Sylvinho admite desgaste de atletas do Corinthians, mas não quer poupar time e projeta Willian como titular

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians foi a campo na última quinta-feira à noite, no Castelão, com duas surpresas em sua escalação. Fábio Santos e Renato Augusto, que eram tidos como titulares certos para o jogo contra o Ceará, iniciaram entre os reservas e foram substituídos por Lucas Piton e Luan após darem sinais de desgaste físico nesta reta final do Brasileirão. O meio-campista ainda entrou no segundo tempo no Castelão, mas o lateral-esquerdo sequer foi utilizado no confronto em que o Timão acabou sendo derrotado por 2 a 1em Fortaleza.

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GALERIA
>Veja até quando vai o contrato de cada jogador do Corinthians

E depois de o time viajar até a capital cearense e depois voltar, em percursos longos que também colaboram para que a equipe fique ainda mais cansada, o treinador agora vai preparar o Alvinegro para enfrentar o Athletico-PR, neste domingo, às 16h, na Neo Química Arena, pela 36ª rodada do Brasileirão.

E ao projetar o duelo, o antepenúltimo do Timão no torneio, o comandante deixou claro que não pretende poupar atletas e quer usar o melhor material humano à disposição para conquistar a oitava vitória seguida como mandante e dar um novo passo para garantir vaga na fase de grupos da Libertadores.

– A palavra poupar eu não estou muito de acordo com ela. Nós potencializamos o time, os atletas, o campeonato é duro, as viagens são longas. Tem jogo a cada três ou quatro dias. Isso causa um desgaste grande nos atletas, de maneira que aqueles que se mostram bem recuperados e em condição temos colocado em campo, porque queremos os pontos. Trabalhamos em cima de performance e rendimento, às vezes um ou outro acaba não chegando. Mas a palavra poupar, não. Entramos com o que temos de melhor naquele momento, gerindo todas essas circunstâncias – ressaltou o treinador em entrevista coletiva no Castelão.

Utilizado apenas no decorrer do segundo tempo da partida contra o Ceará, Renato Augusto vinha de uma grande atuação contra o Santos, mas o grande esforço físico que fez para brilhar na vitória por 2 a 0 no clássico cobrou o seu preço. Sylvinho revelou que o experiente jogador de 33 anos não conseguiu se recuperar a tempo para poder ser escalado desde o início nesta quinta-feira.

– Renato vinha de 13 ou 14 jogos seguidos, sinalizou um cansaço grande pós-Santos, a recuperação não foi total. Não tinha condição de iniciar o jogo. Veio, esteve conosco, nos ajudou 30 minutos. Iniciar é uma coisa, jogar 30 minutos é outra – enfatizou o comandante, que escolheu Luan como substituto do titular.

Luan, por sua vez, não era confirmado em uma formação inicial do Alvinegro desde o dia 28 de agosto, justamente quando a equipe conquistou a sua última vitória fora de casa. Na ocasião, derrotou o Grêmio por 1 a 0, em Porto Alegre. Desta vez, porém, o meio-campista não teve sucesso diante do rival cearense e acabou sendo sacado na etapa final, dando lugar justamente a Renato Augusto.

LUAN NÃO CONSEGUE APROVEITAR RARA OPORTUNIDADE

E ao ser questionado se Luan não soube aproveitar bem a chance como titular no Castelão, Sylvinho preferiu não analisar o desempenho do jogador, mas destacou que o mesmo fez por merecer a vaga aberta pelo companheiro.

– Luan tem treinado bem, estava esperando mais uma oportunidade, é um atleta de grupo. O momento era do Luan. Não entendo uma questão de aproveitar ou não a oportunidade, é um atleta que está bem, participou e, na ausência do Renato, tínhamos claro que era o momento de Luan jogar – completou o treinador ao justificar a escalação do atleta.

WILLIAN PERTO DE VOLTAR A SER TITULAR

Assim como Renato Augusto, Willian foi colocado em campo na etapa final do confronto com o Ceará. O mesmo já havia ocorrido no clássico contra o Santos, no último domingo, em Itaquera, onde voltou a atuar depois de ter desfalcado o Corinthians em sete partidas por causa de uma lesão muscular na parte posterior da coxa esquerda. E na capital cearense ele mostrou uma evolução física e ainda deu bela assistência para Róger Guedes fazer o gol corintiano.

