Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr was removed from Los Blancos' starting XI against Atletico Madrid due to an injury sustained in the warmup.
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Pep Guardiola was involved in a hilarious exchange with a traffic warden after being given a parking ticket – with a picture request being snubbed.
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Southampton are being linked with Barcelona left-back Junior Firpo ahead of the summer transfer window and he could be a superb addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side should he make the move to St Mary’s.
According to ESPN, Southampton have asked about Firpo’s situation at Barcelona as they see him as a potential successor for Ryan Bertrand at St Mary’s, although they will have to see off interest from several Serie A clubs if they are going to sign him this summer.
Barcelona are preparing for a summer rebuild and since the 24-year-old has been unable to oust Jordi Alba at the Nou Camp during his time at the club, he is a likely candidate to be sold.
Firpo was regarded as one of the best young defenders in La Liga during his time with Real Betis, with his excellent performances in the 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons convincing Barcelona to pay €18m (£16.3m) to sign him in the summer of 2019.
Unfortunately for the Spanish defender, his time with the Catalan club has not really worked out, as he has made just 41 appearances in the two years since, contributing two goals and three assists.
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This season saw the Dominican Republic born defender make just three starts in La Liga and one in the Champions League, so it is no surprise that Ronald Koeman is keen to cash in on him this summer, and Southampton could be the ones to take advantage.
Barcelona legend Eric Abidal was full of praise for Firpo back in 2020, saying:
“He’s a player with a lot of potential. He could be one of the best left-backs in the world. I always tell him that he must work hard and be aware of the (style of) play. He’s going to get better, for sure.”
This is high praise from one of the best left-backs from the past 20 years, so if Firpo can live up to his potential at St Mary’s, he would surely prove to be a very good signing indeed.
Therefore, Martin Semmens should definitely look to sign him for Southampton this summer, as Hasenhuttl desperately needs a left-back to replace Bertrand this summer, and Firpo could be the ideal man for the job.
And, in other news… Semmens can repeat Armstrong masterclass with bargain swoop for “top player”
Hansi Flick is a ‘possibility’ for Spurs, according to emerging reports this week…
That’s the latest claim from the Telegraph’s chief football writer Sam Wallace, who suggests that the departing Bayern Munich head coach is a ‘figure of interest’ for Daniel Levy.
The 58-year-old seems destined to take charge of Germany, with Joachim Low set to leave after this summer’s European Championships, but Spurs are seeking an established coach who has tasted success recently and Flick fits the bill, having won the Champions League and Bundesliga in the past year.
Julian Nagelsmann had emerged as a top target for Levy soon after the sacking of Jose Mourinho a month ago, though he’s set to be Flick’s successor at the Allianz Arena.
The RB Leipzig man isn’t the only manager to appear out of reach as it could prove to be a bank-breaker in trying to hire this weekend’s FA Cup winner Brendan Rodgers.
According to The Sun, it could cost in the region of £70m to secure the Foxes man, when factoring in compensation and wages. Given the current Spurs squad needs a drastic overhaul, it may not be wise to put weight behind that investment as it would only damage his transfer budget in the summer.
Instead, Flick appears to be readily available – for the time being – so Levy must make a play for him at all costs before it’s too late.
A UCL title and a key role in Germany’s most recent World Cup win is certainly appealing, as is his 81% win rate in charge of the Bundesliga giants – but of course, this can be overshadowed by the fact he inherited the bulk of the squad, and how they are always in control of their destiny.
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However, his coaching has drawn praise from several other names across football, including Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, who have both been left impressed by Flick.
“We are so proud, I am so proud, a big congratulations for everyone, especially Hansi [Flick], the players and the backroom staff for this amazing thing,” claimed the City boss back in February.
Whilst Klopp told radio station ZDF: “Bayern are definitely, at the moment, an absolute, absolute, top team [under Flick]. The squad is sensationally well assembled. They have absolutely world-class players in every position and they’re the right age profile too.”
