Latest news with #TBRFootball
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Liverpool's £79m striker wows teammates with early training form
Ekitike Makes Immediate Impact at Liverpool Hugo Ekitike has wasted little time settling into life at Liverpool, impressing his new teammates and coaching staff during early pre-season preparations. Following his £79 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt, the 23-year-old forward is already turning heads at the AXA Training Centre. The French striker joined the Premier League champions after a standout campaign in the Bundesliga, where he scored 22 goals and recorded 12 assists in all competitions. His performances in Germany attracted attention from several top clubs, but it was Liverpool who acted decisively to secure his signature – beating competition from domestic rivals, including Newcastle United. Despite arriving with considerable expectations, Ekitike has quickly exceeded them. His integration into the squad, according to TBR Football's Graeme Bailey, has been described as seamless, with some long-standing players reportedly surprised by how naturally the forward has adapted to the group's dynamics and demands. Players Surprised by Ekitike's Level Liverpool's training sessions have provided early glimpses of what Ekitike can offer. Sources familiar with the internal environment describe the forward as 'dazzling' and 'technically sharp,' with one observer noting that it feels as if he has 'been part of the squad for years.' While few doubted his talent, the level of his performances in training have surpassed what some of his teammates initially anticipated. The feedback from within the camp suggests a growing sense of excitement about how Ekitike could influence Liverpool's attack next season. His work rate, intelligent movement and finishing ability have reportedly stood out. Coaching staff are said to be particularly pleased with his willingness to adapt to the club's tactical system under Arne Slot. Slot's Trust in Ekitike Growing Having guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season, Slot has already made a bold impression. The club's recruitment strategy this summer – including the arrivals of Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez – has been aggressive and forward-thinking. Though Liverpool remain keen on pursuing a deal for Newcastle's Alexander Isak, their initial approach was turned down, and progress has since stalled. As it stands, Ekitike is expected to lead the line when the new season kicks off. Slot has shown strong faith in the forward, and the early signs suggest that decision could pay off. There is belief within the club that Ekitike can shoulder the responsibility and grow into a central figure for the team both on and off the pitch. Teammates Respond Positively to New Arrival Team cohesion has been a pillar of Liverpool's recent success, and new signings are often judged as much by their off-the-ball character as their on-pitch contributions. Ekitike has reportedly made a strong impression on both fronts. His humility, combined with confidence in his own ability, has helped him build early rapport with senior players and club staff alike. One club insider described the forward as 'professional, grounded and focused,' noting that his mentality is already in line with Liverpool's high-performance culture. As the Reds prepare to defend their domestic crown and push for European success, Ekitike's integration and form will be key to shaping the campaign ahead.
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tottenham Hotspur Have Held Talks For This Manchester City Attacker: Good Choice For Spurs?
In a recent interview with TBR Football, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed that Tottenham Hotspur have held talks for Manchester City attacker James McAtee. Bailey said, 'They have held talks with other players in recent weeks, the likes of Xavi Simons and James McAtee to name but two, there are options for them and they will move on, and they need to,' McAtee's Impressive Rise In English Football McAtee served as a decent squad player at the Mancunian club after he put in a run of eye-catching displays for them in the final third. The 22-year-old found the back of the net seven times in 27 appearances for Man City last season across all fronts. The English playmaker deserves a lot of credit for averaging 3.09 shots per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He kept 33.3% of his attempts on target. McAtee was even tidy when distributing possession in the opponent's half, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 80% in the top tier of English football (stats via BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA – JUNE 28: James Mcatee of England controls the ball during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025 Final match between England and Germany at National Football stadium on June 28, 2025 in Bratislava, Slovakia. (Photo by) Is McAtee A Good Choice For Tottenham Hotspur Boss Thomas Frank? McAtee can shoot the ball with power from long range and has got the eye to play some decisive passes in the final third. He is a good runner with the ball at his feet and can chip in by scoring a few important goals for his team. However, the English sensation has to find a way to add some assists to his game if he wants to play regularly in top-flight football. McAtee is far from a finished product but has got the potential to be a future star in English football. He is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also fill in as a box-to-box midfielder or as a right-winger if told to do so. We can expect McAtee to add more firepower to Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank's frontline. He is good enough to challenge for a regular first-team football at the North London club next season. At 22, the future looks quite promising for McAtee as long as he continues to improve with each year. He has what it takes to be a success story at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the long run. Hence, McAtee would be a good choice for Spurs to consider in this transfer period.