Category Archives: Italy

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Transfer Madness: The Top 10 Most Interesting Moves in Europe this Summer

  By O-Posts Team | August 3, 2024 - 17:20 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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This window has been a mad one in terms of major and surprising transfers, particularly from clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool and Inter Milan. Which have been the most interesting moves made so far? Here’s a Top 10 list from our very own Chris Paraskevas.

 

Arturo Vidal (Juventus to Bayern Munich)

One of the world’s finest footballers and purest box-to-box midfielders, Arturo Vidal’s signature has cost Bayern Munich around €40 million.

Bayern manager Pep Guardiola is into his third season at the club and is desperate to win the Champions League, having failed in his last two attempts. The acquisition of Vidal is a statement of intent.

Whilst Vidal will suit the former Barcelona boss’ high pressing, high energy style, the player’s unique brand of aggression and unpredictability should give Bayern a more flexibility.

However, he also joins a team boasting an embarrassment of riches in central midfield and there are questions about how the Chile international will be deployed.

There is also the matter of Vidal’s form, with suggestions that his last season in Turin – where he helped Juventus into the Champions League final – was not his best.

Are Bayern signing a player slightly on the decline, or at the peak of his football powers?

 

Geoffrey Kondogbia (Monaco to Inter Milan)

In the wake of his match-winning performance against Arsenal in the Champions League last season, Kondogbia was hot property and many expected the Monaco midfielder to join the Gunners during the transfer window.

The 22 year-old then seemed set for AC Milan, before performing a stunning about-turn and signing for their fierce rivals Inter.

“Yes, the truth is that I spoke to Milan, but never in my life have I said yes to [AC] Milan CEO Adriano Galliani,” Kondogbia said of the move.

Kondogbia has also explained that Roberto Mancini was key in convincing him to move to Inter, who have snatched one of Europe’s most exciting talents from under the nose of some big clubs as they look to return to the summit of Italian football.

 

Roberto Firmino (Hoffenheim to Liverpool)

The Brazil international is arguably Brendan Rodgers’ biggest signing of the close season, moving from Hoffenheim for £29 million.

Given the wealth of midfield and attacking options now available at Liverpool, a place need to be found that best suits Firmino’s unique talents.

The Brazilian isn’t an out-and-out striker, preferring instead to play in-behind the forwards and assume the role of creator rather than finisher. Firmino isn’t a prolific goal-scorer but at his best is a handful for defenders with his movement and running: a stylistic trait he shares with former Liverpool star Luis Suarez.

It would be unfair to expect the former Figueirense player to have the same immediate impact that Suarez did, but Rodgers is under pressure at Anfield this season and will be desperate for his new signings to fire.

 

Mario Mandzukic (Atletico Madrid to Juventus)

Croatia international Mandzukic is joining a third club in three years, having spent two years at Bayern Munich and last season at Atletico Madrid.

His goal-scoring record is exemplary at club level and the 29 year-old moves to Turin on a three-year deal, replacing the departed Carlos Tevez.

Can Mandzukic replicate the form that brought him two league and cup doubles and a Champions League winners’ medal at Bayern Munich? He was certainly less effective at Atletico Madrid and expectations will be high at Juventus, who will want to mount another European challenge.

What makes this a curious move is Juventus’ markedly different playing style: Mandzukic was a success at Bayern with mobile forwards running off him, a luxury he might not be afforded so readily in Italy.

 

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid to Porto)

Iker Casillas’ acrimonious departure from Real Madrid gives this move a particularly interesting edge.

Despite winning three Champions League titles in his 25 years in Madrid, his relationship with the club deteriorated in recent seasons as the goalkeeper’s form dipped and he fell out with former manager Jose Mourinho and Real president Florentino Perez.

His new employers, Porto, could well be drawn alongside Real in the UEFA Champions League this season. If so, it would set the stage for an emotional and highly charged meeting.

Can Casillas get the last laugh and enjoy a revival in Portugal following a disastrous World Cup with Spain?

 

Adel Taraabt (QPR to Benfica)

The 26 year-old Taraabt has ended his seven-year sojourn in English football, moving to Portuguese giants Benfica on a free transfer.

At Queens Park Rangers, he produced some irrepressible performances but also had his attitude and fitness questioned by former managers Neil Warnock and Harry Redknapp.

It will be fascinating to see whether Taraabt’s talents are better developed at Benfica: the Lisbon club will be playing in the UEFA Champions League, and compete in a domestic competition that should the fleet-footed winger’s physique and style.

“It is a huge opportunity for me,” Taraabt said after making the move. “When my agent told me Benfica were interested, I immediately said: ‘Yes, I’m ready to go.”

 

Steven N’Zonzi (Stoke City to Sevilla)

Steve N’Zonzi might not be one of the most recognisable names in European football, but anyone who watched his performances for Stoke in the Premier League last season will be familiar his unique talents.

A midfielder capable of turning matches with individual moments of quality, it remains to be seen whether he can adapt to life in La Liga. Having also played for Blackburn Rovers, his physicality allowed him to thrive in England but Spain offers a completely different challenge.

“I need to test myself in the Champions League and unfortunately I can’t do that with Stoke,” N’Zonzi said of the move. “For me it was the right decision.”

The Europa League winners have signed Stoke’s Player of the Year for a mere £7 million.

