Latest news with #midfielder
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ex-Arsenal star Granit Xhaka set to snub Premier League return amid talk of Bayer Leverkusen exit
Sunderland courted Xhaka Midfielder set to turn down the Black Cats Wants to continue with Leverkusen Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱 WHAT HAPPENED? Saudi club Neom were previously linked with a big-money move for the Swiss star but ultimately pulled out of negotiations as they did not want to match Leverkusen's demands of €15 million (£12.6m) and were prepared to pay €8m (£6.7m). Leverkusen were in no need to sell the player as he continues to be a vital cog in midfield and has three years left on his current deal. THE BIGGER PICTURE Sunderland weren't alone in their attempts to lure Xhaka away from the BayArena. Turkish Super Lig powerhouse Fenerbahce also registered their interest with a concrete offer. But much like the Premier League club, they too have seemingly come up short, with the player said to be focused on continuity and family stability over embarking on a new challenge abroad, as revealed by Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri. DID YOU KNOW? One of the driving forces behind Xhaka's likely decision to remain in Leverkusen is the club's evolving vision under new manager Erik ten Hag. The former Manchester United boss recently took the reins at the Bundesliga champions, and reportedly plans to build the core of his midfield around the experienced Swiss international, appreciating his leadership qualities and game management skills. Such a central role is difficult to walk away from, especially when combined with family considerations and the comfort of life in Germany. WHAT NEXT FOR XHAKA? Though Sunderland had high hopes of pulling off a major coup with the acquisition of Xhaka, they now must look for alternatives. In fact, AC Milan had also reached out to the midfielder but had to withdraw their interest, given Leverkusen's high asking price.
The Sun
10 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Adam Wharton makes major decision on Liverpool transfer as Tottenham look to hijack deal for Crystal Palace star
ADAM WHARTON is ready to put his move to Liverpool on hold for a YEAR. The Crystal Palace midfielder, 21, is also linked with a switch to London rivals Tottenham. 1 But Wharton is happy to stay at Selhurst Park this season — and that makes the Kop favourites to land him. Liverpool have been lining up the classy passer for months but they would also prefer to wait after big changes to their squad this summer. Wharton forced his way into England's Euro 2024 squad after joining Palace but was frustrated by injuries last season, missing three months after a groin operation in November. Palace do not want to lose Wharton now as they face Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze being sold before the window shuts on September 1. Palace, facing huge interest in their players this summer, are sure to demand a huge fee for Wharton who still has more than four years left on his contract. Blackburn are also due a 15 per cent cut of profit over the £18m Palace paid up front for their former academy star 15 months ago. Bayern Munich are set to go head-to-head with Arsenal in the race to sign Eberechi Eze. Mikel Arteta sees him as the 'final piece in the jigsaw' in a new-look line-up that the Spaniard hopes will see the Gunners finally win the Premier League. But Sun Sport recently revealed that Arsenal face a major battle to land Eze in the shape of the German champions. Bayern have just lost Jamal Musiala to a broken leg and dislocated ankle and they have shortlisted Eze as they seek to strengthen their attack.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tottenham Hotspur Keeping A Keen Eye On This Bundesliga Midfielder: Should Frank Go For Him?
In a recent segment on Youtube with Last Word on Spurs, journalist Ben Jacobs revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are keeping a keen eye on Mainz midfielder Kaishu Sano this summer. Jacobs said, 'Kaishu Sano, who is at the Bundesliga side Mainz, is another player that Tottenham really like. He's an extremely combative number six who is capable of moving between the lines, winning aerial duels, but a bit like Moises Caicedo, is a very progressive passer, who you sort of see a lot of underrated attacking qualities about. 'He's not just your standard engine room and ball winner. He's also very good at, after he's won it, getting his head up and working out where there's an incisive pass to be played. And that's why he is so effective playing in a counterattacking side. That's also maybe another name to watch.' Sano's Impressive Form In German Football Sano had a solid campaign at the German club after he put in a string of eye-catching displays for them at the centre of the park. The 24-year-old made 36 appearances for Mainz last season but failed to score or create a goal for them across multiple competitions. The Japanese talent made 61 tackles, 66 blocks and 65 interceptions in the Bundesliga. He has even been tidy when distributing possession from midfield after making 80.1% of his attempted passes in the top tier of German football (stats via Should Tottenham Hotspur Boss Thomas Frank Go For Sano? Sano is a tough-tackling midfielder who can scan the danger well to secure the ball back for his team at the centre of the park. He usually puts his foot through the ball when required and is an accurate passer of the ball as well. The Japan international is full of energy and running but needs to find a way to add more goals and assists to his game. Furthermore, there are some concerns over whether he would be able to adapt to the physicality and high intensity of the Premier League. Sano would add more bite and steel to Tottenham boss Thomas Frank's midfield. He has what it takes to challenge for regular first-team football at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season. At 24, Sano's best years are ahead of him which makes him a good choice for Spurs to consider this summer. With all things considered, Frank should focus on going for a midfielder of his skill set this off-season.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Benfica ready to close deal for Richard Rios
Richard Rios is increasingly drifting away from Roma's orbit. The Colombian midfielder, after agreeing to a transfer to the Roman club, has given the green light to Benfica, and now the Portuguese club is ready to submit a €30 million offer to the Brazilian club. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Eagles are expected to accelerate the deal this weekend, and the deal could be finalized within hours. Roma, annoyed by the player's behavior and the excessive demands of intermediaries, have chosen Neil El Aynaoui, who is expected in Rome later today.
