All posts by h79snht.top

Glasgow Rangers are at the start of what could be a summer filled with plenty of transfer activity under Philippe Clement.

Jefte and Oscar Cortes have already signed on for next season as Clement is adamant there won't be a repeat of last term, where the Light Blues blew their chance to win a stunning treble with some below-par displays over the final few weeks.

The philosophy appears to be signing players who have yet to hit their peak, gaining vital experience in Scotland, which could see the Gers make millions in the transfer window further down the line.

It isn’t just unknown markets that Clement is targeting players from, however, as there seems to be plenty of progress on a potential deal closer to home…

Rangers edge closer to signing Scottish midfield talent

Connor Barron is a player who has a huge future in the professional game. In January, Clement discussed a few potential transfers, but remained coy on Barron with regard to making a move for the youngster.

Back then, he had six months left on his deal and could have either signed a pre-contract agreement with the Light Blues or joined for a small fee that month. Nothing materialised in the end, however.

Fast-forward until now, and it appears as though Rangers could be edging closer to bringing him to Glasgow.

According to the Daily Record, Barron looks set to make a decision on his future next week, as there are offers on the table from clubs in England, Italy and Rangers.

Hellas Verona and Bologna are the two Serie A sides keen, while several English Championship sides have shown interest, including Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle, as the midfielder is clearly in high demand.

Clement will be desperate to add to his homegrown contingent, especially after losing Ryan Jack and could potentially lose Scott Wright this summer.

The Belgian will be doing everything he can to lure Barron to Rangers in the coming weeks and with European football plus the chance to win trophies as major incentives, this could be a deciding factor in his decision.

Jack found himself in a similar situation seven years ago before enjoying a productive (if injury prone) spell in Glasgow and Barron could be the ideal replacement for the Scottish international.

Ryan Jack’s Rangers statistics

The 2023/24 season summed up Jack’s fortunes over the previous few years; solid when given a chance in the starting XI, but far too injury prone to maintain any level of consistency.

This was a real shame as Jack, in his prime, was an excellent midfielder, capable of controlling the game, defending well along with chipping in with the odd goal or two.

Ryan Jack's statistics at Rangers

Season

Games

Goals

2023/24

22

2

2022/23

36

2

2021/22

22

1

2020/21

24

2

2019/20

39

5

2018/19

46

4

2017/18

21

0

Via Transfermarkt

The former Aberdeen talent made just 22 appearances last term, of which only 12 were in the starting XI as injuries derailed his campaign.

Overall, the Scot made a total of 210 appearances for the Ibrox side between 2017 and 2024, scoring 16 goals during that time. Who can forget the opener in the Scottish Cup final against Hearts in 2022? Or the sublime effort against Kilmarnock during the unbeaten Premiership winning season in 2020/21? Goals which will be remembered fondly.

Clement is clearly showing no signs of sentiment, as not offering Jack an extended deal is the correct move for both parties, especially if the manager wishes to add some younger, fresher legs to the first team squad.

Barron has boundless energy which could be ideal in the heart of the Rangers midfield next season.

Connor Barron’s 2023/24 season in numbers

The 21-year-old was a key member of the Dons squad last term, making 42 appearances across all competitions, adding four goal contributions in the process.

While he was a regular in the Premiership, it was his displays in European competition which may have caught Clement’s eye last season.

The Dons secured a place in the group stages of the Europa Conference League and Barron was one of their few shining lights. Indeed, among his teammates, the youngster ranked fifth for accurate passes per game (18.8), second for key passes per game (1.2), second for accurate long balls per game (2.5) and third for tackles per game (2.2), showcasing his talents across a multitude of metrics.

This could be a big plus for Rangers, especially with the club now a regular in Europe, and it has been a long time since they have had a Scot in the centre of their midfield controlling games on the continent.

Analyst John Walker was quick to sing his praises when profiling the player back in January amid the links to Rangers. He hailed Barron as being someone who could “play in right spaces” along with describing the player as a “tough tackler” and “relentless”, again, characteristics that several of the first team squad lacked last season.

The move really is a no-brainer, especially considering how well his profile would fit into the current squad and because of the vision that Clement has for the Light Blues going forward.

Barron looks set to have a wonderful career in the game and joining Rangers would allow him to build up his reputation even more, giving the 50-year-old a licence to potentially cash in several years down the line for a substantial profit.

