Arsenal, and other interested clubs around Europe looked to set to miss out on top target Alexandre Lacazette earlier this month after the French international admitted that he was keen on a move to Atletico Madrid.
“I want to wait until the end of the season to discuss things with my agent and make the right choice for my future,” said the Lyon forward. “You need to have some proposals on the table in order to make a choice, so I prefer to wait until the end of the season.
“Atletico Madrid are one of the clubs that have been linked in the press. They have a great coach, nice fans, a project and they obviously have Antoine Griezmann.”
Lacazette looked set to be on the move to Atletico Madrid this summer, but for the clubs transfer ban.
Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas even took it upon himself to reveal that Atletico Madrid had even reached an agreement with the player:
“Alex has a verbal agreement with a club, Atletico, but there is no certainty, since we have to wait for CAS to lift the ban on recruitment,” said Aulas.
But any potential deal to Atletico Madrid has been killed off, for the summer at least. Discrepancies regarding their recruitment of youth players led FIFA to hand Atletico a transfer ban and significant fine. The Spanish club appealed to the Court Arbitration for Sport (CAS) but while their fine has been reduced, the ban still remains. As a result, Atletico are banned from registering players until January 1, 2018.
Arsenal (& others) should do everything possible to buy Lacazette now Atlético banned from signing players this summer. Incredible striker
As Kaveh Solhekol from Sky Sports News HQ, states Arsenal should be front of the queue and move heaven and earth to try and secure the services of Alexandre Lacazette.
Lacazette finally could be on his way out of Lyon this summer.
Atletico Madrid’s ban has a lot implications on a number of deals also with United said to be cooling their interest on star man Antoine Griezmann which be could good news for Atletico and coach Diego Simeone. The bad news is, Atletico will not be able to secure Lacazette, even if they could, he won’t be able to play for the club until after January 1, 2018 in which he could be cup-tied for any European games if Atletico Madrid make it through to the Knockout stages next year.
Atletico’s transfer ban means they may be able to keep star man Griezmann for next season.
According to Sky Sports Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, Simeone is disappointed in the fact that he won’t be able to sign Alexandre Lacazette, the Argentinian coach had plans to bring the French forward to the club. He felt that his forwards let him down this season and had he had the opportunity to sign Lacazette, it would have meant more goals for Atletico and more of a cutting up-front without the over-reliance on Antoine Griezmann.
Nonetheless, Atletico’s loss could be Arsenal’s gain or even Manchester United who, according to the Daily Mirror are now interested in Lacazette as Mourinho has made signing a No.9 a major priority this summer rather than pursuing Griezmann.
Lacazette finished the season with 36 goals in 44 appearances.
It is indeed very surprising the French hotshot has not moved to a Champions League club already despite his goal scoring prowess that only a few players in Europe can match. Lacazette has encompassed rising from the academy ranks to becoming one of Europe’s most coveted goal scorers. He is one of only four players – Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane – to have hit the 20 goal mark in one of Europe’s top five leagues to three successive seasons.
Lacazette has notched 126 times for Lyon in 274 games. When one considers he broke into the first team as a winger under former coach Claude Puel, its even more impressive 110 goals in 182 games since the switch to becoming the main man upfront, after the iconic Lisandro Lopez moved on. In those last three campaigns, the 25 year old has notched 88 goals in 128 (73 in 96 in Ligue 1 alone). Astonishing.
Arsene Wenger has recently signed a two-year extension to stay on as Arsenal manager until 2019.
It is believed Arsene Wenger is a huge admirer of Lacazette and is eager to add to his squad with rivals Manchester City and United already making moves in the Transfer market. The confirmation of his two-year deal means that Wenger will have another opportunity to deliver a trophy that has eluded him for over 13 years.
However, the only stumbling block is the fact that Lacazette is desperate to play Champions League football next season, and Arsenal will not be able to provide him with those opportunities as the club will be plying their trade in the Europa League in the new season. What could be even more frustrating for Arsenal is that various reports are circulating around stating that United are set to offer £50million to secure Lacazette’s services. Liverpool are also interested in his services and can also offer Lacazette the prospect of Champions League football next season.
Lacazette has notched an astonishing 37 goals in all competitions this season for Lyon.
Lacazette has two years left on his current deal, but is desperate to go for pastures new this summer, and there is no better place to ply his trade than in the Premier League. With that said, Arsenal, Liverpool and United must all battle it out for the Frenchman’s signature this summer.
Whoever comes out triumphant in securing Lacazette’s services come the start of the season will have snapped one of Europe’s best goal scorers – a player capable of winning vital points on his own. A vital cog in a League title winning machine.
While many Manchester United fans are licking their lips and biting their nails at various social media outlets and news reports on the potential signing of French forward Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid, news from France and other news outlets are claiming that Manchester United are close to agreeing a deal for Monaco defensive-midfielder Fabinho.
Fabinho is one of many Monaco players reportedly leaving the Stade Louis II this summer. After Bernardo Silva left to join Manchester City last week for a fee of around £43million, reports are also circulating that left-back Benjamin Mendy could be joining Silva at the Etihad stadium within the next few weeks.
According to The Sun, Manchester United are reportedly leading the race to sign the Brazilian midfielder, and Jose Mourinho is determined not to miss out on Fabinho after narrowly missing out on the signing of Bernardo Silva, although, he was not heavy on the list of Manchester United’s transfer targets this summer as Pep Guardiola jumped the gun and secured the Portuguese wing-maestro’s signature.
Bernardo Silva signed for Manchester City much to the dismay of some United fans.
Fabinho was another star in Monaco’s exciting and free-scoring side that lifted the Ligue 1 title for the first time in 17 years, and reached the Champions League semi-finals. One of Mourinho’s priorities this summer is to sign a long-term replacement for Michael Carrick in defensive-midfield and Fabinho could be the ideal candidate to follow in Carrick’s footsteps. The Brazilian maybe the steel in midfield Mourinho is searching for alongside Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera.
Mourinho’s side have looked light in strength in midfield this season after they sold Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger in the January 2017 window. Marouane Fellaini has certainly been a beneficiary of that and Michael Carrick who has signed a new contract with the club is at the twilight of his career.
It is very cleary to see that Mourinho has made signing a midfield enforcer a priority this summer. Over the past few weeks, United have been linked with various midfielders around Europe according to numerous reports: Radja Nainggolan of Roma, Eric Dier of Tottenham, Fabinho and Tiemoue Bakayoko, both of Monaco and even Nemanja Matic from Chelsea.
Roma’s midfield maestro Radja Nainggolan is one of many midfielders being touted for a move to Old Trafford.
Whether United get any of those names on their list, it would send a clear signal of intent from Mourinho that he means business. The signing of Fabinho would be a boost not only for the club in the midfield department but also personally for Paul Pogba, the presence of Fabinho behind him in a probable midfield trio would allow the French superstar to focus on being the player he was for Juventus at Old Trafford. In his time in Turin, he had the likes of Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio beside him to do the dirty work which in turn allowed him to truly play his best football.
Fabinho has been a massive presence in the Monaco midfield this season alongside Bakayoko or Jao Moutinho. The 23-year-old Real Madrid reject has played for Monaco since 2014 and netted 10 times for Leonardo Jardim’s side this season with 4 assists to boot. A fantastic return for the midfielder who has enjoyed his best season in a Monaco shirt. Reports are suggesting that the Brazilian will complete his move when he gets back from holiday. Also, that he has become frustrated that his team-mates and “best friends” Bernardo Silva who has signed for City and Benjamin Mendy on course to also follow the Portuguese attacking-midfielder out of the club.
