Newcastle United are reportedly close to signing an "unbelievable" Premier League player this summer, with personal terms already agreed.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies have been linked with so many players since the end of last season, with Eddie Howe clearly aware that improvements were needed after a disappointing campaign by their recent standards, especially to 2022/23 when they qualified for the Champions League.

Almeria right-back Marc Pubill has been mentioned as a possible arrival at St James' Park this summer, with the 21-year-old a potential long-term replacement for Kieran Trippier, who could move on this summer and whose very best days are now arguably behind him. He started 22 La Liga games in 2023/24, chipping in with three assists in that time.

Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah is another player who could be an option for Newcastle between now and the beginning of the new campaign, with the likes of Manchester United and West Ham also in the race to sign him.

More wide attacking options have also been linked with the Magpies of late, from Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville to Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga, with Howe clearly wanting more consistency and end products on the flanks.

Newcastle closing in on signing "unbelievable" Chelsea player

According to Football Insider, Newcastle are closing in on the signing of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, with personal terms already agreed.

The Englishman is "expected to be the most likely of the club’s right-wing targets to join", with the Magpies actively looking for upgrades on Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy in that role.

Madueke is certainly a talented footballer, having an effortless ability to drift inside from the right wing and cut onto his deadly left foot, but there is an argument to say that he also doesn't deliver enough end product.

Last season, the £50,000-a-week ace only scored five goals and bagged two assists in 23 Premier League matches, and while only 13 of those were actually starts, it still isn't exactly earth-shattering. Mauricio Pochettino was full of praise for the Chelsea man during his time in charge at Stamford Bridge, though, saying:

"Noni Madueke today, for me, unbelievable. If you analyse him from the start of the season; all the conversations and meetings, clips and videos, things like this. He was capable today of doing a fantastic job with the ball – of course, he is an offensive player – but without the ball, he is doing a fantastic job helping Alfie [Gilchrist] defend."

Bye-bye Trippier: Newcastle want Olympic star who'd be perfect for Isak

He’s set for a summer transfer ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 26, 2024

At 22, Madueke is still a young player with promise, however, and could still represent a long-term improvement on the likes of Almiron and Murphy, both of whom have had their moments at Newcastle but are now both 30 and 29 years of age respectively. The young winger may also not become a world-beater, but he would help add an extra dimension in wide areas, possessing pace, power and trickery.

Late sending off sees La Liga leaders surrender lead to draw despite superb performance from creator-in-chief Raphinha

Barcelona were dealt a bitter blow in La Liga by Celta Vigo's spirited fightback on Saturday night. The Liga leaders were 2-0 up and seemingly out of side but Marc Casado's sending off for two yellow cards stunned the Catalans, and they conceded twice in four minutes to throw three points away.

Celta opened Barcelona up in the first four minutes, but Iago Aspas could not convert from seven yards out after a superb delivery.

They were made to pay shortly after, as Raphinha sprinted onto Jules Kounde's speculative long ball and finished brilliantly.

Just before the half-hour mark, Aspas burst through on goal, but went down under the challenge of Gerard Martin but no penalty was awarded; Celta had a degree of success when they were direct, and merely aimed long balls over the Barcelona defence, with Inaki Pena in goal having to be at his very best.

On the stroke of half-time, Gerard Martin should have been sent off; already on a yellow, the full-back fouled Iago Aspas with a bad slide tackle, but the referee opted against showing a second card. Unsurprisingly, he was substituted at the interval.

In the second half, the game descended into a scrappy midfield battle, until Robert Lewandowski doubled the visitors' lead with a smart finish after being sent through by a fine Raphinha ball.

Raphinha could have had his second in the 77th minute as he again galloped away from Celta's defence, but his shot hit the post.

Shortly after, Marc Casado was sent off for a second yellow card, and Celta pulled a goal back through Alfonso Gonzalez. He robbed Kounde in Barca's area and finished coolly.

And with the Balaidos rocking, Celta equalised with a brilliant finish from Hugo Alvarez, earning a well-deserved point, and embarrassing their visitors.

GOAL rates Barca's players from Balaídos…

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Inaki Pena (6/10):

Fantastic save to deny Moriba from range at 1-0 and was in superb form in goal, making a number of saves. Let down by Kounde and the rest of his defence as Barcelona's lead disappeared.

