Manchester United officials are reportedly “extremely disappointed” that the club cashed in on Mason Greenwood when he could soon be worth £100m.
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With Manchester United's mixed 2023/24 campaign ending on a surprise high, attention will swiftly turn toward the summer transfer window, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS needing to oversee a mass squad overhaul to help improve the club's fortunes.
Amid recent speculation that the Red Devils could have a limited budget to work with this summer – the Daily Mail reporting that they have little over £35m in cash – player sales will seemingly be a necessity to help fund new arrivals.
The likes of Jadon Sancho and Casemiro are among the most high-profile figures who could be sold on for a notable fee this summer, with there also likely a desire to shift the pair off the wage bill, the duo raking in £195k-per-week and £350k-per-week, respectively.
|
Man Utd's top earners |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
% of the wage bill |
|
Casemiro |
9.16% |
|
Raphael Varane |
8.90% |
|
Marcus Rashford |
7.85% |
|
Anthony Martial |
6.54% |
|
Mason Mount |
6.54% |
|
Bruno Fernandes |
6.28% |
|
Antony |
5.23% |
|
Jadon Sancho |
5.10% |
|
Harry Maguire |
4.97% |
|
Figures via Capology |
|
Those two stars are not the only United assets who are rather stealing a living at Old Trafford at present, with forgotten man Brandon Williams also needing to be shown the door by Ratcliffe and co.
The academy graduate has endured a difficult last few years since initially breaking into the first-team set-up under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, having made 36 appearances in all competitions during a standout 2019/20 campaign.
That extended run in the side in the absence of an injured Luke Shaw saw the promising left-back even enjoy the notable high point of scoring what remains his solitary goal for the club – in 51 outings – lashing home in a thrilling 3-3 draw with Sheffield United.
Such was his rise at the time that the local lad even started in the Europa League semi-final defeat to Sevilla, before subsequently signing a new long-term deal later that year as recognition for his rapid progress.
The versatile asset – who can also slot in at right-back – has never got close to such highs again, however, making just 14 appearances across all fronts in the following season, before joining Norwich City on loan in 2021/22.
Hampered by injury in 2022/23, Williams was restricted to just a solitary substitute appearance under Erik ten Hag, before again being shipped out on a temporary basis to Norwich's rivals, Ipswich Town.
Despite a reunion with ex-United assistant Kieran McKenna – and a campaign that has seen the Tractor Boys secure a remarkable return to the Premier League – it has not been a happy stint for the 23-year-old, failing to feature at all in 2024, while also being blighted by off-field issues.
With those two respective loan moves seemingly falling flat for the former England U21 international – having also been relegated during his year at Norwich – it now looks like his time is up back at United, amid his expiring contract.
The full-back's existing deal is set to run out at the end of next month, with Football Insider recently suggesting that Williams has now been told to find a new club by United, with little hope of being offered an extension.
Despite a possible temptation to hand the 6 foot dud a new deal in order to protect his value, the Red Devils must remain ruthless and send him packing on a free this summer, in order to get his rather hefty £65k-per-week salary off the wage bill.
Considering he has played just once during Ten Hag's time in charge, that figure is simply remarkable, as is the fact that he reportedly earns more than two current standout figures in Alejandro Garnacho (£50k-per-week) and Scott McTominay (£60k-per-week), according to Capology.
Unlike the exiled Williams, Garnacho has solidified a place for himself in the senior ranks since stepping up from the academy, with the Argentine providing 14 goal involvements in all competitions this season, while McTominay has become one of Ten Hag's key lieutenants, after netting ten goals this term.
To think Williams was ever offered such a bumper contract is frankly bizarre, with it best for all parties that a clean break occurs ahead of next season.
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Newcastle United’s efforts in the transfer window over the last couple of years have been very successful, signing multiple key players that have transformed them from relegation contenders to European hopefuls.
Last summer, the Magpies invested in youth, keeping one eye on the future with the arrivals of full-backs Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento from Chelsea and Southampton, respectively.
However, Eddie Howe’s side have also targeted key players from all over Europe in the hope they could transform his side – an ambition that has certainly been fulfilled following the Champions League campaign they enjoyed this season.
