Anthony Taylor will not referee any Premier League matches this weekend after officiating Chelsea's feisty win at Bournemouth.
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Taylor referees Chelsea's win at Bournemouth
Official dishes out 14 bookings in the contest
Won't referee Premier League games this weekend
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WHAT HAPPENED?
English official Taylor was in charge of Chelsea's 1-0 win at Bournemouth last weekend – in a match where the referee handed out a Premier League record 14 yellow cards. Off the back of that, he won't officiate any English top-flight games this weekend, and here's why.
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THE EXPLANATION
According to The Guardian, Taylor won't be in action this weekend after being subjected to abuse on social media in the wake of the Chelsea match. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said on Tuesday that Taylor would be a fourth official on Southampton's home game against Ipswich Town on Saturday and Brighton's trip to Nottingham Forest a day later.
DID YOU KNOW?
The report adds Chelsea and Bournemouth face Football Association fines of £25,000 for picking up more than six yellow cards in a match – with eight Blues players being booked at last weekend's encounter.
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WHAT NEXT?
Chelsea are next in action on Saturday in an early Premier League kick-off away to London neighbours West Ham, whereas Bournemouth travel to Liverpool later that day. Taylor will likely return to refereeing duty next weekend.
Club has developed several England players in recent years
George Dobell19-Jun-2020Vikram Solanki is committed to sustaining Surrey’s record of producing “home-grown” players in his new role at the club’s head coach.Surrey have, in one way or another, supplied six of the 30-man training squad which England named this week ahead of the Test series against West Indies. While one (Dom Sibley) has moved on to Warwickshire and another (Ben Foakes) came from Essex, it does reflect Surrey’s remarkable contribution towards the England sides in recent years.Further Surrey players – the likes of Jason Roy, Tom Curran and Will Jacks – could also come into the equation when England name a limited-overs squad, with former players such as Laurie Evans and Chris Jordan, also vying for selection. Reece Topley, who has recently joined the club, could also return to the limited-overs team.And while Solanki, who was appointed as Michael di Venuto’s successor as head coach this week, was quick to credit the contribution of Surrey’s academy director, Gareth Townsend, he suggested the club’s entire ethos and age-group system was responsible for the number of playing going on to represent the club’s first teams and England.ALSO READ: Solanki appointed new Surrey coach”I’m firmly of the view that if you see an example of your peers progressing – like Ollie Pope, who has gone through the whole Surrey system – then it’s likely that if you’re presented with a similar opportunity you’ll see the path ahead. It’s often the case that a crop of youngsters come through together because one comes through and achieves something special and the others think ‘well, if he can, then I’ve every chance’.”The work that Gareth has done with the academy and the commitment towards developing Surrey players and offering them opportunities to play in the first team bodes well for producing England cricketers. It gives them the opportunity to show how good they are and to grow.”But a lot of that must come from even prior to the work Gareth does. It comes from the age-group coach and the commitment to good programmes. Then there’s a transition to the academy, which is a fairly challenging environment, Gareth pushes those guys hard.”It’s not an automatic conveyor belt. There might be a period where only one or two go through. But, in terms of planning, you’ve got to see the pipeline is maintained.”Solanki was named Surrey’s new head coach this week•Getty ImagesSolanki’s words could equally apply to young cricketers from the BAME communities. But while he made it clear he would welcome his promotion, as the first head coach in county cricket from the British Asian communities, in “accelerating” the progress of people from a BAME background in every walk of lie, he insisted he had not encountered racism in his own career.”Racism in any walk of life is abhorrent,” he said. “I genuinely do feel a sense of regret for anyone who has experienced that. I couldn’t tell you why it’s taken so long to see a British Asian head coach.”I, however, can only speak of my own experiences. I’ve been very lucky. At both clubs I’ve been involved with and in my time with England, it’s not been the case in my career”Does being the first British Asian head coach in county cricket bring added pressure? I don’t think so. The fact that I’m head coach of Surrey is sufficient pressure. It’s neither here or there if I’m successful because of my background.”There certainly is a great degree of movement throughout the world – not just in our sport, but in society in general – where there might be a shift [in attitudes]. Where people’s opinions are beginning to be heard. If that is the case, then great. Coming back to cricket specifically… I can only speak for my experiences. I think we have encouraged people from different backgrounds. I played with players from all backgrounds. I’ve coached players from all backgrounds.”I suppose I should temper that by saying I appreciate that might not be the experience for everyone else. But at Surrey, with the numerous programmes to encourage involvement of people from different backgrounds, I consider it as something that’s ongoing. If this accelerates all of those matters, then great.”
