Ipswich Town have made contact over the signing of an "excellent" new target in the summer transfer window, according to a new update from Italy.

Ipswich transfer news

Kieran McKenna's side are close to opening their Premier League account, following two stunning back-to-back promotions from League One and the Championship, with a mouthwatering home clash with Liverpool arriving on August 17th.

Summer signings were always essential, in order for Ipswich to have enough quality to compete in the top flight, and some eye-catching business has been completed. Omari Hutchinson, Jacob Greaves and Liam Delap have all arrived for relatively large fees, coming in from Chelsea, Hull City and Manchester City, respectively, but further signings would be ideal before the window slams shut.

Sunderland ace Jack Clarke has emerged as an option, having excelled for the Black Cats in recent years, while another Championship star, Sammie Szmodics, has also been linked with a summer move to Portman Road, having outscored everyone in the division for Blackburn Rovers last season.

Another attacking player, Wilson Odobert, is another reported target for Ipswich, as they look to prise him away from Burnley, promising him Premier League football instead of him being back in the Championship with the Clarets. The 19-year-old is a player with so much potential, scoring three goals and registering two assists in the top flight in 2023/24.

Ipswich make contact for "excellent" player

According to Corriere dello Sport [via Sport Witness], Ipswich have made contact over the signing of Napoli midfielder Jean Cajuste this summer. The report does not specify whether contact has been made with the player, the Serie A club or both parties.

The 24-year-old is believed to be "on his way out" of Napoli before the end of this month, with Brentford also battling the Tractor Boys for his services. Leicester City are mentioned, too, while Galatasaray have seen their advances turned down in the past.

Cajuste could feel like a signing of real intent by Ipswich, considering the size of the club he is playing for currently, making 35 appearances for the Serie A giants. He is also a 23-time capped Sweden international, showing that he can play at an extremely high level for an extended period of time now.

The Napoli ace is a former league champion, earning title glory with FC Midtjylland in the Danish Superliga back in the 2019/20 season, and football talent scout Jacek Kulig has hailed him in the past, saying: "21 years of age. Excellent performance in an extremely important game for Midtjylland. The future of Swedish football."

Related Imagine him & Szmodics: Ipswich in the running to sign Odobert upgrade

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That is a big endorsement, and shows how highly-rated Cajuste has been for a number of years now, and he has the ability to make a big difference for Ipswich in the middle of the park from the off, providing McKenna with much-needed quality, experience and depth.

Over the last couple of transfer windows, Liverpool’s midfield has undergone somewhat of an overhaul, with the Reds aiming to push back towards a Premier League title fight.

Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai both arrived at Anfield in big-money transfers, with the duo making a combined 66 appearances in the league during the 2023/24 campaign.

However, new boss Arne Slot still wants more reinforcements at the heart of his side, with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi edging closer to agreeing a deal to move to Merseyside this summer.

It had recently been reported that the Reds had advanced talks and could be prepared to pay the Spaniard’s €60m (£51m) release clause, fending off interest from Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the race for the 25-year-old.

Whilst he is undoubtedly a marquee signing that would transform Slot’s three-man midfield, he could yet target another talent to potentially feature alongside Zubimendi this season.

Liverpool want £20m ace who Klopp loves

According to GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool still have Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Manu Kone on their shortlist alongside Zubimendi, in an attempt to increase squad depth in midfield.

The 23-year-old, who’s part of France’s side for the ongoing Olympic Games, made 22 appearances in the Bundesliga last season, scoring once, as Mönchengladbach narrowly avoided relegation to the German second-tier.

A prior report claims that the German side only want a fee in the region of £20m to part ways with the youngster after their rapid decline in recent years.

It’s not the first time the Reds have been linked with a move to sign the Gladbach ace, with former boss Jürgen Klopp trying on numerous occasions to bring the Frenchman to Merseyside, but to no avail.

However, Liverpool could get their man this summer, with Kone potentially able to form an excellent partnership with Zubimendi should the pair complete their respective transfers.

