Tag Futebol

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has urged Newcastle United to sign Benfica and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez after an admission from Eddie Howe that the player may be too expensive.

The Lowdown: Howe ‘aware’ of Fernandez

Speaking to Sky Sports, Howe admitted that he is ‘aware’ of Fernandez after impressing with winners Argentina at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but fears that the transfer fee required to sign him in the January transfer window may be ‘quite lumpy’.

He added that a player should not be signed just off the back of performances at a World Cup, after Magpies legend Alan Shearer joked that he would like to see Fernandez at St. James’ Park.

The Latest: Would be a ‘real coup’

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League shot-stopper Robinson has urged the North East club to sign Fernandez if they can, claiming that he would be a ‘real coup’:

“Everyone knows Newcastle have a lot of money to play with.

“When Newcastle come knocking, clubs will charge a premium.

“I agree with Howe about signing a player off the back of one tournament. But, Fernandez does not fall into that category. He has been brilliant over a period of time. He has been very good for Benfica by all accounts.

“He is a player they should absolutely be looking at. Imagine him alongside Bruno Guimaraes.

“Fernandez is a brilliant player at the right age. Whoever gets him will be getting one of the best young midfielders in the world. It would be a real coup for Newcastle if they can get him in.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-7/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Statement signing

Fernandez would certainly be a statement signing if the Tynesiders can get a deal done in January.

The 21-year-old was a star player at the World Cup, winning the Young Player Award, and was his country’s fourth-best performer overall, scoring one goal and supplying one assist in his seven appearances (WhoScored).

However, he is also performing at club level with Benfica, having ranked in the 99th percentile of all midfielders in Europe’s top leagues over the last year for expected goals and expected assists combined, as well as for passes attempted and progressive passes per game (FBRef).

Fernandez has been a mainstay in the team currently sitting comfortably top of the Portuguese top flight, and in the last-16 of the UEFA Champions League after qualifying from their group.

Nonetheless, a midfield partnership of him and Bruno would really excite the Toon Army.

Liverpool are undergoing a transitional season by all accounts this term, winning just six Premier League matches as Jurgen Klopp has seen injuries and a lack of consistency damage his side’s title ambitions.

The German will have been paying close attention to the World Cup, especially with transfer targets Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice starring for England.

It is the Argentinian midfielder Enzo Fernandez that Klopp should really be keeping an eye on however, as the youngster has shone for his country in Qatar and according to Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness), Liverpool are one of the clubs keeping a close eye on the player ahead of the January transfer window.

The report does state that any club wishing to sign Fernandez must pay his full €120m (£104m) release clause and this may prove to be too much for the Reds next month.

The midfielder has been an integral part of the Argentina side as they managed to brush off an opening defeat to Saudi Arabia to qualify for the last 16. The 21-year-old has played in all three matches, averaging a Sofascore rating of 7.30/10, which ranks him third in the squad.

He has proven to be an excellent attacking threat from the heart of the midfield, succeeding with 100% of his dribble attempts, scoring once, and also grabbing an assist, while making 0.7 key passes per match.

The youngster has also shown maturity beyond his years to help his side defensively, making 1.3 tackles per game while winning an impressive 71% of his total duels and he will be vital for the South American side as they aim to win the competition for the first time since 1986.

Former La Albiceleste star Pablo Zabaleta dubbed Fernandez as “one of the best players for Argentina” while speaking on BBC’s coverage and Joe Cole labelled him as “perfect for this team” on ITV following their 2-0 win over Mexico.

Fernandez’s club form this season proves his World Cup exploits are no fluke, with the player averaging a rating of 7.51/10 for his league performances while chipping in with four goal contributions and creating a further eight big chances.

He won’t remain in Portugal for long, that’s for sure, and despite a January move looking out of the question, Klopp will be keeping an eye on the midfielder ahead of next summer.

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire was unwell instead of suffering a concussion in England’s 6-2 win over Iran, according to journalist David Ornstein.

