All posts by n8rngtd.top

A number of Liverpool fans are desperate for the club to sign Ozan Kabak on a permanent deal this summer after he impressed on loan at Anfield.

The Reds’ Premier League season is over for another year, with Jurgen Klopp no doubt a relieved man. His side beat Crystal Palace 2-0 at Anfield on Sunday, not only booking a place in next season’s Champions League but also finishing third in the table.

[freshpress-quiz id=“355458″]

It was a monumental effort by Klopp and his players in the final two months of the campaign, with eight wins and two draws from their last 10 league games highlighting their brilliance.

Someone who came in at the lowest point of the campaign was Kabak, who joined on loan from Schalke 04 in February in order to help ease the centre-back injury crisis.

The defender grew into the role after a shaky start, looking a classy prospect, although it remains unclear whether he will be signed permanently for £18m this summer.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-2/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans call for Kabak to stay

These Liverpool fans responded to a celebratory Twitter post from Kabak on Sunday evening – one which almost felt pointed, in terms of him wanting to stay as he quipped: “Good job team…We are where we belong” – calling for the Turkey international to remain at Anfield.

“It’s the “we” for me. Please keep him”

Credit: @SimplyNate_

“That “we” feels different. Would love to have him with us next season too”

Credit: @SharafJuhayr

“Please keep him”

Credit: @Thiago_SZN

“Sign him. Be stupid not to”

Credit: @nxaim

“I beg we get rid of Phillips for him”

Credit: @lfc_ik4

“Pls sign”

Credit: @jay_ek1

In other news, some Liverpool fans are against the idea of the Reds signing a world-renowned player this summer. Find out who it is here.

With Argentina struggling against Mexico, they needed their captain to step up. Lionel Messi did just that, scoring a stunning opener in a 2-0 win.

Lionel Messi. It just had to be, didn't it?

Just when his country needed him the most, he popped up with a moment of magic to keep Argentina's World Cup dream alive and sink Mexico at the Lusail Stadium on Saturday night.

What had been a dismal affair was lit up by Messi on 64 minutes when he drilled a perfect shot into the bottom corner from 25 yards to break the deadlock.

And he then set up Enzo Fernandez for a stunning second late on to seal a crucial victory for Lionel Scaloni's side.

It was a win that revitalised Argentina's hopes in Qatar following their shock 2-1 defeat by Saudi Arabia in their opening group stage game.

And while they were far from their best once again, they now know that victory over Poland on Wednesday will seal their spot in the last 16.

Below, GOAL runs through the winners and losers from an emotional night for Argentina and their sensational skipper…

• Getty
  

  The Winners

  Lionel Messi:

  Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Messi, like his team-mates, had endured a miserable evening until Angel Di Maria picked him out 25 yards from goal midway through the second half. Then, two mecurial touches of that left foot was all that it took to turn what had been a truly dire game on its head. The first was perfect, cushioning the ball into his path. The second was unerring, drilling an effort across Guillermo Ochoa into the bottom corner. It was Messi's eighth goal at a World Cup, drawing him level with Diego Maradona. But, more importantly, it was the goal that kept Argentina's dream of lifting the trophy in 2022 alive. Messi had been totally ineffectual up to that point, but one moment of quality was all it took to revitalise his side's hopes in Qatar and remind the world that he is not done just yet.

  Angel Di Maria:

  There were very few Argentina players who could hold their heads up high following this uninspiring display, but Di Maria did at least look like he was trying to make a difference. Things didn't always come off for him, especially in the first half, but after the break it was the Juventus star who looked the most likely to make something happen. Argentina started to get some joy down the right hand side and Di Maria was always the man who was probing and trying to run at his man and get behind the Mexico defence. And it was his pass that picked out Messi in some space for the goal. It wasn't an excellent performance by Di Maria by any means, but in a poor team display, he made a difference when it really mattered.

