Gustavo Gómez entrou para a história do Palmeiras. Com a vitória por 2 a 0 sobre o Athletico, na última quarta-feira (2), no Allianz Parque, e a inédita conquista da Recopa Sul-Americana, o paraguaio, capitão do Verdão, foi o primeiro estrangeiro a levantar uma taça pelo clube.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasJoão Martins escapa de banho em coletiva e comenta sobre técnicos estrangeiros no futebol brasileiroPalmeiras03/03/2022PalmeirasJoão Martins celebra título inédito do Palmeiras: ‘Ano passado quisemos muito ganhar esta competição’Palmeiras03/03/2022Futebol NacionalTécnico do Athletico dispara contra Abel Ferreira após derrota para o Palmeiras na Recopa: ‘Idiotice’Futebol Nacional03/03/2022
Mesmo diante do tamanho do feito, Gómez, entretanto, optou por minimizá-lo. Na entrevista após a partida, o paraguaio procurou destacar a força do grupo palmeirense, segundo ele principal responsável não só pelos seus números, mas pelos títulos ganhos na era Abel Ferreira no Verdão.
– Eu acho que hoje a faixa estava comigo, mas aqui temos muitos capitães, como Weverton, (Marcos) Rocha, Dudu, Zé Rafael… Temos um elenco com grandes jogadores, grandes líderes e acho que por isso estamos conseguindo conquistar títulos. São jogadores de muita experiência, líderes dentro do clube.Sou muito grato com a oportunidade que eu tive aqui. Ela vale mais que qualquer coisa.
Para Gómez, essa geração muito vencedora do Palmeiras tem uma fórmula do sucesso: dedicação e muito trabalho. Segundo o paraguaio, é por conta disso que os frutos estão aparecendo e garante abriga por mais conquistas.
– É um grupo muito unido, que se mantém em forma sempre, a mente em forma, a fome de glórias e que respeita as ordens do professor. Agora temos que comemorar muito esse momento, porque no futebol as coisas passam muito rápido.
Aston Villa lost their third Premier League game in their last six, losing 2-1 to Nottingham Forest despite taking a one-goal lead in the 63rd minute through Jhon Duran.
Unai Emery’s side held 50% of the ball, taking just eight shots in the game, and only generating 0.43 xG, compared to the 1.78 xG of Forest.
Emery’s side now sit sixth in the Premier League, winning seven, drawing four and losing five of their opening 16 games. The Villans have accrued 25 points, leaving them now three points off the Champions League qualification spots.
Despite the heroics of Emiliano Martínez, Villa failed to hold on, with Forest scoring two goals late on to steal all three points, winning 2-1. Two performers in particular disappointed on the day, one of whom has been in excellent form so far this campaign.
Morgan Rogers' performance vs Nottingham Forest
Morgan Rogers has been one of Emery’s best performers this season, offering considerable creation and threat in central zones. The 22-year-old has made 22 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring four goals, providing three assists, and totalling 1,832 minutes played.
However, against Forest, the English attacker couldn’t quite get things going. Despite having a strong penalty claim, Rogers lost possession 16 times, only completed two of his six dribble attempts, had his only shot of the game blocked, all while losing ten of his 16 ground duels.
Yet the 22-year-old wasn’t Villa’s worst player. In fact, one of their more experienced stars let the side down, making a huge mistake towards the back end of the game, his error leading to a goal, and overall putting in a performance which wasn’t of the standard required.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Matty Cash's performance in numbers vs Nottingham Forest
Former Forest man Matty Cash was awarded a 5/10 match rating by Express and Star, with his part in the hosts’ second goal being heavily criticised. The 27-year-old has made 12 appearances for the Villans in all competitions this season, scoring one goal, contributing to two clean sheets and totalling 904 minutes.
The Poland international was deployed as a right-winger against Forest, with the dual responsibility of holding width further forwards, but also tracking back to support Ezri Konsa at right-back, and double up on Callum Hudson-Odoi on the left wing for Forest.