– O Willian é um atleta que, pouco a pouco, está voltando aos treinos e jogos. Ele não se mostrava em condição de iniciar o jogo, estamos avaliando a cada jogo. Fomos para o último jogo com série de jogo a cada três dias, viagem e jogo, viagem e jogo. Ele não sinalizava início de jogo, conversamos com ele. Temos atletas no departamento médico que não têm jogado – disse Sylvinho, para depois admitirque projeta ter Willian como titular a partir deste domingo.

– Com o Willian temos conversado de uma forma constante. Vamos analisar os próximos dias, temos uma viagem longa de volta a São Paulo, para saber as condições que ele se encontra e saber se há ou não condição de iniciar o jogo. Entrar no jogo é uma coisa, iniciar é diferente. Vamos analisar com os departamentos do clube e com o atleta – completou o treinador corintiano.

SANTOS AJUDA E TIME SEGUE NO G4 ANTES DE VOLTAR A JOGAR

Mesmo com a derrota para o Ceará, o Corinthians se manteve no G4 do Brasileirão, em quarto lugar, com 53 pontos, pois, em outro duelo da noite de quinta-feira, o Fortaleza, quinto colocado, com 52, foi batido pelo Santos por 2 a 0, na Vila Belmiro, em outro confronto desta 35ª rodada da competição. Para o jogo contra o Athletico-PR, Sylvinho contará com o retorno do volante Roni, que cumpriu suspensão pelo terceiro cartão amarelo na última quinta-feira.

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West Ham open talks to sign £107,000-per-week international for Lopetegui

West Ham United are currently in talks over signing a £107,000-per-week player for manager Julen Lopetegui, as the Hammers continue to build upon what has been a very successful transfer window for them.

West Ham spend over £120 million on eight first-team summer signings

Technical director Tim Steidten, backed by chairman David Sullivan and the east London club's board, have splashed over £120 million on eight first-team signings in a statement of intent for the new Premier League season.

West Ham now battling Aston Villa in the race to sign "superb" £12m starlet

The Hammers are looking to get one over on Villa off the pitch…

ByTom Cunningham Aug 17, 2024

Lopetegui's most expensive buy of the window has come in the form of his ex-Wolves captain, Max Kilman, who made a £40 million move to the club and put pen to paper on a seven-year contract last month.

Alongside Kilman, West Ham have also completed deals for winger Crysencio Summerville, centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, forward Niclas Fullkrug, Brazilian starlet Luis Guillherme, right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, midfielder Guido Rodriguez and back-up goalkeeper Wes Foderingham.

West Ham summer signings

From

Fee (Transfermarkt)

Max Kilman

Wolves

€47.5m

Crysencio Summerville

Leeds United

€29.3m

Niclas Fullkrug

Borussia Dortmund

€27m

Luis Guilherme

Palmeiras

€23m

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Man Utd

€18m

Wes Foderingham

Sheffield United

Free transfer

Guido Rodriguez

Real Betis

Free transfer

Jean-Clair Todibo

Nice

Loan transfer

West Ham summer departures

To

Fee (Transfermarkt)

Flynn Downes

Southampton

€17.85m

Said Benrahma

Lyon

€14.4m

Thilo Kehrer

Monaco

€11m

Nathan Trott

FC Copenhagen

€1.5m

Ben Johnson

Ipswich Town

Free transfer

Joseph Anang

St. Patrick's Athletic

Free transfer

While Lopetegui's side didn't exactly get off to a flying start in their opening Premier League game of the season, losing 2-1 to Aston Villa at the London Stadium, this real squad restructure gives hope to supporters that this campaign could be a very fruitful one.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, speaking to GiveMeSport recently, also suggested that West Ham may not be done in terms of new signings.

"With regards to forwards, it will probably depend on departures in that area," said Sheth.

"We hear a lot about Maxwel Cornet and Danny Ings potentially leaving. Would that be enough for them to go into the market to bring in another player? So it's definitely one to watch."

West Ham have been sporadically linked with a move for Roma striker Tammy Abraham in that regard, alongside Paris-Saint Germain ace Carlos Soler.

West Ham in talks with PSG over signing Carlos Soler

According to reliable French newspaper L'Equipe, the Spain international midfielder is back on Lopetegui's agenda heading into the final phase of this summer window.

They claim West Ham are discussing terms over an agreement for Soler, as they attempt to beat Premier League rivals Brighton to his signature. PSG want around £17 million to sell the 27-year-old outright, but they're currently in negotiations over a move.

