Lionesses star Lauren James forced to pull out of Chelsea's starting line-up in Champions League clash with Twente as England boss Sarina Wiegman watches on

Lionesses star Lauren James had to withdraw from Chelsea's starting XI ahead of the Champions League group stage clash with Twente on Thursday night.

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  • James was named in Chelsea XI vs Twente
  • But had to withdraw just before kick-off
  • England boss Wiegman in the stands
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The England forward was initially named in the Blues' line-up for their second match of the competition but she was ultimately unable to make her fourth start of the 2024-25 season, replaced on the right wing by Johanna Rytting Kaneryd.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Chelsea did not give reason for James' withdrawal from the team. She has had some struggles with a foot injury in recent months, while an illness that affected a few players forced Hannah Hampton to pull out of the starting XI against Real Madrid last week. However, it remains unclear just what prompted James' absence on this occasion.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Sarina Wiegman was in attendance for Thursday's match in her native Netherlands but with James missing and most of Chelsea's available Lionesses on the bench, young forward Aggie Beever-Jones got her national team coach's undivided attention for the majority of the game as the only English starter. She took that opportunity to shine too, breaking the deadlock after only seven minutes.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR JAMES AND CHELSEA?

    While Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor will hope James' supposed injury is not serious enough to rule her out of Sunday's Women's Super League clash with Tottenham, England coach Wiegman will also hope that the young forward is still able to join up with the Lionesses for their October fixtures on Monday.

Deal close: Arsenal eye mega £85m deal for “powerhouse” Havertz upgrade

Arsenal came agonisingly close to ending their two-decade Premier League title drought last season as they pushed Manchester City all the way to the final day.

Mikel Arteta's side have come on leaps and bounds over the last few years and could boast the best defence in the division last term, but when it came to putting goals in the opposition's net, they were still behind Pep Guardiola's behemoth.

So, with the transfer window now open, it's unsurprising to see that the latest player touted for a move to the Emirates was one of the most prolific goalscorers in Europe last season, and while that's great news for the fans, it could spell trouble for Kai Havertz.

Arsenal transfer news

According to reports from Portuguese publication Leonino, Arsenal have maintained their interest in Sporting CP's star striker, Viktor Gyokeres.

Sporting CP strikerViktor Gyokeres.

In fact, the publication claims that the Gunners are 'very close to securing the signing' and that the only thing holding the deal up are the 'financial details', which, to be honest, seem like a fairly significant aspect of any transfer.

That said, the report seems confident that this deal will go through and become Sporting's record sale, which, based on reports from earlier this year, could be up to €100m – £85m.

Viktor Gyokeres in action for Sporting

If Edu Gaspar and Co do have a genuine chance of bringing Gyokeres to the Emirates this summer, as the report suggests, then they should take it, as his goalscoring record could see the team finally dethrone City atop the Premier League table, although it wouldn't be great for Havertz's future in the team.

How Gyokeres compares to Havertz

If Gyokeres is to arrive at the Emirates this summer, his biggest rival for the starting striker role will likely be Havertz, as towards the end of last season, he was clearly favoured to lead the line over Gabriel Jesus by Arteta.

Unfortunately for the German, his raw output doesn't even come close to the Swede's. For example, in his 51 appearances for the Gunners last season, he scored 14 goals and provided seven assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 2.4 games.

Even when looking at just the 18 matches he started as the team's striker, in which he returned an impressive eight goals and seven assists to average a goal involvement every 1.2 games, he can't match the Sporting star's haul.

Gyokeres vs Havertz

Player

Gyokeres

Havertz

Appearances

50

51

Goals

43

14

Assists

15

7

Goal Involvements per Match

1.16

0.41

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In his 50 appearances for the Lisbon side last season, the 6 foot 2 "powerhouse", as described by data analyst Ben Mattinson, scored 43 goals and racked up 15 assists, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 0.86 games – talk about being a goal machine.

The comparison is just as one-sided when looking at the pair's striker-relevant underlying numbers as well.

