Lionel Messi and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo have taken in a family visit to Hard Rock Cafe to try out the Argentine superstar’s signature burger.
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed that sporting director Edu Gaspar was the person who motivated him to succeed at Arsenal.
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has succeeded in turning the tide on Merseyside after a pretty bleak 2022/23 campaign, where he failed to lead his team to Champions League qualification in a stark decline from past success.
Even securing the fifth-placed finish seemed somewhat unattainable after a gruelling and drab winter period through the German's plans into disarray but for a few tactical tweaks and renewed vigour in the closing months to enjoy a tremendous end to the campaign.
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Liverpool PL Comparison after 16 Matches: 22/23 – 23/24 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Position |
Points |
F |
A |
|
|
22/23 |
6th |
28 |
33 |
19 |
|
23/24 |
1st |
37 |
36 |
15 |
|
*Sourced via Sky Sports |
||||
Now ensconced in first place in the Premier League after 16 matches, the Reds are firmly fixed on fighting for the trophy, also in a good position in the Carabao Cup and Europa League, but Klopp will be aware of the dangers that could arise from lying dormant throughout the forthcoming January transfer window.
While the midfield was patched up during the summer, the defence still needs attention, with the want for reinforcements exacerbated by Joel Matip's recent season-ending ACL injury, dreadful news for the 32-year-old as he approaches the culmination of his contract in June.
While Klopp has hinted that Liverpool might show their class by offering Matip an extension of his contract as he continues his rehabilitation, it's clear that the central defence needs bolstering, and there would be few better successors than Barcelona's Ronald Araujo.
The Uruguayan ace has been integral for Xavi's LaLiga champions but has recently been reported to be unsure of his long-term future in Catalonia, with 90min revealing that a host of top European outfits are monitoring the situation.
While German giants Bayern Munich are understood to be frontrunners, Liverpool have been named among the Premier League clubs interested in a deal, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle United also fans.
Understood to hold a staggering €1bn (£870m) release clause in his Campo Nou contract, Araujo's signature would not be an easy one to obtain, but it would be well worth the chase as Klopp seeks to preserve Liverpool's rekindled strength.
Araujo boasts remarkable athleticism, blistering pace and a commanding presence that bespeaks his natural leadership; signing for just £1m from Boston River back in 2018, he has now amassed 127 displays for the Spanish giants.
Such qualities are showcased through the player's metrics, with FBref ranking Araujo among the top 12% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 13% for progressive carries, the top 10% for successful take-ons and the top 7% for total shots taken per 90.
This evidences a willingness to influence play offensively and drive the ball forward himself, something that only deepens the argument that he would be a worthy successor to Matip's position in Liverpool's squad.
The Cameroonian has completed 201 appearances for the Reds since arriving on a free transfer from German side Schalke in 2016, evoking delight from the Anfield crowd with his impressive dribbles through the thirds, ranking among the top 4% of centre-backs for progressive carries and the top 10% for shot-creating actions per 90.
Araujo, it seems, is a natural heir, but then many of Europe's most illustrious clubs feel that his attributes would benefit them too and it's unlikely that Klopp would have a free swing.
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Ronald Araujo: Similar Players |
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|---|---|
|
Player |
Club |
|
Jules Kounde |
Barcelona |
|
Levi Colwill |
Chelsea |
|
Niklas Sule |
Borussia Dortmund |
|
Nico Schlotterbeck |
Borussia Dortmund |
|
Josko Gvardiol |
Manchester City |
|
*Sourced via FBref |
|
But given that he fits the profile of the player Klopp wishes to sign – see the table above to compare him to some of the best ball-playing defenders across Europe – it's certainly an avenue worth delving down.
Dynamic Chelsea star Levi Colwill is listed as the most comparable Premier League player, and given that the Reds were so invested in securing his services in the summer, Klopp may well be more than just attentive to the acquisition of the La Blaugrana colossus.
Liverpool were reportedly ready to make all the moves to sign Colwill from Stamford Bridge in the summer, with the player himself stating that he was considering all of his options and that regular match action was the priority after a successful loan spell with Brighton & Hove Albion.
Praised for his "outrageous" skills by Graeme Bailey, Colwill was expected to cost in excess of £75m and this was simply a figure that did not make sense for the Reds, who needed to strengthen with multiple signings.