Com a marca de Edu, o Brusque voltou a vencer na Série B. Após ficar três rodadas sem conquistar os três pontos, a equipe quadricolor bateu o Brasil de Pelotas por 1 a 0 nesta quarta-feira (30). Com o resultado, os catarinenses aparecem, momentaneamente, no G4 do torneio. Já o Xavante continua no 19° lugar.
Agora os dois clubes voltam a campo já neste final de semana. No sábado (3), o Brasil de Pelotas recebe o Cruzeiro, às 19h. Enquanto isso, no domingo (4), o Brusque visita o Guarani, às 11h. Ambas as partidas são válidas pela 9ª rodada do Brasileirão Série B.
Início de um time só Vindo de uma sequência incômoda de jogos sem vencer depois de ter sido líder do campeonato, o Brusque dominou todas as ações durante os primeiros 15 minutos do confronto no Augusto Bauer. Com as ultrapassagens do lateral Toty pelo lado direito, o Quadricolor levou perigo duas vezes em bolas pelo alto. Na primeira, Thiago Alagoano cabeceou por cima. Na segunda, Edu testou firme, e Matheus Nogueira fez boa defesa.
Acuado, o Brasil de Pelotas pouco teve a bola durante o princípio do jogo. Quando conseguiu ter tranquilidade para sair tocando, tentou por diversas vezes acionar os dois atacantes, visando o pivô para os meias que ultrapassavam. O único chute a gol veio em uma arrancada de Bruno Matias pelo meio, que parou em finalização fraca nas mãos de Jefferson Paulino.
Decisão errada Após toda a pressão inicial do Brusque, o Brasil de Pelotas começou a fechar os espaços pelos lados do campo, impedindo as subidas dos laterais da equipe catarinense. Por outro lado, o Xavante seguiu sem criatividade com a bola nos pés.
Sem conseguir usar seus alas, o Brusque investiu nas bolas longas. Em uma delas, Éverton Alemão deixou Thiago Alagoano cara a cara com Matheus Nogueira. No entanto, ao invés de chutar, o camisa 10 preferiu cruzar, mas não encontrou um companheiro na segunda trave, desperdiçando chance clara de gol.
Blitz antes do intervalo Assim como nos minutos iniciais, o Brusque pressionou o Brasil de Pelotas na reta final do 1° tempo. Com boas trocas de passes, os catarinenses conseguiram novamente pisar na área adversária e levar perigo.
Aos 40 minutos, após cruzamento na área, a defesa cortou mal e a bola ficou batendo e rebatendo até que se ofereceu para Edu. O artilheiro da Série B finalizou firme, mas Kevin apareceu no meio do caminho para impedir que o Brusque fosse em vantagem para o intervalo.
A marca do artilheiro O Brusque voltou ainda mais objetivo na etapa final. Pressionando a saída de bola do Brasil de Pelotas, Bruno Mathias conseguiu roubar e serviu Edu. O artilheiro dominou, mas finalizou na direção de Matheus Nogueira, que mandou em escanteio. Em seguida, o camisa 9 deixou Gabriel Taliari frente a frente com o gol. O meia encobriu o goleiro, mas viu a defesa cortar antes que a bola entrasse.