Jules Kounde (4/10):

Great pass to Raphinha ahead of their first goal. Consistently chasing back when the ball went over his head and a dreadful error allowed Celta back into the game. You simply cannot lose the ball in your own box.

Pau Cubarsi (5/10):

Ill-at-ease when it came to chasing back and got nowhere near Celta as they equalised. Fine on the ball, but he still has a way to go when it comes to becoming the finished article in defence.

Inigo Martinez (6/10):

Always willing to put his body on the line. Not at fault for Celta's fightback.

Gerard Martin (5/10):

Booked within three minutes for a terrible slide challenge. Had to battle with Aspas throughout the first half and was incredibly lucky to avoid a red card for a foul on the ex-Liverpool striker. Unsurprisingly subbed at half-time.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Marc Casado (6/10):

Got just about everywhere, passing the ball and winning it back, consistently keeping Barcelona ticking. A superb midfield display until he was sent off for a second yellow card. His absence will be keenly felt.

Gavi (5/10):

So smooth on the ball, if a little lightweight at times. Regularly knocked off the ball but he kept trying to make things happen. Subbed.

Pedri (5/10):

Not as effective as usual. Passed the ball well enough but Celta's long ball tactics left him chasing shadows defensively. Subbed in the second half.

Getty Images SportAttack

Raphinha (8/10):

Superb finish to give Barcelona the lead. Fine assist for Lewandowski too and hit the post. Comfortably Barca's best player.

Robert Lewandowski (6/10):

Peripheral until he was sent through by Raphinha and did what he does best to double Barca's lead. As a striker, sometimes you only need one chance. Subbed for Pau Victor late.

Dani Olmo (5/10):

On the receiving end of a few agricultural challenges. Some smart touches but Celta's rough approach unsettled him. Subbed for Pablo Torre late on.

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Hector Fort (5/10):

On for Martin at half-time. Played well until he was completely beaten in the build-up to Celta's remarkable equaliser.

Frenkie de Jong (6/10):

On for Gavi. Barely had time to impact the game.

Fermin Lopez (6/10):

On for Pedri just as the tide turned.

Pablo Torre (N/A):

On late.

Pau Victor (N/A):

A late sub.

Hansi Flick (4/10):

Not reacting to Casado's sending off cost Barcelona here. One decision does not usually cost a side this dearly but his failure to do literally anything as the midfielder trudged down the tunnel was the precursor to a monumental collapse. He can have no hiding place; Barca didn't play well, and didn't deserve to win.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has provided a concerning update on Reece James' fitness and admitted he doesn't know when the Blues captain will be fit.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• James out injured yet again for Chelsea
• Maresca 'unsure' about return to action
• Chelsea captain's future up in the air

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  James has been struggling with injury issues since the start of his Chelsea career, despite impressing when fit. After returning from a hamstring issue that prevented him from starting the season, James returned to Maresca's squad but missed Chelsea's clash against Leicester City on the weekend after suffering a setback to his earlier injury. Maresca has now admitted that he is unsure about when the right-back will return to the squad.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT MARESCA SAID

  Speaking to the media, Maresca said: "Yes [he's had a scan]. The only thing we can say is that he is getting better day by day.

  “We don't know how many days he needs. He's getting better."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Since the start of the 2022-23 season, James – who posted an emotional message on Instagram following his latest setback – has played in just 30 Premier League games. He is now set to miss at least two more clashes for the Blues and as such, the rumour mill has been churning with Chelsea reportedly being open to selling the once highly-rated right back.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR JAMES?

  Maresca has confirmed James' absence from Chelsea's Europa Conference League clash against Heidenheim on Thursday, November 28, and it is likely that the Blues captain will miss the Premier League encounter against Aston Villa on December 1.

It's been a busy month for Tottenham Hotspur.

They've already played three pre-season friendlies, with another coming later today, and have signed the incredibly exciting Archie Gray from Leeds United.

However, based on reports and rumours, it seems almost certain that Daniel Levy and Co will be even busier in the remaining weeks of the transfer window as a whole host of stars continue to be linked with the club.

For example, Conor Gallagher and Federico Chiesa are just some of the latest big names touted for big-money moves to N17. However, as exciting as their arrivals would be, they're still worth less than one of the North Londoners' own stars.

