Author: successsport360
Everton’s summer may have been a successful one thus far, but that could all change with one big sale. After all, the departure of a Jordan Pickford or a Jarrad Branthwaite type figure would mark a hammer blow for Sean Dyche, who relies heavily on these two especially to underpin his rock-solid defence. Last campaign, only three sides in the Premier League conceded less than the Toffees. And yet, there seems to be this odd fascination with the latter of the duo, consistently linking him with moves away. Manchester United’s interest in Branthwaite has been well-documented, whilst rumours have persisted…
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk faced a familiar feeling on Saturday. He was captaining Netherlands in its Euro 2024 quarter-final against Turkey, a match it won 2-1. The victory set up a mouthwatering semi-final against England, who had earlier beaten Switzerland on penalties with Trent Alexander-Arnold converting the decisive spot kick. A clash with his club teammate would have been far from van Dijk’s mind with 20 minutes of his match remaining, as the Dutch trailed 1-0 thanks to Samet Akaydin’s goal. The 32-year-old has ample experience of dramatic comeback wins, though, most obviously when the Reds overhauled a 3-0…
Arsenal have so far had a relatively quiet summer aside from the permanent signing of goalkeeper David Raya. Mikel Arteta is expected to bolster several areas of his squad ahead of the new season in six weeks’ time, including in midfield and in attack. He is also being tpped to search for a new centre-back to challenge Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba. Meanwhile, it is anticipated that a number of players are due to exit, in particular several academy products. Within Premier League spending rules, such sales would count as ‘pure’ profit in that they cost nothing to bring to…
* Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Riccardo Calafiori * Gunners set to beat Chelsea and Juventus to Italian’s signature * Bologna demanding €50m for defender’s sale Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori has agreed to join Arsenal off the back of an impressive Euro 2024 campaign with Italy, but the Gunners are yet to strike a deal with the Serie A club. Calafiori enjoyed a breakout 2023/24 campaign with the Rossublu under Thiago Motta in a unique defensive role which saw him take up an all-encompassing role in possession. His unicorn profile added layers of unpredictability to Bologna’s build-up, and Mikel…
Anthony Gordon has been a name on the lips of many a Liverpool supporter following news of a possible sale from Newcastle United. Gordon, a boyhood Liverpool fan, made his name across Stanley Park at Goodison Park after emerging through Everton’s Finch Farm production line. From the age of 11, he honed his skills nine miles outside of Liverpool, in the south of the city in Halewood, after being released by the Reds. However, his path to playing for the Blues academy was by no means a simple one. As a youngster, Gordon suffered disappointment after he was allowed to…
London (AFP) – Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz targets the Wimbledon quarter-finals on Sunday against a piano-playing Frenchman, while Emma Raducanu has British fans dreaming of a first home women’s champion in 47 years. Alcaraz, chasing a fourth Grand Slam title, is attempting to become just the sixth man to win the French Open and Wimbledon back-to-back. After cruising through the first two rounds, the Spanish world number three twice trailed by a set before defeating Frances Tiafoe in the round of 32. “I realise that I’m a good player in the fifth set,” said the 21-year-old. “I push the opponent…
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner aims to record a Wimbledon fourth-round victory over the entertaining Ben Shelton on Sunday. The Italian followed up his hard-fought win over Matteo Berrettini with a rather more comfortable victory against Miomir Kecmanovic on Friday to set up an exciting match in prospect against Shelton after yet another thrilling five-setter against Denis Shapovalov. Sinner’s consistency in 2024 has been admirable, with progress to the final four hitherto attained by the Italian superstar in every tournament. While the Madrid Masters was an exception — the 22-year-old withdrew because of a hip injury — no on-court losses…
The Three Lions booked their place in the final four in Germany after overcoming Switzerland in a penalty shootout. Once again, it was far from a convincing performance from Gareth Southgate’s side, who had to come from behind after Breel Embolo’s goal. Bukayo Saka’s strike 10 minutes from time rescued England, with the game going to penalties after extra time yielded no more goals. With his nation ahead after Jordan Pickford saved Manuel Akanji’s first effort, it was up to Alexander-Arnold to send them through to the semi-finals. And he did just that, showing true composure despite having only been…
Liverpool have confirmed a defender signed in 2018 has left the club in a permanent transfer that has ensured the player’s remarkable record at Anfield remains intact. The vast bulk of signings made in the Jurgen Klopp era were roaring successes for the Reds. However, there have been a handful of missteps, with the 2018 signing of Colombian defender Anderson Arroyo proving to be one of them. Liverpool signed the now 24-year-old from Colombian outfit Fortaleza CEIF. Arroyo can play at centre-back or right-back, though found it impossible to break into Liverpool’s first-team plans. Indeed, despite spending six-and-a-half years on…
Trent Alexander-Arnold appeared to suggest one of his England teammates didn’t want to take a penalty during the Euro 2024 shootout against Switzerland. The Liverpool vice-captain was the Three Lions’ hero as he struck the winning spot-kick in Dusseldorf, having only been introduced five minutes before the start of the shootout. England had once again flattered to deceive as they somehow found a route to the semi-finals, despite falling behind to a Breel Embolo goal 15 minutes from time. Bukayo Saka responded five minutes later, with the game needing penalties to decide it after extra time yielded no more goals.…