£60m signing Alexander Isak has been a huge part of the club’s recent success, scoring 35 times in his 67 games for the Magpies – an average of one goal every 1.9 matches.
Despite the Swede’s form on Tyneside, the club are looking to sign another player who could potentially push one of Isak’s teammates to a new level, building on his excellent individual season during 2023/24.
According to TuttoJuve, Newcastle are one of a number of Premier League sides interested in signing American central midfielder Weston McKennie this summer.
The 25-year-old, who previously had a spell on loan at Leeds United in the Premier League, has featured in 34 Serie A matches this season, but could still be set for an exit from Italian giants Juventus.
Aston Villa and Everton are also said to be interested in McKennie, whose contract is set to expire next summer, with this window potentially the last opportunity for Juve to receive a fee for him should he decide against a new deal in Italy.
The report states that they are looking for a fee in the region of £21m to part ways with the USA international – a fee that could be a bargain for Howe’s side when delving into the impact he’s had in Serie A this campaign.
Every Magpie supporter will know how impressive Bruno Guimaraes has been for the club since his £40m move from Lyon back in January 2022.
The 2023/24 campaign was arguably the Brazilian’s best season at St James’ Park, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists in his 37 outings – demonstrating his quality in attacking areas.
He’s often been utilised as a box-to-box player alongside fellow countryman Joelinton, but should McKennie arrive at St James’, it could allow Guimaraes to play in a more advanced role – which would massively suit his game when looking at the duo’s stats from this season.
The former Lyon talent has averaged 1.9 passes into the penalty area, alongside 0.7 through balls per 90, with Guimaraes ranking within the top 10% of all midfielders in Europe in both categories.
He’s also averaged 7.8 progressive passes to his teammates, with the Brazilian having the potential to dramatically increase his assist and goal tally should he feature further forward.
Howe could be able to push the 26-year-old into a more advanced role, if they agree a deal for McKennie, with his defensive stats making him a great ball-winning player.
The “incredibly underrated” talent, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has averaged 1.7 tackles, one block and 1.3 aerials won per 90 this campaign, with his tally of 2.2 progressive carries also evidence that he can perform in transition after regaining possession.
He's also managed to provide seven assists in Serie A this season – with the American potentially able to add goals as well as defensive stability in Howe's midfield.
|
How McKennie compares to Newcastle players for assists (23/24) |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Tally |
|
Kieran Trippier |
10 |
|
Anthony Gordon |
10 |
|
Bruno Guimaraes |
8 |
|
Jacob Murphy |
7 |
|
Weston McKennie |
7 |
|
Harvey Barnes |
3 |
|
Stats via FotMob |
|
All things considered, McKennie would be an excellent addition to the Magpies squad, one that would allow the supporters to see Guimaraes transform his game further and reach the next level in a Newcastle shirt.
Newcastle can repeat Guimaraes masterclass by signing £60m "top talent"
The Magpies pulled off excellent business by signing the Brazilian, they could replicate it this summer.
By
Ethan Lamb
May 29, 2024
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The European Championships may be in full swing, but Edu Gaspar and the Arsenal recruitment team have no time to rest with the transfer window now officially open.
The Gunners have become shrewd operators in the market over recent years, with Mikel Arteta welcoming stars such as Martin Odegaard, Decland Rice and Kai Havertz into the side and, based on recent reports, he could soon welcome one of the young stars from the Euros into his side.
The latest player touted for a move to the Emirates looks set to have a fantastic competition over the coming weeks and has even won favourable comparisons to a previous Gunners star, Mesut Ozil.
According to a recent report from French publication L'Equipe, Arsenal are one of several clubs keen on Paris Saint-Germain's Xavi Simons.
Alongside the Gunners, the report revealed that Manchester United, Manchester City and Bayern Munich have already made contact with the Parisian outfit and expressed their interest in the Dutch star.
Reports from Spain last month suggested that the French side would be willing to sell the former PSV ace for around €60m – around £51m – and while that's not cheap, it could prove value for money in the long run.
It won't be an easy deal to complete, but after his performances over the last two seasons, Arsenal should be doing all they can to bring Simons to N5, especially with comparisons to Ozil.
