Manchester United are now lining up a move for a former Puskas Award nominee, with Ruben Amorim personally keen on the deal.
Amorim lining up targets for the January transfer window
The 2-1 victory over Chelsea at the weekend will certainly have bought Amorim some time, but the Man United boss has stressed the importance of carrying the momentum into the next game against Sunderland on Saturday.
Should United pick up victories against the Black Cats and Brentford in the following game, their Premier League standing will start to look a lot healthier, but after a slow start to the campaign, the manager has already started to identify potential January targets.
After missing out on a central midfielder in the summer, it would make sense to look to improve in the engine room in the upcoming window, and the Red Devils are on red alert over a potential move for Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher.
Not only that, but Man United are also looking to bolster their defensive options, according to a report from Il Napolista, which states they are now lining up a January move for Federico Dimarco, with Amorim personally very interested in a deal.
The United boss has placed Dimarco high on his list of winter targets, given that the left-back would be an ideal fit in his system, while he also ‘really likes’ the defender for his technical and shooting qualities.
The Italian’s shooting ability was perhaps best displayed in Inter Milan’s clash with Frosinone, during which he scored a remarkable goal from distance, earning a nomination for the 2024 Puskas Award in the process.
"Revelation" Dimarco could be ideal for Amorim
Given that the Inter Milan defender has regularly played at both left-back and left-midfield throughout his career to date, he could be an ideal fit in Amorim’s system, which, of course, utilises wing-backs.
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The Red Devils are now ready to part ways on a permanent basis.
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The 27-year-old was also lauded by Paolo Cando, courtesy of his impressive performances in the 2022-23 season, with the Italian journalist saying: “Federico Dimarco has been the revelation of the season. He started at Inter as a backup, and quickly became one of the ironclad starting eleven players.”
Having averaged a 7.38 SofaScore rating so far this season, the Italy international is ranked as the third-best performing player in the Inter squad, and at 27-years-old, he could now be entering his prime.
Consequently, Dimarco could be exactly the type of signing needed to take Man United to the next level, and they should undoubtedly pursue a January move.
Aos 15 anos, Fernandinho pode até ser jovem, mas conhece bem o gosto de ser campeão. O volante da categoria sub-15 do Palmeiras foi um dos destaques da Marveld Cup, na qual o Verdão bateu o Barcelona e levantou o caneco internacional, na Holanda, no último final de semana.
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+ Veja tabela e classificação da Libertadores-2023 clicando aqui
– O segredo é trabalho e disciplina. Sabíamos que seria desafiador jogar com as maiores equipes do mundo. Não existe nada melhor do que vencer títulos pelo Palmeiras. Ainda mais em uma competição de nível tão alto assim, em solo internacional – celebrou.
Titular do começo ao fim da competição, Fernandinho conta que o grupo não se abalou ao saber que enfrentaria tantos adversários de peso – mas se motivou mais ainda. Ele destaca que o grupo ficou mais forte quando viu o tamanho do desafio que era participar de um torneio com Manchester United, Ajax, PSV e, o agora vice-campeão, Barcelona.
continua após a publicidade
– Só posso agradecer a Deus por essa grande conquista. Só precisamos manter o foco, disciplina e fé que tudo dá certo. Só posso agradecer ao clube pela confiança e oportunidade que nos foram dadas – agradeceu.
Fernandinho e o sub-15 do Palmeiras voltam a campo para mais uma competição internacional já neste final de semana. Na Bélgica, o jogador vai disputar a Kevin De Bruyne Cup. Campeonato em que o Palmeiras vai enfrentar gigantes do futebol mundial como Bayern de Munique, PSG, Barcelona, Manchester City, Real Madrid, entre outros.
Elisabeth Terland was at her clinical best on Thursday night to fire Manchester United into the Women's Champions League proper for the first time, her hat-trick haunting former side Brann and giving the Red Devils a 3-0 win which rendered last week's 1-0 loss in Bergen meaningless.