Having won 13 caps for the Scotland U21 side, it surely won't be long before Steve Clarke brings him into the senior setup, especially if a few members of the team retire after the 2024 European Championship.

The Dons sensation could add some extra bite into the heart of the midfield if he made the move to Rangers, replacing Jack seamlessly.

Related Rangers lining up swoop for "relentless" star who'd help Cantwell flourish

The Light Blues are reportedly keen on a deal to sign the young midfielder this summer.

Posts ByDan Emery Jun 13, 2024

The best thing is, he won't be expecting mammoth wages either, which could allow the manager to utilise funds on other areas of the squad which need improvement.

The next few weeks should provide more clarity when it comes to where Barron’s future lies, but a move to Glasgow is perhaps the best option for him if he wishes to continue his wonderful development.

Manchester United are thought to have made an enquiry over a £100,000-a-week ace ahead of a potential summer move to Old Trafford alongside Joshua Zirkee, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils continue to be linked with plenty of players, with Riccardo Calafiori wanted by both themselves and Liverpool in the summer transfer window. A £34m move to Old Trafford could be on the cards.

Bologna striker Zirkzee is another key figure who has been backed to complete a move to Old Trafford, as Erik ten Hag looks to add depth and quality in attack, with the Red Devils leading the race for his services.

Zirkzee isn't the only attacking player being looked at by the Red Devils, however, with Jonathan David considered an alternative to lead the line. Contact is even believed to have been made with the Canadian.

United are also believed to be leading the battle to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, with the general consensus that he could be an upgrade on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, who has also been backed to move to Old Trafford in the next few months.

West Ham midfielder Edson Alvarez is another possible target, with internal Old Trafford talks recently held over a switch to United. That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who says that the Mexican could replace Casemiro, and there has now been an update.

Man Utd make Edson Alvarez enquiry

Writing on X, Plettenberg claimed that Manchester United are one of the clubs interested in signing West Ham midfielder Edson Alvarez this summer and have now made an enquiry. West Ham are reluctant to sell, though, valuing him at up to £67m.

Alvarez could be a really shrewd piece of business at United at a time when significant improvements are required at the heart of the defence. Raphael Varane has left and Harry Maguire doesn't feel like the long-term answer at the back. Oribe Peralta has showered the 26-year-old with praise, too, saying:

"Edson wanted it more than all the other young players. He sacrificed a lot to reach this stage of his career and he deserves all the praise he gets. Now he’s become Mexico’s most important player. I honestly watched him grow from a boy to a man."

Related Man Utd leading race to complete signing of 23 y/o who "has everything"

Sky Sports have provided a key update.

Posts ByHenry Jackson Jun 23, 2024

The £100,000-a-week Mexican has adjusted to life in the Premier League impressively at West Ham, averaging 2.6 tackles per game across 31 league games last season. Only Casemiro (3.3) averaged more than him out of United's players in 2023/24, and he could be viewed as a relatively long-term option in the middle of the park, also proving to be an upgrade on the aforementioned Brazilian. Eleven yellow cards in the league last term highlight his tenacious style, but his ability to cover ground could make him a great addition.

Katie Perkins, Lauren Down, Holly Huddleston and Rosemary Mair will train alongside their allocated team