A pressão surtiu efeito aos 11 minutos. Airton recebeu na esquerda e cruzou na área. Edu ganhou de Kevin no alto e tocou no canto oposto, deixando Matheus Nogueira sem chances de defesa e fazendo o seu sexto gol na Série B.
Brasil de Pelotas sai para o jogo O gol sofrido mudou completamente a postura das duas equipes. Em vantagem, o Brusque baixou as suas linhas de marcação, enquanto o técnico Cláudio Tencati lançou a equipe ao ataque através das substituições.
Logo após entrar, Gabriel Terra cruzou para Júnior Viçosa, que também havia entrado há pouco tempo, e finalizou de voleio para boa defesa de Jefferson Paulino. Minutos depois, após cruzamento de Kevin, a bola sobrou para Luiz Fernando, que foi travado pelo goleiro.
Não foi suficiente A intensidade imposta pelo Brasil de Pelotas acuou o Brusque no seu campo de defesa. Com a bola, o Xavante trocou passes e rondou a área adversária, mas sem conseguir dar mais sustos ao goleiro Jefferson Paulino.
Por sua vez, o Brusque praticamente abdicou da posse de bola e optou por apenas esperar a atitude do adversário para sair em contra-ataque e tentar matar o jogo de vez. Contudo, a oportunidade não veio, mas também não fez falta, já que a vitória finalmente voltou a acontecer para a equipe catarinense.
FICHA TÉCNICA BRUSQUE 1 X 0 BRASIL DE PELOTAS Local: Estádio Augusto Bauer, em Brusque-SC Data/Horário: 30 de junho de 2021 (quarta-feira), às 17h Árbitro:Wanderson Alves de Sousa (MG) Assistentes:Celso Luiz da Silva (MG) eMarcus Vinicius Gomes (MG) Gol: Edu (11’/2°T) (1-0) Cartões amarelos: Zé Carlos, Juliano, Bruno Lopes, Airton (Brusque), Ícaro, Matheuzinho (Brasil de Pelotas)
BRUSQUE: Jefferson Paulino, Toty (João Carlos, aos 31’/2°T), Ianson, Éverton Alemão e Airton; Zé Mateus, Fillipe Soutto (Juliano, aos 26’/2°T), Diego Mathias (Rodolfo Potiguar, aos 26’/2°T) e Gabriel Taliari (Jhon Cley, aos 26’/2°T); Thiago Alagoano (Bruno Lopes, aos 40’/2°T) e Edu. Técnico: Jerson Testoni.
BRASIL DE PELOTAS: Matheus Nogueira, Thalys (Matheuzinho, aos 35’/2°T), Ícaro, Héverton e Kevin; Pierini, Wesley, Bruno Matias (Gabriel Terra, aos 20’/2°T) e Lucas Santos (Luiz Fernando, aos 20’/2°T); Welinton (Júnior Viçosa, aos 20’/2°T) e Fabrício (Netto, aos 35’/2°T). Técnico: Cláudio Tencati.
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Having been absolutely instrumental last season for Manchester United with 17 Premier League goals, Marcus Rashford hasn’t been able to get anywhere near that this time around.
Last term, the number ten was without a doubt the most influential attacker on Erik ten Hag’s team, but that’s certainly not been the case this campaign.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.
Although the England international has scored seven league goals, he’s been unable to consistently perform, and he visibly looks frustrated.
With that in mind, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to make a blockbuster signing this summer, with an attacking superstar among the list of transfer targets.
Man Utd want to sign a “big name” attacker
According to reports from Spain via TEAMtalk, Man United are weighing up whether to make a move for Rafael Leao this summer.
The Portuguese winger has been excellent for Milan since his arrival, scoring 55 goals and providing 48 assists in 201 appearances, making him almost priceless to the side.
AC Milan's Rafael Leao reacts
Nonetheless, although they are 'eager' to bring him to England, the reported fee that it would take to sign Leao is in the region of £128m, which would make him United’s most expensive signing of all time.