PSG midfielder Carlos Soler

Soler made 24 Ligue 1 appearances under Luis Enrique last term, with half of those being full starts. On around £107,000-per-week, according to West Ham insider Sean Whetstone, the former Valencia star has also been called a "lovely" player by football journalist Sid Lowe.

Após empate, Vasco perde chance de colar no G4; confira as probabilidades na reta final da Série B

MatériaMais Notícias

Após a chegada de Diniz, o Vasco iniciou uma boa arrancada. No entanto, com o empate com o Náutico, o Gigante da Colina tem 15% de chance de garantir o acesso, de acordo com o portal “Infobola”, do matemático Tristão Garcia. A diferença para o quarto colocado, que atualmente é o Goiás, é de cinco pontos, restando sete rodadas para o fim da Série B.

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O próximo compromisso do Cruz-Maltino será na sexta-feira, dia 29, às 21h30, contra o CSA, em São Januário. O Timbu, por sua vez, enfrenta o lanterna Brasil de Pelotas, um dia antes, na quinta-feira, às 21h30. Ambas as partidas são válidas pela 32ª rodada da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro.

+ Confira e simule a tabela da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro

Na próxima rodada, o Esmeraldino recebe o Botafogo, na terça-feira, às 21h30, em um confronto direto importante para o Vasco ficar de olho. Além disso, o CRB, quinto colocado, encara o líder Coritiba, no mesmo dia, às 19h, no Estádio Rei Pelé.

+ATUAÇÕES: Nenê tem dia inspirado e recebe a melhor nota; Morato deixa a desejar em empate do Vasco

Restando sete rodadas, seis vitórias são essenciais para o Vasco garantir o acesso e retornar à elite do futebol brasileiro (número mágico de 64). Com mais cinco triunfos, vai depender da nota de corte desta edição da Série B. Na temporada passada, o quarto colocado Cuiabá subiu com 61. No ano anterior, o Atlético-GO garantiu a vaga com 62 pontos.

Confira as probabilidades de acesso/rebaixamento na Série B do Brasileirão*

1º – Coritiba (57 pontos) – 97% acesso/ 0% rebaixamento
2º – Botafogo (55 pontos) – 92% acesso / 0% rebaixamento
3º – Avaí (53 pontos) – 79% acesso / 0% rebaixamento
4º – Goiás (52 pontos) – 69% acesso / 0% rebaixamento
5º – CRB (50 pontos) – 34% acesso / 0% rebaixamento
6º – Vasco (47 pontos) – 15% acesso / 0% rebaixamento
7º – Guarani (46 pontos) – 6% acesso / 0% rebaixamento
8º – CSA (45 pontos) – 5% acesso / 0% rebaixamento
9º – Náutico (45 pontos) – 4% acesso / 0% rebaixamento
10º – Sampaio Corrêa (40 pontos) – 0% acesso / 2% rebaixamento
11º – Vila Nova (39 pontos) – 0% acesso / 6% rebaixamento
12º – Cruzeiro (39 pontos) – 0% acesso / 4% rebaixamento
13º – Remo (38 pontos) – 0% acesso / 12% rebaixamento
14º – Operário-PR (38 ponto) – 0% acesso / 10% rebaixamento
15º – Ponte Preta (37 pontos) – 0% acesso / 13% rebaixamento
16º – Brusque (35 pontos) – 0% acesso / 30% rebaixamento
17º – Londrina (32 pontos) – 0% acesso / 74% rebaixamento
18º – Vitória (32 pontos) – 0% acesso / 81% rebaixamento
19º – Confiança (31 pontos) – 0% acesso /99% rebaixamento
20º – Brasil de Pelotas (20 pontos) – 0% acesso / 99% rebaixamento

* Números do portal “Infobola”, do matemático Tristão Garcia.

West Brom in talks to sign "outstanding" £1.7m gem in possible 5-year deal

West Bromwich Albion are locked in talks over a move for a highly-rated midfielder this summer, with a five-year deal on the cards, according to reports.

West Brom signings so far

After falling in the Championship playoff semi-finals last season, Carlos Corberan's side will be looking to go one better this time around. So far though, they have had a quiet summer window, with just three new faces arriving at The Hawthorns ahead of the new campaign.

The Baggies have shelled out £500k for centre-back Torbjørn Heggem, who has penned a three-year deal after arriving from Swedish side IF Brommapojkarna.