 

Nani (Manchester United to Fenerbahce)

Another winger who enjoyed a long stay in England, Nani’s hugely successful Manchester United career brought him four English Premier League titles, a League Cup and a Champions League winners’ medal.

Scoring a number of wonderful goals and dazzling fans with his creativity and footwork, his importance had nonetheless diminished by the end of his time at Old Trafford: Nani was loaned to former club Sporting Lisbon last season and has now been moved on.

Turkey provides an exotic location for the continuation of his career and he is joined at his new club by former United teammate Robin van Persie.

 

Abou Diaby (Arsenal to Marseille)

Spending almost a decade under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, France international Abou Diaby never fulfilled his full potential in London.

His Arsenal career was marred by regular injury setbacks that stunted his development and saw the midfielder make just two appearances in two years before he was released by the club.

Rejecting approaches from both West Brom and Liverpool, the talented but fragile 29 year-old opted instead for a move to Marseille.

“What motivated my choice was knowing which club would help me best medically,” Diaby said. “That was really my priority. I did have other offers. I had very, very good contacts with West Brom.”

With ambitions to return to the France set-up, Diaby will receive plenty of support under progressive Chilean manager Marcelo Bielsa.

 

Radamel Falcao (Monaco to Chelsea)

At his peak, Radamel Falcao was arguably the best striker in the world, terrorizing defenders on all continents and winning the Europa League with both Porto and Atletico Madrid.

In Spain the forward was a revelation, before a move to cashed-up French club Monaco saw his career stutter considerably: an injury in early 2014 saw him miss the World Cup in Brazil that year and the player has been a shadow of himself since.

Even a loan move to Manchester United last season couldn’t bring the best out of the Colombian, who struggled with the pace of the game in England. Nonetheless, he has been thrown a lifeline by Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, who will be hoping to wring a few goals out of the 29 year-old this season.

If Falcao manages to boost his fitness and confidence, it could prove to be a shrewd piece of business by the Portuguese manager.

 

Written by Chris Paraskevas

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Vlad Chiriches: Spurs get rid of their Romanian flop as Pochettino’s reign continues apace

  By O-Posts Team | August 1, 2024 - 12:58 | , , , , ,
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This transfer window at Spurs, Mauricio Pochettino’s second during his time in charge of the club, has seen a ruthless clear out of the squad. Paulinho, Etienne Capoue, Benjamin Stambouli and Lewis Holtby have all been packed off while Emmanuel Adebayor, who appears to be close to a move to Aston Villa, is set to follow them out of White Hart Lane.

Younes Kaboul, with a £3 million move to Sunderland, and Vlad Chiriches, who has joined Napoli, are also on the exit list in Daniel Levy’s summer decluttering.

The sales of Kaboul and Chiriches are especially significant in how Levy is now seen to be supporting Pochettino as he sets about shaping the squad to his own liking.

Having inherited a team from the year of Andre Villas-Boas and Tim Sherwood, mostly built by the former with his scatter-gun use of the £85 million recouped by the sale of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid, Pochettino is now overseeing a clear-out of the disappointments and ushering in a new dawn of seemingly sensible, measured business.

With Tottenham having shipped 53 goals last term, only four Premier League teams conceded more and even relegated Hull City and Burnley managed better defensive records, it is at centre-half where Pochettino has started his renovation with reasonable extent to believe the other areas of his squad are in good shape.

Nabil Bentaleb, Moussa Dembele, Ryan Mason and Tom Carroll make for a good centre-midfield quartet while the craft and guile of Christian Eriksen, partnered with the improving Nacer Chadli and Erik Lamela will provide the chances for the prolific Harry Kane.

Pochettino can plug full-back positions with Eric Dier, Danny Rose, Kyle Walker or Ben Davies and if Spurs can resist overtures from Manchester United for Hugo Lloris, they will retain one of the league’s best goalkeepers.

The Argentine coach is correct to identify centre-half as the troublesome position as he struggled to find a regular partnership last season. Federico Fazio and Jan Vertonghen was his favoured duo but with Fazio only making 20 appearances as he settled into his first year in England, Pochettino often found himself lacking inadequate cover.

Younes Kaboul was given the captaincy last September before being dropped in November whilst Chiriches continued to endure a miserable time in north London, making just 10 appearances as he battled injury before finishing his campaign early with a red card at Stoke in early May.

It is then, equally as fortunate as bizarre that Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri has said that he “doesn’t know much” about his new Romanian centre-half. “I saw him for half of a match, and he seemed to have discrete physical qualities, but I don’t have a clear impression” he said, “but if they [the club] chose him…” referring to the actions of his chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis who appears to have taken matters into his own hands after missing out on Cagliari’s Davide Astori.

The Partenopei were also rumoured to have chased Juventus’ Daniele Rugani, Torino’s Nikola Maksimovic and Roma’s Alessio Romagnoli in their hunt for a centre-half but it is on the €6 million Chiriches whom they have been forced to settle.

Taking over from Rafael Benitez, Sarri has had to undertake work on his own defence after the exit of Miguel Britos to Watford so in comes Chiriches, aiming to rediscover in Italy the form that convinced Spurs to stump up Steaua Bucharest’s record selling fee of €9.5 million to land him in 2013.

Spurs are now taking a loss of around half that fee for the defender who managed just 27 league appearances across two years and who has now seen Kevin Wimmer, the 22 year old signed from Koln, and Toby Alderweireld, who joins for £11 million from Atletico Madrid after a year in England with Southampton, jump ahead of him at White Hart Lane.