A lack of ruthlessness condemned Marc Skinner's side to defeat in Norway but there was no such concern in the home leg, with Terland scoring twice inside the first 13 minutes to ease the nerves and put United in total control early on. The first was a gift from Ingrid Stevenik, the Brann defender who scored the only goal in Bergen, but the second was all about Terland's quality header – and the equally brilliant corner delivery by Julia Zigiotti Olme.
It looked like a hat-trick was going to elude Terland, though. She hit the base of the post just before half time and then had a goal ruled out shortly after the resumption, though the call of a foul against her certainly looked harsh. No matter, as the Norwegian certainly wasn't going to give up and she got her reward just past the hour mark, when another excellent finish made it 3-0 and ensured United will be in Friday's league phase draw, ready to make their debut in the Women's Champions League proper for the first time next month.
GOAL rates Man Utd's players from Leigh Sports Village…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (6/10):
Had very little to do for the most part, but was assured on the ball and in collecting crosses.
Jayde Riviere (7/10):
Did plenty of good work at both ends of the pitch.
Maya Le Tissier (7/10):
Great on the ball and made one of the most crucial interventions any United defender needed to on the night, intercepting a good pass from Gaupset just before it put Eikeland through on goal.
Dominique Janssen (7/10):
Good in possession and positioned herself well to be relatively untroubled defensively.
Anna Sandberg (7/10):
Got forward plenty to be a real asset in attack. Covered well when needed, too.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield
Julia Zigiotti Olme (8/10):
Ran the show in midfield with a classy display.
Hinata Miyazawa (7/10):
Did a lot of work off the ball that can go under-appreciated but is so important.
Ella Toone (6/10):
Sometimes hesitated with her final decision but most of United's best attacking moves went through her in the first half.
Getty Images SportAttack
Jess Park (6/10):
Had some lively moments in another encouraging performance.
Elisabeth Terland (9/10):
Deadly in front of goal and fully deserving of her hat-trick.
Melvine Malard (6/10):
Quieter than most would've expected her to be, given her excellent form, but did cause Brann some problems still.
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Gabby George (6/10):
Slotted in at left-back solidly as she builds her minutes back up after a knock.
Fridolina Rolfo (7/10):
A really lively introduction, with her nearly creating one goal and scoring another just minutes after being introduced.
Lisa Naalsund (N/A):
Injected energy into the game and filled in admirably at right-back as United saw the game out.
Rachel Williams (N/A):
Made her injury return in the final minutes, replacing Terland to allow the Norwegian to have the ovation she deserved, too.
Marc Skinner (7/10):
Didn't change much after what was actually a good performance in the first leg and his XI delivered the result he trusted them to. Subs injected new life into the game to squash any momentum for Brann.
تغلب فريق آرسنال على خصمه وست هام يونايتد بهدفين دون مقابل، بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “البريميرليج”.
وحل وست هام ضيفًا على آرسنال اليوم السبت في الجولة السابعة للدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز موسم 2025-2026.
وتعرض قائد آرسنال مارتن أوديجارد للإصابة خلال اللقاء، وتوجه الطاقم الطبي لفحصه والاطمئنان على حالته، ثم استكمل اللقاء.
وتقدم آرسنال بهدف في الدقيقة 24 عن طريق بوكايو ساكا لكن لم يحتسب بداع التسلل، لتظل النتيجة تعادل سلبي.
ولم يتمكن أوديجارد من الاستمرار إثر إصابة في ركبته وقام ميكيل أرتيتا باستبداله ليشارك مارتن زوبميندي بديلاً له في الدقيقة 30.
وجاء هدف تقدم آرسنال عن طريق ديكلان رايس، بعد تمريرة بينية قابلها إيزي بتسديدة من داخل منطقة الجزاء وتصدى لها الحارس وارتدت الكرة وتابعها رايس وسدد في الدقيقة 38.
