All posts by h716a5.icu

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe could put five current Toon players up for sale during the upcoming January transfer window. 

The Lowdown: Newcastle’s transfer record

The Magpies have shown during their previous transfer windows just how capable they are of bringing top quality players to the club, but have mostly kept their spending shrewd even with the new riches.

Now that the next January transfer window is on the horizon, Newcastle supporters will of course be hoping for more excitement, but Financial Fair Play regulations still loom large.

And it now appears that the club could be looking to move some of their current players out the door once the window opens, perhaps with FFP in mind.

The Latest: Five players could be up for sale

According to a recent report from 90 Min, Chris Wood, Jamaal Lascelles, Ryan Fraser, Matt Ritchie and Jamal Lewis could all be made available in January to try and raise funds for potential incoming deals during the winter window.

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

The report also adds that Newcastle’s summer spending could make funds in January limited, which is why these sales are on the cards.

The Verdict: Surplus to requirements

Bearing in mind how the five Newcastle players mentioned in the report have only started seven league games combined this season, it’s easy to see why they could be put up for sale in January, especially if Howe sees no long-term future for them.

In fact, Ritchie and Lewis have only played eight minutes of league action between them this term, which highlights just how far down the pecking order they are.

Also, with the five mentioned players being listed among Newcastle’s eight lowest rated players this season according to WhoScored, this really feels like a no brainer if some decent bids arrive.

Real Madrid have spent €72m on a player who will join the club in 2024 and who has only played seven senior football matches.

In most cases, this would be ridiculous. But when that player is a Brazilian prodigy, it starts to make sense.

Endrick, who turned 16 in July, has been likened to Brazilian legends Ronaldo Nazário and Romário due to his prolific goalscoring, difficulty to tackle and enormous potential.

After Neymar’s hugely successful transfer from Santos to Barcelona, Real Madrid have been alert to not miss out on the best young talents in Brazil. They spent at least €120m between the 2018 and 2019 summer transfer windows on Brazilian wonderkids Vinicius Junior, Reinier and Rodrygo, signing them as soon as they were eligible to join after turning 18.

Vinicius Junior has been a massive success, cementing his position on the left wing for club and country, whilst Rodrygo has steadily improved and already has four goals and four assists in 12 La Liga appearances this season. Reinier is the odd one out as he has struggled to make any impression yet, however, he is still only 20-years-old, so time is still on his side.

Whilst Endrick’s senior career is still in its infancy, his value comes from his performances in Palmeiras’ youth squads, which have garnered him global attention. He scored 167 goals in 170 games since joining Palmeiras at 11 years old and won player of the tournament at the prestigious under-20s Copinha 2022 for Palmeiras last January – he was 15-years-old.

Most Brazilian wonderkids have great technical ability but it’s their physical attributes that hold them back after a few years when they make moves to European giants. For example, Vinicius Junior only became a superstar last season due to having to adjust to the increased physicality of the European game.

Despite being quite short for a striker at 5’8, in the Copinha 2022 he was able to hold off defenders with his strength whilst dribbling, drawing comparisons to Ronaldo Nazário. And Endrick’s two-footedness and dominance at youth level has drawn comparisons with Neymar.

Endrick appears to have a hunger for goals and a desire for success that is similar to his idol Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Scoring a goal is a sensational feeling, it is unique in football,” he recently said.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is my idol, and he is decisive in front of goal. I have to follow his lead. Before the games I envision Ronaldo (Nazário) and Cristiano. I try to follow their lead. When the game is very difficult, like a tough 1-1, I ask the guys to pass the ball to me, because I have this spirit of wanting to score goals. I will always want more.”

The coordinator of Palmeiras’ academy supports the idea that Endrick is unstoppable, saying: “He is like a force of nature.

“He always brings something. As water goes downhill, or fire goes uphill, there’s no way to hold him back.”

When Vinicius Junior joined Real Madrid, he was significantly less hyped, and he has become one of the best wingers in the world.

If Endrick fulfils his potential, he could be one of the best of all time. He is following in the footsteps of his idols and could become Real Madrid’s next Galactico.

Arsenal are in need of reinforcements in the January transfer window if they are to maintain their impressive form in the Premier League.

That is largely owing to the fact that there is a lack of substantial depth in Mikel Arteta’s playing squad, an issue that has been accentuated following the recent injury blow to Gabriel Jesus.

