Tag Futebol

Liverpool have been dealt a blow after it was confirmed that Jordan Henderson is ‘ruled out’ of the Champions League game vs Real Madrid on Wednesday, according to journalist James Pearce.

The Lowdown: UCL preparations

The Reds suffered a heavy 5-2 Anfield defeat to Carlo Ancelotti’s outfit back in February and are now set to complete the Bernabeu second leg tonight.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Jurgen Klopp offered his thoughts on the task ahead. He said:

“What I said 3 weeks ago after the game was Madrid were through, now we know there’s a game to play. If there’s only 1% chance, we give it a try. We play a strong opponent and try to win it. That is possible. For that we’re here. We’ll see where it leads to.”

“We are here to win the game and that is difficult enough here, one of the best teams in the world. We will give it a proper try. It’s not about sitting here saying ‘scoring three goals is no problem’. Of course it is.”

The boss held his last training session at Kirkby on Tuesday morning before him and the rest of the team flew out to Spain later in the afternoon, but it appears that they were without their captain.

The Latest: Henderson update

Taking to Twitter, Pearce revealed that Henderson was unable to join his fellow teammates on the plane as a result of being under the weather. He wrote:

“Captain Jordan Henderson ruled out of #LFC’s 2nd leg showdown v Real Madrid. Hasn’t travelled to Spain due to illness.”

The Verdict: Blow for Klopp

Henderson is a real leader both on and off the pitch for Liverpool so it’ll be a huge blow for Klopp to be without his skipper’s services for the fixture vs Real Madrid.

The England international has had an impressive Champions League campaign in 2023, averaging 1.8 tackles and 1.5 key passes per game with one assist to his name in four appearances (WhoScored).

The Merseyside star also ranks in the 97th percentile for passes attempted and the 96th for progressive passes, highlighting his desire to contribute to his side’s efforts in the final third (FBRef).

Finally, Henderson has been dubbed a ‘hero’ by journalist Josh Bunting and the Reds will be hoping that they are successfully able to secure a positive result without him in the middle of the park.

Phil Hay has admitted he would be tempted to hand Rodrigo the chance to extend his Leeds United stay.

The Lowdown: Finally found his feet and form

Rodrigo had struggled for form and to justify his £26 million price tag prior to this season managing just 13 league goals for Leeds, but this season under Jesse Marsch was totally different for the Spaniard.

The forward is the club’s top scorer with 12 goals to his name in all competitions but has been plagued by injury as of late having not stepped onto the pitch since January 28, so is yet to work with new boss Javi Gracia.

However, given the lack of goals and good performances from the likes of Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter during his short stint at Elland Road so far, Leeds are very dependent on Rodrigo’s goals.

The Latest: Rodrigo could sign a new contract

Hay has claimed on The Phil Hay Show that Leeds could well look to offer Rodrigo a new deal if he does manage to refind his form post-injury under Gracia as he’s been dependable this term.

He said: (47:15) “I think he would even say himself that he’s been better this season than he has been in the previous two and at this stage, he’s starting to get into the latter stages of his contract.

“I actually think I’d be quite tempted to extend it if he carries on playing like this.”

The Verdict: New contract must be on sensible terms

Given that Rodrigo is set to turn 32 later this month and pushing on into the twilight years of his career, a new deal could be tricky to negotiate as Leeds wouldn’t want to be trapped into a long-term contract, whereas the striker would likely want reassurances which would be understandable as he’d want a final big payday and also because he’s been ‘excellent’ this term.

Rodrigo has indeed been Leeds’ best player this season with 12 goals across all competitions and the Whites have certainly become dependent on him as they’ve won just one game when he hasn’t been starting.

The Spaniard may be keen to extend his stay if Gracia is afforded the job on a long-term basis and also if Leeds maintain their top-flight status because if they drop into the Championship there will be next to no chance that he’s eager on playing in the second-tier of English football.

Sean Dyche was unable to build upon his excellent start to life in the dugout at Everton as he watched his side lose 2-0 to their bitter rivals Liverpool in the Premier League on Monday night.

The former Burnley boss enjoyed a dream debut with the Toffees in the previous outing as they beat league leaders Arsenal 1-0 at Goodison Park. However, the Blues came crashing back down to earth with a sobering defeat to Jurgen Klopp’s team, which has left them sitting one point adrift of safety after 22 matches.

Dyche’s men stayed in the game for most of the first half and came within inches of taking the lead when James Tarkowski rose highest to head a cross against the post, only for a blistering counterattack from Liverpool to end in Mohamed Salah making it 1-0 in the 36th minute.

Cody Gakpo then secured all three points for the home side shortly after half-time as the Dutchman tapped the ball into an empty net at the back post after an excellent pass across the penalty box.

