Category Uncategorized

Liverpool secured their place in the FA Cup final by beating Manchester City 3-2 at Wembley Stadium this afternoon.

Reds defender Ibrahima Konate opened the scoring for his side with just nine minutes on the clock with a header.

After 17 minutes, Sadio Mane doubled Liverpool’s lead before adding another goal just before the half-time whistle.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

City duo Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva then managed to pull a couple of goals back for the Manchester club in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide for Pep Guardiola’s team.

With that result, it’s Liverpool who will be in the final this year to face either Chelsea or Crystal Palace.

Despite the victory, not every player in a Liverpool shirt had a particularly successful day in terms of their individual performance.

One player in Jurgen Klopp’s side that was something of a passenger on this occasion was Mohamed Salah.

With the entire 90 minutes under his belt, the winger only had 38 touches of the ball in total, which was 31 fewer than goalkeeper Alisson Becker managed to have.

Having completed just 15 passes throughout the game, the Egyptian gave possession away for his side 13 times, making him a bit of a liability on the ball.

Off the ball, the attacker ended up losing 78% of the duels he was involved in, as well as being caught offside twice and getting dribbled past on two occasions.

This display ultimately earned Salah an extremely underwhelming overall match rating of just 6.3, making him the joint-lowest rated player that started the game for the Reds, alongside Fabinho.

Having been slammed by Alan Shearer for his “awful” first-half display in the 2-2 draw between the two sides in the Premier League last weekend, the 29-year-old didn’t have much impact once more this time out.

Moving forward, with the Reds now having an FA Cup final ahead of them, as well as a final sprint towards potentially winning the Premier League and Champions League, they will undoubtedly need Salah to start firing if they are to have any chance of securing a famous quadruple.

AND in other news: In talks: Liverpool eye move for “ice cold” £31.5m-rated gem, he’s Klopp’s next “star”

The Athletic’s Sam Lee has given his verdict following the news that Manchester City defender Joao Cancelo has signed a contract extension.

The Lowdown: Cancelo’s rise at City

The Portuguese defender became the most expensive full-back of all time in 2019 when he signed for Manchester City from Juventus in a deal worth £60m, with Danilo heading the other way for £34m.

Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium, the 27-year-old has played an integral part in Pep Guardiola’s side, having totalled 106 appearances for the Citizens. That includes 22 Premier League outings this season, where he has amassed one goal and five assists in becoming one of the team’s best performers, according to WhoScored metrics.

Cancelo signed a six-year deal when he joined the Sky Blues, keeping him at the club until 2025.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/man-city-latest-news-2/” title=”Man City latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Cancelo signs contract extension

Despite having three years left on his contract, City have been looking to tie down Cancelo on a long-term deal. On Tuesday morning, the club announced that the full-back has signed a two-year contract extension, which will keep him at the Etihad until 2027.

The Athletic’s Man City reporter Lee shared this news on Twitter along with a link to his corresponding article, beaming that it is ‘a fitting reward’ for the 27-year-old’s impressive form.

He proclaimed: “New deal for Joao Cancelo, a fitting reward for his emergence as a key City player and his phenomenal form over the past few months in particular”.

The Verdict: Great business

Cancelo is currently one of the most valuable full-backs in world football, with Transfermarkt estimating his value at a cool £54m.

When the initial lockdown happened, the defender struggled to adapt to life in England and thus wanted to leave the club. However, he overcame this to duly become one of the key components of Guardiola’s side.

Former City midfielder Nigel de Jong has offered some effusive praise of the 27-year-old, saying: “We can have a healthy discussion and debate on who is the best right-back in the world and Cancelo is certainly up there for me. It’s not only his versatility but also the fact he is as strong defensively as any right-back or left-back in the world.”

Taking everything into account, this seems like a brilliant bit of business by City, and it’s no wonder that Lee has voiced his firm approval of Cancelo’s contract extension.

In other news: These Manchester City fans approved of one prospective successor to Pep Guardiola

MatériaMais Notícias

O Fluminense já procura no mercado um nome para repor a saída de Henrique Dourado, anunciado pelo Flamengo nesta quarta. Assim, a prioridade da diretoria é a chegada de um novo camisa 9 – Abel Braga só tem à disposição Pedro -, mas o técnico comentou que espera outros dois nomes para encorpar o elenco. Afinal, foram mais de 15 atletas que saíram do Flu desde dezembro.

-O Paulo (Autuori, diretor de futebol) sabe o jogador que eu gostaria de ter. E, além dele, há mais dois jogadores que vão chegar para encorparmos o grupo – afirmou Abel Braga, que descartou a contratação do atacante Hernane, ex-Fla:

– Eu gosto dele, mas isso não passou nem ao lado da minha sala – resumiu.