When the league returns to action on Boxing Day, the Gunners will kickstart the second half of the campaign as the leaders but are instantly tasked with some tricky ties, starting with West Ham United before Newcastle United, arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, who are all vying for a place in Europe.

They’ll have to do so without their £45m summer signing, who picked up a serious knee issue during the World Cup that has since required surgery. Some reports suggest that he’ll be out for around three months, leaving Eddie Nketiah as the only senior striking option at the Spaniard’s disposal.

The forward role isn’t the only place on the pitch that Arteta needs more depth as similar setbacks to players like Granit Xhaka, Ben White or Bukayo Saka would leave him shortchanged in what could be a historic season.

Of course, the club will try to bolster his squad and several names have frequently been linked, most notably – perhaps – has been Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk.

A versatile left-winger, the Ukraine sensation is certainly a player that Arsenal need to sign but he isn’t the only coveted star that they must win the race for as Mohammed Kudus – another mooted target – could provide the manager with everything he needs for a title push in early 2023.

The Ghana sensation was one of the stars of the World Cup group stages and his performances – which drew a 7.70 average rating from Sofascore – saw him outperform players like runner-up and final hat-trick hero Kylian Mbappe (7.61), as well as the aforementioned Saka (7.6) and Cody Gakpo (7.42).

Kudus shone with two goals from his three outings, despite facing tough opposition in Uruguay, South Korea and one of the pre-tournament favourites in Portugal.

He also showed his defensive awareness with an average of 1.7 tackles and 1.3 possession won per game, also via Sofascore, and did so whilst playing in a variety of different roles but largely upfront or out wide.

The 22-year-old’s exploits in Qatar drew some serious praise from the media, including a particularly glowing endorsement from journalist Rahman Osman, who claimed: “Ajax will struggle to hold on to Kudus after the World and Everton will be kicking themselves for not going all out for him. Some player, alongside Bellingham and Musiala the stars of the World Cup.”

Also previously lauded as a “special talent” and a “monster”, the Ajax gem won’t be too expensive with a reported asking price of around £30m – nearly £60m less than what Shakhtar want for Mudryk – thus making him an absolutely ideal candidate for Arsenal.

Not only could he be cover for Jesus whilst he faces a lengthy spell on the treatment table but he could also play on the winger and deeper in the engine room.

His reasonable price tag, versatility and Arteta’s desperate need for additions must surely put Kudus high on the priority list heading into the new year and as such, sporting director Edu Gaspar can make a serious statement to the rest of the English top-flight by winning the race for the Ghana gem.

AND in other news, Arteta could clinch his own Bellingham with Arsenal swoop for “magic” £66m maestro…

Manchester United midfielder Fred is reportedly a transfer target for Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain. 

The Lowdown: Fred’s season so far

So far this season, the Brazil midfielder has made 17 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions but has only started seven times, scoring one goal in the process.

United recently triggered a one-year option to extend the £120k-per-week midfielder’s contract at Old Trafford to the end of the 2023/24 season.

Despite that, one of the big hitters in the Champions League have set their sights on signing the 29-year-old, who recently returned from Qatar having made four appearances for his country in the World Cup.

The Latest: PSG eyeing move for Fred

According to a recent report from The Sun, the French giants have been long-term admirers of the midfielder and are looking to secure a ‘shock’ move for him.

The report adds that, while the Red Devils would only consider selling the Brazilian for a minimum of £30m, Erik ten Hag is apparently a big fan of Fred and has been impressed by his attitude on and off the pitch at Old Trafford.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-news-8/” title=”Latest Man Utd news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”] 

The Verdict: A decision for the summer

Even though he has only started a handful of games this season, Fred has still shown how useful a player he is for United, for whom he now has 174 appearances to his name.

From an attacking point of view, the 29-year-old has the highest rate of shot-creating actions per game (4.52) at the club, along with the third-highest rate of shots at goal per 90 minutes (3.17).

However, his overall performances have only earned him a rather disappointing season rating of 6.38/10 from WhoScored, making him one of the lowest-rated players in the squad.

With that in mind, we feel that unless he improves and forces his way into the team consistently in the second half of the season, United should consider cashing in on Fred once next summer’s transfer window comes around, assuming there are still suitors for him at that point.

Leeds United are believed to have made contact regarding the signing of Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres, albeit with the Elland Road outfit set to face competition in the race for his signature.

What’s the word?

According to 90min, the Whites are one of ‘several’ Premier League clubs to have made an enquiry about the 24-year-old marksman, with Brentford, Crystal Palace, Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers also named as potential suitors.