  Enzo Fernandez:

  What a way to score your first international goal. The 21-year-old was brought off the bench midway through the second half and was one of the substitutes who really made a difference for Argentina. Lionel Scaloni’s side had been really poor, but the second half changes led to an improvement and they were comfortably the better side after Lionel Messi had broken the deadlock. There was still some nerves around, however, with the score only 1-0. They needed a second goal just to be sure and it was Fernandez who provided it, curling home a quite stunning effort on 87 minutes to put the game to bed. It was a wonderful finish and a special moment for the Benfica starlet.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  The Losers

  Loser: Rodrigo De Paul

  You will have to go a long way to find a performance from a top level player that was quite as dismal as the one De Paul served up during the first half at the Lusail Stadium. The Atletico Madrid man was pitiful in the heart of midfield, enduring a miserable opening 45 minutes. His passing was poor throughout and he brought nothing to his side, at either end of the pitch. Argentina couldn't get any control in the midfield until Messi's opening goal and De Paul's struggles were a major part of that. He wasn't alone in underperforming by any means, but it was apparent very early on how bad a night he was having and the only surprise was he managed to stay on the pitch for the entire game.

  Loser:LautaroMartinez

  The Inter forward was brought into the starting XI after Argentina's miserable showing against Saudi Arabia, but made no impact whatsoever. This was his big chance to impress, but he wasted it completely. It must be noted that he was provided with very little service, but that does not excuse what was a totally ineffectual performance from the forward. He had just 14 touches of the ball while he was on the pitch and made just six passes, with a passing accuracy of just 50 percent. Awful.

• Argentina Ratings: Defence

  Emiliano Martinez (6/10):

  Made one spectacular save in the first half, but other than was completely untroubled.

  Gonzalo Montiel (5/10):

  Looked well off the pace. Poor.

  Nicolas Otamendi (6/10):

  Barely put under pressure by the Mexico attack.

  Lisandro Martinez (6/10):

  Cruised through the contest without having to break sweat.

  Marcos Acuna (5/10):

  Not really involved.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Midfield

  Angel Di Maria (7/10):

  Made a real difference in the second half. Got the assist for Messi.

  Rodrigo De Paul (3/10):

  Awful. Improved slightly after half-time, was shambolic before the break.

  Guido Rodriguez (4/10):

  Not quite as bad as De Paul, but couldn't get any control in midfield.

  Alexis Mac Allister (5/10):

  Couldn't get into the game.

A stunning Kylian Mbappe brace carried a sometimes-shaky Paris Saint-Germain to a 2-1 victory in their Champions League opener against Juventus.

At first glance, PSG are a fresh-off-the-lot Ferrari. Peel away the sparkling chassis and glistening paint, however, and there are serious engineering flaws that could prevent their Champions League charge. Again.

At times against Juventus, the most expensively-assembled front-three in history were completely unplayable, and Mbappe's quick-fire brace, helped by Neymar, showed the special, glistening side of the French club.

Yet, defensively they never looked entirely comfortable, with Filip Kostic and Juan Cuadrado causing trouble with their pinpoint deliveries into the box. Once Weston McKennie cut into their lead, their mental approach seemed to disintegrate in a scary reminder of what happened against Real Madrid last March.

New boss Christophe Galtier still has work to do to prove the same old problems that have prevented the club lifting the trophy can be addressed.

But it helps he has Mbappe on his side. That's a head start over almost anyone on the continent.

• Getty
  

  The Winners

  Kylian Mbappe:

  The inevitable Mbappe.

  Neymar has been stealing the headlines at the start of the season with his goal-scoring exploits, but the Frenchman offered a timely reminder of why PSG did everything in their power to keep him as the club's figurehead for years to come.

  Each of Mbappe's goals were astounding in their effortlessness, and he made Gleison Bremer look nothing like the heir to Turin's defensive throne he was brought in to the Old Lady to become.

  Benfica:

  Benfica would have felt a pang of anxiety when they saw themselves drawn in Group H alongside PSG and Juventus a few weeks ago.