واحتسب حكم اللقاء ضربة جزاء لآرسنال بعد سقوط تيمبر في منطقة الجزاء، وتوجه بوكايو ساكا للتسديد وسجل بنجاح في الدقيقة 67.
حسمت المباراة بفوز آرسنال بهدفين دون مقابل، ليرفع رصيده إلى النقطة 16 في صدارة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، ويتوقف رصيد وست هام عند النقطة 4 في المركز قبل الأخير.
ويلاقي ليفربول نظيره تشيلسي في الجولة ذاتها مساء اليوم، وحال الفوز سيستعيد الصدارة من آرسنال. أهداف مباراة آرسنال ووست هام اليوم في الدوري الإنجليزي
Manchester United are now preparing an offer to sign an “incredible” £6.2 million Brazilian who wants to join the Red Devils, according to a new report.
Man Utd move on to new targets after finalising Mbeumo deal
The Red Devils have spent the last six to eight weeks working on a deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. They had seen two bids turned down for the Cameroon international, but on Friday it was confirmed that they had finally agreed a deal with the London side.
The forward underwent his medical at Carrington over the weekend, with pictures emerging of him wearing the club’s training kit, and now an official announcement is expected soon.
Now that United have wrapped up that deal, they are turning their attention to their next set of targets, and they include signing a goalkeeper and a striker. United have been linked with moves for Nicolas Jackson and Randal Kolo Muani most recently, but the Premier League side have also held internal discussions about signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
In fact, TEAMtalk report that United are set to intensify their efforts to sign Sesko, who is said to be valued at £67 million by the Bundesliga giants.
Man Utd now set to intensify move for 6'5 "menace" after 3 years of talks
He could arrive after Bryan Mbeumo…
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Meanwhile, signing a new goalkeeper is also considered a priority for United, and on Sunday, Fabrizio Romano reported that the Red Devils made initial contact to be informed on a deal for Senne Lammens, who currently plays for Royal Antwerp.
The 23-year-old is among the options on United’s list, but he is not their only target, as they are also looking at another name.
Man Utd preparing bid to sign John Victor
According to Goal Brasil, relayed by Sport Witness, Man United are now expected to make an offer in the coming days to sign John Victor from Botafogo.
John Victor for Botafofo.
The report states that United have been in contact with Victor’s entourage since December last year, and he is now considered their top target in their search for a new goalkeeper. It isn’t clear what United’s offer will be, but the 28-year-old does have a release clause worth €7.4 million, which is roughly £6.2 million, and that figure would need to be paid in full to bypass Botafogo.
It goes on to add that other Premier League teams have approached Victor’s agent in recent days, but the goalkeeper is prioritising a move to Old Trafford. However, a deal will only progress when United have made an offer.
John Victor’s Club World Cup stats
Apps
4
Starts
4
Goals conceded
3
Goals conceded per game
0.8
Saves made
13
Saves per game
3.3 (81%)
Passing accuracy per game
18.0 (65%)
Clean sheets
1
Clearances per game
2.8
The Red Devils are well stacked in the goalkeeper department, as they still have Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir, and Tom Heaton in their ranks. The latter pair played in their opening pre-season game against Leeds United over the weekend, but it remains unclear if Bayindir has a future at the club.
Onana has also been linked with a move away and is now dealing with a hamstring injury that could see him miss the start of the season, so Victor, who has been dubbed “incredible” by FIFA’s official media channels, could arrive and have a good chance of being the club’s number one.
كشف الدكتور أشرف عمر، أستاذ الكبد والجهاز الهضمي كلية طب القصر العيني ورئيس جمعية سرطان الكبد، موعد تعافي إمام عاشور لاعب الأهلي من فيروس A.
