All posts by n8rngtd.top

Everton have produced some excellent players from their own academy system over the years; including the likes of Wayne Rooney and Ross Barkley.

You only have to look to the initial £40m sale of Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United in January to see how lucrative it can be to produce homegrown talents at Premier League level to make a profit.

However, as has been the case with first-team recruitment in recent years, the club have not always made the best decisions on youth team players.

One example of their questionable decision-making at academy level is talented attacker Mohamed-Ali 'Momo' Cho, who left Everton's academy to join Angers SCO in 2020.

The forward spent five years at Goodison Park, after joining from Paris Saint-Germain in 2015, and former Blues Director of Football Marcel Brands had a mare in allowing him to depart three years ago, whilst Carlo Ancelotti was the first-team manager at the time.

How much is Mohamed-Ali Cho worth?

FootballTransfers – at the time of writing (03/05/2023) – has his Expected Transfer Value (xTV) at €26.3m (£23m) and this is a result of his market price soaring over the last few years.

After leaving Everton, Cho worked his way into the first-team at Angers and made 55 senior appearances, scoring four goals and providing one assist, in two seasons with the Ligue 1 outfit.

His form for the French side earned him a move to Spanish team Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022 for a fee said to be worth up to €15m (£13.2m).

At the time of the transfer, FootballTransfers placed his xTV at €6.1m (£5.4m) and this means that his value has soared by a whopping 331% to his current €26.3m valuation since July 2022.

Cho has started four games in LaLiga this season and registered two assists whilst creating four 'big chances' for his teammates, although he is yet to land his first goal in the division.

The 19-year-old also ranks among the top 3% of players in his position in Europe's top five leagues over the last 365 days for progressive carries, successful take-ons, and assists per 90.

This shows that the talented youngster is excellent at bringing the ball up the pitch and taking opposition defenders on, leading to him creating chances for others to score.

Gordon, meanwhile, is three years older than the ex-England U16 international and does not rank higher than the top 55% in any of the aforementioned statistics in the same timeframe.

Cho, who was lauded as "intelligent" and "cultured" by ex-boss Gerald Baticle, could have burst onto the scene at Goodison Park in their first-team if Brands had managed to keep hold of the gem on professional terms, and potentially earned them a big payday as Gordon did in January.

His soaring market value is a reflection of his potential and the form he has shown at senior level in the Spanish top-flight, which illustrates the mare that the ex-Everton chief had in failing to keep him in England.

Man United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Randal Kolo Muani according to The Mirror, with Eintracht Frankfurt demanding £78m for his services this summer.

What is the latest on Man United signing Kolo Muani?

The Red Devils are eager to sign a striker during the summer, with Erik Ten Hag eyeing some reinforcements in attack during the transfer window. A fresh forward is seen as a "priority" for the club and the boss wants to bring in another addition in that position.

Short of Marcus Rashford, who so far has 16 goals in the Premier League so far this campaign, no other forward has more than four goals during the season. Anthony Martial has that amount, with on-loan attacker Wout Weghorst yet to bag in the top flight for them despite playing in 14 games. Jadon Sancho and Antony have five and four respectively but both are seen more as wingers than typical number nines.

It means that a goalscoring striker is a must for the club this summer – and Kolo Muani has recently emerged as a potential target for United. The player has bagged 13 goals in 28 starts for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga so far this season – more than any other Red Devils forward not named Rashford.

However, their pursuit of the 24-year-old has taken a blow today with the news from TeamTalk (via The Mirror) that Frankfurt want around 90 million Euros (or £78m) to convince them to part ways with the striker. That would be one of the biggest expenditures in Old Trafford history – something that could deter interest in the player from Erik Ten Hag according to this report.

Should Man United go for Kolo Muani?

The Red Devils are in need of some fresh legs up front, of that there is no question. They have managed only 49 goals in the Premier League so far this season and only Aston Villa in the top ten have a worse record than them, despite the fact they're currently in the top four. If you take away the goalscoring prowess of Rashford then, things would be bleak for the Red Devils and a striker therefore needs to be a priority.

Kolo Muani could certainly change that if he did make the move to Old Trafford. The forward has gone better and better every season of his career, starting out with nine goals for Nantes before hitting 12 for the French side and now 13 in Germany. It shows that the forward is continuing to get better, regardless of club and country, and if he could hit double digits it would be an instant improvement for the club.