The Lowdown: Maguire substituted in win

The Three Lions made a perfect start to their 2022 World Cup campaign on Monday afternoon, cruising to victory over a limited Iran side.

Maguire performed well for England, hitting the crossbar and assisting Bukayo Saka’s goal, before being substituted with what looked like an initial concussion during the second half. Now, an update has emerged regarding the United man’s situation.

The Latest: Positive update emerges

Writing on Twitter, Ornstein claimed that Maguire had in fact left the field through illness, allaying fears that he will miss a chunk of the World Cup:

“Harry Maguire substitution in England victory over Iran resulted from him feeling unwell + was not related to concussion. Asked afterwards if defender was ok & he said ‘should be’. #ENG next face #USA on Friday night.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-news-6/” title=”Latest Man Utd news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Verdict: Should face the USA

This is good news for both England and United, with Maguire clearly given a confidence boost by being picked by Gareth Southgate, as he looks to return to form in Qatar.

In fairness to him, he has rarely let the Three Lions down in the past and this update suggests that he will be available to face the USA on Friday night.

Erik ten Hag may never see Maguire as the long-term solution for United at centre-back, but this tournament is certainly a great opportunity to prove his worth to his club manager.

Glasgow Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst may feel like his centre-backs have been hit with a curse at Ibrox this season as that area of the squad has been decimated by injuries.

Connor Goldson, John Souttar, and Filip Helander are all currently out injured and are not set to return in the Premiership until after the World Cup in Qatar.

They are projected to miss a combined 87 matches between them, with Helander having been out since April, and fellow central defender Ben Davies has also missed games with a knock this term.

This has left academy graduate Leon King as van Bronckhorst’s only natural centre-back at times, whilst John Lundstram and James Sands – who are midfielders by trade – have also been required to drop back into that role.

Helander and Sands, who is currently on loan with an option to buy, are out of contract at the end of the season and Ross Wilson could be tempted to dip into the transfer market to bring in another option in that area of the pitch.

The upcoming January transfer window, and the one next summer, provides the sporting director with a chance to add more depth to van Bronckhorst’s roster but the Dutch head coach could save him millions by unearthing a gem from the academy.

One young talent who could have the potential to make the step up in order to save Wilson from needing to splash out on a new signing is 19-year-old Lewis MacKinnon.

The teenager has played 14 matches in the Lowland League this term, whilst also featuring in six games in the UEFA Youth League, and scored three times in all competitions from centre-back.

Earlier this season, the teenager stated that he wants to be a “threat” in the opposition’s box whilst being “solid” in his own and revealed that he believes he has improved, saying:

“The Lowland League has been more of a physical test, but when we play these top European teams you’re coming across a different challenge, it’s probably more technical playing against these teams. Ultimately, it will help us improve as a player, everyone’s enjoying it.

“If you look at the boys who got a start against Queen of the South, it just shows you that the pathway is there, and you just have to keep striving each day.”

His 14 appearances in the fifth tier of Scottish football appear to have helped his development – judging by these comments – and his form for Rangers has earned him international recognition, as he has been capped three times by Northern Ireland at U19 level.

MacKinnon has plenty of time left ahead of him to grow and improve further as a player and van Bronckhorst could expose the defender to first-team football, whether that is by bringing him into training or putting him on the bench for a game, to help him to take the next step.

If the young defender can make the leap to senior football then he could prevent Wilson from needing to sign a replacement for Helander, whilst giving van Bronckhorst another talented youngster to develop.

Newcastle United return to action in the Premier League tonight as they welcome Everton to St. James’ Park in search of getting back to winning ways.

The Magpies failed to extend their run of wins to three matches in the division as they held Manchester United to a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Eddie Howe’s side had beaten Fulham and Brentford in the two games prior to that but were unable to find a way past David De Gea, although they are now five matches without a defeat in the competition.

