Manchester United have reportedly been in contact to sign a £52m forward who was recently offered to Tottenham.
Erik ten Hag to stay at Man Utd
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have now decided that Erik ten Hag will remain as Red Devils manager following an end of season review. Ten Hag guided United to a brilliant FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester City at Wembley, and it has even been claimed that talks over a contract extension with the Dutchman will follow.
Journalist Ben Jacobs shared more on Man Utd's decision to keep Ten Hag, posting on X details of the two-week end of season review.
“More on Erik ten Hag remaining as Manchester United manager. Club conducted a two week thorough process and performance review. It factored in the 2023/24 season and broader first team operations. MUFC then held constructive conversations with Ten Hag.
"The club considered all eventualities, including due dillegence on other candidates, but came to a clear conclusion Ten Hag should stay on. Club and Ten Hag have now entered negotiations on a contract extension.”
The club will now be making preparations ahead of the 2024/25 season in what is Ratcliffe and INEOS’ first transfer window in charge.
INEOS love him: Man Utd want to sign £60m star who's a lot like Foden
INEOS love the Man United target.
ByTom Lever Jun 11, 2024
A number of outgoings have already been confirmed, with Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane officially leaving at the end of the month, and a replacement for the former could be on the cards.
Man Utd make Vitor Roque contact
According to reports in Spain, relayed by Sport Witness, Man Utd have made contact over a loan deal for Barcelona’s Vitor Roque. The Red Devils aren’t the only club interested, though, with AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Lens, Lyon, Napoli, Nice, Porto, Real Betis and Sevilla all keen on the 19-year-old.
A 10-team battle for Roque’s services could be a possibility, which is why United have made an approach to Roque’s agent. Barcelona paid £52m to sign Roque from Athletico Paranaense last summer, with the Brazilian making just 16 appearances for the Catalan giants last season, scoring twice in 353 minutes of football.
As a result, a temporary move away from the Nou Camp could now be on the cards, and intermediaries reached out to Tottenham last month to offer them the forward’s services.
It looks as if there won’t be a shortage of suitors for Roque’s signature, should Barcelona green-light a loan exit, and by the looks of it, he could arrive in Manchester to replace Martial for the 2024/25 campaign, providing competition for Rasmus Hojlund ahead of Ten Hag's third season in charge.
Nottingham Forest have had their fair share of stars at the City Ground in recent times, with a new generation of supporters able to witness some brilliant players on a weekly basis.
Morgan Gibbs-White and Murillo have excelled beyond all expectations for the Reds, subsequently resulting in huge links with big-money moves away from the Reds ahead of the summer transfer window.
Morgan Gibbs-White celebrates for Nottingham Forest
However, not all of the players the club have recruited have been a hit, with Harry Arter the main example, still pocketing a huge weekly wage despite not featuring for the club since 2021 under Chris Hughton.
Another player has also struggled since his move to the East Midlands during the Championship days, resulting in numerous temporary stints away from the City Ground, suffering a huge drop in his market value as a result.
Loic Mbe Soh’s stats during his time at Nottingham Forest
During the summer of 2020, Forest spent big in the hope of building on the seventh-placed finish in the season prior, but unfortunately, a number of the deals proved to be a disaster.
In particular, the deal to sign centre-back Loic Mbe Soh, which was confirmed as an undisclosed fee. The move appeared a significant one at the time after luring him away from French giants Paris Saint-Germain, the emerging talent having been named as a nominee for FIFA's Golden Boy award in 2020.
He arrived with huge potential to take the Reds’ defence to the next level, but unfortunately for both parties, the deal never worked out.
In his near four years at Forest, the Frenchman has only managed to feature a total of 13 times, scoring one goal in the 2-1 defeat against Middlesbrough in January 2021.
However, he’s since been sent on various loan moves to sides such as Guingamp and Almere City, with Mbe Soh struggling to prove any value for the fee paid for him by the Forest hierarchy.
With his contract set to expire at the end of June, the 22-year-old will undoubtedly depart on a free – an unsurprising decision given his rapid decline in form and value.
2020/21
8
1
448'
2021/22
2
0
119'
2022/23
3
0
103'
Loic Mbe Soh’s market value in 2024
Nearly four years on from his move to the Reds, the defender has seen his market value drop from £4.2m to now just £1.7m, as per Transfermarkt – a decrease of 60%, around 20% per year spent in the East Midlands.
