Jurgen Klopp believes that Liverpool can still make a comeback to win the Premier League title despite their Merseyside derby defeat.
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Throughout the summer transfer window, Liverpool's focus was rightly on rebuilding their midfield following the departures of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keita and others in the middle of the park. Now approaching the halfway point of the season, it's clear to see that Jurgen Klopp completed that task with the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo. Whilst the focus was on restoring their midfield, the Reds failed to bolster their backline, which could indicate what their next transfer plan is.
As things stand, Klopp's options are Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Jarell Quansah, but a long-term injury to Matip has left the German with just three options in the Premier League. And given that Matip's contract runs out next summer, the Reds could be in need of another central defender, either way, which could reportedly see FSG target one particular reinforcement.
Those at Anfield must start thinking about the long term before it's too late. The last thing they need is to repeat the problem they endured last summer when they were forced to rebuild their midfield in one summer window. Reports indicate that the Reds could have an option for the future lined up, with the club open to offers.
According to 90min, Sao Paulo are now open to offers to sell Lucas Beraldo in what appears to be a boost for the Reds. The 20-year-old has reportedly attracted the interest of Liverpool and was the subject of a summer bid from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The ball now seems to be in Liverpool's court, with the Brazilian side willing to listen to any offers for their defender.
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The Reds have reportedly turned their attention towards the future…
By
Tom Cunningham
Dec 6, 2023
"They are boys with very good minds, who know that the moment will come [to leave]. We'll always talk to the agent and the player. We ended up renewing Beraldo's contract until 2027. We will negotiate with each of them if the offer is good for everyone. But I have never faced pressure from these boys. Quite the opposite."
At just 20 years old, Beraldo is yet to reach his prime and is being linked with moves to the Premier League. If Liverpool are to think of their long-term future, then welcoming the Sao Paulo defender may not be a bad idea. Matip is leaving in the summer as things stand and Van Dijk is now 32, begging the question of who will replace the current captain in a few years. And the answer to that question may well be Beraldo.
The Brazilian has earned plenty of praise whilst playing in his home country, including from U23 scout and journalist Antonio Mango, who posted on X:
"Brazil aren’t too far away from the next big thing but you, as like me think of their attacking flair. It’s not too often you get excited by a rare breed left-footed centre-back. Innovative, distinctive creative and brave Beraldo has a unique complexion of attributes that makes him one of the most compelling individuals upcoming."
Whilst it remains to be seen whether Liverpool place an offer for Beraldo, the central defender is certainly one to keep an eye on in the forthcoming transfer windows.
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It has been another abysmal campaign for Chelsea so far this season, and while they have a team full of young and promising players, they currently find themselves in 12th place in the Premier League and closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League places.
Mauricio Pochettino has endured a particularly bruising few weeks at the helm, witnessing his team get soundly beaten by Manchester United, Everton and Newcastle United in 15 days.
With no uptick in form on the horizon, the Blues might have to dip back into the transfer market this January in search of players that could help them turn their fortunes around.
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One of those players touted with a move is Club Brugge's Antonio Nusa, who the board will be hoping can replicate the performances of another exciting youngster who joined Chelsea from Belgium, Kevin De Bruyne.
According to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano (via Caught Offside), Chelsea hold an interest in and have been monitoring Brugge's 18-year-old sensation.
However, the Italian also confirmed that "there are something like ten top clubs following Nusa around Europe, not just Chelsea", which could pose an issue for Todd Boehly and co.
There has been little reliable reporting on a potential fee since the summer, but considering the young Norwegian's contract is set to run until summer 2027, you can be sure it'll be suitably pricey.
That said, for a youngster that football talent scout Jacek Kulig described as "something very special", he might prove worth whatever Brugge demands.
The first thing to say is that De Bruyne is one of the best – if not the best – midfielders to have ever played in the Premier League, and to expect Nusa to reach his level would be frankly absurd. However, his awe-inspiring performances in Belgium indicate that he could get close if he signed for Chelsea.
For example, FBref, which compares players in similar positions across the world's next 14 competitions, has the young "star", as described by U23 Scout Antonio Mango, in the top 1% for shots, progressive carries, successful take-ons, touches in the opposition penalty area, and the top 4% for shot-creating actions, per 90.
