All posts by z3u9t.icu

Liverpool have turned their attention to Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Edmond Tapsoba as Jurgen Klopp looks to recraft his side, according to reports.

What's the latest on Edmond Tapsoba to Liverpool?

According to 90min, Liverpool's interest in the Burkina Faso international is acting as a deterrent to Tottenham Hotspur, who are "wary" of several Premier League rivals as they look to bolster their defence.

The Reds are focussing their attention on their midfield with James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain leaving next week at the end of their contracts, and Alexis Mac Allister has already arrived for £35m.

But the defence also needs reinforcement and Tapsoba could be the perfect addition to return Anfield to its former vigour, with Die Werkself demanding around £61m for their star defender.

Who could Edmond Tapsoba replace at Liverpool?

Given Liverpool's defensive woes last season and inability to retain their Champions League status after finishing fifth in the Premier League, it's understandable that Klopp is hoping to secure a signature to bolster his backline.

While it is unlikely that Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate will be displaced from their starting berths at the centre of the Reds' defence, the pool of depth in the position needs expanding after Joe Gomez and Joel Matip failed to inspire confidence.

The latter, 31-year-old Matip, is approaching the final year of his contract with Liverpool and looks set to remain at the club, departing on a free next summer.

While he is still a valuable backup to have, Tapsoba would be an upgrade and could be viewed as the eventual heir to the Cameroonian, who has made 187 appearances since signing from German outfit Schalke on a free transfer in 2016.

He has won a wealth of major honours during his stay, but after starting just 12 times in the Premier League this term he has received criticism for his "awful" displays by CBS reporter Nico Cantor.

In the 24-year-old Tapsoba, Liverpool would sign a "monster" of a centre-half – as praised by journalist Antonio Mango – who could bring a progressive approach to match Matip's and an iron-clad determination, having averaged 1.5 tackles and three clearances per game last term and won 62% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

And given the £37k-per-week ace ranks among the top 5% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes, the top 8% for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, he could indeed emulate Matip's role at the club.

Liverpool's 6 foot 5 colossus ranks among the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 9% for progressive passes and the top 1% for progressive carries per 90, with such parallels strengthening the claim that Tapsoba is a tailor-made replacement.

Liverpool must make their move and reconstruct the club's framework after a lacklustre year, and while Matip is undoubtedly a stalwart, his ship has sailed on Merseyside and Klopp must make his move to sign a burgeoning upgrade in Tapsoba.

The race to sign Ireland international Chiedozie Ogbene is heating up, with The Star now reporting Norwich City's interest in the winger.

Norwich transfer news – Chiedozie Ogbene

Multiple clubs are aiming to sign the Irish winger this summer, and the Canaries are the latest side to shortlist the player.

As per The Star, the likes of Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town and Luton Town are all after the Irish international and the Canaries are the latest to throw their hat in the ring.

Rotherham United have offered Ogbene a new deal that would see him remain at the Millers should he accept it, however, it’s likely that he’ll be able to pick up a better deal elsewhere, whether that be in the first or second tier.

Imagine Chiedozie Ogbene and Gabriel Sara at Norwich

Ogbene has been a star player for Rotherham United since joining the Millers in 2019. The 5 foot 9 forward is predominately a right-sided winger but can play on the left flank also.

The nippy frontman scored eight goals and registered four assists in 39 league appearances for Rotherham this season, per Transfermarkt, and helped the Millers survive in a relegation dogfight in which they finished two places above the drop zone in 19th.

Ogbene’s domestic form was rewarded with his Ireland debut in 2021 and Chiedozie has gone on to become a key figure in the Irish squad under manager Stephen Kenny, who hailed the "spectacular" wide man as a "real threat" earlier in the year.

Paired with Brazilian star Gabriel Sara in the Norwich midfield, manager David Wagner can ensure that the Canaries become a serious force in the Championship next season.

Sara was signed for £11m from Sao Paulo last season and has caught the eyes of clubs in the Premier League. Norwich sporting director Stuart Webber stated the club are preparing to fight off ‘big interest’ in the 23-year-old this summer, per Pink Un.

Webber commented:

“The interest we've got in Sara is big at the minute, from big clubs. Everyone's worked out this is a top player, this is a proper player. I'm pretty sure we'll have a good chance to keep it in this summer. But we'll be under pressure from these clubs.”

If Sara can build on his successful first season with the Canaries in which he registered seven goals and four assists across 40 Championship games, per Transfermarkt.

Partnering Sara with the versatility of Ogbene could make Norwich very dangerous in attack next season.