As a result of his drop, he’s now worth less than 33-year-old centre-back Willy Boly, who has a value of £2.1m – despite his brilliant end-of-season form that has seen him be rewarded with a new one-year contract extension.
Whilst it’s a disappointment that Mbe Soh has never kicked on at Forest, it’s clear that the club’s rapid success under Steve Cooper has seen them outgrow the defender’s current ability, with an exit needed for the youngster in order for him to reach the potential shown during his time at the Parc des Princes.
However, despite the woeful dealing to sign the French talent must be an example for the club to deal with caution in the summer to avoid anymore repeats of unsuccessful business that could plunge the Reds into yet more financial problems.
Nottingham Forest must sell Cooper signing who's now worth less than Turner
A second-string team had more than enough firepower to see off the visitors on Thursday night at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea got the next phase of their Europa Conference League journey off to a winning start against Belgian side Gent.
The Blues safely made it through the qualifier against Switzerland's Servette and looked comfortable against their first opponents in the league phase.
It only took Enzo Maresca's side 12 minutes to get the stadium rocking, thanks to Renato Veiga's goal.
The Portuguese left-back did well to cushion a header back across the face of goal and past Davy Roef to open the scoring.
The majority of the game was played in Gent's half, although they did have small periods where they put Chelsea under pressure, although they were unable to make it count.
Things exploded into life in the second half when Pedro Neto smashed home an effort immediately after the restart.
Gent then pulled one back through Tsuyoshi Wantabe, but the Blues put the game out of reach with goals from Christopher Nkunku and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to make it 4-1.
The visitors did get one back late on, but it was nothing more than a late consolation goal.
In the end, it was a comfortable night for Enzo Maresca and that was without Cole Palmer or Nicolas Jackson in the squad.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…
Getty Images Sport
Goalkeeper & Defence
Filip Jorgensen (7/10):
Did what was required of him, making some comfortable saves in either half and there was nothing he could really do about Gent's goal.
Axel Disasi (7/10):
Picked up an assist but stood off for one of Gent's goals, but a relatively positive night for the defender.
Tosin Adarabioyo (7/10):
A solid outing for Adarabioyo who still looked a tad rusty at times having not played many minutes this season.
Benoit Badiashile (8/10):
Was a dominant force at the back, particularly in the air, winning first and second balls as Gent looked to play in behind the defence.
Renato Veiga (9/10):
Scored his first goal for the club with a beautifully cushioned header and added an assist in the second half.
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Getty Images Sport
Midfield
Cesare Casadei (6/10):
Never really got into the game despite Chelsea's dominance but was solid enough behind the attack.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (9/10):
Looked determined to make an impact after struggling for minutes in the Premier League and caught the eye after bagging his first goal for the London club.
Joao Felix (8/10):
Was arguably Chelsea's brightest player in the final third, the only thing that was missing was a goal for the ex-Atletico Madrid man.
Getty Images Sport
Attack
Pedro Neto (7/10):
Ran his socks off as usual and took his goal well, using his speed and precision to smash his effort into the back of the net.
Christopher Nkunku (8/10):
Netted his seventh goal of the season with a bang, lashing home an effort at a crucial time to restore calm around Stamford Bridge.
Mhkhaylo Mudryk (6/10):
Grabbed an assist for Chelsea's first goal and played with renewed confidence, but went missing in the second half.
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AFP
Subs & Manager
Marc Guiu (6/10)
Had little influence with 10 minutes left to go in the match.
Tyrique George (6/10):
Put in the yards but didn't see much of the ball as Chelsea saw the game out.
Enzo Maresca (7/10):
Did not have to think too much in the game such was Chelsea's dominance but gave some young guns a run out towards the end of the game which pleased the crowd.