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Oct-2020

Rosemary Mair produced some impressive spells against Australia•Getty Images

Five New Zealand players will provide overseas back-up for WBBL squads during the tournament that begins in Sydney next weekendKatie Perkins (Adelaide Strikers), Lauren Down (Melbourne Renegades), Holly Huddleston (Brisbane Heat) and Rosemary Mair (Perth Scorchers) will train alongside their allocated team but will only be available if a marquee player – either a Cricket Australia contracted name or overseas player – becomes injured or unavailable.It is the same arrangement that saw Hayley Jensen confirmed as part of the Hobart Hurricanes’ set-up.The Renegades currently have doubt over whether New Zealand fast bowler Lea Tahuhu will be able to take part in the tournament following the injury she picked up during the series against Australia while Suzie Bates, who is with the Adelaide Strikers, damaged her shoulder in the first ODI.The opportunity for the extra players to remain as reserves was opened up because they had already been in Australia as part of the New Zealand squad earlier this month and did not need to go through further quarantine before heading into the WBBL bubble in Sydney.”NZC are committed to supporting our centrally contracted players wherever we can,” NZC head of women’s high performance Ant Sharp, said. “By staying on and being exposed to new training environments, alongside other quality players, they will continue to learn more about their game.”Mair said. “We get into Sydney on Monday and I can’t wait to catch up with the Perth Scorchers. It’s a great opportunity to learn more from the Scorchers set-up and how they go about their cricket. I’ll be looking to glean as much knowledge as I can from the staff and players.”There’s a couple of English internationals in the squad too, so it will be interesting to compare our cricket experiences from different parts of the world.”The other New Zealand players involved as main signings for the WBBL are Sophie Devine (Perth Scorchers), Amelia Kerr and Maddy Green (Brisbane Heat) and Amy Satterthwaite (Melbourne Renegades). Former international Rachel Priest is also part of the Hurricanes squad.

MatériaMais Notícias

Nesta quarta-feira, o trabalho diário de recuperação do gramado do Maracanã chegou na reta final. Em nota, a assessoria do estádio informou que a fase de cortes já foi iniciada. Vale lembrar que o estádio ficará fechado até o dia 30 de agosto para recuperar ascondições do gramado.

>PSG rejeitou proposta por Mbappé! Veja como foi o Dia do Mercado

Ainiciativa da Gestão Maracanã, alinhada com as diretorias tanto de Flamengo quanto Fluminense, tem como objetivo recuperar as condições do gramado “para que o mesmo resista com qualidade até o fim da temporada”. O Tricolor, inclusive, já voltará ao estádio no dia 30, segunda-feira, quando enfrenta o Bahia, em partida válida pela 18ª rodada do Brasileirão.

RelacionadasFlamengoFlamengo empata com o Madureira no jogo de ida das quartas de final do Campeonato Carioca sub-20Flamengo25/08/2021FluminenseFluminense vence Volta Redonda e garante vantagem no jogo de ida das quartas de final do Carioca sub-20Fluminense24/08/2021FluminenseAndré ganha confiança, se destaca e é mais um de Xerém a resolver problemas no FluminenseFluminense24/08/2021

> Veja a tabela do Brasileirão

VEJA A NOTA PUBLICADA PELA COMUNICAÇÃO DO ESTÁDIO

“Após 12 dias de trabalho diário, a recuperação do gramado do Maracanã chega na sua reta final. Nesta quarta-feira (25/08), já com a ryegrass germinada e a grama bermuda com densidade ideal, teve início a fase de cortes. No primeiro foi feito o rebaixamento da altura do campo. Nos cortes subsequentes, já com a máquina helicoidal, o campo será rebaixado lentamente até chegar na altura ideal para as próximas partidas. A iniciativa da Gestão Maracanã, alinhada com as diretorias de Flamengo e Fluminense, tem como objetivo recuperar as condições do gramado para que o mesmo resista com qualidade até o fim da temporada.

Até o momento já foram realizadas as seguintes atividades dentro do cronograma de recuperação do campo: descompactação de todo o gramado, raspagem das linhas de marcação do campo, aeração com pinos solidos, topdressing, correção do micronivelamento, aplicação de fertilização foliar, calcário, adubação granular e pulverização de outros produtos. Até a próxima segunda, os funcionários da Greenleaf complementarão a intervenção com duas adubações: uma granulada, amanhã (26/08), e outra foliar, sábado (28/08).

Vale lembrar que o Maracanã é um dos três estádios mais utilizados do Brasil. Até o momento foram realizados 45 jogos somente em 2021, o que equivale quase ao número de partidas de uma temporada inteira da Europa. Com a chegada da primavera, a expectativa é de um clima mais ameno e com mais incidência da luz solar. Desta forma, o campo estará em melhores condições para os clubes nas fases decisivas das competições em curso.”

أكد أحمد سالم المتحدث الرسمي باسم نادي الزمالك على الاستياء من قرارات حكم مباراة طلائع الجيش والتي جمعت بينهما ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري.

وكان الزمالك قد تعادل مع طلائع الجيش بنتيجة 2-2 بالمباراة التي أقيمت مساء أمس الثلاثاء في الجولة السادسة للمسابقة المحلية.