However, the Red Devils aren’t alone in their interest in the Serie A star, with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain also keeping an eye on him.
What Leao's signing would mean for Rashford
Just like Rashford, Leao was also one of the most frightening forwards in Europe throughout 2022/23, scoring 15 goals and providing ten assists in 28 Serie A starts.
However, the 24-year-old has continued to perform this campaign, picking up 12 goals and assists apiece across all competitions, which is 11 more goal contributions than the United ace.
Rafael Leao for AC Milan.
If Ten Hag’s side were to splash the cash on the former Sporting player, then they would be buying an extremely similar profile to Rashford. That point is further backed when the statistics are compared.
Goals
6
7
Assists
8
2
Big chances created
16
6
Key passes (per game)
1.9
0.8
Shots (per game)
2.0
2.0
Successful dribbles (per game)
2.3
1.6
Both players boast almost identical stats to one another across every single metric, but one that stands out as a clear difference is how Leao can act as an extremely productive creator as well as a goal-scorer.
Milan’s number ten has picked up eight assists this campaign, which is the joint-best in the entire Italian top flight, and the fact that he can create makes him far less predictable than Rashford in the final third.
The only other difference is the fact that the "world-class" star, as dubbed by journalist Carlo Garganese, is more direct in his approach and willing to take risks, often attempting to take a player on rather than turn back and pass, a particularly important trait when playing against a defensive side.
However, the main problem with signing Leao lies in the fact that, just like Rashford, he’s at his best when playing as a left-winger, which would ultimately mean that the duo would be fighting for the same spot in the starting lineup.
Unfortunately, neither will settle for an alternative role in the team or consistent rotation, so although the signing of the Portugal international would make United more dangerous, it would come with a cost attached; potentially the end of Rashford's career at Old Trafford.
Man Utd may already have Rashford’s replacement in 18y/o Garnacho partner
Erik ten Hag could turn to the academy to bolster his attack.
Tottenham are apparently ready to seal a potential "bargain" deal for Ange Postecoglou this summer, and it involves a player who boasts 12 goals and 14 assists in all competitions this season.
Lange looking to back Postecoglou with key signings at Spurs
Following what has been a very positive debut campaign in the dugout for Postecoglou, Spurs are said to be contemplating how best to back the Australian with key additions this summer.
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For Postecoglou, it is very much about the long-term project, and the Lilywhites boss has stated on multiple occasions that the race for fourth spot isn't a top priority for him.
"It's a sign of progress," said Postecoglou on Tottenham's top-four hopes.
"We didn't do that last year, but it's not the end goal, and it doesn't ensure you or help you the following year. You look at Man Utd, Newcastle, they're in the Champions League – it doesn't guarantee you anything the following year, just because you make it, that it elevates you.
Newcastle United (away)
April 13th
Arsenal (home)
April 28th
Chelsea (away)
May 2nd
Liverpool (away)
May 5th
Burnley (home)
May 11th
"The challenge is to keep growing, and that's why I say about it's not just about being a top-four team, it's about trying to win things, be successful, be No 1, and part of that process is to get up to that level, keep going but then keep going."
For supporters who have gone 16 years without seeing Tottenham win a major piece of silverware, with their last one being a Carling Cup triumph against Chelsea in 2008, this will be music to their ears.
However, to reach that very next level, Postecoglou will need the backing of chairman Daniel Levy – which looks very likely to be the case.
According to reports, Spurs will look to bring in a new central midfielder when the window reopens, as faithful servant Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could depart N17.
Hojbjerg, while very reliable and can put in a great performance, isn't exactly tailor-made for Postecoglou's system – hence the links to potential upgrades.
Tottenham on "high alert" and "ready to seal" Dewsbury-Hall deal
Journalist Pete O'Rourke has an update on this for Football Insider, involving Leicester City star Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
The Foxes midfielder has bagged a brilliant 12 goals and 14 assists in all competitions across 23/24, which has proved crucial for Leicester in their bid to climb back to the top flight at the first time of asking.