They now come up against an Everton side sitting one point above the relegation zone. Frank Lampard’s men have only won two of their ten outings in the Premier League and Newcastle should be looking to pick up all three points against the Toffees.

One player who struggled in the draw with the Red Devils was left-back Dan Burn. The former Brighton man has been shifted out on the left and away from his more natural centre-back role and he looked out of his depth at Old Trafford.

Burn, who journalist Ciaran Kelly once dubbed a “colossus”, lost six of his seven individual duels – including all six of his ground battles – and only completed 11 passes (14 attempted) in 78 minutes on the pitch.

As per SofaScore, he failed his only attempted dribble, did not provide a single key pass, and did not complete any tackles in his time on the pitch and Howe must now unleash £15m signing Matt Targett ahead of him at left-back.

The former Aston Villa defender could be a better option than his compatriot in terms of what he can do in possession of the ball, as he has the quality to put in teasing deliveries from out wide.

Targett has created seven chances for his teammates in four Premier League starts, playing eight times in total, this season. This comes after he created five ‘big chances’ and managed 1.2 key passes per game in 33 top-flight outings in the 2021/22 campaign for Villa and Newcastle combined.

These statistics show that he could provide the likes of Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron was good service into the box from a wide area, whereas Burn failed to show any signs of doing that against United.

He has also completed 12 tackles in that time and this shows that he has the defensive awareness to be solid at the back, as he has been able to regularly dispossess opposition players.

Therefore, the £35k-per-week dynamo is not a liability defensively and he has plenty to offer as an attacking threat from left-back, which is why Howe must unleash the gem – who he once dubbed “fantastic” – against Everton.

Rangers succumbed to a third successive defeat in all competitions at home to Napoli on Wednesday evening, with Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side having endured a dismal start to their Champions League campaign.

Unlike the gruelling loss to Eredivisie giants Ajax last week – and the Old Firm dubbing before that – however, the Gers can count themselves unfortunate to have got nothing out of the game at Ibrox, having impressed against the Serie A outfit on the night.

The evening had ultimately turned following the dismissal of young James Sands just after the break, with the Italian visitors going on to net three times late on against their ten-man hosts to secure a 3-0 victory.

That scoreline could well have been even worse had it not been for the goalkeeping heroics of Allan McGregor, with the 40-year-old making a fine return to action having been recalled as a result of the injury to compatriot, Jon McLaughlin.

With the latter man having been the first choice in between the sticks so far this term, McGregor has largely been reduced to a viewing brief in the early weeks of the season, with his only other outing having come in the League Cup triumph over Queen of the South.

Despite that lack of game time, the veteran ace – who signed a new one-year deal at the club at the end of last season – showed little sign of rust to produce a typically brilliant display against Luciano Spalletti’s side.

Ever the man for the big occasion, the one-time Besiktas man notably saved Piotr Zielinski’s second-half penalty following Sands’ infringement, before again denying the Poland international just moments later as the spot-kick was forced to be re-taken.

The Gers’ keeper then almost came close to saving a third penalty of the night as Matteo Politano’s effort only just evaded his grasp, with it having been a truly “ridiculous” display from the former Scotland international, in the words of journalist Josh Bunting.

Such a performance has potentially reminded Van Bronckhorst of just what a “world-class” talent he has on his hands – as previously described by former boss Steven Gerrard – with the 42-cap gem perhaps deserving of a recall to the starting lineup on a permanent basis.

Despite his advancing years, the £360k-rated colossus doesn’t appear to be a fading force, having now racked up 452 appearances in all competitions across his two spells at Ibrox.

While teammate McLaughlin kept his place in Amsterdam last week despite a below-par performance in the loss to Celtic, it would certainly be wise to keep the 34-year-old on the bench when he does return from his recent absence, with McGregor deserving of an extended run back in the side.