Matty Cash vs Forest performance
Stat
Cash
Minutes
90
Touches
45
Accurate Passes
19/27
Key Passes
1
Crosses
0/2
Successful Dribble Attempts
1/3
Ground Duels Won
4/8
Aerial Duels Won
3/4
Possession Lost
14
Errors Leading to a Goal
1
Stats taken from Sofascore
Alongside the error leading to a goal, Cash also lost possession 14 times in the game, did not complete a successful cross despite finding himself in some good wide areas to deliver, completed just one of his three dribble attempts and had a 70% pass completion.
Of course, being a natural right-back, Cash does bring extra defensive stability when doubling up in those wide zones. However, his mistakes in possession can cost the side, giving up extra possessions to the opposition, and putting Emery’s side under pressure.
The manager will have to change things when Villa face Manchester City next week, and someone like Cash after his error-prone performance could be dropped in order to stabilise things against last season’s Premier League champions.
Aston Villa must rue losing £22m flop who's now outscoring Duran & Watkins
This former Aston Villa flop has suddenly become a goal machine.
اختارت لجنة الحكام بالاتحاد الدولى لكرة القدم “فيفا”، حكمًا مصريًا للتواجد في منافسات بطولة كأس العالم للأندية 2025.
وتقام منافسات النسخة الأولى من كأس العالم للأندية بالنظام الجديد الذي يقام كل أربع سنوات بمشاركة 32 فريقًا، وتُنظمها الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية في صيف 2025، ويتواجد الأهلي كممثل للكرة المصرية بالمسابقة العالمية.
طالع | الأهلي يعلن انضمامه لمجموعة ملصقات FIFA العالمية عبر شراكة مع “بانيني”
ويتواجد الحكم الدولى محمود عاشور ممثلًا عن التحكيم المصري في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية كحكم لتقنية الفيديو.
ويتواجد الأهلي في المجموعة الأولى إلى جانب فرق إنتر ميامي الأمريكي وبالميراس البرازيلي وبورتو البرتغالي.
ومن المنتظر أن يستهل الفريق الأحمر مشواره في البطولة بمواجهة مرتقبة أمام فريق إنتر ميامي، الذي يضم بين صفوفه النجم الأرجنتيني ليونيل ميسي.
Mumbai are coming off two losses in two games and will be keen to get off the mark against in-form KKR
Shashank Kishore05-Apr-20222:01
Does Cummins walk into the KKR XI straightaway?
Big pictureOver time, Mumbai Indians have made it a habit. Starting slowly, before revving up as mid-season approaches and then pouncing on teams at the back end. They have started poorly this time as well, but the margin for error could be smaller in a 10-team pool. Therefore, they need to get up and running quickly. There’s just one problem. They’re going up against IPL 2021’s runners-up Kolkata Knight Riders, whose firebrand approach to batting, has lent a dazzling touch to the season so far.Live in the USA
You can watch the match live on ESPN+ in English and in Hindi.
