Latest news with #Brentford
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Daizen Maeda in transfer hint amid Brentford swirl as Celtic face £6m price drop with three deals required
Brentford are reportedly among the clubs chasing Daizen Maeda this summer - but the striker has hinted his focus is on Celtic. The 27-year-old was the standout performer for the Scottish Premiership champions last season netting 33 goals as Brendan Rodgers' claimed a domestic double. That has seen the likes of Tottenham, Fenerbahce and West Ham touted with a move for the forward - and reports in Japan suggest The Bees' have joined the race. READ MORE: Louis Munteanu breaks Celtic transfer silence as striker names exactly when 'necessary' change will happen READ MORE: Louis Munteanu transfer cover broken as Celtic told Balikwisha's private feelings amid 'ridiculous' left back offer Reports in Turkey stating Jose Mourinho's men were told stump up £21million for the star by Celtic - and that valuation is unlikely to have moved since. But Maeda has already hinted this summer that he is in no rush to leave - and he has now talked up his Parkhead teammates in the latest clue he is focussed on life in Glasgow's east end. The forward told KICK OFF! KANSAI: "There is one year left until the North-Central America World Cup: I want to make connections with Japanese national team players special. "Like at Celtic, there were many scenes where I thought my teammate was coming but my timing with the passer was in sync. After three and a half years, my teammates understand me." In terms of incoming players, Red Star Belgrade defender Veljko Milosavljevic is also said to be on the agenda - with Mozzart Sport claiming that the Serbian side are ready to drop their asking price. It was claimed earlier this summer that Celtic representatives "offered" £5.1million for the 17-year-old, which was rejected. It is now stated that while Red Star hope to receive €10million (£8.6million) for the player they could sell for €7million (£6million) with interest from earlier in the window cooling. And while a new centre-back appears to be on the agenda, Gordon Strachan insists that a winger, striker and another midfielder are required by Rodgers this summer. He told OLBG: 'Celtic have had wide attackers rather than wingers. People can score goals, get in the box, make goals, rather than just a winger who can cross the ball and things like that. So I think that's where they'll be going. 'Do they need another striker? Yes I think they do. They'll be looking at that as well. They'll be looking at a midfield player similar to Reo Hatate who can eliminate people in midfield. 'In the modern game, because the defenders are good, when people get back into zonal areas or go man for man, the fact is that you need somebody to eliminate people. 'Hatate could do that and so could Matt O'Riley. Matt O'Riley has been gone a year but they still need somebody who can do that as well.' The comments come with the Hoops' on the lookout for a successor to Nicolas Kuhn - who has admitted he would love to play against his former club Celtic next week and introduce himself to Como in style. The German winger completed a £17million move to the big-spending Serie A side last week and will be an important part of Cesc Fabregas' team. One of his first matches could even be against the former club in pre-season as the Parkhead side prepare to jet into Italy for the Como Cup tournament. Celtic face Ajax and Como entertain Al Ahli and there's a chance Kuhn could face his old teammates in either the final or the third and fourth place play-off. And he would relish coming up against his former colleagues, having also played for Ajax too. He said: "I'll definitely play against one of my former teams because we will play either Celtic or Ajax. "If we could play against Celtic, I would be really excited to face all my teammates from last season. "I can't wait to play in the tournament. My beginnings at Como have gone really well. I like the Italian atmosphere and the team is fantastic, everyone is helping me settle in and I'm really happy to be here. "The training centre is fantastic, the quality is high, and so far everything has been perfect. I think we have a lot of very good players in the squad." Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Arne Engels in powerful Celtic response to direct question about the future of dazzling Daizen Maeda
Arne Engels is hoping Celtic can keep Daizen Maeda under lock and key until the transfer window slams shut. The Hoops have kicked off contract extension talks with the speed merchant who is being tracked by Brentford and several other clubs in England and across the continent. Maeda was at his blistering best in Saturday's 4-0 demolition job on EPL Newcastle United as Brendan Rodgers' men went up the pre-season gears. The Parkhead boss snapped up rapid hitman Shin Yamada at the weekend but is looking to add more firepower in the coming weeks. Engels admitted keeping hold of player-of-the-year Maeda would be huge. READ MORE: Michel Ange Balikwisha to Celtic is now 'possible' as next transfer on the brink with two mega exits vetoed READ MORE: Be Afraid Rangers, Be Very Afraid as arrogant English sent Celtic wake up call after £20m dig on the Hotline When asked if Celtic can lock him up until September 1, the Belgian said: Hopefully! He's an amazing player and also really good for us and in the dressing room too. "He's a lovely guy, so hopefully he will stay. We never know what is going on. 