Gyokeres vs Havertz

Stats per 90

Gyokeres

Havertz

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.78

0.47

Non-Penalty Goals

0.69

0.31

Assists

0.31

0.17

Progressive Passes

1.68

3.14

Progressive Carries

3.66

1.70

Shots

3.13

2.15

Shots on Target

1.53

0.83

Passing Accuracy

71.7%

80.8%

Goal-Creating Actions

0.66

0.60

Shot-Creating Actions

4.08

3.20

Successful Take-ons

1.96

0.50

All Stats via FBef for the 23/24 Season

For example, while the "incredible" nine, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, comes out second best in some metrics like passing accuracy and progressive passes, he emerges on top in practically all others, including non-penalty expected goals and assists, actual non-penalty goals and assists, progressive carries, shots and shots on target, goal and shot-creating actions and successful take-ons, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Havertz was quite impressive in the latter half of last season, his attacking output is simply dwarfed by that of Gyokeres.

Arsenal could sign Odegaard 2.0 in ÂŁ51m Euro 2024 star

The “superstar” in the making could be a generational talent.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 21, 2024

Therefore, if the report is accurate and Arsenal have a genuine chance of signing the Swedish goal machine this summer, they should absolutely take it.

Antonio Rudiger and Lucas Vazquez cause 'alarm' at Real Madrid to compound El Clasico woes as European champions' injury crisis worsens

Real Madrid are reportedly "alarmed" about Antonio Rudiger and Lucas Vazquez picking up "physical problems" after their 4-0 loss to Barcelona.

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  • Real Madrid thrashed by Barcelona
  • Rudiger & Vazquez injury concerns
  • Los Blancos 'alarmed' over development
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Madrid were ripped apart at Santiago Bernabeu by their bitter rivals in El Clasico on Saturday. And to make matters worse, defenders Rudiger and Vazquez reportedly finished the game with physical problems. According to Marca, the German international was the worst off of the two as he had muscular problems while the Blancos' right-back had "discomfort". The two are expected to undergo medical tests soon.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    On top of being thrashed by Barcelona and falling six points behind their bitter rivals in La Liga, Los Blancos may have a growing injury list for the season ahead. Centre-back David Alaba is out with an anterior cruciate ligament tear, as is full-back Daniel Carvajal. Winger Rodrygo is unavailable due to a hamstring problem and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is sidelined with an adductor issue. To lose Rudiger and Vazquez would be another tough pill to swallow.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Since Germany international Rudiger joined Madrid from Chelsea in the summer of 2022, he has scored six goals, made 116 appearances, and won one La Liga, one Copa del Rey, one Champions League, and one FIFA Club World Cup.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    Madrid will hope Rudiger and Vazquez are back fit soon as they face Valencia, AC Milan, and Osasuna in the space of a week between November 2-9; before the international break comes into view.

Luke Shaw nearing first Man Utd appearance since FEBRUARY after making return to first-team training following injury

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw is nearing a first-team return after resuming training following three months out with injury.

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  • Shaw not played for Man Utd since February
  • Left-back had multiple injury setbacks
  • Defender returns to first-team training
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The England international has not played for the Red Devils since suffering a hamstring injury in February and a calf problem from the summer. Now, the 29-year-old has been pictured in United training as he closes in on a long-awaited first-team return.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Shaw has played just 15 times for United since the start of the 2023/24 season, something that has been keenly felt by the Premier League giants. If he is able to play for the Red Devils soon, that will be a big boost to incoming manager Ruben Amorim.

  • WHAT RUUD VAN NISTELROOY SAID

    United's interim boss, Ruud van Nistelrooy, said on Friday that the club's injury problems are starting to ease.

    "Christian [Eriksen] played 30 minutes and Mason [Mount] also played (in the 2-0 Europa League win over PAOK on Thursday)," he said. "It's beneficial for us and I'm happy that they're back. For the long-term absentees like Luke [Shaw] and Leny [Yoro] they are on the pitch with us."

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    WHAT NEXT?