He leaves as another unwanted memory, together with Paulinho and Roberto Soldado, of how easily the Bale money was squandered by Levy, Villas-Boas and Franco Baldini, who somehow still remains in his post as the club’s technical director.

If Chiriches settles in Naples however, having failed to do so at five clubs across three different countries so far at the age of 25, they will have got themselves an astute bargain. Spurs will attest to his quality at the start of his spell before his form deteriorated and he is captain of a Romania team that conceded just three times in the whole of 2014 and is on the brink of qualifying for Euro 2016 with just one goal conceded so far.

Despite a poor second year in England, he still finished the season with impressive stats of 2.7 interceptions and 1.9 successful tackles per game, suggesting a defensive quality that is still intact. Though winning on average just 0.7 of his aerial battles despite standing taller than 6ft indicates an indecision when challenging for the ball, while similar hesitation and tentativeness were in evidence as he made memorable errors against Sunderland and Besiktas.

“One mistake after another mistake” said Pochettino after the Europa League meeting with the latter.

The writing was on the wall from that October evening and though Pochettino didn’t quite give up on Chiriches after that, it is no surprise to see him depart after his nightmare ending to life in England against Stoke.

In Italy, where the pace of the game is slower and he will be afforded more time on the ball as a result, and under Sarri who worked wonders with limited resources and talent in his time with Empoli, the Romanian will find prime opportunity to revive his career.

As Pochettino and Levy also move on, it could be the best move for all parties.

 

Written by Adam Gray

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Gini Wijnaldum: Why the PSV star is the ideal signing for Newcastle

  By O-Posts Team | July 31, 2024 - 11:55 | , , , , , , , , , ,
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Georginio Wijnaldum signing with Newcastle United was an eyebrow raiser for football fans and journalists alike. Wijnaldum the previous year had links to PSG and Athletico Madrid. This year’s transfer window had seen the likes of Manchester United, Roma, Zenit Saint Petersburg, and Olympique Marseille linked with the talented midfielder.

But his move to Newcastle United may prove to be the perfect fit for his undoubted talent as a midfielder and great leadership skills on and off the pitch. That is something greatly needed as new manager Steve McClaren looks to bring the Magpies back to playing attractive football but also be competitive for a top eight finish in the Premier League.

A player pivotal to PSV Eindhoven winning it’s first Eredivisie title since 2008, the 24­ year old Georginio “Gini” Wijnaldum was the least mentioned potential transfer target early on in this year’s transfer window. Memphis Depay was always the first name associated to PSV with his dynamic runs on both wings and spectacular goals.

But Wijnaldum won Eredivisie player of the year for 2015. Tells you how much Dutch writers feel about Gini. The statistics show his unbelievable penchant for putting the ball in the back of the net: 14 league goals in 33 Eredivisie League matches (18 goals in all competitions.) He was only substituted out of matches twice.

Under PSV coach, Philip Cocu, they play a dominant passing oriented system this term, but have embraced a counter-­attacking system on occasion, normally within a preferred 4­-3-­3 formation. The midfielder has fine-­tuned certain parts of his game this past term and has been an integral part of PSV’s style. He is a #10 by trade, but has played most recently in the box­ to ­box (#8) midfield role and and as a deeper lying (#6) midfield position.

Whichever style they adopt in each game, Wijnaldum is pivotal in it being a success. His work rate is great, while his awareness and tracking of runs in midfield makes him a vital component in cutting out attacks coming through the middle. From here, he can start a charge forward for his side.

These qualities will be a welcome addition to Newcastle’s midfield­­ bringing much more tactical flexibility to the squad and allowing McClaren to adjust formations and strategies through the pre­season. Of note that Newcastle has been playing in a 4­-2­-3­-1 formation in their first few friendly matches.

Interesting to see how McClaren will have used Wijnaldum in friendlies in this system (lately being used in his comfortable midfield role just behind the forward line.) Or will McClaren use his much favored 4-­3­-3 system he used at FC Twente and Derby County.

McClaren has said of Wijnaldum: “This signing is a real statement for the club. It is a big transfer for a very good player and I am delighted to have Gini here at the club. “He has lots of energy and a great tempo to his game. He is very skilful but is also capable of playing box to box and, importantly, he can score goals. He is at the right age and the right fit for Newcastle. He is a leader as well and you will see that. He is someone who always wants the ball, can deal with it and we need that kind of character in the team.”

No doubt a coup that Newcastle landed the PSV captain — a reflection of owner Mike Ashley’s commitment to finally invest money on new talented players. The signing of Wijnaldum definitely unlocked the door to land other talents like Mitrovic and Mbemba from Anderlecht in Belgium and could spark a revival for the Magpies this coming Premier League season.

 

Written by Vic Charnetsky

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Jordan Veretout: Why the Nantes star is another fine Ligue 1 signing for Aston Villa

  By O-Posts Team | July 30, 2024 - 15:41 | , , , , , , , , ,
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Aston Villa seem to be on the Newcastle path as they close in on the fourth arrival from Ligue 1 and arguably the most exciting or as exciting as Amavi - Jordan Veretout.