United have also been interested in the services of Eric Dier from Tottenham who has been instrumental in much of Tottenham’s success this season, it is believed that Mourinho is a huge admirer of the former Sporting Lisbon midfielder but any deal for him would be unlikely because of the frosty relationship between Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and the United board.
United manager Jose Mourinho is a huge fan of Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier.
Fabinho would definitely add some much needed steel and security to Mourinho’s midfielder if the deal was to go through. United would need to act quickly if they are to get their man as Pep Guardiola is a huge admirer of the Brazilian but it is said he prefers a move to Old Trafford.
Mourinho experimented with his midfield on a number of occasions last season with a 3-4-3, 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3 set up, and Fabinho’s adaptability and versatility would prove useful, with the Brazilian also able to play at full-back or even wing-back.
Fabinho can also fill in at Full-back and Wing-back, an incredibly versatile and adaptable player.
Juventus have also been reported to have interest in Fabinho but have just recently pulled out of the running which allows the two Manchester clubs to battle it out for his signature, but it is also said that Pep Guardiola is fully focusing on strengthening his defence and full-back positions with Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy his main targets which gives United the green light to fully pursue the Brazilian.
As reported, Fabinho would represent a steady addition to the United overhaul this summer, a player blessed with huge physical presence and is tactically sound – a trait Mourinho admires. Fabinho could be a dream signing for United this summer.
After United lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy, instantly Mourinho’s first season at the helm was considered a huge success after he secured the club a return to the elite competition, the UEFA Champions League. At the start of the season, a return to Europe’s top competition was the target for Mourinho, but after a 6th placed finish, the Portuguese coach threw all his eggs in one basket and focused on prioritising the Europa League with just 3 Premier League games left. It was a gamble that paid off as goals from Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan swiftly saw off the threat of a youthful Ajax side in Stockholm.
Pogba celebrates scoring United’s first goal against Ajax in the Europa League final.
It was a victory of pragmatism, and a performance which showed that Mourinho is merely focused on results rather than becoming football’s William Wordsworth. United soaked up pressure from Ajax’ attacks and killed them at vital moments, in a professional and swift manner. Now United have the luxury of playing Champions League next season, Mourinho will be aiming over the summer to take United to the next level… or even United’s Chief Executive Ed Woodward, seeing as Mourinho is on his summer break.
After an up and down Premier League season, United have a lot to work on if they have any dream of bringing the Premier League back to Old Trafford.
As a fantastic season has drawn to a close, this is my End of Season report on Manchester United:
What is your overall verdict on the Season, hit or miss?
Personally, I see this season as a hit simply because our main target at the start of the season has been reached, and that was to secure Champions League football. Certainly, we secured it through the back door but you gotta be in it to win it, and we did. The Premier League has been a hit and miss throughout, but I have always thought we were never going to challenge for the Premier League title as many predicted at the start of the season. This has been a season of merely, laying the foundations and Mourinho has done that with aplomb. We look a much better outfit in defence that under Van Gaal and Moyes, Mourinho has eradicated the silly and unnecessary mistakes; players such as Rojo, Bailly, Blind and Phil Jones have certainly raised their game due to the tactical pragmatism of Mourinho – a coach well known for his defensive mind-set and focus.
However, its our attack that needs work. We’ve played some scintillating football at times but our finishing has really let us down. Our inability to kill teams off in the final third probably was the main we didn’t finish as high as we would have wanted, and I’m sure Mourinho will be solely focusing on attending to that issue during the summer transfer window.
United frailties in front of goal brought a huge dent to their top 4 ambitions.
What’s your highlight of the season?
Winning the Europa League. As simple as that. As a United fan, I don’t think I would have been able to cope without another season of Champions League football. Mourinho got the job done in Stockholm. It was nice seeing us lift a major trophy as well as the League Cup – another highlight considering the way in which we had to struggle against the pressures of Southampton – it is a trophy that has merely eluded us for so many years. At the end of the day, it is about winning trophies despite our disappointing league position – to see us lifting our third trophy in two years was a joy to behold. United is a club so richly blessed with Major Honours and it was good to carry on that tradition.
Also, the signing of elite players such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic (I really do hope he stays next season), Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan showed that we could compete with the best financially even without the allure of Champions League football.
What is your lowlight?
Our finishing. Diabolical. Frustrating. Disheartening. Imagine where would be if we would have won like 10 or 11 of those 15 games, we would have been up there fighting with the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham for the League title, however, it wasn’t to be. It is a major problem we must address in this summers window.
Who’s your Player of the Season?
Ander Herrera. I was thinking Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Antonio Valencia, but then I thought the Spanish midfielder has been ever-present for us this season – Deserved winner of the Manchester United Player of the Season award too – a player who has been perfectly moulded into the Mourinho-type midfield destroyer. When Herrera joined the club 3 years ago, he was considered an attacking midfielder. Van Gaal couldn’t see no use of him in his starting XI, and his self-proclaimed “philosophy” suffered as a result – a philosophy so hell-bent on possession football and movement which required the abilities of Herrera, who is blessed with that midfield thrust and an eye for the extraordinary pass (just check his assist for Mkhitaryan against Tottenham and for Rashford against Chelsea). Only God knows why Van Gaal couldn’t realise his mesmeric abilities in the midfield. He has been called upon to change his style under Jose Mourinho and he has duly delivered. His passion, determination and fighting spirit on the pitch has been outstanding. Add in his passing abilities and he has turned into the perfect midfielder this season. Captain of United in the making? I wouldn’t put it past him.
Herrera has flourished under the guidance of Mourinho this season.
Most Improved Player?
Marcos Rojo. Let me be honest, when Van Gaal bought him, I couldn’t see anything special but a rashness in his game that would get him in trouble every time he flies in for a tackle. I hardly knew him anyway, but under Mourinho this season, the Argentine has finally found his feat (well not literally, seeing as his season ended prematurely because of a bad knee injury). Under Mourinho’s guidance, Rojo has dominated the air, his opponents and the threat around with an assuredness and composure that was so far-fetched when he joined in 2014. I would have picked Antonio Valencia for this gong, but Rojo has impressed me the most.
Best Goal of the Season?
This Goal.
Mkhitaryan’s ‘Scorpion’ goal against Sunderland.
Simply Amazing. Don’t care what Olivier Giroud thinks. Henrikh Mkhitaryan did it first.
What areas need to be strengthened for next term?
Definitely a Prolific Striker, a goal scoring winger, a defensive midfielder and probably a centre back too. Mourinho knows what he needs to do, who am I to comment?
Antoine Griezmann is top of Mourinho’s transfer targets this summer.
If money was no object and you could sign any player in World Football, who would it be and how would they fit into your team?
Neymar. My favourite player in World Football. I really enjoy watching this guy play football, his ability to take on his marker with consummate ease is a sight to behold. We have been linked with him in the past couple of transfer windows. Although the interest seems far fetched, I would love to see him at Old Trafford sometime in the future. I don’t think he will become a one club man and stay at Barcelona for the rest of his career, I feel the Premier League needs someone with his extravagant abilities and I’m sure he would love to test himself in England too.
Could we see Neymar at Old Trafford in future?
United still is the place to fulfil dreams and ambitions and Neymar will be the centre of those lofty ambitions. He hasn’t got that ‘main man’ tag at Barcelona because of Lionel Messi, so why not become the main man at Manchester United and become the best player in the world just like Cristiano Ronaldo did. Even winning the Ballon D’or.
There is no better place to achieve that than at Old Trafford.
What would represent a successful season next year?
Well, that does depend of whether Mourinho secures his top targets this summer, that is why I feel this summers window could be United’s biggest yet. If we do secure those targets for next season, then why not go far in the Champions League as well as winning the Premier League? Mourinho has won the League title at every club he has been at in his managerial career, and I am hugely confident he will carry on that trend during his time at Old Trafford. We won three trophies in an otherwise average season to be fair, with a team/squad that is not fully moulded into the Mourinho image. Imagine what we could next season if Mourinho successfully tunes his squad into the way he wants next season.