Why Kone and Zubimendi would be perfect together for Liverpool

A natural number six has been on the agenda for some time at Anfield, with Slot’s side needing a player who can sit and regain possession, before supplying the passes to the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz to cause chaos in the final third.

The Spaniard would be the perfect player to do just that role, with his average of 1.7 tackles per 90 in LaLiga an impressive tally and one that would allow for added cover to the backline.

He also is more than capable of picking out a pass, finishing the campaign with an 86% pass completion rate, with an average of 5.2 progressive passes per 90 falling straight into the hands of fellow new addition Kone.

The “incredible” Frenchman, as described by scout Antonio Mango, had an impressive personal season despite Gladbach’s failures – averaging four progressive passes per 90, along with 2.4 progressive carries – making him perfect ahead of Zubimendi in a three-man system.

Games played

22

Goals

1

Pass accuracy

85%

Progressive passes

4

Progressive carries

2.4

Successful take-ons

2.1

Tackles won

2.6

He also managed an average of 2.1 successful take-ons, demonstrating his ability to get past a man and get into forward areas, potentially allowing Salah to further increase his goal tally in 2024/25.

However, from time to time, he’s going to be unsuccessful in his attempts at carrying the ball forward, but he’s more than able to regain possession, as shown in his tally of 2.6 tackles won per 90 – making him the perfect box-to-box option for Slot.

Whilst it’s unclear whether the signing of the Sociedad talent would prevent a move for Kone, their respective figures over the last 12 months demonstrate how well they could work together in Liverpool’s midfield.

The duo would provide added stability at the heart of the side, handing the club the perfect opportunity to push towards a Premier League title push in the Dutchman’s first campaign at the helm.

Having previously been identified by Klopp a year ago, now could be the time for Kone to finally arrive at Anfield under the new regime.

He's like Suarez: Liverpool could land bargain £150k-p/w Gordon upgrade

The Reds could turn their attention elsewhere this summer.

1 ByRobbie Walls Aug 8, 2024

Marcus Rashford delivered his verdict after attending Ruben Amorim's first Manchester United training session at Carrington.

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• Rashford attended Amorim's first training session
• Delivered verdict on new coach
• Man Utd face Ipswich on Sunday

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After being left out of the England squad for the November international break, Rashford attended Amorim's first training session at Carrington as Manchester United boss. The Portuguese, who formally took charge at Old Trafford last week, conducted his first training session on Monday which was also attended by Mason Mount, Amad Diallo and Casemiro.

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• WHAT MARCUS RASHFORD SAID

  After training under the new head coach for the first time, Rashford delivered a strong three-word verdict as he wrote on his Instagram story: "Top session today."

  IG:@marcusrashford

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rashford will hope to impress the 39-year-old manager to stake a claim in his starting lineup. The English forward has been struggling for form for some time and in the 2024-25 campaign has managed to score just four goals in 18 appearances. The 27-year-old will aim to regain his long-lost form in the new environment in the Amorim era.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  The Red Devils, who are unbeaten in their last four outings across all competitions, will be back in action this Sunday as they take on Ipswich Town in a Premier League away fixture.