The latter can play on either wing and has also featured up front for the Republic of Ireland, and has shown in the last few seasons he could become a key player for a Championship side if given the chance.

His international achievements have proved this. Irish manager Kenny relied on the former Brentford ace in a recent 1-0 defeat to France, in which the forward played the entire 90 minutes and finished with the joint second-highest match rating, per Sofascore.

Meanwhile, back in the Championship, Ogbene was rated as Rotherham's eighth-best performer, per WhoScored figures, and played the second-most minutes of any player in the squad as he also led the team for goals, man of the match awards (four) and shots per game (1.4).

Sara and Ogbene partnered together could prove to be one of the strongest one-two punch combinations in the Championship at Carrow Road.

Leeds United suffered the ignominy of relegation from the Premier League this season and have identified Brendan Rodgers as a potential managerial candidate for next year.

What's the latest on Brendan Rodgers to Leeds?

A report from the Daily Star at the start of the month claimed that the club are 'huge admirers' of the former Liverpool, Celtic and Leicester City boss, who was dismissed by the latter several months ago after their own plummet from the top-flight this term.

Since then, CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, confirmed that the Whites are compiling a list of managerial targets after Sam Allardyce's departure and Rodgers is indeed at the forefront.

He said: "There are obviously a few candidates that Leeds are looking at at the moment. We're hearing growing talk of names like Brendan Rodgers and Graham Potter.

"I think both of those would see themselves as Premier League managers, but Leeds are a big club and in a year might be in the Premier League again, which is why Leeds may feel that they have that opportunity."

Should Leeds appoint Brendan Rodgers?

There are few prospective gaffers that would represent a greater coup than Rodgers for the 49ers this summer, with the distinguished 50-year-old winning a wealth of silverware with the Hoops and the FA Cup and Community Shield with the Foxes.

Leeds supporters will be dismayed by the failure to cement a comfortable position in the Premier League after so many years of strife, languishing in the second and third tier, and this historic English outfit must now take the requisite steps to ensure they are not mired in obscurity for another interminable period.

And Rodgers would be a first-rate appointment; a proven winner, the Northern Irish boss's 'free-flowing, possession-based' approach fits the kind of exciting style that Whites fans became so accustomed to under the stewardship of Marcelo Bielsa, and given his inclination to field a 4-2-3-1 set-up, the likes of the lacklustre Brenden Aaronson could finally forge a career worth cheering in Yorkshire.

Signing from RB Salzburg for around £25m last summer, the attacking midfielder was expected to act as a conduit between the centre and the frontline and rekindle the offensive verve that dissipated somewhat as Leeds narrowly staved off relegation in the 21/22 season.

However, after scoring just one goal and supplying three assists from 36 top-flight appearances, his endeavours were anything but auspicious and he was even branded a "lightweight" by pundit Jon Newsome.

The 29-cap USMNT player could be transformed by Rodgers who has had notable success with James Maddison.

With his tendency to star as a No. 10 in the Northern Irishman's system, the Foxes phenom found great success this term despite his club's relegation.

Maddison plundered ten goals and nine assists from just 28 league starts and has been heralded as a "magician" by Statman Dave, and under his former gaffer, he posted 49 goals and 33 assists from 166 displays.

Once described as a "stand-out" asset with "huge energy" for Leeds by Noel Whelan, Aaronson fell by the wayside but could rekindle his flame under new management in the Maddison role, albeit in a new division.

Indeed, with a clean slate to finally demonstrate his playmaking capabilities to the demanding Whites fanbase, he could finally become a star a year after signing.

Leeds United have launched an eleventh-hour attempt to hijack Celtic’s move for Brendan Rodgers, according to The Daily Record.

What’s the latest Celtic news involving Rodgers?

The Hoops are on the search for a new manager after Ange Postecoglou departed the club for Tottenham Hotspur. A number of names have been linked with the Celtic Park vacancy, including Rodgers, who famously left Parkhead for Leicester City back in 2019.

The Northern Irishman is currently now out of work after leaving the Foxes last season, and it was believed that a sensational return to Glasgow was close, with more talks planned.

However, it seems as if there could be a twist to the tale, with Championship side Leeds also interested in Rodgers’ services following their relegation from the Premier League.

According to The Daily Record’s Keith Jackson, the Whites, now under American ownership in the 49ers Enterprises, have made an attempt to hijack Celtic’s move for Rodgers.

The reliable reporter states that Leeds are set to throw the kitchen sink in an offer to land Rodgers, who is the club’s top target, with the manager himself asking for time to mull over ‘the biggest decision of his life’.

Will Brendan Rodgers re-join Celtic?