  But on the evidence of this display, the Portuguese giants can be hopeful of navigating through to the knockout stages this season.

  Not only have they begun strongly themselves – beating Maccabi Haifa 2-0 in their opening game – but also they avoided Juventus earning a point in Paris, which could have been a death blow.

  Keylor Navas:

  After a move to Napoli fell through at the eleventh hour, Navas might have been settling in for a season on the bench.

  Then, Gianluigi Donnarumma misjudged coming for a corner, with Weston McKennie nodding home.

  While Donnarumma went on to make some nice saves, the slight error suggested PSG's No. 1 is fallible, opening the door for Navas to perhaps get some minutes as the season progresses.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  The Losers

  Massimiliano Allegri:

  After taking criticism for his negative approach against Fiorentina at the weekend, the Bianconeri boss doubled down here, setting his side up in a low block early on in an attempt to starve Mbappe and Co. of any space to exploit in behind before hitting them on the counter out wide.

  It didn't work, with PSG's star man netting an early brace which ultimately put the game beyond the visitors.

  Allegri could have shifted his own personal narrative if Juventus had managed to grab an equaliser during their late pressure, but alas, they did not, meaning the debate over whether Juventus should be more assertive from the start will rumble on.

  Bremer:

  Bremer was heralded as the answer to Juventus' defensive issues in the summer, but he looked like a rabbit in the headlights on his Champions League debut.

  He just could not live with Mbappe's movement, being sucked in for Mbappe's first goal and almost being caught out several times thereafter.

  There is no doubting that Bremer is an accomplished young defender – his displays for Torino last season prove that – but he does need to put in a more confident performance in his side's next European game.

  Neymar:

  After assisting Mbappe with a sumptuous chip in the first half, Neymar might have expected his old mate to return the favour a few minutes after the interval.

  Instead, the Frenchman ignored his run and went for goal himself, thumping an effort into the side netting. Neymar – who would have had the simplest of finishes – did well to play it cool, but it was a disappointing moment after their earlier chemistry.

• Getty Images
  

  PSG Ratings: Defence

  Gianluigi Donnarumma (6/10):

  Made an important save to protect his side's lead in the first half. Probably have collected the ball and prevented McKennie's goal.

  Sergio Ramos (6/10):

  Did fairly well defensively. You imagine his presence prevented an all-out capitulation at the back when the pressure was on.

  Marquinhos (5/10):

  Far from authoritative at the heart of the defence, as the unease with which he dealt with crosses was worrying.

  Presnel Kimpembe (5/10):

  Perhaps could have cut out Filip Kostic's corner before McKennie nodded it home.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  Midfield

  Achraf Hakimi (8/10):

  Pushed on down the right-hand side to great effect and assisted Mbappe's second goal with a deft pass.

  Marco Verratti (8/10):

  Proved that he is still one of the very best around when fit. Spotless in possession and dogged when he did not have the ball.

  Vitinha (7/10):

  A neat and tidy midfield performance. A good, sensible addition to PSG's ranks this summer.

  Nuno Mendes (5/10):

  Beaten too easily in the air by McKennie for his goal. Not much to report offensively.

The two clubs meet in Nyon on Monday as the winners of the biggest European trophy in youth football are decided

Having come through semi-finals against Barcelona and Hoffenheim respectively, Chelsea and Porto face off in the UEFA Youth League final on Monday.

Both teams boast a wealth of young talent, with the clash in Nyon (kick-off 5pm BST/12pm ET) set to showcase some potential stars of the future.

But who should fans be paying particular attention to? Goal takes a look at the best players on each side…

• Getty
  

  Romario Baro | Porto

  An attacking midfielder, the 19-year-old captains Portugal at youth level and has already been approached by Juventus. Once of Sporting, he has scored six goals and laid on three assists in Porto's passage to the Youth League final.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  Charlie Brown | Chelsea

  Don't let his cartoon namesake fool you – Brown is serious talent when it comes to putting the ball in the net. With 12 goals in eight games he is the Youth League's top scorer this season while he has also scored 20 goals across Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy for the Blues' Under-23 side.