His individual per 90 numbers are just as impressive as he has racked up 0.59 non-penalty expected goals and assists, 7.58 progressive carries, 3.23 progressive passes, and perhaps most impressive, he makes five successful take-ons per 90.
That kind of raw attacking talent – which has seen him post two goals and two assists in 11 league games this season – could go a long way in helping Pochettino stop the rot at Stamford Bridge, even if there will inevitably be elements of his game that need work, given his age.
|
Antonio Nusa's Underlying Numbers |
|
|---|---|
|
Stat (per 90) |
Nusa |
|
Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists |
0.59 |
|
Progressive Carries |
7.58 |
|
Progressive Passes |
3.23 |
|
Shots on Target |
1.46 |
|
Shot-Creating Actions |
6.65 |
|
Goal-Creating Actions |
1.30 |
|
Successful Take-Ons |
5.00 |
|
All Stats via FBref for the 2023/24 Domestic Season |
|
Ultimately, Chelsea need some new and effective attacking players this season, and while the 5 foot 11 Nusa probably isn't going to have quite the career that De Bruyne has, he gives the Blues a second run at keeping an incredibly talented player from the Belgian league at the club.
The west Londoners ultimately let De Bruyne slip from their grasp after poaching him Genk as a 20-year-old back in 2012, although they could well atone for that error by snapping up another exciting gem from the Pro League.
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Thomas Tuchel has delivered an injury update on Harry Kane, with the Bayern Munich striker still being troubled by a back complaint.
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It's fair to say Michael Beale's opening game in charge of Sunderland was a harsh reintroduction to Championship life for the ex-QPR manager, the Black Cats humbled on their own patch by Coventry City with the Sky Blues running out 3-0 victors.
Beale will just hope that this was a blip, his new second-tier side getting poor performances out of their system early on into his reign at the Stadium of Light.
The fixtures don't get any easier for the divisive head coach however, travelling to Hull City on Boxing Day who have similar promotion aspirations to the Tyne and Wear side.
Beale could change his team up significantly after such a disappointing loss last match, with three potential changes on the cards in this predicted XI…
GK – Nathan Bishop
Beale could really ruffle a few feathers at Sunderland with this selection choice, dropping £10k per week figure – as per Capology – Anthony Patterson in-between the sticks who has been everpresent up to this point in the league.
The new head coach could well just want to assess what other options he has at his disposal after Patterson's horror show versus the Sky Blues, handing Nathan Bishop his first-ever start in the Championship in his place – the former Manchester United shot-stopper waiting patiently in the wings desperate for a chance to impress.
RB – Trai Hume
Trai Hume should be retained even if Sunderland's number one goalkeeper is axed, the Northern Ireland international registering a combined seven interceptions and tackles last match – as per Sofascore – despite the one-sided scoreline.
CB – Daniel Ballard
Daniel Ballard will also remain in Beale's first-team plans for the Hull game, the ex-Arsenal man performing admirably even on a collective off-day against Coventry – winning all but one of his duels when facing the Sky Blues attackers.
CB – Luke O'Nien
Despite receiving a 4/10 rating from Sunderland Echo journalist Phil Smith off the back of his display against Coventry – singled out for his feebleness attempting to thwart Haji Wright in the build-up to the opener – Luke O'Nien will more than likely start again on Boxing Day.
LB – Jenson Seelt
Beale will have to think outside of the box as to who he picks in the left-back spot for the Hull game, Niall Huggins stretchered off last match leaving Sunderland with zero fit left-backs owing to Dennis Cirkin still being sidelined with an injury.
Jenson Seelt was utilised by Beale at left-back versus Coventry with Huggins stricken by injury, the Dutchman filling in competently and so will be handed a start in this unfamiliar spot against the Tigers.
CDM – Pierre Ekwah
Pierre Ekwah started as the only holding midfielder option in Beale's first lineup as Sunderland head coach, the former Rangers man opting for a 4-1-4-1 formation in his first taste of action in the Black Cats dug-out.
Ekwah should be retained in this spot by the 43-year-old, despite substituting off the midfielder late into the second half.
