All posts by h716a5.icu

West Bromwich Albion are closing in on yet another signing and it is one that Luke Dowling has worked his magic over…

What’s the word?

According to the Express & Star, the Baggies have been negotiating over a deal to sign Huddersfield Town striker Karlan Grant as Slaven Bilic appears to finally be poised to land his man.

It’s claimed Albion would only have to pay a £5m loan fee upfront with a remaining £13m to come next summer should the Baggies keep their place in the Premier League.

Money is tight at the Hawthorns with the likes of Branislav Ivanovic coming in for free and Filip Krovinovic returning on loan.

Dowling masterclass

This is simply quite incredible business by the West Brom chief as he’s landed Bilic a new striker for a fraction of the price expected.

The 23-year-old is yet to feature this season amid uncertainty over his future but last season, he was one of the Terriers’ few bright sparks – per WhoScored, Grant bagged 19 goals and provided four assists in 43 appearances, also averaging 2.6 shots, 1.2 key passes and 1.1 dribbles each game.

It very much makes him seem like the perfect solo striker in Bilic’s system, someone who can bring others into play aside from finding the net himself regularly.

His former Charlton boss Lee Bowyer reinforces such a claim, suggesting Grant “causes problems and scores goals,” which is backed up by current teammate Tommy Elphick who believes “he’s got the world at his feet” and has “got everything.”

For an initial £5m, this move has all the hallmarks of being an absolute bargain – even more so if he keeps them up, the club will be quick to pay the rest of the fee next summer that’s for sure.

Callum Robinson can’t be the man to lead the line, especially if the likes of Charlie Austin and Kenneth Zohore aren’t in the Croatian’s plans.

Say bye to the former Saints man, it’s Grant season at the Hawthorns.

AND in other news, West Brom plotting shock move for former Premier League monster…

Reports linking Kalidou Koulibaly to Manchester United are once again doing the rounds on social media. 

Koulibaly, 29, has been touted to make a move to the Premier League on more than one occasion at some point in his career so far.

The Napoli centre-back has been described as one of the best defenders in world football, so it’s perhaps hardly surprising Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still interested in signing the colossus in the summer.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, as cited by Sport Witness, the Red Devils have renewed their interest in the 33-cap Senegal international.

The Italian publication claims Napoli have overspent somewhere in the region of €180m between January and July, which means Gennaro Gattuso’s side now need to recoup €150m before the transfer window shuts, and they face an uphill struggle to get the job done in time.

Man United are reportedly ready to pay €70m (£62m) for the Senegalese captain, which is an offer that “cannot be refused,” given the current circumstances.

The report went on to add he will “eventually move to England” if there are “no new negotiations” with potential suitors, including local rivals Manchester City, who have also registered their interest in the defender.

Aggressive, quick and confident on the ball, the Senegal centre-back cuts an imposing figure at the back, which may make him the perfect partner for Harry Maguire, as Victor Lindelof has never looked particularly convincing alongside the club captain, while Eric Bailly has hardly featured at all since making a full recovery from injury.

This is surely an opportunity too tempting to ignore, as the Red Devils will relish the chance to get the better of their closest rivals.

United fans, do you think Ed Woodward should sign Kalidou Koulibaly in the summer? Let us know down below!

Everton have made an array of exciting midfield additions this transfer window, so perhaps it’s time to focus on other areas that need some improvement and it appears that could soon happen…

What’s the word?

According to Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), the Toffees are one of the teams interested in signing Barcelona outcast Jean-Clair Todibo this summer.

They claim that the La Liga giants have actually received an offer from Merseyside but it’s fallen short of their €25m (£23m) valuation.

Premier League rivals Wolves and Leicester City are also in the hunt to secure the 20-year-old’s signature.

The next T. Silva?

Carlo Ancelotti has been blessed with many great centre-backs over the course of his illustrious managerial career, ranging from John Terry at Chelsea to Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid.

In Todibo, the Italian could be getting the second coming of another great, new Blues signing Thiago Silva, whom Ancelotti had at Paris Saint-Germain.

“I’ve been inspired a lot by Andrea Pirlo in central midfield, and also by Thiago Silva in defence,” claims the Barca colossus, so that’s a rather encouraging sign.

He’s also been likened to Marcel Desailly by Bundesliga.com due to his “pace, strength and technical ability” whilst German legend Lothar Matthaus believes Todibo is “the best centre-back” he’s seen in a very long time.

Although the young Frenchman is still relatively exposed at the elite stage having only made a total of 15 appearances between the La Liga side and last season’s loan club Schalke 04.