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool can FINALLY secure transfer agreement for long-term favourite
Liverpool's recruitment team spend a lot of their time in transfer windows laying the groundwork for future transfers alongside addressing the current needs of the first-team men's squad. Not every like to a player is going to result in negotiations straightaway, it's about building a rapport. Once a player receives interest from a club, they will start to reconsider their options because a move elsewhere is suddenly on the table. Their unrelenting commitment to their team falters a little. So when the conditions deteriorate to such an extent that the players is actively looking for a new club, Liverpool might happen to find themselves top of the list, because of the long-standing interest. Beraldo is offered to Liverpool This situation appears to be unfolding with Lucas Beraldo, a Brazilian centre-back currently at PSG. He played in the defensive line for the Champions League winners' Club World Cup campaign, but that was due to William Pacho's absence with a suspension. As such, it was reported last week that he has put in a transfer request to leave in order to secure a move where a more regular role in the side is guaranteed, and Liverpool fans began to dream. Now, it is thought that Beraldo's team are approaching a number of clubs to find a solution to the issue, with Chelsea and Liverpool said to have been involved in such conversations, per TBR Football.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Manchester United ready to move for AZ Alkmaar midfielder
Man United Step Up Kees Smit Pursuit as Rebuild Intensifies Midfield Vision for a New Era Manchester United's intent to secure teenage sensation Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar sends a clear message — the rebuild at Old Trafford is not only underway but targeting the roots. As reported by TBR Football, Jason Wilcox is prepared to go all in on the 19-year-old midfielder, widely regarded as the standout talent in the Eredivisie this season. Advertisement United's 15th-place Premier League finish last campaign was both humbling and unacceptable. It left INEOS and Wilcox no choice but to act decisively. 'The Red Devils basically need to reconstruct large chunks of their squad to catapult themselves back into the upper echelons of English football after a desperate campaign,' and it's clear that youth is a cornerstone of that plan. INEOS Focus on Tomorrow's Stars United's recent transfer activity may look thin on paper — Matheus Cunha the only major signing, and the Bryan Mbeumo pursuit dragging — but there's been quiet success in cornering the market for elite youth. Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro, Chido Martin, and now Paraguayan teenager Diego Leon are all part of this long-term strategy. Photo IMAGO Advertisement Smit could soon follow. 'Already described as a 'total footballer' by Voetbal Primeur, he boasts brilliant technical ability in the midfield, having drawn comparisons to current United star Bruno Fernandes and Tottenham's James Maddison.' United's midfield of the future may already be taking shape. Wilcox's Race Against Europe With Real Madrid also circling, Wilcox is not just scouting talent, he's fighting time. 'Now, according to TBR Football, United have been tracking his progress and are now reportedly ready to launch a firm move for his services this summer.' There's urgency in the tone, perhaps desperation after last season's collapse. Smit, fresh from winning the Under-19s European Championship with the Netherlands, featured 30 times for AZ last season and scored twice. These aren't just numbers. They are the makings of a player ready for a bigger stage. Advertisement Midfield Revolution in Motion United need more than potential. They need production and polish. But with Smit, they may get both in time. 'Man Utd ready to make Kees Smit approach,' reads the telling final line. One that could define not just a window but an era under Wilcox. Our View – EPL Index Finally, it looks like United have a plan. After years of wasteful spending and short-term solutions, this pursuit of Kees Smit feels like a step in the right direction. The idea of building around young, technically gifted players like Smit is exactly what fans have been crying out for. That said, excitement comes with caution. United have missed out on similar talents before, especially when Real Madrid are sniffing around. It's encouraging to see Wilcox pushing hard, but fans will want to see that firm offer come sooner rather than later. Advertisement Smit's comparison to Maddison and Bruno is bold, but if he's half the player either is, this could be a steal. Given he's already got 30 games in the Eredivisie and is a European champion at youth level, it feels like the perfect time to strike. Now it's up to United to actually get this one over the line. Another failure in the market, especially with midfield depth still thin, would be a brutal blow. But if they pull this off, it could be one of the smartest moves of the summer.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Journalist Claims Liverpool are Eyeing Shock Move to Sign Brentford Defender
