Vinicius Junior has hailed the playing style and ability of Kylian Mbappe but insists Real Madrid will not be 'unstoppable' because of his signing.
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Vinicius Jr speaks on Mbappe relationship
Maintains Real face a "really hard" season
Mbappe and Vini hoping to dovetail
WHAT HAPPENED?
Vinicius Junior, who has rejected a hugely lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, has expressed his excitement at playing with Mbappe after the World Cup winner was lured to the club on a free transfer following his exit from Paris Saint-Germain. The pair have yet to truly align, with Real drawing one and winning one of their opening two La Liga games, although Vinicius has expressed his hope that the superstar will start hitting the back of the net with regularity, and has hailed his style.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
While there are hopes that Real will be able to conquer all-comers this season, given the sheer weight of attacking talent – they now boast Vinicius and Mbappe as well as Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Endrick – Vinicius is not sure that they will be able to simply sweep teams aside as they aim to retain both La Liga and the Champions League.
WHAT VINICIUS JR. SAID
Vinicius told CNN: “I love Mbappe’s style, I love how he plays, and the truth is that I’m very excited about what we can do during the season. He’s coming in after having scored so many goals, after winning so many titles. He’s arriving at the club he always dreamed to be in and where every player always dreamed to play for: Real Madrid. God willing, Mbappé will be able to score as many goals for us as he did in his previous team, as he does in the national team, and that he can do even more together with us.”
The Brazilian added: "The team is very good and has been that way for a long time now. Now with the arrival of Mbappé, everyone says the team can become unstoppable, but for now, we have to perform the best training sessions and try to understand each other as quickly as possible.”
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WHAT NEXT?
Mbappe and Vinicius will next link up when Los Blancos play Las Palmas on Thursday. Their opponents have yet to win a game this season and Real will hope to put them to the sword.
Celtic have a chance to book a place in the final of the SFA Cup on Saturday as they face Aberdeen at Hampden Park in the semi-finals of the competition.
The Hoops turn their attention away from the Scottish Premiership, in which they currently sit top of the tree, for this clash with the Dons in Glasgow this weekend.
They won 3-0 against St Mirren in their last game, which came in the league, thanks to goals from Reo Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Adam Idah.
However, Brendan Rodgers could rotate his team and offer opportunities to other players to ensure that he makes the most of his squad ahead of the run-in to the end of the season.
Therefore, the Northern Irish head coach could make some changes to the starting XI that was selected against St Mirren last time out, and here is FFC's predicted Celtic lineup to take to the field on Saturday.
1
Joe Hart
Joe Hart
Starting off between the sticks, Joe Hart has been the manager's first-choice throughout the season and should start once again in goal as he looks to cap off his playing career with another cup trophy.
2
Alistair Johnston
Alistair Johnston
At right-back, Alistair Johnston should start and look to provide an attacking threat down the flank, as he has done in recent weeks with his superb crossing ability.
He has provided four assists in his last seven league appearances for Celtic and will be looking to supply the forwards with quality service into the box.
3
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Celtic's man mountain at the back, Cameron Carter-Vickers, should start and command the backline with his towering presence to the left of Johnston.
The USA international has won 69% of his duels across 21 appearances in the Premiership this season, which speaks to how dominant he is against opposition players in physical battles.
4
Maik Nawrocki
Former Legia Warsaw defender Maik Nawrocki.
Former Legia Warsaw star Maik Nawrocki could be handed another opportunity to impress at the heart of the defence next to Carter-Vickers, after his start against St Mirren.
The Polish defender, who started in place of the injured Liam Scales, won five of his seven duels and completed 93% of his attempted passes in 64 minutes last time out.
5
Greg Taylor
Celtic defender Greg Taylor
Alexandro Bernabei's departure in March has left Greg Taylor as the only natural, senior, left-back option for Rodgers, which is why he should start once again against Aberdeen.
6
Callum McGregor
Callum McGregor
The first change to the starting XI could come at the base of the midfield, with captain Callum McGregor returning to the lineup to replace Tomoki Iwata.
Recently returning from an Achilles injury, the Scotland international could be selected for his leadership in the middle of the park for this big semi-final clash at Hampden.