It would seemingly be something of a waste to have arguably the club’s “best ever goalkeeper” watching on week after week – as described by pundit Tam McManus – with the Scottish Premiership side needing to maximise his talents in what is left of his lengthy playing career.

Tottenham Hotspur could be looking to sign Ruslan Malinovskyi…

What’s the word?

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who provided a fresh update on the Lilywhites’ transfer plans heading into the final ten days of the summer window.

“Attacking midfield is definitely a position that Tottenham are considering ahead of deadline day, so it fits with that,” he told GIVEMESPORT.

“He’s got good pedigree, has played in top European competitions, he’s a regular in Serie A, and he has a pretty good output too, in terms of goal contributions. So, I can completely believe that he is a guy they’re looking at right now.”

Indeed, reports in Italy have suggested that the north Londoners are leading the race to sign the versatile 30-year-old midfielder from Atalanta. It’s also thought that the Serie A side are looking for around £17m for his signature.

Conte’s own Mount

Malinovskyi is an intriguing target for sporting director Fabio Paratici and manager Antonio Conte, though it is easy to see why the pair might be keen.

The Ukraine international is showing no signs of letting up as he enters his thirties, having delivered ten goals and seven assists in 41 appearances for La Dea last season.

Those 17 goal contributions largely came from a no.10 or attacking midfield role but he was also deployed deeper as a no,8, as a centre forward and out on the right, so that versatility will have certainly caught Conte’s eye, on top of his obvious threat in the final third.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-paratici-conte-levy-gossip-more” title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and so much more!”]

When compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe, the veteran ranks inside the top 3% for total shots (3.46), the top 5% for expected assists (0.32) and the top 7% for shot-creating actions (4.99) per 90, via FBref.

So not only is he delivering goals but he’s a contract threat in the final third as he’s clearly capable of providing creativity from a central area and that’s exactly what Spurs are lacking right now.

The same statistical website also likens his profile to that of Chelsea star Mason Mount, who too is able to play through the middle, as well as out wide.

Mount offers slightly fewer shots (2.64), xA (0.24) and shot-creating actions (4.07) per 90 than the Atalanta star but you can see why the two may have some likeness, given both are 5 foot 11 and can practically play anywhere behind the striker.

The only difference is, Malinovskyi has a killer left foot, one that has been lauded as “stunning” and as a “cannon” by those in the press.

Therefore, it would be wise for the north Londoners to bring the Ukraine star to the club before deadline day on September 1st.

Paratici and co could well sign Conte his very own Mount-like midfielder and considering his knack for providing goals and assists, it would be a very worthwhile and value-for-money arrival at just £17m.

AND in other news, Spurs dealt transfer setback over £50m “special talent”, it’s a gutting blow for Conte…

The Premier League season kicks off this weekend, and Crystal Palace have been intelligent in their recruitment throughout the summer transfer window.

Dougie Freedman has brought in Malcolm Ebiowei, Sam Johnstone, Chris Richards and Cheick Doucoure, improving every area of their playing squad.

The latter however, could strike up a fine partnership with another player being linked with a move to Selhurst Park.

It has been reported recently that the south London club are looking to re-sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek, following a successful loan spell at the club during the 2017/18 season.

With Premier League giants Chelsea open to allowing the Englishman to go out on loan again, perhaps he could recapture the form that saw him catapulted into the national team setup during his first stint with Palace.

The £150k-per-week wizard played a sparing role for the Blues last season, featuring just 24 times in the league. Although he did not score, he still earned praise for his performances from his manager Thomas Tuchel.

After Loftus-Cheek’s wonderful FA Cup semi-final performance against the Eagles, the German had the following to say:

“He was very, very strong in matches against Southampton and Real Madrid. He would have deserved to start but we expected a back four. We knew Ruben would have a big impact off the bench. I am very happy.

“He hid his talent and potential for a long time in his career. He is capable of producing performances that everyone sees on the pitch. For him it is step by step that he continues to grow in his confidence.”