“Torbjorn has the versatility to play in any of the positions across the defensive line," Baggies head coach Carlos Corberan said upon the signing being announced.

"He is a player capable of taking responsibility, playing out from the back and managing the ball well with both feet."

West Brom could sign a "great finisher" who would shine next to Fellows

West Bromwich Albion are eyeing up a swoop for this free agent attacker.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 22, 2024

The Baggies have also picked up Ousmane Diakite on a free transfer to bolster their midfield ranks, as well as goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith, who arrives from Derby County on a free transfer to provide cover and competition for Baggies no.1 Alex Palmer.

They are still expected to do plenty of business before the window slams shut, and could even be welcoming fresh faces before their Championship opener against Queens Park Rangers on 10th August, if the latest reports are to be believed.

West Brom in talks over midfielder deal

That comes courtesy of journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who claims that West Brom are in talks with Standard Liege over a potential move for Isaac Price. The midfielder, 20, joined the Belgian side from Everton as a free agent just 12 months ago, and started 18 times in the Belgian top flight over the course of the campaign, grabbing a goal and two assists.

Isaac Price's first senior season

Appearances

28

Starts

18

Minutes

1654

Goals

1

Assists

2

Yellow Cards

2

However, the Belgian giants remain open to his departure, and talks are ongoing over a potential move worth around €2m (£1.7m). It is added that discussions over personal terms are taking place, with both parties basing their discussions around a potential five-year deal at The Hawthorns, while Price himself is keen on a return to England.

Though a deal is not done, Liege are already searching for replacements of their own, suggesting confidence that Price will indeed depart this summer, though there is also interest from fellow Championship side Preston.

Price was considered a top talent at Everton, with veteran shot-stopper Asmir Begovic hailing him for one mid-season friendly against Celtic in November 2022.

"Everton are very famous for bringing through their Academy players and I think there are a few boys here who have a chance to progress and play their part in years to come. I thought Isaac was outstanding today but so were the other boys when they came on – they did a really good job and helped us get the win."

With his career still firmly ahead of him, Price could be a shred piece of business from the Baggies if they can get a deal over the line.

Outscored Neto: Wolves could seal Ait-Nouri repeat in move for "revelation"

Wolverhampton Wanderers are certainly building something this summer as Gary O’Neil has made a few signings who could become a big part of the club’s future.

The likes of Pedro Lima, Rodrigo Gomes and Tommy Doyle have joined permanently, while striker Jorgen Strand Larsen has arrived on a season-long loan deal from Celta Vigo.

Wolves manager Gary O'Neil before a Premier League game.

The building blocks are in place. Now it is time for a few more players to join ahead of the Premier League season.

Wolves target move for Ligue 1 sensation

According to a report from French outlet Foot Mercato earlier this week, Wolves are believed to be showing interest in a move for Lyon defender Jake O’Brien this summer.

Brentford looks like they have potentially struck the first blow, however, as the Premier League side look to have made contact already with the Ligue 1 side, asking about his availability.

No transfer fee is mentioned in the report, although the Irish centre-back does have a contract at Lyon until the summer of 2027, having just signed for them last summer.

The club have had success in the last few years with deals from the French top flight. Could O’Brien be another excellent signing?

Wolves can repeat their Ait-Nouri masterclass

The Old Gold signed Rayan Ait-Nouri from French outfit Angers in September 2020, initially on a season-long loan deal, before he joined on a permanent basis in 2021.

Wolves player Rayan Ait-Nouri

Following the end of last term, the Algerian left-back had made 116 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals and grabbing eight assists in the process. His performances of late have attracted attention from the likes of Liverpool, who appear ready to make a bid for the player.

Indeed, Ait-Nouri has a release clause that stands at around £38m, which means the club could seal a solid profit on the player.

O’Brien could have a similar sort of impact should he also make the move to the Midlands from France this summer. The 6 foot 5 titan made 32 appearances for Lyon last term, scoring five goals in all competitions – a tally that was even ahead of key man Pedro Neto, with the winger scoring just three times across all fronts.

Jake O'Brien's Ligue 1 stats for Lyon

Goals

4

Assists

2

Accurate passes per game

46.2

Accurate long balls per game

3.4

Tackles per game

0.8

Total duels won per game

3.1

Possession lost per game

6.8

Clean sheets

7

Via Sofascore

When compared to his positional peers, O’Brien’s attacking qualities stood out as he ranked in the top 4% for non-penalty goals and in the top 10% for assists per 90 across Europe’s big five leagues.