وقال الطبيب في تصريحات لبرنامج “لعبة والتانية” على “راديو ميجا إف إم”، مع كريم رمزي: “فيروس A مثل فيروس الدم لا يسبب أي أزمات مزمنة على الكبد، ولكن أزمته أنه يسبب التهاب وارتفاع درجة الحرارة”.
طالع| طبيب كبد يكشف تفاصيل مثيرة حول مرض إمام عاشور.. ويحذر من انتكاسة خطيرة للاعب
وتابع أستاذ الكبد والجهاز الهضمي، أن خطورة الفيروس على كبار السن، إذ ينتقل عن طريق الطعام والشراب، وهو معد للغاية، ولكنه غير خطير.
وأضاف: “الفرق التي تسافر خارج مصر أكثر عرضة للإصابة بالفيروسات المعدية، لذلك لا بد من التطعيم بشكل جيد قبل السفر لا سيما إلى البلاد الإفريقية”.
واختتم: “إمام عاشور ممنوع تمامًا أن يبذل أي مجهود عضلي في الوقت الحالي، ويحتاج ما لا يقل عن 3 أسابيع من أجل التعافي بشكل تام ويكون جاهزًا للمباريات مع الأهلي”.
Nottingham Forest are working hard to secure new arrivals and could be given a helping hand by claiming a sizeable windfall from one of their first-team assets, according to reports.
Nottingham Forest remain in deadlock over Morgan Gibbs-White
Truthfully, nothing of note has changed in Morgan Gibbs-White’s precarious situation at Nottingham Forest after they threatened to take legal action against Tottenham Hotspur following the latter triggering the England international’s release clause.
While it remains to be seen whether the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man stays in the Midlands, the Tricky Trees have reportedly identified Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey as a replacement.
Aston Villa's Jacob Ramsey in action
Everton and West Ham United are also interested in the midfielder, though Ben Jacobs has also confirmed that Bilal El Khannouss is another Nottingham Forest option.
Addressing their interest in the Leicester City playmaker, he stated: “It’s buying Forest time and in the time taken, Forest are looking at Morgan Gibbs-White replacements, which tells you they still think there’s a chance he could go to Spurs.
“Bilal El Khannouss, at Leicester, is one name to watch. He has a 26m euro relegation release clause, and Forest are one of at least three Premier League clubs that have expressed an interest in the Moroccan international.”
Dream Elanga replacement: Nottingham Forest in contact to sign £25m "menace"
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Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus have arrived at the City Ground from Botafogo, albeit Nuno Espirito Santo has struggled to follow up on bringing in the duo as the marketspace becomes increasingly competitive.
Nevertheless, there is plenty of time left to secure new arrivals, offering optimism that he will eventually put together the components needed for Nottingham Forest to have a successful window, though he will also need to sell players to balance the books.
Botafogo agree deal to sign Nottingham Forest star Danilo
According to Globo Esporte, Botafogo have agreed to sign Nottingham Forest star Danilo and only the final details of a deal remain to be ironed out before his transfer back to Brazil is sealed.
An agreement is in place between all parties, and it is said that the value of his move equates to around £19 million. The former Palmeiras man will sign a four-year contract after negotiations accelerated due to Gregore’s departure to Al-Rayyan.
Danilo’s record at Nottingham Forest
Appearances
62
Goals
6
Assists
4
Labelled “wonderful” by Nuno after unfortunately breaking his ankle, the Salvador-born man has struggled to get back to his best form since and now appears set to reignite his career back in familiar surroundings.
It should be noted that he was initially hesistant to commit to Botafogo amid his association with their rivals, Palmeiras, but he is now ready to take the plunge under Davide Ancelotti’s stewarship.
Nottingham Forest may be losing a talented squad player, though his exit may offer up further funds to pursue reinforcements in the engine room once all documentation is signed and sealed.
Having secured Champions League qualification by the skin of their teeth last season, Newcastle United are under no pressure to sell players this summer.
Of course, Eddie Howe will still have to comply with Profit and Sustainability (PSR) regulations in order to make sure the club are balancing the books this summer.