Third defeat in a row for West Indies despite improvements in the field
Andrew Miller26-Sep-2020England 154 for 6 (Sciver 82) beat West Indies 134 for 5 (Dottin 63) by 20 runsEngland’s women sealed their T20I series against West Indies with their third victory in quick succession, a 20-run triumph at Derby. The win was set up by Nat Sciver’s 82 from 61 balls, the highest T20I score by an England women’s player against West Indies, and sealed by another disciplined bowling display that doused the lingering threat of Deandra Dottin, who once again top-scored for the visitors with 63.After consecutive wins by a margin of 47 runs, the tighter scoreline was a reflection of West Indies’ clear improvements, as they shuffled their pack with changes in both personnel and tactics, with a new top three and as many as eight bowling options, including Dottin herself for the first time this series.But on the day that England’s women returned to the BBC for the first time since 1993, England put on enough of a show to close out the series and show their new audience what they’ve been missing out on in the last 27 years, ever since Jo Chamberlain’s allround heroics sealed that year’s World Cup final against New Zealand.England’s bowling hero was once again the legspinner Sarah Glenn, who was never afraid to give the ball air – stratospheric air at times – as she wheeled through her four overs for 18 runs, with two lbws in the process, both of them outfoxing ambitious slog-sweeps as West Indies drowned in a rising required rate.Sciver sets England’s platformWith scores of 7 and 8 in the first two matches, it had been a lean time for England’s leading run-scorer at the T20 World Cup. But faced with a surface that was significantly more sluggish than had been bargained for at the toss, Sciver found the perfect tempo to record her highest score in T20Is and secure England’s third 150-plus score of the series.The key feature of her innings was Sciver’s measured leg-side play. She arrived in the midst of a two-wicket third over, as Tammy Beaumont and Danni Wyatt both fell to aggressive drives, and was faced from the outset with a wall of fielders in the covers, as West Indies challenged England to bludgeon their way through a disciplined off-stump line. Her response was a series of flicks and nudges to challenge the fielders at deep midwicket, turning ones into twos on eight occasions with smart and athletic running.Even so, with her team-mates once again struggling to find the same fluency, England were in danger of leaving West Indies a tantalising 130-odd target until a calculated and brilliant acceleration in the closing moments of her innings. It began with a Jedi mind-trick of a reverse pull off Dottin, brilliantly anticipating the slower-ball bouncer, and continued into a 17-run penultimate over to wreck Stafanie Taylor’s previously economical figures.She fell soon afterwards, trying one too many tricks with deliveries running out as she was bowled round her legs by Dottin, but on her watch England broke the shackles with 51 crucial runs in the final five overs of the innings.Dottin defies once againThe first sign that Dottin was in the mood came with her first delivery of the series – a whistling 70mph cutter that startled Heather Knight and confirmed that the management of her shoulder problem had been a success. Her raw strength was plain to see in three lively overs that restored a cutting edge to West Indies’ attack, and she duly translated that into another pre-eminent display with the bat, a 56-ball 63 that maintained her side’s threat even as the required rate crept towards two runs a ball.In contrast to England’s Powerplay approach, which had been a case of over-ambition from Beaumont and Wyatt, Dottin exuded cool power as she ransacked Katherine Brunt’s first over with a brace of swings over the leg side, then meted out similar treatment on Sophie Ecclestone’s first two balls to put West Indies right ahead of the rate at 27 for 0 after 14 balls.Her progress was stymied, as so often in this series, by a lack of support at the other end. West Indies shuffled their top three to break up the power trio of Dottin, Taylor and Hayley Matthews and spread their threat further through the innings. But Kirby and Shemaine Campbelle, their replacements in the Powerplay, managed eight runs in ten balls between them. And though Matthews found some form with 21 from 23 at No. 5, she was outfoxed by a loopy legbreak from Glenn, as was Chedean Nation, one over later, via a review.But Dottin wasn’t going to die wondering. A vast swipe for six over midwicket off Sciver kick-started her second wave, and after Mady Villiers’ sprawling take at long-off was shown on review to have bounced, she celebrated a 48-ball 50 by clonking her next two deliveries from Ecclestone for four. She even found time to unfurl a Natmeg, Sciver’s patented clip for four through the legs, but one ball later, Brunt undid her with a slower ball, pulled to deep square leg, and West Indies’ challenge went with her.Fielding failingsIn a week in which most households been have turning on the heating for the first time this year, it was no day to be fielder at bracing Derbados. Not that chilly fingers were much of an excuse for Lee-Ann Kirby’s horrific drop in the second over off Wyatt – a ballooning parry off a full-throttle drive, that caused her to leave the field for treatment after wearing the chance in her face.Afy Fletcher had few excuses either when she gave Knight a life at short third man – it looked dramatic as she flung herself forward, but she had a long hard look at it as it hovered in the air. Remarkably, neither miss cost West Indies dear, as both batsman fell moments later, but the frailties were revealing, and exposed a side that – for all its improvements – could still be pulled apart when the pressure was applied, as Sciver demonstrated superbly at the death.Mind you, Sciver is human after all, as Knight acknowledged after the match. She proved as much with an untimely spill off Dottin, on 43 at the time, a wipe to deep midwicket where she made good ground but let it burst through her fingers. With a bit more support, it might have been a crucial moment, but Taylor, bringing up the rear at No. 6, couldn’t find her top gear in time as her innings petered out to an insubstantial 14 not out from 13 balls.