The report suggests that it would take an offer of around £16m were the Championship outfit to sanction a sale, with the Sweden international having signed for the Sky Blues on a permanent deal back in July 2021, following an initial loan switch.

Prior to that, the 6 foot 2 brute – who has 18 months left on his existing contract – had been on the books at top-flight outfit, Brighton and Hove Albion, albeit without ever making a league appearance for the Seagulls.

Bye-Bye Bamford

As the report above outlined, the Yorkshire side have a ‘clear need’ for a reliable centre-forward presence, with the club having no doubt been held back over the last year or so as a result of the persistent injury woes of Patrick Bamford.

The 29-year-old had initially been a leading figure for Leeds following his £10m arrival in 2018, having notably fired the club back to the top tier with 16 goals during the 2019/20 campaign, before bagging 17 goals the year after in the Premier League.

Since then, however, the Englishman has been somewhat anonymous as a result of his regular spells on the treatment table, scoring just twice in nine league outings last term, while he has since failed to score in ten league appearances this time around.

As such, pundit Gabby Agbonlahor only recently suggested that Jesse Marsch and co should “cut ties” with the £35k-per-week man at the end of the season, with the club arguably in need of a younger and less injury-prone asset to lead the line.

Turning to the aforementioned Gyokerers could well help to hasten Bamford’s exit, with the 11-cap machine having been a truly standout presence in the second tier in the current campaign, leading the scoring charts in the division with 12 goals from his 23 appearances.

The former Swansea City loanee had scored 17 goals in the Championship last term having begun to showcase his undoubted potential on a consistent basis, with such form having seen him praised by manager Mark Robins, who stated:

“He’s not the finished article by any stretch of the imagination but he has some unbelievable ability – power, technique. He has got everything in his locker and that desire and hunger to score goals, and he’s also got a really angry side as well, which he has got to calm a little bit because if it’s not going his way he can get angry with himself and you see it from time to time.”

Not just a mere goalscorer, however, as Robins alluded to the Swede has plenty of strings to his bow, offering an added bonus with his ability to drive forward with the ball at his feet, as he ranks in the top 5% among those in his position in the ‘Men’s next eight competitions’ for dribbles completed.

As such, it is no real surprise that Gyokeres is attracting the attention of an array of top-flight clubs, with it looking as if he could well prove to be the answer to Leeds’ Bamford problem.

Sunderland are not targeting Jerry Yates in January, according to journalist Phil Smith.

The Lowdown: Sunderland wanting a striker

Prior to Sunderland losing former loanee Ellis Simms, who was recently recalled by his parent club, it appeared that they needed a new striker due to Ross Stewart’s injury woes this season. Now Simms has left, that need will have likely increased.

The Black Cats are currently sitting just one point off the play-offs and will be hoping to kick on in the second half of the season, but some pressure perhaps has to be taken off Stewart’s shoulders.

As things stand, Sunderland have just one striker on their books, but someone who seemingly won’t be joining despite recent links is Blackpool’s Yates, who has got nine goals this season.

The Latest: Yates not on the radar

Smith has revealed on The Roar podcast that despite recent transfer links, he’s not heard anything about Sunderland exploring the signing of Yates.

He said: “In January, things can change incredibly quickly, so you would never be definitive about any player. My understanding is that Yates certainly isn’t one who’s been on the radar up until this point.

“I think if you look at Yates, he’s a very good Championship striker, no doubt about that – he’s also 26 and I think he would cost a fairly large amount of money to sign him from Blackpool.

“So he doesn’t really fit what Sunderland have been trying to do over the last few windows and want to do moving forward.”

The Verdict: Sunderland going in a different direction

Smith is right to acknowledge Yates is a top-level Championship striker, as he currently sits as the league’s fifth-highest goalscorer this campaign, but with Stewart already the definitive first choice at the Stadium of Light, it’s unlikely Yates would settle for playing second fiddle.

This, along with the fact Sunderland and Tony Mowbray are seemingly looking to build a young and energetic side with players such as Amad Diallo, Aji Alese and Dan Neil featuring prominently, so a young striker would look to be a more likely move.

It would make a lot of sense for Sunderland to dip back into the loan market this month to replace Simms, not least as he was only a Black Cats player on a temporary basis. This would save money for the summer and also allow Mowbray to continue his great work developing young stars.