A 115-run stand made light work of a stiff target as Qalandars remain unbeaten

Danyal Rasool22-Feb-2021This might only have been a T20 game, but it felt like an epic by the time Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Hafeez chased Quetta Gladiators out of the contest. Ages ago, or so it seemed, Chris Gayle struck his highest PSL score, 68 off 40 balls – aided by several dropped catches along the way – to help Quetta post 178, the highest first innings score this tournament. It looked a match-winning total then, but a stunning onslaught from Hafeez and Zaman helped Lahore Qalandars make short work of the target, and they got there with more than an over to spare.Hafeez was particularly destructive, grabbing a game that had looked like drifting by the scruff, forcing an asking rate that had soared above 11 back below a run-a-ball within the space of three overs. It was like stick cricket by the end; the sixes and fours Hafeez was striking appeared to come as easily as buttons being pushed on a keyboard, with Quetta skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed’s apoplectic rage visible to the world’s cameras. The unbeaten 115-run second wicket partnership came off just 58 balls, with Hafeez responsible for scoring 73 off them in the 33 deliveries he faced.After being put in to bat, Quetta rejigged the batting line-up even if they didn’t make any changes. Banton and Saim Ayub fell early once more, with Lahore Qalandars permitting them just 38 runs in the Powerplay, but Gayle and Sarfaraz would accumulate a 101-run partnership that put Quetta back on track. Sarfaraz appeared to be timing the ball more sweetly than has been in evidence for quite some time, and while Gayle wasn’t at his fluent best, it didn’t stop him from bludgeoning five fours and as many sixes on his way to top-scoring for his side. Mohammad Nawaz put in a cameo at the end and Quetta had all the momentum then, but Hafeez and Fakhar had other ideas.Star of the day
There was some spice in the contest after a terse recent exchange between Hafeez and Sarfaraz on social media. When Hafeez was called upon to bowl with the Quetta captain at the crease, there was added jeopardy in the game. While Sarfaraz got him away for a couple of boundaries off his second over, the 40-year-old would more than get him back with the bat.Hafeez would later tell Gayle he didn’t have the muscles to bat like him, but what Hafeez does possess in his repertoire most could only lust after. With barely a shot looked like it was played in anger, he caressed – that word is used advisedly – his way to his fastest PSL half-century, off just 24 balls, capitalising on some wayward bowling and a fairly straightforward drop on the boundary by the young Saim Ayub. With the asking rate coming down so quickly it might have needed a parachute, he sped up even further, finishing with another 23 off just nine deliveries, the winning sot a disdainful drive over extra cover off the young Mohammad Hasnain.It goes on to illustrate why Hafeez keeps backing himself to be a part of Pakistan’s World T20 plans, and if he’s in this sort of touch, he’ll be pivotal to his franchise’s hopes of finally landing a PSL title.Miss of the day
In a game that was perhaps defined as much by errors as individual brilliance, there were several who vied for this role. Agha Salman was the early frontrunner, dropping Gayle twice at cow corner in what looked like decisive moments, while Tom Banton and Saim Ayub fell early once more and each put Fakhar and Hafeez down once. But Usman Shinwari’s third over, which leaked 19 at a time Lahore needed in excess of 11 an over to seal the win, marked the moment the game finally turned as Quetta capitulated in spectacular fashion.Sarfaraz, perhaps fuelled by the personal ambition to get one over Hafeez, would go on to rebuke Shinwari publicly after that over, and as the fours and sixes rained down, his mood would only grow fouler. The negativity around the fielding side appeared to have doomed them well before the winning runs were struck, and it already seems like Quetta might have an uphill task if they are to turn this campaign around.Honourable mention
Zaman was Man of the Match, by the way, and with 82 off 52, it’s an innings that deserves more than to be overshadowed by Hafeez’s brilliance. He would relieve the pressure superbly as Sohail Akhtar at the other end struggled to get going, ensuring the required rate wouldn’t get out of hand early on. And when Hafeez joined him, he wasn’t second fiddle by any means, continuing to showcase why, even as his international form remains patchy, he remains one of the most sought-after players in the PSL.

Former Karnataka captain finished with 504 first-class wickets, including a record 442 in the Ranji Trophy

Shashank Kishore26-Feb-2021

Vinay Kumar ended with 442 Ranji Trophy wickets, the most by a seamer in the competition•Getty Images

R Vinay Kumar, the former India seamer, has announced his retirement from first-class and international cricket, bringing the curtain down on a first-class career that spanned 16 years and made him a domestic giant. He played most of those years for Karnataka, before retiring after a season with new entrants Puducherry.Vinay finished with 504 first-class wickets in 139 matches, 442 of them in the Ranji Trophy – the most among fast bowlers and fourth-highest overall, after Rajinder Goel (637), S Venkataraghavan (530) and his former Karnataka captain Sunil Joshi (479).Related