Veretout was a standout performer in the first half of the 2014/15 season. In the first 18 games he scored six times and grabbed three assists, a praise-worthy feet for any footballer. He was instrumental in helping Nantes stay in the top half of the table. His form dipped towards the second half of the season as he only scored once more along with giving three assists in the next 18 games for Nantes.

But for a player who is still not a finished article – and it would be wrong to say that he is – Veretout did remarkably well last season and just at 22, was a leader for the French side.

He has been linked with Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Newcastle and most recently Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. However, it is Aston Villa who seem to be landing him.

He has made 130 appearances for Nantes in his career which shows how much experience he already has and it is no surprise that a call from Premier League has come his way after a promising second season in top flight.

The Frenchman can play anywhere in the midfield and has been used both ahead and behind the centre midfielder role. Arguably, he is best in a box-to-box role, but he can perform well even when he plays slightly behind in a holding position. He averaged 2 tackles and 1.3 interceptions every 90 minutes last season which shows that he does more than decently in the defensive facet. 1.5 shots, 2 key passes and 1.2 successful dribbles per 90 minutes indicate he is equally good in his natural attacking side of things.

He has got excellent skills and techniques and importantly works very hard. He has great potential, but it is still not yet realized.

Tim Sherwood and Aston Villa need to make Veretout play one role and it should be his preferred playmaker and box-to-box role. With Gueye already there, someone who is developed and perhaps in the peak of his career, it makes no sense to place Veretout in the holding role.

He should play in the heart of the midfield, or slightly ahead, as his style of play can ensure Villa dominate the crucial second third of the pitch. Basically, Veretout can no longer afford to be a jack of all trades. He has to decide or it must be decided for him, where he wants to establish himself in the midfield.

The youngster quietly goes about his game and life and isn’t one who particularly wants the limelight. He wants to focus on his football and break into the senior France side.

Competition is immense at the moment but there is no reason why he won’t get under former Nantes graduate Deschamps, if he can become a regular at Villa.

 

Written by Aakriti Mehrotra

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Inter Milan: Mancini prepares for a pivotal year in delivering Thohir’s ambitious plans

  By O-Posts Team | July 29, 2024 - 19:59 | , , , ,
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It was November 2013 when Massimo Moratti sold a controlling stake in Inter Milan to Erick Thohir, yet the Indonesian magnate believes it is only now, 20 months later, that his presidency is finally ready to begin.

“I believe this is the first true season for my team and also for some of the new management” he told Inter’s in-house TV channel. “Over the last couple of days we got to know each other, but it is most important that the team believe in the project”.

The project, according to Thohir, is to restore Inter to the company of Europe’s elite clubs like they were as recently as the latter part of last decade when they won five straight Serie A titles in a period of dominance that culminated with the Champions League of 2010. Jose Mourinho delivered that triumph and his subsequent exit, sensing the end of an era, was the prelude to years of decline as a result of an ageing squad and Moratti’s under-investment.

To kick-start the renaissance, Thohir has turned to the coach that helped to mould the squad that Mourinho led to the brilliant treble of 2010. Roberto Mancini won three Scudettos and two Coppa Italia titles between 2005 and 2008 and now, after winning silverware in England and Turkey, he is back with Inter and tasked with driving Thohir’s rebuilding plans.

Since Thohir dispensed with Walter Mazzarri last November, Mancini has been backed handsomely, being allowed to bring in Xherdan Shaqiri, Davide Santon and Lukas Podolski in January to arrest an underwhelming season in which they sat in 11th place after their first game back from the winter break.

Despite the mid-season renovation, Mancini oversaw some stuttering form in his half-season in charge and Inter finished eighth, meaning no European football for the second time in three years.

Determined to avoid a repeat, Thohir has granted Mancini a transfer kitty in excess of £50 million which has been used to land Joao Miranda from Atletico Madrid, AS Monaco midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, Jeison Murillo from Granada, Barcelona’s right-back Martin Montoya and Stevan Jovetic from Manchester City.

In exchange for his backing, the president has asked for Mancini to deliver a return to Champions League football. “We must qualify for the Champions League next season because this is the reason why we brought in Mancini in November and some top players in our squad extended their contracts this summer“ said Thohir who has also made Nemanja Vidic, Yuto Nagatomo, Marco Andreolli, Francesco Bardi and Shaqiri, who signed for Inter for €15 million just 6 months ago, available for sale.

In Miranda, who joins initially on loan, Inter will get the assuring presence at the back that Vidic was supposed to provide but failed to do so, while Murillo, the promising 23 year old Colombian centre-half who won the best young player award at this summer’s Copa America, will give competition to Juan Jesus and Andrea Ranocchia.

Meanwhile Montoya, a product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy and winner of three La Liga titles, two Copa Del Reys and a Champions League at the age of 23, will bring his obvious but vastly underused potential to the San Siro, as well as a winning mentality to the problematic position of full-back.

Both Montoya and Miranda join on temporary deals with a view to a permanent move in a clever way to negotiate past restrictions on financial fair play. Both sets of payments will be spread across two years in instalments, and that system of astute accounting, now taking on the moniker of “the Inter Formula”, has freed up funds to be spent on a single marquee signing in the form of Kondogbia who joined for €35 million.

The physical French midfielder, who impressed in his two seasons at Monaco, proving instrumental as they reached the quarter finals of the Champions League in his second season, has been billed by Thohir to have the same influence as Yaya Toure, on whom Mancini built the foundations of his 2012 Premier League title win at Manchester City, who the Nerazzurri tried to sign this summer.