Com a venda de Henrique Dourado ao rival e a premiação pela classificação na Copa do Brasil, o Fluminense terá em caixa dinheiro para buscar um camisa 9 para ser a referência no ataque. Ainda não há um nome, mas Abel pediu um atleta com as características de um jogador de área para ser referência.

Porém, a diretoria também estuda o mercado procurando nomes que podem chegar às Laranjeiras por empréstimo, o que significaria menores custos.

A carência no elenco não é apenas no setor ofensivo. Abel já deixou claro que espera a chegada de um zagueiro canhoto. No meio-campo, após a saída de Gustavo Scarpa, ficaram apenas dos homens de criação: Sornoza e Luquinhas.

RelacionadasFluminenseGrama de jardim, Sornoza apagado e a casquinha de Caio: a vitória tricolorFluminense01/02/2018FluminenseApós classificação, Abel Braga exalta defesa: ‘Outro jogo sem sofrer gols’Fluminense31/01/2018FluminenseAbel diz que diretoria cumpriu acordo por salários atrasados do elencoFluminense31/01/2018

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly now in a ‘strong position’ to sign Danilho Doekhi in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Souttar in

It has now been confirmed that John Souttar has signed a pre-contract agreement with the Ibrox faithful from Hearts, and he may even be able to play from this month if a further agreement can be made.

A few central defenders for the Teddy Bears are facing uncertain futures, and so bringing in a new centre-back was vital.

In truth, they could do with another one as well, given that both Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun’s contracts are up in the summer, with no sign of them renewing as of yet.

The Latest: Doekhi next?

As per The Athletic journalist Jordan Campbell, the Light Blues are now in a ‘strong position’ to sign Doekhi, after confirming Souttar’s signing.

The Dutchman is also a player whose contract is up in the summer, and so he could also be very attainable this month.

The Verdict: No-brainer

Assuming both Goldson and Balogun leave, it would be a no-brainer to sign Doekhi up alongside Souttar.

He has been described as having ‘all the ingredients’ for a good centre-half by Dutch football agent Freddy van der Hoorn, as he is ‘aggressive’ being six-foot-three, but also ‘very comfortable’ on the ball as well (Rangers Review).

Doekhi has also hinted himself that he would like the move, claiming that he is ‘flattered’ by the Gers’ interest, and that they are a ‘very beautiful’ club (de Gelderlander).

Nonetheless, to play under Dutch legend Giovanni van Bronckhorst could well be a match made in heaven.

In other news, find out what transfer update has Gers buzzing here!

أرسل توماس مولر لاعب فريق بايرن ميونخ الألماني، رسالة إلى زميله السابق ومهاجم برشلونة، الدولي البولندي روبرت ليفاندوفسكي، قبل مواجهة الفريقين غدًا.

برشلونة يستضيف بايرن ميونخ غدًا الأربعاء في الجولة الخامسة من دور المجموعات لبطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا على ملعب كامب نو.

مباراة الجولة الأولى بين الفريقين انتهت بفوز بايرن ميونخ 2/0 على ملعب أليانز أرينا في مدينة ميونخ الألمانية.

طالع أيضًا | قائمة بايرن ميونخ لمباراة برشلونة.. عودة مولر وغياب نوير

توماس مولر نشر فيديو عبر حسابه الشخصي على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “إنستجرام” قال فيه: “ليفا، كيف حالك، نحن قادمون”.

Thomas Muller prévient Robert Lewandowski à la veille de Barça – Bayern 👀⚔️ pic.twitter.com/foG7ZMC7Vy — Instant Foot ⚽️ (@lnstantFoot) October 25, 2022

برشلونة بحاجة للفوز على بايرن ميونخ من أجل الإبقاء على آماله في التأهل إلى دور الـ16 من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، في انتظار أن يخسر إنتر ميلان مباراته أمام فيكتوريا بلزن.

البلوجرانا خلال 4 مباريات، حققوا 4 نقاط فقط، من تعادل أمام إنتر ميلان وفوز على فيكتوريا بلزن، بينما خسر فريق تشافي مباراتي بايرن ميونخ في ألمانيا وإنتر ميلان في إيطاليا.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Atlético-MG já começou a colocar em práticas as mudanças para a próxima temporada. Na manhã desta quinta-feira, a diretoria que representará o clube pelo próximo triênio foi apresentada na sede, em Lourdes. Entre os novos representantes, Sérgio Sette Câmara definiu Alexandre Gallo como diretor de futebol e, durante coletiva de imprensa, o novo homem forte do futebol atleticano indicou que já busca nomes para reforçar a equipe em 2018.