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Known for hitting the seam and getting useful movement even on docile surfaces, Vinay earned a Test cap on the tour of Australia in 2011-12 when he was handed a debut in Perth. That, however, remained his only Test appearance. He also featured in 31 ODIs and nine T20Is, picking up 38 and ten wickets respectively.Vinay’s best years came after his brief India career came to a halt, when he captained Karnataka to an unprecedented double-treble – of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Ranji Trophy and Irani Cup – from 2013 to 2015. He combined with Abhimanyu Mithun, S Aravind, HS Sharath and Ronit More to form a potent bowling combination. “Winning Ranji Trophy back-to-back was the proudest moment in my career,” Vinay had told ESPNcricinfo ahead of his 100th Ranji appearance. He finished with 115 Ranji matches in all. “When we won Ranji Trophy in 2013-14, it was after 14 years the state won. We reached the final in 2009-10 but narrowly lost, and Mumbai won by just six runs.”After that we kept coming to the quarter-finals and semis, but unfortunately we could not win until 2013-14. So winning the trophy was the most memorable moment for me. We also won the Irani Trophy and the Vijay Hazare and repeating it next year was the icing on the cake.”In the IPL, Vinay was picked in 2008 by the Royal Challengers Bangalore and made a mark the following season when he picked up 16 wickets during the team’s runners-up finish. Later, he was part of title-winning teams at the Kolkata Knight Riders (2014) and the Mumbai Indians (2015 and 2017). He also represented a fourth side – Kochi Tuskers – in 2011.Over the last two years, Vinay has made a mark in regional cricket commentary, having been part of panels in Kannada for the 2019 World Cup and IPL 2020. He hoped to remain in touch and “give back to the game”, something he signed off with in a press statement that he tweeted out.

Last year’s win was no fluke, and this year’s title defence is no surrender. That was the emphatic message Karachi Kings sent out not just to the hapless Quetta Gladiators, whom they thrashed by seven wickets in the inaugural PSL match of this season, but also to the rest of the teams. The Kings might have copped criticism for letting go of Mohammad Rizwan in the off season, but it was the new wicketkeeping recruit Joe Clarke who was the star of the show for Imad Wasim’s side, taking four catches and blitzing 46 off 23 balls to tear the game away from the Gladiators.The win was initially set up by the Kings bowlers – emerging player Arshad Iqbal chief among them – who punctured the Gladiators with regular wickets throughout the innings, and in the end, bowled them out for 121 in 18.2 overs.After being put in, Quetta, somewhat curiously, opened the batting with captain Sarfaraz Ahmed alongside Tom Banton rather than the more obvious option of Chris Gayle. Banton’s stay was ephemeral, falling to a low-percentage hoick in the first over. Once Gayle settled himself in, he looked the most serious outlet for a potentially match-winning total for Quetta Gladiators. However, no one kept him company, and the Jamaican himself managed more of a cameo before falling for 39 off 24. The next highest for the Gladiators was Azam Khan’s 17.Mohammad Hasnain did briefly threaten to make things interesting by removing Sharjeel Khan in a fiery first over, but a loose one from Qais Ahmed that Clarke spanked for 24, apart from three wides, removed any realistic chances of victory. Hasnain returned to remove Babar Azam midway through the innings, but by this time the Kings only needed to go through the motions to get their title defence off to a resounding start, and when the winning runs were scored, they had 37 balls to spare.Star of the day
While the Gladiators pace unit got most of the attention, with Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain and Usman Shinwari in its ranks, the Kings’ emerging quick Iqbal ended up outshining the lot. Called in to bowl with Gayle having primed himself with 18 off Aamer Yamin, Iqbal held his nerve in the opening salvo, allowing just four in the seventh over. He wasn’t called on again until Ben Cutting and Azam Khan threatened to cut loose; the pair had just taken 11 off a Wasim over.What did Iqbal do? Bowl a wicket-maiden, naturally. He varied the pace beautifully as Cutting and Azam struggled to get a read on the young bowler’s plans before Azam swatted him straight to Daniel Christian in frustration. In his next over, Iqbal sent Cutting’s leg stump cartwheeling, and dismissed Hasnain in his final over, with figures of 4-1-16-3 not flattering him in the slightest.Tom Banton watches on as he is about to be caught by Joe Clarke•AFP via Getty Images