Ellis Simms was trusted to lead the line in the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin but struggled with the defensive quality on display from the hosts, completing just 54% of his attempted passes and losing 100% of his ground duels, while also drawing criticism from some Everton fans for his performance.

However, the ex-Sunderland man did win five of his nine aerial battles, which shows that the 22-year-old offered a useful outlet in the air and was let down by the lack of support from midfield to pick up the pieces around him.

How did Conor Coady perform against Liverpool?

Whilst it was a difficult night for Simms, the real derby villain on the night for the Toffees was defender Conor Coady, as the experienced enforcer endured a performance to forget.

As per Sofascore, the former Wolves captain did not win a single individual duel in the entire match as he lost all four of the battles that he contested on the pitch. The 29-year-old made two clearances and completed a combined two tackles and interceptions but was also dribbled past three times.

These statistics show that the Liverpool forwards found it far too easy to get the better of the 59-touch defender throughout the game, both in terms of dribbling past him to create opportunities and outmuscling him in physical duels.

Coady was also partially at fault for Gakpo’s goal as he allowed a cross to go past him in the six-yard box, which enabled the Reds forward to tap into an empty net.

After the match, the England international revealed that he was hoping either no-one would be there or Seamus Coleman would be in a position to clear it, but the real mistake was in dropping too deep and playing the Dutch attacker onside at the back post.

Therefore, the 29-year-old was the big villain for Dyche on Monday night, as the experienced defender let his manager down with his lack of physicality and sub-par defending, whilst Simms at least put up a fight in his aerial duels and caused some issues for the Reds.

Chelsea have sent officials to watch Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa ahead of a potential summer move to the Premier League, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Options being assessed

The Stamford Bridge outfit’s current shot-stopping options, Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga, both have contracts that aren’t set to expire until 2025, but Graham Potter and Todd Boehly are reportedly already considering their long-term goalkeeping situation.

The Portuguese international was given the nod to represent his country at the World Cup late last year and now appears to have caught the eye of the Blues thanks to the standard of his performances in Qatar.

The Latest: Chelsea scouting Costa

According to 90min, Chelsea have been ‘scouting’ Costa, with representatives from the capital having been ‘in the stands’ to watch him in action in ‘recent weeks’.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have also been following the 23-year-old, and the Blues’ recruitment team have simultaneously been identifying options already in the top flight should a move fail to materialise.

Everton’s Jordan Pickford, Brentford’s David Raya and Brighton’s Robert Sanchez are the three names to be mentioned, with the latter holding an existing connection to Potter from his time on the south coast.

The Verdict: No-brainer

Costa has been described as ‘superman’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and Chelsea pursuing a deal for him this summer is a no-brainer of a decision to make.

The 6 foot 1 star has kept a mightily impressive ten clean sheets in 19 Liga Portugal appearances so far this season and knows what it takes to be successful having won five senior titles during his time at the Estadio do Dragao.

Costa also shares the same agent as Joao Felix which could potentially give the SW6 outfit the advantage in the race for his signature come the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas has shared an exciting update on Wolves’ pursuit of Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes.

The Lowdown: Wolves backing Lopetegui…

Amid their battle to avoid dropping out of the Premier League, the Old Gold hierarchy are attempting to back manager Julen Lopetegui in his bid to steer the club away from relegation.

Wolves have already put pen to paper on deals for Mario Lemina, Pablo Sarabia and Matheus Cunha this month, while an agreement has also reportedly been reached for West Ham defender Craig Dawson.

They have also been heavily linked with a move for Gomes for much of the January transfer window as they battle Ligue 1 giants Lyon for his signature.

The Latest: Gomes wants Wolves move…

The French giants have now been dealt a real worry, with Gomes seriously preferring a move to Molineux, according to Thomas via Twitter.

The 21-year-old’s eagerness to join up with Lopetegui has handed a blow to Lyon whilst motivating Wolves to re-enter talks for Gomes before January 31. As a result, in some exciting news for Old Gold supporters, it is ‘game on’ for signing the Brazilian youngster.

The Sky Sports reporter explained: “Joao Gomes wants to sign for #Wolves. He’s determined, despite strong interest from #Lyon. #Flamengo obviously prefer the French club’s more attractive offer – but Wolves are back in talks knowing the player really wants to join them. Game on.”

The Verdict: Good news for Wolves…

Gomes is arguably one of South America’s most promising and coveted talents right now, even attracting interest from major European clubs such as Real Madrid and Liverpool.

South American football expert Tim Vickery has also praised the youngster’s evolution in recent years, drawing attention to the Flamengo starlet’s ‘excellent lung power’ and ‘considerable’ presence on the pitch at such a young age.