So, let's start with the similarities to one of Arsenal's last great playmakers, Ozil. The comparison stems from Squawka, who earlier this month described Simons as 'the next Mesut Ozil' when previewing the swathe of promising youngsters at this year's Euros.
The main reasons for this are his impressive passing numbers and ability to create chances for his teammates.
For example, his tally of 11 league assists was the joint-second-best haul in the Bundesliga last season, and FBref, which compares players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, places the youngster in the top 1% of midfielders for assists, expected assists, non-penalty expected goals and assists, shot-creating actions and progressive carries.
Moreover, like the former Gunners star, the 21-year-old looks set to play a pivotal creative role at the heart of a major European national team for years with the Netherlands.
Whether the PSG prospect, whom data analyst Ben Mattinson claimed is "destined For greatness", can go on to have a career as impressive as the German in red and white remains to be seen, but as things stand, he holds up well against several of the club's star players.
|
Simons vs Odegaard vs Saka vs Trossard |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Stats |
Simons |
Odegaard |
Saka |
Trossard |
|
Appearances |
32 |
35 |
35 |
34 |
|
Goals |
8 |
8 |
16 |
12 |
|
Assists |
11 |
10 |
9 |
1 |
|
Goal Involvements per Match |
0.59 |
0.51 |
0.71 |
0.38 |
|
Progressive Passes per 90 |
6.34 |
10.0 |
3.89 |
4.15 |
|
Progressive Carries per 90 |
5.12 |
2.65 |
4.78 |
3.61 |
|
Shot-Creating Actions per 90 |
5.97 |
6.41 |
5.80 |
3.55 |
|
Goal-Creating Actions per 90 |
0.75 |
0.67 |
0.65 |
0.33 |
|
All Stats via FBref for the 23/24 League Season |
||||
For example, he averaged more goal involvements per league game than Martin Odegaard last season, more progressive passes and carries than Bukayo Saka per 90 and produced significantly more shot and goal-creating actions than Leandro Trossard per 90.
Ultimately, whether Simons can reach the levels of a peak Ozil in North London will be up for debate until it actually happens, but what is not up for debate is the Dutchman's quality.
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Therefore, Edu and Co should do all they can to bring the PSG gem to Arsenal as soon as possible, as an impressive showing at the Euros could make signing him even more difficult.
Tottenham Hotspur endured a Premier League season full of ups and downs under the guidance of new boss Ange Postecoglou last season, but all things considered, qualifying for the Europa League has to be seen as a success.
That said, there's no rest for the wicked, as the club now have a few months to bring in some real quality to help the side make the jump up to the Champions League places, especially as vice-captain Cristian Romero has been linked to European giants Real Madrid in recent days.
Luckily, Daniel Levy and Co have been at work, as the latest player touted for a move to N17 may be the perfect replacement, and he's been compared to six-time Premier League winner John Stones.
According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Tottenham Hotspur are incredibly interested in Bologna's star defender, Riccardo Calafiori, and have already held initial talks over a potential transfer.
Alongside the Lilywhites, the report has revealed that Chelsea, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Napoli, Juventus and Newcastle United are also interested in the 22-year-old and that the latter has also held initial talks over a potential move.
An offer of around €35m, about £30m, should secure the defender's signature. However, the player would reportedly prefer a move to the Old Lady if he were to leave this summer to join up with his former boss, Thiago Motta.
It might prove to be a complicated deal to get over the line, but with Romero potentially leaving the club this summer, this isn't a player that Spurs can afford to miss out on – the comparisons to Stones are just a nice bonus.
Before looking at how the Italian stacks up against Romero, let's first take a look at the comparison to Stones, which has primarily stemmed from data analyst Ben Mattinson.
His main argument stems from the Italian's ability and willingness to step "into midfield to control games." This trait that Mattinson is talking about can be seen in his Serie A heatmap, which demonstrates that while he does most of his work where you would expect, he still takes a significant number of touches in the opposition's half.
Not only is this similar to the City ace's, but it would also serve him well if he joined Spurs, as Postecoglou has become famous for playing a particularly high defensive line, which should suit the "quality front-footed defender", as Mattinson dubbed him, down to the ground.