O primeiro reforço anunciado para a próxima temporada é o volante Arouca, que não teve um bom ano no Palmeiras, mas despertou a atenção da da comissão técnica alvinegra. O atleta já realizou todos os exames necessários e se apresenta junto ao restante do elenco no início de janeiro, para o começo da pré-temporada.

– Arouca é uma realidade nossa já. Já tem contrato com a gente e nós acreditamos no seu crescimento. Ele iniciou a carreira com o Oswaldo e quer muito isso. A gente tem certeza que o Arouca vai agregar muito ao Atlético-MG.

A renovação do atacante Robinho também voltou a ser pautada na entrevista. Com contrato até 31 de dezembro de 2017, a presença do jogador ainda é incerta. Em resposta, Alexandre Gallo reafirmou que a primeira oferta proposta pelo Galo foi negada, mas indicou o clube busca outros métodos para manter o camisa 7.

-É uma situação que estamos definido, porque ainda há um prazo. Queremos a continuidade dele. Tivemos a negativa inicial e vamos o que acontece nos próximos dias. A ideia é dar maior tranquilidade possível para ele. Entendo que, vestindo a camisa com essa faixa etária, mas entregando bom futebol, ele queira tranquilidade para trabalhar. Pensei em dar os 24 meses, porque ele gosta da cidade e está muito bem adaptado. A conversa foi saudável com a representante e ela entendeu o projeto que tínhamos para o Robinho. Queremos um projeto para a vida dele. Ele já um jogador realizado, mas queremos dar tranquilidade a ele, entendendo nosso momento e nossas necessidades. Essa definição fica para ele e sua representante. Vamos ter algumas conversas. Estamos em momento de avaliação.

O novo diretor de futebol profissional também comentou como anda o planejamento dentro das quatro linhas. Gallo revelou que vem mantendo conversas frequentes com o técnico Oswaldo de Oliveira e que o objetivo é ter time forte e veloz representando o Galo nas disputas de 2018.

– Nós temos conversado direto, tenho feito várias reuniões com o Oswaldo. Todo grande atleta interessa para nós. A camisa do Atlético-MG vale muito. Entendemos que o mercado é muito interessante e nós estamos muito atentos a tudo que está acontecendo. Todos os dias podem estar acontecendo situações e nós vamos melhorar nossa equipe. A eleição atrasou um pouco o trabalho, mas com certeza até o Natal e até o final do ano, outros nomes vão acontecer.

RENOVAÇÃO

Com contrato até o fim de 2018, Marcos Rocha já foi procurado por outros clubes, mas o Atlético-MG não pretende liberá-lo. Inclusive, o clube tem planos para o jogador e já trabalha com a intenção de priorizar a renovação com o lateral.

– Marcos Rocha é um jogador que estamos tentando iniciar uma conversa agora e ele é uma das prioridades de renovação. É um atleta que nós temos o interesse da permanência dele aqui – garantiu Alexandre Gallo.

ESTRUTURA ADMINISTRATIVA

A gestão interna do Atlético-MG também está em período de mudanças. Após anunciar uma série de demissões na última quarta, Sérgio Sette Câmara confirmou Bebeto de Freitas na direção de administração e Marques como diretor de futebol de base. O novo presidente também indicou outras alterações na diretoria.

– O Gallo assume a diretoria de futebol. O Bebeto de Freitas assume a diretoria de administração e controle. O Carlos Fabel segue na função dele, assim como o Domênico. Rodrigo Lasmar como diretor médico. Castellar volta a ser assessor da presidência do Atlético. Fizemos também uma mudança na base. Entendemos que o trabalho do André nesse período foi importante, não temos nada a falar sobre a competência dele, mas o Atlético precisava de oxigenação na categoria de base. Convidamos nosso querido Marques, ídolo do clube, que tenho apreço. Vem o Marques para ser coordenador da base e o Gustavo Cupertino para ser gerente de base.

A direção jurídica do clube também sofrerá adaptações. Como Lásaro Cândido assume a vice-presidência do clube, um novo membro será escolhido para assumir o cargo no próximo ano.

