Joshua Oha, Author at Matchplug Blog

Tottenham set to seal £30m deal to sign former Liverpool target Micky van de Ven

Tottenham is reportedly finalising an agreement over the £ 30 million signing of Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven, with the Dutch international agreeing on a five-year deal.

The Netherlands U21 star was rumoured to be a summer transfer target of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. However, he is also thought to be wanted by new Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou for some time, and the Premier League club appear to have got a deal over the line.

Sportsmail claim that Van de Ven has agreed to a five-year deal with Tottenham that will keep him at the Premier League club until 2028.

Earlier in the season, he discussed the potential of moving to the Premier League and performing in the English top flight.

“I’m very good [happy] at Wolfsburg, so I don’t mind staying at Wolfsburg for another year,” he said back in May.

“I read everything. I have good contact with my agent, so I know what’s going on. I’ll see where it will lead.

“Hopefully, [moving to a bigger club] would be nice. The Premier League, maybe, yes. Who knows?”

The Dutch prospect was part of the recent Netherlands U21 squad at the ongoing European Championships that saw the nation draw all three group-stage matches and exit the competition.

While away on international duty, he talked up a transfer stating that potential suitors had contacted him.

“I have been forwarded it.

“I have seen it. [Interest] goes through my agent now. If serious things come up, he will call me.”

AC Milan makes $24m offer for USA star Christian Pulisic

AC Milan has reportedly offered Chelsea $24million for the services of wantaway American winger Christian Pulisic.

Pulisic has made it clear to Chelsea that he only wishes to join Milan, who made an opening offer of $15m plus add-ons at the weekend. French Ligue 1 side Lyon made a rival bid for the USA international, but Pulisic has told Chelsea he would not join the French side irrespective of their offer.

Sportsmail says he will only join Milan and is waiting for the club to meet Chelsea’s demands.

Pulisic, who cost Chelsea $74m from Borussia Dortmund, is one of 11 players who could leave Stamford Bridge in the coming days.

Milan are aware of his desire to play in San Siro next season and are currently speaking with Chelsea. The two clubs have worked together on several transfers over recent seasons, involving Olivier Giroud, Fikayo Tomori, Tiemoue Bakayoko and, most recently, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who joined Milan earlier in this summer transfer window.

Despite spending four years at Stamford Bridge, Pulisic has never had an extended time in the first team, mainly due to fitness issues.

He made only eight Premier League starts last season for Chelsea. However, he remains a crucial player for the USMNT, having scored 23 goals in 57 international appearances.

PSG confirm Luis Enrique as new head coach

Paris Saint-Germain have officially hired former Barcelona and Spain coach Luis Enrique as their new head coach in a two-year deal.

The Parisians confirmed the departure of Christophe Galtier this week, with Enrique becoming his permanent replacement this summer.

The Spaniard had been out of work since being sacked by Spain following their surprise exit at the hands of Morocco at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Despite his most recent failure, Enrique still boasts an excellent CV at the highest level, though, and PSG have decided he is the right man to take the club forward.

“Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce that Luis Enrique has been named as its first team’s new head coach, with the Spanish manager signing a two-year contract,” the club said in a statement on its official website.

“Luis Enrique Martínez Garcia, 53, joins Paris Saint-Germain with a solid honours list and a magnificent international reputation behind him. After beginning his playing career at Sporting Gijón (1989–1992) and continuing it at Real Madrid (1992–1996), the highly versatile ex-player took it to the next level before bringing it to an end at FC Barcelona (1996–2004).”

President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi and the new coach of @PSG_English Luis Enrique.

🔴🔵 #WelcomeToParisLuisEnrique pic.twitter.com/OPqIhj6wPS
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) July 5, 2023

The Spaniard said: “I’m delighted to be joining Paris in order to enjoy a new experience,” Enrique said. “It’s so exciting to meet new people, to live in this city, to learn a new language and, above all, to manage PSG.”

Luis Enrique is expected to transform the Parisians into genuine contenders in Europe, having been brought on board to help the club secure the elusive Champions League title.

He won the Champions League in the 2014/15 season when he guided Barcelona to a historic treble.

Manchester United sign Mason Mount for £60m

Manchester United have completed the signing of Mason Mount from Chelsea in a deal worth up to £60million.

The England international becomes Manchester United’s first signing after they made him his primary target this summer. The Red Devils will pay £55m plus a possible £5m in add-ons for Mount, who has signed a £250,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford until 2028 with the option of another year.

After signing the new deal, the England international said: “It’s never easy leaving the club where you grew up, but Manchester United will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career. Having competed against them, I know just how strong a squad it is that I’m joining, and I can’t wait to be part of this group’s drive to win major trophies.

