 force of nature would win everything there was to win in club football, including five Premier Leagues, four League Cups, one FA Cup, one Champions League, one Europa League, one Club World Cup and four Community Shields.

He also broke several individual records, becoming United's all-time top goalscorer, England's all-time top goalscorer – until Harry Kane took that title – and becoming the only player in Premier League history to have scored 200 goals and provide 100 assists.

Team

Everton

Man Utd

DC United

Derby

Appearances

117

559

52

35

Goals

28

253

25

7

Assists

8

145

14

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.30

0.71

0.75

0.28

It wasn't just the raw numbers and data that made the mercurial talent so special; it was the way he played the game, taking players on, being aggressive, making things happen and always entertaining the fans.

So, how much would he cost in today's market? And, for that matter, how do people even know? Well, it's thanks to the clever people over at Totally Money.

In the case of 'Wazza', Totally Money have worked out that the £33m that United paid for him in 2004 would be worth a staggering £119m in today's money, or more than double Hojlund's valuation.

That means if he were signed today, he would be the club's most expensive signing ever at 18 years old, driving home just how special he was as a player.

Man Utd flop who left back in 2015 is now outscoring Hojlund in 2023/24

The superstar couldn’t make it work at Old Trafford, but now he’s scoring for fun.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 19, 2024

Moreover, if he's worth that now, just how much money will Hojlund be worth in 2034?

Barcelona could struggle to convince Euro 2024 star Nico Williams to join them from Athletic Club this summer.

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Williams not guaranteed to signBarcelona may have to reconsiderDeco trying to persuade wingerWHAT HAPPENED?

Signing Williams may not be as straightforward as first hoped. His €58 million release clause (£49m/$63m) represents value for a player of his ability, age and potential, but reports that the Euro 2024 winner is having doubts about linking up with Barcelona this year and could postpone the move by 12 months.

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After Hansi Flick and his playing squad flew to Orlando to begin a pre-season tour, sporting director Deco is reported to have stayed behind to persuade Williams to move this summer. Previous reports have suggested Barcelona are ready to trigger the release clause, although with the winger now not so sure, instead rate the chance of signing Dani Olmo higher.

DID YOU KNOW?

As a result of injuries, delayed returns and international duty, Flick is without as many as 10 first-team players in his first tour as Barcelona coach. Gavi, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo and Ansu Fati have not made the trip while they recover from various issues, while Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres are still on leave following Euro 2024. Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia and Fermin Lopez are also part of Spain's squad at the Olympics right now.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

If Williams really is doubting whether to join Barcelona this year, the club have a decision to make. Pursuing could end up being a waste of time when Flick's squad needs strengthening if the club are to have any chance of competing with Real Madrid.

Zak Crawley reaches maiden Test fifty before mini collapse has tourists four down at the close