This Summers Transfer Window could be United’s biggest ever.
There will be difficult obstacles in his way such as Pep Guardiola across the city at the Etihad, as well as Tottenham, Liverpool, Arsenal and Champions Chelsea all battling it out to win the Premier League next season. But you have to ‘beat the best to be the best’. Mourinho has been there, done that on many occasions in his decorated managerial career, who’s to say he can’t achieve another next season at Manchester United.
It promises to be another magnificent battle of the new and improved ‘Top 6’ next term. I for one cannot wait.
Now lets take a look at Part 2 of our expected major transfer deals to happen this summer:
Alexis Sanchez – Manchester City/Bayern Munich/Chelsea
How Arsenal fans would rue Alexis Sanchez leaving the Emirates this summer; lets face it, the Chilean forward deserves more than what he is getting at the club. A player of his calibre should be winning major honours but he won’t do that as long as he remains at Arsenal. Sanchez has reportedly stated himself, he is frustrated at the lack of ambition and drive shown by his fellow team mates and the club. Don’t be surprised to see him walk out on the club in the summer with Manchester City and Bayern Munich believed to be sniffing down his neck with the former the most likely destination due to his past ties with Pep Guardiola at Barcelona.
Alexis Sanchez has enjoyed another fruitful season in front of goal.
Nonetheless, individually Sanchez has enjoyed another great season in front of goal taking his all time tally Premier League tally for the club to 50 goals. He is player who will not at stop at nothing to get a victory – a characteristic shown on many occasions this season when he throws a strop or at his fellow team-mates.
Maybe the time he starts winning the trophies he so well desires could be away from Arsenal, who knows?
Lacazette has revelled up front for Lyon in Ligue 1 for three consecutive seasons.
A player who has been on top of his game for a long while now. A player that has carried the weight of Lyon’s world on his own shoulders for a number of seasons. Step forward, Alexandre Lacazette.
I am very surprised he has not moved to a Champions League club already despite his goalscoring prowess that only a few players in Europe can match. Lacazette has encompassed rising from the academy ranks to becoming one of Europe’s most coveted goalscorers. He is one of only four players – Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane – to have hit the 20 goal mark in one of Europe’s top five leagues to three successive seasons.
Lacazette has notched 126 times for Lyon in 274 games. When one considers he broke into the first team as a winger under former coach Claude Puel, its even more impressive 110 goals in 182 games since the switch to becoming the main man upfront, after the iconic Lisandro Lopez moved on. In those last three campaigns, the 25 year old has notched 88 goals in 128 (73 in 96 in Ligue 1 alone). Astonishing.
So its natural Europe’s finest should be interested in his services, and a move to the Premier League or even La Liga is on the cards this summer with Arsenal and Atletico Madrid believed to be lining up a big money move for the French hotshot.
Alexandre Lacazette tells L'Equipe he's leaving Lyon. Sounds like he's agreed to join Atlético Madrid https://t.co/KPKOw4txdj
Tiemoue Bakayoko is wanted by both Manchester United and Chelsea this summer.
A player central to the successes of Monaco this season – I mean literally. Tiemoue Bakayoko has been a massive presence along with Fabinho in the centre of Monaco’s midfield throughout the season. His power, ball-playing ability and defensive awareness has seen him gather interest from top clubs in Europe such as Manchester United and Chelsea all soaring for his services this summer. Blues boss Antonio Conte sees the French international and his fellow countryman N’Golo Kante as the perfect partnership in Chelsea’s midfield.
Chelsea are confident of sealing a deal for Bakayoko but have Manchester United to contend with for his signature. It is believed Bakayoko would prefer a move to Old Trafford, but only if they are in the Champions League next season.
However, the Premier League Champions Chelsea, have been leading the chase for the Monaco midfielder, who they want to make an early summer signing with an offer of £30million.
Benjamin Mendy – Manchester United/Manchester City
Benjamin Mendy has been integral to Monaco’s success this season, expect a big move for him this summer..
Another player who has flourished this season for Monaco, making a huge contribution to the team’s formidable attacking force, French left-back Benjamin Mendy. The defender has been a major outlet on the left for Monaco with his marauding runs and devastating deliveries, he has contributed more assists across the league and Champions League than any other defender in Europe – more than Marcelo of Real Madrid and David Alaba of Bayern Munich. The 22 year-old has been instrumental for Leonardo Jardim’s men who are on course to win their first Ligue 1 title in 17 years.
Benjamin Mendy is now being touted by Manchester United, Man City and Chelsea because of his performances this season. It is understood he is now valued at around twice the figure Monaco paid Marseille for his services – a sum of £12million pounds – and his of interest to all of the top 6 teams. However, sources close to the player have told Sky Sports that Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte are the most keen to secure Mendy’s services.
All 3 managers have cause to search for a new left-back especially City manager Pep Guardiola who has had to rely on the services of Gael Clichy – a player most certainly expected to be part of Guardiola’s summer exodus as the former Barcelona coach looks to build the Etihad club in his own image and Mendy fits perfectly in his plans. City are in desperate need of a major reshuffle in defence which could mean Guardiola going all out for Benjamin Mendy.
Expect there to be a major bidding war for the French international left-back this summer.
Andrea Belotti – Manchester United/Chelsea/Arsenal
Andrea Belotti has enjoyed a breakout season at Italian outfit Torino.
Torino president claimed to have rejected a £56m bid from Arsenal for striker Andrea Belotti. A man who has enjoyed a fantastic breakout season in Serie A, has attracted interest from a host of top clubs in Europe. Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been linked with Belotti the past couple of months and his stats shows why.
After failing to score in his first 10 games for Torino following a move summer move in 2015, a goal against Bologna that year sparked a major turnaround. Since then, the Italian has never looked back, he has scored 28 goals in 42 appearances for both club and country. He has also created 33 goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates – more than any other centre-forward in Italy. His speed unsettles defences, while his strength and determination can turn seemingly lost causes into openings for his team.
His €90 million release clause would be sure to drive out clubs trying to signing the player; however, the Italian striker has dismissed claims his buy-out clause reaches that figure.
Michael Keane – Everton/Manchester United
Will Michael Keane make a return back to his boyhood club this summer?
Manchester United are interested are interested in re-signing Burnley defender Michael Keane, according to Sky Sources.
Keane, 24, left United to join Burnley permanently in 2015 for £2m, four years after he signed a professional contract at Old Trafford. United are understood to have a 25% sell on clause standing from the deal, meaning they would be due a quarter of any fee paid to re-sign Keane back. No talks have been made regarding a potential deal yet, but Mourinho is a keen admirer of the centre-back after an impressive campaign for Sean Dyche’s steady Burnley side.
Everton, Tottenham and Liverpool are all believed to be interested in Keane, who has just one year left on his current contract – which could prompt Burnley to cash in this summer.
Ross Barkley – Tottenham/Arsenal
Ross Barkley has yet to put pen to paper on a new contract at Goodison.
Everton boss Ronald Koeman earlier this month gave Ross Barkley a deadline to sign a new deal at Goodison Park. Barkley has just one more year on his current deal but has so far refused to put pen to paper on a new deal as he considers his future at the club.
Tottenham are amongst a number of clubs thought to be monitoring Barkley’s situation and Koeman stated Everton are not prepared to wait for until the start of next season for a decision from the England international.
Everton are already on a look out for his potential replacement if he was to leave this summer with Ronald Koeman said to be interested in Swansea’s Gylfi Sigurdsson and Ajax’ attacking midfielder Davy Klaassen, though the former has stated he is happy to stay at the Liberty stadium beyond the summer.
