Tag Futebol

Daniel Pinder, the editor-in-chief of Get German Football News, has exclusively told This is Futbol that Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic could be an ideal fit for Liverpool.

Kalajdzic has scored 14 times and added five assists in 29 Bundesliga appearances this term, with his impressive numbers catching the attention of several Premier League sides.

Along with both West Ham and Merseyside rivals Everton, the Reds are reportedly interested in signing the Austrian international, who’s previously spoke about his love for the club by saying that Liverpool are “simply special” to him.

Liverpool meanwhile are in desperate need of a prolific goalscorer following Roberto Firmino’s struggles in front of goal this season.

The Brazilian has scored just six times in 43 appearances in all competitions this term, with the Reds’ lack of goals one of the many reasons they could miss out on Champions League football.

Jurgen Klopp’s men scored 85 times in their title-winning campaign, and are a massive 30 goals short of that total with just five games remaining.

The addition of Kalajdzic could help them challenge Manchester City again next season, and Pinder told This is Futbol that the striker would be a good signing for the Reds:

“He’s a completely different player to Firmino. He’s two metres tall – even despite his height he’s got a good first touch, movement, composure, and great anticipation.

“And in an interview, he said he likes to drop deep which could suit Liverpool with their style of play.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O advogado Antônio Carlos Mariz recusou convite do presidente Carlos Augusto de Barros e Silva para ser o vice geral do São Paulo. O cargo está vago desde que Roberto Natel pediu desligamento na semana passada. Mariz alegou questões profissionais para não assumir o posto.

Agora, Leco segue em busca de um novo nome. A boa reputação de Mariz dentro do clube seria uma importante aliada para o presidente no contexto político atual, de forte pressão interna por conta dos maus resultados dentro de campo.

Foi no escritório de Mariz que o ex-presidente Carlos Miguel Aidar renunciou ao cargo máximo do clube em outubro do ano passado. Na época, Aidar foi aconselhado pelo próprio renomado advogado a deixar o cargo, para se preservar diante das denúncias de corrupção.

-Eu tomei a decisão: não vou aceitar. Não tenho condições pessoais por conta do escritório. Refleti muito. Estou com casos muito complicados. Vou prejudicar os clientes. Não quero ir para o São Paulo para fazer figuração. O clube está passando por uma crise. Queria, mesmo que timidamente, dar uma contribuição, mas não tenho condições pessoais. O convite foi muito honroso, mas nessa hora não foi bom – disse Mariz, em entrevista ao site “Globoesporte.com”.

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Speaking to Football Insider, pundit and Sky Sports regular Paul Robinson has reacted to reports that Tottenham are planning a fresh attempt to sign Milan Skriniar this summer – with the former Lilywhites keeper dropping his take on the development. 

Skriniar, who was at the centre of reported interest from Spurs last year, is apparently back on the radar of chairman Daniel Levy – and Football Insider even claim that the club ‘will have another go’ to sign the Slovakian this summer.

Robinson reacts to Skriniar development

This is apparently due to Jose Mourinho, with the Portuguese set to spearhead a charge for the 26-year-old according to the outlet.

Reacting to this Skriniar development, Robinson has claimed that if Spurs can get him in for around £25 million, a fee which Spurs apparently came close to agreeing for the player in January (Football Insider), then the move would be a ‘no brainer’.

“£25million for a player of that quality, it is a great price,” explained the pundit.

“If they can get him in for that kind of money it is a no-brainer.

“The problem is, they need two centre-halves. Mourinho does not trust the current crop that he has got.

“There is clearly a problem with Alderweireld and Sanchez has got an error in his game. They have conceded far too many goals this season and a lot of them have been because of individual mistakes.”

Transfer Tavern take

Averaging an impressive 91.5% pass accuracy out from the back in Serie A this season, Skriniar’s composure and assurance out from the back could be a real asset for Mourinho.

It leave little wonder as to why the Tottenham boss is keen to mount a summer assault, and £25m for a player of his calibre could come as a real bargain if that can indeed be agreed.

Former teammate of Skriniar’s, Adam Zilak, explained to La Gazzetta dello Sport how ‘incredible’ the centre-back is – and Spurs possibly landing him could come as a real coup.

In other news: Tottenham touted as possible move for this ‘phenomenal’ ace, find out more here.

Leeds United are no longer interested in signing Liverpool defender Yasser Larouci, with the youngster deemed too expensive.

The Whites could have a busy summer in the transfer market, as Marcelo Bielsa looks to improve his side and continue to make them an established Premier League outfit.

The Leeds boss may be looking at strengthening all over the pitch, but an area that could be focused on more than others is left-back.

Ezgjan Alioski looks set to move on when his contract expires in the summer and Liverpool man Larouci has been seen as a potential option to come in.

Leeds end Larouci interest

According to The Athletic, however, the Whites have moved on from the 20-year-old, due mainly to him being seen as too pricey an option and attentions since turning elsewhere.

The report details Larouci’s time at Liverpool, explaining he had a real shot as Andy Robertson’s understudy but ultimately his career on Merseyside has stalled.