وقال أحمد سالم في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “الزمالك”: “مهزلة تحكيمية في مباراة الزمالك وطلائع الجيش الماضية، وتقنية الفيديو فقدت أهميتها وكأنها غير موجودة في اللقاء”.

وأكمل: “الخطأ الذي ارتكبه حارس طلائع الجيش كاد أن يؤدي بحياة محمد حمدي والحكم لم ير شيئًا، وما يحدث من التحكيم يتسبب في احتقان بين الجماهير، ما الذي سنستفيد به لو تم معاقبة حكم أو إيقافه ونحن نخسر نقاط بل أي ذنب للنادي الوضع مستفز ومثير للاستياء بشكل غير عادي، ومثل ما أتوعدنا سيكون هناك منظومة تحكيمية مختلفة لم تتحقق حتى الآن”.

طالع | الزمالك يرسل استفسارًا وشكوى إلى اتحاد الكرة بشأن أخطاء التحكيم

وزاد: “حكم المباراة في الأهداف والألعاب المشكوك في صحتها لم يكلف خاطره أو يجهد نفسه أنه ينظر على تقنية الفار رغم أنها ألعاب جدلية، لاعب يصاب بشرخ في الضلوع وإصابة في الرئة واعتداء والحارس يستحق الطرد، كان ممكن يودي بحياة محمد حمدي ورغم ذلك احتسب خطأ على اللاعب”.

وتابع: “ما الذي يفعله حكام تقنية الفيديو أمام لعبة قوية مثل التي حدثت ضد محمد حمدي؟، وقمة الاستفزاز لنادي الزمالك تعيين أمين عمر لمباراة بتروجيت والجونة”.

وأردف: “أمر لا يمكن السكوت عليه تعيين حكام بعينه معروف أن هناك حساسية من حكام محددة لتكرار أخطائهم مع الزمالك، وكأن في مصر لا يوجد إلا أسماء معينة دائمًا موعود بها النادي، وننتظر رد اتحاد الكرة على شكوى الزمالك، ولن نصمت على حقوق النادي، وسننظر إلى خطوات أخرى بعد معرفة موقف اتحاد الكرة”.

وأوضح: “إدارة الزمالك على تواصل مستمر مع جروس لدراسة احتياجات الفريق، وجروس سيبدأ تحديد احتياجاته في الفترة المقبلة”.

وواصل: “هناك أكثر من اتجاه لـ إدارة النادي بشأن التجديدات والتدعيمات ومستحقات اللاعبين، وفترة الانتقالات الشتوية مهمة بالنسبة للزمالك لدعم الفريق بالشكل المطلوب”.

وبسؤاله حول تجديد عقد أحمد سيد زيزو؟، أوضح: “كل ما يقال اجتهادات الغريب هناك عشرات اللاعبين المصريين التي ستنتهي عقودهم العام المقبل، وزيزو نجم كبير وأفضل لاعب في مصر آخر 3 أو 4 سنوات، ولكن يوجد نجوم كبار عقودهم ستنتهي ولا يتحدث عنهم أحد”.

وأشار: “لا نريد الضغط على لاعب معين بطريقة معينة، زيزو لاعب محترف ويعرف ما عليه بشكل جيد ويؤدي بمنتهى الاخلاص والإدارة تعرف قيمته والأمور تسير بشكل طبيعي ولكن الاهتمام هو الذي مبالغ فيه بزيزو تحديدًا، وجروس هو الذي سيحدد ملف تجديد عقود اللاعبين الذين يرغب في استمرارهم”.

وأشار: “نشكر الدكتور محمد أسامة على إصراره بعدم استمرار محمد حمدي في المشاركة بالمباراة، ومن حق جماهير الزمالك الغضب بسبب فقدان النقاط، لكن هناك أسباب معلومة”.

واختتم: “لا جديد بشأن قضايا فيفا، تم وقف تنفيذ الحكم الأخير لباتشيكو لحين تحديد جلسة لنظر الطعن المقدم من الزمالك”.

MatériaMais Notícias

O técnico Lisca não terá problemas para montar o Vasco, que enfrenta o Avaí na próxima segunda. Como apenas o volante Andrey tomou amarelo contra o Brasil de Pelotas, nenhum jogador está suspenso para o jogo na Ressacada. Entre os lesionados, Bruno Gomes é o mais próximo de retornar às atividades com o grupo e Sarrafiore segue a preparação pós-covid-19.

