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There is growing interest in Benfica star Orkun Kokcu, who could be allowed to leave for interested clubs such as Liverpool or Manchester United for around €60-70m, CaughtOffside understands.
The Turkey international has previously shone under Liverpool manager Arne Slot during their time together at Feyenoord, with the player recently speaking publicly about how highly he rates the Dutch tactician.
Sources with a close understanding of the situation have informed CaughtOffside that Liverpool could be in a particularly strong position to sign Kokcu due to the Slot connection, though there have not yet been any contacts over a possible move.
Liverpool ready to SWOOP for Ligue 1 goal/assist machine!
On top of that, there is also understood to be interest from Man United under new manager Ruben Amorim, who will know the Benfica star well from his time managing in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon.
Where next for Orkun Kokcu?
Sources have also named Tottenham as a potential team to watch in the race for Kokcu, who has a €150m release clause at Benfica, but who could move for less than that if he pushes to be allowed to leave.
It is anticipated that the 23-year-old’s true value might be closer to €60-70m, while the player is also thought to be keen on playing in the Premier League at some point in the future.
One imagines English clubs might be best-placed to afford Kokcu at this point, as we’ve so often seen them being able to out-bid their European counterparts in recent years.
Liverpool boss Slot would do well to get the chance to work with Kokcu again, as the former Feyenoord playmaker could surely add something a bit different to this LFC side.
Slot has done well with the squad he’s inherited from Jurgen Klopp, but at some point he’ll surely want to put his own stamp on the team, and working with one of his former players would surely make sense as a good move for all involved.
The post Exclusive: €60-70m could bring classy star to Liverpool or Manchester United appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/11/21/orkun-kokcu-transfer-liverpool-united/
Chelsea and Barcelona are reportedly exploring a potential transfer move for Santos wonderkid Joao Victor de Souza, who has been compared to Real Madrid and Brazil legend Marcelo.
The talented 18-year-old is fast earning himself a big reputation after impressing for Santos, and it seems Europe’s elite are really starting to take notice.
“PERFECT” Chelsea star eyed by rival manager!
According to AS, Chelsea and Barca currently seem to be showing the strongest interest in Souza, while he could also have the possibility to move to Saudi Arabia.
Souza’s playing style at left-back seems to be drawing comparisons with Marcelo, as Brazilian football fans will be hoping he can eventually prove to be the long-term solution for the country in that position.
Marcelo had a tremendous career at the highest level, winning the Champions League five times during his time at the Bernabeu, as well as numerous other major honours.
The 36-year-old also won over 50 caps for the Brazilian national team, so if Souza can have anywhere near that kind of career, he’ll have done well for himself.
Souza to be Chelsea’s next wonderkid signing?
Chelsea have done well in recent times to snap up the best young talent from across the globe, with their current owners putting a lot of emphasis on building a long-term project rather than just signing ready-made superstars.
Souza could be a good fit for this system, with AS noting that it might actually mean the Blues initially send him to one of their other associated clubs, such as Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg.
Chelsea fans themselves might have to wait a while before seeing Souza representing them, but perhaps he’ll also prove good enough to be challenging for a first-team place at Stamford Bridge sooner than expected.
Chelsea could arguably do with a new left-back anyway, as there have been some question-marks over Marc Cucurella for some time now, while Ben Chilwell is clearly out of favour after issues with fitness and form.
Barcelona would be a difficult club to turn down, though, so CFC might face strong competition for this exciting wonderkid.
The post Chelsea & Barcelona exploring transfer move for wonderkid compared to Brazil legend appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/11/21/chelsea-transfer-news-souza/
Crystal Palace is one potential job opening being eyed up by Ruud van Nistelrooy as he looks for new opportunities in the Premier League following his spell at Manchester United.
The Dutchman, who has managerial experience from his time at PSV Eindhoven, has just left Man Utd after a spell on the coaching staff of Erik ten Hag earlier this season, followed by a spell as interim manager before Ruben Amorim took over.