The Report by Valkerie Baynes24-Jan-2020England’s inexperienced openers brought an air of calm after a chaotic start to the fourth and final Test, but a batting collapse after tea ensured the day continued on a dramatic path.It was an eventful opening day before, during and potentially after play.As if there wasn’t already enough riding on this match, with England closing in on a series triumph and South Africa desperate to salvage something from a tumultuous week that started with an innings defeat at Port Elizabeth, included a confused changing of the guard in the one-day side and ended – if Faf du Plessis had his way – with the captain pleading tunnel vision when it came to answering any more questions about his uncertain Test future.Rain wiped out the first session and, when word finally came through that a 1.20pm start time was in sight, the players began warming up in the outfield. That’s when England’s turmoil began.Jofra Archer, expected to make his return from the elbow injury that ruled him out of the previous two matches after sending down thunderbolts in the nets this week, bowled a few balls and then made a bee-line for the team doctor clutching his arm. He was promptly ruled out of contention, Joe Root claiming upon winning the toss and electing to bat first that the team couldn’t be confident their star quick could make it through the match.Chris Woakes was called into the side and Mark Wood was called upon to play back-to-back Tests for the first time since 2017 as England, understandably, opted for an all-out seam attack at the Wanderers, leaving Dom Bess out despite his five-wicket haul in Port Elizabeth. Horses for courses.So it was that new opening pair Zak Crawley and Dom Sibley set about compiling England’s first century opening stand since December 2016.Playing just his fourth Test, Crawley continued his steady progress since making his debut in New Zealand in November. After scores of 1, 4, 25 and 44, Crawley – who turns 22 early next month – settled in nicely. A flourish through the covers, a thump through midwicket and a commanding straight drive brought him 12 runs off a poor Dwaine Pretorius over and took him to 45 not out, before he brought up his maiden Test fifty with a thick outside edge through point from the first ball of Pretorius’ next over.His knock wasn’t completely smooth, however. Crawley was struck flush on the helmet, right next to the badge, by a ripping 149kph / 93mph delivery from Anrich Nortje not long after bringing up his half-century. He was assessed for concussion and deemed fit to continue as he and Sibley took England to tea on 100 without loss.Earlier, Sibley had survived being caught sharply by Temba Bavuma at gully for 12 when umpire Joel Wilson correctly called a no-ball on the retiring bowler Vernon Philander, who had overstepped. England were 41 without loss at the time.South Africa had been lacklustre throughout the extended session to tea but when they returned after the break, they made things happen.Debutant quick Beuran Hendricks, in the side for Kagiso Rabada who was suspended for an overly robust wicket celebration in Port Elizabeth, made the breakthrough when he had Sibley out, strangled down the leg side for 44.Crawley followed a short time later when he, like Sibley, offered an non-committal shot and was caught by Rassie van der Dussen at slip, delivering Philander his first wicket of his farewell Test.That had England at 116 for 2 but their wobble didn’t stop there, the tourists ultimately losing 4 for 50 when Joe Denly edged a Dane Paterson outswinger to van der Dussen and Ben Stokes fell in similar fashion, lured into an attempted drive by Nortje and edging to van der Dussen, again at slip.The theatre continued as Stokes became involved in an angry verbal exchange with a spectator as he walked off and he could yet be called to answer questions from the match referee. After bad light ended play early, Stokes could be seen chatting to members of the crowd and signing autographs on the boundary.The fact that the day ended with honours pretty much even had appeared so unlikely on the basis of South Africa’s performance earlier in the day. That they found some fight was encouraging for their fans after du Plessis suggested this could be his final Test on home soil amid speculation over his playing future.The intrigue deepended for them when Quinton de Kock was named captain of the ODI side for the upcoming series with England and du Plessis was omitted altogether with uncertainty over whether it was a permanent change. Graeme Smith, South Africa’s director of cricket, later confirmed it was the first step in their succession plan and du Plessis would not be reinstated as leader, should he return to the side.So, with plenty going on off the field – for both sides – the stage is set for more twists and turns on it.

It's been a rough couple of years for Chelsea Football Club, a couple of years that have seen them stuck in midtable mediocrity despite spending absurd amounts of money on promising young players.

That said, Todd Boehly and Co have also recouped a reasonably sizeable sum of money through player sales in that time, although one Frank Lampard signing has yet to be sold.

The star's value has plunged in recent years and is now worth even less than Trevoh Chalobah.

Hakim Ziyech's time at Chelsea

Yes, the flop in question is Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech, who agreed to join Lampard's Blues in a £33m deal in February 2020 before moving to the club a few months later.

There was a lot of excitement around the deal, as the Dronten-born ace had been scintillating for Ajax in the years prior. For example, in the 2019/20 campaign, he scored nine goals and provided 20 assists in 35 appearances.

However, his brilliant form didn't carry over to England, and in his first season in Blue, he returned just six goals and four assists in 39 appearances and missed 14 games through injury.

While his second season at Stamford Bridge was not bad, it was just as underwhelming as his first. In 44 games, the 5 foot 11 wideman scored eight goals and provided six assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 3.1 games.

Unfortunately for all involved, it wasn't third time lucky, as the 2022/23 campaign saw the left-footed ace lose his place in the first team and return his worst haul yet: just three assists in 24 appearances.

Season

2020/21

2021/22

2022/23

Appearances

39

44

24

Goals

6

8

0

Assists

4

6

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.25

0.31

0.12

At this point, it was crystal clear that the former Ajax star had no future with the Pensioners.