RelacionadasAtlético MineiroEmpolgação, título e decepções: O 2017 do Atlético-MG em 20 fotosAtlético Mineiro14/12/2017Atlético MineiroDepois do acerto, Arouca finalmente é anunciado pelo Atlético-MGAtlético Mineiro14/12/2017Atlético MineiroCazares pode continuar no Galo na próxima temporadaAtlético Mineiro13/12/2017

Ian Bell has been the forgotten man of England’s tour of Bangladesh, and that’s a situation he probably doesn’t mind too much

Andrew Miller in Chittagong10-Mar-2010Ian Bell has been the forgotten man of England’s tour of Bangladesh, and that’s a situation he probably doesn’t mind too much. He was omitted from the one-day leg of the trip as well as the two Twenty20s in Dubai, but an attractive 48 in the first innings at Chittagong confirmed his readiness for a return to Test action, a stage on which he excelled during England’s recent tour of South Africa.England have spent a long time waiting for Bell to fulfil his promise, but with 313 runs in the four-Test series, including a matchwinning 140 in the second Test at Durban and a game-saving 78 a week later in Cape Town, he finished the trip looking more assured of his role than at any other time in his 53-match career.But Bell being Bell, he’s not about to talk up his own importance to the side, and having spent a month with the England Lions squad out in the UAE, he still believes there’s plenty hard yakka to be done. “I’m still working my way back and trying to cement myself in the team,” he said. “I’m as hungry as ever to score runs and I’ve been working as hard as I can to do that.”The month I spent with the Lions helped physically and I faced as much spin as possible, which will help with what we’re expecting out here. I don’t feel by any means I have a guaranteed place so I’ll be working very hard to get that. There’s competition for those places, and this is a big series for me.”Nevertheless, it’s not a bad time to come up against his favourite opponents. Back in 2005, when his career was just one Test old, Bell was picked for the home Test series against Bangladesh, and reeled off 227 runs without dismissal, including a hefty 162 not out in the second match at Chester-le-Street, after which his career average was an unsustainable 297.”It was back in England, in completely different conditions, and obviously it was quite a few years ago now,” he said. “Bangladesh are a much improved team since then, and if you look at the rankings they’ve got quite a few world-class players, and we’re going to have to play well. We’re going to have to work hard to play well in these conditions.”Bell has excelled on the subcontinent in previous series, not least in Pakistan in 2005-06, when he averaged 52.16 in the three-Test series. He’s very much at home in the slow, low conditions that reward technique and application, although the same can hardly be said of Kevin Pietersen, who prefers the ball coming onto the bat, and whose search for form is starting to cause England a serious headache.But as recently as December, following a poor performance at Centurion, it was Bell himself who was the subject of the sort of scrutiny that his team-mate is currently under, and he was sympathetic to Pietersen’s plight. “I know what it’s like, it’s a difficult place to be, but when you know the dressing-room is behind you there’s a much easier way through than when you’re on your own,” he said. “It’s difficult to say what KP is thinking exactly, but I know he is working as hard as he can.”With two days to go to the Test – and to judge from the noises emerging from the camp – England appeared to be leaning towards seven batsmen and four bowlers, which would mean that Bell would once again be asked to bat at No. 6, the position from which the bulk of his starring performances have come. Nevertheless, if the selectors feel a fifth bowler is merited, it’s still possible that he might be shunted back up to 3, a position at which he averages an unworthy 31.43. But whatever happens he believes he’s ready for the challenge.”I don’t think we’ll be getting seamers with the new ball for very long, so it’s not going to change much,” he said. “Wherever I am asked to bat I’ll be prepared to do it. I don’t try and do anything different, but I’ve always said I’m desperate to work my way back up the order. I haven’t taken the opportunities at No. 3, so if I’m at 6, I’ll keep trying to churn out the runs and keep working at moving back up the order. Three is a goal, definitely.”

Despite currently sitting in third place of the Championship table with 37 points from 21 games, West Brom have only managed to score 29 goals in the league so far this season, fewer than the two clubs above them and two clubs below them in the table.

Even though they won their previous league game against Coventry City with an own goal and a goal from Karlan Grant, one attacking figure that didn’t have much of an attacking impact on this occasion was Grady Diangana, who only had one shot at goal which was off target with no key passes made either.

With this in mind and the fact that Diangana has only managed to score one goal and provide one assist in the 19 league games he’s appeared in this season, perhaps it could be the right time for Ismael to take him out of the team for the time being and give one of their rarely-seen young talents the chance to shine.

After being an unused substitute in their opening three league games of the season, 20-year-old attacker Rayhaan Tulloch made his first senior appearance of the season in a very short cameo in their 2-1 away win against Blackburn Rovers.

Unfortunately for the youngster, Tulloch picked up a groin injury in the warm-up of West Brom’s Carabao Cup defeat against Arsenal back in August that has kept him out of action.

On a positive note, the attacker, who is currently picking up a weekly wage of £1.7k-per-week according to Salary Sport, was back in the matchday squad for West Brom’s recent league win against Coventry.