Iwata also did his chances of retaining his place in the XI few favours against St Mirren as he lost three of his five duels, failed to create any chances, and made just one tackle with zero interceptions.
7
Paulo Bernardo
Celtic midfielder Paulo Bernardo.
Another alteration to the lineup could come in midfield next to McGregor. Hatate, who scored last time out with a sumptuous outside the foot finish, is recently back from injury and could be rotated out for Paulo Bernardo.
The Portuguese midfielder, who is on loan from Benfica, has two goals and one assist in his last four appearances for club and country in all competitions.
He could, therefore, provide an attacking spark from midfield, to replace the Japan international, and that would allow Rodgers to give Hatate a rest, rather than overworking him after his calf injuries.
8
Matt O'Riley
Celtic midfielder Matt O'Riley.
Matt O'Riley should keep his place in the middle of the park as he has been a terrific performer for Celtic throughout the campaign and could be the match-winner.
The Denmark international has produced a stunning 13 goals and 11 assists in 32 Premiership appearances this season, which shows that the left-footed magician has the quality to cause huge problems for opposition defences with his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.
9
Nicolas Kuhn
Nicolas Kuhn
On the right side of the attack, Nicolas Kuhn should keep his place in the starting XI as the January signing from Austrian side Rapid Wien has been in superb form of late.
The German winger has scored one goal, provided two assists, made 11 key passes, and created four 'big chances' in his last five appearances for the club in all competitions, and could look to be a creator for his team on Saturday.
10
Adam Idah
Adam Idah
The third alteration to the lineup could come in the number nine position as Norwich City loanee Adam Idah could be selected ahead of Kyogo Furuhashi.
Idah, whose ability has been described as "incredible" by Rodgers, has produced two goals and one assist in his last three appearances off the bench for the Hoops, with goals against Rangers and St Mirren in the last two outings.
Whereas, Kyogo had one goal, zero assists, and three 'big chances' missed as a starter in those three matches, which suggests that the Bhoys could improve their team by dropping the Japanese forward to unleash the Ireland international in his place.
The 6 foot 3 centre-forward has scored seven goals and provided two assists in ten league outings for the Scottish giants so far, and could be handed the chance to fire Celtic to a cup final as a starter against Aberdeen on Saturday.
Tottenham insider John Wenham has been reacting to Antonio Conte’s interest in Leeds United winger Jack Harrison, as per Football Insider.
The Lowdown: Not just Harrison
Spurs appear to be taking a liking to Elland Road wingers, with recent reports claiming that they have made a marquee offer to sign Raphinha. The Brazilian’s future is still up in the air, as it seems he is holding out for a move to Barcelona despite the Whites agreeing a fee with Chelsea.
Harrison is also thought to be of interest in north London, with Sky Sports claiming towards the end of June that the 25-year-old has been on Tottenham’s radar for a while.
The Latest: Wenham’s comments
Spurs insider Wenham was talking to Football Insider regarding a potential move for Harrison, He claimed that Leeds would ask for ‘big money’ and that they have ‘no real reason to sell’, believing that a transfer won’t materialise.
Wenham outlined:
“This has popped up before, I think it first came around at the end of the January transfer window.
“I think they [Spurs] like him because he is versatile. He can play left-wing, left wing-back and left-back.
“Again, Leeds would ask for big money for him. They have just sold Kalvin Phillips for big money and Raphinha looks like he is going to go so they have no real reason to sell.
“It’s not one I can see happening at the moment. We still have Lucas Moura as well and Richarlison is about to boost our options.”
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The Verdict: Spot on
Leeds look like they will lose two key players in Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha this summer, so as Wenham mentioned, the Whites won’t need to sell Harrison too.
The 25-year-old has been a regular in the Yorkshire club’s first team since 2018, making 166 appearances at Elland Road and contributing to 50 goals.
He is under contract for a further two years, so you’d expect that Leeds won’t want to lose Harrison alongside Raphinha in what is a relatively small first-team squad.
Jesse Marsch and Victor Orta will surely want to bolster the club’s attacking ranks should Raphinha leave, not weaken them by selling Harrison.