After a permanent move away from the team failed to materialise in the summer, he was sent to Galatasaray on loan, where it would be fair to say things have gone from bad to worse.

Hakim Ziyech's valuation this season

It really has been a disaster of a season for the 31-year-old this year.

A succession of injuries has seen him miss a whopping 26 games for club and country, and when he has played, he has once again been underwhelming.

Appearances

17

Goals

4

Assists

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.41

The tricky winger has made 17 appearances for the Turkish giants so far, in which he has scored four goals and provided three assists, a return that has done little for his valuation.

In fact, the player who once cost the Blues £33m is now valued at just €9.5m by Transfermarkt, which converts to around £8m, or a £25m loss.

The 60-capped international is now worth even less than the injury-prone Chalobah, who has made just eight first-team appearances under Pochettino this season. Transfermarkt values the defender at €13m, which is around £11m, or £3m more than the once dynamic winger.

Ultimately, with just a year left on Ziyech's Chelsea contract at the end of this season, the club simply must sell him this summer and get what they can for a player who has been a flop in west London.

Chelsea could sign the ideal Sterling upgrade in "incredible" £43m talent

The exceptional attacker has just lifted silverware and has been described as being “on another level.”

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 9, 2024

Derby County will aim to send shockwaves through League One with a victory away at table-toppers Portsmouth tonight, further reinforcing their spot in the second automatic promotion place and giving Pompey restless nights about the title in the process.

Paul Warne's Rams ground out a win against Blackpool last time out at Pride Park to rubber stamp their authority in the top two, with Cardiff City loanee Ebou Adams bagging his first ever Derby goal to win the tight clash 1-0.

The Derby manager will hope for more of the same away at John Mousinho's Pompey regardless of their league standing, the 50-year-old former Rotherham United boss eager for his side to upset the runaway third-tier leaders on their own patch to make it four league wins on the spin.

There will be a number of selection quandaries for Warne to ponder over to try and see if his Rams team can get the better of their tricky South Coast opponents at Fratton Park, with competition for places heating up in the Derby ranks…

Derby County team news vs Portsmouth

Warne will have felt relieved to have Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and James Collins back at his disposal in Derby's 1-0 win over Blackpool on Good Friday, having worried that both would be out for some time after picking up worrying injury knocks.

Mendez-Laing started the clash against Neil Critchley's side, whilst Collins was given a second-half run-out with his minutes a surprise considering his prognosis was, at one point, believed to have been that of a season-ender after coming off injured against Exeter City in mid February.

Both should feature in some capacity away at Fratton Park, with Warne revealing in his pre-match press conference that there shouldn't be 'any dramas' regarding who is fit and who isn't fit for the trip to Portsmouth later on away from the list of those known already to be struck down.

Dwight Gayle will definitely be absent from tonight's contest however owing to a hamstring concern, Warne thanking his lucky stars that Collins was given some minutes into his legs against Blackpool now consequently.

Other experienced faces in the form of Craig Forsyth and Tom Barkhuizen are also expected to be out, whilst it also looks unlikely midfield star Max Bird will be back and raring to go against Pompey after missing his side's last five League One encounters.

Adams performed valiantly in midfield to make the absence of Bird feel less impactful last game, but Warne could look to drop his partner in the centre of the park in Korey Smith after a poor display from the ex-Norwich City man.

Korey Smith's performance vs Blackpool in numbers

The experienced Rams number 12 would last 83 minutes of the contest before being substituted off, playing in the shadow of Adams dictating play centrally.

Smith wouldn't get anywhere near the numbers of the Bluebirds loanee whilst out on the Pride Park turf, winning just three of his duels in the midfield battle compared to Adams' impressive ten.

Moreover, the new Derby fan's favourite – who was described as a "maestro" by DerbyshireLive journalist Leigh Curtis after the 1-0 win – would end up winning five tackles to constantly give the Rams the ball back in the back-and-forth affair.

On the contrary, Smith would end up completing zero in return.