In addition, the player's former coaches have praised his ability, with Vincent Santos hailing his "explosiveness" and stating he is a "decisive" player who loves to "dribble" with the ball.

Muani then ticks plenty of boxes for United – especially on the goal front. However, the asking price being asked for begs the question of whether there is a cheaper and better options out there for the Red Devils.

West Ham captain Declan Rice is believed to be wanted by Liverpool in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

Is Rice leaving West Ham?

The future of the Hammers star has been one of football's biggest talking points this season, with so many clubs eyeing up a move for him at the end of the campaign. The £60,000-a-week midfielder's current deal expires next year, meaning this will be the last opportunity for the east Londoners to receive huge money for his signature.

While West Ham will clearly be desperate for Rice to extend his stay at the London Stadium, it looks increasingly as though he has reached the end of his time at the club. He has made 240 appearances for the Hammers, but now could be his chance to join one of the biggest clubs in the country.

Liverpool are looking closely at various midfield targets this summer, following issues in that area all season long, and the 41-cap England international has been linked with a move to Anfield.

Could Liverpool sign Rice this summer?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Galetti claimed that Rice is one of the Reds' two main midfield transfer targets this summer, along with Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister:

"Liverpool have several names on their midfielder list. At the top, certainly, is Declan Rice and Alexis Mac Allister. The first preliminary contacts have begun with both West Ham and Brighton. For both players, the competition is fierce."

Interestingly, the midfielder has been described as the potential "transfer of the summer" and it's hard to disagree with so many clubs interested in him at this stage and the quality he brings at a relatively young age. Liverpool could be perfect for the Hammers skipper, with his technical ability, leadership and defensive qualities helping solve what has been a problematic area at Anfield all season long. He could even be viewed as a direct replacement for international teammate Jordan Henderson, who has now drifted past his peak.

FSG certainly mean business this summer if the claim above is true, as Rice himself is reported to have a price tag of around £100m and Mac Allister possibly costing more than £70m, so to already be in talks over potential deals is quite the early statement.

What will be the feelings at West Ham after this Declan Rice transfer update?

Losing Rice does feel like a given this summer, with the England international outgrowing West Ham, despite still giving his all week in, week out. He deserves to be playing Champions League football, such is his brilliance as a footballer – former Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley has hailed him as both "unbelievable" and "world-class" recently, and he has averaged 2.3 tackles and one key pass per game in the league this season – and he has the potential to become one of Europe's most dominant midfielders over time.

West Ham supporters will still be clinging to the hope that Rice suddenly changes his mind and decides to sign a new deal, given his love for the club. Realistically, though, they need to make peace with the fact that he will move on to pastures new, with the club spending the money received for him wisely this summer, in order to fill the void left by him.

Chelsea could finally be set to sign a long-time target of theirs after a monumental past effort, capitalising on the uncertainty at Barcelona.

What's the latest with Jules Kounde to Chelsea?

The summer of 2022 was largely dominated by the Jules Kounde transfer saga for the Blues, as they constantly made efforts to tempt Sevilla's star man to west London to no avail.

In the end, Xavi's outfit would pull some questionable economic levers to instead tempt him to Camp Nou, where he has enjoyed title success in his debut season.

However, as per Spanish outlet Sport, the centre-back is reportedly frustrated with his head coach due to broken promises and is willing to force a move over the dispute. Coincidentally, the Blues are noted as the outstanding club who will move for the 24-year-old, 'willing to pay' even more than the €55m (£48m) Barcelona initially paid.

How good is Jules Kounde?

Although he may have grievances regarding his role at full-back, perhaps the chance to play in the Premier League could bypass his desire to star at the heart of defence.

After all, according to FBref, another converted centre back in Ben White sits atop his similar players' list as someone who has shone for the title-chasing Arsenal.

Perhaps Mauricio Pochettino could seek to emulate such success upon his arrival, introducing a physically imposing and no-nonsense full-back who will dominate that right flank.

Despite both of their preference for their old role, their ball-playing skill still sees them thrive when compared to other full-backs across Europe. After all, the France international sits in the top 7% for passes attempted and the top 5% for pass completion and progressive passes per 90, via FBref.

For comparison, White too ranks in the top 11% for passes attempted and pass completion, but stands out as part of the top 2% for progressive passes per 90, via FBref.

Despite what many would assume to be a defence-first mentality, their shared creativity has instead shone through amidst two surprisingly impressive seasons for their respective clubs.