Liverpool Eye Brentford Defender as Potential Konaté Successor With Ibrahima Konaté's long-term future at Anfield hanging in the balance, Liverpool may be forced into a proactive defensive reshuffle. According to TBR Football, the Reds are weighing up a move for Brentford's Nathan Collins, a 24-year-old Irish international who could provide the kind of reliability and leadership that Arne Slot's backline lacked during crucial spells last season. Advertisement This comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding Konaté, who is now in the final year of his Liverpool contract. Reports from Spain suggest that Real Madrid are lining up a free transfer for the Frenchman next summer, leaving Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes with little room to manoeuvre. As noted by Football Insider, the club want clarity on Konaté's situation by the end of August. Why Collins Is on Liverpool's Radar While not the most glamorous name in the market, Collins represents a profile that aligns with Liverpool's pragmatic recruitment approach. Graeme Bailey's report for TBR Football confirms that the Reds are one of three Premier League sides interested in the Brentford man, alongside Arsenal and Spurs. New Liverpool boss Arne Slot could see him as a dependable asset, particularly given the injury-prone nature of the current centre-back pool. Photo: IMAGO Advertisement The numbers do not lie. Collins was the only outfield player to feature in every single minute of the 2024–25 Premier League season — a rarity in modern football. This durability will not have gone unnoticed by the Anfield decision-makers. For context, Virgil van Dijk was just two games short of the same record, only missing out after being rested against Brighton late in the campaign. This level of trust and fitness makes Collins a standout candidate. As Bailey noted, 'He was invariably trusted by Frank, and he's hugely reliable in terms of availability.' Slot may value that consistency more than any flashy reputation. Leadership and Old-School Defensive Qualities Collins is not just a body to fill a shirt. His leadership credentials are already evident. The Brentford website describes him as a 'born leader', and rightly so. He has captained the Republic of Ireland and even wore the armband for Stoke City at the tender age of 18 in a Carabao Cup tie. Advertisement Statistically, he ticks several boxes. According to FBref, he ranks in the top 3% of centre-backs in Europe's top five leagues for blocks per 90 minutes (2.03), top 12% for aerial duels won (3.08), and top 21% for clearances (5.95). These are numbers that mirror the type of rugged, no-nonsense defending Liverpool fans grew to love under the likes of Jamie Carragher. What's more, Collins is not just a destroyer. His attacking contributions for Brentford last term — two goals and five assists — highlight a defender who can influence both boxes, a trait that fits Slot's more expansive system. Potential Chain Reaction in Defence Liverpool's interest in Collins is not solely about Konaté. Jarell Quansah has also attracted interest, notably from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen. Should both he and Konaté leave, Liverpool's centre-back ranks would be alarmingly thin. Advertisement While Collins may have appeared a surprise name at first glance, his durability, experience, and tactical fit make him a more logical target on closer inspection. As TBR Football concluded, 'Perhaps the ever-present Irishman mightn't be such a left-field candidate to replace him after all.' Our View – Anfield Index Analysis From a Liverpool fan's perspective, the interest in Nathan Collins might not set pulses racing. There is no denying the stats are impressive, but fans could be forgiven for asking whether this is a genuine upgrade or simply another depth option. Konaté, for all his inconsistency, offers a top-tier physical profile and elite-level experience. Replacing him with a player who has never featured in European competition or played for a top-six club might feel like a step backwards. Advertisement There's also a lingering concern about ambition. Brentford had a poor campaign by their standards, so plucking their standout defender raises questions. Is this a calculated move, or just the result of a restricted budget? Slot's title-winning debut season earned plenty of goodwill, but with Champions League football returning, fans will expect more than safe hands. They'll want a marquee defender, someone with presence, pedigree, and perhaps even a name that commands dressing room respect. Collins could surprise us, but Liverpool supporters may prefer the club to aim higher — especially if Konaté departs. The Irishman may yet prove himself, but right now, many fans are unconvinced he's the solution to a potentially gaping hole in defence.