Adams would hog the limelight even further with the match-winner against Critchley's Blackpool, firing in first-time effortlessly after a Sibley cross wasn't dealt with to ensure the Rams still had the upper hand over their automatic promotion competitors with a win.

The below-par Derby number 12 wouldn't even muster up a single effort on the Tangerines net in contrast, with his spot now up for grabs for the trip to Pompey this evening.

He isn't the only underwhelming Rams performer who could find their spot taken up by a fresher body for the clash with Mousinho's men tonight, with Conor Washington way off the pace up top in the 1-0 win too.

Conor Washington's performance vs Blackpool in numbers

With Collins not at the races enough to be unleashed from the get-go, Washington was chosen to lead the line against Blackpool alongside Mendez-Laing.

It was a decision that didn't pay off for Warne, with the Northern Irish attacker lacklustre throughout and ultimately bailed out by Adams' crucial strike.

Washington would only register nine touches and make just three accurate passes before Warne gave in and replaced his misfiring centre-forward with Collins, a torrid afternoon in truth for the ex-Queens Park Rangers striker who never got going against the Tangerines.

Losing all five duels that came his way also, it wouldn't be a shock whatsoever to see that the 5 foot 10 forward is axed from the Derby lineup to face off against Pompey tonight especially if the league leaders are on their A-Game defensively.

Minutes played

70

Touches

9

Accurate passes

3/5 (60%)

Duels won

0/5

Shots

1

Possession lost

4x

If Washington and Smith put in these performances on the South Coast, Portsmouth wouldn't fear Warne's men in the slightest and would expect another three points to be forthcoming.

Whereas, if Warne made these changes, the Rams could stand more of a chance of upsetting the league leaders in their own backyard.

The players who could come in versus Portsmouth

The most logical changes would see Conor Hourihane and Collins come into the side, with this pair replacing the two underperformers against Blackpool from off the bench.

Hourihane will be seen as a reliable replacement with his reputation for getting Derby out of sticky situations with big strikes from the centre of the park making him a contender to start over Smith, seen in his late goal against Burton Albion earlier in the campaign to beat the Brewers 3-2.

Moreover, Collins will be trusted to come back in and strike fear into Pompey at the back with his goal tally for the season standing at 13 goals from 33 League One contests.

Derby will know they're in the driver's seat when it comes to their automatic promotion fate, but a win against Portsmouth tonight would undoubtably accelerate their chances of going back up to the Championship even more.

The Derby dud who now plays in a league 14 places below English football

Derby County supporters will have forgotten about this dire flop’s existence.

ByKelan Sarson Mar 27, 2024

Arsenal are monitoring Julian Alvarez's situation and could make a move after his fallout with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

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Arsenal could make effort to land AlvarezMan City reportedly set huge asking priceGuardiola unimpressed amid exit rumoursWHAT HAPPENED?

reported on Friday that Atletico Madrid are being considered the favourites to sign Argentina international Alvarez as the Spanish side look to replace Alvaro Morata, who left for AC Milan earlier this summer. Now, though, it appears that Arsenal have joined the race to sign the 24-year-old.

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Indeed, the states that the young forward could move to north London from Manchester as the Gunners look to bolster their attack. The report further claims that the reigning Premier League champions are expected to demand a transfer fee in the region of £80 million ($102m), and it remains to be seen if Mikel Arteta is willing to spend that much.

DID YOU KNOW?

Per ’ German Garcia Grova, Paris Saint-Germain have also emerged as one of the candidates who are keen on bringing in the 24-year-old. The French champions are in search of a quality attacking option after the departure of Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid on a free transfer last month. According to Gaston Edul, PSG's bid is superior to that of Atletico and it seems likely that the attacker will leave City this summer.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR JULIAN ALVAREZ?

The World Cup-winning striker recently had a what's being described as a falling out with Guardiola after the City manager said that he would not force an unhappy player to stay at Etihad Stadium. Alvarez had earlier claimed that he remains unsure about his future and would only take a decision after the ongoing Paris Olympics.