    While it remains to be seen when Shaw will be able to play for United again, his side host Leicester City at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon in a battle between 13th and 15th in the Premier League respectively.

His value has risen 1438%: Liverpool must axe ÂŁ1m ace instead of Quansah

Let’s make no mistake here, Liverpool have not had the prolific start to the 2024 summer transfer window that Anfield and its faithful would have hoped for.

Is this a problem? No it is not. Arne Slot has been in daily communication with sporting director Richard Hughes to discuss strategies for the next two transfer-oriented months, and an incisive pounce is a matter of when, not if.

Feyenoord manager Arne Slot

One of the most prominent plot points for the red Merseysiders thus far has been the pursuit of Lille defender Leny Yoro, regarded as a ‘generational talent’ and also coveted by Manchester United and Real Madrid, the latter of who are expected to win the race for the 18-year-old.

The latest on Liverpool's defensive situation

Yoro is out of contract in one year and does not look likely to pen a new deal with the Ligue 1 outfit, and while the Reds will pounce if Los Blancos falter in their bid, it is deemed a “unique market opportunity” that does not align with FSG’s long-term vision.

Why is this the case? Virgil van Dijk is one of the finest defenders in the world and a stirring leader, though he’s entering the last year of his ÂŁ220k-per-week contract and turns 33 in less than a week.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk

Ibrahima Konate: fearsome and formidable, though prone to the odd nosedive in form and injury-prone moreover. Jarell Quansah has enjoyed an incredible breakout season and has been hailed as “an absolute monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, but he was playing in League One 14 months ago and cannot be expected to carry the weight of the world.

With long-time servant Joel Matip now gone after his contract expired last month, fans are in their right to question Liverpool’s ostensible stance that bolstering the backline is not paramount, that the crop is sufficient.

Liverpool do actually have another talented star in their rearguard, but will he feature?

What's going on with Sepp van den Berg

We’re talking about Sepp van den Berg, who went from strength to strength out on loan with Mainz last season, clocking the fastest pace (34.78kph) of any defender in the German Bundesliga last season.

Interest in the 23-year-old has not been in short supply over these past several months, with Liverpool placing a ÂŁ20m price tag on the player, who feels somewhat aggrieved by his lack of opportunity at Liverpool and wishes to search for pastures new, having only completed four senior appearances since signing from Netherlands club Zwolle for an initial ÂŁ1.3m fee in 2019.

The Dutchman will be assessed by Slot over the next few weeks before a decision is made – barring an unanticipated bid totalling the aforementioned price – and he would certainly stake a claim toward making a positive impression at the dawn of a new era.

Sepp van den Berg.

As per FBref, he ranks among 16% of central defenders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 2% for blocks and the top 1% for aerial duels won per 90.

However, it’s unlikely that the 6 foot 3 star would oust Konate on the regular, and chances are decidedly infinitesimal that Van Dijk would be taking a chair under Van den Berg’s shadow – Quansah, too, has proved himself to be one of the Premier League’s most formidable young prospects.

Sepp van den Berg vs Jarell Quansah

Stats

Van den Berg

Quansah

Matches played

33

17

Matches started

31

13

Goals

3

2

Clean sheets

8

2

Pass completion

81%

89%

Tackles per game

1.2

1.5

Clearances per game

4.7

2.3

Recoveries per game

5.3

4.2

Duels won per game

7.0 (65%)

4.5 (64%)

Stats via Sofascore

For ÂŁ20m, shouldn’t Liverpool take the money and run? Sure, Van den berg is performing at a high level, perhaps even more so than Quansah, but last season’s Mainz loanee is two years the Liverpudlian’s senior and already looking unlikely to knock him from his spot in the Liverpool team – Quansah started six of the final eight top-flight fixtures of Klopp’s reign.

The 6 foot 5 Quansah, moreover, ranks among the top 3% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 3% for passes attempted, the top 19% for pass completion, the top 17% for progressive passes, the top 15% for successful take-ons, the top 19% for tackles and the top 11% for aerial duels won per 90.