Rodgers enjoyed plenty of success with Celtic before leaving for the Premier League, averaging an impressive 2.24 points per game in his 169 games in charge. The 50-year-old won seven trophies with the Hoops, so you can see why Dermot Desmond and co are interested in bringing him back to the club, looking to continue the good work by Postecoglou.

However, with Celtic now facing a battle with Leeds for the Northern Irishman’s services, a return to Scotland may not be nailed on just yet. Celtic do have the lure of Champions League football next season, though, something that you’d expect could be a big factor in Rodgers’ decision.

It will be interesting to see what Rodgers decides to do, but with the likes of Enzo Maresca and Daniel Farke also linked with moves to Parkhead and possibly waiting in the wings, Celtic may not be willing to wait forever for an answer from their former boss, making this one to watch over the coming days.

New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino wants to keep hold of Kalidou Koulibaly this summer, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

Has Koulibaly impressed for Chelsea?

The Senegalese made the move to the Blues last year, arriving from Napoli with a big reputation and signing a deal that sees him earn a whopping £295,000 per week currently.

While Koulibaly was expected by many to be a dominant addition to Chelsea's back-line, his first season in west London was a struggle, as he failed to replicate his performances on show in Naples. He only started 20 of his side's 38 Premier League games, too, with injury problems not helping matters.

The 31-year-old's current Blues deal runs until the summer of 2026, but there have been some suggestions that he could move on when Pochettino officially take charge next month, with the Argentine potentially not seeing him as a part of his future plans.

That prediction looks unlikely to come to fruition, however, following a new update regarding the situation.

What does the future hold for Koulibaly?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that Koulibaly is someone who Pochettino want to retain at Stamford Bridge beyond this summer:

"I think Pochettino would prefer him to stay, and I think that the club's stance is that they looked at this guy for a long time, they invested in it and they were confident they'd made a really good transfer and the first year hasn't gone brilliantly."

Koulibaly clearly struggled at Chelsea last season, but it should be remembered that he was playing in a hugely below-par team that got through three managers, and was still trying to adapt to the pace of the Premier League at the same time. Graham Potter still hailed his "leadership", showing that he did contribute positively at times.

But, he was slammed on a number of occasions, with one instance seeing him called "bang average" by Jamie O'Hara after his displays earlier on in the current campaign.

Granted, more was certainly expected of the centre-back, considering he arrived as arguably one of the best players in Europe in his position, but next season should be a fairer gauge to judge him. At 31, he admittedly doesn't represent the future at Stamford Bridge, but there is still enough life in him at the top level to suggest that he could thrive under Pochettino.

That's assuming Koulibaly wants to stay put, of course, and if he decides he wants a new challenge and a swift exit from Chelsea, the key will be to receive as much money as possible for him this summer, before signing a younger replacement at the heart of the defence.

Chelsea are gearing up for yet another busy transfer window under the stewardship of Todd Boehly, with the American businessman set to spend another pretty fortune.

It looks as though the midfield is one of the key priorities, with Moises Caicedo and Manuel Ugarte linked in recent weeks.

What's the latest of Manuel Ugarte to Chelsea?

The Uruguayan has been the subject of keen interest from the Blues, particularly in the last week.

Possessing a release clause of €60m (£52m), Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has already admitted it will be difficult to keep the midfielder in Portugal.

Lo and behold, his worst fears appear to be on the verge of being realised.

That's because the latest reports from Record, via Sport Witness, state that the 22-year-old has in fact now chosen to join Chelsea.

It's thought the deal is now 'closed' with the Premier League club set to beat PSG to his signature.

Who have Chelsea signed from Liga Portugal?

The Blues have often dipped their toes into the Portuguese market, most recently to bring Enzo Fernandez to Stamford Bridge in a record transfer for a British club of £106.8m.

That said, he isn't the only elite individual to swap Iberia for the United Kingdom.

Throughout the years, Chelsea have welcomed many a pretty talent from Portugal, with the enigmatic David Luiz initially swapping Benfica for London.

Ramires was another to arrive from Portugal, while the likes of Jose Bosingwa and Paulo Ferreira both traded Porto for a stint in the Premier League.

Perhaps the most successful transfer was that of Ricardo Carvalho, a player who Ugarte will no doubt be aiming to follow in the footsteps of.

Carvalho took to English football like a duck to water with the central defender a key component of the sides that won the Premier League in 2004/05 and 2005/06.

The centre-back eventually left Chelsea in 2010 after six excellent years where he won eight trophies, made 210 appearances and scored 11 goals.