Manchester United are eyeing a swoop for Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez as they aim to reinforce the defence and reunite the player with manager Erik ten Hag.
What’s the story?
According to The Mirror, United have met with the representatives of Martinez and were told that £42m would be what’s needed to secure his services.
They face competition for his signature from fellow Premier League club Arsenal who also met with his agent. The Gunners recently had a £25m enquiry for the player turned down with United planning a bid of £30m.
The report said that the player wants to move to the England but fears the asking price could put suitors off.
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Ten Hag desperately needs him
If United are to improve on last season then recruiting defensively is a must. The Red Devils conceded more goals than they ever have done in a single league season (57) and ended with a goal difference of 0.
Their defenders came under a lot of media scrutiny last season and rightly so, new manager Ten Hag needs to reinforce the backline if they are to have any chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
Signing Martinez could help solve the problem, he is a talented defender who has been described as a “bulldog” by journalist Casey Evans and his statistics seem to back that claim up.
He has won 69% of his total duels in the Eredivisie last season which shows his aggressive nature and ability to win his battles. It’s this willingness to fight that United have lacked recently and if signed maybe he could influence others.
It’s not the only area where he excels, he has a passing accuracy of 92% in his own half and made 0 errors leading to a shot or goal last season. This proves his reliability and composure when playing out from the back.
Above all else, Ten Hag was his coach last season, so he wouldn’t need time to adapt to his methods and could slot straight into the back line at United.
The competition would also likely bring the best out of current defenders Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof.
While Ajax might be asking for a high fee, he’s currently paid just £43k-per-week so United could save money on wages.
If it means securing him ahead of their rivals, we think United should pay the money they’re asking for.
AND in other news: Ten Hag closes in on Man Utd swoop for £54m-rated “genius”, he’s a big upgrade on Fred…
Everton journalist Christopher Beesley believes reported target Oleksandr Zinchenko could be a good fit for the Blues.
The lowdown
Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported at the weekend that Premier League champions Manchester City are ‘prepared’ to let Zinchenko leave.
That’s because they’re targeting Brighton’s Marc Cucurella, with an ‘official bid’ for the Spaniard thought to be in the works.
He’s on ‘the list as one of the main targets’ at Goodison Park this summer, though ‘other clubs [are] also keen’.
The latest
Beesley wrote on his Twitter account that, based on his displays for Manchester City, Zinchenko ‘could be ideal in a new role if he makes a summer transfer to Everton’.
In the attached story for The Liverpool Echo, he explains that the 25-year-old could thrive in the midfield ‘engine room’ at Goodison Park.
Frank Lampard wants to bolster his central midfield ranks this summer but Zinchenko would appear a surprising choice.
That’s because, of his 28 appearances for City last season, 26 came as a left-back.
But the £22.5million-rated man showed on Ukraine duty recently that he’s more than equipped to play in the middle of the park.
Operating as the LCM in a 4-1-4-1 formation in the World Cup playoff semifinal against Scotland, Zinchenko earned SofaScore’s man of the match award.
He recorded one assist, having created two big chances, won eight of the 13 duels he contested and completed 59 of his 68 passes (87%) and two of his three dribbles.
The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope called it a ‘superhuman’ display, and surely it only strengthened Lampard’s desire to bring him in.
In other news, Everton have made contact over another midfield option.
Wolves are reportedly plotting a bid for Valencia forward Goncalo Guedes this summer and the Portugal international could prove to be the next Diogo Jota at Molineux.
According to Tuttosport (via Football Italia) Roma are battling Wolves to sign the 25-year-old this summer, with the report suggesting that he would cost around €40m (£34.5m).
Last season saw the former PSG man make 36 appearances in La Liga, in which he contributed 11 goals and six assists, averaging an impressive 6.99 rating from WhoScored for his performances.
If he had produced the same statistics in an Old Gold shirt, Guedes would have comfortably finished as Wolves’ top scorer in the Premier League, as well as their top performer of players to make at least 10 appearances according to WhoScored, so it seems clear that he would add some much-needed quality to Lage’s attack.