• Getty
  

  Diogo Costa | Porto

  No player has made more Youth League appearances than Porto goalkeeper Costa, with the Portugal Under-21 international already having trained with the club's first team. He missed the semi-final victory over Hoffenheim on Friday but will return for Monday's final.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  Billy Gilmour | Chelsea

  Once a model for Burberry, Gilmour is one of the most exciting talents to emerge from Scotland in decades. Plucked from Rangers in 2017, he has already made his debut for the Under-21 side at international level despite not turning 18 until June. Compared to Cesc Fabregas due to his ability with the ball at his feet.

The two South American giants have a rich pool of talent, and plenty of young stars will be followed by Europe's biggest clubs in the summer

• 1Marcelo Torres (Talleres)

  At just 20, stocky centre-forward Torres is making waves on loan at Talleres, and was one of the stand-out players from Argentina's Under-20 engagements in 2017. Boca wisely decided to loan out the young star in order to further develop his game, but it would be no surprise to see him lining up alongside the likes of Tevez at the Bombonera before too much more time passes.

Advertisement

• 2Cristian Pavon (Boca Juniors)

  At the tender age of 22, the Boca winger is already a full Argentina international, and was watched closely by Arsenal over the winter before deciding to stay at the Bombonera and fight for the Copa Libertadores alongside Carlos Tevez. Pavon is adept at playing through the middle or down either flank, though it is when he has a nervous full-back in his sights that the ex-Talleres man really shines.

• MAURO PIMENTEL/AFP/Getty
  

  3Paulinho (Vasco)

  At just 17, Paulinho is already a fixture in the Vasco first team and might just be the next big thing to come out of Brazilian football. The teenager can play off either wing and is improving in leaps and bounds, and while he is still a relative novice, it is only a matter of time before Europe's elite come calling.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• 4Nahitan Nandez (Boca Juniors)

  Captain of Penarol while barely out of his teens, the Uruguayan midfielder has taken the Primera Division by storm since moving to Boca in 2017. The 21-year-old is strong, confident with the ball at his feet and blessed with a great eye for goal, and is a virtual certainty to make the Celeste squad for the upcoming World Cup. Nandez had attracted attention from Germany before signing at the Bombonera, and if he continues to develop at his current rate, interest from a European giant will arrive sooner rather than later.

It was a positive fortnight for the competition's Premier League contingent, with Liverpool and Manchester City in particular making a big impression

• Getty Images
  

  1Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

  Three goals for the Senegal sharpshooter mean the Reds should have an easy stroll into the last eight, after blowing away Porto 5-0 in Portugal. Mane became the fourth Liverpool player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League, after Michael Owen, Yossi Benayoun and Philippe Coutinho.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  2Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

  Another Champions League night to remember for Lewa as he helped put Besiktas to the sword with a late double in Bayern's 5-0 walkover. Since 2015/16, only Cristiano Ronaldo scored more Champions League goals (39) than Lewandowski (22 – Lionel Messi 3rd with 21).

• Getty
  

  3Willian (Chelsea)

  Was unlucky to see two cracking long-range attempts hit the woodwork, but it was third-time lucky for the Chelsea star as he beat Marc Andre ter Stegen to put the Blues temporarily ahead. Since joining Chelsea in 2013/14, Willian has scored more Champions League goals from outside the box than any other player (6, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo & Neymar on 5).

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  4Mousa Dembele (Tottenham)

  Man of the match in Turin as Spurs secured a famous draw against the Italian giants. Dembele sent 95 successful passes v. Juventus: only Harry Winks has sent more successful passes for Tottenham in a Champions League game.

Many Manchester United fans have been left buzzing as Manchester Evening News have delivered the latest on the rumours surrounding a possible takeover, claiming a Saudi-backed takeover will not happen at this moment in time.