Liverpool's Jarell Quansah warming up.

That, perhaps, is the more accurate yardstick from which to gauge Quansah’s dizzying potential. Newcastle might be circling, seeking to tempt Liverpool into including him in a deal to sign Anthony Gordon last weekend, scrambling to appease the Premier League’s PSR rules, but Liverpool refused it faster than the aforementioned Matip flies up the field during one of his trademark surges.

PSV Eindhoven are reportedly the latest side to have canvassed a proposal FSG’s way. There will remain a hope that Liverpool will sign a centre-half this summer and, if so, Van den Berg’s prospects will look rather narrow. It’s surely time to cash in lucratively on a defender signed for a nominal fee – indeed, that ÂŁ20m figure marks an impressive 1438% rise in market price since the five-years-ago signing of a promising youngster.

Not bad, that. Slot might be keeping his options open but for such a profit, and taking his likely role in Liverpool’s first team next term, it’s surely time to let him wander off toward another club.

Slot could land "elite" Diaz upgrade who wants to sign for Liverpool

Arne Slot would adore this winger.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 1, 2024

Lionel Messi set for Barcelona return: Argentina & Inter Miami star will attend 125th anniversary celebration after Joan Laporta sets aside differences to send personal invite

Lionel Messi is set to return Barcelona for their 125th anniversary celebration after president Joan Laporta sent a personal invite to the club icon.

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  • Barca to host 125th-anniversary event
  • Laporta sends personal invite to Messi
  • Argentine legend left for PSG in 2021
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    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Messi joined Barcelona's youth setup in 2000 as a 13-year-old and quickly started rising through the La Masia hierarchy and made his senior debut in 2004 under Frank Rijkaard. The Argentine forward quickly established himself as the best player in the world, and potentially of all time, over the next few years and stayed at Camp Nou until the summer of 2021. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, however, had to leave the club that summer after the Catalan side's financial troubles meant that they were left unable to hand the Argentine a new contract despite president Laporta having made promises to him. This left a very bitter relationship between the two, which has not healed despite three years having passed since.

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    As per Catalunya Radio's Tot Costa, Laporta is looking to put aside those differences and has sent a personal invite to Messi to attend Barcelona's 125th-anniversary celebrations at the prestigious Liceu Theatre on November 29, in an event that is set to play host to several Barcelona legends including Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, and Pep Guardiola among others. As per the report, the Argentine World Cup winner is very likely to attend the event and looks to be ready to make his return to the club for the first time since his departure, even having missed Iniesta's retirement celebrations last month due to his commitments with the national team.

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    DID YOU KNOW?

    Barcelona are also set to play host to former manager Louis van Gaal at the ceremony, potentially resulting in Messi meeting the former Netherlands coach for the first time since the famous clash between the two during Argentina and the Oranjes' 2022 World Cup quarter-final clash in Qatar.

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  • WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

    The Argentine enigma will not be in action until Inter Miami begin the Major League Soccer preseason preparations after being knocked out by Atalanta United in the playoffs earlier this month, that will leave enough time for Messi to make his way to Barcelona for the 125th Celebration Gala on November 29 and potentially even make his way to the Estadi Olimpic on November 30 to watch Hansi Flick's side in action against Las Palmas.

Enzo must axe Chelsea flop who earns more than Adeyemi & Calafiori combined

Enzo Maresca has been tasked with the job of returning Chelsea to the top of the Premier League following his appointment from Leicester City last month.

The Italian comes in to replace Mauricio Pochettino who was relieved of his duties despite leading the Blues to automatic qualification for the Europa League ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Maresca arrives at Stamford Bridge with a talented young squad following huge investment from owner Todd Boehly, who has splashed over £1bn on new transfers since his takeover of the club back in 2022.

He undoubtedly has a very bloated squad as a result of the hefty influx of new additions, with the former Manchester City coach needing to be brutal in his decisions to allow him to work with a smaller squad.