What makes Kounde an even more attractive proposition for Pochettino is this versatility, as it would allow the Argentine to switch between a back four and a back three with minimal substitutions. The £55m-rated monster boasts such tactical nouse, yet remains a tough-tackling "warrior", as noted by former Blues defender Frank Leboeuf.

Given how important White has been to Mikel Arteta this campaign, Barcelona's 5 foot 11 fighter could have a similarly transformative effect on Chelsea, helping them return to where they will feel they belong.

A tumultuous campaign for Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and now Frank Lampard has brought about many issues that need solving this summer.

With Reece James' struggling fitness once again sparking questions over his reliability, and his versatility also allowing him to play central defence or even step into midfield when available, perhaps Kounde's arrival could add another level of solidity to this side and allow their goalscoring woes to be solved later in the window.

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona attacker Ferran Torres this summer and the Spaniard could be Eddie Howe's own version of Marcus Rashford at St James' Park.

Could Newcastle sign Ferran Torres?

According to the Daily Mail, Torres could be on his way out of the Nou Camp this summer as the Catalan giants look to comply with Financial Fair Play restrictions.

Xavi's side, who recently won the La Liga title, are keen to bring Lionel Messi back to the club this summer and are willing to part ways with the Spain international in order to make that happen.

Newcastle are name-checked as one potential destination for the former Manchester City man, with Howe reportedly keen on recruiting players with Premier League experience this summer as he looks to build a squad capable of challenging in the Champions League.

The 23-year-old only joined Barcelona from City in December 2021 in a deal worth £46.7m but they are reportedly willing to sell him for just €42m (£36m) this summer after a disappointing spell with the Catalan side.

Who is similar to Ferran Torres?

Torres has mustered just 70 appearances in Barcelona colours, boasting 14 goals and nine assists, but his record in the Premier League with City was impressive as he managed 16 goals and four assists in just 43 outings.

He did make an impressive start to life at the Nou Camp, however, and earned some serious praise from Xavi back in 2022, suggesting that with regular football he could easily rediscover his best form at Newcastle.

Xavi said: "Perhaps Ferran has surprised me the most. He's a player on another level, he's spectacular: how he understands the space, links play, doesn't lose the ball, his defensive work… he's world-class. He's a great signing, one I wanted, and a wonderful footballer."

According to FBref, the second-most similar player to Torres when compared to other wingers across Europe's top leagues is Manchester United talisman, Marcus Rashford.

This season saw the two talented wide men register extremely similar stats with regard to expected goals and expected assists per 90 (0.60 vs 0.59), goals per shot on target (0.36 vs 0.35) and progressive passes per 90 (0.77 vs 0.75).

This emphasises that Torres can be an extremely dangerous player from both a goalscoring and creative perspective, so it was something of a surprise that he was utilised so little by Xavi.

With the England international having crashed in 30 goals and 11 assists this campaign, Howe would surely love to have a similar player in his squad at St James' Park next season.

Torres may not score as many, but when it comes to their technical ability and tendency to create regular chances, they are evidently alike.

Therefore, PIF should definitely be exploring a cut-price deal for Torres this summer, as he certainly looks to tick a lot of boxes for the Toon.

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani is yet to hear back from Manchester United following his latest takeover bid, according to The Guardian’s Jamie Jackson.

What’s the latest on a Man United takeover?

An Old Trafford takeover saga has dragged on over recent months, with Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe seemingly the frontrunners to take control from the Glazers.

Ratcliffe was thought to be closing in on purchasing United earlier this month in a deal that would have kept the Glazers on as minority stakeholders. However, Jassim went on to launch an 11th-hour bid in a final take-it-or-leave-it offer.

His latest offer, submitted two weeks ago, was a significant increase over the initial proposal and was once again for 100% of Manchester United and would clear all the debt at Old Trafford. However, since then, it has gone quiet, and it seems as if the Qatari group are none the wiser as well.

Jackson took to Twitter in the last 48 hours to share what he’s heard on Jassim and United. He said that the prospective new owner is yet to hear back from those at Old Trafford.

“As I understand it, Sheikh Jassim is still waiting to hear back from Glazers regarding his last bid for Man Utd…”

Time is ticking…

The Red Devils’ season comes to a close on Saturday in an FA Cup final showdown with rivals Manchester City at Wembley. After that, you’d expect that Erik ten Hag and co will be focusing on the summer transfer window, looking at various incomings and outgoings.