South Africa skipper will be in the spotlight at St George’s Park with series locked at 1-1

Firdose Moonda11-Jan-2020In the wave of change that has broken over South African cricket in the last month, one thing has stayed the same: the captaincy. But that does not mean Faf du Plessis’ leadership has escaped scrutiny.The skipper, who last scored a Test century more than a year ago and has not crossed 30 in his last seven innings, will be in the spotlight at St George’s Park where either South Africa or England could ensure they cannot lose the four-match series, currently locked at 1-1. The other will go to Johannesburg playing catch-up. If it’s South Africa in that position, expect questions over du Plessis’ future to multiply, much like they did with his counterpart Joe Root in New Zealand.It’s not entirely unexpected that South Africa have to start their succession planning. Du Plessis is 35, has played international cricket for nine years and has identified this year’s T20 World Cup as a potential swansong. While he has repeatedly called himself “driven” to continue as captain in all three formats, he has also indicated South Africa should look at other options, especially in ODIs, so the transition is smooth.ALSO READ: The race for Test selection: How SA’s fringe players are faringThe only Tests South Africa will play between the end of this home season and the start of next summer is a winter tour to West Indies. Given the schedule and the circumstances, its not unthinkable that this England series could be du Plessis’ last at home, or perhaps his last, full stop. And ultimately the decision may not be his to make.Form will have to come into the conversation at some stage. It already has by those who took offence to du Plessis saying Temba Bavuma had to force his way back into the Test XI by weight of runs when du Plessis’ own load has been fairly light. Du Plessis’ last seven innings have brought 79 runs with a top score of 29; Bavuma’s last seven have brought 102 runs with a top score of 38.But go back, even just to the beginning of 2019 and compare the numbers. In the first nine innings of the year, du Plessis scored a hundred and four fifties, Bavuma only had one half-century. Despite tailing off at the end of the year, du Plessis averaged 41.41 in 2019 (by way of comparison Bavuma averaged 19.84) which is nothing to scoff at, especially when considering everything else the captain had to deal with.In the build-up to this series, du Plessis spoke about the “burden,” of being the buffer between the players and the crumbling administration. He did not provide concrete examples of exactly what he had to do during the crisis but said he took on more responsibility than usual. After the coaching overhaul, he indicated he was looking forward to simply leading on the field, which is when he believes he is at his best.Though du Plessis has often claimed captaincy has improved him as a player, the numbers don’t emphatically agree. As captain, he averages 40.32 compared to 41.02 when being captained. Instead, we have to turn elsewhere for evidence of du Plessis’ ability to steer a ship, like the Mzansi Super League (MSL).While eyes were initially on Bavuma’s Jozi Stars and Quinton de Kock’s Cape Town Blitz, as both those men have been mentioned as future national captains, it was du Plessis’ Paarl Rocks who won the title. Despite losing two high-profile players, Aiden Markram and JP Duminy, to injury before the competition began and playing with a squad that had almost no recognisable names (had anyone outside of South Africa heard of Kerwin Mungroo or Ferisco Adams?), the Rocks were the best-organised and strategised team in the tournament, a testament to the coaching of Adrian Birrell and the captaincy of du Plessis.The same clear thinking has not always been on display in the Test series. While du Plessis followed his gut feel in keeping Keshav Maharaj on for an extended spell in the second innings at SuperSport Park – where Maharaj got the wicket of Ben Stokes – the captain did not use his spinner as effectively at Newlands.Maharaj often bowled to poorly set fields and leaked runs, causing Mark Boucher to call him a “work in progress”, which seems a strange thing to say about the second-most successful spinner since readmission. Similarly, Anrich Nortje, known for his bounce, operated without a short leg, Dwaine Pretorius was underused and du Plessis delayed in taking the second new ball in England’s second innings, when South Africa needed quick wickets.Those tactical errors have nothing on the shot du Plessis played on the final day, when South Africa needed him to be at his most defensive in an attempt to save the game. Minutes before lunch, with a second new ball due in under four overs, du Plessis swept hard at a Dom Bess delivery and sent it straight to square leg.Faf du Plessis sweeps and is caught at square leg•Getty ImagesDu Plessis later said he made a “mental error,” and that he understood South Africa’s senior batsmen need to step up to support the younger players in the top six. The reality is that nobody needs to step up more than du Plessis and history suggests he knows how to do it.In 2015, the year South Africa hosted West Indies, toured Bangladesh in the monsoon and were heavily defeated in India, du Plessis averaged 16.75. Du Plessis was dropped early in 2016 for the final fixture of a four-match series against England but returned as captain seven months later and scored a century to win a series against New Zealand.Since then, leadership rather than runs, has been the standout feature of du Plessis’ career. In 2018, he averaged just 24.36 but led South Africa to two crucial series wins, over the No.1 ranked Indian side and to a first victory at home over Australia since readmission.That South Africa lost a rubber in Sri Lanka four months later and a home series to Sri Lanka seven months after that was incidental. With the 2019 World Cup looming, attention was elsewhere. Besides, du Plessis had already saved face with a century in the New Year’s Test against Pakistan to take some of the heat off himself, something he has been good at throughout his career.That’s the way he started, with a century in the block-a-thon to draw a game that was all but gone in Adelaide in 2012. That’s the way he embraced his promotion to the captaincy with a century to seal his first series in charge, against New Zealand at Centurion in 2016. That’s way he responded two months later, with a century in South Africa’s first pink-ball Test with the series won and the aftertaste of ‘Mint-Gate’ still fresh in the mouth. And that’s the way he signed off from the World Cup, with a century in South Africa’s last hurrah, victory over the much-fancied Australians.Du Plessis has scored big runs when it matters and the situation he is in now, with South Africa craving a fresh start and his career on the brink of the end, it matters most of all.