The latest on Chiesa and Gallagher

So, we're starting with Chiesa, and it's a bit of a confusing one. The Italian international has been consistently linked with Spurs over the last few weeks, and on Monday night, Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claimed that talks had started between the player's representatives and the Lilywhites.

However, according to an update from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano yesterday morning, there has yet to be any contact over a potential deal for the winger, although he did not rule out the interest reported in recent weeks.

So, while the progression of this transfer remains up in the air, what seems to be somewhat consistent over the last few weeks is that should the Euro 2020 winner make his way to North London this summer, he'll likely cost around £25m, which for a player of his stature seems quite reasonable.

Now, the situation with Gallagher is more straightforward.

According to a recent update from Sky Sports, the Englishman is wanted by Atlético Madrid and Tottenham, and while the Spanish side are in talks with Chelsea, Levy and Co are expected to make an offer soon.

It's not entirely clear how much they will offer, but according to talkSPORT, the Blues are after a fee north of £50m. However, like Chiesa's, the fee would still be lower than the valuation of one of Postecoglou's star men.

Cristian Romero's valuation in 2024

Yes, the player in question is Argentine international Cristian Romero, who has become one of Tottenham's most important and valuable players since his £42m move from Serie A side Atalanta in August 2021.

According to Transfermarkt, the 26-year-old "monster", as dubbed by journalist Charlie Eccleshare, is now worth €65m, which converts to about £55m, or about £5m more than the potential fee for Gallagher and a whopping £30m more than Chiesa's.

It's an undoubtedly hefty valuation for a centre-back, but it would be hard to deny he's earned it over the last few years, in which he's made 98 appearances for the Lilywhites, won two Copa América and lifted the World Cup in Qatar.

Appearances

98

Goals

6

Assists

1

Yellow Cards

28

Second Yellows

3

Red Cards

1

Moreover, according to Lionel Messi, the Córdoba-born titan is the "best defender in the world", and given his countless titles, mountain of goals and eight Ballon d'Ors, he probably knows a thing or two.

The 36-capped international had become such an essential figure in N17 that before the start of last season, the club made him co-vice captain alongside James Maddison, and in the year since, he's more than lived up to the mantle.

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Ultimately, signing Chiesa and Gallagher would be tremendously exciting and help improve the team, but they'll have to do something really special in white to see their valuations surpass Romero's.

Aston Villa have enjoyed an exciting transfer window this summer, buoyed and bolstered by the top-four Premier League finish from last season that has paved a route toward Europe's elite club competition.

While there has been much to praise, certain sacrifices have had to be made, with Douglas Luiz joining Juventus last month to put PSR-related fears to bed. Now, record signing Moussa Diaby is on the cusp of signing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad in a £51m transfer.

Diaby, 25, was solid if unspectacular last term, though he will need to be replaced. Joao Felix has reportedly been lined up as the perfect replacement, but the Villans must surely prioritise another La Liga sensation.

Aston Villa transfer news

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are weighing up a move for Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, with Emery eyeing more firepower given Jhon Duran has been heavily linked with a Villa Park exit this summer.

Williams, who scored for Spain in the Euro 2024 final against England en route to the trophy, is one of the most coveted targets in world football this summer, with his £49m release clause making him an enticing prospect indeed.

The 22-year-old has been on the Villans' radar for some time, and while Barcelona are hoping to complete the signing, Emery might feel that his side's extensive scouting and promise of a starring role could hold sway.

Why Villa must prioritise signing Nico Williams

Williams completed a stunning season for Bilbao last year, notching 27 goal contributions across 37 matches as he orchestrated his outfit's Copa del Rey triumph – ending a 40-year wait for silverware.

Aside from his playmaking prowess, he also ranks among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

The earlier-mentioned Felix might be deemed an excellent choice of replacement for the outgoing Diaby, but Williams is rightly one of Europe's most highly-regarded wingers at the moment and he would be a stunning success.

Nico Williams: Euro 2024 Stats
Statistics	#
Matches played	6
Matches started	6
Goals	2
Assists	1
Pass completion	90%
Key passes per game	2.2
Ball recoveries per game	3.8
Dribbles per game	2.2
Duels won per game	3.3
Stats via Sofascore

Diaby, let's not forget, was repackaged into a thrusting attacking midfield position as the campaign went on, traditionally a wide player. Felix, while perhaps typically regarded as a centre-forward, or at least a deeper-lying forward who plays off the focal frontman, performed on the left flank with the greatest regularity with Barcelona.