However, despite the investment, Maresca is still wanting to improve his squad to increase the Blues’ chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season, with numerous players linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s attempts to bolster Maresca’s squad

Unsurprisingly, the club have been linked with players from all over the globe since the opening of the transfer window as a result of their recent additions, with two names strongly touted with moves to the London club.

Bologna centre-back Riccardo Calafiori has been a man in demand after his performances at club and international level over the last 12 months, with Chelsea just one side in the race for his services.

Sky Sports reported earlier this week that the Blues were battling fellow Premier League side Arsenal for the signature of the 22-year-old.

However, in recent days, Mikel Arteta’s side have edged ahead in the race, with journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming that the Italian defender has already agreed terms with the Gunners over a move to the Emirates.

Another player who has been rumoured to be of interest to Chelsea is Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi, as Maresca aims to make improvements at both ends of the pitch.

Borussia Dortmund striker KarimAdeyemi

A report from TEAMtalk claims the Blues are in talks with his agent over a move to Stamford Bridge, with the youngster potentially available for just £25m this summer.

Both players would undoubtedly improve the Chelsea squad, but if they are to make any attempts to sign the pair, the club must offload one player who earns more than the duo combined.

Malang Sarr’s stats and weekly wage at Chelsea

Upon joining the club on a free transfer from French side Nice back in 2020, defender Malang Sarr had huge potential to solve the club’s defensive issues and be a real fan favourite at Stamford Bridge.

However, nearly four years on from his move to the club, he’s only made 21 appearances for the Blues, being sent on two separate loan moves and failing to catch the eye during his latest stint for Monaco in Ligue 1.

Appearances by competition for Malang Sarr

Competition

Appearances

Premier League

8

FA Cup

4

EFL Cup

5

Champions League

2

Club World Cup

2

Stats via FotMob

He still has one year left on his current deal, with the now 25-year-old pocketing a reported £120k-per-week, as per Capology.

Sarr’s current weekly wage is currently more than transfer targets Calafiori and Adeyemi who only earn £12k-per-week and £81k-per-week respectively.

Chelsea's Malang Sarr

It’s safe to say that the deal for Sarr has been a disaster all round, with the club needing to cut ties with him this summer.

He still has the ability to be a success elsewhere, but the club need to brutally part ways with the 25-year-old if he is to reach the potential that he previously showcased before his move to Stamford Bridge.

After Veiga: Chelsea in the race to sign ÂŁ25m Calafiori alternative

He is wanted by several PL clubs this summer.

By
Joe Nuttall

Jul 7, 2024

Imagine him & David: Newcastle target Bowen alternative who’s "Messi-esque"

Newcastle United enjoyed another successful campaign in front of goal, with the club scoring the fourth-most goals in the Premier League during 2023/24.

However, the club failed to secure a second successive season of European football, finishing seventh, three places lower than the season prior in the top flight.

The defensive department has prevented the Magpies from any further success, with numerous different injury problems seeing Eddie Howe's side conceding 29 more goals in the league than they managed in 2022/23.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe

The club have already tried to combat their failings from last season, signing centre-back Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer from Bournemouth, and reuniting the defender with Howe after their stint together at the Vitality Stadium.

However, despite their recent issues at the back, Howe’s side are still eyeing reinforcements in attacking areas to allow the likes of Isak to reach the next level in their hunt for Champions League football.

One player has caught the eye, potentially being the perfect alternative to a talent the club have been chasing in recent weeks.

Newcastle interested in signing young attacking talent

According to Wednesday’s edition of Corriere dello Sport, via Sport Witness, Newcastle are battling Leicester City and Aston Villa for the signature of Juventus forward Matias Soule this summer.

Aston Villa transfer target Matias Soule in action for Frosinone.

Steve Cooper’s side have already had a €25m (£21m) bid rejected for the Argentinian youngster who scored 11 and registered three assists in his 36 appearances on loan at Frosinone last campaign.

The report goes on to state that despite the Foxes bid, they are willing to part ways with the 21-year-old, should any side present a bid in the region of £33m during the off-season.