Gomes has also been called a ‘wonderkid’ by sections of the media, highlighting why Wolves are eager to get a deal over the line ahead of fierce competitors in Lyon.

The robust South American tough-tackler, whose average of 3.2 per game exceeds everyone at Molineux, could be a handy prospective addition for Lopetegui in the Midlands; and going by Thomas’ update, it appears that Wolves are well and truly in the chase.

Liverpool have suffered a devastating injury setback to Virgil van Dijk this week and now a new update has emerged on a potential new transfer target who could soften the blow this month.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian news outlet Il Mattino, Liverpool are interested in signing Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae.

As per the report, Van Dijk’s hamstring injury has prompted the powers at Anfield to look at their potential options during the January transfer window with Min-jae a player who has attracted the attention of the Merseyside giants.

He’s a perfect Van Dijk heir

It is no secret that the Merseyside giants have been struggling this season and the latest injury to Van Dijk will only be even more cause for concern for Jurgen Klopp as the manager attempts to improve performances on the pitch over the second half of the season.

The Reds are currently sixth in the Premier League after 17 outings and are seven points adrift of the top four at present, so a turn-around is desperately needed as soon as possible if they are to have any chance of qualifying for Champions League football.

There is no doubt that mounting injury issues to key players this season so far has had an effect on Liverpool’s form with Van Dijk joining Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz on the injury table, so the signing of Min-jae could be a great opportunity to bolster the quality in the back-line.

When comparing Min-jae to the Liverpool centre-back this season the pair share a number of similarities in their output including goals scored (2 v 2), pass completion (89.3% v 89.1%), clearances (60 v 70), blocks (18 v 15) and interceptions (16 v 19), via FBref.

The Korea talent – who was hailed “unbelievably good” and a “rock” by Serie A expert Matteo Bonetti – ranks in the top 15% of his positional peers across the top five European Leagues for non-penalty goals, shot-creating actions, passes attempted and aerial duels won, proving that he is one of the most talented progressive defenders in Europe right now.

With that being said, the signing of Min-jae would be a great piece of business for Liverpool if they can secure his services over the rest of this season by paying his €50m (£44m) release clause.

And as such, he could be the perfect heir to succeed Van Dijk when his time comes to an end at Anfield.

Liverpool have now ‘started first contacts’ with Morocco star Sofyan Amrabat as the Fiorentina midfielder eyes a move to Anfield, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Reds linked…

After his phenomenal World Cup campaign in Qatar, where he helped Morocco become the first ever African nation to reach a semi-final, Amrabat’s stock has risen significantly – leading to the Reds’ interest.

A host of Premier League clubs, like Tottenham, have also taken an interest in the 26-year-old who played a starring role under Morocco manager Walid Regragui in the Middle East.

Amrabat was indispensable for his national team on their brilliant World Cup run, playing more minutes than any of his teammates whilst proving a colossal presence in front of their back four.

The Latest: Journalist shares promising Amrabat to Liverpool update…

Writing on Twitter, reporter Rudy Galetti claims that Jurgen Klopp’s side are attempting to get ahead of the competition and have already ‘started contacts’ with Amrabat.

It’s added that the midfield dynamo wants a move to Merseyside, at least according to close ‘sources’ of his entourage.

He explained:

“According to sources close to Sofyan #Amrabat’s entourage, the player would like to play for #Liverpool.

#LFC have already started first contacts with the #Fiorentina player, followed – as told – by #Tottenham and by some 🇪🇦 and 🇫🇷 clubs as well.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Shoring up Liverpool’s midfield will undoubtedly be a priority for Fenway Sports Group, and while other targets like Enzo Fernandez could cost a marquee fee, Amrabat may be more reasonable.

Reports suggest that Fiorentina want €50 million (£44m) to agree a transfer for the player and that fee is surely worth it after Amrabat’s brilliant World Cup campaign.

Called ‘sensational’ by professional footballer Jamie Smith, the player’s move to Anfield may well be one to watch in the coming month.

Arsenal are basking in a brilliant season at present, with the cogs finally clicking into place and the side challenging for major honours on the domestic and continental front. 

While the Gunners’ manager Mikel Arteta will be wary of progress seeing disruption following the midseason break, making way for the ongoing 2022 World Cup in Qatar, one positive that the Spaniard manager can take is William Saliba’s maiden appearance at the tournament, with the young titan exhibiting many of the qualities that have granted his starting spot in the Premier League table-toppers side. 

Signed from Saint Etienne in a deal rising to £27m in 2019, Saliba spent his first three seasons for Arsenal back on loan in his homeland, finally making his debut for the North London outfit this season. 

