Daily Archives: January 2, 2024

Why Newcastle conceded a Premier League record xG against Liverpool

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“Sometimes statistics can be misleading, but there was nothing deceptive about Liverpool’s record-breaking expected goals (xG) return of 7.27 from their New Year’s Day game against Newcastle United. Head coach Eddie Howe may refute that his side were “open” in the 4-2 defeat at Anfield, but when your opponents take 34 shots, including 15 on target, then it is indisputable that there are fundamental deficiencies in Newcastle’s defensive setup. …”
The Athletic
The Athletic – Liverpool 4-2 Newcastle reaction: How Salah left for AFCON in style with double
The Athletic – Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah now heads to AFCON – how on earth can they replace him?

Kylian Mbappe’s transfer status: Free to talk to clubs, Real Madrid’s deadline, PSG’s stance

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“Today, as we begin 2024, Kylian Mbappe enters the final six months of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), which means he will be able to negotiate with clubs who are interested in signing him on a free transfer at the end of that deal. Aged 25, Mbappe is already a World Cup winner, runner-up and Golden Boot winner, and widely recognised as one of the finest football players on the planet. His future has also been the subject of frenzied and protracted speculation with the Frenchman frequently flirting with Real Madrid and falling out with PSG. …”
The Athletic

Free agents in 2024 – the players who can now sign pre-contract transfer agreements

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“This season’s winter transfer window is now open, meaning clubs can officially start the scramble to add reinforcements or offload players deemed surplus to requirements. Premier League sides can do business until 11pm GMT on Thursday, February 1 — and, following discussions with the major leagues around Europe, that will also be deadline day in La Liga (Spain), Serie A (Italy), Ligue 1 (France) and the Bundesliga (Germany). But while clubs who want to sign players under contract must negotiate and, usually, pay a transfer fee during a FIFA-determined transfer window, wise forward planning allows ‘pre-contract agreements’ in some circumstances. The Athletic explains what these are and which players due to be out of contract in the summer could now step up transfer plans. ….”
The Athletic

Debt-ridden and off the pace, Barça seek Davids Effect to revive season

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“First they tried to bring back Lionel Messi, then they did bring back Dani Alves, briefly. Rafa Márquez returned to take over the B team, Xavi Hernández came home, this time as coach, and Deco arrived again, the former midfielder turned sporting director. They attempted to get Carles Puyol to join them. And now Joan Laporta, the president who also came back, re-elected to the post 17 years after he first ran for it and a decade after he had departed, wants Edgar Davids to return to FC Barcelona. …”
Guardian