As per the news outlet, the possibility of fan ownership has been discussed recently, but the sums involved in buying the Old Trafford faithful does make that option very difficult at this moment in time.

The KSA’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) was rumoured to be eyeing a takeover bid of the Red Devils back in 2019, but there has been no change in that situation and the possibility of a Saudi-backed takeover is not on the table.

Nonetheless, it seems as if several MUFC supporters would rather either a fan ownership or somebody who knows the club and English football to come in and take over from the Glazers following the fiasco of the proposed European Super League (ESL).

Manchester United fans on takeover update

These Man Utd fans buzzed upon reading the update after it was shared on Twitter, with one supporter even going as far as to claim that it was ‘excellent news’ that they will not become the next big club to be bankrolled from the Middle East:

“Excellent news!!”

Credit: @ninjanikhil

“Huge if true”

Credit: @ManchesterUReds

“Thank god”

Credit: @UTD_MD

“Good.”

Credit: @TPDWillo

“That’s a blessing at least.”

Credit: @binglebeep

“Thankfully!”

Credit: @Mattheu76981245

In other news, find out which two United players ‘confronted Ed Woodward’ in a ESL revolt here!

Celtic’s managerial race continues to rumble on, and now one mooted candidate has been linked to a role elsewhere…

What’s the word?

Several names have emerged for the Parkhead hotseat in recent weeks, ranging from former player Roy Keane to former Dortmund supremo Lucien Favre.

Another name thought to be on their radar since the departure of Neil Lennon has been former Premier League manager Chris Wilder, who too left his post this season.

According to The Scottish Sun, one sticking point in appointing the 53-year-old would be his lucrative payoff from Sheffield United, a figure thought to be way below what the Hoops could offer him in terms of wages.

A fresh twist has now developed as Wilder appears to be firmly in the running to take the helm at West Brom next season.

West Brom News have exclusively revealed that the ex-Blades boss is being lined up as a potential successor to Sam Allardyce at The Hawthorns, and also suggested that he’s unlikely to take the currently vacant role at the Scottish Premiership giants.

Bad news?

The pressure has certainly started to mount on Celtic chief Dermot Desmond, who desperately needs to prove that the Hoops can bounce back from their Premiership heartache this term with the right appointment.

Given Wilder’s expertise over several years in England, he would seem like an ideal appointment to make and, after the success of Brendan Rodgers at Celtic Park, they certainly shouldn’t gloss over any former Premier League manager looking to rebuild his reputation.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-roy-keane-nicky-butt-jesse-marsch-scott-brown” title=”Latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

Only last week Desmond was getting quizzed for updates by the club’s official website, but they seem no closer to finding a long-term appointment just yet.

Eddie Howe has emerged as a front-runner in recent days, but according to ex-Bhoys manager Gordon Strachan, the Hoops will not have all their eggs in one basket, even fearing that a move could collapse. He said to Premier Sports (via the Daily Record): “That would be very silly, I’m sure they’re speaking to other people out there because if conversations go on over two or three weeks it could change.”

He added: “There could be other clubs involved. So I like to think, and they are clever enough, that the board will be looking at other options, and there are other good options out there as well.”

It seems as if every one of Celtic’s managerial targets is as coveted as the next, meaning Desmond and the Parkhead hierarchy need to strike sooner rather than later.

He’ll surely be gutted – if not majorly worried – to miss out on Wilder, let alone Howe. The fans should be concerned too, as there are viable candidates ready to be secured.

It’s time to be firm and throw everything at one man – Celtic cannot let these names get away from them and pay the price in the future.

AND in other news, Celtic may replace Brown by signing £68k-p/w “great captain”, he’s up there with Ramos…

Manchester City fans have been reacting to the news that the Citizens are set to make a late move for Bayern Munich defender David Alaba.

Alaba has been one of the best defenders of the 21st century. He has made 419 appearances for Bayern throughout his career to date (Transfermarkt), helping the Bavarians win nine Bundesliga titles as well as two Champions League trophies, while he has also been named the Austrian Footballer of the Year on no less than seven occasions.