Despite that, former head coach of the Catalan outfit Ernesto Valverde claims he has “a bright future” ahead of him, perhaps that can be at Goodison Park instead of the Nou Camp.

A recent injury to Mason Holgate has put their defensive prospects in the hands of Yerry Mina and Michael Keane, who both have been a little inconsistent, so Marcel Brands could do no wrong in raising his bid to £23m to secure an additional option in a vulnerable position.

With stability now in midfield through the signing of Allan, Todibo could really thrive in the Premier League with his physical attributes and maybe Ancelotti can truly mould him into the next Silva.

AND in other news, Micah Richards believes ex-star will return to the Toffees this summer…

Leeds United may have found themselves a perfect alternative to Ben White amid reports emerging from South America.

What’s the word?

According to Calciomercato, the Yorkshire giants are one of several teams holding an interest in River Plate centre-back Lucas Martinez Quarta and that he could be available for just €15m (£13.5m).

The story has taken on a new twist after the player’s agent confirmed to TyC Sports that teams from England, Spain, Italy and France have held discussions over a potential move, although Leeds’ name wasn’t mentioned, it’s certainly an interesting hint.

It’s further claimed that as little as €12m (£10.5m) could be enough to tempt the Argentian outfit into a sale.

Ben White alternative

Marcelo Bielsa is certainly going to need a centre-back or two this summer as currently, the only senior option going into next season is skipper Liam Cooper, who himself hasn’t featured in the top-flight in a decade.

Ben White is set to return to his parent club Brighton with no real confirmation surrounding his long-term future on the south coast whilst Gaetano Berardi is out with an ACL tear until April 2021, although he’s out-of-contract at Elland Road anyway.

Quarta, on the face of it, looks a shrewd move – per WhoScored, the 24-year-old international has averaged 3.6 clearances, 1.8 tackles and 0.9 shots per game.

This is above the numbers that the impressive fan-favourite White put up in west Yorkshire. Therefore, it would certainly seem like Bielsa has the perfect second option if he’s unable to secure the young English talent for their PL bow.

At just £10.5m, it could be an absolute steal with Brighton likely wanting in excess of £35m for his services amid interest from the top-flight champions, Liverpool.

AND in other news, Leeds can resolve huge Bielsa headache if Orta lands £15m target…

[ad_pod ]

According to reports from BBC Sport, West Bromwich Albion are set to sign Jefferson Montero on loan for the rest of the season.

What’s the word?

West Brom are flying high in the Championship this season and developed a real lust for scoring goals, netting a division-highest 57 in 28 games so far.

Darren Moore’s attacking ranks, however, have been depleted throughout the January transfer window. Harvey Barnes was recalled by Leicester City, Oliver Burke joined Celtic on loan and Bakary Sako was allowed to return to Crystal Palace.

Montero, meanwhile, is yet to actually start a Championship game this season despite making 12 substitute appearances and grabbing two assists from the bench back in September.

West Brom appear to be taking advantage of Montero’s bit-part status, by swooping for a player who has shown flashes of brilliance in the Premier League previously – during his first season at Swansea, he grabbed seven assists in the top flight.

A new weapon for Moore

If there’s one thing Montero undoubtedly offers, even if his consistency can be questioned, it’s service and trickery in wide positions. Per ninety minutes this season, he’s averaged 2.7 accurate crosses and 4.9 successful dribbles according to Whoscored.

While those statistics are skewed somewhat by the fact Montero has only featured as a substitute, no West Brom player to make more than 10 Championship appearances this season has averaged more than two successful dribbles per ninety minutes, although Matt Phillips matches his return for accurate crosses.

Montero then, offers something a little different in terms of his ability to carry the ball and as we approach the final run-in, that potential to change games by introducing Montero from the bench could be crucial for the promotion-chasing Baggies.

Toronto FC captain Michael Bradley has announced that he will retire at the end of the 2023 MLS season.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Bradley is 36Has played for Toronto since 2014Set to hang up his bootsWHAT HAPPENED?

The midfielder moved to the club in 2014 from Roma and has played in Canada ever since, with his final game to come against Orlando City SC this weekend. Bradley has made 287 appearances in MLS and is also the third-highest capped United States player of all time.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Bradley has enjoyed a remarkably distinguished career, and has won the MLS Cup and the Supporters Shield during his time with Toronto, as well as the Canadian Championship on four occasions. He also lifted the Gold Cup with the USMNT twice, in 2007 and 2017.

He has also played for MetroStars, Heerenveen, Borussia Monchengladbach, Aston Villa, and Chievo, as well as Roma and Toronto.