In that regard, Aston Villa might be looking to sign Felix with the notion of deploying him on the wing, but if that is truly the case, then surely Williams would be a better pick.

Felix scored ten goals and added six assists across all competitions for Barca, starting 24 matches. The Portugal international is a fantastic talent but, at 24, has yet to bag more than eight goals in a single league campaign in a top-five European division.

Having signed for Atletico Madrid from Benfica for £113m in 2019, it's fair to say that he should have done better. Sure, he's got the full gamut in regard to his skillset, but it's difficult to argue that he'd be the better fit than Williams – especially when considering that they would arrive for a relatively similar transfer fee.

Spain's Euro 2024 superstar's potential transfer has seen little headway so far, with negotiations turning protracted despite La Blaugrana's claims that they can pay the release clause.

The Spanish giants' financial struggles in recent years have been well documented, and perhaps, the longer the saga drags on, the greater chance Aston Villa will find of pouncing and completing a monumental deal.

Who knows, Williams could even prove to be Villa's finest winger since Jack Grealish was sold to Manchester City in a British-record £100m transfer in 2021.

Grealish's fleet-footed style of play captured the awe of the Lions faithful and played an instrumental role in the vital success of the Dean Smith era, placing blocks for Emery's thriving project to sit upon.

Almost unplayable across his final two Premier League seasons with Villa, the latter of which he donned the captain's armband, the 28-year-old was actually praised by pundit Micah Richards for having "absolutely everything" needed for high-level success while plying his trade in the Midlands.

Jack Grealish: Final 2 Prem Seasons with AVFC
Statistics	2019/20	2020/21
Matches played	36	26
Matches started	36	24
Goals	8	6
Assists	5	10
Pass completion	85%	83%
Big chances created	8	14
Shots per game	2.0	1.9
Key passes per game	2.5	3.2
Dribbles per game	2.0	2.5
Ball recoveries per game	5.2	5.1
Duels won per game	8.0	8.9
Stats via Sofascore

Analyst Ben Mattinson has said that Williams is "one of the best wingers on the market", and his words couldn't be more true. If Aston Villa manage to pull it off, it would be nothing short of masterful. Grealish was incredible for his boyhood club, and Williams boasts the quality to match the English trickster and then some.

In La Liga last season, the artful wide forward scored five goals and added 11 assists, averaged 1.5 key passes, 5.2 successful duels and 2.7 dribbles per game and created ten big chances for his teammates. He has showcased that he has what it takes to become one of the game's finest wingers around.

Now, with a host of European outfits pushing for a deal, he simply needs to pick wisely. While Barcelona might be tempting, Emery would roll out a providential carpet that could see Williams rise to giddy heights indeed.

After Onana: Villa want to sign £25m talent who’d be Iling-Junior 2.0

Liverpool are also interested in signing this rising star.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 23, 2024

India reclaimed the series lead by bowling South Africa out for 117 in seam-friendly conditions in Dharamsala. Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, the latter playing in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who was on leave for personal reasons, set the tone with three early wickets, and the support bowlers never let up. Aiden Markram kept South Africa in the fight with a half-century, but they were at least 20 runs short of what could have been a fighting total, keeping in mind their strong seam attack. Once Abhishek Sharma scored 35 off 18 balls, India could afford a wobble in the rest of the chase.Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube cashed in on the conditions with a wicket each in their first overs, but it was Varun Chakravarthy’s four overs for 11 runs and two wickets that denied South Africa any chance of creeping back into the match. One of his victims was Donovon Ferreira, the only other recognised batter to reach double digits.