Described as having an “aggressive style of football” by ex-Bavarian midfielder Ciriaco Sforza, the 58-year-old has also been lauded for his personal skills, just as much as his coaching ability, by Germany legend Lothar Matthaus.
“In my eyes, the secret of this success lies in the harmony, cohesion, calmness and the way Hansi Flick treats his players,” he claimed via Sport Bild. “The way Hansi touched this team, no coach in Munich has ever succeeded. The most amazing thing is that he did it in just one year.”
That merely echoes the thoughts of Robert Lewandowski, who described his manager as a “great coach” and a “great person,” as per Bundesliga.com.
Spurs would, of course, be a different kettle of fish for the German. They have not tasted silverware since 2008, lost many a final since, and have a squad devoid of confidence – one that ultimately needs a shake-up.
Flick’s winning culture and impressive brand of football could be exactly what Levy needs to revive the North London outfit.
Players like Tanguy Ndombele, Harry Kane and Heung-min Son should make the job an attractive enough prospect, so if Levy can convince the outgoing Bayern man to join over the national side, then he could well be onto a winner.
AND in other news, 4 key passes, 100% dribbles: Spurs’ “ruthless” £18m-rated beast sent Mourinho a huge message vs Wolves…
Tottenham Hotspur could be eyeing a solution to their long-term right-back problem if emerging reports are to be believed…
According to Football Insider, Spurs have registered an interest in signing Norwich City starlet Max Aarons ahead of the summer transfer window.
It’s claimed that, despite a failed move in the past, the North London outfit have reignited their pursuit of the 21-year-old as one of their main priorities ahead of next season.
The Canaries are said to be willing to let their first-choice defender leave for around £30m after he gave the Championship winners another season of service following relegation from the big time.
One of Spurs’ recurring problems this season has been defensive mistakes, as noted by The Athletic, and the right side of the backline has been particularly troublesome.
Matt Doherty was signed in the summer with the intention of replacing Serge Aurier, but in reality, neither have been able to cement down a regular spot in the starting XI, with academy prospect Japhet Tanganga and even Moussa Sissoko playing there at times.
The former Wolves man, signed for £15m, has started only 12 league games, whilst recently, the Ivory Coast international was dubbed “one of the biggest liabilities in the Premier League” and was described as a player who would “put you off management” by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher.
It’s rather telling that he’s the one to start the most in the role, playing 18 times in the top-flight this term.
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Not since Kyle Walker have Spurs had a solid and long-term option. He left for Manchester City nearly four years ago, earning Daniel Levy a cool £45m plus add-ons.
His replacement Kieran Trippier, who was already at the club, stepped up but within two seasons, he had swapped North London for Madrid in a deal worth around £20m.
Since then, it’s clear that Aurier and now Doherty, who may well have been sold this summer had Jose Mourinho remained (as per ESPN), have failed to step up to the mark, so enter Aarons.
After an impressive maiden campaign in the Premier League, it was a surprise to see the England U21 international remain at Carrow Road and not follow his ex-teammate, Ben Godfrey, into the top-flight following Norwich’s relegation.
But it may well have worked in his favour as he’s elevated his game to a new level.
No player has played more minutes for the Canaries this season than Aarons (3,959) and in the last year, his average WhoScored rating has risen from 6.55 to 6.92.
He has added more goal contributions (two goals, one assist) and is proving to be a valuable part of Daniel Farke’s attack, averaging 1.4 key passes (vs 0.6 last term) and 1.3 dribbles per game.
Back in December, Farke waxed lyrical about his trusted youngster, telling reporters: “In my eyes, he is not the young Max Aarons, he is just a special player and he has an unbelievable future. I know he has been labelled as one of the best young players in this league. Well, I told him we can reject this label now because he is no longer one of the best young players, he is one of the best players.”
Whilst his former England U21 coach Aidy Boothroyd claimed he “gives 100% in training and matches” and offers “real energy” to the side.
On all the evidence above, and considering he’s only 21, Levy could secure Spurs their long-term solution in he problem right-back position with a swoop for the £18m-rated Championship dynamo.