Not only a more 'prolific' presence than Neto, defensively the towering titan was also excellent for his current side last term, winning 3.1 total duels per game – a success rate of 61% – losing possession just 6.8 times each match and recovering 4.7 balls per game in Ligue 1.

It is no surprise then that plaudits have flooded his way, with writer Zach Lowy subsequently lauding the youngster earlier this year on X, describing him as a "revelation" amid his fine start to life in his new surroundings…

With Max Kilman leaving the club recently, there is certainly a space for another centre-back. O’Brien has proven he can excel in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Will Wolves win the race to sign the centre-back this summer? Only time will tell.

More creative than Ait-Nouri: Wolves explore move for £3m Neto replacement

Gary O’Neil is targeting another teenage signing after Pedro Lima…

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 24, 2024

Everton already lining up Dyche’s next priority signing after Iroegbunam

After reportedly completing a deal to sign Aston Villa prospect Tim Iroegbunam, Everton have turned their attention to landing Sean Dyche's next priority signing, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Everton transfer news

Despite being stuck at a takeover crossroads, Everton have still managed to splash the cash in a reported £9m deal to sign Iroegbunam this summer. The 20-year-old broke into Unai Emery's Aston Villa side on more than one occasion last season, making 15 first-team appearances in total, but is now set to swap Villa Park for Goodison Park.

Sky journalist says Everton have sent a formal bid for a "very fine player"

He has attracted interest from elsewhere in England.

ByTom Coates Jun 19, 2024

The £9m deal should help Villa in their attempts to avoid a profit and sustainability charge from the Premier League, whilst handing Everton a player who's got plenty more to come. Should the midfielder reach his potential, then it could be argued that Dyche will have a natural replacement for Amadou Onana if the Belgian does part ways with the Toffees this summer.

With that deal now reportedly completed and money spent, however, Everton have reportedly turned their attention back towards bargain deals and one particular familiar face in the summer transfer window. According to Romano, Everton are lining up a deal to sign Jack Harrison on loan from Leeds United for a second consecutive season.

Reportedly one of Dyche's priorities since the conclusion of the Premier League season, Harrison showed glimpses of his quality when fit and firing at Goodison Park last season and could now maintain his top-flight place with another move. What's more, Leeds' promotion failure should make any deal easier for Everton to complete this summer.

The Toffees may still be searching for new owners, but that doesn't seem to be standing in the way of arrivals, be that Iroegbunam or Harrison up next, as Dyche prepares to finally take his side away from relegation battles in the Premier League.

"Excellent" Harrison would be wise business by Everton

A player with Premier League experience who could arrive in a loan deal to avoid any transfer fee, Harrison makes perfect sense for Everton. The winger saw the start of his loan spell interrupted by a hip injury last season, before he went on to score three goals and assist a further three in a mixed Premier League spell. If Everton can get the Leeds man back to his best, however, then they'll have plenty more to come.

As Leeds suffered relegation in the 2022/23 season, for example, Harrison managed five goals and seven assists in the Premier League, proving to be a bright spark in a campaign to forget at Elland Road. Now, with Dyche looking to take the Toffees into the comforts of mid-table, the 27-year-old could play a crucial part.

Dyche certainly didn't shy away from praising Harrison last season, either, telling EvertonTV: “People like Jack came into the side. He’s been absolutely terrific. He’s hardly played but he looks clear and he said he felt clear and I thought he was excellent tonight to come in and work as he did.”

Chelsea submit bid to sign "monster" talent who could be their new Costa

Despite leaving in 2018, Chelsea have still not replaced the brilliance of Diego Costa up front.

Many centre forwards have tried to replicate what he provided, including Alvaro Morata and Romelu Lukaku, but neither of those were anywhere near as impactful.

Diego Costa

In his 120 appearances for the Blues, the Spain international netted 59 times and provided 21 assists, while also lifting the Premier League trophy twice.

With Todd Boehly’s aim being to achieve that feat once again, it’s no surprise to see that he’s attempting to sign Chelsea’s next Costa this summer.

Chelsea’s hunt for a new centre forward

According to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea are extremely keen on signing Samuel Omorodion.

After failing to secure the signature of Benjamin Sesko, it’s said that the centre forward is now their ‘first-choice’ target.