Wolves could only muster 38 goals in the top flight last season, which was the worst of any side to not be relegated, so Lage will surely be targeting attacking reinforcements ahead of next season, otherwise, he could easily find himself in a relegation fight if Wolves’ form from the second half of the season is anything to go by.
When Guedes joined PSG in 2017, former Portugal legend Pauleta was full of praise for the attacker, saying:
“He plays for Portugal’s under-21 side. I watched him grow up through his club and national team matches.
“He is a great talent – he is physically gifted and technically extremely talented.”
If he were to make the move to Molineux this summer, where he would join the club’s already impressive Portuguese contingent, then he could perform a similar role to Jota, who excelled at Wolves, hitting 44 goals for the club before moving to Liverpool in 2020.
Like Jota, Guedes is capable of playing anywhere across a front three, and he also boasts an impressive goalscoring record with Portugal, with seven goals in his 31 appearances for A Seleção.
It was a real statement signing when Wolves brought in Jota on a permanent deal following their promotion to the top flight and Guedes could be a similarly big addition should he join, considering his impressive form for Valencia in recent seasons.
And, in other news… Wolves supporters can “get excited” if Lage signs “full-blooded” £7.2m-rated “monster”
CBS journalist Ben Jacobs has now made a Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Inter Milan star defender Milan Skriniar.
The Lowdown: Conte hunting centre-back…
Spurs head coach Antonio Conte, setting his sights on a left-footed central defensive star, has been linked to no shortage of options as club chief Fabio Paratici adopts his scattergun approach.
The Lilywhites have shortlisted many names, including Alessandro Bastoni, Josko Gvardiol, Pau Torres, Marc Guehi, Gleison Bremer, Stefan De Vrij and Clement Lenglet (GiveMeSport).
A real priority for Spurs, it appears their defender chase has taken another twist as Jacobs shares news on Skriniar.
According to his sources, the Lilywhites are eyeing a move for Inter’s colossal defender alongside Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Skriniar is apparently ‘very much for sale’ and the Nerazzurri value him at around £69 million – but they could be forced to accept a lower bid if Dybala and Lukaku arrive.
The Slovakia international, according to Jacobs, apparently wants his future ‘resolved by early July’.
The Verdict: Advance?
Depending on developments, more specifically if Inter lower the player’s £69m valuation, we believe Skrinair would be a brilliant addition for Conte.
Called a ‘monster’ by Italian football writer Carlo Garaganese, the 27-year-old was a mainstay under Simone Inzaghi last season, playing the second-most Serie A minutes behind goalkeeper Samir Handanovic (WhoScored).
The Inter untouchable also made more clearances per 90 than any of his teammates with over five league starts (WhoScored), finishing 21/22 as one of their top ten performers overall (WhoScored).
As Tottenham’s defender chase continues, this may well be one to keep an eye on.
In other news: Significant talks: Tottenham emerge as likelier destination for ‘superstar’! Find out more here.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke says West Ham United could be making a ‘really exciting signing’ if they manage to bring Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins to the London Stadium.
The Lowdown: Moyes eyeing Watkins…
The east Londoners, after just missing out on a place in the Premier League top six last season to Man United, are looking to go again for 2022/23 with fresh additions in the transfer market.
A striker is reportedly high on the agenda for Moyes with West Ham seriously short of options and alternatives to mainstay forward Michail Antonio in the attacking areas.
Reliable journalist Simon Jones of The Daily Mail backs that the Hammers are eyeing a move for Villa star Watkins, even if it will be a difficult deal to pull off.
The Latest: O’Rourke makes Watkins claim…
Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist O’Rourke says West Ham could make a ‘really exciting signing’ for Moyes if they do somehow get Watkins in.
He explained:
“I think he’d be a really exciting signing for West Ham and all their fans. He’s really proved at Aston Villa over the last couple of years that he is a top player, who I think can only get better as well.
“West Ham, obviously they’ve needed a new striker for the last few transfer windows and haven’t been able to bring the right one in.”
The Verdict: Push the boat out?