WHAT THEY SAID

Bradley said: “On January 13, 2014, I sat at a press conference and said that I had never been ‘more excited, more determined, and more motivated for any challenge in my entire career.’ I meant every single word.

“For the last 10 years, I have spilled my blood, sweat and tears trying to help this club be the best it could be. There were some incredible days — moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life — and some bad ones too. But I never stopped giving everything I had. Thank you to all my teammates, coaches, and everyone inside the club. … This city and this club will always be home.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Bradley will say farewell this weekend, and bring down the curtain on a storied career.

U.S. men's national team striker Folarin Balogun had a hilarious blunder in camp, not realizing that the Aaronson brothers… were in fact brothers!

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

USMNT's Balogun had ZERO idea team-mates were relatedBrenden and Paxten Aaronson both in USMNT campChris Richards excited to see duo in actionWHAT HAPPENED?

USMNT centerback Chris Richards outed team-mate Balogun for not realizing that Brenden and Paxten Aaronson were related. Richards had a laugh about the confusion as he believes it's quite obvious, considering the duo look alike and share a last name.

The Crystal Palace defender also added that it's a unique moment for the group to get them both in the same camp, and he's excited to see how things work out for them this November.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT RICHARDS SAID

"It was funny. We were warming up today and Flo had no idea they were brothers. He thought that they just had the same last name. I was like, 'Bro, they look exactly the same, sound the same, play the exact same!' They're both kind of quirky. They're both pretty similar going like 100 miles per hour all the time. You can see that whatever their family is doing, they're doing pretty well, and it's funny because they're kind of still big brother and little brother. You're gonna give your little brother a little bit of smack but it's funny to see to like the exact same people just few years apart," he said.

"I think [Paxten] needs a little bit of time because B was [quiet] at first, too. They're both funny. They have the exact same personality both on and off the field. I think they just got in yesterday, so I'm really interested to see how they are outside of the field."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The younger Aaronson of the two – Paxten – has been impressing of late for Bundesliga club Frankfurt, and with both Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah out this month due to injury, he could be called upon.

Crafting his trade a a winger instead of an attacking midfielder like Brenden, Paxten could seemingly slot into either role, but the competition is stiff. Both Kevin Paredes and Alejandro Zendejas are with the group as well, and each has more experience with the senior team.

Regardless, though, the Aaronson brothers could both play a major role as the USMNT looks to earn a berth in the 2024 Copa America.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?

A pair of crucial games against Trinidad and Tobago are on the cards as Gregg Berhalter and Co look to secure their spot in the Copa America next summer. The matches take place on November 16 and 20, and with results in their favor, they'll clinch a spot.

Vietnam's recent rise has been impressive, but they'll need a miracle to make it through the group stages

Vietnam are one of eight teams making their Women's World Cup debut in Australia and New Zealand this summer. Making it to the grandest stage of them all, though, would have seen fancical when they played their first ever game in 1997.

However, steady improvement over the past decade means they will be mixing it with some of the best players on the planet in Group E. The United States, the Netherlands and Portugal are their opponents – three extremely tough tests on paper.

Vietnam will therefore need a minor miracle to make it through to the knockout stages, but the fact that they have made it here at all is a source of enormous pride back home. Their journey begins with a daunting match against reigning champions, the U.S., where they'll be hoping to avoid a heavy defeat in front of a global television audience.

GettyHow they got here

The 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup was used to determine World Cup qualification in Asia. The tournament was hosted by India and each squad was subjected to strict coronavirus rules. The hosts themselves even had to withdraw from the competition after a spate of Covid-19 cases decimated their playing ranks.

Vietnam were placed in Pot Three for the draw and ended up in a strong group alongside 2011 World Cup winners Japan, South Korea and Myanmar. As expected, they found it tough. Japan and South Korea each helped themselves to 3-0 victories over Vietnam, with their game against Myanmar ending 2-2.

Despite earning just one point, they squeezed through to the knockout stages as the second-best third-placed team, due to Iran losing each of their group games. Vietnam met eventual winners China in the quarter-finals, succumbing to a 3-1 defeat.

However, salvation came in the form of another safety net. As a result of the World Cup being expanded to 32 teams, an additional automatic place was available via a round-robin play-off contested between each of the fallen quarter-finalists – minus Australia, who qualified automatically as hosts.

Vietnam began with a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over fierce rivals Thailand and a second win over Taiwan meant they topped the group and progressed to their maiden World Cup. Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy was the hero in the second, decisive game, dedicating her winner to her late father, who passed away in 2016.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesA rising power in Asian football

Although they remain well behind China, Japan, South Korea and Australia, Vietnam have emerged as the leading footballing power in Southeast Asia in recent years.