Miss of the day
Erm, the Gladiators batsmen in general? More specifically, Banton. The Gladiators would have plumped for Banton at the auction assuming his miserable outing last year with Peshawar Zalmi was something of an anomaly. But with the young Englishman having skipped the Big Bash League this year, there’s little recent data to gauge his form, and what was on offer today might worry Gladiators.Perhaps too eager to impose himself, he smashed Wasim to cow corner off the second ball he faced, before attempting an ugly smear over midwicket to a ball he never came close to the pitch of. It went a mile up and back down to the wicketkeeper, continuing Banton’s struggles in the PSL. Whether he shakes them off could be pivotal to the Gladiators’ chances in the tournament.Honourable mention
With that boyish innocent smile, the flowing wavy hair and the easy elegant, slender high-arm action, Hasnain can be the most marketable of Pakistan’s fast bowlers once he really gets his career underway. He was at that luscious best today, even if in a losing cause, pace and swing both on offer first up that proved too hot for Sharjeel. He had Joe Clarke on toast off his first delivery, unlucky not to find either the outside edge of the bat or the stumps. Despite little support from the other end, he then dismissed Azam, too, and when he was done, he had leaked just 18 off his four overs. The Gladiators might have had a bad day, but they will have that positive to take out of it.

It's been a busy summer for Manchester United so far, with two big signings, Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, already through the door.

It feels like this could be the beginning of an exciting chapter for the Red Devils and another opportunity for Erik ten Hag to show the rest of the Premier League what he can really do.

That said, given the nature of their season last year, there is still plenty of work to be done and stars to sign in the coming weeks.

One player who looks set to be replaced is right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with recent reports already naming his successor.

Manchester United transfer news

According to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have now reached an agreement on personal terms with Bayern Munich full-back Noussair Mazraoui.

The good news keeps coming for United fans though, as Romano also revealed that the club has agreed to the transfer with the German side and that the player wants the move, although he'll have to wait for Wan-Bissaka's departure.

The Italian does not mention how much this deal may cost United, but a report from the Guardian on Sunday night claimed the agreed fee is thought to be between £15m and £20m.

It's not necessarily a cheap transfer, but by all accounts, it looks like good business from the Red Devils, as Mazraoui is undoubtedly an upgrade on Wan-Bissaka.

How Mazraoui compares to Wan-Bissaka

So, if the intention of United is to sign Mazraoui as a replacement for Wan-Bissaka – which seems to be the case – how does he stack up to the former Palace ace?

Well, the first thing to look at is their output, as even though they're defenders, full-backs must contribute going forward in the modern game, and in this area, it's a comfortable victory for the Moroccan international.

For example, in 29 appearances last season, totalling 1982 minutes, he provided four assists, equating to a goal involvement every 7.25 games or every 495.5 minutes.

In contrast, the Croydon-born full-back provided three assists in 30 appearances, totalling 2411 minutes, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every ten games or every 803.6 minutes.

What about their underlying numbers, then? When we look under the hood, is it another clear victory for the "terrific" Bayern ace, as dubbed by former manager Julian Nagelsmann?

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.20

0.08

Progressive Passes

7.74

3.89

Progressive Carries

2.56

1.52

Shots

0.90

0.15

Shots on Target

0.23

0.05

Passing Accuracy

88.3%

83.5%

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.28

0.81

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.23

0.15

Key Passes

1.13

0.61

Shot-Creating Actions

2.71

1.31

Goal-Creating Actions

0.53

0.15

Tackles Won

1.58

1.26

Blocks

1.05

1.46

Interceptions

1.50

2.07

Successful Take-Ons

0.90

0.86

Ball Recoveries

4.74

4.75

Aerial Duels Won

1.43

1.06

Unsurprisingly, given the Red Devils' interest, it is indeed, as the 26-year-old emerges victorious in the majority of relevant metrics, including non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, shots and shots on target, passing accuracy, passes and crosses into the box, key passes, shot and goal-creating actions, tackles won, successful take-ons and aerial duels, all per 90.