“I believe that Kondogbia can be our Toure and I’m not saying that because Yaya decided against signing for us” said the president.

With the excellent Samir Handanovic retained in goal and a newly bolstered defence given the protection of Kondogbia, the combative Gary Medel and the emerging star Assane Gnoukouri, Inter should manage to reduce the amount of goals they shipped last term-48- the second highest tally in the top 8.

In attack, the arrivals of Jovetic, who struggled for fitness in England but is back in Italy where he thrived for Fiorentina, and Jonathan Biabiany who heads back for a third spell at Inter after his time with the now liquidated Parma, will add incisiveness to a front-line that, without the goals of Mauro Icardi and Rodrigo Palacio last term, lacked a cutting-edge.

Fredy Guarin, who will be looking to build on his six goals from the last campaign, will be given creative duties alongside Hernanes and the talented young Croatian Marcelo Brozovic.

Currently on a pre-season tour of China which is designed to help with Thohir’s vision of getting Inter back into the top 10 of football clubs in terms of revenue in time for 2019, it is telling that the Indonesian’s much vaunted project is not just hot air.

Thohir has rung the changes to his commercial department as the club target fresher revenue streams, he has lobbied the league for changes in kick-off time to suit global audiences and is keen to undertake significant renovation work on their San Siro home when AC Milan move out in 2018.

It is an impressive change to the stasis that Inter were under in the final days of Moratti, but Thohir and Mancini will be aware that success on the pitch is the only way to unlock their off-field ambitions.

“I’m confident of our future and the season ahead. We have players capable of challenging for the title” said Mancini after the pre-season defeat to Real Madrid in Guangzhou, but while they may not yet be ready to end the dominance of Juventus, they could certainly be in a position to deliver the Champions League football Thohir craves for the next stage of his project.

 

Written by Adam Gray

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AC Milan: What have the Rossoneri done in the market to mount a title challenge?

  By O-Posts Team | July 28, 2024 - 14:59 | , , ,
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Who have AC Milan bought so far?

With a heavy reliance on Jeremy Menez who was the top scorer last season on 16 goals – the club have reinforced the attacking department. They have all but signed Carlos Bacca and officially purchased Luiz Adriano from Porto – these forwards have a reported combined transfer fee of 38 million Euros.

I think purchasing these two strikers shows a great statement of intent to climb back to the top of Italian football. Both are proven European goal scorers and were sought after by many leading clubs across Europe – they should certainly add some firepower.

Another notable signing is Andrea Bertolacci. Milan signed the 24-year-old midfielder from AS Roma this summer for a hefty 20 million Euros. Bertolacci impressed during his loan stint at Genoa last season, scoring seven goals and registering eight assists.

Signing Bertolacci should inject much-needed creativity into Milan’s midfield. He can play from a central or advanced position, a deeper playmaker or No.10. It’s refreshing to see a young Italian player move to clubs in Serie A for such a fee, in fact, it’s always refreshing to see big clubs like AC Milan investing in home grown players - It can only be a positive for the national team.

A couple of other midfielders who have come into Siniša Mihajlović’s side are Mauri (free from Parma) and Simone Verdi from Torino.

Mauri could prove to be a shroud signing should he be given the opportunity to perform, he was a bright light from Parma’s disastrous campaign last year.

 

Where do they need to strengthen?

CEO Adriano Galliani’s focus should now turn to reinforcing the defence. Last season, the side shipped an astonishing 50 goals.

Here is a list of AC Milan’s defenders; Mattia De Sciglio (full back), Philippe Mexès (centre back), Cristián Zapata (centre back), Ignazio Abate (full back), Gabriel Paletta (centre back) Luca Antonelli (full back), Alex (centre back), Christian Zaccardo (full back).

From that selection, I think Ignazio Abate, Luca Antonelli and Gabriel Paletta are worth keeping.

Mattia De Sciglio is yet to live up to his full potential and would benefit with a loan away to a smaller club in a less pressured environment. Philippe Mexes is a loose cannon and should have been sold a long time ago – but bizarrely, the club offered him a one-year contract extension.

Cristian Zapata is not good enough tactically, his positioning at times last season was woeful. Alex hasn’t convinced me, he was great at Chelsea – downhill ever since he left for PSG. Christian Zaccardo is 34 and inconsistent.

The club need to sign a couple of centre backs and a couple of full backs, but realistically, that will not happen this summer. But hopefully for the rossoneri fans, a world-class defender will come in.

Stars such as Mats Hummels or Diego Godin would be excellent, but with no Champions League football, there is virtually no chance.

 

So, who are realistic purchases?

The club has been linked with Roma’s defender Alessio Romagnoli, who had an outstanding season on loan at Sampdoria. Milan submitted a bid of 25 million Euros this month, which was rejected as Roma demanded more.

It’s unsure whether the club will submit a higher bid, but at 20-years of age, he could be the answer to Milan future defence.

Another defender linked with the club was Monaco’s Aymen Abdennour. He is highly sought after this summer following an impressive Champions League campaign last term.

I think he would be a brilliant acquisition, but the purchase of the Tunisian centre back was ruled out because the club cannot fit any more non-European Union players into their team following the acquisition of Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano. Such a shame.

There is still a long way to go in the transfer market, but it’s best to act fast with pre-season now well underway - the defence should be the priority.

