Tag Futebol

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe pulled off a great escape to avoid relegation in the 2021/22 campaign after taking over from Steve Bruce.

After 19 matches, the Magpies found themselves 19th in the Premier League table with 11 points on the board – one more than 20th-placed Norwich.

PIF opted to back their man in the transfer market and splashed the cash in the January window to improve the squad, with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Kieran Trippier, among others, coming through the door.

The signing of Guimaraes proved to be a sensational piece of business by the club as his sublime form helped to lift Newcastle clear of the bottom three – finishing 11th and 14 points ahead of 18th.

After joining the club from Lille, the Brazil international played 17 matches in the top-flight and averaged an eye-catching SofaScore rating of 7.25 as he chipped in with five goals and one assist.

Sporting director Dan Ashworth could now find this season’s catalyst, a Bruno 2.0, by bringing James Maddison in before the deadline next month.

Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that the Leicester man, who is available for £60m, is a player they have been pursuing, telling GIVEMESPORT:

“James Maddison is obviously one that they keep knocking on the door for.

“Typically, I guess you might think James Maddison is a central player, but I think Newcastle think he might be able to do a job out wide.

“I think that there are lots of options for Newcastle to ponder at the moment.”

Ashworth must work his magic to get a deal over the line for the English magician because he has the ability to potentially win the club enough points to push them into the top-half of the table.

Former Magpies man Lee Clark recently claimed that he would be an “exciting” signing and dubbed the midfielder’s quality in the final third as “terrific”.

In the Premier League last season, he racked up a whopping 12 goals and eight assists in 28 starts – averaging a SofaScore rating of 7.32. If you placed him into the 2021/22 Newcastle squad he would be top of all three of those statistics – including players with 10+ appearances.

His knack for scoring and assisting goals on a regular basis in the division would make him a standout in the Magpies squad, as illustrated by the statistics last term. Therefore, he could take the team to the next level by helping Howe’s side to win more matches with his goal contributions.

This means that he could come in and make a big impact on the team, much like Guimaraes did in January, and that is precisely why Ashworth must swoop to bring him to Tyneside.

West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a huge injury blow to one of their main men… 

What’s the latest?

According to Birmingham Live, Daryl Dike’s injury could be worse than initially thought.

They spoke to Steve Bruce, who issued the following statement: “It’s a real frustration for us all, and the boy. He’s young, he’s 22, desperate to go to the World Cup with his nation, and he’s worked tirelessly to get right.

“Yesterday, he kicked a ball and has done something to his thigh which didn’t look very good. We’re hoping it’s not too bad, but from my experience, it’s bad enough the way he pulled up. He kicked a ball, frustrating.

“He knew straight away. He’s devastated, like all of us. We’re devastated for him because he’s really popular with the supporters because of the way he plays, and the way he is.”

Dike signed for the Baggies in January of 2022.

It’s a big blow for Bruce

To lose one of their main men with the Championship season just getting underway, and in such a way that suggests he will be out until the World Cup at least, will rightfully devastate Bruce who could well be left to rue this blow for a number of weeks.

This marks his second serious injury since joining the club, despite no prior record before his signing.

During the 2020/21 season, he caught the eye with his performances both in the MLS with his parent club Orlando City and for his loan club Barnsley.

Scoring nine Championship goals across 19 games (of which only 13 were starts), he became known for his exceptional physicality and blistering speed, proving integral in their surprise playoff push.

His 7.02 average SofaScore rating actually saw him rank third amongst his teammates that season, despite only joining in January.

He was a standout performer for that promotion hunting Championship side and likely would have been for Bruce’s promotion hunting side. Given a full season in the division, there’s no telling how successful he could have been.

Labelled a “monster” by radio host Jason Davis, the £32k-per-week striker has been struck down at the worst possible time for both himself and his club. Just as he was beginning to settle at one club and hopefully prove what all the hype was about, he was resigned to the treatment table.

Fortunately, at just 22 years old, he has age on his side. It will, however, remain a big blow for Bruce as the new season commences.

Sunderland saw numerous new faces make their way to the Wearside club during the previous summer and winter transfer windows.

One figure that was brought in during the last January window that ended up helping the Black Cats get back to the Championship is Patrick Roberts.