With that said, how does the Rome-born "monster", as dubbed by Mattinson, compare to the player he could be replacing at the heart of the North Londoners' defence? Well, the good news is that while he comes out second best in some areas, as you'd expect, he does emerge victorious in others, suggesting that he could well be an ideal replacement.
For example, while the Argentine produces a better non-penalty expected goal and assists figure, plays more progressive passes, has better-passing accuracy and makes more tackles, the Italian completes more progressive carries and successful take-ons, receives more progressive passes, produces more shot and goal-creating actions, blocks more passes and makes more interceptions, wins a higher percentage of aerial duels and recovers more balls, all per 90.
|
Calafiori vs Romero |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Stats per 90 |
Calafiori |
Romero |
|
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists |
0.10 |
0.13 |
|
Progressive Carries |
1.08 |
1.03 |
|
Progressive Passes |
3.69 |
5.77 |
|
Progressive Passes Received |
0.88 |
0.26 |
|
Passing Accuracy |
89.6% |
91.7% |
|
Shot-Creating Actions |
1.77 |
1.13 |
|
Goal-Creating Actions |
0.31 |
0.06 |
|
Tackles |
1.81 |
2.13 |
|
Interceptions |
1.94 |
1.42 |
|
Shots Blocked |
0.50 |
0.71 |
|
Passes Blocked |
0.96 |
0.77 |
|
Successful Take-Ons |
0.50 |
0.16 |
|
Ball Recoveries |
7.46 |
6.10 |
|
Aerial Duels Win Percentage |
71.4% |
69.0% |
|
All Stats via FBref for the 23/24 League Season |
||
Ultimately, even if Spurs can keep hold of Romero this summer, bringing in a player of Calafiori's quality would be a fantastic move and one that may help the club push back up into the top four and beyond.
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Celtic look set to be active in the market during the summer transfer window, which officially opened earlier this month, as they look to improve their playing squad.
A goalkeeper, after Joe Hart retired at the end of last month, is on the agenda and the Hoops were recently linked with an interest in Bournemouth stopper Mark Travers.
The Scottish giants also appear to be eyeing up a new left-back as Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney has been touted for a return to Parkhead.
Brendan Rodgers is seemingly looking to provide current first-choice Greg Taylor with competition for his place, which could help him to improve his own game by working harder to keep his slot in the XI.
The Scotland international has been a solid performer over the years and his soaring value since arriving at Parkhead shows that the club hit the jackpot when they signed him in 2019.
When Celtic swooped to sign the full-back from Scottish Premiership rivals Kilmarnock in the summer of 2019, Transfermarkt valued him at just €1.25m (£1.05m).
The young defender had come up through the ranks with Killie and produced ten assists in 131 appearances for them in all competitions before his move to Parkhead.
He had just made his debut for Scotland in June, before joining the Hoops in September, and this shows that the Bhoys were bringing in a promising talent who was on his way up.
The signing has proven to be a big success as he has established himself as a regular for the Premiership champions and his market value has soared over the years.
At the time of writing (25/06/24), Transfermarkt values Taylor at €7.5m (£6.3m) and that is a significant increase on the €1.25m he was valued at in 2019.
This means that his market valuation has soared a staggering 500% in his five years in Glasgow, and he still has room to improve and develop further at the age of 26.
Back in 2022, Taylor claimed that he had improved "insane amounts" throughout his spell at Paradise, which is backed up by his skyrocketing value.
The Celtic dynamo has racked up eight goals and 25 assists in 173 matches for the club in all competitions in that time, making at least 30 league appearances in each of the last two seasons.
|
23/24 Premiership |
Greg Taylor |
|---|---|
|
Starts |
35 |
|
Goals |
3 |
|
Assists |
4 |
|
Big chances created |
11 |
|
Ground duel success rate |
57% |
|
Stats via Sofascore |
|
As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old star showcased his attacking quality in the Premiership whilst remaining dominant in duels on the deck against opposition attackers.
Only Luis Palma (14) and Matt O'Riley (14) created more 'big chances' for Celtic in the division, which illustrates how impressive the left-back's creativity was last term.
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Overall, the Scottish giants hit the jackpot when they signed the young defender from Kilmarnock in 2019 as they landed a creative left-back whose value has soared over the years, making him a valuable asset for Rodgers in the present day.
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