The Blues have already reportedly submitted a bid in the region of £34m, but it’s unfortunately been rejected by Atletico Madrid.

Nevertheless, Chelsea will continue to work on a deal to secure the 20-year-old, who enjoyed an excellent breakthrough campaign in La Liga last season.

Why Omorodion could be the next Diego Costa

Omorodion is a new name to have taken La Liga by storm recently while spending his debut season on loan at Alaves.

After only being promoted last campaign, the Spanish side exceeded all expectations, finishing tenth, with the Atletico loanee playing a huge role.

Across the season, the number 32 made 35 appearances in La Liga, starting 22 of those as a lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 system.

Over these appearances, the 6-foot-4 “monster,” as dubbed by football scout Jacek Kulig, netted an impressive nine goals, four more than Alaves’ next-highest scorer.

Starts

22

35

Goals

9

20

Shots

1.9

3.2

Big chances missed

19

12

Passes completed

6.8

22.2

Duels won

3.5

5.9

As you can see by the stats, Omorodion is the definition of a true number nine; he’s a handful in the box due to his physicality, which sounds rather similar to the style of play Costa used to adopt, both winning a high-volume of duels.

The Atleti youngster has excellent movement, which often means he finds himself in brilliant positions, as shown in the clip below, but work has to be done on his finishing, as he missed 19 big chances last season.

For some, that statistic may be a huge concern, but it can also be viewed from the perspective that he knows how to get into great goalscoring positions, which, at his stage of development, is arguably more important.

Now, it’s quite clear that his overall statistics aren’t exactly eye-catching; in fact, they’re rather poor, but it’s important to include environmental context.

For example, Omorodion plays for a side that has just over 40% possession per game while also scoring less than one goal per match, which is a huge reason why his touches, passes completed, and overall involvement are low.

But how exactly could Omorodion become the Blues’ next Costa?

Well, on top of both the centre forwards being target men strikers from Spain, the ex-Alaves would also arrive at Chelsea from Atletico Madrid, just like Costa.

As shown by the statistics above, they’re both dangerous strikers who know where the back of the net is, and they won’t allow the opposition any rest.

Overall, it’s clear that signing Omorodion for such a huge fee is a massive risk, especially considering he’s had just one year of experience, but his goal tally indicates that in a more creative side like Chelsea, he has the potential to explode.

No Jackson, £226m trio sign: Enzo Maresca's dream lineup at Chelsea

Chelsea are set for a busy summer with plenty of signings expected.

ByTom Lever May 29, 2024

Todd Boehly could also sell £175,000-a-week Chelsea star after Ian Maatsen

Amid their widely reported agreement with Aston Villa over Ian Maatsen, it is believed that Chelsea chief Todd Boehly is prepared to offload a £175,000-per-week member of the squad as well.

Chelsea agree deal to sell Ian Maatsen to Aston Villa

Following on from Thiago Silva's departure from Stamford Bridge, it now looks as if left-back Maatsen, who helped Borussia Dortmund reach the Champions League final last season, will be the next high-profile exit.

Chelsea chiefs identify new top target in £85 million Duran alternative

Todd Boehly and co look like they’re moving on from the Colombian.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 19, 2024

The Dutchman spent the second half of 2023/2024 on loan at Dortmund and earned rave reviews. He contributed both defensively and going forward, scoring two goals and adding another two assists in 16 Bundesliga appearances.

Maatsen also played a heavy hand on their run to the Champions League final with seven outings and a goal in the competition, but there is no place for him in Enzo Maresca's plans as Chelsea chiefs give the green light to offload him.

Dortmund 3-0 Freiburg

8.61

Dortmund 4-0 Darmstadt

8.49

Union Berlin 0-2 Dortmund

8.43

FC Koln 0-4 Dortmund

7.72

Dortmund 3-1 FC Bochum

7.47

Indeed, Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign Maatsen from Chelsea, which could amount to around £35-£40 million. His move is subject to a medical, and the player has been offered a six-year contract in the Midlands.

This fee will do wonders to bolster Maresca's transfer kitty, as the Blues look to operate within the PSR limit and back their new manager with key additions. As well as Maatsen, a succession of Chelsea players are being linked with the exit door, and many more are expected to follow the 22-year-old.

Chelsea also prepared to sell Marc Cucurella this summer

According to reliable journalist Matt Law, one of them is fellow left-back Marc Cucurella.