It was a day of celebration for the red side of Manchester on Saturday afternoon, after Manchester United beat their bitter rivals Manchester City at Wembley 2-1 to win their 13th FA Cup title.
Despite some nervy moments at the end of the game, including what turned out to be a consolation goal from Jeremy Doku, United managed to get over the line. Goals from Carrington products Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo sealed the deal for the Red Devils.
Garnacho opened the scoring after pouncing on a mistake from City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, and left-back Josko Gvardiol. The duo badly miscommunicated, with the ball bouncing over Ortega for Garnacho to run on and finish into an open net.
Mainoo doubled United’s lead nine minutes later when he got on the end of a sublime Bruno Fernandes assist, a no-looker, to calmly slot home past Ortega. Mainoo ran over to the City fans to celebrate, giving them a send off with a salute goodbye.
Despite a constant onslaught from City, Doku was the only man to be able to breach Andre Onana’s goal. United held on and managed to secure their 13th FA Cup and end a poor season in style.
There were several impressive performances from United, coming from the likes of Fernandes and Mainoo, who picked up the Player of the Match award. However, it was not just those two who stood out.
Andre Onana’s game vs Man City in numbers
Although he could have done better for Doku’s goal, there is no doubt that Onana made some crucial saves on Saturday afternoon. After starting the season in frustrating fashion, the Cameroonian has ended in fine form.
Onana vs Ortega game by numbers
Stat
Onana
Ortega
Touches
47
32
Long balls completed
9
2
Saves
3
3
Punches
3
0
High claims
1
0
Stats from Sofascore
According to Sofascore, Onana made three saves in the match, as many as his opposition number Ortega. However, he made three punches, compared to the German’s none, and made one high claim, a crucial catch from a corner late on. He had 47 touches of the ball in total.
Indeed, Onana’s three saves were crucial, with one in particular coming off a thunderbolt from Kyle Walker outside the box. United’s goalkeeper managed to get across in time after seeing it late, acrobatically tipping a shot destined for the top corner, wide.
The 28-year-old’s performance was only worthy of a 6/10 rating from Samuel Luckhurst, chief United writer for The Manchester Evening News. This is largely due to his mistake which allowed Doku to pull one back for City. However, Luckhurst acknowledged the way he “brilliantly repelled” Walker’s shot to prevent the Englishman.
8/10 Man Utd star with 100% dribbles was even better than Mainoo
The Red Devils produced a stunning shock on Saturday afternoon…
By
Joe Nuttall
May 25, 2024
Sofyan Amrabat’s game vs Man City in numbers
27-year-old midfielder Sofyan Amrabat was one of the stars of United’s FA Cup final victory at Wembley on Saturday.
It has been a tough season at times for the Moroccan, who has had fleeting opportunities, but in recent weeks has really shown his best form.
Against City, Amarbat won a deserved 9/10 rating from Luckhurst, on the biggest of stages. The United journalist explained how Amrabat’s “hustling of City ypified United's compact performance” against Pep Guardiola's side, before describing United’s number four as an “impregnable shield”. He was relentless in front of the back four all game and screened them superbly.
This is certainly reflected in the Morocco international’s stats from the final. He actually had fewer touches of the ball than Onana’s 47, with just 37, but he certainly made them count. He won two ground duels, and two out of his three tackles, as well as making 2 clearances. Crucially, Amrabat kept the ball superbly and had a 93% pass accuracy at full-time, completing 25 of his 27 attempted passes.
If Amrabat does leave the club following the end of his loan spell, it has certainly been a memorable way to go out. It was a performance that earned him high praise from one of United's greatest players. Paul Scholes complimented Amrabat's performance on Instagram, calling him a "prime Gattuso." Moroccan journalist Jonas Adnan Giæver even described him as a "mountain."