In both their losses so far, Mumbai have failed to capitalise on their batters putting them in strong positions. Against Delhi Capitals, both Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan struck half-centuries in a robust opening stand to set up the game, but the middle order came a cropper. Against Rajasthan Royals, they couldn’t close the game out despite going into the final six overs needing 65 runs with seven wickets in hand.Mumbai also have concerns over one bowling spot, currently occupied by Basil Thampi. In the opening game, Lalit Yadav and Axar Patel took him to the cleaners. In the second, he was carted for 26 in his only over. It might be time for a change. There’s plenty of experience in the form of Jaydev Unadkat, but the only hitch is he’s nearly like-for-like to Tymal Mills, in terms of his slower variations and left-arm variety.0:51
Tim David: Rohit Sharma has been ‘a fun captain’
Knight Riders have unlocked magic from Umesh Yadav. Throw Pat Cummins into the mix and their pace attack looks mean. Their spinners are always bound to ask interesting questions, provided there isn’t too much dew around.So far with the bat, the Knight Riders have expressed their desire to play an aggressive brand of T20 cricket. It can look spectacular, like when Andre Russell went after Punjab Kings in a small chase, or fall flat, like when they got bundled out by Royal Challengers Bangalore. Going forward, they will expect a lot more from the likes of Venkatesh Iyer and Ajinkya Rahane.In the newsCummins has completed his mandatory three-day quarantine upon arrival and even trained with the team on match eve, which means he is all set to take Sam Billings’ place in the Knight Riders XI. This means the wicketkeeper’s slot will be taken up once again by Sheldon Jackson, whose glovework has been impressive. Sunil Narine, Russell, and Tim Southee are likely to take up the other overseas slots.Mumbai have their entire complement of players to choose from. It remains to be seen if they will finally unleash Suryakumar Yadav, who has only just recovered from a wrist injury. If he is able to handle to workload of batting in the IPL, Mumbai will likely pick him in place of Anmolpreet Singh.1:18
McCullum: ‘We utilise Russell in the role which we see as his strongest suit’
Likely XIs Mumbai Indians: 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Ishan Kishan (wk), 3 Suryakumar Yadav/Anmolpreet Singh, 4 Tilak Varma, 5 Kieron Pollard, 6 Tim David, 7 Daniel Sams, 8 M Ashwin, 9 Tymal Mills, 10 Jaydev Unadkat/Basil Thampi, 11 Jasprit Bumrah Kolkata Knight Riders: 1 Venkatesh Iyer, 2 Ajinkya Rahane, 3 Shreyas Iyer (capt), 4 Nitish Rana, 5 Sheldon Jackson, 6 Andre Russell, 7 Sunil Narine, 8 Tim Southee, 9 Pat Cummins, 10 Umesh Yadav, 11 Varun ChakravarthyStrategy PuntCummins vs Kishan: three innings, five balls, three wickets. Rohit vs Narine: 18 innings, seven dismissals, average 19.6. How can anyone ignore stats like that? The Knight Riders just have to open with Cummins and Narine to try and take on Mumbai’s in-form batters. More so because Rohit, who has started this IPL differently – striking at 147 off his first 10 balls, will immediately be face-to-face with the bowler who has dismissed him the most times in the IPL.Stats and trivia Since IPL 2018, teams winning the toss have opted to bowl every single time at MCA Stadium in Pune. But there’s no significant difference in terms of results as teams batting first and second have won four games each. In 16 IPL games here, pacers have picked up 3.8 wickets per innings as compared to spinners, who have managed just 1.6. Spinners have been fractionally more economical, though, conceding at 8.3 an over to the 8.6 by pacers.This has been a lopsided IPL rivalry so far. Mumbai’s win percentage of 75.8% is the highest win percentage for a team against an opponent in all IPL.
Em meio a mudanças e uma série de reforços chegando ao clube, desde a aquisição da SAF por John Textor, o Botafogo enfrenta o Fluminense, nesta segunda, às 20h de Brasília, em uma semana que tem tudo para ser bastante movimentada. O clássico pode ser um dos últimos jogos de Lúcio Flávio no comando do Alvinegro, já que o clube aguarda pela chegada do português Luis Castro, o que marca um processo de passagem de bastão dentro do comando técnico.
RelacionadasBotafogoJohn Textor deve comprar mais ações e aumentar sua participação na gestão do Crystal PalaceBotafogo20/03/2022Futebol LatinoBotafogo é “culpado” por novo destino de Hernán Crespo; entendaFutebol Latino20/03/2022Futebol LatinoAlvo de Botafogo e Palmeiras está em dúvida entre Brasil e MLSFutebol Latino19/03/2022
Lúcio Flávio chegou ao Botafogo após a demissão de Enderson Moreira, ainda no Campeonato Carioca deste ano. Como técnico do Botafogo, foram seis jogos, sendo três vitórias (contra Vasco, Resende e Volta Redonda), duas derrotas (contra Flamengo e Portuguesa), além de um empate, na última rodada contra o Audax em 2 a 2, em um aproveitamento de mais de 61%.