AND in other news, Levy could pile more misery on Spurs by hiring 47 y/o with a 30% PL win rate…
In recent comments, the BBC’s Simon Stone revealed that Tottenham Hotspur and the five other breakaway Premier League clubs remain unified in their desire to join the European Super League.
According to Stone’s report for the BBC (11:25), despite “all the strong statements” in objection to the European Super League,” there is “no weakening of resolve” amongst Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United in joining the newly formed league.
Stone continues by stating that that, from the perspective of the clubs, the proposals have been “thought through” and will “benefit the game as a whole,” with the sides involved said to simply be “waiting for the storm to die down.”
He said: “I have just spoken to someone who is close to the clubs concerned and they were adamant there is no weakening of resolve within the six English clubs who have signed up to ESL.”
Stone’s remarks appear to directly contradict the reports that both Chelsea and Manchester City are beginning to waver in their commitment to the European Super League following the widespread backlash from the football community.
Indeed, Dan Roan recently claimed on Twitter that sources have informed him the reports of Chelsea and City’s doubts were nothing more than “mischief-making,” and that the “rebel alliance remains firm.”
As such, at this very moment, it would appear as if Tottenham, alongside the other five breakaway clubs, are still set to take part in the European Super League, regardless of the continuing backlash from both the fans and media.
In other news: Insider information on Spurs’ Mourinho sacking emerges; sources rubbish ‘absolutely false’ claim – find out more here!
Celtic have reached a verbal agreement with Eddie Howe to become the club’s new first-team manager.
That’s according to a report from Football Insider, who have been informed by a Hoops source that ‘Howe has indicated he will take on the role and is ready to put pen to paper.’
This comes after Howe met Dermot Desmond in London for face to face talks, via The Daily Mail.
The report adds that the 43-year-old is now set to be appointed in the coming days.
Howe has been out of work since August after leaving Bournemouth, but it seems as if Celtic will be the third club of his managerial career.
It now seems as if almost every piece is completed in the Howe jigsaw, but as we know with Ben Davies’ dramatic collapsed Parkhead switch in January, anything could still happen.
Crystal Palace and Newcastle have both been loosely linked with Howe, but it appears as if he is about to make the move to Glasgow.
He revealed back in November that his next job would have to be one that ‘really motivated’ him, and it seems as if Desmond has managed to sell a move to Celtic Park.
In other news: Hoops continue to be linked with international defender, find out more here.
Former Newcastle United and England midfielder Rob Lee has told Football FanCast that Tottenham Hotspur defender Davinson Sanchez is a liability in possession.
The £42m Colombia international has struggled at times this season alongside various centre-back partners.
Jose Mourinho has played Sanchez alongside Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld, and Joe Rodon throughout the season, and he has looked uncomfortable throughout, particularly on the ball.
Sanchez has been so erratic that Curtis Woodhouse, the former Sheffield United and Birmingham City midfielder, claimed that he has “zero composure in anything he does” on Twitter.
Lee has agreed with him, and he believes that opposition teams will actually let Sanchez have the ball, because they’re so convinced he will give it back to them.
He told FFC: “I know what he means. He’s what I would call an old-fashioned defender. So I know what Curtis is saying.
“If I was playing against him, I’d let him have the ball, that’s what I would say. There’s certain players where you let them have it, because he’ll give it to us. There’s certain players, we had Philippe Albert, don’t let Albert have the ball, the teams playing against us, let Darren Peacock have the ball because he was our defender. I think that’s what people say about Sanchez, ‘let him have it because he’ll panic and give it us’.”
Lee does admit that the expectations for defenders and goalkeepers have changed in recent years, with players now expected to play out from the back.
But he does not think Spurs should have Sanchez in possession too often, as he will make a mistake.
He added: “I think, nowadays, defenders have to be able to play, goalies have to be able to play. It’s lunacy what goalies can do now, how they ping it, so it depends how Spurs play.
“One thing you can’t let him do is have too much of the ball.”