Now, the United ace does come out ahead for blocks and interceptions, but it's not by an unreasonable amount, and considering how he compares in practically every other metric, it's very much a consolation.

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Ultimately, while Wan-Bissaka has been a useful player for the Red Devils over the years and is certainly good enough to play in the Premier League, Mazraoui looks to be the far superior modern-day full-back, and the fact that he's agreed to join the club should excite the fans.

Ayoze Perez stole the show with a goal and an assist as Spain emerged as group champions after edging out Denmark 2-1 in the Nations League.

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Spain prevail over Denmark away from homePerez in the thick of things with goal and assistLa Roja have won six consecutive times vs DenmarkFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportTELL ME MORE

The reigning champions found themselves pinned in their own half, with the hosts calling the shots in the first few minutes. But once they settled down and started playing through the high press, they looked like an unstoppable force. Crisp passing, fast build-up and an affinity to go directly for goal, they harassed Denmark's defence as they ran out of wits to stop them from knocking on Kasper Schmeichel's goal.

In the 13th minute, Perez hit the woodwork and a couple of minutes later, Mikel Oyarzabal drew first blood after being set up by the Villarreal striker. Even after taking the lead, Luis de La Fuente's men did not take their feet off the pedal as they sliced through Denmark's high press time and again in their search for the insurance goal. Dani Olmo was a bright spark in the No.10 role as he kept pulling the strings supported by Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi.

In the second half, Spain kept asking questions of Denmark's nervy defence and just before the hour mark Perez doubled the lead. Olmo threaded in a perfectly weighted pass for Ayoze who slotted the ball into the net, leaving Schmeichel rooted to the spot. The striker should have had his brace as he found himself in a one-on-one position with the keeper but his attempted chip failed to hit the target. In the final quarter, Denmark finally started to make inroads and were soon rewarded for their intense pressing with Gustav Isaksen pulling one back after a defensive lapse involving Fabian Ruiz and David Raya. However, it was too little to salvage a point as they went down after a frustrating evening at home.

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Perez is having a sensational campaign with Villarreal, having scored 10 goals in 10 matches, and he made sure to carry his club form to the international stage. He assisted Oyarzabal for the opener, scored the second for his team, and was a constant menace for the Denmark defenders until he was hooked off late in the second half.

THE BIG LOSER

The Danish fans flocked to the Parken Stadium in numbers to cheer for the hosts as they believed that Christian Eriksen and Co would prevail over the holders to extend their 29-month unbeaten run at home. But alas, they left it too late and Isaksen's opportunistic strike was not enough to earn them a point.

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WHAT COMES NEXT?

Spain will host Switzerland next at Tenerife on the final matchday of the Nations League group stage on November 18. Whereas, Denmark will have everything to play for when they travel to Serbia on the same day with the second spot in the group still up for grabs.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em entrevista coletiva dada no início da semana, o goleiro Danilo Fernandes comentou como tem sido os primeiros contatos com o técnico Guto Ferreira o qual ele conhece desde os tempos em que ambos estavam no Internacional, em 2017.

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Para Danilo, apesar da necessidade de pontuar sobre a tristeza pela saída de Diego Dabove, foi importante a troca no comando por um nome que tem experiência no currículo em dirigir o clube de Salvador:

-Eu já tive a oportunidade de trabalhar com ele em 2017, ele conhece o Bahia como ninguém, é a terceira passagem dele. A gente fica triste pela saída do professor Dabove, mas o Guto chegou no momento em que a gente precisava de uma confiança. Como conhecedor do clube ele sabe muito bem como funcionam as coisas, nos deus alegria para jogar. Tenho certeza que ele vai nos ajudar na reta final.