Newcastle United are now showing an interest in the Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda amid this month’s winter transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to Sky Sports News reporter Dharmesh Sheth, the Toon are now looking to the La Liga defender, who has “inexhaustible energy”, as a potential option to strengthen their backline this month:

“Newcastle are interested in signing Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda,” said Sheth.

Adding a young player like Fresneda could provide Newcastle with a young option to grow and develop under the wing of Trippier who may also be able to help settle the youngster to England having previously spent time in Spain himself.

The youngster has only played a handful of games in La Liga but has already come up against some of the league’s finest and was recently hailed for his display against Real Madrid which saw him keep Vinicius Jr quiet.

Strength in depth

Currently, Eddie Howe has Kieran Trippier as his starting right-back at Newcastle and despite only being at the Tyneside club for one year, the England international has already earned the captain’s armband.

Trippier’s arrival at Newcastle has provided Howe with a highly dependable option in defence and has played a big part in Newcastle’s solid backline this season having started every league game this season.

Newcastle have made a sensational start to the 2022/23 campaign and have established themselves as the Premier League’s sturdiest defence with just 11 goals being conceded by Nick Pope – which is perhaps even more impressive when considering they have now kept 10 clean sheets.

However, Trippier did arrive on Tyneside with injury issues from his time in Spain with Atletico Madrid and prior to that with Tottenham Hotspur.

And he has already suffered a serious injury at Newcastle having fractured a metatarsal last season which saw the 32-year-old miss 13 games just weeks after signing for the Toon.

Fortunately for Howe, Trippier has remained injury-free this season, but he has now played every league game this season which could potentially leave him susceptible to potential issues down the line.

And – when fit – lying in wait on the bench is Emil Krafth, a player who in 20 league appearances last season was only able to return one assist which is one goal and three assists fewer than Trippier has managed this season.

But the Swede is currently out with a long-term knee injury leaving Howe’s options severely limited with Javier Manquillo now the backup right-back on the bench.

Tottenham Hotspur may have an advantage in the race to sign Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: Tottenham targeting Fresneda

Spurs’ interest in the 18-year-old came to light last week, with scouts said to have watched him play for Valladolid, but there is plenty of other Premier League interest as well.

A report from 90min claimed that Newcastle United have held talks over a potential deal, while Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are also considering approaches, along with the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

The Latest: Advantage Spurs?

As per a report from London World, Newcastle are currently thought to be at the very front of the queue for the Spaniard’s signature, but one potential advantage for Spurs is also referenced.

Given that Fresneda and Emerson Royal are both represented by the same agents, the report suggests that the pre-existing relationship between Tottenham chiefs and the player’s representatives may mean that they have the edge over the Magpies in negotiations.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-updates-2/” title=”Tottenham latest updates!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/cropped-tottenham-fans.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Get it done?

It is as yet unclear whether the previous dealings between the two parties will have any impact on a deal being struck, but if Spurs should definitely use it to their advantage if they can, as they would be getting a very talented young player in Fresneda.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has recently hailed the 18-year-old as ‘superb’, adding that he is ‘one of the most talented teenage right-backs in Europe’. He could therefore be a great long-term option for Antonio Conte, who is now said to be unhappy with his current options in that area.

With it being detailed that Valladolid would be willing to do business for around €20m (£17.7m), the teenager would be less than half the reported price of fellow transfer target Pedro Porro and has proven himself as a solid defender.

He averages 3.47 tackles per 90 over the past year, placing in the 99th percentile compared to other full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues.

Manchester United are reportedly showing interest in making a summer move for West Ham United captain Declan Rice, albeit with the Red Devils set to face competition for the Englishman’s signature.

What’s the word?

According to The Guardian, the Old Trafford outfit are set to take a ‘close interest’ in the 24-year-old’s situation at the end of the season, with the midfielder facing an uncertain future at the London Stadium with only 18 months remaining on his current deal.

The report does also suggest that both Chelsea and Arsenal are also firmly in the mix for the 39-cap gem, with the high-flying Gunners currently said to be the ‘favourites’ at present, while the player himself is believed to be ‘open’ to joining Mikel Arteta’s side.

That fact should ensure that Erik ten Hag and co do face something of a battle if they are to prise the highly-coveted asset from east London, with any deal also set to require a rather hefty fee of around £80-£100m, according to the Evening Standard’s Nizaar Kinsella.