Sanchez has played in all of the club’s last eight Premier League games, with Spurs keeping four clean sheets and conceding eight goals.
With not a lot to play for between now and the end of the season for Wolves, they can begin focusing on how they can improve ahead of the next campaign.
According to TEAMtalk, Wolves are one of a number of teams in the race to sign Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill.
The 25-year-old has only been in the Premier League for the best part of 14 months but plenty of teams clearly like what they’re seeing from him.
Wolves have already made trips to scout Brownhill, but they have been joined by Southampton, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Aston Villa, per TEAMtalk.
The Clarets signed him for a price of £9m, so you’d imagine they’d want a similar sort of fee in order to sell. They may also need to improve on his £35k-per-week wages in order to tempt the midfield general elsewhere.
There are very few positives from Wolves’ arduous season. They are in the bottom half of the table and haven’t been able to build upon their accomplishments of being in Europe last term.
With Raul Jimenez missing through long-term injury, they’ve not been their usual selves and that’s all been encompassed in Joao Moutinho. The Portuguese midfielder oozes class but has been one of a number of Old Gold players to suffer. He has only scored once this term and has attracted criticism as such.
Wolves reporter Tim Spiers has even claimed that this could be his final campaign as a regular in the starting XI. At the age of 34, he is no spring chicken and his best days may well be numbered.
With that in mind, the Molineux outfit will need a replacement. Could Brownhill be that man? Quite possibly.
The midfielder played a starring role for Bristol City in the Championship where he was given a more advanced role. In doing so, he contributed to 15 goals and 12 assists during his final two-and-a-half seasons in that part of the world.
Brownhill was capable of cutting through opponents, producing 1.4 key passes per match during his final half-campaign in the second tier. For context, despite Moutinho’s one assist in 2020/21, he has provided 1.2 key passes per game.
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Crucial, however, is the added penetration and zip he could bring to Wolves’ midfield. Brownhill is a player who loves to run himself into the ground, something Sean Dyche was keen to stress last September. He said: “(He’s got) boundless energy, will and desire, and he’s a good footballer. I’ve been really pleased with how he’s come through.”
Since signing for the Clarets, he has added to the defensive side of his game too, playing in a deeper role when Dyche’s men don’t have possession. Indeed, that’s a similar position to the one in which Moutinho plays at Molineux.
He starts attacks from deep by winning the ball back and then laying it forward. That’s an attribute in which Brownhill has thrived since arriving in the Premier League.
The 25-year-old has registered 1.4 tackles and 2.4 interceptions per match this term. In comparison to Moutinho, he is streets ahead in terms of his reading of the game. The Portugal international has only made 1.3 interceptions but importantly, wins two tackles per outing.
You can see why Brownhill would be a good replacement, though. He’s got an incisive pass but he’s also adept defensively. It might not be the most eye-catching of signings, but it would be smart business from Jeff Shi to bring in the 25-year-old.
Lee Ryder has claimed that Newcastle United are not seeing the best of Ryan Fraser after they drew 0-0 away at West Brom in the Premier League.
Writing in his latest player ratings piece for The Chronicle, the journalist was particularly critical of the former Bournemouth man’s delivery from crosses and gave him a mere 5/10 overall rating, the joint-lowest out of any Magpies player to have set foot on the pitch.
With the injuries to Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron, Fraser really needs to step up for the St James’ Park faithful from now until the end of the 2020/21 term.
However, the Scotland international was far from impressive against Sam Allardyce’s men at The Hawthorns. He failed to record a single shot on goal or successful dribble, and lost possession of the ball no fewer than 20 times, the third most out of any of his teammates (Sofascore).
Fraser was largely ineffective throughout the match, registering ten fewer touches than his own goalkeeper Martin Dubravka (Sofascore), and he really needs to have more of an influence in attacking areas if Steve Bruce’s team are to score the goals that they need to stay up in the top flight. Ryder’s constructive criticism is very much on point here.
In other news, find out why some Toon players are angry at Bruce!