 

Written by Serie A Writer

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Mario Götze: Is the struggling Bayern star looking for a new beginning?

  By O-Posts Team | July 27, 2024 - 19:50 | , , , , ,
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After making the shock move from ️Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich for £37m, the 23 year old Germany international has been struggling to replicate his old, prodigious self.

The young exciting player, who had all eyes pierced at him from on-lookers and observers, failed to live up to that expectation at his new home. And recent rumors have linked him with moves to Juventus and Arsenal.

 

Struggles at Bayern

After scoring the whole important winner in the final of the 2014 World Cup against Argentina, few have thought that Götze’s season would turn out as bad as it did. He managed to score 15 goals in 48 appearances for Bayern Munich in all competitions last season, but the numbers don’t tell the whole story. Even though it may not seem a bad figure for an attacking midfielder, his form in the big games was below par.

He was also benched by his manager Pep Guardiola, even when players like Arjen Robben and Frank Ribery were injured. The most notable of such instances was him watching from the sidelines when his team bowed out of the Champions League at the hands of Barcelona. This raised the question of whether he was a part of Guardiola’s future plans for the squad.

Not only that, but he also came under a lot of criticism by the media and the fans because of his poor performances.

 

The signing of Douglas Costa

Another factor that poses a threat to Götze’s future at Bayern is the acquisition of Douglas Costa from Shaktar Dontesk. The versatile player is considered to be a long term replacement for the aging and injury prone Frank Ribery and it seems that the Brazilian is the most likely of the two to get the nod in the starting line up.

So the news of Götze being linked with different clubs doesn’t come as a surprise as he might be open for a fresh start. Juventus, who have lost their star man Arturo Vidal to Bayern, are leading the race to secure the service of the youngster.

Other than that he is also gaining interest from the English Premier League, with Arsenal being the most likely destination despite having many options in that position.

 

 

Written by Brook Genene

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Sergio Romero: Why Argentina’s number one is Europe’s most sought-after free agent

  By O-Posts Team | July 23, 2024 - 16:59 | , , , , , , , , ,
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Despite being the most-capped Argentine goalkeeper of all time, Sergio Romero has struggled for attention at club level over the past couple of years. Now, a free-agent after being released by Sampdoria, the Argentina number one is being courted by some of the biggest club sides in Europe.

The 28-year-old needs a decent transfer and after his admirable service at international level he deserves the opportunity to prove his talents.

 

Who is Sergio Romero?

There are none more established international stars who have experienced such a strange and difficult career as Sergio Romero. Born in the northern city of Bernado de Irigoyen, deep into the province of Misiones, Romero moved as a teenager to Buenos Aires province after being spotted by Club Almirante Brown.

Already standing over six feet tall, Romero had already earned his nickname of ‘Chiquito’ as a result of being the youngest of three brothers and his brother Diego, a professional basketball player, being significantly taller.

Racing Club’s famed academy soon snapped up the young Romero and he signed his first professional contract with La Academia aged nineteen. Despite some years in Avellaneda, young Chiquito made just five first team appearances before Louis van Gaal’s AZ Alkmaar side snapped him up at the end of the 2007 season.

A difficult first season in Holland meant Romero spent a lot of time on the bench but the following season he established himself as Van Gaal’s number one as Alkmaar were crowned Eredivisie champions for only the second time. Romero kept 18 clean sheets in the season and the following season came close to a Dutch record after not conceding a goal for 950 minutes.

These impressive statistics and having already established himself in the Argentina side prompted Serie B side Sampdoria to pay €2.1 million for the keeper and in his first season in helped the club back into the Italian top flight.

However, just as Romero became more and more of a permanent fixture in the Argentina starting eleven despite changes of management, his status at club level declined. Eventually loaned out to Monaco, Chiquito still found himself struggling for playing time behind the Croatian first-choice keeper, Danijel Subasic and returned to Sampdoria at the end of the 2013-14 season.

Matters in Genoa had not improved after a year away but in spite of this Gerardo Martino followed all his predecessors in naming Romero his first-choice for the Copa America. This run in the side saw Chiquito overtake Ubaldo Fillol as the most-capped goalkeeper in Argentine history and cement his place in national side history.

Romero’s greatest successes have undoubtedly come in Argentine colours and during the World Cup in Brazil he truly announced himself on the international scene. Few Argentina fans will forget the sight of Javier Mascherano screaming “You’re going to become a hero” before Romero stopped penalties from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder to send La Albiceleste to the World Cup final.

Ultimately, Romero’s career, like all his current Argentina teammates, is a series of what-might-have-beens after narrowly missing out on two major tournaments. Now though, his career needs the club move that a keeper of his status warrants.

 

Manchester United and Real Madrid lead the chase

A 28-year-old, 62-times capped international, available on a free-transfer it is no wonder that there is intense interest in Romero. Newspaper reports suggest that Roma, Real Madrid and Manchester United have all met with his agent to discuss possible terms since his client was released by Sampdoria.

Perhaps the possible transfer of David De Gea may change the market for goalkeepers, particularly when it comes to Manchester United and Real Madrid, but current reports suggest it is Louis van Gaal’s side who are poised to seal the deal.

A three-year-deal worth €1.8 million-per-year is close to completion and will see Romero finally move to one of Europe’s elite clubs.