The last time Newcastle played in Europe’s premier club competition, they failed to make it out of the group stages.
Howe will be expecting a much better showing this time around, although this means simultaneously keeping his star players while adding in much-needed squad depth.
Alexander Isak has been the subject of links to Liverpool recently, following on from another wonderful campaign on Tyneside.
The Toon are not willing to let their star striker leave, never mind selling to a Premier League rival. As such, they have placed a valuation of around £150m on his head.
Whether this deters potential suitors or not remains to be seen, but the Swedish centre-forward does appear happy at the club.
He isn’t the only player attracting interest of late. Indeed, winger Anthony Gordon is another who enjoyed a productive season in 2024/25.
While Isak appears indispensable to the club’s success next term, could Gordon be allowed to leave if the right offer comes in?
The latest on Anthony Gordon's future at Newcastle
The English starlet has emerged as one of the most sought-after talents in the Premier League after a few impressive seasons at Newcastle.
Liverpool showed interest last summer, but nothing materialised. Could Arne Slot return this year and finally secure his signature?
Anthony Gordon
Any move may cost around £75m as both Chelsea and Arsenal have joined the Anfield side in declaring their interest in the former Everton sensation.
Last season, Gordon registered 16 goal contributions – nine goals and seven assists – in all competitions for the Magpies.
While he didn’t play in the League Cup final, the winger scored twice on the club’s road to the trophy, and his efforts in the Premier League sealed a top-five finish for the Toon.
Anthony Gordon’s Newcastle stats in 2024/25 (PL only)
Goals
6
Assists
5
Big chances created
6
Key passes per game
1.5
Successful dribbles per game
1.1
Shots per game
1.7
Via Sofascore
When compared to his positional peers in the top flight last season, Gordon ranked in the top 7% for crosses into the penalty area (0.63) per 90 and in the top 5% for fouls drawn (2.63) per 90, proving how much of a menace he is down the flanks.
It is perhaps no wonder that so many clubs are keen on signing the Englishman, especially as he isn’t even the finished article yet.
Will Howe be prepared to accept an offer worth around £75m for the player? Especially as it could fund a few potential signings this summer?
That much remains to be seen, but if so, the club will need to spend in order to sign an able replacement. That’s for sure.
It appears as though Howe has already targeted a youngster who could potentially fill the void left by Gordon. Should he depart Newcastle, that is.
Newcastle eye move for French sensation
Howe has been working hard on trying to make something happen this summer in terms of incoming signings.
Players such as Jadon Sancho, Marc Guehi, and even Marc-Andre Ter Stegen have all been linked with moves to Newcastle in recent weeks.
All three would be excellent signings, without a shadow of a doubt, but the lack of progress is slightly worrying.
Lyon's Malick Fofana
Now, according to ESPN, Newcastle are one of the clubs lining up a deal for Lyon starlet Malick Fofana this summer, although they face some stiff competition from the likes of Chelsea, Everton, Brighton, and Fulham for his signature.
As per the report, Fofana could cost around £45m, which, for a player of his age and lack of experience, is an astronomical amount. His ceiling for development is massive, however, which could entice Howe into making a swoop for the 20-year-old, especially if Gordon goes.
Fofana is a right-footed winger who likes to play on the left, and he would be the perfect replacement for the Englishman.
Why Newcastle must sign Malick Fofana
The youngster has already made his senior debut for Belgium after what was a breakthrough season with Lyon in 2024/25.
Indeed, across 41 games in all competitions for the French side, he scored 11 goals and grabbed a further six assists, showcasing his ‘explosive’ skillset, as it was labelled by Astorre Cerebróne of Breaking the Lines.
It was in the Europa League where the talented winger really demonstrated his talents. Not only did he record an impressive eight goal contributions in the competition, but he shone in a range of metrics.