With the England international now a mainstay in a struggling Chelsea team – albeit, he is one of the standout performers – Klopp has likely shelved his interest, and with news of Araujo's availability indeed filtering through, the Barcelona man is the new target.
Described as a "monster" of a centre-back by reporter Kiyan Sobhani, 6 foot 4 Araujo was immense as his side reclaimed the LaLiga title last season, claiming 12 clean sheets from just 22 games, completing 89% of his passes, winning 65% of his dribbles and racking up two assists, as per Sofascore.
Quite simply, few options on the market could offer anywhere close to the same level of performance that Araujo could bring with constancy, and with Virgil van Dijk 33-year-old, a new first-class defender must be welcomed.
Colwill has been called "insane technically" by journalist Antonio Mango and is among the finest ball-playing defenders in the Premier League, ranking among the top 2% of positional peers for assists and the top 6% for shot-creating actions per 90.
But Chelsea want to hold onto their homegrown star and agreed on a six-year contract extension in August, closing off that particular corridor for Klopp's side.
Araujo would be a spectacular alternative, and if there is even the slightest chance of an acquisition, Liverpool must pull no punches in bypassing the opposition for his signature.
While Everton have been flying high in recent weeks under head coach Sean Dyche, having picked up 12 points from a possible 15, Luton Town’s recent form has left them teetering just a point above the relegation zone in the Premier League.
Following a disappointing 2-1 defeat away at Tottenham Hotspur, Dyche’s side couldn’t have a tougher task to get back on track than the European champions coming to town, having not beaten Manchester City since January 2017.
Nevertheless, since City recently flew to Saudi Arabia for the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, this could be a perfect time for the Toffees to face Pep Guardiola’s side, but to come away with a result, Dyche may need to tweak his previous starting lineup.
GK – Jordan Pickford
Starting Jordan Pickford will be the easiest decision Dyche has ahead of tonight’s clash with the English champions. Everton have the best fourth-best defensive record in the top-flight and the England number one has contributed massively to that.
Furthermore, Pickford has started all 18 games for the Toffees this term in the league and there’s no doubt that he will be between the sticks once more at Goodison Park.
RB – Nathan Patterson
Both Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young were missing from Everton’s squad that travelled to London on Saturday, meaning 22-year-old Nathan Patterson was given the nod by default. It’s also unclear whether the duo will be available for selection tonight.
The Scotland international struggled going forward, failing to put an accurate ball into the box while completing merely 72% of his total passes. However, he did quite well defensively, making 11 ball recoveries and winning 67% of his tackles which will be important up against the tricky Jeremy Doku.
CB – James Tarkowski
James Tarkowski has been huge for Dyche since the manager arrived at the club and has stepped in as captain in Coleman’s absence.
It wasn’t his finest performance on Saturday against Tottenham but Tarkowski did still win 100% of his tackles and 83% of his aerial duels while playing eight balls into the final third. Dropping his reliable skipper won’t have entered Dyche’s mind ahead of City’s visit to Merseyside.
CB – Jarrad Branthwaite
Jarrad Branthwaite struggled against Spurs at the weekend, failing to win a single tackle and making merely one clearance despite the opposition having 61% of the ball. Furthermore, he was out of position for the first goal Everton conceded.
Nevertheless, Branthwaite has been instrumental in Everton’s solid defensive record this season alongside Tarkowski and one below-par display won’t cause him to lose his place in the starting eleven.
LB – Vitaliy Myolenko
No player was more accurate with their passes on Saturday than Vitaliy Mykelonko and he even managed to create one big chance for the Toffees during the game.
The Ukrainian was partially at fault for Spurs’ opener, having allowed the cross from Brennan Johnson to reach Richarlison inside the penalty. Nevertheless, he has been very reliable for Everton this campaign and will be needed to stop City’s attacks down his side.
RM – Jack Harrison
Jack Harrison was one of Everton’s worst players at the weekend, losing 80% of his dribbles and making merely 14 accurate passes throughout proceedings.
However, the Leeds United loanee is still the club’s second-highest assister this season and Dyche has shown a lot of faith in the winger, meaning he could be in line to start against his former side once more, although it also wouldn’t be surprising to see him drop out of the lineup.