Man Utd ready to swoop for “PERFECT” £52m signing!
According to Football Insider, Van Nistelrooy is now keen to stay in the Premier League and is eyeing clubs with uncertain situations at the moment, such as Palace, Wolves and Southampton.
The report states that Van Nistelrooy was keen to stay at United as part of Amorim’s staff, but the Portuguese tactician decided against it, though we could still see the former Red Devils striker staying in English football.
Would Crystal Palace do well to hire Ruud van Nistelrooy?
It’s been a difficult season at Palace under Oliver Glasner, whose job is surely going to be in serious danger if results don’t pick up very soon.
Glasner made a terrific start when he took over at Selhurst Park earlier this year, but things have gone majorly downhill at the start of the 2024/25 campaign, and it could soon be time to make a change.
Van Nistelrooy looks a tempting option and he’ll surely have opportunities soon, so Palace might do well to move before other clubs pull the trigger.
Southampton and Wolves are also struggling, so Van Nistelrooy might get offers there soon if the Eagles aren’t quick to make the most of this opportunity.
Van Nistelrooy did well during his brief stint as MUFC caretaker manager, and one imagines he’ll surely be in the conversation for the job at Old Trafford at some point in the future, depending on how things work out with Amorim, as well as numerous other factors.
The post Manager has one eye on Crystal Palace job following Manchester United snub appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/11/21/ruud-van-nistelrooy-crystal-palace/
Liverpool are reportedly the latest club to show a serious interest in Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo following his superb form this season.
The Cameroon international has already scored eight goals in nine Premier League games this term, and it’s easy to imagine he’ll be making his way up to a bigger club before too long.
We’ve seen Arsenal linked as admirers of Mbeumo in a recent report from Football Insider, and now Liverpool manager Arne Slot is said to have taken notice of the 25-year-old, along with Newcastle United, as per the Sun.
Liverpool begin process to sign Ligue 1 sensation!
Mbeumo has the all-round qualities to make a good fit for this Liverpool side, and the Reds would do well to keep a number of players on their radar at the moment due to the ongoing Mohamed Salah saga.
Could Bryan Mbeumo help Liverpool to replace Mohamed Salah?
While no one’s arguing that Mbeumo is in Salah’s league yet, it could be useful to bring this in-form talent in to join Slot’s attack if Salah ends up leaving Anfield at the end of his contract next summer.
The Egypt international still hasn’t agreed a new deal with the Merseyside giants, and it will be important for there to be a plan in place in case he cannot be persuaded to stay.
LFC already have a lot of good options in attack, such as Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo, but Federico Chiesa has failed to make an impact since joining from Juventus in the summer, so there’s probably room for someone like Mbeumo to come in.
The Sun’s report suggests Brentford manager Thomas Frank is not exactly confident of keeping Mbeumo anyway, which could be useful for Liverpool if they do decide to step up their interest.
“He was our key player and has added another layer this season with five goals in six games,” Frank said recently.
“That’s incredible and he’s creating chances. He’s a top player. I’m convinced he will play for a bigger club. I’d buy him if I was at a bigger club.
“We convinced him to stay and he’s very happy. All our players might need to leave us one day but a lot of them are happy because we have a top environment, with good people. We push each other.”
The post “Incredible” PL star emerges as Liverpool transfer target, current manager resigned to losing him appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/11/21/bryan-mbeumo-transfer-liverpool-2/
Enzo Maresca will be hoping to avoid a haunting return to his old hunting ground this weekend.
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1978613/cole-palmer-injured-chelsea-enzo-maresca-leicester
Arne Slot has been helped by Liverpool failing to get their man in the summer.
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1978531/Arne-Slot-Liverpool-transfer-news
The Premier League balance of power could shift during a busy festive period.