+ Veja a tabela e a classificação da Série B!

RelacionadasVascoPássaro afirma que direção do Vasco irá se reunir com comissão de arbitragem: ‘Qual será a desculpa?’Vasco03/09/2021VascoErros individuais e problemas técnicos do VAR pesam e Vasco tropeça em São Januário na Série BVasco03/09/2021VascoLinhas do VAR não funcionam em gol anulado do Vasco em São JanuárioVasco03/09/2021

O volante está em fase de reabilitação após ter sofrido uma forte dor na altura do trapézio antes do jogo contra a Ponte Preta. A possibilidade de seu regresso acontecer na partida contra o Avaí, contudo, é remota. Recém-contratado, o equatoriano Jhon Sánchez ainda não teve seu nome no BID e só poderá estrear dia 16, contra o CRB, no Rei Pelé.

Na Ressacada, nesta segunda-feira, a equipe ainda deve contar com outros desfalques. O meia Sarrafiore, que contraiu Covid-19, terminou de cumprir o isolamento social. Ainda é incerto se haverá tempo hábil para sua recuperação para a partida contra o Leão de Florianópolis.

O zagueiro Ernando, por sua vez, segue na fisioterapia se recuperando de um trauma no ombro esquerdo, que teve um dia antes do duelo contra a Macaca. Já o volante Michel continua a fazer trabalho de fortalecimento físico devido aos problemas musculares.

O Vasco está com 32 pontos em 22 partidas na Série B e com o empate contra o Brasil de Pelotas perdeu a chance de encostar no G4. Nas próximas duas rodadas, o time terá dois confrontos diretos longe de seus domínios: Avaí e CRB, que também disputam na parte de cima da tabela.

Lista de cartões do Vasco nesta Série B
​
Vanderlei – um amarelo (Goiás) e um vermelho (Remo);
Léo Matos – seis amarelos (Ponte Preta, Brusque, Náutico, Botafogo, Vitória e Vila Nova);
Leandro Castan – quatro amarelos (CRB, Brusque Vila Nova e Ponte Preta);
​Ernando – um amarelo (Guarani);
Miranda – um amarelo (Avaí);
Ricardo Graça – um amarelo (Operário)
Zeca – quatro amarelos (Confiança, Coritiba, Guarani, Remo);
Andrey – um amarelo (Brasil de Pelotas);
Bruno Gomes – 2 amarelos* (CSA e Operário) / 2 vermelhos (Goiás e Cruzeiro);
​Marquinhos Gabriel – trêsamarelos (Avaí, Guarani, Vila Nova);
Léo Jabá – três amarelos (Brasil de Pelotas, Cruzeiro, Goiás);
Romulo – três amarelos (Brasil de Pelotas, Vila Nova);
Michel – um amarelo (Brasil de Pelotas);
Morato – quatro amarelos (Avaí, CRB, Goiás e Náutico)/ um vermelho (Operário);
Galarza -três amarelos (Avaí, CRB, Goiás);
Daniel Amorim – dois amarelos (Cruzeiro e Brusque)
Cano – três amarelos (Brusque, CSA, Vitória);
MT – quatro amarelos (Brusque, Confiança, CSA, e Remo);
Gabriel Pec – umamarelo (Náutico);
Juninho – doisamarelo (Coritiba e Vitória) .

*Bruno Gomes tomou dois amarelos contra o Goiás, sendo expulso – segundo o regulamento esses amarelos não contam.

** Daniel Amorim, Bruno Gomes e Juninho estão pendurados com dois cartões amarelos cada.

تحدث مدرب مانشستر سيتي بيب جوارديولا، عن تطورات حالة الثنائي رودري وروبن دياز، وحارس المرمى المصاب إيدرسون قبل مباراة وست هام بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، ومصير كيفين دي بروين.

ويلتقي مانشستر سيتي ووست هام غدًا السبت بمنافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، وجاء حديث جوارديولا في مؤتمر صحفي قبل المباراة.

وعن الفوز على ليستر سيتي وتعزيز الثقة، قال جوارديولا: “كانت مباراة لم نلعب فيها بأفضل مستوياتنا، وحققنا الفوز، ولكن هكذا هي المباريات في كرة القدم”.