+ Botafogo conta com reforços para driblar retrospecto negativo e favoritismo do Fluminense
Ao todo, foram 14 gols marcados e 11 sofridos, sendo quase metade dos gols sofridos contra a Portuguesa na derrota por 5 a 3, que foi a última do Alvinegro. Desde então, Lúcio Flávio não perdeu mais nenhuma partida.
O Botafogo aguarda pela chegada do técnico português Luis Castro, que estava no Al Duhail do Catar. O técnico encerrou sua passagem pelo clube catari após vencer a Copa do Emir e rescindiu com a equipe do Oriente Médio. Seu contrato iria até junho deste ano.
A situação do comando técnico do Glorioso ainda não foi definida. Não se sabe se Lúcio Flávio seguirá na comissão técnica. Com base no que vimos nas últimas chegadas de treinadores estrangeiros ao Brasil, os técnicos costumam chegar com toda a sua comissão pronta, mas ainda não se sabe sobre o que Luis Castro fará a respeito em sua provável chegada ao clube.
عاد شبح الإصابات لمطاردة الجناح، نيمار دا سيلفا مجددًا، بعدما اضطر لمغادرة ملعب مباراة فريقه سانتوس أمام أتلتيكو مينيرو باكيًا، بعد إصابة جديدة في الفخذ الأيسر.
وتعرض نيمار للإصابة خلال الشوط الأول من اللقاء الذي أُقيم ضمن منافسات الدوري البرازيلي، حيث سقط أرضًا في الدقيقة 34 وهو يمسك بفخذه الأيسر، ليغادر الملعب متأثرًا بالآلام وسط قلق واضح من زملائه والجماهير.
وأثارت اللقطة المخاوف حول تجدد معاناة نيمار مع الإصابات، خاصة وأنه لم يستعد كامل جاهزيته منذ تعرضه لإصابة خطيرة بقطع في الرباط الصليبي خلال مباراة البرازيل وأوروجواي في تصفيات كأس العالم في أكتوبر 2023.
اقرأ أيضًا | هل يعود نيمار إلى برشلونة؟.. ديكو يضع النقاط على الحروف
O momento que Neymar precisou sair do gramado da Vila Belmiro pic.twitter.com/kJG8NWfkHl — ge (@geglobo) April 17, 2025
ورغم عودته مؤخرًا للتألق مع سانتوس، ما أهّله للعودة إلى قائمة منتخب البرازيل في مارس الماضي، إلا أن الحظ العاثر عاد ليطارده بإصابة عضلية أخرى، أجبرته على الانسحاب من المعسكر الدولي.
ويأتي هذا التطور بعد فترة قصيرة من بداية استعادة نيمار لمستواه، وهو ما يعيد إلى الأذهان فترته غير المكتملة مع نادي الهلال السعودي، حيث لم يخض سوى عدد قليل من المباريات قبل أن يُصاب بقطع في الرباط الصليبي.
وانضم نيمار إلى الهلال في صيف 2023 وسط توقعات كبيرة، لكن مشواره لم يكتمل، ولم يتمكن من تقديم الإضافة المنتظرة بسبب سلسلة من الإصابات المتلاحقة.
ويترقب عشاق نيمار في البرازيل والعالم نتائج الفحوصات الطبية، لمعرفة مدى خطورة الإصابة الأخيرة، في وقت تتزايد فيه الشكوك حول قدرته على استعادة الاستمرارية داخل الملاعب.
Looking to replace the injured Rodri in January, Manchester City are now reportedly preparing to sign their main candidate when the winter window swings open in under a month.