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1978680/arsenal-liverpool-premier-league-man-city
Ruben Amorim has only been in charge of Manchester United for 10 days but has already made a big impression on the squad and has been handed a complimentary nickname
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1978677/ruben-amorim-nickname-manchester-united-stars-after-10-days
Man United are “interested” in bringing Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku to Old Trafford in January as the French forward struggles to earn a starting spot at Stamford Bridge.
The 27-year-old has been with Chelsea since last summer after the West London club triggered the £52m release clause in the former RB Leipzig star’s contract.
Nkunku’s first season at Stamford Bridge was a disaster as the player struggled with fitness issues, leading to just 14 appearances. The French talent has made up for that throughout the opening phase of the 2024/25 campaign as the Blues talent has already produced 10 goals and one assist across 17 games.
However, the 27-year-old has 154 minutes of action in the Premier League as Enzo Maresca currently prefers Nicolas Jackson leading his line – which has led to the France international becoming unhappy in West London.
This has led to rumours linking Nkunku away from Chelsea in the build-up to the January transfer window and according to former Premier League scout, Mick Brown, Man United are one club “interested” in signing the former RB Leipzig star.
Christopher Nkunku fits “perfectly” into Ruben Amorim’s Man United team
With the January transfer window getting closer, Mick Brown has provided an update on Nkunku’s future at Chelsea with the former scout admitting that Man United are one of the clubs interested in the 27-year-old.
“From what I hear, Man United are certainly interested,” Brown told Football Insider. “I’m told he’s on their list of targets and one they could look to snap up either in January or the summer.”
The former scout continued by saying: “He’s one of these modern-day players where he’s not really a striker, not really a midfielder, and not really a winger. He’s sort of a combination of all three.
“So when you look at Amorim’s Sporting team, the forwards are all quick and they play off the back of defenders and put them under pressure.
“Nkunku strikes me as the sort of player who would fit into that perfectly. He’s also more than good enough to play every week at this level.”
The post Man United “interested” in £52m Chelsea talent who fits “perfectly” into Amorim’s system appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/11/20/christopher-nkunku-man-united-chelsea/
Liverpool are reportedly intensifying their efforts to sign Lyon star Rayan Cherki in 2025 as the Reds look to pounce on the current financial situation of the Ligue 1 giants.
Last week saw the French football financial watchdog (DNCG) hand a severe sanction to Les Gones as the French outfit have been hit with a provisional Ligue 2 relegation, the supervision of their wages and a transfer ban.
This is due to their current financial situation and one way out of facing these punishments is to raise money to meet the required threshold.
Selling valuable players is the fastest way to achieve this and one of the stars attracting a lot of interest is Cherki.
According to RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins, Liverpool have intensified their efforts to sign the 21-year-old, having been linked to the midfielder in recent weeks. The Reds are looking to add to Arne Slot’s squad in 2025 having done very little business this summer and Lyon’s situation provides the Merseyside outfit with an opportunity to sign a very exciting talent.
Cherki has been with the Ligue 1 giants his entire career, featuring 152 times for Les Gones, providing 19 goals and 28 assists.
How much will Rayan Cherki cost Liverpool in 2025?
Last weekend Lyon owner John Textor stated that Cherki’s exit would the be player’s “choice” as it is clear that the Ligue 1 club would be open to selling the midfielder at the right price.
Cherki is believed to be valued at around €25m with L’Equipe reporting that Liverpool have already enquired about the playmaker before stepping up their efforts. The Reds seem to be the most serious pursuers of the 21-year-old, however, the French talent is believed to be dreaming of a move to Real Madrid.
€25m is a bargain for a player with the potential of Cherki and it is a deal Liverpool may seek to get done in January before other clubs become interested in the young midfielder.
The post 19 goals and 28 assists: Liverpool begin process to sign Ligue 1 youngster valued at £25m appeared first on CaughtOffside.
https://www.caughtoffside.com/2024/11/20/rayan-cherki-liverpool-lyon-2/