“Everyone can see that the club has made big steps forward under Erik ten Hag. Having met with the manager and discussed his plans, I couldn’t be more excited for the seasons ahead and I am ready for the hard work expected here.

“I am hugely ambitious; I know how amazing it feels to win major trophies and what it takes to do it. I will be giving everything to experience that again at Manchester United.”

Man United’s football director John Murtough, said: “Mason is an extremely intelligent footballer and has so many fantastic technical qualities that will significantly add to our squad. We have admired his talents for a long time, so we are delighted that he has chosen to take the next steps in his career here at Old Trafford.

“His style of play and attributes are a perfect fit for this squad, and we all believe that he will only improve further working with Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff.

“Mason himself is a world-class player, but he also has the ability to improve the players around him through his game intelligence and tactical awareness. We were particularly impressed by his strong desire to join United, and his thirst for further success, as we push to drive up our performance levels next season and beyond.”

Bayern Munich PREPARE another bid for Harry Kane after initial £60m offer was rejected

Bayern Munich will reportedly come back with a bigger bid for Harry Kane after their first offer for the striker was rejected.

The Bavarians sent in a £60m offer for the England international last week, but Spurs rejected that bid, claiming that their captain is not for sale this summer.

The 29-year-old, who has just one year left on his current deal at Tottenham, wants to leave North London this summer in search of silverware. He has agreed personal terms with Bayern and is waiting for the German club to strike a deal with Tottenham and its hard-to-please chairman Daniel Levy.

And now Sportsmail is reporting that Bayern will come back for another bid, and this time they will offer around £80m plus add-ons. The Bavarians believe such an offer will get Levy to talk, as he wouldn’t want to lose the striker for nothing next season.

Meanwhile, a move for Kane, at 29, has yet to meet approval from Bayern’s president Uli Hoeness who believes the England striker is too expensive.

However, former Bayern technical director Michael Reschke believes Kane must be the club’s priority.

“Kane is one of the top three number nines in the world with Haaland and Mbappe,” Reschke told Confidential.

“If he joins Bayern, he gives them a much greater chance of winning the Champions League.

“That is the reason Bayern are fighting for him. Bayern can’t compete in bidding wars for the top players, but they are still alluring to some if they show conviction.”

Newcastle sign Sandro Tonali from AC Milan on a five-year deal

Newcastle have completed the signing of Italy international Sandro Tonali from AC Milan.

The 23-year-old joins the Magpies for £52m and has agreed on a five-year contract which will keep him at St James’ Park until 2028.

Tonali becomes Newcastle’s first major signing of the summer, ahead of their return to the Champions League after two decades away.

Reacting to his move to St. James Park, the Italy international, who has previously been nicknamed the ‘new Pirlo’, told Newcastle’s official website: “First of all, I want to thank Newcastle United because they are giving me a huge opportunity for my career.

“I want to repay the trust on the pitch, giving it my all, as I always have. I’m really excited about playing at St. James’ Park. I can’t wait to feel the warmth of the fans.

Our new midfielder. 🤩🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/gxX5qMrT0c
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 3, 2023

Newcastle boss Howe also spoke about his delight at the signing and cited his Champions League experience as an important asset.

“I’m delighted to welcome Sandro to Newcastle United,” he said.

“He is an exceptional talent and has the mentality, physicality and technical attributes to be a great fit for us.

“At 23, Sandro already has important experience as a key player in one of Europe’s top leagues and in the Champions League, as well as playing for his country.

“But he also has the opportunity and potential to grow and evolve with us, and I’m excited to add him to our squad as we approach the exciting season ahead.”

Tonali is one of Italy’s most highly-rated players and has captained his country during this summer’s Under 21 European Championship.

Manchester City CONSIDERING an offer for former Manchester United target Frenkie De Jong

Manchester City are reportedly looking to bid for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong.

The treble winners have been relatively quiet in this summer transfer window, with the signing of Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea and the exit of Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer to Barcelona the major business so far.

However, Pep Guardiola is making quiet plans to strengthen his squad to defend their historic treble, with the signing of another midfielder a priority for him in the summer.

According to The Sun, the Spaniard could attempt to lure Frenkie de Jong to the Etihad this summer. The Dutchman was a transfer target of Manchester United last summer, but he opted to remain in Spain. His decision to stay at Camp Nou paid off, as Barca won the La Liga title and qualified for the Champions League.

However, Man City may have more luck convincing the 26-year-old to move to the Premier League, with Guardiola weighing whether to bid.

Barcelona’s tricky financial situation means more outgoings will occur to fund new arrivals, and De Jong could be shown the exit door if Man City makes a tempting offer.

The Cityzens were willing to offer £90m for West Ham United’s captain Declan Rice, so Barca could be tempted by such an amount.