When compared to his positional peers, he ranked in the top 1% for non-penalty goals (1.05) per 90, while also ranking in the top 1% for touches in the opposition penalty area (8.23) and for progressive carries (7.88) per 90 in the tournament.
This certainly proves that he loves taking on defenders regularly, while taking the ball into dangerous zones during matches.
His eye for goal could also be advantageous for Howe, who would look for a goalscoring winger to replace Gordon. Fofana is only going to get better, too, that’s for sure.
Fofana was hailed by U23 scout Antonio Mango for his “game-changing potential” late last year and certainly showcased his talents for Lyon throughout 2024/25.
He even starred in Ligue 1 for the French side. The youngster created six big chances and succeeded with 0.8 dribbles per game.
Lyon's Malick Fofana against AC Milan.
There is no doubt that he is ready to take the next step. After shining in the Europa League, could the Champions League be the platform for him to continue his development?
Howe must think so, and while a fee of £45m is big, especially given his lack of experience on the biggest stage, he must think of the long-term future.
Fofana could be a player who eventually brings the club a major profit a few years down the line, which will go a long way in his thinking, given his impressive form for Lyon, which suggests that he could be a brilliant replacement for Gordon.
Newcastle readying bid and fighting to land centre-back wanted by Real Madrid
The Magpies are well in the fight to land their man…
Liverpool are in the final stages of wrapping up a deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, having already signed the Werkself’s electric right flanker Jeremie Frimpong after meeting his £29.5m release clause.
Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez should follow, with the two Premier League clubs engaged in advanced discussions for the Hungarian’s transfer this summer.
While bringing in a new centre-forward is also on the agenda, Liverpool may have to contend with one or two reluctant sales, most notably of which concerns Luis Diaz.
The latest on Luis Diaz
Diaz has been a key component of Liverpool’s Premier League triumph this season, scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists for the Reds across all competitions.
However, aged 28 and entering the penultimate year, it would make sense to cash in if a handsome offer were presented to FSG. With Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League’s Al Nassr both keen, this is something bound to be on sporting director Richard Hughes’ mind.
With a bid worth around €85m (£72m) being pieced together by Al Nassr, Liverpool could take the money and invest in a new star, especially with a world-class player in Wirtz already heading to Merseyside.
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
Especially when there’s a rising talent who’s been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent months who might just be the perfect long-term investment.
Liverpool could sign Wirtz-esque Diaz replacement
While Cody Gakpo has nailed down the left-sided forward spot at Liverpool, Diaz’s departure would require a direct replacement being brought in, even if Liverpool secured a new centre-forward too.
That’s why FSG should consider increasing their interest in Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, who has enjoyed a promising emergence in Bundesliga.
The 20-year-old has been hailed as a “very good finisher” by former Yellow Wall boss Nuri Sahin, also noted for being “incredible one-on-one”, and though he’s young, there’s enough there to suggest he could be the perfect Diaz heir.
He’s still got levels to scale, but Gittens has made an impressive start to life on the major stage, with his silky approach even leading data-driven site FBref to liken him to Wirtz.
24/25
48 (34)
12
5
23/24
34 (18)
2
8
22/23
20 (5)
3
1
21/22
4 (1)
0
0
Ranked among the top 15% of Bundesliga attacking midfielders and wingers in 2024/25 for goals scored, and the top 1% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, you can see he’s got some of the ball-carrying similarities of Wirtz, though Gittens is more of an out-and-out winger.
Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley even pronounced him “England’s best left-winger in 2024/25” earlier in the campaign, which is lofty praise indeed, given the calibre of competition he’s against.
Thomas Tuchel’s recently selected summer Three Lions squad perhaps doesn’t reflect that, but then Gittens is still in the fledgling phase of a promising career, having laid the foundations for something special.
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittensin action with Lille's Bafode Diakite
As per Sofascore, Gittens averaged 4.9 successful duels per top-flight fixture this year too, showcasing a tenacious side to his game that could bear dividends in the Premier League.