Arshdeep, Rana lead carnage

Arshdeep went for 0 for 54 in the last match, bowled an unending over, and was now without Bumrah. His first over was an example of how to bowl if you get that rare pitch that helps you in T20 cricket. He bowled three balls to Reeza Hendricks, all on a similar good length on middle and leg. Two of them seamed away to beat his outside edge, and the third nipped back in to trap him in front.Rana swung the ball late, got some seam movement as well, but his wickets were slightly inexplicable. Quinton de Kock missed a straight and full delivery, and Dewald Brevis dragged on a long wide half volley, making it 7 for 3 in 3.1 overs.Markram and Tristan Stubbs saw through the rest of the powerplay, but Stubbs never looked at home. In his first over, Pandya drew just enough nibble to take Stubbs’ outside edge to make it 30 for 4. Corbin Bosch, one of the three batters dropped in the field, missed the first ball from Dube by a long way: a 124kph length ball that nipped back to hit the top of middle.

Varun quells first resurgence

In the 12th over of the innings, Ferreira hit a Kuldeep wrong’un for a no-look six, the first boundary of the innings by a batter not named Markram. This was the first time India had to deal with two threatening batters. The sixth wicket added 25 runs, but Varun got rid of Ferreira with a wrong’un that he missed by a mile. Varun repeated that dismissal in his next over, this time to a defensive push from Marco Jansen.Aiden Markram’s 61 held South Africa’s crumbling innings together•CREIMAS

Arshdeep limits Markram damage

Dube had two catches missed off his bowling. While Ferreira couldn’t cause much damage, Markram went on to punish Rana in the 18th over, thus bringing up his fifty and taking South Africa past 100. It was all on Markram’s bat now to take South Africa to 140, a total they could have been competitive with. However, he ended up edging a slot ball from Arshdeep in the 19th over, leaving Kuldeep two tailend wickets to feast on in the last over.

Abhishek kills the chase

Swivelling inside the line of the first ball and pulling Lungi Ngidi over fine leg for a six, Abhishek set the tone for the chase. He charged at Ngidi for a four in the same over, and went one better with a six off Jansen in the next. When Abhishek hit Ottneil Baartman for a six in the fifth over, he brought up India’s fifty and went to 44 sixes in the first six overs of T20I innings, level with KL Rahul, who did so in more than twice than the matches. Rohit Sharma is the only Indian with more sixes in the first six overs.The low target allowed Abhishek’s opening partner Shubman Gill time to play himself in, but neither he nor Tilak Varma ever looked set with plenty of seam movement available. Suryakumar Yadav hit two fours, but managed only 12 off 11 balls. When Abhishek was at the wicket, 60 runs came in 5.2 overs; the rest of the match featured 177 in 30.3 overs. Twenty more runs for South Africa, and/or an early departure for Abhishek could have made this a much closer affair.

Having already seemingly stolen the lead in the race to sign Martin Zubimendi, Liverpool have now reportedly taken their first steps towards hijacking another Manchester United target this summer.

Liverpool transfer news

Just one week away from the start of the Premier League campaign and Liverpool's transfer window has suddenly come to life. Fresh from their USA tour, which featured victories over both Manchester United and Arsenal, the Reds instantly turned their attention towards Zubimendi. Reportedly confident that they can get a deal done, those at Anfield could finally get their long-awaited replacement for Fabinho.

Liverpool also monitoring "talented" £58,000-per-week Crystal Palace target

The Reds could make their move…

ByTom Cunningham Aug 9, 2024

It looked as though Liverpool weren't even participating in the race for the Real Sociedad star, with Manchester United reportedly making an offer and, unlike their rivals, chasing his signature. That proved to be anything but the case, however, with the Merseyside giants swooping in and attempting to get one over on the Red Devils in the transfer window.

The Reds could even go two for two on that front yet following recent reports. According to Football Insider, Liverpool have taken their first steps towards signing Matthijs de Ligt this summer, expressing their interest in the Bayern Munich defender whose move to Manchester United was dubbed imminent in recent weeks, even telling friends he wanted to move to Old Trafford in a £50m deal.

Personal terms don't seem to be an issue for United, but their negotiations with Bayern Munich remain incomplete, perhaps allowing Liverpool to swoop in as they have seemingly done with Zubimendi.

If new sporting director Richard Hughes is looking to earn popularity and improve Arne Slot's side at the same time then hijacking not one, but two Manchester United targets may be a wise way to go about it. As the summer window comes to a close, De Ligt will undoubtedly be one to watch.