وأضاف: “من الجيد أن نحصل على نتائج جيدة، نحن بعيدون عن تحقيق نتائج ثابتة ولكن لدينا فرصة أخرى لتحقيق الفوز ضد وست هام وهو ما سيساعدنا في المستقبل”.

وعن اللاعبين المصابين، أوضح بشأن روبن دياز: “دياز يتحسن لكنه ليس جاهزًا لمباراة الغد”.

وحول إمكانية توافر رودري قبل نهاية الموسم، أستطرد: “قبل نهاية الموسم سيكون جيدًا ولكن الهدف هو أن يتعافى جيدًا ويكون جاهزًا للموسم المقبل، هذا هو هدفنا”.

وبشأن حارس المرمى إيدرسون، أفاد: أمس تدرب بشكل أفضل، كانت هذه أول جلسة تدريبية بدون أي اضطراب في ساقه”.

اقرأ أيضًا | بعد ارتباطه بـ عمر مرموش.. جوارديولا يوضح خطط مانشستر سيتي في انتقالات يناير

وعن هدف سافينيو في مرمى ليستر سيتي وتسجيله الهدف الأول، علّق جوارديولا: “هذا سيساعده، إنه صغير جدًا وهذا موسمه الأول في إنجلترا، أعتقد أنه لعب بشكل جيد ولكن نظرًا لصغر سنه فهناك العديد من الأشياء التي يمكنه تحسينها”.

وعن مشاهدة جيمس مكاتي وإمكانية الاعتماد عليه في المزيد من مباريات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، أكد: “نعم، لقد جعلني أعتقد أنه يجب أن يحصل على المزيد من الدقائق”.

وأشار: “لكنه صغير جدًا وهناك الكثير من المباريات التي يجب أن يلعبها، لدي احترام كبير لكيفية تصرفه في غرفة تبديل الملابس”.

سُئل جوارديولا أيضًا عن لاعبه كيفين دي بروين وإذا كان بحاجة إلى استعادة لياقته البدنية بشكل منتظم حتى يُعرض عليه عقد جديد، ورد: “ليس الأمر من شأني”.

ثم أجاب: “لقد واجه مشاكل في العام ونصف العام الماضيين مثل العديد من اللاعبين، ولكن عندما يكون ثابتًا ولياقته البدنية جيدة فهو لاعب مهم حقًا بالنسبة لنا، لاعب حاسم بالنسبة لنا”.

وشدد: “لكن الأمر يتعلق بكيفية أدائه معنا حتى نهاية الموسم، والنادي، وعمره والعديد من الأشياء الأخرى، لذلك أعتقد أن النادي يجب أن يفكر في الأمر”.

As debut seasons go, Ange Postecoglou did rather well in charge of Tottenham Hotspur last season.

His team may have fallen from the Champions League places into the Europa League spot, but given the number of injuries he had to deal with, that shouldn't be knocked.

However, now that the Australian has got to grips with life in North London, he has to take the team back up the table next season and to do that, he needs the right players.

So, it's unsurprising that the latest star touted for a move to the club is an incredibly exciting attacker who could be the perfect Richarlison upgrade.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Tottenham are one of several sides interested in Genoa attacker Albert Gudmundsson this summer, and have contacted the Serie A club for more information on the player.

Alongside the Lilywhites, the report claims that West Ham United, Inter Milan, and teams from Saudi Arabia are also keen to land the Icelandic international. Unfortunately for the North Londoners, the Nerazzurri are currently leading the race.

That said, with his supposed €35m price tag, which converts to just £30m, there is no reason Daniel Levy and Co couldn't flex their financial muscle and take the initiative off the Italian side.

It could be a complicated deal to complete, but given the price and the player's impressive form last season, it seems worth pursuing.

How Gudmundsson compares to Richarlison

So, should Levy and Co get their man and bring him to the white side of North London this summer, he'd likely move from the second striker position he played last season into a more traditional nine role due to Postecoglou's lack of reliable out-and-out goalscorers.

This, in turn, would put Gudmundsson in direct competition with Richarlison for the starting berth in the lineup, and based on how they stack up to one another, he'd likely come out on top.

For example, in 37 appearances last season, the "devastating" Icelandic star, as described by teammate Kevin Strootman, scored 16 goals and provided five assists.