Signed on a free transfer from Premier League side Manchester City after spending numerous loan spells away from the Etihad Stadium, the winger made 17 appearances for Alex Neil’s side.

In those appearances, the Englishman found the net on two occasions, one of which came in Sunderland’s second-leg semi-final play-off clash against Sheffield United, and provided one assist in the process.

Now that the season has ended, this period could give the Black Cats the chance to replicate a similar sort of masterclass that they pulled off when signing Roberts.

Last week, it was reported that Sunderland are one of the clubs interested in signing another City winger that has been on several loan spells away from the Manchester club – Marlos Moreno.

Signed back in 2016 from Colombian club Atletico Nacional, the 25-year-old has spent time with clubs in Spain, Mexico, Brazil and Belgium whilst away on loan.

With 189 appearances to his name, the winger has found the net 20 times and delivered 19 assists along the way, highlighting how capable he is of scoring and providing goals.

In his 32 league appearances with Belgian side KV Kortrijk last season, not only did the City winger end the campaign with the second-highest number of shots (41) at the club, he also delivered 25 crosses, made 25 interceptions and won 38 tackles.

This shows just how dangerous he can be with the ball in an attacking sense and how tough he can be when trying to win possession back.

Praised for his “wonderful” performances for Lommel SK in the 2020/21 season by journalist Sven Claes, the Colombian could be a very useful addition to Sunderland’s squad in terms of his talent and in terms of providing the club with some extra attacking depth.

If the Wearside club want to give a chance to another City outcast this summer with Moreno, as they did with Roberts, this could be a very smart move for the Black Cats ahead of their upcoming Championship season.

AND in other news: Neil can land Gooch upgrade in SAFC deal for “direct” 21yo gem who’s a “bit different”

Manchester United have been handed a boost in their long-running pursuit of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who has detailed every step of this courtship that has spanned almost all of Erik ten Hag’s current tenure.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the Italian journalist spoke of how Barcelona’s financial troubles could provide a boost for the Red Devils: “For Frenkie de Jong, I think the situation is a peculiar one.

“The president of Barcelona, Laporta, has said that he will try to keep the player, but he wants Frenkie to reduce his salary. From what I’m told, Frenkie is not reducing his salary. At the moment, this is not the case.”

Supporters will be buzzing

At last it appears another breakthrough has been made in this never-ending transfer saga, as United’s financial muscle will prove too much for Barcelona.

Supporters will be both excited and relieved in equal measure as it appeared the deal was stagnating somewhat, but Erik ten Hag seems to be one step closer to reuniting himself with the mercurial maestro.

Xavi will be frustrated to lose him, as he only recently spoke so highly of the Netherlands international.

He had the following to say: “For me, Frenkie is a great player, he’s a beast – I like him and I think he can be part of an important era of the club. We will see the economic situation of the club… but I like de Jong.”

To receive that sort of praise from one of the greatest midfielders ever should go a long way in proving what all the hype is about, but his stats only solifidy Xavi’s statement.

De Jong ranks in the 94th percentile for progressive carries, the 92nd percentile for pass completion and averages 2.79 shot-creating actions per 90. He is a constant creative threat from central midfield, and bagged six goal contributions this season.

It is no surprise to see his average SofaScore rating at such a level, boasting a 7.08 across 32 league appearances.

Supporters can finally start to get excited at the prospect of seeing him in a United shirt and spraying balls across the Old Trafford turf, as Ten Hag closes in on his number one target.

AND, in other news: Huge terms offered: Man United submit bid to sign £60m “magician”, he “oozes quality”.

Leeds United are going in strong for Paris Saint-Germain forward Arnaud Kalimuendo, according to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb.

The Lowdown: Bid made?

The Whites appear to have turned their attention to signing a new striker after securing deals for Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca.

Kalimuendo could well be the player to arrive and rival Patrick Bamford, with reliable reports claiming last week that Leeds have made an offer in the region of €20m (£17.1m).

PSG would want a buy-back clause in any transfer, but it looks as if Andrea Radrizzani and co are still keen on the Frenchman.

The Latest: Kalimuendo update

Tuttomercatoweb shared a story regarding Kalimuendo and Leeds on Monday afternoon.

They claimed that the Whites are ‘strong on Kalimuendo’, with their information stating that PSG’s valuation is actually €20m – the figure that Leeds have reportedly already matched.