This might also be Erik ten Hag’s last game as manager of the Red Devils. At the moment, his future is still up in the air, but if it is goodbye, he will leave his post as Manchester United manager as a winner.
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Some finals fail to live up to the billing, but sometimes the magic of the FA Cup shines through.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s team-mate, Salem Al-Najdi, knocked himself unconscious celebrating the Portuguese’s winning goal for Al-Nassr against Al Rayyan.
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Portuguese on target during trip to QatarHis strike settled a keenly-fought contestTeam-mates got overly excited on benchFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?
The Saudi Pro League outfit were in AFC Champions League competition against Qatari opposition. Al-Nassr’s talismanic captain stepped up once again in a time of need, with five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo grabbing the decisive goal in a 2-1 victory.
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Ronaldo’s strike was recorded in the 76th minute, with Al-Najdi on the bench at the time having been forced off with an ankle injury in the first half. According to , the 21-year-old full-back leapt from his seat when seeing the ball hit the net.
DID YOU KNOW?
Al-Najdi is said to have cracked his head on the roof of the dugout, causing him to pass out for a few minutes. The game was halted as Al-Nassr's medical staff returned the defender to the dressing room for treatment – with it determined that no hospital visit was required.
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WHAT NEXT FOR AL-NASSR?
Al-Najdi left the stadium on foot at the end of the game, with head coach Stefano Pioli telling reporters: “The player suffered from high blood pressure and we will follow up on what happens to him.” Al-Nassr, with Ronaldo in the goal-getting groove once again, will be back in action on Saturday when playing host to Al-Orobah.
Veteran offspinner Gareth Batty takes 3 for 18 before Foakes leads recovery from early stumble
ECB Reporters Network05-Sep-2020
Ben Foakes and Jamie Smith shared an unbroken 93-run stand to steer Surrey to victory over Middlesex•Getty Images
Ben Foakes and Jamie Smith put together a high-quality unbroken 93-run stand as Surrey beat London rivals Middlesex by six wickets in an otherwise unexpectedly low-scoring affair at The Oval to go second in the Vitality Blast’s South Group.Foakes made 60 not out and Smith an unbeaten 38 in a calm and assured fifth wicket partnership to steer Surrey past Middlesex’s 113 for 9 with an ultimately comfortable 11 balls to spare.Earlier in the day Kent’s batsmen had pummeled 192 for 6 on the same pitch, in a victory against Essex which saw 355 runs scored, but under lights the second part of Sky Sports’ double-header was for long periods a totally different spectacle.On a sluggish pitch taking spin, Middlesex struggled badly against Surrey’s trio of slow bowlers but, when Surrey replied, they were also soon 23 for 4 as paceman Steven Finn removed Will Jacks and Laurie Evans in his first two overs and legspinner Nathan Sowter then sent back Hashim Amla and Rory Burns in a dramatic fifth over.Foakes, however, hit eight fours in a 50-ball knock full of Test-class strokes on both sides of the wicket, and 20-year-old Smith was almost as good with four boundaries in his 35-ball effort. At halfway, Surrey still had a bit to do at 55 for 4 but Foakes and Smith were more than equal to the challenge in a controlled exhibition of batting under pressure.Still got it – Gareth Batty, who turns 43 next month, belts out an appeal•Getty Images
Earlier Gareth Batty, Surrey’s 42-year-old captain, picked up 3 for 18 with his offspin, while Jacks took 2 for 16 and did not concede a single boundary in his four overs of offbreaks.Slow left-armer Dan Moriarty was wicketless but bowled tidily, as did left-arm seamer Reece Topley with 1 for 21, while 22-year-old fast bowler Gus Atkinson was also impressive with 2 for 18 from three overs.Middlesex, after choosing to bat, got off to a poor start with Stevie Eskinazi bowled for 2 by one that turned from Jacks, trying to flail a ball through the off side in the second over.Martin Andersson, who straight drove Atkinson’s first ball beautifully for four, then drove all round the seamer’s second delivery and was bowled for 7 to leave Middlesex 15 for 2 in the fourth overOnly a wild first over by Jamie Overton, costing 14 and in which Max Holden carved a no ball full toss for four and also pulled fiercely to the boundary, helped Middlesex get to 39 for 2 by the end of the Powerplay – but the innings then fell away badly as the Surrey spinners tightened the noose. Left-hander Holden, having reached a run-a-ball 29, chopped on against Jacks and Batty’s introduction for the 11th over suddenly left Middlesex in real trouble at 63 for 5 as 20-year-old debutant Jack Davies mishit a reverse sweep to point to go for 16 and James Harris was leg-before for 2.Worse was to follow in Batty’s second over when Dan Lincoln pulled a short ball to deep mid wicket and from 75 for 6, Middlesex limped into three figures as catches in the deep, off Topley and Atkinson respectively, undid both John Simpson and Luke Hollman before Sowter was run out for 3 in the final over attempting a second run to Moriarty’s partial misfield at short fine leg.Sowter’s evening did get better later when former South Africa star Amla chipped a return catch to him off a leading edge and Burns was leg-before for 0 two balls later, sweeping.With Finn having hit Jacks a painful blow on the hand, which needed on-field treatment, prior to getting him caught at mid-on for 4 off a skier, and then foxing Evans with a slower ball, Surrey were suddenly up against it.Foakes and Smith, though, showed that batting was still very possible even though Sowter finished with 2 for 16 and Finn 2 for 21.