The Spaniard, who earns around £175,000-a-week in west London, worked his way into Mauricio Pochettino's plans last term after spending the first few Premier League games on his bench.

Cucurella started all of Chelsea's final 12 top-flight matches, bagging two assists in that time, as Pochettino's favoured left-back option. He could've started more as well, if not for his ankle injury which kept him out for nine games midway through the season (Transfermarkt).

The former Brighton ace was praised for thriving in a late-season inverted role under Pochettino and has been called "perfect" for Maresca's system (Ben Jacobs). However, despite this, Law claims Chelsea would accept bids for Cucurella this summer and may let him leave.

“I’ve been told a lot of players will go," said Law on London is Blue, via Chelsea Chronicle.

"Casadei might go, and Datro Fofana will go, whether on loan or permanent. I think they would accept bids for Cucurella; whether they’d get any, I don’t know. Maatsen will go; he’s part of the Duran thing with Villa. I do think Chalobah will go.”

It will be interesting to see whether Chelsea do accept offers for Cucurella given his potential suitability for Maresca, but it appears the axe is swinging over the Italian's squad afrer Maatsen.

"Exciting news" – Sky Sports drop Textor update live on TV for Everton fans

A significant update has emerged regarding John Textor's potential takeover of Everton Football Club this summer, courtesy of Sky Sports.

Everton takeover latest

The Blues have reached the end of one of their most challenging seasons in their recent history, with so many different things going wrong at the club. In the face of all that however, Sean Dyche's men secured Premier League survival, battling bravely amid a number of points deductions and staying up relatively comfortably in the end.

The takeover situation has also added as a major distraction, as Everton look to finally bring an end to Farhad Moshiri's time as owner.

Everton's home stadium, Goodison Park.

777 Partners have long been seen as the front-runners to replace him, but their credentials have come under scrutiny as the months have passed, in terms of having the funds to get a deal over the line or their funds even being legitimate in the first place.

MSP Sports Capital pair Andy Bell and George Downing are two other potential buyers who could bail the Merseysiders out, but no agreement has been reached there yet. Then there's John Textor, currently the co-owner of Crystal Palace, who is reportedly attempting to sell his 45% share of the Eagles, eyeing the Blues instead.

The 58-year-old is keeping a close eye on the situation, potentially looking to pounce if nothing materialises with 777, and now a significant update has emerged.

Sky Sports drop big Textor news at Everton

Sky Sports have claimed live on their news channel that Textor is now the favourite to become Everton's new owner, with 777 Partners' hopes looking increasingly dead in the water. The broadcasting giant shared the "breaking and exciting news" late on Monday evening, telling Blues fans "that after so much woe", there could be some "better news on the horizon".

Textor feels like a more trustworthy and solid option than 777, considering he is already a part-owner of a Premier League club who are thriving, so this should be viewed as a hugely positive update by Everton supporters. The American has spoken bullishly about the type of club he wants to be involved with moving forward too.

To hear Textor say this and then be interested in becoming Everton's next owner shows how ambitious he is, not to mention the level that he believes the Blues could eventually reach with the right backing.

Everton make first move to sign £87,000-a-week former Liverpool player

Contact has been made with the individual in question.

ByHenry Jackson May 27, 2024

Granted, being near the top of the Premier League feels like a pipe dream currently, but with a move to a sparkly new stadium coming next year, and more revenue arriving in the process, there is no reason why Everton can't become a force with the right owner in place.

Wolves outcast with 14 goals out on loan could be Neto’s replacement

The 2023/24 season has turned out to be an impressive campaign for Wolverhampton Wanderers. Many tipped Gary O’Neil’s side to suffer relegation come the end of the season, yet, despite many obstacles along the way, they have defied that and find themselves comfortably mid-table.

Wolves currently sit in 13th in the Premier League table on 46 points. However, if results go their way on the final day of the season, they could finish as high as tenth, leapfrogging the likes of Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Brighton in the process.

Despite their impressive points tally at this stage of the season, Wolves are actually overachieving on their expected points, according to Understat. As per the xPTS metric, they should be on 39.78 points, rather than the 46 they actually have, which is a 6.22 increase.

Naturally, with this good season comes some impressive performances from Wolves’ best players. One of their best players this season has been Matheus Cunha, who has scored 12 goals and registered seven assists, although despite his excellent performances, has not been linked with a move away from Molineux.

However, another of their best players is rumoured to be leaving the club this summer, following a superb campaign in 2023/24.