And it’s no coincidence that his place in the side coincides with an upturn in form and a laudable tightening of the defence.

His fantastic performances for his club this term, earning him a Premier League rating of 7.05, as per Sofascore, have persuaded French national manager Didier Deschamps to include him in the squad as the nation targets a successive World Cup triumph. 

Failing to make an appearance across Les Bleus’ opening two group fixtures, the 21-year-old finally earned his shot in the culminating match against Tunisia, and despite the 1-0 defeat, Saliba provided defensive cover and assurance at the back after coming on in the second half. 

During his 27 minutes on the pitch, Saliba completed all 37 of his passes, bringing a sprinkle of the ball-playing prowess that Arteta demands from his Arsenal players.

The Gunners phenom also completed his one dribble and won both of his duels in the match, making one key pass as France looked to find an equaliser that ultimately failed to materialise.

With France looking to play high-intensity football with an onus on technicality, Saliba is staking a considerable claim that he is the man to start transitions from the back, with FBref claiming he ranks within the top 3% for pass completion and the top 5% for dribbles completed when compared to centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues across the past year. 

Once hailed as “untouchable” by Fabrizio Romano, the eight-cap international has certainly staked his claim to enter the starting fold for the first time in the tournament, with France topping their group despite their defeat against Tunisia and earning a knockout fixture against Poland as a result. 

Despite his youthful years, the £42.7m-rated colossus is beginning to emerge at the very forefront of global football, and if his performance in the previous match – coupled with his stunning displays for Arsenal – are anything to go by, then he could bask in further success before the tournament in Qatar draws to a close.

Arsenal have submitted an enquiry to sign Bayern Munich forward Leroy Sane, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Falling out of favour

The German still has three years remaining on his contract at the Allianz Arena but has recently fallen down the pecking order under Julian Nagelsmann, with the likes of Serge Gnabry and Jamal Musiala being chosen ahead of him.

The Gunners are yet to replace Nicolas Pepe out wide since he joined Nice on a season-long loan over the summer, though it appears that they are keen on bringing the 26-year-old back to the Premier League.

The Latest: Arsenal make Sane enquiry

According to 90min, Arsenal, alongside several unnamed clubs, ‘have asked’ about Sane’s situation, though Bayern made it clear in their response that they have ‘no intention’ of letting him go.

The Bundesliga giants have ‘shunned enquiries’, and whilst the winger is ‘considering his options’, Bayern remain confident that he has the manager’s trust so is therefore ‘unlikely’ to push for an exit.

The Verdict: Blow for Arteta

Arsenal missing out on Sane could come as a huge blow to Mikel Arteta who will know that he is a ‘world-class’ player, as hailed by Jacek Kulig.

The Essen native has made a remarkable 67 goal contributions in just 108 games for Bayern and is very flexible with the ability to operate on both flanks as well as in midfield (Transfermarkt).

With Sane currently at the World Cup and keeping his options open, if he isn’t given the game time he’s looking for between now and the end of the season, a move next summer could be on the cards making this one to watch.

After their relegation from the Premier League in 2021, West Bromwich Albion valued Sam Johnstone at £20m, but the Baggies could only watch on as he left on a free transfer the following summer.

The shot-stopper made the move to the Hawthorns in 2018, joining from Manchester United in a deal worth £6.5m after impressing in the Championship with Midlands rivals Aston Villa.

Johnstone would go on to make 167 appearances for the club, in which he conceded 216 goals and kept 45 clean sheets, with his performances certainly catching the eye in the 2020/21 campaign despite relegation from the top flight, with Gary Lineker labelling him “unbelievable” after some impressive saves.

The Preston-born goalkeeper earned a call-up to the England squad and West Brom were determined to make a big profit on him, despite his contract being set to expire in 2022.

Amid interest from West Ham United and old side Manchester United, with Johnstone no doubt to remain in the top flight after making a name for himself in the top division, West Brom demanded £20m for his services.

Unfortunately, that price proved to be too high for any interested parties, as the Hammers saw a £10m bid rejected, and he would remain in the Championship with the Baggies, making 36 appearances in the 2021/22 campaign as they endured a disappointing 10th place finish.

Johnstone was never going to extend his contract at the Hawthorns after such an underwhelming campaign and was free to move to the Premier League upon the expiry of his contract.

He would join Crystal Palace and while he is yet to usurp Vicente Guaita as the no.1 choice at Selhurst Park, making just one appearance so far, it seems likely that he will step up as the main man in between the sticks in Patrick Vieira’s side once the 35-year-old Spaniard moves on.

Had West Brom not been so greedy and demanded such a high fee for Johnstone, then they could have sold him to the Premier League and used the money to improve the squad, rather than losing such a talented player for nothing.