Whatever Barkley decides this summer, he’s got to make the right call because his immediate future and supposed ‘potential’ is on the line… No pressure.
Leonardo Bonucci – Manchester City/Chelsea/Barcelona
Could Leonardo Bonucci be on his way out of Juventus this summer?
According to widespread reports, Barcelona are trying to coax Leonardo Bonucci to the Nou Camp. Spanish media Outlet, Don Balon reckon the Catalans view the Italian defender as the ideal candidate to bolster their back line. It has been suggested Barcelona will move for the defender if Juventus are victorious in their pursuit of the Champions League trophy against Barcelona’s rivals Real Madrid.
The Premier League’s elite have also been heavily linked with Bonucci. Chelsea were desperate to secure his services last summer, but Juventus knocked back their advances. However, other reports such as the Telegraph say the Blues are still in the hunt for the defender – along with Manchester United and City.
Kyle Walker – Manchester City
Various reports have suggested a fall out between Kyle Walker and Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino. Could he be on his way out?
Reports in the Daily Mail suggest Chelsea and Manchester City are both interested in the services of Tottenham right-back Kyle Walker amid growing rumours in various other news outlets that there has been some unrest between the England international and Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino behind the scenes at White Hart Lane, as a result, Walker has been recently left out of the Tottenham first 11 in key games such as the North London derby against Arsenal.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was already set to slap a significant price tag on the 26-year-old if he is to sell to a direct rival. But a potential tug-of-war between City and Chelsea will drive the price ahead of what promises to be a hectic summer for Kyle Walker.
Though, Tottenham are believed to be relaxed about the situation seeing as Walker is contracted to the club until 2021. Pep Guardiola’s City face an uphill summer as the Spanish coach aims to revamp his squad for the 2017/18 upcoming season and Kyle Walker could be central to those plans as Guardiola is desperate need for a new full-back after Argentine City legend Zabaleta confirmed he would be leaving the club in the summer. Guardiola sees Walker as the ideal replacement and believes the England international has all the ingredients for the perfect Guardiola-type full-back.
Bernardo Silva – Manchester United
Bernardo Silva has been one of the many young shining stars in an outstanding Monaco side.
Another rising star among the brilliant crop of players unearthed and Ligue 1 champions Monaco. Portuguese playmaker Bernardo Silva has been hugely impressive this season, his understanding with his fellow forwards such as Kylian Mbappe, Falcao and Thomas Lemar has been the bedrock of an exciting and devastating attack as we’ve ever seen from any Monaco team.
Silva has expressed his dreams of moving to a “top club” in future. The £70million rated winger helped his side capture the Ligue 1 title after his side’s 2-0 win over St Etienne. Monaco could be hit by a mass exodus this summer with Benjamin Mendy, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Kylian Mbappe, Fabinho and Thomas Lemar all being coveted by Europe’s top clubs this summer.
Much of Bernardo Silva’s future does hinge upon the rest of his team-mates as it is looking massively unlikely most of the top stars at the club will be seeking greener pastures this summer. Jose Mourinho sees Bernardo Silva as the ideal signing to boost his attacking options for next season. United have struggled in front of goal this season, and Mourinho has made plans to solve that issue with a World Class striker and another attacking midfielder being added to his shopping list this summer.
Silva does hold Champions League ambitions, and Mourinho will try everything in his locker to ensure he is triumphant against Ajax in the Europa League final on Wednesday to match those ambitions.
Radja Nainggolan – Manchester United/Chelsea
Nainggolan has been a key figure in Roma’s renaissance over the past few years.
According to Sky Sports News HQ, Manchester United have entered the race to sign Belgium and Roma. Sky Sources understand that Mourinho is looking to trump Antonio Conte to the signature of the 29-year-old, one of the most sought after midfielders in Europe.
Manchester United interested in signing Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan
It is understood United’s interest is at an early stage and no deal has been agreed with AS Roma. Last summer, Chelsea made several offers for the Belgian powerhouse to join Stamford Bridge, a bid which was rumoured to be in the region of £34million.
Since joining Roma permanently in 2014, following a loan spell at the Stadio Olimpico during the 2013/14 campaign, Nainggolan has become a vital part of the resurgence of Roma in recent years, making 120 appearances, scoring 26 goals in the process. Outside of Paul Pogba and Ander Herrera, Mourinho is short of options in the middle, with Marouane Fellaini reportedly in talks with Turkish side Trabzonspor about a summer transfer and Michael Carrick turning 36 by the time the new season kicks off, Mourinho will be looking for ideal candidates to stock up his midfielder especially if they have ambitions to successfully compete in the Champions League next season.
As another exciting and dramatic Premier League season draws to a close, all eyes will be drawn to what will be an interesting spectacle in the Summer Transfer window. Yes, the football on the pitch will be over, but the action off it continues. Feast your eyes on what is likely to be the most captivating Summer window yet with clubs such as Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, and the La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona sure to spend buck loads of cash.
After a difficult first season for Guardiola at Man City, he will certainly be dipping into his mega-bucks transfer funds this summer.
With Chelsea and Tottenham running away with it in a two-horse race, both Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho will be slightly disappointed they have been able not to match the ambitions of both the London clubs. Expect both coaches to pull out big cheques this summer to strengthen their squads for the new season. Arsenal on the other hand, are facing an uncertain summer as the future of Arsene Wenger continues to be in question, will he still be at the helm this summer? Reports are emerging that the Frenchman will sign a two-year extension to his current deal.
And what about in La Liga? Barcelona themselves will be facing a hectic transfer window as they not only will be looking to strengthen their squad but will be on the hunt for a new man at the helm to replace Luis Enrique. Will Real Madrid be looking for another Galactico? Eden Hazard maybe? Kylian Mbappe?
Could Eden Hazard become the next Galactico signing at the Santiago Bernabeu?
There are a lot of questions, debates and uncertainty that will need to be answered as we enter into the summer transfer window. Nonetheless, it will be an enthralling summer filled with transfer surprises and of course, a number of mega-buck signings.
But which of these major signings can we expect? Lets take a look at Part 1 of the expected major signings to happen this summer:
Antoine Griezmann – Manchester United
Could Antoine Griezmann be joining up with his French team-mate Paul Pogba at Old Trafford?
A transfer saga we are tired of seeing on our front page of the newspaper, our social media platforms, or even on the news but its a potential transfer that is sure to light up the Barclays Premier League if Manchester United succeed in getting the deal over the line. Lets face it, Antoine Griezmann has grown into one of the biggest stars in World Football. Once considered too small a player to make it on the biggest stage during his early stages at Real Sociedad, the French superstar has defied his earlier critics with some outstanding performances for Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone. It is now 3 successive seasons Griezmann has surpassed the feat of 20 goals in all competitions in a calendar season. The current season hasn’t been as good a season as we would have expected from Atletico but they are on course to compete in the Champions League again next season by fighting for a 3rd spot with Sevilla.
Antoine Griezmann just maybe the calibre signing United need right now, with the uncertain future Zlatan Ibrahimovic after his significant injury , Jose Mourinho is in desperate need of a top quality striker and Griezmann fits the bill. United’s record in front of goal this season has been nothing short dismal plus with Ibrahimovic out, they only have Marcus Rashford and Wayne Rooney to call upon… Mourinho is in desperate need of Griezmann’s services. If that is to happen, Champions League football must be secured for next season.
Romelu Lukaku – Chelsea/Manchester United
Who will Romelu Lukaku be joining this summer?