Imagine him and Casemiro

Forking out that sizeable figure could well prove worth it for United, however, with Rice potentially set to take the club to “another level”, according to former defender Paul Parker, should he make the move to Manchester.

Arguably “the best central midfielder in the country”, according to Parker, the £60k-per-week maestro only recently outlined his ambition to compete for major honours and play in the Champions League, with it looking unlikely that he will be able to realise those goals any time soon with the relegation-threatened Hammers.

Were he to move to the Theatre of Dreams, however, the towering gem could well have a far greater chance of achieving those dreams, with Ten Hag’s side currently looking well-placed for a top-four finish after a recent revival under the former Ajax boss.

As for United, securing the services of the 6 foot 1 titan could well help to continue the quest to end their lengthy barren run with regard to the league title, with Rice potentially able to form a truly menacing midfield partnership alongside summer arrival, Casemiro.

The experienced Brazilian – who joined from Real Madrid on a £70m deal – has swiftly emerged as something of a cult hero in his new surroundings, having been “absolutely outstanding” in recent months, in the words of club legend Gary Neville.

The “cement in the midfield” – according to Ten Hag – the 30-year-old has been a commanding and combative figure in front of the back four so far this term, notably averaging 3.1 tackles per game in the top-flight, while also showcasing his perhaps unsung creative flair after creating five big chances and laying on three assists.

Having that stable presence in the centre of the park could well allow Rice the time to adapt if he is to join the Red Devils any time soon, with the Casemiro’s presence taking the pressure off the Three Lions star of having to be the main man in midfield from the outset.

The West Ham sensation, like the former Madrid man, is something of a “force of nature” – as per journalist Rob Blanchette – having averaged 2.4 tackles in his 19 league outings this term to illustrate his ball-winning prowess.

That quality is also laid bare by the fact that the Kingston-born ace ranks in the top 7% in Europe among those in his position for interceptions, while also proving his brilliance on the ball as he ranks in the top 5% for pass completion.

To be able to partner Casemiro with another potential leader in the form of the Irons skipper could well be something of a dream scenario for United, with such a ferocious spine in the side set to be the envy of clubs across Europe.

Scottish champions Celtic have already acted swiftly to wrap up three winter deals in order to aid their push towards the title, although manager Ange Postecoglou has teased more incomings after admitting that the Parkhead outfit need to “strengthen further”.

One potential new recruit could well be that of Shimizu S Pulse sensation, Yuito Suzuki, with reports in his native Japan (via the Daily Record) revealing that the 21-year-old is being monitored by the Old Firm giants.

The 5 foot 9 wing wizard was also reportedly a target for the Glasgow side during the summer window, with a move to Europe having been mooted for the playmaker over the past year or so, as a result of his standout form of late.

Although the promising youngster – who can feature on the flanks or in an attacking midfield role – only boasts a haul of six goals and four assists in his 93 senior outings to date, the Japan U21 international was particularly impressive during the latest J-League season, with five goal involvements in 20 appearances.

That creative quality was also evident as the emerging starlet – who has been compared to former Liverpool man Takumi Minamino – created seven big chances in total in the league, while also averaging 1.1 key passes per game.

Lauded as a “really interesting” asset by talent scout Jacek Kulig, it would appear that Suzuki is set for a bright future in the game, with the hope being that Postecoglou can maximise that potential if the Hoops are to make a concrete approach in the coming weeks.

The title-winning coach could also have the makings of a devastating attacking duo with the Shimizu ace on one flank and compatriot Daizen Maeda on the opposite side, with the latter man currently thriving for the Scottish Premiership.

The 25-year-old speedster – who arrived at Paradise on an initial loan deal a year ago – has been in scintillating form in recent weeks, having registered a goal or an assist in each of his last three league outings, as well as getting on the scoresheet during Saturday’s League Cup semi-final triumph over Kilmarnock.

That latest, somewhat fortuitous strike has ensured that the former Yokohama F. Marinos man now has seven goals and five assists to his name in 28 games in all competitions this term, having been a “real handful” at times, as per ex-Bhoys striker Chris Sutton.

Having been described as a “nightmare” to play against by pundit Rio Ferdinand following his displays for his country at the World Cup, Maeda is clearly a figure who can strike fear into the opposition with his relentless speed and dynamism.

Combining those traits with the creative quality of Suzuki – who is said to idolise Manchester City maestro Kevin De Bruyne – could well offer real versatility to Postecoglou’s attack, with it truly mouthwatering to imagine the two men lining up together in the green and white jersey.