It is claimed though that Bielsa will instead look at bringing in a more experienced left-back, rather than a youngster with long-term potential.

Transfer Tavern take

With Alioski seemingly moving on, it is vital that a new left-back comes in, with an experienced head making more sense.

In Leif Davis, Leeds have an exciting young option who can be called upon from time to time, but signing someone with a know-how of top level football – Patrick van Aanholt is an example – could stand the Whites in good stead.

In other news, a former England striker has tipped Leeds to sign a current Premier League star this summer. Find out who it is here.

As per Football Insider, Glasgow Rangers will demand at least £6m to part ways with Filip Helander this summer.

Gers set Helander price-tag

In recent days, Champions League chasers Leicester City, as well as Aston Villa, have been linked with a move for Gers defender Helander (Sportbladet).

As per this latest report, it has been suggested the Gers will demand at least £6m to let the Sweden international leave. That would represent a minimum 42% profit on the £3.5m they paid for him in 2019 (The Scottish Sun).

Potential bargain

This is a potential bargain for any club looking to sign the 27-year-old. Incredibly, despite this now being his second season at Ibrox, he is yet to lose a single Premiership match (Transfermarkt). Injuries have reduced him to just 29 appearances in the Scottish top flight, but that is still an impressive record.

The former Bologna centre-back has two years left on his contract at Rangers and regularly appears for his country – he has started both of Sweden’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers this month. Although he plays in Scotland, the Gers could demand considerably more than £6m for him.

As such, Ross Wilson and co should perhaps revisit this demand. If they do not, it may send the wrong message to clubs who are interested in other talents at Ibrox.

In other news, some Rangers fans react to this bizarre news on an Ibrox hero.

Some Manchester City fans have been reacting to the news that Borussia Dortmund reportedly want €150m (£128m) for their star striker Erling Haaland if they are to sell him this summer.

The Citizens have been heavily linked with a move for Haaland (The Mirror via BeSoccer), who has been in stunning form for Dortmund so far this campaign. In 30 games in all competitions, he has 31 strikes to his name, meaning he has 47 goals in just 48 matches for Die Schwarzgelben since signing for them in January of last year (Transfermarkt). Not only that, he has managed to hit the back of the net 20 times in just 14 Champions League games throughout his career.

It is common knowledge that the 20-year-old Norwegian has a €75m (£64.2m) release clause which comes into play next summer, but Dortmund would let him go for €150m (£128m) in just a few months according to German outlet Bild (via CBS Sports).

This news was shared by Twitter account @City_Chief, and it attracted plenty of attention from these City supporters, who took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Haaland news below

“Write that check!”

Credit: @MatthewShehorn

“That’s a steal, to us he is worth twice that. Just get it done!”

Credit: @FplVester

“Just pay what they want!”

Credit: @peko3141

“That’s it? Let’s get this going ASAP!!”

Credit: @DaOGMuffinMan

“pay it and get him signed up….”

Credit: @mcfc_matty

“Worth that price tag no point waiting for the release clause he will be gone by then”

Credit: @dkrobinson2398

In other news, some Manchester City fans slammed this player against Fulham.

Manchester City are continuing to be linked with Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria ahead of the summer, and with Fernandinho widely expected to depart, the Swiss international could arrive as the Brazilian’s replacement.

According to Sport Bild (via Sport Witness), the 24-year-old is one of four Monchengladbach players who could depart this summer due to their contracts expiring in 2022, and Manchester City are ‘especially interested’ in adding the defensive-midfielder to their squad.

There are currently no signs to suggest that Fernandinho will sign a contract extension with Pep Guardiola’s side before the end of the season, so it seems likely that the former Shakhtar Donetsk man will depart the Citizens this summer when his current contract expires.

Whilst the 35-year-old has given way for Rodri in recent seasons he has still featured on a fairly regular basis for Guardiola in cup competitions this season, so they will arguably need to add someone such as Zakaria who can compete with the Spaniard for a starting spot in this City side.

Considering the 24-year-old’s performances for Marco Rose’s side in recent seasons, he could be a superb addition to Guardiola’s squad.

In 23 Bundesliga appearances last season, the Swiss midfielder averaged a superb 7.15 rating, averaging 2.1 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game in Germany’s top-flight.

Fernandinho meanwhile, would average 1.7 tackles and 0.8 interceptions in the Premier League last season, which certainly emphasises that the Monchengladbach man could step up as his replacement.

Zakaria also scores impressively on FBref when it comes to his defensive attributes, despite arguably not being at his best this season, perhaps due to a knee injury that kept him out for much of 2020.

However, it seems clear that the £36m-rated Zakaria is a quality defensive-midfielder when he is at his best, and if Fernandinho does end up departing this summer, City’s sporting director Txiki Begiristain should definitely try and bring the Swiss international to the Etihad as his replacement.

And, in other news… Ilkay Gundogan voted Premier League fans’ player of the month for January

Sunderland will be ‘lucky’ to collect over £10-12m in total income this season. 

That’s according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire, who recently spoke to ChronicleLive, where he shared his projection on Sunderland’s income for the current financial year. 