The same could be said for Wirtz, who marries his absurd technical level with a combative underbelly. Given that the German has been profiled by FSG’s analysts and targeted in a club-record deal, Gittens might just fit the bill.
While he won’t be at the top of Liverpool’s shopping list, this could be a shrewd move to keep the champions firing on all cylinders over the coming years.
Just another Nunez: Liverpool add "outrageous" £67m forward to shortlist
Liverpool have turned their attention to a new target as they seek out a centre-forward.
Manchester City have not set the Premier League alight by their lofty standards this season, but there are still some positive green shoots beginning to appear.
Indeed, the likes of Nico O’Reilly and Omar Marmoush have settled in swimmingly to first-team life in Manchester, with the exciting academy product a first-team regular now, alongside his entertaining Egyptian teammate who already has six Premier League goals to his name.
That’s the case despite the City number seven only being on the books of Pep Guardiola’s men since January, meaning there will plenty of optimism in the air that deals happening this coming transfer window can be equally as impactful.
How Man City could replace De Bruyne in the transfer window
The main area of the pitch that could do with some reinforcements is the number ten spot with Kevin De Bruyne edging ever closer to exiting the Etihad the more the season ticks away.
This has led City down the path of pursuing some statement buys with both names such as Florian Wirtz and Morgan Gibbs-White on their agenda to try and adequately replace the constant heroics of De Bruyne.
But, Guardiola’s titans could plug the gap left behind by their iconic Belgian by snapping up Sporting winger Francisco Trincao instead, despite the ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers man’s main preference to line up down the flanks.
The Portuguese was linked with a move to the Etihad earlier this week but it won’t be an easy deal to get over the line.
That’s because top four rivals Newcastle United and Arsenal are also after the wide forward, while city rivals Manchester United have a vested interest too.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Why Trincao could replace De Bruyne's creativity
If Trincao were to relocate back to the Premier League, he would have a burning desire to prove any naysayers wrong after a turbulent stint at Molineux.
After all, the 25-year-old attacker – who was once hailed as “special” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – has proven himself to be an assist king ever since returning to his native Portugal, which could lead to De Bruyne’s sad exit being quickly forgotten about.
The on-fire Sporting number 17 was more cold than hot donning a Wolves strip, with Trincao only capable of picking up a mere three goals and one assist from 30 appearances for the Old Gold, before then retreating to a more comfortable environment in Lisbon.
Sporting Club's Francisco Trinaco and Viktor Gyokeres.
Now, he is front and centre of Sporting’s devastating attacking arsenal alongside goal machine Viktor Gyokeres, with this season alone seeing the reinvigorated forward pick up a substantial 18 assists from 51 total contests.
His career total of 53 assists – away from this season’s count – is some way off eclipsing De Bruyne’s unbelievable 177 tally at the Etihad, but the powers that be at City will just pray he can be as classy as the departing 33-year-old when cutting defences open if he joins, having also once been openly praised as “really exciting” by Wolves technical director Scott Sellars.
RW
171
27
36
LW
53
11
6
SS
24
7
3
RM
11
0
1
CF
8
3
1
LM
6
1
2
AM
1
0
0
To further back up Trincao as a likely heir to De Bruyne’s playmaking throne, the Portuguese superstar has also shown across his career to date that he can shine in multiple different positions.
Of course, the assist-heavy Belgian is most commonly known as lining up as a number ten for Guardiola’s giants, but he has lined up in eight different positions during his lengthy stay at the club, including as a main striker in recent times, a role Trincao can fulfil too.
Therefore, this is yet another box that Trincao ticks if he’s going to be the next ace up Guardiola’s sleeve, similar to De Bruyne’s high standards.
Adding in a player of the 25-year-old’s creative calibre can only be a positive for those at City, with a further low price-tag next to his name of just £34m making this potential summer move a must to complete.
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