RM – Patrick Roberts
Patrick Roberts' positive display against Coventry wasn't rewarded with a goal or an assist that he desperately longs for, the ex-Celtic winger lively throughout however with four successful dribble attempts and seven ground duels won.
Beale should stick with Roberts for the game away at the Tigers directly after Christmas therefore, hoping the 26-year-old can contribute with a strike or help a teammate out on the way to a win.
CM – Dan Neil
Dan Neil also shone in midfield alongside Roberts, even with his team losing 3-0 on a dire day overall.
Neil was involved constantly in passages of play attempting to unlock a determined Sky Blues defence in Saturday's game, amassing 94 touches as a key figure in the middle of the park.
He just couldn't quite muster up another assist or goal despite always being available and eager to receive the ball, hopeful of playing his part still in a Boxing Day victory if selected for the trip to Hull.
CM – Jobe Bellingham
With superstar brother Jude Bellingham in the stands for the festive clash against Coventry, Jobe Bellingham wasn't quite at his electric best unfortunately even with his family intently watching on.
The 18-year-old is still not the finished product and will have off-days, frustrated by a resilient opposition defence who blocked all three of his efforts in the game.
LM – Jack Clarke
Jack Clarke was another tricky player in the Sunderland midfield for Coventry to cope with, completing their task of nullifying the Black Cats top scorer somewhat unconvincingly despite Clarke firing blanks in the game.
On another day, Clarke would have added to his ten-goal total in the second tier this campaign – hitting three shots on target during a typically lively 90 minutes for the ex-Tottenham Hotspur man.
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With just three recognised senior centre-backs to call on this season, to say that Ange Postecoglou needs to add depth to his Tottenham Hotspur side this month would be an understatement. The Lilywhites, when everyone was fit and firing, snuck into conversations about the Premier League title race and looked on course to at least secure a place inside the top four. Now at the halfway mark, those in North London sit fifth, albeit just one point adrift of rivals Arsenal in fourth with key men to return soon.
What should help to keep Spurs in the race for a Champions League place and in touching distance of the likes of Arsenal is one particular reinforcement who has already agreed personal terms, and now looks increasingly likely to complete a move to North London this month.
Whilst Spurs may not have welcomed enough depth during the summer transfer window, the players they managed to bring in have proved to be instant hits. James Maddison, Micky van de Ven and Guglielmo Vicario particularly found their feet quickly for the Lilywhites, before the outfield duo suffered untimely injuries in a frustrating blow for Postecoglou. And with the winter window now open, Spurs could repeat their transfer genius.
|
Spurs rumoured centre-back targets for January |
Latest update |
|---|---|
|
Trevoh Chalobah |
20th December |
|
Jean-Clair Todibo |
31st December |
|
Morato |
19th December |
|
Ko Itakura |
2nd January |
|
Sebastian Caceres |
14th December |
|
Jarrad Branthwaite |
1st January |
According to Rudy Galetti, Spurs are set to complete an agreement with Genoa to sign Radu Dragusin, who has already agreed personal terms and is keen on a move. Talks are reportedly at an advanced stage with Daniel Levy willing to up their bid to €27m (£23m) to get the deal over the line this month.
The central defender would provide the London club with a much-needed boost at the back after injuries to Van de Ven and Cristian Romero left them worryingly short, forcing Postecoglou to form some makeshift backlines.
Dragusin's versatility may prove to be his greatest trait should he complete a move to Spurs this month. His ability to play in every position across the backline will help put an end to the Lilywhites' depth problem in defence, and also mean there is a place for him in the XI even when both Cristian Romero and van de Ven are fit.
Still just 21-years-old, the Romanian could prove to be one of the bargains of the season if he goes on and eventually realises his potential. Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig is certainly a fan of the defender, previously posting on X:
With Spurs' next Premier League game not until January 14, Dragusin could yet feature if the North London club can get the deal over the line in the next week or so. If that game is to be the defender's debut, he will square off against a struggling giant in the form of Manchester United. If Dragusin helped secure all three points in a game against a top four rival, it would go a long way in instantly endearing himself to the Spurs fans, that's for sure.
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