Manchester United have been handed a huge Manuel Ugarte boost as the player makes a crucial decision on his Paris Saint-Germain future.

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Ugarte left out of PSG's Ligue 1 openerMan Utd & PSG remain locked in negotiationsUruguyan remains adamant about United switchWHAT HAPPENED?

As PSG prepare to kick off their Ligue 1 title defence, all eyes were on the squad selection by head coach Luis Enrique. The reigning French champions are set to face newly-promoted Le Havre at the Stade Océane, but the absence of Ugarte from the 20-man travelling squad raised eyebrows as his omission has only intensified rumours of a potential exit, with United reportedly leading the race for his signature.

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According to , the Red Devils are locked in negotiations with PSG and the deal is still "absolutely on". The 23-year-old was acquired from Sporting Lisbon for a fee of around £51 million ($66m), a similar amount to what PSG is now demanding from his suitors. However, United have so far been reluctant to meet PSG's asking price which has seen the transfer stall.

DID YOU KNOW?

Reports from within the Ugarte camp suggest that the player is eager to make the switch to Old Trafford. It is believed that Ugarte has already agreed to personal terms with the Premier League giants, and he has made it clear that he wants the move to happen "as soon as possible." And the recent omission from the matchday squad is an indication that the player could realise his dream of playing in the Premier League before the transfer window closes.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

While United have been active in the transfer market this summer, their focus has primarily been on shoring up their defence and attack. The arrivals of Lenny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have added depth to the backline, while Joshua Zirkzee has strengthened the attack However, the midfield has yet to see any significant upgrades, making the potential acquisition of Ugarte even more crucial.

Turkish outfit Galatasaray are reportedly after a "special" Liverpool player in the summer transfer window, in what could be a shock development.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds have six mammoth Premier League matches remaining this season before the Jurgen Klopp era at Anfield comes to an end. Once the new manager is brought in during the summer, he will no doubt want to bring in players who suit his style of play, so plenty of business can be expected.

One player who has been linked with a switch to Liverpool in the coming months is Bayern Munich superstar Jamal Musiala, who could be weighing up his options. Manchester City are also showing strong interest in the attacker, with a return to England far from out of the question.

Last summer, the Reds showed interest in signing Chelsea centre-back Levi Colwill, and a recent report has suggested that they could be back in for him during the summer. Young Senegal defender Mikayil Faye is another individual who has been backed to seal a move to Merseyside, with additions to the backline potentially needed if Joel Matip departs when his contract expires at the end of the campaign, as is expected.

There could be others who leave Liverpool, however, and a surprise exit claim has now emerged.