Leicester midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
As per O'Rourke, Tottenham are "ready to seal" a potential "bargain" deal for Dewsbury-Hall – who is apparently very likely to depart if Enzo Maresca's side fail to secure promotion.
Indeed, Spurs chiefs are said to be on "high alert" over the 25-year-old's possible availability, alongside both Brighton and Brentford.
Chelsea could reportedly finally get rid of Romelu Lukaku as Napoli prepare for the potential departure of their star striker, Victor Osimhen.
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Chelsea looking to sell Lukaku
Napoli are keen on his services
Osimhen could leave for PSG
WHAT HAPPENED?
According to , Napoli's head coach Antonio Conte is keen to have a new striker secured by July 25, when the team heads to their pre-season training camp. The urgency stems from the need to solidify the squad ahead of the new season – but Osimhen’s transfer needs to be finalised swiftly so that they can recycle that transfer money into acquiring Lukaku.
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Meanwhile, reports that Lukaku has expressed a strong desire to reunite with Conte, under whom he previously played at Chelsea and Inter Milan. Lukaku has reportedly agreed to a three-year contract with Napoli, earning €6.5 million (£5.5m/$7m) per year. However, a financial gap remains between Chelsea’s asking price and Napoli’s offer. Chelsea is holding out for €35 million (£29.5m/$38m) plus bonuses for the Belgian forward, while Napoli is looking to pay around €25 million (£21m/$27m).
DID YOU KNOW?
Osimhen's departure from Napoli has been a topic of speculation for months. The Nigerian striker has a hefty €130 million (£110m/$142m) release clause that has deterred potential buyers, including Chelsea and Arsenal. However, reports in Italy claim that Paris Saint-Germain have agreed on personal terms with Osimhen. The French club has offered the striker a lucrative five-year contract worth €14 million (£12m/$15m) annually. Despite this, PSG and Napoli have yet to reach a consensus on the transfer fee.
Napoli's financial constraints, exacerbated by their absence from the Champions League, make it challenging to retain Osimhen, who commands €10 million (£8.5m/$11m)per year in wages. This vulnerability has prompted PSG to table an €85 million (£72m/$93m) bid, which will be turned down but opens the door for further negotiations.
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WHAT NEXT?
For Chelsea, offloading Lukaku would mark the end of a tumultuous chapter. The Belgian striker has had a mixed tenure at Stamford Bridge, and a move to Napoli could offer him a fresh start. Meanwhile, PSG would like to complete the signing of Osimhen as quickly as possible to replace Kylian Mbappe who has already left for Real Madrid. With financial considerations and strategic priorities at play, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of these high-stakes transfers.
With things starting to click on the pitch for Tottenham Hotspur, Daniel Levy is already looking towards the summer, declaring an interest in a young defender making an impression for one of Europe's top sides.
Spurs continue push for Europe
Whilst early whispers of a title charge have now petered out, Ange Postecoglou's men have regained composure in recent weeks after their brutal injury crisis subsided to continue a strong maiden campaign under the Australian.
Recent victories over Brighton and Brentford could prove vital come the end of the season with the North London outfit now three points clear of sixth place and just five away from the coveted Champions League places. Boasting a game in hand over their rivals, it is highly likely that wherever Spurs end up in May, it will be a stark improvement on last season's disappointing eighth-placed finish.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou celebrates.
Despite the tangible transformation in Spurs' fortunes under their new boss, this season has not been without its concerns. As is natural due to Postecoglou's emphasis on a high defensive line, his men at the back are left to cover enormous amounts of ground with far more high intensity sprints than an average centre-back in England's top flight.
Currently shipping the most goals in the top six, if Spurs are serious about a future title challenge they will have to improve at the back, particularly in terms of the depth of talent behind first choice pairing Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. Rivals Arsenal top the league for clean sheets with ten, double Spurs' tally.
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With this in mind, there is no wonder why Levy has already set his sights on one of Europe's most exciting young defenders.