He could potentially form an excellent partnership with another potential addition to Howe’s squad, in the form of Lille striker Jonathan David.

David, who also has interest from fellow Premier League side Chelsea, finished the campaign as the league’s joint-second top scorer, with only new Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé scoring more goals.

Canadian striker Jonathan David

It's evident that the Magpies want to improve in attacking areas, with Soule & David undoubtedly being brilliant additions to the club’s already impressive forward line.

However, Soule would be more suited to the right-wing position, a role that has been troublesome for Howe in recent months, proving to be a better addition than another star who’s previously been linked with a move to St James’ Park.

Why Soule would be the perfect Bowen alternative

In recent weeks, journalist Ben Jacobs confirmed the club still have multiple players on their shortlist, with West Ham United star Jarrod Bowen just one player the Magpies are targeting this summer.

A deal for Bowen would undoubtedly be an expensive one, with Julen Lopetegui’s side holding out for a fee in the region of £100m to part ways with the 27-year-old.

Jarrod Bowen for West Ham United

As a result, the club may turn their attention to Juventus’ Soule, with the youngster the perfect alternative to the Englishman for Howe’s side.

When comparing the “Messi-esque” youngster as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, to Bowen, it’s clear the Juventus talent would be a better addition, especially when factoring in his price tag.

Whilst contributing with fewer combined goals and assists in 2023/24, he’s dominated the pair in numerous other key areas that would improve Howe’s side.

How Soule compares to Bowen in 2023/24

Statistics

Soule

Bowen

Games

36

34

Goals + assists

14

22

Pass accuracy

78%

69%

Progressive carries

115

90

Progressive passes

198

52

Successful take-ons

102

34

Take-on success rate

45%

35%

Stats via FBref

The Argentinian ace has averaged more progressive carries, whilst also completing nearly four times more progressive passes demonstrating his ability to drive. It's hardly a surprise, therefore, that he's been hailed for his "supernatural dribbling" by journalist Antonio Mango. Meanwhile, his ability to find a key pass could allow players such as Alexander Isak – and David if he signs – to reach the next level.

He’s also completed four times more take-ons, showcasing his ability and desire to beat the opposition, something which Bowen simply can’t match, with Soule evidently a more direct option for the Magpies.

With Newcastle aiming to push for another European charge this season, it’s vital Howe signs the right players to make an immediate impact on his Newcastle side.

Given his young age, Soule still has the ability to develop further should he move to Tyneside, but he also provides the fanbase with a talent who will be able to deliver excitement to the already impressive squad at St James’ Park.

Newcastle can forget Bowen & Elanga by signing "world-class" target

The forward has been told he’s free to leave this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 11, 2024

Gerardo 'Tata' Martino reportedly set to depart as coach of Lionel Messi, Inter Miami due to 'personal reasons'

Martino led the Herons to the MLS points-record across the regular season and the Supporters' Shield title in 2024

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  • Tata Martino reportedly out as Inter Miami manager
  • Club suffered embarrassing playoff defeat
  • Argentine led Herons to regular-season points record
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    After crashing out of the 2024 MLS Playoffs in stunning fashion, Inter Miami and manager Tata Martino are parting ways, according to GIVEMESPORT, with Martino reportedly stepping aside due to "personal reasons."

    Martino led the to the MLS points-record across the regular season and the Supporters' Shield title in 2024, and departs with a year remaining on his contract.

    He is expected to address the media in a final news conference on Friday, alongside co-owner Jorge Mas and president of football operations RaĂşl Sanllehi.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Martino had been with Miami since the summer of 2023 – arriving the same time as Lionel Messi. He found immediate success with the club, lifting the inaugural 2023 Leagues Cup title.

    Along with the recruitment of Messi, Martino helped bring in Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba to the club, along with helping the development of rising teenage stars Benjamin Cremaschi, Diego Gomez and David Ruiz.

    The Argentine was a nominee for 2024 MLS Coach of the Year with Miami, and one of the most accomplished managers in the game, having previous stints with FC Barcelona in Spain and the Argentina national team.