"Special" Liverpool player linked with exit

According to Turkish outlet Fotomac, Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is wanted by Galatasaray this summer, with the Super Lig giants seeing him as a strong option to bring in. He is looked at as an ideal midfield partner for Lucas Torreira.

This is a rumour that has seemingly come from nowhere, and it would be an undoubted surprise to see the 21-year-old depart so soon into his Reds career.

Stat

Total

Appearances

21

Starts

10

Goals

0

Assists

0

Tackles per game

1.0

Key passes per game

0.5

Pass completion rate

82.8%

Gravenberch only joined from Bayern last summer, and while he has struggled to impress as much as fellow new signings Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo, he has undoubted talent, with assistant manager Pep Lijnders calling him "special" and also saying of him:

"Ryan in the final third, as an eight, is the one who slides, the one who still has [an] overview, the one who has a first touch with his left or right to get out of a situation, out of proper pressure. He can keep the ball under high pressure and still find the passing option forward. He is a complete, complete eight with scoring and with attitude. It is the eight we searched for and the eight we got. We are thankful to our owners and our scouting and everyone who made it happen."

Romano confirms Liverpool interest in £100m Szoboszlai upgrade

This star could be the perfect player to lead the post-Klopp era.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 20, 2024

Granted, more is needed from Gravenberch moving forward, with the Dutchman struggling with consistency across his 21 Premier League appearances this season, but he has been compared to Jude Bellingham in the past, and he is worth persevering with, assuming the new manager wants him.

Domingo and Mominul had to face several questions about the statements made by BCB chief Nazmul Hassan earlier this week

Mohammad Isam21-Feb-2020Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo wants to act as a conduit between the players and the BCB president who openly criticised the Bangladesh players recently in the media, and gave them strict instructions to tell him everything about team affairs. Domingo and captain Mominul Haque had to field several questions about the statements made by BCB chief Nazmul Hassan, with both offering smiles and trying to deflect the matter.On Tuesday, Hassan said that the team management must inform him of their intentions and game plans, including the exact batting line-up the day before. They cannot change their plans once he is informed, he said. Hassan also said that he has no confidence in the team beating Zimbabwe in the one-off Test starting Saturday, mainly because they lost to Afghanistan in September.It elicited a strong reaction among the fans in Bangladesh, with many accusing Hassan of being too hands-on with his approach with the team. Domingo, however, defused the questions in the pre-match press conference.”Remember, I come from South Africa, a lot of trouble goes in there,” Domingo said, with laughter around the media conference room. “It is not like I am coming from England or Australia where it’s easy where you do what you want to. I come from South Africa. It is tough there as well; selection is not easy. There’s people with a lot of opinions and agendas. It is part of my job, and I have to deal with it [and] make the most of it.”The important thing for me is that I keep the players and the captains away from it. I have to be the in-between guy. It is a big role but I have done it before in South Africa. There’s a lot of trouble and challenges, so no different for me. I am cool with it.”Domingo said that he has had “passionate” discussions with Hassan, and claimed that there hasn’t been a case of anyone telling him or the captain that they have to report the team details to the president.”My dealings with president is very passionate about the team,” he said. “He wants the team to do really well. I haven’t spoken to him as yet. I have had some good practice sessions in the last week.”I haven’t been officially told about that I need to tell anyone about the team. I am not under any impression that I need to do it, as yet. I am as passionate about the team as the president. I am paid a salary to make decisions and do my work.”Domingo confirmed that they will continue with two seamers, as he felt there was a bit of movement during early morning training sessions in Mirpur in the last few days. “We will probably go with two seamers. I don’t think it benefits our team playing just one seamer. Three seamers would have been perfect if we had a guy who could bat at No 7. Until [Mohammad] Saifuddin is fit or we find the guy who can bat at No. 7 and bowl 10 or 15 overs a day first, we will probably go with two seamers.”There was a little bit of moisture in the nets around 10am this morning. There’s little bit of winter still around so the first 10 to 12 overs tomorrow could still be tricky. If we end up bowling first tomorrow, seamers have to be on the money. We need two seamers to exploit if there is anything on the wicket.”