'He would be fantastic for us next year and like Saturday also. He's just an amazing person that is really helping us in every kind of aspect of the game.' Celts are chasing two new wide men and a striker for starters, while winger Marco Tilio is set for a loan more to Rapid Vienna - ahead of a £1.3m permanent switch next summer. Engels insisted the Hoops are already in strong shape – even before more recruits check in. He said: "We have a really good squad. And there will be always rumours about players coming in, going. It's up to us to keep this all inside and to work on the players that are here. You see that on Saturday also, that we have a lot of quality already. "We'll see what's going in and going out, we never know, but the squad that is now here is fantastic. All the boys are doing really well. "It's always nice to get a lot of quality players in and it's up to us then to show ourselves to the manager and to everybody else in the stadium and outside. "But it's always going to be competition everywhere where you go, so it's then just keeping doing the right things that you always do good. There will be always competition.' Engels enjoyed an impressive first season at Celtic despite arriving with a hefty £11m price tag. The Belgian cap was linked with a quick-fire move toSerie A Atalanta but the midfield powerhouse has shrugged off departure speculation and insisted his sights are set on a blockbuster second term. Engels said: "I'm trying to do my best here and to get ready for the new season. There will always be rumours and it's up to me to just show on the field what I'm up to. "I'm here at Celtic and I really want to do great for this club and to reach a lot of things, so I'm not really thinking about something else.' Celtic will head to Italy in the ext 48 hours to compete in the Como Cup, where they'll square up with Ajax on Thursday and then the winner of Como's clash with Al-Ahili at the weekend. Club chiefs will be working in the background at brining in new faces and while the manager has been pleased with the progress, he insisted the Hoops are just getting warmed up. Rodgers said: 'It's been building for us, but there is more to come. There's more to come in as well. But you can see the progression with this group at the moment. Preparation will be about continuing our fitness levels and tactical ideas. We want to get some more players to come in and support the guys here so we will be ready for a long, and hopefully exciting, season.'
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Michel Ange Balikwisha to Celtic is now 'possible' as next transfer on the brink with two mega exits vetoed
Royal Antwerp boss Stef Wils admits it is "possible" that Michel-Ange Balikwisha will leave the club soon amid interest from Celtic. Talks over a move that would bring the wide man to Parkhead have been ongoing as Brendan Rodgers looks to add the winger as a successor to Nicolas Kuhn after his £17.2million move to Como. The 24-year-old has been a long-term target for the Scottish Premiership champions and reports suggest he is keen on the move. READ MORE: Arne Engels in powerful Celtic response to direct question about the future of dazzling Daizen Maeda READ MORE: Daizen Maeda in transfer hint amid Brentford swirl as Celtic face £6m price drop with three deals required Cash-strapped Antwerp are also on the brink of a summer fire sale with wide man Balikwisha among the players that the Belgian side are keen to move, after he entered the final year of his contract. Despite this, boss WIls has consistently picked the forward in his pre-season squads - with Balikwisha scoring on Saturday in the win over Willem II. Asked by Nieuwblad if the sale of the winger was on the cards imminently, Wils said: "That's possible, yes. 'I'm just working with the guys who are here at the moment. They all have the qualities to play here, so it would be foolish not to use them." One transfer that is set to get over the line is Marco Tilio's departure for Rapid Vienna. The Austrian side have been trailing him since his successful 18-month loan at Melbourne City - and despite regularly featuring for the Hoops in pre-season the Australia international's Celtic career looks to be coming to an end. Sky Sports Germany report that the 23-year-old will leave on loan with an obligation to buy for €1.5 million next summer. Daizen Maeda's future has been questioned amid ongoing contract talks with Brentford said to be among the clubs interested - while his fellow Japan international Reo Hatate has been touted with a switch to Udinese. But Hoops' hero Stiliyan Petrov reckons that the door should be closed on the duo departing this summer - and questioned why they would want to leave Glasgow's east end at this stage. Asked about the duo, Petrov told the Sunday Post: "When you win trophies year in and year out and do well in Europe, your players will attract attention. "That is only natural. But Celtic is a brilliant place to be and not too many footballers get the opportunity to play in front of 60,000 fans every other week. "I accept there are a few other leagues stronger than the Premiership. There is an attraction, of course. "I felt that many years ago when I wanted to try English football and signed for Aston Villa. "But I feel Celtic is a really good place to be right now. There is so much to look forward to. "Brendan is a top manager and he improves players. He loves to work on the grass on a daily basis and gets so much enjoyment out of his coaching sessions. The team is going for sessions. "The team is going for another league title and that will be five-in-a-row. So, what's not to like? "The new season will be here before we know it and the real business will be underway. "I hope the Celtic squad is settled by then and the manager knows what he has to work with."
Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Inside Man United's striker options: Priced out of a move for Alexander Isak and with Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal-bound - who SHOULD Ruben Amorim go for?
Manchester United finally got the Bryan Mbeumo deal over the line after agreeing a £71million fee with Brentford, and have now set their sights on bolstering their fire power upfront. The signings of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee over the last two seasons have proved something of a damp squib, with the duo registering a measly 33 goals between them in 144 combined appearances. Arsenal have seemingly pulled off a coup in bringing in Viktor Gyokeres, which will have been enough to induce an ulcer in Amorim, whose pursuit of the rampant Swede has been extensively documented since he took over the reins at Old Trafford. The former Coventry man was a proven focal point in Amorim's system at Sporting, racking up an impressive 66 goals in 68 appearances under the Portuguese. Now, Amorim and Co will have to refocus their efforts ahead of the new season, as the squad embarks on a three-game tour in the U.S. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has looked to tighten the purse strings since purchasing a 27.7 per cent stake in the club and assuming football operations, making a swathe of high-profile job cuts in the process, therefore any striker acquisitions will likely be dependent on outgoings. One player who the Red Devils will likely not be targeting is Alexander Isak, who Mail Sport revealed is looking to leave Newcastle, but will likely require a fee beyond United's means to bring to Old Trafford. United recently left their 'bomb squad' - Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho, and Antony - behind to train at Carrington, and will be hopeful that any club is tempted to the shop window, even if the latter two go for a significant loss. Here are some of the contenders to take the workload off Hojlund and Zirkzee up top next season… Benjamin Sesko Age: 22 Appearances: 224 Goals: 100 Assists: 26 The RB Leipzig frontman was initially pursued by Arteta this summer, but Gyokeres' interest in joining the Gunners led to them cooling interest in the Slovenian. Sesko is a powerful, physically imposing (6ft5in) forward who would suit Amorim's system, with darting runs in behind becoming a signature move at the Red Bull Arena. He is not too dissimilar – in style or stature – to Gyokeres, but less productive, registering 39 goals in his 87 appearances at Leipzig. At just 22 years old though, he has a high ceiling and would be an investment for the long-term, even at a price above United's current comfort level. The German club were reportedly asking for between €80m to €100m (£68m to £85m) for their star striker, which may well be a bridge too far for United unless they manage to offload some of their wantaways. Jean-Philippe Mateta Age: 28 Appearances: 308 Goals: 119 Assists: 19 Mateta's Crystal Palace career has gone from strength to strength since the arrival of Oliver Glasner last February. The battling Frenchman is a proven Premier League product who can press relentlessly and make clever movements in the box, all qualities that United have earmarked for their first choice No 9. He has goalscoring nous, converting 15 times in the league last term, nearly double the tally of United's top scorer Bruno Fernandes on eight. According to Transfermarkt, he has a current market value of £26m, which would make him a bargain compared to others on this list, though United's history of getting bullied in negotiations makes that a somewhat unrealistic fee. Still, Mateta's profile suggests he should thrive in a 3-4-3, and he would be an upgrade on Amorim's current options. Ollie Watkins Age: 29 Appearances: 444 Goals: 162 Assists: 74 Watkins endured something of a tumble back down to Earth last season, which may sound ridiculous when you consider he netted 16 times in the league – the 7th most of any player in the league – and set up a further eight for Villa. But that's a testament to the phenomenal form he was in the previous year, which saw him contribute 34 league goal involvements – only pipped by Cole Palmer with 35 – on the way to the Birmingham team's return to the Champions League. It is because of those dizzying heights that top clubs maintain an interest in the England international, and the Villains will likely demand a fee deserving of that potential. Watkin's potency against the top Premier League will be another draw for United. The striker averages more than a goal a game against Liverpool and Arsenal, and has netted a combined seven against Spurs, City and Chelsea. He is the most proven goalscorer on this list, and if he can replicate his Villa form into his 30s, the Red Devils could quickly pull themselves back into European contention with his signature. Nicolas Jackson Age: 24 Appearances: 173 Goals: 51 Assists: 27 When Jackson arrived at Stamford Bridge from Villarreal in 2023, many baulked at the £32m price tag for a player with only twelve top flight goals. Wayward shots, goal droughts and high-profile misses have led to a slightly unwarranted perception of Jackson as incapable of succeeding in a top Premier League team, but the Senegalese striker is more than capable of being deadly on his day. He is strong in transition and works hard at the top of the pitch to facilitate more dangerous players like Palmer – a style that he could replicate in front of the