Assim como ocorreu nos tempos de Internacional, problemas físicos atrapalharam a consolidação do arqueiro de 33 anos de idade que foi titular e peça de destaque no triunfo fora de casa contra o Athletico. Sobre o tema, ele prefere encarar como uma “fatalidade” a situação, esperando que questões desse tipo fiquem no passado.

-Infelizmente tive uma fatalidade no início da minha trajetória, mas já foi superada. Se Deus quiser, não vai acontecer mais nada. Estou apto 100% para ajudar o clube, e voltar ganhando dá muita moral para o jogo seguinte – concluiu.

West Ham United are scouring across the market as Julen Lopetegui continues to seek out improvements to his squad. Having welcomed Max Kilman and teenage winger Luis Guilherme already, the Irons are clearly mustering forces fit to challenge for a place in European competition.

With Danny Ings failing to impress in east London, scoring just four times across 52 appearances, it's vital that the Irons address their weakness up front, indeed having been blighted by the absence of a first-rate goalscorer last season – Jarrod Bowen notwithstanding.

Michail Antonio is also 34 and approaching the twilight. He scored seven Premier League goals last season but was limited to just 21 starts due to injuries.

West Ham will sign a striker, but technical director Tim Steidten certainly isn't restricting his gaze to that one position, with another winger being considered at the London Stadium.

West Ham offered talented winger

As per HITC, Borussia Dortmund have offered winger Karim Adeyemi to a host of Premier League clubs this summer after Edin Terzic stepped down at the end of the 2023/24 season.

New Yellow Wall boss Nuri Sahin does not hold the 22-year-old close in his plans, and West Ham are among the clubs to have been contacted by the German's agents.

Dortmund would consider offers in excess of €30m (£25m), so whether the Hammers would be willing to sanction such an outlay with the front of the ship still in need of redress is unclear.

Why Karim Adeyemi would thrive at West Ham

If finances work out, Adeyemi could prove to be an excellent addition for a reshaping West Ham side, having been hailed for his "electric" pace by analyst Ben Mattinson and indeed offering a skillset tailored for Premier League success, clocking a top speed of 36.65 km/h in 2024.

He only scored five goals across 34 matches for Dortmund last season but started just ten times in the Bundesliga, with injuries and subsequent struggles for form hindering his hopes for fluency.

Still, as per FBref, he ranked among the top 12% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Bundesliga last season for progressive carries and touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, highlighting his ball-carrying qualities.

Despite lacking in prolificness somewhat, Adeyemi has so much more to give – with talent scout Jacek Kulig even claiming that he is a "nightmare" for defenders – and is already impressing with the rounded nature of his style, leading FBref to record Bowen as one of his most comparable players.

League Stats: Player Comparison
Statistics	Bowen (23/24)	Adeyemi (22/23)
Matches played	34	24
Goals	16	6
Assists	6	5
Pass completion	75%	77%
Key passes per game	0.9	1.2
Ball recoveries per game	3.5	4.2
Dribbles per game	1.0	1.4
Duels won per game	4.4	3.8
Stats via Sofascore

While Adeyemi still has a long way to go, it can be noted from the table above that he has many of Bowen's qualities, blending his goalscoring ability with moblity, dribbling expertise and combativeness. After all, Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham has already expressed his admiration for the young forward, saying that "not many players can stop him" once he gets going after dismantling Chelsea in the Champions League in 2022/23.

His two-footedness is also a big plus, for it would allow him to compete across both flanks for Lopetegui's side and earn ample opportunity to impress.

Given that West Ham signed Bowen from Championship side Hull City for £22m when he was only 23, the now distinguished 27-year-old has demonstrated the trajectory that can be taken if one plies their trade with diligence, making the right move to expand the skillset.

Adeyemi must sign for West Ham, where he can build his natural-born qualities and shape into something special.

Lopetegui must swiftly axe West Ham flop who earns over 4x more than Duran

He’s been a colossal failure of a signing.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 14, 2024