The link with Louis van Gaal may have been the tipping point in these negotiations but, with United ready to dispense with Victor Valdes, there is a need for a goalkeeper regardless of whether De Gea stays or goes.

As backup to De Gea, Romero should still see plenty of playing time with United back in the Champions League and at least this will see him playing at the highest level.

At 28 years of age, and as a goalkeeper, Sergio Romero should have his best years ahead of him and so he could still add plenty to his already burgeoning number of caps with Argentina.

For whichever club he ends up at, they might be picking up a real bargain.

 

Written by Peter Coates

Follow Peter on Twitter @golazoargentino

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Serie A: The League’s Top 9 Best Young Talents to Watch this Season

  By O-Posts Team | July 22, 2024 - 21:15 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Paulo Dybala (Juventus)

Juventus signed the Argentine forward for 32 million euros (£23.4 million) from Sicilian outfit Palermo this summer.

Last season, the 21-year-old scored 13 times for Palermo and provided ten assists - very impressive considering it was his first season in Serie A and was with a relegation-battling side.

Dybala is versatile, athletic and agile, with good technique and an ability to fit into different tactical systems in attack.

I don’t like to make player comparisons but I can understand why many have likened him to his international compatriot, Sergio Aguero.

It will be intriguing to see if Paulo can make that step up with the reigning champions.

With Carlos Tevez departing last season’s Champions League runners-up, he will need to be able to provide spark up front as well as goals.

 

Daniele Rugani (Juventus)

Having initially brought him to Turin on loan in 2012, Juventus took full ownership of the 20-year-old in February for 3.5 million euros to terminate the co-ownership deal that had previously been in effect with Empoli.

Rugani spent 12 years with Empoli, joining them at the age of six and progressing through the youth ranks.

He enjoyed similar success with the Italy age group teams along the way and is regarded as the future of Italy’s defence.

Rugani is more Fabio Cannavaro than Giorgio Chiellini in the fact that he’s not very physical. He’s a classy and elegant defender.

He was the only Empoli outfield player to play every minute of the last campaign and he did so without receiving a single yellow card!

It’s difficult to see him breaking into Juve’s defence next season with Leonardo Bonucci, Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Martin Caceres ahead of him in the pecking order.

Rugani was brought in to replace Angelo Ogbonna, who moved to West Ham United, as back-up.

I just hope that Juve coach Max Allegri gives him an opportunity to shine.

 

Mateo Kovacic (Inter Milan)

One of the more known players on this list, mainly due to his transfer links away from Inter - with the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona showing an interest in the Croatian.

The likelihood is that the 21-year-old will remain at Inter after his comments to the Italian media.

“I’ll stay here [Inter], I won’t move,” he said. “That’s what I wanted, that’s what my renewal until 2019 shows. There will be a long relationship between Inter and myself.

“I want to show that I deserve Inter. I want to win with this shirt. Inter is like Real Madrid or Barcelona.”

Kovacic is a modern, attacking midfielder. He doesn’t just stand in a ten-yard zone of space and wait for the ball, he often drops deep to collect it.

He moves wide to create overloads and is willing to get back behind the line of the ball in the defensive phase.

He is a wonderfully creative hub and is very calm and confident on the ball.

His distribution and defence-splitting through balls are what make him one of Europe’s hottest prospects.

 

Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo)

Berardi is a forward who is co-owned by Juventus and Sassuolo. He’s been a Sassuolo player since 2012.

He’s now spent two full seasons in Serie A. He netted 14 goals and provided nine assists last season; in 2013-14, he scored 16, with six assists.

Quite an achievement, at 20, to have 30 Serie A goals under your belt in just two seasons.

Berardi is a pacy and versatile forward. It’s been a joy to watch him in the past couple of seasons in Italy and he could prove to be a gem for the Italy national team for many years to come.

A drawback? Probably his disciplinary record. He’s received 23 yellow cards and two red in 60 Serie A appearances.

This is something he must work on and I’m sure he’ll improve with experience.

 

Mattia Perin (Genoa)

Any upcoming young Italian goalkeeper who shows glimpses of promise will probably be hailed as the next “Gigi Buffon”.

Many young keepers find this a huge label and many collapse under this sort of pressure. Thankfully for Italy, this 22-year-old Genoa stopper is not one of them.

I’m not suggesting he is the answer to Italy’s prayers once Buffon eventually retires but there is no doubt Mattia is talented.

He was the third-choice keeper behind Buffon and Salvatore Sirigu in Italy’s disastrous World Cup finals campaign in Brazil last year. He has one senior cap.

Light on his feet and blessed with exceptional reflexes, Perin is a brilliant shot-stopper with a bright future ahead of him.

 

M’Baye Niang (AC Milan)

Niang is a versatile 20-year-old French forward.

He made his debut with Milan in 2012, making 33 league appearances but failing to register any goals.

The following season he was sent out on loan to French side Montpellier and he spent the back end of last term on loan at Genoa, where he impressed with five league goals in 12 games.

Now back at Milan for next season, he’s got a great opportunity to shine under new coach Sinisa Mihajlovic.

Should he get the chance, he must take it because the Rossoneri have signed experienced forwards Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano.

 

Andrea Bertolacci (AC Milan)

Milan signed the 24-year-old midfielder from AS Roma this summer for a hefty 20 million euros.

Bertolacci impressed during his loan stint at Genoa last season, scoring seven goals and registering eight assists.