Reports in The Sun Newspaper are stating that Romelu Lukaku could turn his back on a potential deal to rejoin Chelsea due to his worry about fitting into the style of Antonio Conte. It is believed the Belgian forward is torn between going back to Stamford Bridge and the prospect of moving to Manchester United. Lukaku, who is on course to finish the Premier league season with the Golden Boot with 24 goals to his name with the season drawing to a close, desperately wants to play Champions League football next season. While that luxury may not yet be certain at Old Trafford, the prospect of joining Chelsea might be Lukaku’s only real option.
Chelsea’s sporting director, Michael Emenalo will behind the move if Lukaku is to return to Stamford bridge and with Diego Costa surely on his way to China, Conte will be looking for an ideal replacement; however, the £80million asking price Everton have slapped on the Belgian may hinder Chelsea’s chances to make a move on the Belgian and the may swing their attentions elsewhere, with Alvaro Morata at Real Madrid likely to become available in the summer. Wherever Romelu Lukaku could end up this summer, lets just hope he makes the right move for his career. Champions League football may have to wait a little longer…
James Rodriguez – Manchester United/Chelsea/Juventus
According to Sky Sports La Liga expert, Guillem Balague, Manchester United are clear favourites to sign Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez. The Columbian superstar and United manager Jose Mourinho both share the same agent – Jorge Mendes. It is believed that James is being touted by many of the top clubs in Europe but he sees United as the ideal club for the next stage in his career.
On James. RM want to sell for at least €60. MUFC clear favourite. Juve, Chelsea considering it. Just when stats show he's at his best pic.twitter.com/mAyJPTU6bi
According to Colombian Radio Station RCN, James Rodriguez has agreed a deal in principle with Manchester United. It is also believed, James and his agent Jorge Mendes, have met with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to discuss the players discontent with his situation at the Bernabeu.
Rodriguez is frustrated at the lack of game time being handed to him by Zidane at the club, despite that, he has reached double figures in terms of goals for the season in Madrid’s 4-0 victory over Granada couple weeks ago – a testament to his qualities which came to light at the 2014 World Cup, the reason Real Madrid invested so heavily on him straight after the tournament.
James is one of Europe’s most coveted talents and he obviously feels he won’t be able to reach his potential on the bench at Real Madrid, and of course he is right. The Columbian is just too good to be languishing on the sidelines, but how will he fit into the starting XI at United or Chelsea? Another question we’ll have to find out in this transfer window.
Alvaro Morata – Chelsea/Arsenal/Manchester United
Could Morata be on his way to Stamford Bridge?
Another player on the cusp of leaving the Santiago Bernabeu. Another forward too good to be languishing on the bench. Alvaro Morata is in desperate need of a change of scenery; observing from the bench at Real Madrid just won’t do him any favours. Morata has notched an impressive 21 goals this season, 15 La Liga goals in 11 starts, an astonishing return despite being no.2 to Karim Benzema – a testament to the quality he adds to the team as Real Madrid continue to battle for trophies both on the European and Domestic front.
According to Sky Sports La Liga expert Guillem Balague, Alvaro Morata wants to see what happens with the situation at Chelsea regarding the potential sale of Diego Costa – there is a choice to be made between Morata and Lukaku, the first one preferred by Conte and the second preferred by the club. There is a debate as to who would suit Chelsea more, it is believed that Morata would be the better option tactically. His movement, understanding of the coach and his intelligence leading the line may swing Chelsea towards the signing of the Spanish international.
There haven’t been many reports about links with Arsenal but why not Wenger go for the young forward? Arsenal are in desperate need of a top-quality forward and Morata certainly fits the bill. Wenger would be wise to move for him too.
Eden Hazard – Real Madrid?
Premier League title winner Hazard is happy at Stamford Bridge but will he be tempted by a move to the Santiago Bernabeu?
A potential transfer deal that would truly damage not only Chelsea fans but the Premier League neutrals also. Eden Hazard has become one of the most exciting players to watch over the years with his unerring pieces of skill and ability on the ball. If Hazard was to move to La Liga this summer, we will be losing of the Premier League’s most prized assets. We all talk about Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar but Hazard should be breathed in the same class.
Various reports have emerged that Hazard is more than happy to stay with Chelsea one more season as the club return into the Champions League after a year out. The Belgian superstar has two Premier League trophies to his cabinet already and he will be dreaming of a Champions League medal. Hazard would need to decide this summer, which club can match his ambitions this summer? A move to the mighty Real Madrid who are on course for yet another European gong to their decorated Champions League cabinet or stay it out at Chelsea to see what happens. Hazard does look like he is staying at the Bridge next season but when a transfer deal involves Real Madrid, you just never know…
David De Gea – Real Madrid
Will David De Gea finally get the move he desires this summer?
Twice over the past three years Real Madrid had failed in their attempts to secure the signature of Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea. This summer may just be the year Madrid finally get their man. Widespread reports have suggested that the Bernabeu club will go all out for the Spanish goalkeeper once the transfer window reopens.
A goalkeeper who has grown into one of the World’s best after a difficult start to life at Old Trafford under Sir Alex, he has matured and grown considerably since then. His confidence and belief in his own outstanding abilities his biggest attributes over the years at United.
It is reported in various news reports that United are trying everything they can to offer De Gea a contract with only two years left on his current deal, however, it seems as though De Gea has his heart set on a move back to his homeland.
If that was to occur, Jose Mourinho will have a tough job on his hands trying to replace an incredible asset – a goalkeeper worthy winning points on his own, a goalkeeper that can win you a Premier League title in fact.
Kasper Schmeichel – Manchester United
Could Kasper Schmeichel follow in the footsteps of his father in succeeding at Old Trafford?
This deal could be in direct response to the above. If David De Gea was to leave Old Trafford – it is believed – according to Sky Sources that Leicester City’s Kasper Schmeichel could be the potential heir to the Spanish goalkeeper’s throne. And why not? Schmeichel represents a steady replacement for David De Gea, if you look at his form and abilities over the past few years. Schmeichel’s heroics last season in Leicester City’s remarkable Premier League title triumph and his performances in the Champions League this season has catapulted him to greater heights and he could find himself at a top club like Manchester United before the start of next season.
Bearing in mind, his father used to be an Old Trafford legend. Prophecy?
Virgil Van Dijk – Man City/Liverpool/Chelsea
Will Virgil Van Dijk remain at St Mary’s next season?
Southampton manager Claude Puel stated he is adamant Virgil Van Dijk will be staying at Southampton beyond this summer. Clearly the French coach does not his board well, in over the past 6 years Southampton have received reasonable money for star players for example; Sadio Mane, Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne Dejan Lovren have all been sold by Southampton for large sums (mostly to Liverpool) and that won’t change this summer regarding the future of Van Dijk.
Strong, agile, steady and solid. All you need in a top class defender plus he great ability on the ball is a huge asset to the way Southampton play, no wonder why they have sorely missed his presence at the back for most of the season.
Expect clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool to submit high bids for the Dutch international who is valued at an incredible £50million pounds. Southampton will gladly accept that kind of offer with open arms.
Marco Verratti – Barcelona/Bayern Munich
Marco Verratti has stated he likes the PSG project at this moment in time, but a move to the Camp Nou could sway his decision.
The ideal successor to Andres Iniesta’s throne at Barcelona. The Catalan club have been trying to sign the Marco Verratti for a while now, and it easy to see why. The diminutive Italian seems the perfect fit for Barcelona’s midfield that you’d think he’d been moulded from the earth found under the Camp Nou pitch. It’s quite unerring how good a match this would be if Verratti were to seek pastures new and move to Barcelona this summer.