"Brilliant" De Ligt can succeed VVD

At 33 years old and, as things stand, one year left on his contract, Liverpool must start thinking about life without Virgil van Dijk and welcoming De Ligt would prepare them for exactly that. The Bayern Munich defender will know his fellow Dutchman well thanks to the national side and is more than capable of stepping in to fill the void that he'll leave behind, whilst also learning from the Liverpool star this season.

Progressive Carries

1.04

0.91

Progressive Passes

6.36

5.67

Aerial Duels Won

2.66

3.97

Ball Recoveries

4.74

4.82

Minutes

1,390

3,177

Impressively keeping up with the Netherlands captain, De Ligt earned the approval of former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann, who said via Sports Lens: “Matthijs de Ligt came to Bayern Munich, he had a tough start, then he had an injury, but you have to say in the last six months, he was probably the most reliable defender they had when he formed a partnership with Eric Dier. He’s been brilliant and what I like about him, is he’s a leader.”

Although Manchester United likely remain in the driving seat for the defender's signature, Liverpool are seemingly taking their first steps towards what would be an incredible hijack.

Liverpool are said to have agreed personal terms over a move for a 23-year-old international, according to a recent report.

The Merseyside club are just a few days away from their 2024/25 Premier League campaign getting underway as they travel to Portman Road to face newly promoted Ipswich Town. It is a highly anticipated match as Liverpool get their post-Jurgen Klopp era underway, with manager Arne Slot now in the dugout, while the Tractor Boys kick off their top-flight return.

All eyes will be on Liverpool on Saturday as Slot begins his time in charge of the club, and he will do so with the club still yet to make a new signing so far in this transfer window.

Related £25m international is waiting to join Liverpool if Hughes agrees a deal

The Reds have work to do this summer…

Posts 1 ByBrett Worthington Aug 13, 2024 Liverpool’s transfer business so far

It was always going to be a very big summer for Liverpool, as in some sense it is a new start for the club, as they are no longer under the management of Klopp. The Premier League side brought in Slot as his replacement, and the club also made changes higher up, as Richard Hughes arrived earlier this year as the club’s new sporting director.

The latter has started to come under some scrutiny, as Liverpool are still yet to make a signing in this transfer window, which means, as things stand, the club will be going into the new season, potentially weaker than how they ended the 2023/24 campaign.

Liverpool's departures

Signed for

Fabio Carvalho

Brentford

Adrian

Real Betis

Calvin Ramsey

Wigan Athletic (Loan)

Thiago Alcantara

Retired

Joel Matip

Without club

That is because Liverpool have seen defender Joel Matip leave the club following his contract expiring, while Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara has now retired from football and moved into coaching. But most recently, Liverpool decided to let midfielder Fabio Carvalho leave the club and join Brentford in a deal believed to be worth £27.5 million.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank was delighted with the addition of the midfielder. He said: “Fábio is a player with a lot of qualities. He can play in all of the front three or four positions in a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1. His best position is probably as a no.10 or coming in from the left.

"Offensively, he has great abilities on the ball: he can go past players, slide a pass, create chances and get on the end of chances. He's a type of player that we don't have many of in the squad, so he will add that something extra for us. His ability and mentality to work hard in the pressure is also very, very good. That's along with him ticking all the boxes from a cultural perspective and being the right character. So we're very pleased to see him come in and push the team forward."

However, Liverpool’s wait to add a player to their squad could potentially come to an end, given the latest update.

Liverpool agree personal terms with Giorgi Mamardashvili

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have now agreed personal terms with Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The 23-year-old could be sent out on loan for a year or two should he sign, which is something that isn’t putting the shot-stopper off, as he remains keen on moving to Anfield.

Romano states that AFC Bournemouth are keen on signing Mamardashvili should he join Liverpool, with the intention of the Georgia international replacing Alisson. He goes on to add that agents from Liverpool are in Valencia for club talks, as there is still no agreement on a transfer.

Mamardashvili has been with Valencia since January 2022 on a permanent basis, but he first arrived at the Spanish side in July 2021 on loan. The 23-year-old has been labelled as having a “commanding presence” in the past, as he stands at 6 foot 6.

أعلن نادي بتروجيت، رسميًا رحيل لاعبه أحمد رضا، عن صفوف فريق كرة القدم الأول، خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الجارية.