Spurs approach made for goalscoring defender
As translated by Sport Witness, reports from the Italian capital suggest that Roma defender Dean Huijsen, on loan from Juventus, is on Spurs' radar for the summer. The outlet suggests that the London club are among a catalogue of top European sides interested in the 18-year-old. Among the interested parties are Premier League rivals Man United, as well as PSG and Atletico Madrid, but only the two English clubs have made approaches.
Dean Huijsen in action for Roma in Serie A
Despite the potential battle for the teenager's signature, Spurs appear to be in the ascendancy with reports from earlier this month stating that Levy was ready to bid €30m (£26m) to secure the services of the center-back. Whilst his current deal runs until 2028, it is said that Juventus would be inclined to part ways with the talent for the right price.
Huijsen has only made eight top flight appearances whilst at Roma but his impact has been huge. Standing at a towering 6 foot 5, his goal-scoring prowess catches the eye of even the most idle viewer.
Huijsen's two league goals this season adds to his impressive tally throughout both youth and professional football. Averaging a goal every four games in the Juventus youth set up, it is clear that the youngster is a unique talent for his age.
8
2
15
4
20
8
30
3
6
3
With the Postecoglou project aiming to bring some much-needed excitement to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, there would be few more eyecatching players than Huijsen.
Newcastle United officials are believed to be "taking notes" on an "elite" young defender, ahead of a potential move to St James' Park in the summer transfer window.
Newcastle planning Schar & Lascelles successors
The Magpies signed Sven Botman in 2022 and the Dutchman has been a fantastic signing, becoming the leader of their defence when he is fit and available. His absence through injury for a chunk of this season has played a part in Eddie Howe's side struggling to repeat last year's excellence in the Premier League, with only 14 starts coming his way in the competition.
The likes of Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles have done their best to cover for Botman when he has been out, but both are now in their 30s and don't represent the long-term future for Newcastle, despite the skipper's new contract extension. For that reason, younger defensive reinforcements need to come in at the end of the campaign, and reports have linked the club with numerous central defenders.
Two Sporting CP stars have emerged as option to come in this summer, with Ousmane Diomande and Goncalo Inacio both seen as a target for the Magpies. The former is just 20 years of age, but has already become a key start for the Portuguese giants, while the latter is a huge talent who is also reportedly wanted by Liverpool.
Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi was also linked with a move to Newcastle late last year, and he could be keen for a fresh challenge soon, feeling like he has come as far as he can with the Eagles.
Newcastle scouts "taking notes" on elite young talent
According to O Jogo [via Sport Witness], Newcastle officials are "taking notes" on Diomande regularly, keeping consistent checks on his performances. There is set to be an intense battle to sign the defender once the summer transfer window arrives, with the report claiming that the fight to acquire his signature "promises to heat up".
Sporting centre-back Ousmane Diomande.
Liverpool and Juventus are also credited with interest in Diomande, who has shone for Sporting throughout this season, completing 91.2% of his passes across 17 Primeira Liga appearances. Meanwhile, football talent scout Jacek Kulig has waxed lyrical over him, saying: "You rarely see a player with such high ball-playing and pure defender skills. There are some tactical improvements but I'm quite sure this kid will play for the best teams in the world. The signs of elite talent."
Appearances
17
27
15
Starts
17
27
12
Tackles per game
1.4
1.1
0.9
Clearances per game
1.5
3.7
2.8
Aerial duel wins per game
1.8
2.0
2.0
Pass completion rate
91.2%
84%
85.1%
Diomande is a player who Newcastle should be willing to break the bank for, considering his vast long-term potential, not to mention the fact that he could arguably go straight in as Botman's central defensive partner, proving to be an upgrade on both Schar and Lascelles.
If he continues on his current trajectory, there is no reason why the Ivorian can't become one of the best in Europe in his position – the fact that Sporting valued him at £69m when he was still a teenager speaks volumes – and the Magpies beating other huge clubs to his signature would feel significant.