Now 45, he is known as one of the finest to grace Stamford Bridge in the last 20 years and fortunately for Ugarte, he possesses the same steely nature that could make him an equally big success.

READ MORE: Chelsea could sign Man United defender this summer

The midfield "machine", as he has been dubbed by scout Jacek Kulig, was a titan in the centre of the pitch for Sporting this term, notably making the most tackles per game (3.9) of any player in the Portuguese top flight.

That has ensured he's made 121 tackles in the league alone this season, the most of any player.

Not just content with dominating Portugal, the Uruguay international has dominated the continental stage too, making a whopping 4.8 tackles per game in the Champions League, more than any individual.

That means that despite playing far fewer games (6) than those to reach the latter stages of the competition, he is set to end the tournament with more successful tackles than anybody (29).

To be successful in the Premier League, one requisite is to be physical, a player who is willing to put their body on the line to batter opponents. Clearly, Ugarte has that in abundance. He is all ready to be just as successful as Carvalho should this move get confirmed.

Crystal Palace have submitted a bid for Sunderland winger Jack Clarke, but there are a number of Premier League clubs vying for his signature, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest Crystal Palace transfer news?

Despite not having a new manager in place ahead of next season, Palace have already been linked with a number of players, including former loanee Conor Gallagher, who Chelsea could let leave for £40m, according to talkSPORT's Alex Crook, while the Eagles are closing in on a move for Bournemouth midfielder Jefferson Lerma, as reported by Romano.

The Eagles are also expected to bid for Galatasaray right-back Sacha Boey, who is valued at €15m (£13m) by the Turkish club, however, there will be a number of teams battling for his signature, with Arsenal and Wolfsburg expected to make offers.

There may also be a number of key departures at Selhurst Park this summer, as Jean-Philippe Mateta wants to leave, while Wilfried Zaha has been linked with a move elsewhere, with his contract set to expire at the end of June.

As such, Palace may be tasked with replacing the winger, and Romano now reports they have already submitted a bid for Sunderland's Clarke, but there is set to be fierce competition for his signature.

Burnley and Brentford have also submitted bids for the 22-year-old, and there is a chance that he remains at Sunderland, given that a new deal is currently being negotiated, as the Black Cats consider him a "vital" player.

Should Crystal Palace sign Jack Clarke?

Hailed as "unreal" by journalist Josh Bunting, the winger played a vital role in Sunderland's promotion push in the Championship last season, weighing in with 11 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, the most attacking contributions of any player.

The £17k-per-week ace averaged two dribbles per game in the second tier, the same amount as Zaha averaged in the Premier League, while a figure of 1.7 key passes ranks him way out in front as the Black Cats' most creative player.

Although no Crystal Palace fan will want to see Zaha leave the club, there are signs that Clarke could be a very good replacement, ranking in the 86th percentile for successful dribbles per 90, when compared to players at a similar level.

The Sunderland gem is yet to gain any experience above the Championship, however, he is showing all the signs that he is ready to make the step up, and it looks as if this will be one to keep an eye on.

Chelsea have made some questionable transfer decisions in the last year, namely since Todd Boehly secured his takeover after Roman Abramovich was forced to sell up.

Their pursuit of continued glory across ownerships was one well-funded, but not so well-thought-out. As such, three different managers have graced the Stamford Bridge dugout this campaign, with Mauricio Pochettino expected to be the man to now lead them into the future as of next season.

The Argentine has an almighty task on his hands, not least at culling this bloated squad whilst securing his own additions, alongside a hierarchy that has already proven their desperation to force their involvement despite their continued profligacy in the market.

One such example of their failures was the acquisition of Raheem Sterling last summer, who left Manchester City for just £47.5m, a loss on what they first bought him for despite having developed him into one of the Premier League's most dangerous wide men.

It has since become clear that the 28-year-old seems more of a fair-weather player, thriving when things are going well, as he has largely gone missing in west London amidst the misery the club has suffered.

By signing the castoff of another big club, they have been left with a huge financial burden that will weigh on their books for years. Should they actually make the touted move for Sadio Mane this summer too, the expectation is that it would only end in one way again.

Would Sadio Mane be a good signing for Chelsea?

At 31 years old, the former Liverpool star exited England after a contract dispute forced him to Bayern Munich. However, his time in Germany has soured quickly, with an explosive fight with Leroy Sane earlier in the year seemingly forcing him towards the exit door once again.

His return of 12 goals and six assists in all competitions has been far from impressive, considering just how clinical the £48m-rated speedster had been at Anfield.

Featuring 269 times, Mane was one of Jurgen Klopp's foundational signings, with which he forged his hugely successful system off.