Marco Verratti is a playmaker extraordinaire. Capable of dictating play, threading balls through the eye of the needle – into feet, onto runs. He can run with the ball, and while he’s no Neymar, he certainly has the ability to dribble past his opponents with ease. More than his ability to attack, he is a great defender. A shield to the back four at PSG – tenacious in the tackle, and his zeal for dispossessing his opponents. The perfect man to replace the great Andres Iniesta. I ain’t a Barcelona fan at heart, but I would be very excited at the prospect of watching Verratti dominating La Liga for years to come.
Bayern Munich are believed to be interested in the Italian’s services also – a perfect replacement for Xabi Alonso who is retiring at the end of the season. Though his ability would make him a perfect fit for Barcelona.
Going into the last couple weeks of the season there are still places to play for at the top and bottom of the Premier League table. Arsenal and Manchester United will still have faint hopes of making the top four, while Swansea and Hull seem to be battling to stay out of that last dreaded relegation place and Crystal Palace still not out of the woods yet. I will be previewing and giving predictions for all the games over the weekend.
Everton vs Watford
Everton have been strong at home this season minus the blip they had against Chelsea and fully expect them to beat a Watford side who already seem like their on there holidays. Score Prediction: Everton 3-0 Watford
Chelsea vs West Brom
Chelsea can clinch the title with a victory and although the pressure will be on them I expect Conte side to rise to the challenge and turn over West Brom. Pulis’s side have had a great season but I can’t see them raining on Chelsea parade. Score Predictions: Chelsea 2-0 West Brom
Man City vs Leicester
City have still not guaranteed a place in next years Champions League and I can see Leicester giving them a real shock at the Etihad this weekend where their home record has not been the strongest. Leicester have gotten the upper hand on City in their recent results against them and I envisage Vardy giving the City defence a torrid time again. Score Predictions: Man City 2-2 Leicester
Bournemouth vs Burnley
Burnley will be buoyed with getting their first away result against Palace but I think this will be a harder test for them down the south coast. Bournemouth are playing well at the moment and I see them winning comfortably with Joshua King on the scoresheet. Score Predictions : Bournemouth 3-1 Burnley
Middlesborough vs Southampton
Although Middlesbrough have been relegated they will want to perform for their supporters who have been behind them all season. Southampton have dried up in terms of scoring goals, having said that they had a positive result away at Liverpool but could not capitalise against Arsenal. I’m going for low scoring draw here. Score Predictions: Middlesbrough 1-1 Southampton
Sunderland vs Swansea
With Sunderland being relegated it seems they are playing with more freedom and got a shock result last time out against Hull, this is how they should carry on until the end of the season to give their fans optimism going into the Championship. Swansea need to win this game to put pressure on Hull and widen the gap between the two before Hull play on Sunday. Score Predictions: Sunderland 0-1 Swansea
Stoke vs Arsenal
Stoke have historically been Arsenal bogey team and it is never easy going to the bet365 stadium. However, with momentum and a top four finish to chase I see Arsenal winning this one just about with Sanchez playing a key role for them again. Score Predictions: Stoke 1-2 Arsenal
Crystal Palace vs Hull
This is a real relegation six pointer and if Hull were at home this week I would have swayed towards three points for them, however I just do not see them turning over a Palace team who although are short on confidence still need a win to secure Premier League survival. Score Predictions: Crystal Palace 2-2 Hull
West Ham vs Liverpool
This is a huge game in the season for Liverpool, depending on the Arsenal result they could find themselves only one point ahead of them. So it is imperative that they collect all three points here. The only question is which West Ham team will turn up? If it is the side that beat Tottenham last week I can see them beating Klopps side. Or will it be the team that has been so poor the majority of the campaign at home. Score Prediction: West Ham 1-1 Liverpool
Tottenham vs Manchester United
Tottenham should not be to disappointed with their season they run Chelsea close and finally have the bragging rights over Arsenal this season finishing above them. They will want to give their fans a good send off being the last game ever at White Hart Lane. I can not see anything other than a weakened side that Mourinho will field, but I still expect them to have enough quality to create chances and test Tottenham who have been flawless at home so far this season. Score Predictions: Tottenham 1-1 Manchester United
With their midweek win over Southampton, Arsenal have given their supporters a glimmer of hope that they can still finish in the top four this season and add another FA cup to their collection. Bearing in mind where they were a month or two ago it was all doom and gloom at Emirates, it seems Arsene Wenger has steered the ship back on course and maybe we may just see him signing another two year extention(to the delight of 19 other Premier League clubs).
One thing Arsene deserves credit on was having the bravery to implement a three at the back system which he was not accustomed to.He stated he believed it would give them more defensive stability as they were leaking too many goals. Since that defensive change at the back they have only lost once in the six games which was the humbling defeat to Tottenham. During this time although they have conceded four goals they have only let in more than one goal once during these last half a dozen games. In contrast, the last four away games they played before the switch to three at the back they conceded three goals each time. That provides evidence for me that they are improving defensively and still have enough attacking wise to still win games. Some may even call it a master stroke from the 69 year old Frenchman others would put it down to luck but rest assured statistically they have improved defensively over last month or so which has given them the chance to sneak into the top four.
Since Arsenal converted to a back three they have only lost one out of six in all comps.
In addition to this, the inconsistencies in the teams above them has given Arsenal a great chance of qualifying for next years Champions League. Both Manchester clubs and Liverpool have all dropped points recently against teams you would not expect them to and Arsenal have slowly been churning up results getting closer to that top four. So much so that they are now only four points off Liverpool in third with a game in hand and three behind City. The top four race is well and truly still alive and with Liverpool away at West Ham where Tottenham recently were turned over, it will not be a foregone conclusion that Liverpool will be taking maximum points away from the London Stadium which will give Arsenal optimism. They also have a tough away fixture against Stoke where it has historically never been easy for them, however with momentum from their last two results I can see getting the right result by hook or by crook.
Generally if you go back in the last ten years, Arsenal have always finished the season strongly in terms of getting themselves into the top four. Going all the way back to lasagne-gate with Tottenham to dramatic winning runs to pip teams like Everton and Newcastle respectively to a top four finish. Understandably this year will be harder with the calibre of teams that are above them for Arsenal to get top four but they will feel confident going into the last couple weeks of the season. They have shown ample times in the past when the pressure is off they can really flourish and put together runs. Would I be suprised if Arsenal made it into the top four this year and won a trophy?My answer to that question is no, so write Arsene and Arsenal off at your own peril.
The FA Cup Semi-final defeat to Arsenal meant Manchester City’s last realistic chance of their first piece of silverware under Pep Guardiola slipped through their grasp. For the first time in his glittering managerial career, Guardiola is set to end a season as coach without a title to his name.
Should Pep Guardiola have happened to find himself in front of a television on Sunday night, he might have been drowned by a wave of nostalgia. A little sense of regret. A couple hours after his ‘light switch’ Manchester City team had unravelled at Wembley, a spectacular showcase El Clasico was about to reach its conclusion in what was an incredible spectacle at the Santiago Bernabeu. 10 men Real Madrid were on the cusp of denting Barcelona’s title hopes after James Rodriguez’ equaliser five minutes from time. The events that occurred some five minutes later would have definitely sent a shiver down Guardiola’s spine.
Leo Messi – a former student under Guardiola found the perfect moment to net his 500th career goal in El Clasico.
We all know what happened next. A footballing move that would have been a constant reminder to Guardiola once the game had reached its climax. Sergi Roberto won possession deep in his own territory and he ran the full length of the pitch bypassing two players before teeing on Andre Gomes. Jordi Alba overlapped on the left and pulled the ball back, and it fell to the right man. The man of the moment Lionel Messi who notched his 500th career goal in what proved to be such a significant win for Luis Enrique and his men. In a split second, the narrative changed dramatically. The story was not about another Madrid comeback. Barcelona ended the night top of La Liga.