Man City transfer news
If those at The Etihad believed that Manchester City’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest would end their recent slump, then a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace and defeat at the hands of Juventus in midweek has quickly put an end to that hope. What seemed like a slight blip without Rodri has quickly turned into a full-blown crisis under Pep Guardiola, who has guided his side to just one win in their last 10 games.
As that crisis persists, however, the January transfer window and the first chance for the Premier League champions to welcome much-needed reinforcements gets closer and closer. The likes of Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz have already been linked with a move to The Etihad in 2025, but City’s priority will be finding a replacement for the injured Rodri.
According to reports in Spain, Manchester City are now preparing a move to sign Pepelu from Valencia in the January transfer window and see the 26-year-old as their main target as the winter window approaches.
Man City need to axe £230k-p/w problem who Txiki said was "exceptional"
The Man City star has been poor this season
ByJoe Nuttall Dec 13, 2024
Potentially taking advantage of Valencia’s financial woes to land a bargain deal, City would be welcoming a short-term solution before Rodri eventually returns before the beginning of next season.
Whether a defensive midfielder and a defensive midfielder, alone, will solve their problems remains to be seen, however. With one win in 10 games, it wouldn’t be absurd to suggest that the Citizens have plenty to do on the transfer front when 2025 and the January window arrive.
"Outstanding" Pepelu can emerge to become key signing
One of Valencia’s main men and among those desperately attempting to drag the struggling La Liga side away from shock relegation, Pepelu could have his efforts recognised courtesy of a move to a top side like Manchester City this winter. At 26 years old, it may well be now or never for the midfielder too, especially given the potential starting role waiting for him in place of the injured Rodri.
Pepelu for Valencia vs Atletico Madrid.
Analyst Ben Mattinson is among those to have heaped praise on the Spaniard several times in the past, going as far as describing his form as “outstanding” at the beginning of the year.
With just a couple of weeks until the January transfer window opens, Pepelu may well be one to watch on the Manchester City front. The midfielder has impressed in a struggling side and could yet emerge to help stop the rot at The Etihad.
Opener takes Alastair Cook’s advice and goes big with his second first-class hundred
ECB Reporters Network08-Apr-2022
Joe Weatherley scored the second first-class hundred of his career•Getty Images
Joe Weatherley made his highest first-class score in a masterful knock as Hampshire racked up a massive first-innings lead in their LV= Insurance County Championship encounter with Somerset.Opening batter Weatherley had only previously scored one first-class century, 126 not out against Lancashire in 2018, but waltzed to a brilliant 168. Ian Holland and the typically stylish James Vince notched half-centuries as Hampshire rode to 428 and a first-innings advantage of 248 runs.Ben Green, after taking 3 for 31, and Tom Lammonby weathered six overs under the lights to end the day 15 without loss.During one of the many rain delays during a soggy Bob Willis Trophy meeting with Essex in 2020, Weatherley approached Alastair Cook for some advice. The biggest takeaway from a wide-ranging discussion about the mental, physical, tactical and technical aspects of opening the batting was Cook’s habit of “making big scores when he gets in”.Last season Weatherley only mustered a disappointing 406 red ball runs, with a top score of 78, as “getting in” proved difficult. However, his one-day skills increased exponentially, ending up the sixth-highest scorer in the Vitality Blast – which earned him a Hundred contract with Southern Brave earlier this week.Where in the previous winter those white-ball abilities were at the forefront of his training, this off-season he sought to rebalance his attention. A lean pre-season saw