Tottenham REACH AGREEMENT with Manor Solomon over free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly agreed to sign former Fulham loanee Manor Solomon as Ange Postecoglou further looks to bolster his squad in the transfer window.

The Israeli winger impressed during his loan spell at Fulham last season, and he was linked with a permanent move to Craven Cottage this summer.

But Tottenham has stolen a march on Fulham in the race for his signature, with the North London side now in the lead over his signature, having agreed personal terms with the player.

According to a report by Sportsmail, Ange Posteclogue’s side has agreed to a four-year context with Solomon pending FIFA clearance.

The specifics of any deal for the 23-year-old would see him join a new club on a free transfer despite his contract at Shakhtar Donetsk not running until December.

This is because current FIFA rules allow players under contract at a Ukrainian club to extend their deals for another year. The clause known as Annex 7 means that Solomon can extend his deal past its current contract expiry date of December 31 and join a new suitor as a free agent.

Solomon will become Tottenham’s third new addition this summer, following the acquisition of James Maddison from Leicester and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli.

Liverpool sign Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig for £60m

Liverpool have signed RB Leipzig midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai in a £60 million deal.

The Reds entered the race for the midfielder last week and were able to complete the deal on Sunday after he passed his medical and signed a five-year contract at Anfield.

Liverpool beat competition from Newcastle for the midfielder, who was keen on a move to Anfield despite the promise of Champions League football at St. James Park.

Szoboszlai becomes Liverpool’s second summer signing following the acquisition of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton in a £35 million deal earlier in the summer window.

Reacting to the signing, Liverpool manager told the club’s official website: “The first thing for me to say is welcome to Liverpool, Dominik. I know how excited he is to be here with us, so it is important that he understands that we are all just as excited to have him.

“We already have a little knowledge of Dominik as an opponent because we had a couple of really tough games against Red Bull Salzburg when he was a player there and I think everyone who saw those fixtures will have realised that even at that stage he was a really interesting prospect.

“I’m pretty sure he was still a teenager at that time and since then he has made some big strides – moving to Leipzig, doing really, really well in the Bundesliga, playing for the Hungary national team and then becoming captain of his national team at an incredibly young age.”

Jurgen Klopp’s side are expected to add more players this summer as they continue their squad rebuild.

Great to have you here, Szobo 🤩 pic.twitter.com/jfbZDR3x4l
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 2, 2023

The Reds reportedly want to sign another midfielder, with Southampton’s Romeo Lavia linked to a move to Anfield. A defender is also said to be among the priority list of Klopp, while a right-back could also be added this summer to provide competition for Trent Alexander Arnold.

Szoboszlai scored ten goals, registered 13 assists last season, and victory in the DFB-Pokal Cup over Eintracht Frankfurt felt a fitting end.

Chelsea CONFIRM £32m signing Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson on an eight-year deal

Chelsea have signed Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal on a £32m deal.

The Senegalese striker becomes Chelsea’s second summer first-team arrival after the club signed Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig earlier in the transfer window.

According to reports, the Blues paid Villarreal slightly more than his £30.1m release clause as they were eager to secure a deal for him. Jackson has signed an eight-year deal and is expected to lead the club’s attack next season after thriving in La Liga last season.

Speaking about Jackson, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: “We are excited to welcome Nicolas to Chelsea.

“Jackson is a young player with big potential, as he showcased for Villarreal last season.

“We believe he is ready for this next step in his career and look forward to him working with our new head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, and his Chelsea teammates.”

Blue suits him, doesn’t it? 💧 pic.twitter.com/9AN7ISPioL
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 30, 2023

Jackson has played twice for Senegal. He scored 13 goals last season in a breakthrough campaign at Spanish side Villarreal. The 21-year-old bagged nine goals in his last eight games as the Yellow Submarine finished fifth in the La Liga standings.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s summer clear-out following Todd Boehly’s £600m splurge last season will continue despite the addition of Jackson. The Blues have already parted ways with Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Édouard Mendy, N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Kouilbaly, Cesar Azpilicueta and Mason Mount.

Joshua Oha

Tottenham set to seal £30m deal to sign former Liverpool target Micky van de Ven

AC Milan makes $24m offer for USA star Christian Pulisic

PSG confirm Luis Enrique as new head coach

Manchester United sign Mason Mount for £60m

Bayern Munich PREPARE another bid for Harry Kane after initial £60m offer was rejected

Newcastle sign Sandro Tonali from AC Milan on a five-year deal

Manchester City CONSIDERING an offer for former Manchester United target Frenkie De Jong

Tottenham REACH AGREEMENT with Manor Solomon over free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk

Liverpool sign Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig for £60m

Chelsea CONFIRM £32m signing Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson on an eight-year deal

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