It was a reminder of the potential for the greatest footballers to tear systems apart with moments of individual brilliance that swing the whole tides of a football match. As Messi curled the shot past Keylor Navas, it was tempting to wonder whether Guardiola, feeling the strain after City’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Arsenal, really made the right decision to give up the right to work with the best player in the world five years ago.
Under Guardiola’s guidance, Messi maximised his flawless potential to astonishing and devastating effect, along with the brilliance of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Carlos Puyol – the bedrock of the Barcelona team. With Messi leading the attack, Guardiola won 14 trophies in his first managerial job.
Since then, Messi has gone on to win countless accolades such as three Ballon d’ors. Three La Liga titles. The 2015 Champions League triumph in which Messi more or less single-handedly destroyed Pep’s Bayern Munich en route to the final.
By contrast, while Guardiola hasn’t exactly failed since deciding that he could no longer the intensity and pressure of the daily life in Barcelona, life without his star student Lionel Messi has not been straightforward. At this moment in time, it must be acknowledged that Guardiola did indeed make a brave move in looking to test himself in foreign lands.
Now the critics who were rooting for him to stumble have quickly come out of the blocks. Lets be honest, the Spanish coach has enjoyed the most considerable advantages. He took on an already fledgling Barcelona team with the qualities of Pique, Puyol, Iniesta, Xavi and Messi – certainly, he kept them in line considering the egos; however, it was a relatively easy task. He then moved to Bayern who had won the treble the previous year under Jupp Heynckes. Trying to emulate what the German achieved was always going to be a difficult task, but he already inherited the “perfect” squad when he joined.
Guardiola cuts a dejected figure in the aftermath of the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Arsenal.
Now, things have changed for Guardiola – at the start of the season, he inherited a squad in decline, with most players in the twilight of their careers. Pablo Zabaleta, Bacary Sagna, Yaya Toure, Gael Clichy, Vincent Kompany, Aleksander Kolarov and David Silva (although he has a future at the club under Guardiola) are all in their 30s.
Having left Germany as a qualified success, however, a disappointing first year at City has given further encouragement to the Guardiola critics that he only excels with star studded squad – not a squad that is in steady decline – as proved by his success in Spain and Germany. The drab defeat against Arsenal means that this will be Guardiola’s first trophyless season and even if City just about hold-off in form Manchester United, Arsenal and Everton for the top-four race, it would be impossible to say that this is what the owners had in mind when Manuel Pellegrini left last summer.
It is always possible to attract a sense of glee when Guardiola falters, a sense that some people really do get some delight out of witnessing the demise of a foreign coach who prefers sweeper keepers, wingers as full-backs, full-backs as midfielders. You can lift Barcelona off the floor and turn them into the greatest team of all time, countlessly outlast Madrid in title-races, outwit the greatest manger ever lived in Sir Alex Ferguson in a couple of Champions League finals. But that all means nothing, if you can’t cut it in the Premier League – the most entertaining league in World Football.
When the Sheikh owners of Manchester City forked out millions to get their man in the summer, little did they know the season would end up like this. They were looking for the golden age, a new dawn at City where they would celebrating some kind of success in Guardiola’s first season in charge. That has not been the case, City have allowed Chelsea to skitter off into the distance in the Premier League title race.
Guardiola started like a house on fire, with 10 games unbeaten in the league. Pundits had naively considered City to run away with it. Fast forward 5 or 6 months, they exited the League Cup early with Manchester United running out winners after beating them at Old Trafford, defended woefully in both legs of their Champions League tie against Monaco, and find themselves a point above United going in to the Manchester derby at the Etihad on Thursday evening.
Guardiola knows his City squad is in dire need of a major surgery – particularly his ageing defence.
Lets be honest, the squad Guardiola inherited hasn’t helped but the Spaniard has failed to cut out the defensive flaws that have been causing City problems since the last time they tasted the Premier League trophy. With all the money in the world City are blessed with, they still find themselves with a defence that would easily be acceptable into a retirement home the way they have defended at times this season. Plus, he has placed too much trust in Claudio Bravo, a goalkeeper who turns to dust when a ball comes in his direction, experimenting Pablo Zabaleta in a Centre-midfield role, Jesus Navas in a right back role – the squad is crying out for a major overhaul. The injuries to Vincent Kompany, Ilkay Gundogan and Gabriel Jesus have not aided their cause either, only God knows how their season would have turned out if they had kept those three fit.
Either way, experimentation and innovation have set Guardiola in the past. When it does come together, in some fleeting occasions this season, the results are indeed joyous. Players like Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, and Sergio Aguero have enjoyed fruitful seasons. High potential players such as Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus have been scintillating to watch at times this season – the few shining lights in what has been a disappointing season in some books. Another summer arrival, John Stones has shown his quality in some flashes, but not enough – a mere reflection of the season City are having – brilliant in some segments but not enough to take the League or Champions League by storm. Take the first leg against Monaco for example, their attacking play was incredible and joy to watch but it was their catastrophic defending that was their downfall.
Guardiola is like any other manager in this regard, a hostage to fortune, his job defined by little moments of big significance, and ultimately, whether his players are good enough and motivated enough to carry out his instructions.
He arrived at City looking to build a legacy, a dynasty, a new dawn in the blue half of Manchester. He may have to adapt and adjust like any other manager trying out the Premier League, but he will definitely need time and patience. Certainly, the upcoming transfer window will be a hugely significant one for Guardiola as it could define where the club is heading in the next couple of years. He has not been in Manchester long, and he cannot be held accountable for clubs deficiencies, then again, he did inherit a broken squad when he arrived.
Such is life as a manager. In the modern game, individuals can make or break you. As Luis Enrique lives out the remaining days with the little Argentinian genius, Guardiola, without that luxury, has to find another way to prove himself. If history tells us anything, it may not be too long before Guardiola is back to doing what he does best. A new and exciting age for Manchester City is slowly but surely approaching.
The shortlists for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year were revealed on Thursday. It generated plenty of debate – particularly Tottenham starlet Dele Alli missing out on a Players’ Player nomination despite his incredible 16 league goals so far.
In what has been another incredible and exciting Premier League season, with Chelsea certain to claim back the trophy they relinquished to Leicester City last year – a fairy-tale season, one which surprised everyone around the World. However, Chelsea have returned with a bang and in Antonio Conte, a coach who is a proven winner and seems to go about his business with consummate ease, a characteristic that is reflected in the way Chelsea are handling their efforts to win back the Premier League title.
Down at the bottom has been just as much as interesting as the Top 4 race with Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Swansea, Hull, Crystal Palace and West Ham all fighting for Premier League survival.
As the season draws to a close with a month left of the season to go, many fans will be drawing up drafts of their team of the season.
My team of the season so far will throw up much debate, but here it is:
Goalkeeper:
Jordan Pickford
Despite his clubs frailties this season, Pickford has been a revelation in the Sunderland net.
Certainly, most people would have Thibaut Cortouis, Hugo Lloris and David De Gea as their goalkeepers. Who wouldn’t? But for me, Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford has impressed me the most this season. David Moyes’ side may be staring relegation in the face right now, but Pickford has been excellent with some outstanding saves this season. His club may be relegated to the Championship come May, but don’t expect him to be still at Wearside come the new season in August with a host top clubs in the Premier League vying for his signature.
Key Stat: Jordan Pickford has made a staggering 83 saves in the Premier League this season.
Right Back:
Antonio Valencia
Antonio Valencia has become United’s most reliable player over the past year.
Mourinho earlier in the season described Valencia as the best right back in the world. The Portuguese coach even went further in saying he could have signed him when he was coach at Real Madrid. A footballer that garners much praise; right back may not be his favoured position but since converting from winger to full-back, the Ecuadorian has never looked back with his attacking and defensive abilities plus his amazing work ethic – evident in his goal against Middlesbrough in March – a characteristic so endearing to Jose Mourinho. No wonder why the Old Trafford faithful love him.