    In 2018, he led fellow MLS side Atlanta United to 2018 MLS Cup.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Martino led Miami's attack to an MLS-best 79 goals during the regular season, seeing the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both score at least 20 goals, and helping both to MLS MVP nomination.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR MIAMI?

    The and co-owner David Beckham will now presumably embark on an offseason journey to find their next permanent head coach.

Maresca wants ÂŁ25m sensation who could ignite Mudryk’s Chelsea career

Chelsea’s massive spending under Todd Boehly doesn’t show any signs of slowing down, with the club still desperately wanting to build on last season’s sixth-placed Premier League finish.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has already arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer, joining new boss Enzo Maresca from their time together at Leicester City last season where the pair claimed the Championship title.

However, more needs to be done to bolster the ranks, with the Italian keen on further adding to his squad – as demonstrated by the recent links to sign PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani.

randal-kolo-muani-transfer-gossip-tottenham-hotspur-frankfurt-postecoglou-manchester-united-hojlund

The Frenchman could be available this summer with his current side, Chelsea and Napoli all on the hunt for a new striker, with Romelu Lukaku and Victor Osimhen’s respective deals potentially causing a domino effect of transfers.

However, despite Maresca’s desire to sign a new centre-forward, he’s still targeting some more reinforcements to his defensive unit, including one player who’s impressed in recent months.

Chelsea interested in signing £25m defensive ace

According to journalist Football Transfers, Chelsea are battling Arsenal over a deal to sign talented left-back Patrick Dorgu ahead of next season.

Patrick Dorgu for Lecce

Spurs have also been monitoring the Danish talent in recent months, but the report claims that should any side match Lecce’s €30m (£25m) asking price, they would be open to parting ways with the 19-year-old.

Maresca wanting to strengthen at left-back could come as a surprise given the form of Marc Cucurella at Euro 2024, with the Blues also having £50m signing Ben Chilwell operating in the same position.

Dorgu’s potential move to Stamford Bridge could allow him to form a solid partnership with one Chelsea talent who has failed to impress after his big-money move to the club back in 2023.

Why Dorgu could be perfect for Mykhailo Mudryk

Winger Mykhailo Mudryk joined Chelsea for a staggering £88.5m back in January 2023, arriving with huge potential following his time at Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk.

However, his stint in London has been anything but successful, scoring just seven goals in his 58 appearances for the club since his big-money transfer.

Chelsea winger Mykhaylo Mudryk

He’s looked unsettled at times, failing to make a huge impact on games, but should Dorgu arrive at Stamford Bridge, the Ukrainian international could seriously reap the rewards and start to look like the player Todd Boehly signed 18 months ago.

The “immense” youngster, as described by one scout, has excelled at both ends of the pitch, demonstrating his abilities in the defensive and attacking thirds.

In Serie A last season, the 19-year-old averaged a huge 2.5 tackles per 90 along with 2.6 clearances as he helped Lecce secure their Italian top-flight status for another campaign.

Patrick Dorgu's stats per 90 in Serie A (2023/24)

Statistics

Tally

Games played

32

Tackles

2.5

Clearances

2.6

Aerials won

1.6

Successful take-ons

0.9

Progressive carries

2.1

Shot-creating actions

2.3

Stats via FBref

However, his attacking stats are just as impressive, completing 0.9 take-ons and 2.1 progressive carries, while contributing with 2.3 shot-creating actions, helping the likes of Mudryk create carnage in the final third.

His direct playstyle sees him overlap the wideman on the left-hand side, a feature of his play that could aid Mudryk who likes to drift inside onto his favoured right foot.

The Ukrainian simply hasn’t done enough to provide value for money since his move to the club, with the upcoming season crucial in his development in west London.

However, should Dorgu arrive at the club, it could be the springboard for the 23-year-old to succeed at the club, allowing the former Shakhtar man to have a constant partner down Maresca’s left-hand side.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 19, 2024

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