Newcastle United chiefs have been sending scouts to keep track of an exciting young midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window, having been forced into a quiet January by Financial Fair Play restrictions.
Newcastle United transfer news
After fending off a number of surprising exit links, Eddie Howe was happy to see the January transfer window slam shut with the core of his Newcastle side intact. But while the North East outfit managed to keep hold of in demand stars Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson and Miguel Almiron, the lack of incomings has left the club needing to make a number of additions this summer.
Currently sitting ninth in the table, the top four finish last season and subsequent Champions League campaign feel like distant memories for Newcastle as they battle to keep themselves in the running for the European places. With just one win from their last six league games, the pressure is on Eddie Howe to build a team able to replicate last season's success.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe.
Sandro Tonali's ongoing ban for gambling offences will mean he will be unavailable until next season, and fan favourite Joelinton's contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025, leaving the Premier League side in desperate need of midfield reinforcements. With reported losses to the tune of £155 million limiting their transfer spending this season, the top of Newcastle's to-do-list for the summer will be to address concerns in the middle of the park.
"Powerful" Onana wowing Newcastle scouts
The Magpies' well documented January window woes have left the club already making their plans for the summer window. Sources have told Football Insider that Newcastle have compiled an extensive scouting dossier on Everton's Amadou Onana ahead of a potential deal for the Belgian international.
PIF's scouts are apparently very impressed by what they've seen too, as the club are now "very keen" on a deal and believe Onana is a "big upgrade" on some of their current options in the centre of the park.
Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.
Since arriving on Merseyside, the 22-year-old has earned significant plaudits, with current boss Sean Dyche glowing over his power, aerial ability, and timing to arrive in the box, as well as praising his "ugly side of the game with his hard work and positional sense".
With the futures of Newcastle's midfield duo hanging in the balance, any incoming players will have to match both the progressive output of Tonali and the defensive qualities of Joelinton. A strong tackler who can carry the ball and cause chaos in the opponent's box, there is no doubt that Onana could be the successor to the midfield at St James' Park, ranking in the 93rd percentile for aerial duels won by midfielders in Europe's top five leagues (Onana stats – FBRef), as well as creating 39 shooting opportunities for he and his teammates this term.
Total
45
39
71.2%
31
A Swiss Army Knife of a footballer, Onana can adapt his game to compliment his teammates. Able to offer defensive support to the more attacking Bruno Guimarães or take on the progressive onus in the presence of the physical Joelinton, there is no wonder why Newcastle are making early moves to get this deal over the line.
After a fee of £33 million first brought Onana to England in August 2022, Everton will be eager to see a return on their investment in the former LOSC Lille midfielder. With further sanctions hanging over their heads and uncertainty over which league they will be playing their football next season, their hand could be forced to part ways with some of their prized assets this summer. With countless clubs circling the situation at Everton, Newcastle's early pursuit of one of the league's most promising players could see them complete the deal early into the next transfer window.
Juventus delighted that Newcastle want to sign their "excellent" player
The offer could come soon and they want to cash in.
Aston Villa have enjoyed some success in the transfer window under Unai Emery as he looks to build a side which can be regular top-six challengers in the Premier League.
So far so good for the Spaniard as his side are currently sitting in fourth place in the table, two points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur and if they can maintain this sort of form into the closing weeks of the campaign, they will have an excellent shot of securing Champions League football next term.
Emery spent big during the summer transfer window prior to the 2023/24 season, luring the likes of Moussa Diaby and Pau Torres to the Midlands, but they both could prove to be wonderful signings.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery during a Premier League game.
The former Paris Saint-Germain boss has also managed to clear out some deadwood too, moving on various players since last January.
Danny Ings was sold for £15m in 2023, while Cameron Archer cost Sheffield United a transfer fee of £18.5m last summer and Emery clearly put those funds into much better use.
Although Emery has done well in the transfer market, both in terms of incomings and outgoings, he is not the only Villa manager to have enjoyed some success.