A big drop-off for Sunderland

This highlights the extent of how badly the ongoing global pandemic has harmed the North East club’s finances. 

As explained by Maguire, the Black Cats collected £59m in total income back in the 2018/19 campaign – the last season that Sunderland managed to enjoy without being impacted by the pandemic, with the 2019/20 League One season concluding prematurely. 

Now, with fans unable to attend games, it seems like they are set to take in up to £49m less than that, per Maguire, which represents an almost 80% decrease in revenue. 

Transfer Tavern take

This is a mightily significant drop-off in Sunderland’s revenue as a result of the pandemic. So, perhaps it would be fair to say that this sheds some light on the importance of the North East club receiving a financial injection in the form of Kyril Louis-Dreyfus’ takeover, to boost their hopes of returning to the heights of England’s top-flight. 

Per ChronicleLive, Maguire certainly believes that this is the case and so, perhaps that gives Black Cats fans even more reason to count down the days to this impending takeover, which just has the EFL’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test to pass at this stage.

In other news, some Sunderland fans were fuming over Elliot Embleton’s performance versus AFC Wimbledon.

تحدث الفرنسي أنطوان جريزمان، مهاجم أتلتيكو مدريد الإسباني، عن فريقه برشلونة، والوضع الذي يمر به النادي الكتالوني في الوقت الحالي.

برشلونة ودع منافسات دوري أبطال أوروبا من دور المجموعات بعد هزيمته من بايرن ميونخ الألماني بثلاثية دون رد، لينتقل للدوري الأوروبي.

المهاجم الفرنسي، في تصريحات لـ “Vamos de Movistar +”، يعرف جيدًا ما هو اللعب مع برشلونة.

وفقًا لجريزمان، شهد برشلونة العديد من التغييرات مؤخرًا ويحتاجون إلى منح الثقة للفريق حتى يتمكنوا من حل الأزمة لكن قبل كل شيء، اعترف الفرنسي بأنه فوجئ.

اقرأ أيضًا.. رايولا: 4 أندية فقط يمكنها التعاقد مع هالاند

وقال جريزمان: “هذا يفاجئني لأن برشلونة كان دائمًا متواجدًا في دوري الأبطال، لقد ذهبوا إلى دورالـ 16 لسنوات عديدة، لكن كان هناك العديد من التغييرات”.

وأوضح: “لقد غادر ليونيل ميسي، وهو أمر مهم للغاية، تغييرات المدربين.. عليك التحلي بالصبر والثقة”.

David Sullivan will not solve David Moyes’ offensive woes by luring Montpellier HSC striker Gaetan Laborde to West Ham United in the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to L’Equipe, the Irons have been handed a huge boost in their efforts to sign Laborde as the financial implications of the global pandemic has left the Ligue 1 outfit chasing income this winter.

President Laurent Nicollin has confirmed the Stade de la Mosson natives are facing debts of €20m to €25million (£18.2m to £22.8m) after failing to make any sales in the summer, while playing games behind closed doors is causing further losses of €500,000 (£456.4k) a match.

As such, Nicollin may have to accept cut-priced offers for some of manager Michel Der Zakarian favoured players, including Laborde, who is now said to be available for €12million (£10.95m) amid interest from both West Ham and Newcastle United.

Both Premier League sides are understood to have scouted Laborde throughout the current Ligue 1 campaign after showing an interest in the summer, with the 26-year-old striking three goals and five assists in 13 top-flight fixtures.

Not the answer

While Laborde has brought a creative touch to Zakarian’s offence this term, the former France U20 international has only struck once in his last 11 league appearances and boasts just 21 goals in 84 games across all competitions for Montpellier since signing in 2018.

Moyes is in need of offensive reinforcements in the winter market with Michail Antonio sidelined again with a hamstring injury, while doubt lingers over Sebastien Haller’s future at the London Stadium after reportedly leaving the Scot underwhelmed.

The West Ham boss was at his wits end following Saturday’s defeat at home to Manchester United with his players being so wasteful in the final third, believing the Irons let the game slip away after enjoying a period of dominance throughout the first half.

“I thought the biggest thing tonight was that we had a great chance to go two or three up, maybe even more. We played really well but we didn’t kill it off when we had the chance to do so, show a clinical edge to our finishing or our final pass which was needed. I think that was what cost us tonight,” said Moyes after the game, via football.london.

Laborde would not be the answer to Moyes’ woes as while he could be available for little at £10.95m, the 5 ft 11 centre-forward is relentlessly wasteful with his chances.

Across his 13 Ligue 1 appearances this season, of which he has started each, Laborde has averaged 2.4 shots a game yet has scored just 0.2 times a game while missing three big chances to find the back of the net, per SofaScore.

He only offers 10.9 accurate passes in the opponent’s half of the pitch per game, too, while losing possession 12.2 times, committing 1.8 fouls and losing 66% of his ground duels and 48% of his aerial contests.

Laborde may be cheap, but West Ham would be better served to focus their efforts away from the Stade de la Mosson this winter.

AND in other news, a “powerful” West Ham dud has given David Moyes all the evidence in the world to why he will never be trusted.