Transfers
Juventus Told To Loan Manchester United Flop In January
Published
3 weeks agoon
By
Ambrose IjehFormer Italian striker Paolo Di Canio believes Juventus would do well to snap up the services of Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee.
The 23-year-old rose to prominence during his time at Bologna, and there were rumors linking him with the Bianconeri last summer, especially following the appointment of his mentor Thiago Motta.
Nevertheless, the Dutchman ended up sealing a big-money move to Old Trafford, but he’s been struggling for form and goals in his early days in the Premier League.
So in his interview with Tuttosport (via IlBianconero), Di Canio suggests a loan move to Juventus, as he believes Zirkzee would struggle with the the fast-paced EPL.
“I would loan Zirkzee from Manchester United. They’ve been making crazy choices for several years and none of them are working, not even Zirkzee who’s a bit too slow for the Premier League.
“Perhaps he’ll prove me wrong with goals and great performances, but in England, they attack you straight away and whistle 30% fewer fouls. In Italy, we saw his impact on Bologna. In the end, amidst the confusion at United, they could even loan him out. They already have Hojlund, and then there’s Rashford who can play as a striker.
“He’d be the perfect profile for Juventus, also because it would allow Motta to have a striker with different characteristics to Vlahovic. Zirkzee isn’t a devastating scorer, he’s not someone who can score 25 goals, but he help others play well.”
The former Lazio and West Ham striker also insists Juventus summer signing Douglas Luiz is a “top player” despite a slow start to life in Italian football.
“I said that Juventus has signed a top player, and I am still convinced of it. However, what I saw here is a distant relative, he is unrecognisable. Beyond the 50 million valuation, which for me is also a fair price, he is truly a different player compared to the one I saw at Aston Villa.
“I don’t blame the player or the coach, I don’t know what the situation is, but there could be a psychological problem. But I have no doubts about the player’s professsionalism. At Aston Villa, he was an idol and they loved him. Perhaps sitting on the bench saddened him. It’s normal that Thiago now prefers Locatelli who is more focused, more attentive, quicker in the head and on the foot.”
Author
You may like
Transfers
RED AGONY! Anthony Gordon Snubs Liverpool Offers To Sign New Deal With Newcastle
Published
2 weeks agoon
October 22, 2024By
Ambrose IjehEngland winger Anthony Gordon has signed a new long-term contract with Newcastle, the club have announced.
The 23-year-old joined in January 2023 from Everton, where he had come through the academy, and has gone on to make 74 appearances for the Magpies, scoring 15 goals and registering 11 assists.
That included playing in the Champions League last season, a campaign during which he also made his senior England debut before going on to be part of the squad that finished as Euro 2024 runners-up.
Gordon said in quotes on Newcastle’s official website: “I just think the club’s in a great place.
“Since the takeover (in 2021) it’s just been up and up. Me and the gaffer (Eddie Howe) are a perfect match in terms of style of play. I love it here.
“I’m very happy here, I like living here, the team is very suited to me – and I’m here to win a trophy. The short story is we need to win a trophy.
“Winning a trophy here would be unbelievable because the fans have waited so long. To be part of that team who finally does it is a massive goal of mine.
“We (he and his family) have always felt settled because Geordies are so easy-going and so welcoming, very easy to speak to and always want the best for you. It’s a very easy place to come and live, I think. I feel very connected to everyone – team-mates, fans and everyone involved.”
Howe said: “I’m delighted Anthony has committed his future to the club. He has grown as a player and as a person during his time at Newcastle United and he has continued to prove just how good he is on the biggest stage.
“He is dedicated to improving himself and the team, and when you add that to the quality of his performances and his incredibly high work-rate, it’s clear to see why he has such a special connection with our supporters.
“There’s even more to come from Anthony and I’m excited about what’s ahead for him and us.”
Author
Transfers
Zirkzee Wants Serie A Return amid Manchester United Woes
Published
2 weeks agoon
October 22, 2024By
Ambrose IjehJoshua Zirkzee is having a tough time at Manchester United, hasn’t managed to become a regular starter, and is starting to regret his choice.
He picked them over a few clubs, including a pair of Serie A ones, Calciomercato relays.
The Red Devils paid €36M for the striker, spending a little more than his release clause to obtain easier payment structure. He has scored just once in 11 appearances. He has started four times in the Premier League.
Zirkzee would be happy to return to Serie A, even as soon as in the next window. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United agree with that and would be open to a departure on an initial loan.
Juventus are in the hunt for a striker and would like to sign somebody with his traits. He blossomed under Thiago Motta at Bologna. Milan came the closest to signing him last summer, but the deal collapsed over the requests by his entourage. It appears that they have moved on completely.
He didn’t land in the easiest situation, plus he faces significant competition, and his peculiar style takes some getting used to by coaches and teammates. A winter transfer would be stunning, but you never know. The Bianconeri need another center-forward, but it’d be rich to address that with somebody of his caliber. If he doesn’t turn things around, he’ll be a prominent target for the Old Lady if they don’t reach an agreement with Dusan Vlahovic and put him on sale. Instead, he wouldn’t be a great fit next to Alvaro Morata at Milan should they not keep Abraham.
Author
Transfers
Liverpool Star Tempted For Real Madrid Move In January, Transfer Details Reveal
Published
2 weeks agoon
October 22, 2024By
Ambrose IjehThere is “a very strong possibility” that Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold could complete a move to Real Madrid in January, according to a former scout.
Alexander-Arnold is out of contract at the end of the season along with Mohamed Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk, with the latter announcing yesterday that he had begun discussions over a new deal.
Speculation surrounding Alexander-Arnold’s future has mostly pointed to the England international seeing his future away from Anfield amid interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona.
There have been rumours that Liverpool ‘already know’ that Alexander-Arnold will be leaving and that he could leave for as little as €8m-10m in the January transfer window as the Reds look to avoid losing him for nothing in the summer.
And now former Manchester United, Tottenham and Aston Villa scout Mick Brown claims that he’s heard the Liverpool defender “wants to go to Real Madrid” and that a January deal could be on the cards.
“I’m told he wants to go to Madrid,” Brown told Football Insider. “From the player’s point of view, a move to Real Madrid will always appeal.
“The manager there already knows him from his days on Merseyside. And if his contract situation is such that it allows him to explore a deal in January, I’ve heard there’s a very strong possibility that move will happen.
“If you took Real Madrid out of the equation, any talk over his exit would be a non-story. Liverpool don’t want him to go and he wouldn’t want to move.
“But you throw Madrid into the running and all of a sudden it all changes.
“I fully expect that move to happen, and as much as Liverpool will want him to stay, turning down the chance to become a Galactico at Madrid would be too much to ask.”