They have won the women's football tournament in each of the past four SEA Games, most recently defeating Myanmar 2-0 in the 2023 final in Cambodia. Vietnam also won the 2019 AFF Women's Championship, shocking hosts and bitter foes Thailand in the final.

The fact that they have made it to the World Cup, and their long-time rivals have not, makes their maiden tournament appearance all the sweeter. The next step in their development will be looking to challenge the AFC's big four, though this is easier said than done due to the vast resource gap.

Full squadPosition PlayerClubGoalkeeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh Ho Chi Minh CityGoalkeeperKhong Thi HangThan KSVNGoalkeeperDao Thi Kieu Oanh HanoiDefenderChuong Thi KieuHo Chi Minh CityDefenderTran Thi Thu Thao Ho Chi Minh CityDefenderTran Thi ThuHo Chi Minh CityDefenderLuong Thi Thu ThuongThan KSVNDefenderLe Thi Diem MyThank KSVNDefenderTran Thi Hai Linh Hanoi DefenderHoang Thi LoanHanoiDefenderNguyen Thi My Anh Thai Nguyen T&TDefender Tran Thi Thuy NgaThan KSVNMidfielderDuong Thi VanThan KSVN MidfielderTran Thi Thuy TrangHo Chi Minh CityMidfielder Nguyen Thi Bich ThuyHo Chi Minh CityMidfielder Thai Thi Thao HanoiMidfielderNguyen Thi Thanh Nha HanoiMidfielderNgan Thi Van SuHanoiMidfielderNguyen Thi Tuyet DungPhong Phu Ha NamForwardHuynh Nhu Lank Vilaverdense ForwardPham Hai Yen HanoiForward Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang Than KSVNForwardVu Thi HoaHo Chi Minh CityENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesThe MVP

This wasn't a hard choice. Huynh Nhu is Vietnamese football's first superstar. Not only is she her country's all-time leading scorer with 67 goals in just 103 caps, Nhu is also the only player in the squad who plies her trade overseas.

In August 2022, she was snapped up by Portuguese side Lank FC Vilaverdense. Located in Braga, the team are reported to be increasing her salary to around $3,200 per month next season following an impressive maiden campaign in Europe.

The move is a source of enormous national pride back home, with coach Mia Duc Chung telling FIFA.com: "It is a great honour when a European country signs a South-east Asian player, a Vietnamese one. It’s a big achievement for Huynh Nhu and I think it's an honour for our country. She is a good example for our female players to follow and it will help Vietnam women's football to be well known and respected."

The five-time Vietnam Golden Ball winner is a set-piece wizard and chipped in with some vital goals in qualifying. If they are going to make the net bulge this summer, she is the most likely player to do it.

The 46-year-old has walked away from the national team job after an embarrassing World Cup, so who should be considered to replace him?

It was once the biggest job in the women's game, and perhaps it still is. The United States women's national team is looking for a new head coach to usher in a new era but, strangely enough, there isn't an obvious candidate out there.

Vlatko Andonovski is gone after a disastrous 2022 World Cup that saw the U.S. eliminated in the last 16. The moment the USWNT fell to Sweden, Andonovski's fate was sealed. There would be no second cycle, no Olympics; this team was onto something new.

Whichever coach comes in will face a massive task in rebuilding a fallen juggernaut. There's no debating that the USWNT regressed under Andonovski, although how much is up for debate. Did the rest of the world catch up completely or did the USWNT never quite find the level needed to be, well, the USWNT?

The answer is probably somewhere in the middle. This is a team and a player pool still loaded with talent, but also one that needs some tweaks. The USWNT's mentality and athleticism aren't enough to overwhelm teams anymore and, as several key veterans prepare for their exits from the international stage, it'll be up to a new head coach to build this team around several new stars.

With the 2024 Olympics just a year away, that new coach won't have too much time to put their stamp on things before a major tournament begins. Even with what we saw this summer, though, the USWNT will be among the favorites in Paris, especially if the new coach can make even the slightest tweaks to the factors that let the USWNT down this summer.

So who might that coach be? GOAL takes a look at some of the candidates to replace Andonovski:

GettySarina Wiegman

Probably the best coach in the women's game right now, but also a hire that is essentially a pipedream. Sarina Wiegman is set to lead England into the country's first Women's World Cup final on Sunday, having already won back-to-back European Championships and taken her native Netherlands to the 2019 World Cup final.

Her contract with England runs through 2025 and, with the Olympics just around the corner, is there really any reason for her to leave? The answer is 'probably not', but U.S. Soccer will almost certainly make the call to check just in case.