more focus on his position in the team, with worries that he might be the weak link in Hampshire’s push for a first Championship since 1973.But the winter work with coaches Tony Middleton, Jimmy Adams and Graeme Welch appeared to pay dividends on a helpful pitch. Weatherley concentrated on a more side-on and compact stance, which when coupled with his stillness, has helped improve his alignment and allowed him to play the ball later. The white-ball advancement has also prevented him going into his shell.The highly-popular Weatherley brought up his 179-ball century with a drive through midwicket. He needed a moment to compose himself before raising his bat to a packed home balcony and receiving a long hug from Nick Gubbins.Opening partner Holland was equally confident in his 81, as the duo wiped out exactly Somerset’s first-innings score of 180 in domineering style. Holland departed when turning to leg slip, but not before celebrating Hampshire’s highest first-wicket stand since 2016.Somerset’s inexperienced attack toiled for most of the day but found a purple patch on either side of the second new ball. Gubbins feathered behind for an aesthetically pleasing 37, Weatherley was bowled shouldering arms – a maiden Somerset scalp for Peter Siddle – and Liam Dawson cut to cover off Ned Leonard.Vince began his season with a dismissive back-foot drive to the cover boundary as he totted up runs at a rapid rate – his half-century coming in 64 deliveries – as Hampshire’s score kept rising.The captain was lbw for 56 and James Fuller was caught behind, before Green belatedly entered the attack to claim a career-best three-for – Ben Brown jabbed him to midwicket, Felix Organ was knocked over and Kyle Abbott lost his off stump. A run out ended the Hampshire innings before Abbott and Keith Barker gave Green and Tom Lammonby a working over in a tricky end of day spell.
Tudo no papel. Luís Oyama é jogador do Botafogo novamente. O jogador de 25 anos assinou o contrato com o Alvinegro na noite desta quinta-feira, logo após o treino com o Glorioso, e é, oficialmente, atleta do Glorioso, que vai investir cerca de R$ 2 milhões junto ao Mirassol pela contratação.
RelacionadasBotafogoBotafogo anuncia a chegada de Patrick de Paula, a contratação mais cara da história do clubeBotafogo24/03/2022BotafogoBotafogo fecha parceria para licenciamento de produtosBotafogo24/03/2022BotafogoBotafogo oficializa proposta por Eran Zahavi, atacante do PSVBotafogo24/03/2022
+ Lucas Fernandes: busca por nomes ‘fora dos holofotes’ no Botafogo se justifica para melhorar o elenco
Luís Oyama ainda tinha alguns valores de salários do ano passado a receber. Isso foi resolvido: o clube já combinou as datas que vai depositar as cifras correspondentes com o estafe do atleta durante o ano. O jogador assinou contrato válido por quatro anos.
Vale ressaltar que esse não foi o principal empecilho para a não-assinatura do contrato nesta quarta-feira – Oyama não o fez por uma questão de logística. Mas foi algo resolvido e passado para trás.
Agora, o Alvinegro tem caminho livre para, finalmente, anunciá-lo de forma oficial. Ele já vem treinando com o grupo nos últimos dois dias e será mais uma opção do Alvinegro na disputa do Campeonato Brasileiro.
Newcastle United have been riding the crest of a winter wave over the festive period, utterly mesmerising in their rekindled attacking energy.
The high-class talent at Eddie Howe’s disposal appears to be conducive to success as one of the Premier League’s most exciting outfits, and indeed, even though unrelenting injuries disrupted United’s 2023/24 campaign, they still created chances with frightening consistency.
Premier League 23/24 – Big Chances Created
Rank
Team
Stat
1.
Liverpool
102
2.
Man City
97
2=
Newcastle
97
4.
Tottenham
90
5.
Arsenal
87
5=
Chelsea
87
Stats via Premier League
Newcastle might be flying high right now, but they haven’t exactly been flawless throughout the campaign. It’s been patchy until this recent purple patch, and now it’s all about sustaining it.
With Kieran Trippier, 34, rumoured to be on the move next month, the Magpies could benefit from signing a new right-back to rival Tino Livramento, and PIF appear to have identified the perfect option.