To sit him beside Doucoure in Palace’s midfield could be a Patrick Vieira masterstroke, combining skill and flair with intelligence and hard work.

Last season Loftus-Cheek ranked in the top 1% for progressive carries and dribbles completed, outlining him as a creative presence that would help progress Palace up the field. At times he has been labelled “unplayable”.

Combined with Doucoure, who averaged 2.63 tackles, 2.26 interceptions, and ranked in the top 7% for progressive passes per 90, it seems that this midfield pairing could have everything to dominate in the Premier League.

Vieira should swoop to secure a romantic return for the midfielder, a form a scary partnership in the engine room to help propel them up the table.

Newcastle United hold a ‘significant interest’ in Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes and are weighing up a bid for the player, according to journalist Hannah Perkins.

The Lowdown: Newcastle linked with many wingers

The Magpies have been linked with numerous wingers this summer as Eddie Howe looks to bolster his options in the final third.

Bayer Leverkusen ace Moussa Diaby has been regularly touted with a move to St James’ Park, but a £60m price tag has proven prohibitive for the Tyneside club.

Anthony Gordon of Everton and Jack Harrison of Leeds have also been namedropped as transfer targets for Newcastle, but like Diaby, the Magpies’ valuations of the players fall significantly below the Premier League clubs’ respective asking prices.

The Latest: Interest in Barnes

Perkins has revealed the Magpies’ latest attacking target, adding to the ever-growing list of potential additions for Howe this summer.

Taking to Twitter, the journalist claimed: “I’m told #Newcastle hold a significant interest in #Leicester’s Harvey Barnes.

“#LCFC have set a £50m asking price for the winger who’s under contract until 2025. #NUFC are weighing up placing a formal bid. I understand Eddie Howe is a ‘huge admirer’ of the 24-year-old.”

The Verdict: Great signing

With 32 goals and 29 assists in 145 appearances for the Foxes, it is no surprise to hear of the Magpies’ apparent interest in Barnes.

As per FBRef, when compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the 24-year-old ranks in the 97th percentile for assists, the 91st percentile for progressive carries and the 88th percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area.

Dubbed an ‘unbelievable player’ by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, Barnes’ arrival at St James’ Park would provide Newcastle with an alternative attacking threat which would allow Howe to rotate and change tactics during games.

Therefore, if the club can negotiate down the reported £50m fee and execute a transfer, this could be a great prospective signing for the Magpies

Leeds United’s move for Red Bull Salzburg midfielder is reportedly ‘imminent’ after a breakthrough in talks over the weekend.

The Lowdown: Adams and Sinisterra

Victor Orta doesn’t appear to be hanging around this week, looking to bring in more players ahead of Leeds’ pre-season trip to Australia on Sunday.

Reports have suggested that RB Leipzig midfielder Tyler Adams and Feyenoord winger Luis Sinisterra are close to making the move to Elland Road.

They look set to replace Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha respectively, and it looks as if another midfielder could soon be on his way to Leeds in Camara.

The Latest: Austrian outlet shares big update

Austrian outlet Kronen Zeitung provided a major update on Camara and Leeds on Sunday evening. They claimed that there was a breakthrough in talks over the weekend, with the 22-year-old agreeing a move to Elland Road.

The Whites may need to pay Salzburg a total of €35m (£30.1m) including bonuses in a deal which would be a record sale for the Austrian champions.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-46/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Quiet elsewhere…

The news from Austria makes it sound like a deal is all but wrapped up, although it has been extremely quiet elsewhere from the likes of Phil Hay and Fabrizio Romano, reporters who have been on the ball across the summer when it comes to movement in Yorkshire.

The pair have both covered the interest in Adams and Sinisterra, so it will be interesting to see over the coming days if anything materialises with Camara.

There appears to have been a breakthrough in talks for the Mali international, so it could be one to watch, and who knows, perhaps both Adams and Camara will arrive to bolster Jesse Marsch’s midfield options.