Key Stat: Antonio Valencia has completed more crosses than any other Premier League full-back this season.
Centre Backs:
Toby Alderweireld
The Belgian defender has ben the bedrock of Tottenham’s impressive defensive record this campaign.
How any of the top managers in World football would love to have Toby Alderweireld as their centre-back. A defender with a never-say die attitude and his ability to just, defend. Isn’t that what their job is? Alderweireld does it with consummate ease, not only that but his passing abilities which has been the foundation of what coach Mauricio Pochettino is trying to achieve at White Hart Lane. The Belgian defender has been central to Tottenham’s resurgence over the past couple of seasons, they will do well to keep him this summer.
Key Stat: No defender has completed more long balls (143) in the Premier League this season. Alderweireld also has the highest completion rate for long balls in the league for players who have attempted over 225 with 55.43%.
Michael Keane
Michael Keane has enjoyed a fruitful season under Sean Dyce at Turf Moor.
Another surprise addition in my team of the season. Yes, people would disagree and ask me why not David Luiz, Virgil Van Dijk etc. etc. but for me, Michael Keane has impressed so much so that he earned his first call-up to the England squad in March and even impressed in the narrow defeat to Germany in Dortmund. The former United defender has been rejuvenated under the tutelage of Sean Dyche this season which has led to some speculation that he could be on the radar of Antonio Conte at Chelsea, Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and Ronald Koeman at Everton – a testament to what has been a remarkable campaign in a steady and stable Burnley side.
Key Stat: Keane has won more aerial duels than any other defender in the league this season, with 132 successful headers.
Left Back:
Marcos Alonso
A player who has found new confidence under Antonio Conte following his past Premier League struggles.
Few had raised eye brows when Antonio Conte raided Fiorentina for the services of left-back Marcos Alonso last summer following his past struggles in the Premier League during his short spells at Bolton and Sunderland, but the Spanish defender has repaid the faith shown to him by Conte and has been a constant menace with his marauding runs into the opposition penalty box and his knack of quality supplies to Chelsea’s forwards. He looked out sorts to start with, until Conte changed to a 3-4-3 system and he has never looked back, forming a formidable defence with Cahill, David Luiz, Caesar Azpilicueta and fellow wing-back Victor Moses. Guess he wouldn’t have thought he’d be picking up a Premier League medal when he left Bolton for Fiorentina in 2013.
Key Stat: Only Alexis Sanchez has completed more through balls from the left flank (two) and no full-back has scored more non-penalty goals than Alonso, who has found the net five times.
Midfielders:
Adam Lallana
Adam Lallana has found a new lease of life under the tutelage of Jurgen Klopp this season.
This is a guy reborn. He’s always had the quality, but his inconsistencies took the better of him in his early stages as a Liverpool player. However, under Klopp, Lallana has flourished and has earned himself the mettle of being one of Liverpool’s most important players this season. Forget Coutinho, Henderson and Firmino. Lallana has been a breathe of fresh air along with Sadio Mane as both players have been vital to Klopp’s heavy metal football. What has been impressive about Lallana is his work rate and willingness to hunt down lost causes, a characteristic that Klopp admires in his attacking players. Lallana may be getting older, but that only means he is getting better so much so that Gareth Southgate has declared his desire to base his England side around the qualities of Lallana. A huge testament to a player who a couple years ago, possibly made the wrong choice in switching Southampton for Anfield.
Key stat: Lallana has scored seven goals this season, creating 32 chances and laying on seven goals for his team mates, his best return in a Premier League season. Lallana has completed 1020 passes this season with a pass accuracy of 84%.
N’golo Kante
Kante is on course to pick up his second consecutive Premier League winners medal after his triumph with Leicester City last season.
What a player. We have simply run out of superlatives for the guy. N’golo Kante has been simply outstanding this season. After impressing last season for Leicester City, he is on course to win his second consecutive Premier League winners medal under Conte at Chelsea – it is no coincidence. He has made a huge difference to the Chelsea team with his work rate, tackling abilities, his incredible knack of being in the right place at the right time to intercept attacking moves and his towering strength despite his small frame. He has simply been a revelation. A player worthy of the PFA Player of the Year gong, if not fellow team mate Eden Hazard.
Key stat: No Midfielder in the top six has completed a higher total of tackles and interceptions this season (135) than Kante. He is completing 19.13 more passes per 90 minutes for Chelsea than in his title-winning season with Leicester City last year. Incredible.
Dele Alli
Dele Alli has notched an 16 Premier League goals this season, an incredible feat for a player so young.
Need we say more about this player? A player who has matured into probably the Premier League’s most hottest prospects. 16 League goals to his name this season, an outstanding return for a player who is only just reaching his 21st birthday in April. Alli has been central to Pochettino’s young squad, and the club will be trying everything in their power to keep him out of the clutches of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Barcelona. Alli would be smart to turn those clubs down and carry on his rapid progression to becoming one of the best young midfielders in European football. There is no better place to achieve his ambitions than under Mauricio Pochettino at White Hart Lane.
Dele Alli. Remember the name.
Key stat: No midfielder across Europe’s top five leagues has scored more league goals than the Englishman who has scored 16 times, and has also popped up with five assists.
Wingers:
Sadio Mane
There is no doubting the importance of Sadio Mane in Jurgen Klopp’s team.
This guy is rapid. Sadio Mane has had an unbelievable season under Jurgen Klopp this year which is reflected in his importance to side. Liverpool have won more games with Mane in the starting 11 than they have without him. His ability to run in behind the defence combined with his terrifying pace and movement cannot be matched by his team mates Firmino and Coutinho who are more blessed with their technical skill. How Jurgen Klopp would love a few more Manes in his team, maybe then they would have had a better chance at challenging Chelsea than they have. It’s unfortunate his season has been cut short because of injury, because Liverpool need him now more than ever if they are to finish in the Champions League places.
Key Stat: most goals (13), most take ons completed (68) and third most chances created (44) for the league’s most creative team, Liverpool.
Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard has enjoyed another fantastic season in the colours of Chelsea. Will he still be at the Bridge come August?
A certain addition in my team of the season. I love watching this player. Such an enjoyable footballer to watch. If you ever need a player who encapsulates the ‘edge of seat’ term then look no further than Eden Hazard. A player blessed with incredible skill, an unerring ability to weave away from his markers and his subtle and cool abilities when it comes to putting the ball in the back of the net. Such a joy to behold. Let’s hope and pray he stays in the Premier League come the new season in August because if he was to leave for Real Madrid this summer, then the English game will be losing a remarkable asset. Wonderful footballer. A worthy PFA Player of the Year winner.
Key Stat: Hazard has completed more through balls in the final third than any other Premier League player (78), and has scored more goals from a “fast break” or a counter attack with three.
Striker:
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has taken the English league by storm this season. Yet another league in Europe he has ‘conquered’.
One of THE true greats of the game. I may have been a bit biased with this selection considering the fact that I am a United supporter but Zlatan Ibrahimovic has single handily carried United this season with an impressive 23 goals to his name. At 35 years of age, the Swedish legend continues to defy his critics with his supernatural abilities and self-belief. Mourinho and United better hope he stays another year at Old Trafford if they have any hope of winning the Premier League title next term. A major influence on the likes of Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba. A born leader. I could have easily chosen Harry Kane, Romelu Lukaku or Alexis Sanchez but who can you trust more to lead your team from the front? Look no further than the great Zlatan. Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Key Stat: the Swede has directly been involved in nearly 50% of Manchester United’s goals this season at the age of 35.
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