There were previous reports that those at Old Trafford were concerned the ongoing takeover saga could derail the club’s transfer plans, so hopefully, there will be further developments over a deal involving Ratcliffe or Jassim.

Despite the process not being resolved, United are already working on possible additions, with personal terms thought to be agreed with Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount. Meanwhile, a new forward is also on the agenda with discussions held for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund and Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani.

Should Jassim win the race to take control in Manchester, he appears to have big transfer plans, with PSG star Neymar thought to be a player of interest to the Qatar group. It could well be a busy few months in regards to a takeover and transfers, and it will be interesting to see what the Glazers finally decide to do and when Jassim will be made aware if his bid is successful.

Celtic's latest addition to the squad could come in the form of Odin Thiago Holm, with a report from Nettavisen in Norway via The Daily Record reporting that the Hoops are in talks over a move for the player.

Who is Odin Thiago Holm?

The 20-year-old has already become a key player for his current side Valerenga in Norway, having started ten games already this year and managed his best ever total of 22 in the league last time around. He is already heavily relied upon in the centre of the field by his club and helped them to sixth place in 2022.

The Norweigan first burst onto the scene at just 16-years-old, with his talents meaning that he was given a debut despite still being well into his teens. A year later, at just 17, he was entrusted to play 16 times for the club and even managed a goal and an assist along the way, finding himself on The Guardian's list of promising young stars back in 2020.

He's yet to venture outside of his home country yet but that could all change this summer. That's because a report from Nettavisen in Norway, via The Daily Record, suggests a deal could be on the cards to send him to Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

It mentions that a bid has been made to sign the youngster and that the two parties are now in talks as the negotiations advance. A deal could seemingly be agreed for a fee of around £2.5m according to the same report – as the Hoops are willing to offer a larger sell-on clause to Valerenga than other suitors.

Should Celtic sign Holm?

Those outside of Norway might not be too familiar with the midfielder but those who have seen the 20-year-old play have been impressed by his ability so far.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig for example has called the player a "huge talent" and highlighted the fact that he already performed with maturity for his club despite being only relatively early on in his career.

His talent has even led to him being capped for his country's Under-20 side on two occasions as well. He's yet to crack the Under-21 or first-team for Norway but having been entrusted so heavily by Valerenga and having already been given a chance in the other youth sides, he could soon make the grade. Celtic, then, could have a talent on their hands if they complete a deal for Holm.

Manchester United still have some work to get through in their endeavours to sign defender Kim Min-jae from Napoli this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Kim Min-jae?

According to The Telegraph's Mike McGrath, Manchester United have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Kim due to Napoli looking to offer the 26-year-old a new contract at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Taking to Twitter, the reporter stated: "Napoli have offered Kim Min-jae new contract. Clubs in Premier League believe he has buyout clause under £50m, to be removed/replaced with fresh terms. No bids made despite him being discussed by clubs as one the best centre-backs in Europe this season."

talkSPORT also understand that Newcastle United are 'tracking' Kim this off-season and may be willing to rival the Red Devils for his signature as Eddie Howe eyes defensive reinforcements.

Club captain Harry Maguire's desire to remain at Manchester United despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur in his services may also hinder any deal to bring Kim to the North West, as per 90min.

Capology detail that Kim is said to make around €61,731 (£53,011) per week on his present terms at Serie A champions Napoli on a deal that runs until June 2025.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones doesn't think that Kim joining Manchester United is as far along as some media outlets have intimated over the past few weeks.

Jones told Give Me Sport: "It's funny because some parts of the media really play it up like it's on the verge of happening, whereas you speak to some people close to Man United and they're not certain that it's a guaranteed thing yet, but it'd be a great addition if it can happen."

Would Kim Min-jae be a good signing for Manchester United?

Kim is a fantastic defender who would solidify Manchester United's backline significantly heading into 2023/24 if his exploits for Napoli this season are anything to go by.

In 2022/23, Kim made 45 appearances in all competitions for Napoli, notching two goals and two assists in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

The South Korea international also recorded an average match rating of 7.07/10 this term, making him Napoli's fourth-most consistent performer behind Mario Rui, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen, according to WhoScored.

FBRef also demonstrate that Kim has been able to establish himself as a domineering presence in defence, maintaining a tackle success rate of 86.2% in the Italian top flight.

Manchester United will be desperate to get a deal over the line for Kim; however, this transfer saga looks like it may drag on for a while yet as the 26-year-old considers his next steps.