DM – Andre Gomes
Everton fans will have loved seeing Andre Gomes back in action on Saturday, making his first appearance of a season in which he has been ravaged by recurring injuries by replacing Idrissa Gueye, who limped off early in the match.
The Portuguese international has recently featured for the U21s and has been making great progress, with the reserves head coach Paul Tait even describing him as “top-class” after a 5-0 win over Southampton at the start of December.
Not only did Gomes come on and put a shift in, but he also scored Everton’s only goal of the game and was the catalyst behind a potential comeback which never came to fruition.
Gueye struggled to get into the game and was at partial fault for both goals, being handed a 4/10 match rating by the Liverpool Echo for his display which ended in the 24th minute. With the Senegalese midfielder set to be absent until the new year, along with Abdoulaye Doucoure, Dyche may have no other choice but to throw Gomes back into the starting lineup.
DM – Amadou Onana
Amadou Onana is very fortunate that Everton have such little depth in the middle of the park at the moment as his display at the weekend may have warranted benching.
The Belgian international didn’t close down Pape Matar Sarr in the build-up to the first goal and then turned his back on Son Heung-min’s strike to double Spurs’ lead from a set-piece. To add insult to injury, he lost 56% of his ground duels.
Regardless, Onana will likely start this game, simply by default.
LM – Dwight McNeil
As usual, no player created more chances for Everton at the weekend than Dwight McNeil, who is Dyche’s top assister this season with four assists in 18 matches to complement his two goals. There is very little chance that the former Manchester United attacker drops out of the starting lineup tonight as a result.
AM – James Garner
There is a case to be made that James Garner was Everton’s best player against Spurs, having had three shots in total, including one which hit the woodwork. The Man United academy product also created three chances and made ten passes into the final third.
Additionally, the 22-year-old won 67% of his tackles and 62% of his ground duels while also making nine ball recoveries, as per FotMob. With Doucoure set to miss this game, Garner will certainly keep his spot just behind the centre-forward.
The 45-year-old has finally been officially confirmed as the Reds' new head coach – but what will he bring to Anfield?
Once the dust had finally settled on Jurgen Klopp's bombshell announcement that he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, attention begrudgingly turned to who would succeed the legendary German at Anfield.
For a long while, it seemed like former midfielder Xabi Alonso would step into the hot seat, but the Spaniard has since announced his surprise decision to turn down both the Reds' and Bayern Munich's interest and remain at Bayer Leverkusen. This seemingly catapulted Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim into prime contention, however Liverpool's interest was then cooled.
The vacuum created by this surprise turn was eventually filled by Feyenoord's Arne Slot. He was Tottenham's number-one candidate following Antonio Conte's departure last season, but the Dutch side playing hard ball meant Spurs eventually settled on Ange Postecoglou.
Liverpool were more persistent. Back in April it was widely reported that negotiations over a compensation package were well underway, with a fee of around €10 million (£8.6m/$10.7m) proving enough to tempt him away from the Eredivisie. Now, after Klopp welcomed him to the club in his own unique way after the Reds' final-day victory over Wolves, Slot has been officially unveiled as the new King of Anfield.
He has seriously impressed in the Netherlands, but is he a good fit for the Merseyside giants? Below, GOAL takes a look at his career, development and tactical philosophy to find out…
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will be aware his side need to improve their performances in order to climb the Premier League table and they have now initiated talks over a potential swap deal for a player he loves.
Manchester United will be set for both incomings and outgoings this window as they plan accordingly for the remainder of the campaign and they look to already be down the line with some departures.
Jadon Sancho has been frozen out at Old Trafford for well-documented reasons and is now closing in on a return to Borussia Dortmund, with a move now looking to be edging closer, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.
Tunisian midfielder Hannibal Mejbri is at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war involving Everton and Sevilla and could move to either on a loan basis, which would see the Red Devils receive a "seven-figure" fee for his services.
On the flip side, Manchester United have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Bayern Munich striker Eric Choupo-Moting and preliminary talks have been held over potentially bringing the Cameroon international to Old Trafford, as per Football Insider. Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Dean Jones has indicated that the veteran could be keen on a return to England as the Red Devils look to add variety in the final third.
Now, new information has emerged regarding a potential swap deal that could see Manchester United land a key target this window in exchange for a first-team regular who would head the other way.