Joining from Southampton, he would go on to score 120 goals and assist a further 48, winning nearly every trophy available to him throughout his stay. Former teammate Diogo Jota had even branded him "world-class" during his peak, but those days are far behind him now.

Although many might suggest he could once again be the catalyst for a turnaround should he join Chelsea, that hunger has seemingly long since gone, and it could instead end up being a deal akin to Sterling's.

The England international has only managed to record 13 goal contributions this season in all competitions, despite having recorded 226 goal contributions in 339 games for the Citizens.

Having already signed one ageing winger to earn his final big payday, the mercenary Mane, who reportedly left the Reds due to his desire for more money, would not be a wise first signing for Pochettino.

Having missed the play-offs in what is their first season back in the Championship, the Baggies will be underwhelmed over this season and apprehensive about their chances of escaping the division come next season.

What’s the latest?

Bruce has already stated that he intends to bolster the West Brom squad, having already signed Jayson Molumby from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Speaking to BirminghamLive, Bruce said: “I think we need as many as five or six [transfers] – a major overhaul is needed.

“The supporters need a new face or two who they can get right behind.”

On the chalkboard

One of those new faces could well be MK Dons’ 22-year-old forward Scott Twine, who has been linked in a report from TEAMtalk and has enjoyed a prosperous campaign.

It has seen him notch up a staggering 33 goal contributions in League One, totalling 20 goals and 13 assists in 44 appearances to help the Dons march into a play-off semi-final that saw them narrowly miss out on their Championship aspirations.

Being in the form that he is in, Twine may look to cut ties with Liam Manning’s side, in order to continue his development in the division above.

Considering his £3m-rated market value, age, and pondering his potential, West Brom would be right to rival the reported teams of Burnley, Norwich City and Middlesborough for his signature.

With his goal tally in mind from the third tier, Twine has outscored two of Bruce’s forward options in Robinson and Carroll, who have scored a combined total of 12 in the Championship this season.

With the Baggies set to lose the latter upon his contract expiry at the end of the season, Twine would represent an astute replacement who could form a formidable partnership with Karlan Grant and allow Bruce to axe Robinson, who despite being the Baggies’ second-highest goalscorer this season has tailed off towards the end.

The 27-year-old is far from the “pest” that Gabby Agbonlahor once described with the Irishman scoring just twice in his final 20 appearances.

Though his ability to play on the wings could make way for Daryl Dike’s inclusion in the squad – with Twine also demonstrating his creativity this season with 13 assists – the second-highest total in England’s third division.

Bruce looks to play a strike partnership up top – whether it be through the means of a 3-5-2 formation or 4-4-2 system. And with the opportunity to play on the wings or through the middle, Bruce could help to transition the form of the “difference maker”  – in the words of Sky Football – to the Championship.

In other news: Forget Grant: West Brom’s 104-touch star put on an impressive display against Barnsley 

Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino’s foot injury could keep him out for ‘longer than expected’, according to injury expert Ben Dinnery.

The Lowdown: Firmino missing due to foot injury

Jurgen Klopp has been fortunate in that department of late, having almost a full squad to choose from for some crucial Premier League and Champions League games.

With Divock Origi recovered after a brief illness, Firmino – who has been struggling with a foot issue since the middle of April, not appearing at all in that time – is the only Reds player currently absent.

The hope was that the Brazilian would be back available by now but he is still out for the Champions League semi-final second leg clash with Villarreal on Tuesday night.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-30/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Latest: Expert drops fresh Firmino injury claim

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery admitted that Firmino may simply be reacting slower than others in his recovery, with his return potentially still a way off. The injury expert outlined:

“Sometimes things can take longer than expected. He might have been expected to respond in a certain way and it hasn’t worked out like that.

“It is a science but not an exact science. Individuals respond to treatment in different ways. If you suffer a setback or reaction, you need to make sure you return pain-free.

“They aren’t just thinking about the next game. They have got the rest of the league campaign and possibly a Champions League final. It is better to take that additional recovery time than rush him back. They are well-stocked in those positions now anyway.”

The Verdict: At least there’s depth now

In the past, losing Firmino at such a massive point in the season would have felt fatal for Liverpool, considering how dependent they were on him, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane staying fit.

Thankfully, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota have now provided Jurgen Klopp with some incredible squad depth, meaning the Brazil international isn’t as badly missed, especially as he has arguably drifted past his absolute peak.

Nonetheless, the hope is that Firmino is back as soon as possible, allowing for squad rotation to come into play during Liverpool’s quest for an unprecedented quadruple.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped an exciting Liverpool transfer claim. Read more here.