With the summer transfer window now well underway, Tottenham Hotspur will be aiming to hand new boss Ange Postecoglou the tools to spark something of a revival at N17, amid the need for quality additions over the coming months.

According to recent reports in France, one man who is believed to be on the north Londoners' 'shortlist' is Lyon midfielder, Maxence Caqueret, with German giants Borussia Dortmund also keeping tabs on the promising Frenchman.

The 23-year-old – who is said to be valued at around £26m, according to CIES Football Observatory – has racked up 130 appearances for his current side since rising up through the youth ranks, notably contributing four goals and seven assists in 40 games across all fronts last season from his deep-lying berth.

Undoubtedly a player of "pure quality and intelligence" – according to talent scout Jacek Kulig – it is no surprise just why the 5 foot 9 gem has warranted such interest of late, with Postecoglou seemingly looking to shake up his midfield ranks this summer, amid reports that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could be on his way.

For all Caqueret's quality, however, Spurs may well be cautious with regard to splashing out on another exciting midfield star from Lyon, having previously been burned by the signing of Tanguy Ndombele from the French outfit.

Has Tanguy Ndombele been a good signing for Spurs?

While there have been reports that Postecoglou could be open to giving Ndombele another chance to impress this summer, the mercurial Frenchman has perhaps had enough opportunities over the past few years, having been signed on a club-record £63m deal back in 2019.

The 5 foot 11 enigma – who has spent time on loan back at Lyon and at Napoli over the last 18 months or so – has scored just ten goals and contributed only nine assists in 91 games in all competitions over the last four years for Spurs, having failed to truly make his mark in the centre of the park.

Branded a "disgrace" by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher due to his lack of work ethic, the one-time Amiens man also came under fire from former boss Jose Mourinho due to his Tottenham woes, with the Portuguese stating in 2021 that "Tanguy is the kind of guy that you always expect more from."

With it clear to see that the £200k-per-week asset has not lived up to his rather hefty, initial price tag, it would be fair to suggest that the signing of Ndombele has proven a notable error for Daniel Levy and co, hence the possible concern over snapping up another Lyon midfield man in the form of Caqueret.

Arsenal look set to undergo a summer overhaul ahead of next season as Mikel Arteta aims to add some much-needed quality to his first-team squad.

Not only are the likes of Kai Havertz and Declan Rice being strongly linked with potential moves but there are also some players who could be saying goodbye to the club in the coming weeks.

Granit Xhaka looks set to leave Arsenal this summer, with Bayer Leverkusen interested in luring him back to the Bundesliga, while fellow midfielder Thomas Partey could also be departing the Emirates, with Fabrizio Romano stating: “Understand there’s concrete chance for Thomas Partey to leave Arsenal this summer. Clubs are interested and there are discussions about his exit.”

With two key players from last term looking like they won’t play again for the Gunners, it will now be up to Arteta to replace them properly. Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia could be the ideal replacement for the Ghanaian, with Romano claiming that “talks already took place” in regard to a potential move for the youngster.

Could Arsenal sign Romeo Lavia this summer?

Bolstering his midfield has to be the Spaniard’s priority this summer, especially with Xhaka and Partey potentially leaving, and a move for Lavia could certainly numb the blow of losing those two.

Despite the Saints being relegated from the Premier League, ending their ten-year spell in the top flight, Lavia was arguably one of their only bright sparks during a woeful season.

The former Manchester City starlet particularly showcased his defensive abilities, ranking second for tackles per game (2.1) and seventh for interceptions per game (1.1) across the Southampton squad, while also achieving an overall Sofascore rating of 6.8/10, enough to place him eighth in the first team, a solid enough showing considering he only turned 19 in January.

The teen also features alongside some fairly illustrious company in terms of winning possession in the midfield third across Europe’s top five leagues, finishing second behind Moises Caicedo, while ahead of Jude Bellingham having won possession 114 times in that area of the pitch, showcasing his ball-winning qualities.

Having this defensive solidity in the heart of the midfield could be key for Arsenal next term, and would allow the likes of Martin Odegaard to flourish, giving them more freedom going forward, knowing that Lavia will be there sweeping everything up and screening the defence.

The midfielder is valued at £45m by the south coast side, yet having been lauded as someone who is “always calm on the ball” by Jean Kindermans, the head of the Anderlecht academy, and dubbed an “absolute monster” by journalist Benjy Nurick, it’s evident Arteta should be making his move sooner rather than later.