New York Times
19 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Sean Longstaff to Leeds: Everything you need to know
Leeds United have signed Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United for an upfront fee of £12million, plus a further £3m in potential add-ons. The 27-year-old midfielder has signed a four-year contract. As part of this summer's transfer coverage at The Athletic, in addition to breaking news, tactical analysis and in-depth reads, our Transfers TLDR series (you can read them all here) will bring you a quick guide to each of the key deals. Until now, Longstaff has been a one-club man. In fact, he has spent much of his life immersed in Newcastle United, having been born on Tyneside (in North Shields) and raised as a Newcastle supporter alongside brother Matty, who also learnt his trade in the club's academy before leaving for fresh challenges. Advertisement Longstaff grew up in a sporting family, with a father who played ice hockey for Great Britain. He spent time on loan at Kilmarnock and Blackpool in his younger days but for the past seven seasons has been a member of the Newcastle squad in the Premier League. Steve Madeley A dedicated, committed, athletic player who is a manager's dream with his willingness and ability to follow precise instructions. Longstaff is able to operate as either a box-to-box midfielder or in a deep-lying holding role, and Leeds fans might even see him playing another sport — in the summer, between football seasons, he has been a fast bowler for Tynemouth Cricket Club. They should not expect him to hold back when talking to the media. He has spoken out previously about being a local player at his hometown club and the unfair level of pressure he believes comes with that. Steve Madeley Longstaff's best quality is adapting to different setups and in-game situations. He featured for just 786 Premier League minutes last season, despite being in the squad for all 38 games, but his touchmap from 2023-24 shows the extent of his activity across the pitch. Eddie Howe used him as an attacking No 8, a regular central midfielder, a lone No 6 and as part of a double pivot during that campaign. Longstaff performed well in all four roles, protecting the defence and giving Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes the freedom to play further up the pitch. He still scored six league goals that season, thanks to his tireless ball-carrying, instinctive box-crashing and sweeping finishes, which could prove invaluable for Leeds as they try to re-establish themselves as a Premier League club. He is ambitious in possession and from set pieces, resulting in a combined pass completion rate of just 82.2 per cent across the past two seasons. Anantaajith Raghuraman Longstaff has had a series of different issues over the past six years, from a dead leg to ankle, knee and hamstring problems, but none of them have kept him out for a prolonged period. A knee injury in March 2019 that kept him out for the season's final nine games is his longest single absence. Steve Madeley 'I'm so proud of everything Sean has achieved,' his younger brother Matty, now in MLS with Canada's Toronto FC, told The Athletic in October 2024. 'He gets stick from certain fans at times, which he doesn't deserve, and he's made a scapegoat. But look at the games he's played, the goals he's scored in big games, and how mentally strong he is. Advertisement 'I've always looked up to him and even more so now. I don't think people understand the pressures of being the homegrown kid.' Steve Madeley Leeds have spent £12million on bringing Longstaff two hours' drive south from Tyneside to Yorkshire, ending a relationship with Newcastle that started when he was just nine years old. The fee could rise by a further £3million if various add-ons, including Leeds avoiding relegation back to the Championship this season, are achieved. Longstaff has signed a four-year contract at Elland Road. Chris Weatherspoon Assuming agent fees of 10 per cent and a four per cent transfer levy, signing Longstaff will add £3.3million in amortisation costs onto Leeds' 2025-26 books, then a further £3.5m per season to the end of 2029-30. Longstaff's wage at Elland Road are currently unknown, but will ensure the cost of buying him goes beyond the estimated £13.7m in acquisition fees. For Newcastle, Longstaff's book value was pretty much nil. He joined their academy at a very young age, so the only costs held on the club's balance sheet in relation to him are any fees incurred when renewing contracts. And as his existing deal had less than 12 months to run, any such remaining balance was nominal. To that end, Newcastle will book the full £12million fee as profit in their 2025-26 financials. Chris Weatherspoon