Indeed, Tim Sherwood also played a blinder with one of Villa’s players back in the summer of 2015, as he sold Christian Benteke for nearly five times as much as the club signed him for.
How much Aston Villa paid to sign Christian Benteke
Prior to the 2012/13 season, Paul Lambert was looking to bolster his attacking options at the Villa Park club and Benteke was earmarked as a main target.
He got his man for a transfer fee in the region of £7m and lauded the striker upon his arrival, saying:
"Christian is only but already he's an established Belgian international and he's had a terrific time at Genk. He's something very different to what we have here and that added dimension will enhance the football club.
"A young lad he may be, but he's definitely a handful. He's tall, powerful, he has pace and we'll be stronger with him in the side."
Over the next three full seasons, the former Genk forward emerged as one of the best attackers in the top flight.
Christian Benteke’s Aston Villa statistics
His debut season ended up being a huge success. Benteke scored a staggering 19 goals in just 34 league matches – adding another four in the League Cup – and he found the back of the net against the likes of Liverpool, Everton and Chelsea during the campaign.
Despite a strong opening few weeks when the striker netted twice against Arsenal along with grabbing goals against Chelsea and Newcastle United, he would only add another six league goals to his tally throughout the remaining months of the season, although an Achilles tendon rupture would end his campaign prematurely.
177
37
101
49
51
20
42
10
41
15
37
16
25
3
20
7
He returned to form during the 2014/15 season, scoring 13 league goals and this attracted attention from Liverpool, who were looking to improve on a dreadful season.
How much Aston Villa sold Benteke for
Brendan Rodgers eventually managed to lure the centre-forward to Anfield, but it would cost him a fee of £32.5m, which meant Villa and Sherwood sold the player for £25.5m more than what was paid for him just three years previously.
“I’m very happy to be here and I would like to thank the owners, Ian [Ayre, chief executive] and of course the manager for their massive effort to bring me here,” said Benteke in his first interview at the Reds.
christian-benteke-liverpool
“I think it was the right club for me because I had a good chat with the manager and I wanted to be part of his project.”
Unfortunately, his time on Merseyside failed to live up to such high expectations as he played just 42 games for the club, scoring only ten goals, and the move proved to be a major waste of funds by Rodgers.
He soon joined Crystal Palace after only one season in the North West of England, yet despite scoring 37 goals across six seasons, Villa arguably got the better end of the deal as they sold the player at exactly the right time for the maximum fee possible.
Christian Benteke's return form in the MLS
Hailed as “unstoppable” by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola during his first season in charge of the club, Benteke has always been a clinical finisher in the opposition penalty area, but after six seasons in London, he was on the move in 2022.
The 33-year-old ended up moving to America and joining MLS side D.C. United midway through the 2022 season, where he scored just once in seven matches, hardly a figure which warranted much hype.
During his first full season, however, Benteke suddenly found the form that he displayed during his time at Villa, scoring 14 goals and grabbing three assists in just 31 league matches.
Among his teammates stateside, Benteke ranked first in the squad for overall Sofascore rating (7.31), while also ranking first for goals and assists (17) and shots on target per game (1.3), proving that he was highly efficient in front of goal.
When compared to positional peers in the men’s next 14 competitions over the previous 365 days, Benteke ranks in the top 13% for total shots (3.42) per 90, along with ranking in the top 6% for touches in the opposition box per 90 (6.62) and this indicates that he spends the majority of his time in the penalty area, waiting for chances to be presented to him.
He certainly shows no signs of slowing down, but arguably his best form was during his three-season stint at Villa between 2012 and 2015.
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Selling him for such a lavish sum, Sherwood must have had an inkling that the Belgian frontman might struggle at Anfield, especially under the weight of a massive fee, and he was certainly proven correct.
With the MLS season starting in just a few weeks, Benteke will be hoping to replicate the form he displayed throughout 2023 and better his tally of 14 goals.