The campaign prior, he returned a haul of 14 goals and five assists in 38, which equates to a goal involvement on average every 1.76 and two games, respectively.

In contrast, Spurs' Brazilian marksman scored 12 goals and provided four assists in 31 appearances last season while only managing three goals and four assists in 35 matches in 2022/23, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 1.9 and five games, respectively.

Gudmundsson vs Richarlison

2022/23

Gudmundsson

Richarlison

Appearances

38

35

Goals

14

3

Assists

1

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.39

0.20

2023/24

Gudmundsson

Richarlison

Appearances

37

31

Goals

16

12

Assists

5

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.56

0.51

All Stats via Transfermarkt

It's not just goals that the Serie A star has over the former Everton man; it's also availability, which is, of course, the best ability.

In the last four years, he has missed just five games for club and country through injury, whereas the Nova Venécia-born marksman has missed 36 and counting.

Related Maddison will adore him: Spurs set to trigger £60m clause for new signing

The “exceptional” talent could be a game-changer for Spurs.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 27, 2024

Ultimately, with Postecoglou needing a goalscorer he can rely on and the price appearing to be quite reasonable, Spurs must do what they can to get ahead of Inter and bring Gudmundsson to N17 this summer, even if that costs Richarlison his place in the side.

“I’m not getting any younger, so I’ve got to make the most of every opportunity I can”

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Nov-2020

‘I’m not getting any younger, so I’ve got to make the most of every opportunity I can’•Getty Images

Ross Taylor is just five games away from becoming New Zealand’s most-capped international cricketer, across formats, and might end up setting the bar really high by the time he decides to quit, because the next 50-over World Cup – in late 2023 – “is definitely on the radar” for him.Taylor, who is nearing 37, should go past Daniel Vettori’s mark of 437 international caps during the upcoming home series (three T20Is and two Tests) against West Indies. He said he had been using the Covid-19-enforced break to think about the future, and admitted that it would be a challenge to go on for another three years to sign off at the World Cup, to be played in India.Speaking at a press interaction after the New Zealanders reached Auckland, the venue for the first T20I on November 27, Taylor said, “2023 was going to be a stretch, I think, at the best of times, when it was (supposed to be held in) February and March. And now, the World Cup has been dragged out to October and November ’23, it’s another six or seven months to hang around.”You’ve got to have short-term goals and long-term goals and the one-day World Cup is definitely on the radar. I might have to trim things back leading into that – I’m not getting any younger. It doesn’t mean I will make it, but, it’s definitely one of my goals.”New Zealand’s last international game was the first ODI against Australia in Sydney on March 13, played in front of empty stands, before that series was called off in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak. Taylor might well have gone past Vettori’s mark had there been a normal calendar through 2020, and jokingly said, “don’t jinx it, when asked about the impending milestone.From an international debut in an ODI – also against West Indies – in Napier in March 2006, Taylor has treaded a long path, playing 101 Tests, 232 ODIs and 100 T20Is prior to the start of the upcoming series.”I was really happy to play one or two games for New Zealand,” he said, looking back. “I’ve still got to get there first, but my mentor, Martin Crowe, always used to say records are meant to be broken for the next guy to come beat. Whatever number of games I end up on, hopefully Kane [Williamson, who has 291 caps] and whoever comes through can beat that and keep setting the bar higher.”ALSO READ: Ross Taylor on 2021 T20 World Cup: ‘Not sure’Taylor was away playing the Caribbean Premier League not too long ago, and agreed that it wasn’t always easy to play in crowdless stadia, even though players were used to empty stands at domestic matches.No fans made it “a little bit dull, almost like a warm-up game”, Taylor said. “In domestic cricket, we don’t really get a lot of people, so that hasn’t felt any different,” he said with a laugh. “(From) playing in front of nobody to having the possibility of playing in front of thousands of people, I think – that’s why you want to play for, you play for your family and friends and the fans.”Like with many others, a break from the hectic schedule went down well with Taylor, but he conceded that he was desperate to get back to playing.”When you’re a parent, it’s nice to have your kids around, but you’ve normally got a little bit of your mind on the game you’re playing in a couple of days’ time,” he said. “To have a complete break away from that and not have the excuse to that you’ve got a game in a couple of days’ time and to be present with my family was something I’ll never forget.”But, at the same time, you’re only a cricketer for a certain period of time, and I’m not getting any younger, so I’ve got to make the most of every opportunity I can.”