ووجهت الصفحة الرسمية لنادي بتروجيت، عبر “فيس بوك”، الشكر لأحمد رضا عن الفترة التي قضاها في صفوف الفريق.

طالع.. بعد أنباء اهتمام الأهلي.. “بطولات” يكشف عن عقبتين في طريق ضم ديريك كوتيسا

وعلم “بطولات” أن الأهلي أنهى الاتفاق مع بتروجيت للحصول على خدمات أحمد رضا، خلال الميركاتو الشتوي الجاري.

وجاء الاتفاق بانتقال أحمد رضا إلى صفوف الأهلي، مقابل 25 مليون جنيه بجانب إعارة لاعبين من فريق الشباب بالقلعة الحمراء للنادي البترولي.

أحمد رضا يبلغ 24 عامًا، ويتميز بقدرته على اللعب في مراكز متعددة، بما في ذلك قلب الدفاع ووسط الملعب المدافع والهجومي.

حقق رضا نسبة نجاح 54% في المراوغات، و60% في الكرات الأرضية، و54% في الكرات الهوائية كما حصد جائزة رجل المباراة مرتين.

With just a week to go until the start of the 2024/25 Premier League season, Chelsea have ramped up their efforts in the transfer market to give boss Enzo Maresca the best chance of achieving success in his first campaign at the helm.

Deals for Samuel Omorodion and Pedro Neto seem to be edging ever closer to completion, with the pair expected to cost the club £34.5m and £54m, respectively.

It’s evident that the Blues are targeting reinforcements in attacking areas, with the duo undoubtedly providing the added quality needed to push for a top-four finish this season.

However, despite the recent flurry of activity at Stamford Bridge, it appears that Maresca’s side show no signs of slowing down, targeting yet more players to try and change the club’s recent poor fortunes in the league.

Chelsea targeting £49m talent despite Neto deal

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are still pursuing a move to sign Athletic Bilbao’s winger Nico Williams in an attempt to bolster their forward line.

They aren’t alone in the hunt for his signature, with fellow Premier League side Arsenal also in the running for the 22-year-old who has a £49m release clause in his current deal with the LaLiga outfit.

The youngster managed 16 goal contributions in the league last season, before registering two goals and one assist at the Euros for Spain, helping his nation win a fourth European Championship.

A move for Williams may come as a surprise given the recent news on Neto’s proposed move to West London, but it is a signing that would add even more quality to Maresca’s squad – allowing the Blues to have one of the most potent frontlines in the division.

It could spell bad news for one Chelsea player who only joined the club back in the January transfer window in 2023.

Why Williams would be an upgrade on Mudryk

23-year-old Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk arrived in West London with high hopes after his £89m move from Shakhtar Donetsk, but it’s safe to say his time at Stamford Bridge hasn’t gone to plan.

He’s made 58 appearances for the Blues since his move, only scoring on seven occasions – failing to nail down a regular starting role 18 months on from his big-money transfer.

If Williams were to arrive through the door he could then represent a sizeable upgrade, with the Spaniard also deemed to be the most similar player to Neto, according to FBref – potentially allowing the youngster to be a right-footed version of the Portuguese international on the opposite flank.

Games played

31

31

20

Goals + assists

16

7

11

Shots on target

0.8

0.7

0.7

Shot-creating actions

4.8

3.4

4.5

Take-ons completed

3.4

2.2

2.2

Aerials won

47%

35%

18%

When comparing the trio’s stats from the 2023/24 campaign, “pace-demon” Williams, as described by podcaster Adam Keys, comes out on top in various key areas – showcasing what an excellent addition he would be for Maresca.

He registered more goals and assists than Mudryk and Neto, whilst also creating more shot-creating actions for himself and his teammates – allowing the likes of Cole Palmer to further increase his tally as well as his own.

The Spaniard also completed more take-ons whilst also averaging more shots-on-target per 90, demonstrating the quality that he possesses in the final third.

Although a deal for Neto seems to be edging closer to completion, a move for Williams could still be on the cards, with the youngster having a lot of quality to star within the Chelsea side.

It might set them back another hefty sum of money, but given his age and quality, he has the ability to star at Stamford Bridge immediately, but also for at least the next decade.

Dream for Omorodion: Chelsea should land £50m sensation who Neto adores

He could be a huge addition to the Blues’ forward line.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 10, 2024