Signing Bertolacci should inject much-needed creativity into Milan’s midfield. He can play from a central or advanced position, a deeper playmaker or No.10.

He is versatile. He can be more withdrawn, more of a veiled threat, and is not afraid to shoot from afar.

 

Geoffrey Kondogbia (Inter Milan)

Kondogbia is up there with the biggest transfers in Europe this summer. The Frenchman signed for Inter from AS Monaco for around 35 million euros.

Arsenal fans may remember his solid performances for Monaco in the Champions league last season, when the French club knocked out the North London team on away goals in the Round of 16.

Kondogbia provides great protection in front of his defenders, looking to hunt down any attackers threatening to get beyond them.

A little further up the pitch, he has a good eye for stepping in and dispossessing any opponents looking to break from midfield.

As well as being strong, Kondogbia is skilful and has fine ball control. He is able to manoeuvre himself out of danger.

And while capable of taking on players, he understands the merit of a simple pass to keep his team ticking over.

A player of his type was much needed at Inter. The side conceded 48 league goals last campaign … dreadful.

 

Alessio Romagnoli (AS Roma)

Twenty-year-old Romagnoli had a tremendous campaign last season on loan at Sampdoria.

It’s uncertain where the central defender will play this upcoming season, with Milan submitting a bid of 25 million euros, which was rejected.

Arsenal are reported to be interested. Or he may well stay with Roma. Wherever he plays, watch out for him next season.

 

Worthy mentions:-

Juventus: Alvaro Morata, Paul Pogba, Kingsley Coman

Inter Milan: Mauro Icardi

AC Milan: Jose Mauri

Lazio: Ravel Morrison

Udinese: Simone Scuffet

Torino: Daniele Baselli

 

Written by Serie A Writer

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Read more of Serie A Writer’s articles at www.voicingcalcio.com

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FIFA 16: The Top 10 Best Under-21 Players in the latest FIFA edition

  By O-Posts Team | July 21, 2024 - 18:01 | , , , , , , , ,
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FIFA gets better every year. This time around EA has made some major changes in the career mode, which has received many positive responses. Tons of players who quit Career mode in FIFA 15 should look forward to playing Career mode more often and with enthusiasm in FIFA 16.

We have a list of the best young players in FIFA 16, which you can use to build a strong squad or make a huge profit in the transfer market.

 

Luciano Vietto – ST - 21 Years Old

Overall Rating: 79

Potential Rating: 88

Best attribute: Pace of 89

The 21 year old has been called and labelled the next Aguero. He already had a rating of 78 in FIFA 15, which has increased to 80 in the latest edition.

 

Breel Embolo – ST – 18 Years Old

Overall Rating: 76

Potential Rating: 87

Best attribute: 90 in Sprint

Embolo is the one player every scout in FIFA 15 career mode want you to sign. This insane talent has improved a lot this season, which has enhanced his FIFA 16 overall rating to 76 from 74.

 

Nabil Fekir – CAM – 21 Years Old

Overall Rating: 80

Potential Rating: 88

Best attribute: 89 in Balance

Nabil Fekir has improved a lot this season scoring about fifteen goals and assisting ten more in reality with his club, Lyon. His FIFA stats has boosted to potential of 88.

 

Memphis Depay – LW – 21 Years Old

Overall Rating: 80

Potential Rating: 87

Best attribute: 90 in Sprint Speed

Memphis Depay is definitey going to be one of the most used players in FIFA 16 as he has successfully moved to Manchester United. The mini-Ronaldo will have a potential to improve to up to 87 in FIFA 16.

 

Raheem Sterling – CAM - 20 Years Old

Overall Rating: 82

Potential Rating: 88

Best attribute: 92 Sprint Speed

Manchester City’s big-money signing. His move will definitely affect FIFA 16 Ultimate Team as there are very few Man City-supporting gamers playing FIFA 16. As far as his potential stats are concerned, they remain the same as FIFA 15.

 

Youri Tielemans – CM - 18 Years Old

Overall Rating: 75

Potential Rating: 89

Best attribute: 77 in Passing and Balance

There are many top players in the centre-midfielder category, but Tielemans is definitely one to mention as he has a potential of an 89 rating in FIFA 16.

 

Luke Shaw – LB – 19 years old

Overall Rating: 76

Potential Rating: 86

Best attribute: 84 in Pace

There are not a lot of highly rated left backs in FIFA 16 and with Shaw having a potential of 86, he will be the most traded left back in the game.

 

Hector Bellerin – RB – 20 Years Old

Overall Rating: 70

Potential Rating: 86

Best attribute: 89 in Acceleration

The Arsenal speed merchant is going to be the right back with the highest potential in the game. His overall can increase from 70 to 86.

 

Marquinhos – CB – 21 Years Old

Overall Rating: 81

Potential Rating: 89

Best attribute: 92 in Marking

FIFA 16 has the same player what FIFA 15 had as the U21 player with the biggest potential. Marquinhos was the most traded player in FIFA 16 Career mode and he is going to make a great impact in transfer market like he did in FIFA 15.

 

Simone Scuffet – GK – 21 Years Old

Overall Rating: 71

Potential Rating: 86

Best attribute: 80 in Reflexes

There are not a lot of good under-21 goalkeepers in FIFA 16, but Scuffet makes it just in time to book his place in the list of the Best Under-21 players in FIFA 16.

 

Written by Charchit Dahal

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