Perhaps, then, we’ll see this one moving on towards personal terms fairly swiftly.

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The Verdict: Get it done

Still just 20 years of age, Kalimuendo could be the perfect addition at Elland Road alongside the likes of Bamford and Joe Gelhardt. The PSG man has been labelled as ‘clever’ by Frank Haisethe and a modern forward at ‘the highest level’ by Cameron Smith.

He impressed on loan at Lens last season, scoring 12 goals in 34 Ligue 1 games, so a fee in the region of £17.1m could be an excellent piece of business to bolster Jesse Marsch’s attacking options both in the short and long term.

In other news: Orta now working on signing 31-goal striker for free; famous Leeds fan may help Elland Road move. 

Manchester United reportedly have a “nice envelope” for recruitment summer.

What’s the word?

That is according to TopMercato.com, who state that the club is “currently having difficulty concluding its files”, with the report mentioning the targets of Marco Asensio, Arnaut Danjuma and Darwin Nunez as players whose proposed transfers “seem to be in trouble.”

TopMercato added that Frenkie de Jong is Erik ten Hag’s priority at United, and a report from Manchester Evening News give fresh hope of one signing.

The Manchester-based outlet have an understanding that the Red Devils are keeping tabs on Danjuma, with the Dutchman’s recent admission adding some momentum.

The 25-year-old told Sky Sports, via Manchester Evening News: “There’s definitely unfinished business for me in England. The reason why I joined Bournemouth originally was for me to play Premier League football. I think how big the league is and it’s seen as the best league in the world for many of us.”

Forget De Jong

With headway slowly being made in the chase for De Jong, United should learn to compartmentalise like the rest of Europe’s elite clubs and give further attention to 25-year-old Danjuma.

The former Bournemouth man has had a stellar campaign with Villarreal, notching 16 goals this season means he has now scored 67 goals over the course of his career.

Listed as ‘both footed’ by Fotmob, Danjuma is a technical winger who would suit the style of Ten Hag, with the Villarreal star perhaps the key to attacking transitions for the 52-year-old due to his direct style of play.

Statistically similar players to the Netherlands international include the likes of Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe, as per FBRef; and with an average of 0.61 goals per match, it’s easy to see why.

Danjuma represents a high-potential purchase for United, and if Ten Hag decides on an attacker, the former Bournemouth ace could well be the man to provide the spark which the Red Devils need in the final third.

In other news: Romano issues Man Utd twist on £31.5m-rated brute, Ten Hag needs him 

Sky Sports journalist Tom White has now revealed some ‘talks’ going on behind-the-scenes at Sunderland.

The Lowdown: Shares sold?

There have been rumours circulating on social media that both Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven have now sold up their shares at the Stadium of Light.

Football Insider have reported that they would part with their shares for £10.7m, while The Sunderland Echo claim that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is looking to take full-control of the Wearside club.

The Latest: Sky Sports update

Taking to Twitter, White, a presenter on SSN, has revealed that Donald and Methven have not shared their shares at the Black Cats, in spite of the rumours, but ‘talks are at an advanced stage’ with one group:

“Regarding the rumours that Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven have sold their shares in Sunderland, it’s my information that talks are at an advanced stage with one group, but there is still a long way to go.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Donald and Methven are clearly not connected to the club anymore, as finance expert Kieran Maguire has claimed that they have left a ‘toxic legacy’, and so their shares need to be sold as soon as possible.

Whether Louis-Dreyfus takes full control, or their shares are sold to another bidder, they need to get their board structure finalised before the start of next season.

Rich Energy drink founder William Storey has reportedly submitted his own takeover offer to the club, and so this is another path to consider as they look to cement their place in the Championship, and potentially push for promotion to the Premier League in the future.

In other news, find out which three Championship clubs are now eyeing this ‘incredible’ SAFC star here!

Everton manager Frank Lampard has received a timely injury boost ahead of a pivotal end to the season following Tom Davies’ return to training at Finch Farm.

What’s the word?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s visit of his former club Chelsea to Goodison Park, the 43-year-old revealed that the academy graduate is now back in first-team training and as such may still have a part to play between now and the end of the campaign.

The 23-year-old – who has been absent since sustaining a knee injury in November – took to social media in February to suggest that he would not play against this season.