Pedro Neto’s season in numbers

The player in question here is Portugal international Pedro Neto, who, aside from Cunha, has arguably been Wolves’ best player in 2023/24. As a result, rumours are flying around that the young winger could depart the club in the summer.

Despite injury issues once again affecting his season, Neto has scored two goals and registered an impressive nine assists in just 19 games in the Premier League, as well as one goal and two assists in the FA Cup.

He is a wonderful ball carrier, using his low centre of gravity to slalom in between defenders and drive into the penalty box; Neto is one of the most direct players in the Premier League, which has shown this season.

However, due to a hamstring injury, the Portuguese winger has faced two separate spells on the sidelines this season. Neto has missed 20 games in total and has been injured for 129 days altogether, which is more than in 2022/23.

Neto is linked with a move to North London this summer, with both Tottenham and Arsenal thought to be interested in the 24-year-old, according to talkSPORT. The report goes on to explain Wolves would “demand a club-record fee” to acquire his services. Thus, it would need to surpass the £53m they received from Manchester City for Mathues Nunes last summer.

Despite the high chances of Neto leaving, O’Neil confirmed recently that, should the winger not depart the club, he is “committed to cracking on and showing everyone how good he is next season in a Wolves shirt”.

Wolves star Pedro Neto

With that in mind, Wolves will need a replacement for the dazzling wide man should he leave Molineux. Whilst they could dip into the transfer market, there could well be a replacement contracted to the club, who is currently out on loan.

Wolves' readymade Neto replacement

Neto’s fellow Portuguese winger Daniel Podence is the option Wolves have to internally replace their number seven. The 28-year-old has been on loan at Greek side Olympiacos this season, where he is having an impressive time of things.

In all competitions, Podence has scored 14 goals and registered 12 assists across 44 games, which included two assists at Villa Park to knock Aston Villa, Wolves’ rivals, out of the Europa Conference League semi-final.

He could certainly prove to be a good option for Wolves should Neto end up leaving Molineux this summer. However, statistically, they are not very similar players, with Neto being a superior ball carrier, whereas Podence is more of a creator on the ball.

According to Fbref, Neto averages 2.28 key passes per 90 minutes and 1.74 passes into the penalty area per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the 80th percentile and the 66th percentile of positionally similar players in Europe.

daniel-podence-wolverhampton-wanderers-premier-league

On the other hand, Podence averages 2.65 key passes per 90 minutes and an impressive 2.37 passes into the penalty area per 90 minutes, ranking him in the top 12% and the top 9% of wingers respectively, as per Fbref.

However, Neto’s superb carrying ability shines through. He averages 5.81 progressive carries per 90 minutes, ranking him in the top 6%, 3.77 carries into the final third per 90 minutes, ranking him in the top 4%, and 2.52 carries into the penalty box per 90 minutes, placing him in the top 12%.

Neto and Podence key stats compared

Stat (per 90)

Neto

Podence

Key passes

2.28

2.65

Passes into penalty area

1.74

2.37

Progressive carries

5.81

2.74

Carries into final third

3.77

2.56

Carries into penalty area

2.52

1.48

Stats from Fbref

Podence averages significantly less in these stats. He averages just 2.74 progressive carries per 90 minutes, which places him in just the 41st percentile, 2.56 carries into the final third per 90 minutes, ranking him in the 78th percentile and 1.46 carries into the penalty box per 90 minutes, which places him in the 73rd percentile.

Daniel-podence-wolves

There is a clear difference in each player’s skillset, with Neto more of a superb ball carrier in a transitional side, whilst Podence is a great creator in a side who have plenty of sustained possession each week. This is not to say neither player is good at the other’s best skill. Neto’s nine Premier League assists this season prove that. However, they certainly excel at one thing in particular.

Should Neto leave Wolves in the summer, bringing Podence back would save them lots of money, but he might not fit the transitional style of play that O’Neil has employed this season, which has been so successful for Wolves and could earn them a top-half finish.

With that in mind, it could well be better for the Midlands side to invest in a winger of a similar profile to Neto, rather than Podence. The 28-year-old has struggled in a Wolves shirt, and has been described as “frustrating” in the past by The Atheltic’s Wolves correspondent Steve Madeley.

With his sticks high at the minute, they could certainly get a good fee back for Podence, and recruit out wide to replace Neto should he leave this summer. Either way, the loanee remains a potential proposition for O'Neil to consider during the off-season.

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