Villa are likely to demand at least £50 million for Watkins but such an investment could be worth it from West Ham’s perspective.
According to WhoScored, the 26-year-old finished 2021/2022 as one of Steven Gerrard’s best-performing players and top goal scorer domestically with 11 strikes and two assists.
He ranked among their top-five by average match rating per 90 with Watkins also taking the second-most shots at goal every game – just behind sensational January signing Philippe Coutinho (WhoScored).
There’s arguably few better alternatives already proven in England and we believe GSB should attempt a move at the very least.
In other news: West Ham officials dispatched as GSB eye ‘superstar’ signing for Moyes…find out more here.
Newly promoted Nottingham Forest are ready to make a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, reports Birmingham Live.
The Lowdown: Gibbs-White’s season
The 22-year-old Wolves man joined Championship side Sheffield United on a season-long loan last year after going out to Swansea the year prior.
The midfielder made 35 league appearances for the Blades, contributing 11 goals and nine assists to United’s failed promotion push.
The Latest: Forest interested
Unfortunately for the youngster, his penalty in the play-off semi-final against Forest was saved by goalkeeper Brice Samba.
However, Gibbs-White clearly impressed Steve Cooper, as he is said to be a huge admirer of the Wolves man, and he could now look to add him to his side’s squad ahead of next season (via Nottingham Post).
It has now been reported by Birmingham Live that Forest are ready to move for Gibbs-White this summer, as they look to build a squad capable of competing in the Premier League.
The Midlands club value the midfielder at around £20m, however manager Bruno Lage is said to be desperate to keep the Wanderers man.
Lage has previously claimed (via Birmingham Live): “In January I did everything to convince him to stay here.
“After, we will see. If I want him in January, I continue to want him here because he can be an important player for the club. He’s one of the players that comes from the academy and I know it’s so important for the club to have that.”
The Verdict: Big loss for Wolves
Whilst the youngster has previously been told to go out on loan to gain experience, he is surely now a part of Lage’s plans at Wolves, having proven what he can do with extended playing time this term.
During his time in the Championship, former Barnsley boss Poya Asbaghi hailed the 22-year-old as the Blades’ “most outstanding” player, indicating he is ready to make the permanent step-up to the Premier League.
Therefore, if Wolves do lose hold of Gibbs-White this summer, it is likely that we will see the midfielder playing in the English top-flight next season and perhaps even biting the hand that once fed him.
In other news: Two EFL clubs target Dion Sanderson…
West Ham United have looked into moves for Aston Villa duo John McGinn and Ollie Watkins, according to The Daily Mail.
The lowdown
The Hammers finished seventh in the Premier League, securing a spot in the Europa Conference League, while the Villans ended the season in 14th.
McGinn, who is valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, has three years remaining on his contract and is a key player at Villa Park, as evidenced by his 35 Premier League starts in the most recent campaign.
It’s a similar story with the £31.5m-rated Watkins, who is also committed until 2025. The striker, who joined from Brentford in 2020, started 33 top-flight matches in 2021/22.
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The latest
The Daily Mail’s Simon Jones reported that Irons manager David Moyes is ‘juggling’ a ‘number of options’ ahead of the summer transfer window.
Among those in his eyeline are Villa duo McGinn and Watkins, but there’s an understanding at the London Stadium that ‘such deals will be difficult to pull off’.
The verdict
These are two vital cogs in the Villa team, so they should do everything in their power to avoid selling them to a Premier League rival.
McGinn averaged the highest WhoScored rating in Steven Gerrard’s squad last season (7.17), scoring three goals and providing four assists while also ranking in the top three for tackles, key passes, successful dribbles, fouls drawn and accurate long balls (outfielders only) per game.
Meanwhile, Watkins was comfortably the team’s top scorer with 11 goals, four clear of Danny Ings. Since his arrival in the Midlands two years ago, he has impressively bagged 27 goals in all competitions.
Villa sold Jack Grealish in a British record £100m deal last summer and will surely be desperate to avoid losing more star players this summer. Gerrard wants to take the team to Europe, and the best way to do that is by improving on what he’s got rather than the plugging the gaps left by high-profile outgoings.