A reação do Botafogo na Série B do Brasileirão foi travada. O Alvinegro foi derrotado por 1 a 0 para o Operário nesta quinta-feira, em duelo válido pela 17ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro.
+ Bola bate na mão de jogador do Operário dentro da área, árbitro ignora e Botafogo reclama de pênalti
O Glorioso saiu atrás do placar ainda nos minutos iniciais, mas pressionou e ficou perto do empate ainda no primeiro tempo. Na etapa complementar, contudo, o time apostou nas bolas aéreas, o que não deu resultado. Após o duelo, Enderson Moreira explicou, em entrevista coletiva, a estratégia adotada.
– É importante saber que o jogo vai criando uma característica diferente. Com chuva, em determinado momento, vão criando poças d’água e aí fica mais difícil de chegar no chão. Chegamos bem no fundo mas erramos na tomada de decisão. Não abrimos mão do jogo apoiado, mas estava difícil por dentro, o adversário também diminuiu as linhas. Tentamos colocar jogadores de mais argumento técnico para poder controlar os passes, foram alternativas que criamos para buscar o empate. Infelizmente não foi possível, não dá para lamentar, temos que nos preparar para a próxima partida – explicou o técnico.
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Sem Chay, poupado, Enderson optou por adiantar o volante Pedro Castro de forma mais adiantada, jogando ao lado do atacante. O técnico classificou a partida do camisa 33 e afirmou que o Alvinegro criou o suficiente para sair com um resultado melhor.
+ Veja a tabela da Série B
– É um jogador que tem qualidade técnica para fazer a função. A gente tinha uma possibilidade de algumas outras funções. Acho que ele deu a consistência que a gente pediu, desempenhou bem. Quando se perde, vai começar a ver algum detalhe. Eu prefiro ver as coisas de uma maneira muito clara. Fizemos um jogo para vencer, o goleiro deles fez três ótimas intervenções. Dentro daquilo que tínhamos como possibilidade, fizemos bem – analisou.
MAIS DECLARAÇÕES DE ENDERSON
Substituição de Guilherme Santos no intervalo – A gente tem que perceber quando o jogador às vezes sai da linha da competitividade e talvez se exalte um pouquinho. Não vi o que aconteceu mas o Guilherme ficou bem exaltado. Quando o jogador perde o controle nós devemos ter cuidado. A gente definiu por tirá-lo para ele se acalmar. Não é maldade nem nada, o jogador quer muito vencer.
Liverpool will strengthen this summer, though FSG will only move for a transfer target if they are deemed to be a significant upgrade or addition to Arne Slot's first team.
Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes' calculated methodology suggests that Liverpool will enjoy a smooth transition following Jurgen Klopp's departure last summer.
Joel Matip departed upon the expiry of his contract this month to accentuate the need for reinforcements in central defence, while Mohamed Salah remains Liverpool's only real out-and-out right winger – aged 32 and entering the final year of his deal, this is a pressing concern.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah
But Liverpool are not restricted to just those positions. Wataru Endo was signed for £16m last season to replace Fabinho at defensive midfield but the 31-year-old is solid if unspectacular, and if the right No. 6 becomes available Liverpool will be certain to pounce.