However, he will be playing for another club next season after confirming he will leave Bayern (Goal.com). A number of clubs have been linked with a move for the £49.5m-valued 28-year-old (Transfermarkt), including Real Madrid (The Guardian), but The Daily Star is now reporting the Citizens are to make a last effort to sign him. The Austrian is said to be looking for a salary of £400,000 a week.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Chief, and the fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

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

“Am not sure we need this guy at City he is 28yrs now soon hitting 30 that’s why he wants a club with money so that he can pile up some money for himself, trust me he will not be committed in playing for City, he is just looking for money bcos soon he is hitting 30”

Credit: @Rex05633603

“Almost half a million pounds a week. That’s a crime. Sometimes I want to stop watching football just for this reason.”

Credit: @faitcher82

“that salary is absurd……would wreck the whole teams salary structure…..”

Credit: @CaliBearcat

“We need to be careful with our wage bill , if haaland or messi on the cards too”

Credit: @cst1894

“400k a week..I’d say sign him because his free transfer anyway..his valued at 45M plus.. this will compensate his wages anyway if city were to sign him on a 3 to 4 year contract.”

Credit: @phillip23193875

“Wouldn’t mind having him plus Zinny and Mendy would learn a lot from him”

Credit: @Ortega04187965

In other news, Man City fans have been reacting to this £128m transfer claim.

Tottenham Hotspur have been told how much it’ll cost to land one of their mooted targets this summer…

What’s the word?

According to The Star, Sheffield United are expected to demand in excess of £35m for midfielder Sander Berge amid interest from their rival Premier League clubs.

It’s claimed that the Norway international appears destined to leave Bramall Lane at the end of the season, with the Blades heading back to the Championship after two seasons in the big time.

They also believe that claims United would consider a fee of £28m, a mere £6m return on the investment they made to land the 23-year-old a little over a year ago, are wide of the mark.

Liverpool and arch-rivals Arsenal are two other teams interested in his signature.

Fellaini 2.0

Built like a towering centre-back at 6 foot 5 inches, Berge offers a unique presence in midfield, particularly as his ability on the ball is far greater than what you’d expect from an absolute man-mountain.

And this sort of threat is something that Spurs do not have amongst their squad but is one Jose Mourinho has utilised before in Marouane Fellaini.

Originally signed by David Moyes at Old Trafford, the Belgian colossus quickly became a favourite under the Portuguese. “He is a player and a person I like and the person is more important. He will always have my trust and protection,” once said Mourinho.

The Spurs boss relied on Fellaini for his aerial dominance and could only often get into the match when the ball was played up to him, though this is where Berge differs as an impressive box-to-box presence.

In terms of defensive ability, the 23-year-old brute is averaging 1.2 tackles per game this season, a decrease on his 1.6 per match from last campaign, as per WhoScored. He’s also chipping in with 1.4 clearances and 1.2 aerials won.

Only Tanguy Ndombele and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are more productive when compared to Spurs’ current central midfield options.

Clearly, Berge can read the game well and is prepared to put in the hard work to stop the opposition.

Whilst in attack, he’s averaging 1.3 dribbles per game, proving to travel with the ball up the pitch, and 0.9 key passes per match, too. Again, only Ndombele and Harry Kane have pulled off more successful dribbles, and he would rank third in the Spurs squad for creativity too.

It’s no wonder ex-Blades boss Chris Wilder has lauded the powerhouse as a “unique” and “complete midfielder” in the past.

Given CIES Football Observatory currently value Berge at €40m (£36m), Levy could well seal the north Londoners a nice bit of business if he sanctions this deal in the summer.

In return, Mourinho would get a new weapon to play with. Almost similar to that of Fellaini but almost certainly an improvement. Berge would be a fine addition under the ‘Special One.’

AND in other news, The £70m worth of talent now fighting for their futures under Mourinho…