AdvertisementGettyLaura Harvey

Probably the most natural hire the USWNT could make, Laura Harvey has coached the U.S. at U20, U23 and senior level, and has worked with Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Naomi Girma during their rises to the top of the game.

Harvey, of course, is close with Andonovski, having worked with him and competed against him, so there could be concern about having too much continuity after a poor World Cup. Her time with OL Reign, though, has proved she's a fantastic coach, and she's already come out and hinted that she'd be interested in the role if offered.

"The U.S. women's national team is probably the top job in the world," she said. "If my name is anywhere near it, that's an honor. But first and foremost, my priority is the Reign." 

GettyTony Gustavsson

Tony Gustavsson led hosts Australia on a magical run through the World Cup, so his stock has never been higher. And, given his USWNT history, he may be the perfect fit.

Gustavsson previously served as an assistant under Jill Ellis from 2014-19 before returning to his native Sweden when Andonovski was hired. In 2020, he took over the Matildas and led them on a fantastic run to the semi-finals of this World Cup after finishing fourth at the Olympics in 2021.

He's another one that may not want to leave a good situation with the Olympics looming and his results with Australia, until this summer, were possibly a bit too inconsistent to overlook. Ellis, though, has already backed him, telling ESPN: "He should definitely be a strong candidate for the job."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyEmma Hayes

One of the top coaches at club level in the women's game, could Emma Hayes be tempted by the biggest job at international level?

Hayes has been the Women's Super League's best coach for years, winning the Manager of the Season award six times, as well as The Best FIFA Football Coach in 2021. She also has a history in the U.S., having previously coached Long Island and Iona at the college level, before managing the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL.

Prying her away from Chelsea may be impossible, but the USWNT job is one of the few in the world that may be better than coaching the Blues.

The January transfer window gives Graham Potter the chance to mould the Blues squad in his image, but who will be deemed surplus to requirements?

January is a time for resolutions, making changes and starting afresh, and Chelsea seem set to adopt that notion of renewal as they ring in the new year.

The month could bring the first stage of a squad overall at Chelsea in 2023, as the fat is trimmed from a bloated squad and new owner Todd Boehly continues to splurge his riches with a flagrant disregard for what outsiders may think.

In the weeks leading up to the window, manager Graham Potter had the unique opportunity to work closely with those members of his squad who were not involved in the World Cup for an extended period, away from the glare of the public eye and media scrutiny.

He should now have a good idea of who and what he needs to add to his squad, and who has become surplus to requirements.

Here are GOAL's six players who could well depart Stamford Bridge in January…

Getty ImagesHakim Ziyech

Although his influence waned as the tournament progressed, Ziyech placed himself front and centre of the shop window as he made history with Morocco in Qatar.

The wide man has long been linked with AC Milan having flattered to deceive since swapping Ajax for west London in 2020, and his languid style would suit the slower pace of Serie A.

However, Ziyech's performances at the World Cup will also have served as a reminder to Graham Potter of exactly what he is capable of, and an impactful cameo against Nottingham Forest on New Year's Day could mean he is set for a run in the team.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesChristian Pulisic

Pulisic was used sparingly by his manager before the World Cup, but his strong showings in Qatar with the United States have immediately made him a more prominent figure in Graham Potter's thinking.

Nevertheless, if this run in the team comes to an abrupt end like so many others before it, ambitious Pulisic has intimated that he is prepared to seek a move away in order to secure regular game time.

Speaking in December, the American said: "Right now I'm absolutely back at Chelsea. Focused and ready to finish the season. But you know how things work in football. Things change quickly and anything can happen."

Getty ImagesEdouard Mendy

Mendy's name being among those on this list would have been inconceivable a matter of months ago.

The goalkeeper was out of form and injured when Potter was installed at the helm, and he has paid the price. Potter turned to Kepa Arrizabalaga in his absence and has stood by the Spaniard in the weeks since when picking his strongest XI, with Mendy restricted to a back-up role.

The Champions League and AFCON winner is unlikely to settle for playing second fiddle, and Milan has been rumoured as a possible destination on a short-term deal as they seek cover for injured Mike Maignan.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesCarney Chukwuemeka

Carney Chukwuemeka's unexpected summer transfer to Chelsea was greeted with much fanfare as the Blues gazumped a number of top European clubs to sign the exciting talent from Aston Villa.

Things haven't worked out yet, though, with the star of England's glorious Under-19 European Championship campaign rarely afforded an opportunity under either Thomas Tuchel or Potter.

The 19-year-old is on the fringes of the first team but well down the pecking order, so a loan is surely being considered behind closed doors – especially at such a crucial stage in his development. There would no doubt be a queue of Premier League suitors.