However, Lampard has now raised hopes of an unlikely return to action for Davies in the run-in, saying: “He is a great lad, he’s been on the training pitch with us now for a couple of weeks. He is so dedicated to the cause. It comes out of his veins. He has worked very hard to get to this stage.

“We just need to get him more training minutes, and hopefully more game minutes, which we can produce at the training ground for him. He has been out for a while. Hopefully he can contribute in the latter part of the season.”

Supporters will be buzzing

While the local lad will still be unavailable for this weekend’s meeting with Thomas Tuchel’s side, news of his impending return will be a welcome boost to the Goodison Park faithful, with the club needing all the help they can get as they look to stave off relegation.

The Merseysiders currently sit 18th in the Premier League table and are two points from safety, with relegation rivals Burnley having enjoyed something of a bounce following the sacking of long-serving manager Sean Dyche a couple of weeks ago.

A first-ever relegation from the Premier League had previously appeared unthinkable for a club of Everton’s stature, although for Lampard’s men it is now a very real possibility, hence the need for a timely boost from the returning Davies.

There had been some suggestion that the £16.2m-rated maestro would be unable to feature having been omitted from the club’s 25-man Premier League squad following the January transfer window, although the loan departure of Jean-Philippe Gbamin to CSKA Moscow in February enabled the Englishman to be reinstated.

While he has missed the majority of the current campaign, the £32k-per-week ace did impress under former Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti last term, showcasing his all-action midfield quality as he averaged 1.4 interceptions, 1.2 tackles and o.8 clearances per game in his 25 top-flight outings.

Dubbed one of the club’s midfield “tigers” by pundit Nigel Martyn last year, it would seem that the current Toffees crop are crying out for a bit of athleticism and steel in the centre of the park as they attempt to scrap for their top-flight future.

The possible return of Davies in the coming weeks will surely leave the Everton faithful delighted, particularly with their Premier League status in the balance.

In other news, £44m down the drain: Allardyce’s £69k-p/w disaster has rinsed Everton for 54 months

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Sreshth Shah09-Apr-2019

The South Africa fast bowler ended his international career at the age of 29, having played only 11 Tests, by signing a Kolpak deal with Hampshire

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Jan-2017Kyle Abbott’s 7 for 29 are the second-best figures in an innings for South Africa on Test debut•Getty Images1. February 2013: Abbott takes 7 for 29 in the first innings against Pakistan in Centurion, and is Player of the Match on Test debut for his nine-wicket haul.He misses the next six Tests South Africa play.2. March 2014: Abbott’s three wickets are the best returns for a South African fast bowler in the Newlands Test against Australia. His workload – 42 overs – is also the heaviest for his team.He misses the next three Tests South Africa play.3. December 2014: Abbott takes 1 for 61 in the match as Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander raze West Indies in Centurion.He misses the next five Tests South Africa play.4. November 2015: Abbott’s fourth Test lasts only a day as rain ruins the match in Bangalore. He bowls six out of 22 overs in India’s first innings, taking 0 for 18.He misses the next Test of the tour of India, in Nagpur.5. December 2015: Abbott takes 5 for 40 in 24.5 overs in India’s first innings in Delhi, and 1 for 47 in 22 in the second.He is picked for South Africa’s next Test.6. December 2015: Abbott bowls 45.4 overs in the Kingsmead Test against England and takes 2 for 128.He misses South Africa’s next two Tests in that series.7. January 2016: Abbott returns figures of 21-9-46-0 in the Centurion Test against England, with Kagiso Radaba emerging as a force with a 13-wicket haul.He misses South Africa’s next three Tests.8. November 2016: Abbott takes 3 for 41 and 6 for 77 in Hobart to bowl South Africa to series victory in Australia.With Steyn injured, Abbott plays South Africa’s next three Tests. It is the first time Abbott is playing successive Tests in a series.9. November 2016: Abbott takes 3 for 49 and 1 for 26 in South Africa’s first day-night Test, at Adelaide Oval.10. December 2016: Abbott claims 3 for 63 and 2 for 38 against Sri Lanka in Port Elizabeth, conceding only 101 runs in 41.5 overs in the match.11. January 2016: Abbott goes wicketless against Sri Lanka after bowling 23 overs in Cape Town.It turns out to be his final Test for South Africa as he confirms he has signed a three-year Kolpak contract with English county Hampshire.