Liverpool eyeing new defensive midfielder
According to Italian outlet Tutto Atalanta, Liverpool are preparing a €45m (£37m) bid for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with the Brazil star playing an instrumental role in Gian Piero Gasperini's Europa League-winning campaign.
Gaspereini called it a "challenge" to keep hold of such players when suitors like Liverpool are lurking, but the Reds will now weigh up their options ahead of a possible bid.
While Endo and Alexis Mac Allister present Slot with two diverse options to sit at the base of the midfield, Champions League football is back on the cards and Ederson could be the final piece of the puzzle.
Ederson's 23/24 season in numbers
Ederson, aged 24, joined Atalanta from Serie A rivals Salernitana in 2022 and has since completed 90 appearances for the club, scoring eight goals and supplying two assists.
Speaking of his talents, South American football expert Tim Vickery said: "[He's] strong, well-built central midfielder. Strong on the ball, versatile, box-to-box."
Atalanta midfielder Ederson
Indeed a hulking physical presence, Ederson featured 36 times in the Italian top flight last term, starting 32 matches, and while he proved his multi-dimensional style by notching six strikes, it's the steely defensive game that makes Ederson such an exciting talent.
Indeed, as per Sofascore, the £42k-per-week ace averaged 2.3 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 5.2 ball recoveries per game, also winning 55% of his duels and being described as a "machine" by journalist Carlo Garganese.
He played a key part in winning the Europa League and was especially in the final against Bayer Leverkusen and across two legs against Liverpool in the quarter-finals.
Atalanta stunned Merseyside when dismantling Klopp's Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield; Liverpool responded with a 1-0 victory in Italy but it was a limp and lacklustre performance that Ederson and his peers succeeded in, containing the Reds with tenacity and superior work rate.
Minutes played
90'
75'
Touches
30
41
Accurate passes
12/17 (71%)
19/23 (83%)
Key passes
0
1
Long balls
2/4
2/4
Dribble attempts
0/0
1/3
Duels won
3/6
7/11
Tackles
2
3
Interceptions
1
0
Clearances
2
3
He proved himself over two legs against Liverpool and would bring the perfect skill set to solidify the base of Slot's midfield. Without question, he would make for an improvement on Endo.
Why Ederson must replace Wataru Endo
Endo must not be sold this summer, with the depth he provides essential for Liverpool to compete across multiple fronts in the wake of Klopp's departure.
But the Japan international lacks in mobility and enterprise and will hamper his team in chasing down silverware and competing against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City across the duration of the Premier League campaign.
Liverpool's Wataru Endo.
Ederson would bring a refined and more dynamic style. As per FBref, the Brazilian ranks among the top 13% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 15% for interceptions and the top 19% for progressive passes per 90, suggesting that he can perform a multi-functioning holding role in the centre of the park.
Endo have his strengths but he's approaching the later stage of his career and simply can't produce the same level of robust numbers as his South American counterpart.
Matches played
29
36
Matches started
20
32
Goals
1
6
Assists
0
1
Pass completion
88%
84%
Big chances created
2
2
Key passes
0.6
0.5
Ball recoveries
3.7
5.2
Tackles
1.7
2.3
Duels won
3.9 (44%)
4.8 (55%)
Dribble attempts
0.3 (67%)
0.6 (55%)
It's worth noting that while Endo appears to be a crisper and marginally more creative passer than Ederson, this is largely down to the Japanese being inculcated into Liverpool's system. Throughout the 2022/23 campaign, for Stuttgart, he completed just 80% of his passes.
This is by no means meant to discredit Endo's skills; the Liverpool star proved to be an astute purchase after arriving last summer, a surprise addition following Liverpool's defeat to Chelsea in the race to sign Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
Endo, after all, won the club's Player of the Month award for December, featured prominently in the Premier League as Liverpool reclaimed a place in the Champions League with a third-place finish, and even played all 120 minutes as Chelsea were beaten in the Carabao Cup final after Virgil van Dijk netted a last-gasp header – Endo won no less than 12 duels during that affair.
Ultimately, though, Liverpool need to take the next step in their development and build on last season's successes, provide Slot with the tools to craft illustrious success.
Ederson must be signed. For £37m, this could be a deal that the Anfield faithful looks back on as a bona fide bargain.
£27m release clause: Slot eyeing Liverpool swoop for the next Firmino
This talented forward has a release clause in his contract.