Newcastle transfer news
As reported earlier this week by Italian outlet FirenzeViola, Newcastle could come into the picture for Fiorentina’s Michael Kayode in 2025, having already seen an offer rejected for the right-back over the summer
Fiorentina defender Michael Kayode
Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to have bids rebuffed for the up-and-coming star – who had been valued at €30m (£25m) – yet the Serie A side may now be open to offloading the youngster.
Kayode is frustrated at his lack of game time this season but this snag hasn’t dissuaded unnamed English parties, who view the 20-year-old as a top talent who could be willed into a sensation over the coming years.
Why Newcastle want Michael Kayode
Though it’s right that Trippier moves on for pastures new at this twilit part of his storied career, it’s clear that Livramento lacks the kind of playmaking prowess that contributed instrumentally to United’s creative spark last season.
Newcastle's Kieran Trippier
That’s not to say that Kayode is an assist machine. The young ace differs from the English veteran, averaging 0.6 key passes per game in Serie A last season, as per Sofascore. However, he also averaged four ball recoveries per game, completing 87% of his passes and winning 63% of his ground duels.
Analyst and keen Serie A viewer Ben Mattinson hailed the defender as a “duel monster,” with his defensive quality something to be admired given his age and comparative inexperience.
As per FBref, Kayode ranked among the top 12% of Serie A full-backs last season for tackles won (2.32) per 90, so you can really see that the protective part of the job is something that he embraces.
That’s not to say that Kayode lacks in other departments, with his pace and power also suggesting that he could shape into a complete player over the coming years. He needs a platform to build upon, and Newcastle could offer him the perfect one.
Michael Kayode tussling with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Given that the Tynesiders have found a pleasing degree of success in the Italian transfer market with the resurgent Sandro Tonali, this might be a deal worth pursuing.
Howe's next Sandro Tonali
Newcastle’s neck of the woods hasn’t always been a place of prosperity, but there’s no doubting the ambition that has rewritten the club’s narrative over the past several years.
Howe’s system has married into PIF’s vision without seam, and though United have been pulled back multiple times by the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules, shrewd investments and resourceful methods have allowed Newcastle to keep a hold of their prized assets.
Newcastle United manager EddieHowebefore the match
However, recent reports suggest that Tonali could be on the move at the end of the season, with Serie A sides keen on completing a deal and the Toon potentially forced to comply so to avoid the latest wave of PSR concerns.
Keeping Tonali on the books is important, for the 24-year-old has “changed the whole dynamic of the team” – as per Sky Sports’ Keith Downie – in recent weeks due to his fine form in the deep-sat midfield position, controlling and influencing.
He’s got an air of style about him, carried over from the Italian scene, and this is why Newcastle must forge ahead with the signing of Kayode, who would certainly seek to emulate his countryman at St. James’ Park.
Fiorentina president Daniel Prade even hailed him as an “extraordinary” prospect last term, while his former boss Vincenzo Italiano praised him for being an up-and-comer who “fears nothing.”
Tottenham Hotspur target Michael Kayode in action for Fiorentina.
If such boldness can be translated to life on English shores, there’s every chance that Kayode will indeed find a place in Newcastle’s first team, strengthening the Italian contingent and adding even more flair to an outfit starting to remould itself with Tonali in the middle.
Newcastle saw a bid rejected for Kayode in the summer and have since replenished their interest. It feels like the stars could align regarding this one, especially since he’s out of sorts with Fiorentina, who have slashed their asking price to a bargain €15m (£13m), as per the earlier report.
He would provide relief for Livramento and perhaps even forge a bond with his compatriot Tonali, who has recently operated at number six but typically picks a place on the right edge of the central midfield.
Only time will tell, but with Premier League rivals also sniffing around, Newcastle must act swiftly to secure the signing of an exciting talent.
Move over Bruno & Isak: 8/10 star has changed Newcastle’s ”whole dynamic"
Newcastle’s purple patch continued with a Boxing Day victory over Aston Villa.