Now that he’s been deemed fit enough to be in the squad again and Diangana’s poor showing last time out, it could be worth Ismael giving Tulloch the opportunity to get some more minutes under his belt and potentially freshen up the team’s attacking force in time for the winter run of games as they aim to win promotion back to the Premier League.

With Tulloch, who has been previously called West Brom’s “star boy” by Jonathan Leko, having played in numerous attacking and midfield positions across the pitch during his time with West Brom and their youth teams, it may not be too hard for Ismael to implement him in his side.

Also, the fact that Tulloch has scored 39 goals and provided 15 assists in 93 appearances for West Brom’s U18 and U23 sides could make him a better option than Diangana at this moment in time if he’s able to fully express himself on the pitch.

In other news: “Wouldn’t entirely rule out:” Journalist drops WBA claim that’ll have fans buzzing – opinion

An update has emerged on Newcastle’s pursuit of Lyon beast Lucas Paqueta ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Le10 Sport, the Magpies have placed a £34m (€40m) bid for the Brazilian gem and are willing to go higher if needed.

The report claims that the midfielder has turned down the chance to sign for them as it stands, but does not rule out an attempt from the Premier League side to change his mind.

He only signed for the French club around 18 months ago in a deal worth £19m.

New era

Newcastle could start their new era under PIF’s ownership with a bang by tempting him to make a U-turn on his decision next month.

The 24-year-old midfielder has been in sensational form for Lyon in France and his arrival could provide a major lift to the squad, both in terms of his ability and what he could bring on the pitch and the PR his move would provide the club.

He is a player who is currently excelling in Ligue 1 and convincing him to join a relegation battle could be a signal of intent that convinces others to make a similar switch.

He has averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.17 for this season, producing six goals and three assists in 16 league matches whilst also making 2.1 tackles per game. This comes after he averaged the same score last term, bagging nine goals and providing five assists in 30 appearances in Ligue 1.

The manager of Brazil – Tite – previously compared him to two other players from his country, saying: “Lucas thinks about football in the same way as Neymar and Coutinho.

“When we played against El Salvador he had a series of exchanges with Neymar, practically without having seen him before and without playing together. They linked up with their eyes closed.”

Milan and Brazil icon Kaka has also been full of praise for Paqueta in the past. He said:

“He’s a player who has a bright future ahead of him. He’s already been called up to the Brazilian national team, but it’s better for him that we don’t make comparisons. I’ve seen so many of them in recent days, with me, with [Alexandre] Pato, with Ronaldinho, Cafu, Rivaldo… with all the Brazilians who have been part of Milan’s history.”

Meanwhile, talent scout Jacek Kulig went as far as to describe him as a “pure joy to watch” earlier this year.

This highlights the pedigree he would arrive with, whilst his statistics for Lyon show that he is putting in the performances to warrant the hype.

Therefore, his arrival could kickstart the PIF era with a bang as he would surely have a huge impact on the pitch with his consistently excellent displays in midfield and he could be the trailblazer in terms of high-profile names making their way to the Toon.

AND in other news, Move over Ashworth: NUFC must consider “irate” DoF whose “behaviour’s been a disgrace”…

Craig Hope has now revealed five players that Newcastle United are targeting ahead of the opening of the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Bodies needed

As the St. James’ Park faithful are currently lurking in the relegation zone, it is clear that reinforcements are needed next month in order to give them the best possible chance of surviving.

Survival means everything to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium, as they can then kickstart their long-term project in the summer, and thus be able to attract bigger names to the North East given that they would still be playing in the top flight.

The Latest: Five targets

As per Hope, Lloyd Kelly, a player Eddie Howe signed back in 2019, as well as central defenders Matthias Ginter, Joe Rodon and Sven Botman, are among the Tyneside outfit’s January targets.

The Daily Mail journalist is ‘also told’ that Mohamed Elneny is an option in the middle of the park for the new owners.

The Verdict: Kelly, Elneny plus one centre-back

Kelly is of course a player that Howe knows well – in a 2019/20 season plagued by injuries, he started eight out of the nine games that he was available under the manager (Transfermarkt).

A player that Howe has a lot of admiration for, he would certainly know how to get the best out of Kelly, providing that he can stay free of injury.

Elneny offers a lot of Premier League 30 goals so far in the top flight, the second-most out of any team.

Rodon offers that Premier League Botman have played at the highest level in the UEFA Champions League.

Nonetheless, bringing at least three of those players in would certainly help bolster up the squad, and give them the best possible chance of avoiding the drop.

In other news, find out which former Magpies NUFC are eyeing in a shock transfer here!