During his time as manager of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Aston Villa and French giants Paris Saint Germain, Unai Emery has coached some of Europe’s biggest stars. These players have helped him become a manager synonymous with winning silverware, with his trophy cabinet including four Champions Leagues and one Ligue 1 title.

The Spaniard has the fortune of managing both Kylian Mbappe and Neymar during his spell in Paris. Both boasted an unbelievable record under Emery, with the Frenchman scoring 21 goals and registering 16 assists in 44 games and the Brazil legend playing 30 times for Emery, scoring 28 goals with 18 assists.

The likes of Edinson Cavani, who scored 89 times in 98 games for Emery’s PSG side, Angel Di Maria and Thiago Silva also played under the Spanish manager during his stint as PSG manager.

Some of Emery’s other notable players include Spain legend David Villa, who played for Emery 88 times as a Valencia player, scoring 59 goals and assisting once, and former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata, also for Valencia.

With the transfer window now open, Emery has been linked with another of his former players, who could join Villa and reunite with the Spaniard.

Aston Villa could sign Premier League midfielder

The player in question here is Tottenham Hotspur and Argentina midfielder Giovanni Lo Celso. The 28-year-old has struggled to become a regular at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and could depart the club this summer.

This is according to a report from Football Insider which believes the Villans are in talks with Ange Postecoglou’s side over a potential 'three-player swap deal' this summer.

According to the report, Jacob Ramsey is set to go the other way and make the switch to North London, as well as another, unnamed Villa player, in exchange for Lo Celso and a sum of money.

The Lilywhites are hoping to 'reduce the cash outlay' by offering the Argentine to the Midlands side, which means they have to pay less upfront for Ramsey. It's claimed the Villans value the 23-year-old at around £50m, with Spurs hoping to bring that down and are happy to let Lo Celso go in exchange.

Why Lo Celso would be a good signing

Since joining Spurs, Lo Celso has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot. He has gone out on loan twice, to Villarreal both times, where Emery managed him for the second time, having also coached him whilst PSG boss. Interstingly, the Spaniard is the coach Lo Celso has played under the most times.

Lo Celso record under Emery by club

Stat

PSG

Villarreal

Games

53

33

Minutes

2,587

2,240

Goals

6

2

Assists

9

1

Stats from Transfermarkt

The 2024/24 season was a very frustrating campaign for the Argentina international, who is currently representing his nation at the Copa America. He played just 24 times in all competitions, with 22 of those appearances coming in the Premier League. However, his 597 minutes in that time equated to just 6.6 full 90 minutes on average.

Should Lo Celso switch to Villa Park as the direct Ramsey replacement, we will get to see him reignite his partnership with Emery. The 28-year-old is clearly highly regarded by the Spaniard; before the pair linked up once again at Villarreal, Emery explained they brought him in because he is a very “versatile” footballer. Lo Celso returned the compliment, explaining his former boss is so good to work with because he knows “what he can give you”.

In terms of how the Argentine compares to Ramsey, they are both number 10s who like to get on the ball in pockets of space behind the striker and drive forward with the ball.

According to Fbref, Lo Celso averaged 4.46 progressive carries and 3.57 carries into the final third per 90 minutes last season. In comparison, Ramsey averaged 3.47 progressive carries and two carries into the final third, slightly fewer although still impressive output.

One area Lo Celso excels over the Englishman according to the stats is in his creative passing numbers. Last season, the 28-year-old averaged 3.21 key passes compared to Ramsey’s 1.05 per 90, with his expected assists 0.35xA, with Ramsey averaging just 0.15xA per game.

So, should they add Lo Celso to their squad, Villa would be bringing in an experienced player who knows what it takes to play under Emery. The Argentine has great quality on the ball and could be an excellent option to replace Ramsey as one of those number 10s in Emery’s famed 4-2-2-2 system because of his technical ability and eye for a pass. It could be a match made in heaven.

Related Jack Grealish repeat: Important Aston Villa star could leave for PL club

Another of Aston Villa’s finest academy graduates could depart.

Posts ByJoe Nuttall Jul 4, 2024