likes of Bruno, Cunha and Mbeumo. The arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap this summer – and their impressive form at the Club World Cup – look to have pushed him down the pecking order, which may convince Chelsea to drop their current asking price of £80m-100m if the forward demands a move. Christopher Nkunku Age: 27 Appearances: 356 Goals: 113 Assists: 71 The French international has flopped since arriving from Chelsea for £52m in the summer of 2023, hitting the back of the net just six times in his 38 Premier League appearances. His time at Stamford Bridge has exposed a brittleness that may not suit the extreme physicality of the Premier League, but the West London club have dropped their asking price from £65m to £43m since the start of the window, according to The Athletic, making him one of the more affordable options for the United top brass. His versatility at the top of the pitch would provide some depth for the front three positions of Amorim's system, which could prove especially useful with the departure of Rashford and the others who are likely to follow. But United are looking for a focal point to their attack, and Nkunku's lack of credentials in that role – at least in English football – makes him one of the weaker options on this list. Dusan Vlahovic Age: 25 Appearances: 302 Goals: 130 Assists: 24 Vlahovic's scintillating Fiorentina form convinced Juventus to part with £66.6m for his services in the 2022 winter window, but he has lacked the same bite since joining the Old Lady, who are reportedly desperate to offload the striker before he is out of contract next summer. In addition to making a £66.6m loss, his salary will reportedly increase by around £1.3m in the final year of his Bianconeri contract, causing further consternation amongst the Juventus board. Vlahovic is another imposing figure of Gyokores and Sesko ilk, who can run in behind, and who would provide the presence that Hojlund has failed to show up top. But he has underwhelmed during his two seasons in Turin, notching up 58 goals in 145 games, and just about hitting double figures in the league last year. Juve have reportedly offered their Serbian striker in their pursuit of Jadon Sancho amid their interest in the winger, offering the possibility of a win-win for both teams. What remains to be seen is if Amorim would be keen to sanction such a deal – a lack of action suggests not – and with Milan reportedly closing in, this seems the unlikeliest of the bunch.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Spurs eye €30m striker move as alternative to Premier League target
Tottenham Eye 'Real Killer' Kalimuendo as Striker Search Intensifies Spurs Shift Focus from Wissa to Kalimuendo Tottenham Hotspur have turned their attention to Rennes forward Arnaud Kalimuendo as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, according to a report by RMC Sport. The 23-year-old Frenchman is emerging as a realistic target following complications in Spurs' pursuit of Brentford's Yoane Wissa. While the DR Congo international is reportedly keen to play Champions League football under his former manager Thomas Frank, Brentford are reluctant to sell, even with just one year left on his contract (plus an option for another year). The Bees have set a valuation north of £50 million, making negotiations increasingly difficult. Rennes Open to Sale for Star Striker In contrast, Rennes are far more open to the idea of parting ways with Kalimuendo, whose contract runs until 2027. The French outfit are believed to be seeking a fee between €30m–35m (£26m–£30m) to cash in while the striker's value is high. That figure, while not insignificant, presents better value for money compared to Wissa—especially considering Kalimuendo's age and recent form. Photo IMAGO After a standout 2024/25 season where he notched 17 goals in 33 Ligue 1 appearances, Kalimuendo has drawn attention across Europe. Tactical Fit for Thomas Frank's System Thomas Frank's desire for pace, movement, and fluidity in attack could make Kalimuendo a smart tactical fit. He offers directness and vertical threat—qualities that align well with Spurs' high-tempo brand of football. While he's not the most creative forward statistically, Kalimuendo thrives when service is provided, and with players like James Maddison and Pedro Porro delivering chances, his predatory instincts could flourish in North London. Given the financial demands surrounding Wissa, Kalimuendo may represent not just a viable alternative—but a more strategic long-term investment. Our View – EPL Index Analysis: From a Spurs fan's point of view, this move makes a lot of sense. There's always excitement around the idea of signing a young, hungry striker—especially one who's already proving himself in one of Europe's top five leagues. Kalimuendo might not yet be a household name in England, but 17 goals in Ligue 1 is no joke. Fans will appreciate that the club isn't getting drawn into a financial tug-of-war with Brentford over Wissa. While he's a solid Premier League performer, £50 million for a player approaching 30, with one year left on his contract, is steep. Kalimuendo, by contrast, offers better value, higher resale potential, and fits the age profile of the rebuild Frank is orchestrating. For a fanbase that's seen too many high-priced flops over the years, this deal feels more thought-out and future-focused. If Spurs can get it over the line, supporters might finally start seeing the squad depth they've been crying out for.