According to Football Transfers, Manchester United have initiated talks regarding Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, who was also a summer target for Ten Hag before he elected to bring in Sofyan Amrabat on loan from Fiorentina. That was only due to the costs involved however, with Onana the boss' preferred option.
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Amadou Onana's key statistics in 2023/24 – Premier League (Sofascore) |
|
|
Accurate passes per game |
32.7 (85%) |
|
Accurate passes per game in own half |
15.1 (89%) |
|
Tackles per game |
2.6 |
|
Balls recovered per game |
6.5 |
|
Shots per game |
1.1 |
|
Average match rating |
7.11/10 |
The report states that the Red Devils have enough money in the bank to make one significant signing, but Everton have a strong interest in Scott McTominay, and there is a feeling between both parties that a swap deal could potentially be struck, Financial Fair Play concerns permitting.
Labelled "superb" by Premier League reporter Richard Buxton, Onana has made 21 appearances in all competitions this term, registering two goals and one assist in the process (Onana statistics – Transfermarkt).
Manchester United will need to bolster their squad if they have designs on staying in the race for European football and Onana would be a statement addition at Old Trafford.
Barcelona winger Raphinha is set to be pursued heavily by a 'powerful' team in Saudi Arabia following his strong form this season.
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Having so far struggled to source defensive options amid an injury crisis this season, Newcastle United are now reportedly eyeing a move to sign a long-term target who could provide backup for Sven Botman.
Of course, Newcastle are reportedly walking a finer line than in previous windows when it comes to Financial Fair Play in the Premier League. According to The Premier League's profit and sustainability rule states that clubs are only entitled to a loss of £105m across three seasons. In that time frame, Newcastle sit at £155m, though costs towards their women's team, charity foundation and academy are removed from the deficit. This means that they are within the guidelines, but may have to sell players if they want to spend big again.
Eddie Howe recently spoke about potential January arrivals, saying: "Short term there would be a need to bring people in given the numbers, but we’ll assess as the month goes on as by the end of January we hope to have some big players back."
Their situation has not stopped the transfer rumours from flooding in, however, with the Magpies linked with moves for Paulo Dybala, Atalanta midfielder Ederson and Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich, in what could be a major move from those at St James' Park. And now, Alessio Romagnoli has become the latest name to be mentioned regarding a potential deal.
According to Calcio Mercato, Newcastle are interested in signing Romagnoli alongside Brighton & Hove Albion, as they seek a backup for Botman in Howe's backline. This isn't the first time that the Lazio defender has been linked with a move, either, with reports suggesting that Newcastle were interested in pursuing the then-AC Milan man back in 2022. Ultimately, the move failed to take place, but it seems as though the Magpies didn't forget and could now return to sign their long-term target.
The injury troubles of Botman and Fabian Schar this season have often left Newcastle stranded for centre-back options. Aside from the duo, Howe currently has just Jamaal Lascelles to choose from when it comes to recognised central defenders, whilst left-back Dan Burn has occasionally stepped into the role this season.
Romagnoli could be the player to put an end to those troubles, however. The Lazio man, who previously won Serie A at AC Milan, could arrive to turn things around. Compared to Lascelles, Botman and Schar, Romagnoli's stats show that he'd be more than capable of claiming a starting spot at St James' Park.
|
Player |
Progressive Carries |
Progressive Passes |
Tackles Won |
Aerial Duels Won |
|
Alessio Romagnoli |
5 |
50 |
6 |
31 |
|
Jamaal Lascelles |
7 |
30 |
9 |
47 |
|
Sven Botman |
0 |
19 |
8 |
18 |
|
Fabian Schar |
15 |
76 |
17 |
37 |
Looking at the numbers, it's no surprise that former teammate Fikayo Tomori was so full of praise for Romagnoli, telling Corriere Dello Sport via Milan News when speaking about the Newcastle target and Simon Kjaer: “Two great champions, they are helping me a lot in my personal growth. On the pitch but also off it. Romagnoli is the captain, he speaks to me in English and this helps me. I have an excellent feeling with him and with Kjaer."
Atletico Madrid are reportedly trying to convince Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez to join them this summer.
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Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is the subject of transfer interest from Fenerbahce and new boss Jose Mourinho.
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