FOOTBALL

Why Chelsea are desperate to sign Christopher Nkunku

Published

2 years ago

October 6, 2022

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Chelsea spent more than £251 million to become Europe’s highest spender in the last summer transfer window.

The West Londoners are set to splash the cash once again as they are reportedly close to striking a deal for RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku.

After taking the reigns from Roman Abramovich, Chelsea’s new owner Todd Boehly has spared no expense to assure Chelsea fans that the Blues will continue to flex their financial muscle to bring the best talents to Stamford Bridge.

Reports suggest he has sanctioned another high-profile transfer to bolster Graham Potter’s squad.

The American has emphasized building a data-driven scouting network.

Graham Potter and his transfer advisor Kyle Macaulay have also shown heavy interest in the player, which has prompted the club to move faster in the market and secure a deal for Nkunku as soon as possible.

The contract situation

Nkunku had agreed to renew his contract at Leipzig only a few months ago.

The new contract ties him to the Bundesliga outfit until 2026. But, the new contract apparently has a buy-out clause rumoured to be valued at around €60 million.

Chelsea, however, are negotiating to bring down the fee and finalise a deal that will make Nkunku a Chelsea player in the summer of 2023.

Chelsea and RB Leipzig have a history of doing deals together.

Leipzig had agreed to let Timo Werner join Chelsea in 2020 for a €53 million fee.

They are looking for a similar fee to let go of Nkunku, and Chelsea have not shown much reluctance to pay such an amount. However, talks are still ongoing between the parties.

A hot prospect

Nkunku is one of the most exciting talents in the Bundesliga.

The Frenchman has scored 56 goals and made 48 assists in 149 RB Leipzig appearances.

In eight Bundesliga outings this season, Nkunku has scored six times. He has also scored for Leipzig in the Champions League when he found the back of the net in Leipzig’s 3-1 win over Celtic.

How Potter can use him

The 24-year-old is not a traditional number nine who feels comfortable leading the line.

Nkunku is more proficient in operating in the wings, making use of his quick feet to dribble past defenders and cut inside. He also enjoys playing as a playmaker behind the striker.

Because of his versatility, Graham Potter can have a number of ideas to incorporate Nkunku into the lineup.

He can partner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in attack or play behind him.

Potter can also try him out in wider areas, as Chelsea wingers have been struggling for goals lately.

Christopher Nkunku can transform Chelsea’s attack, which has come under heavy criticism lately because of their lack of firepower.

Under Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea were mostly dependent on their wingbacks and defenders to score goals. But that proved to be an unsustainable system over time.

So, Chelsea are desperate to restructure their attack and Nkunku would be a great upgrade to the options they already have.

Chelsea are eager to wrap up the deal before the World Cup, which starts in November.

According to reports in Germany, Nkunku is also eager to make the move.

So it appears only to be a matter of time before Nkunku becomes a Chelsea player.

However, Chelsea fans will likely keep their excitement in check for the transfer after encountering multiple near misses in the summer transfer window.

FOOTBALL

WATCH: Georgina Rodriguez makes huge claim on Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement in Football

Published

9 months ago

March 3, 2024

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Georgina Rodriguez made a huge claim on the future of her husband and star player, Cristiano Ronaldo, in Football. In a brief interaction with a host recently, Rodriguez was asked about the time left for Cristiano to make an impact at the highest level. Georgina looked honest in her approach to the question of the host and claimed something the fans would not love to hear.

Georgina claimed that the Portugal star has maybe one year more from him at the highest level. She felt that Ronaldo might play two more years before retiring and not more than that. She was however not sure if he would play for just one or two years and added that the Al Nassr star could also play more than that.

Watch the video of Georgina Rodriguez here –

🚨🎙️| Georgina Rodriguez on Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Paris Fashion Week yesterday:

“Cristiano one more year, then it’s over. Maybe two, I don’t know.”

(via @ArobaseGiovanny)pic.twitter.com/4dxw2j5DuC

— Pubity Sport (@pubitysport) March 3, 2024

“Cristiano one more year, then it’s over. Maybe two, I don’t know,” said Rodriguez in the little chat she had with the host. The video has gone viral on X and the fans have started sharing it on different platforms. Some of the fans feel that Georgina might be right, while others feel that she could be wrong, given the fitness and longevity of the star player.

Legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo

On the 5th of February, Ronaldo celebrated his 39th birthday. He is currently one of the oldest players in the world. In the past, players at this age would have retired way back. But the fitness and consistency of Ronaldo make him play the sport as long as he wishes. In his career so far, Ronaldo has won many major leagues for Portugal and league teams like Real Madrid, Al Nassr, and Manchester United.

With United, Portugal won some major leagues like the FA Cup and the Champions League. With Real Madrid, the 39-year-old won the leagues like the UCL, Copa Del Rey and La Liga. He won it three consecutive times for Real Madrid. For Portugal, Cristiano had a huge contribution to Portugal. He has the most number of appearances and goals for an international team and won the Euro 2016 with Portugal.

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Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham slapped with Red Card as he argued with referee

Published

9 months ago

March 3, 2024

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Jude Bellingham shown Red Card (Image Credit: Twitter)

England and Real Madrid player Jude Bellingham was slapped with a Red Card during the La Liga game against Valencia. In the game, the home team, Valencia was leading by 2-0 after 30 minutes before Madrid scored in the injury time of the first half. Vinicius Junior opened the scoring for Madrid while Hugo Duro (27′) and Roman Yaremchuk (30′) scored a goal each.

In the 76th minute, Junior scored an equalizer to keep the team in the game. However, in the injury time of the second half, Bellingham was given a red card as he argued with the referee against calling it a full-time before he could score. In reply, the match official decided to slap the England international with a Red Card. The team coach Carlo Ancelotti wasn’t happy with the verdict as the Three Lions player was making a pass at the time.

Jude Bellingham verbally abusing officials and other footballers at the slightest provocation needs to be talked about more. It’s embarrassing he gets applauded by Real Madrid Fans.

Mason Greenwood should’ve allowed La Liga to deal with this simp. pic.twitter.com/ixYSw6YxaC

— Herman Facundo© (@hermanfacundo_7) March 3, 2024

“I think what’s just happened is unprecedented. It’s never happened to me,” Ancelotti told reporters.

“We had possession of the ball and the match should have been finished when Valencia had the ball.

“What bothers us is the red card for Bellingham because he didn’t say anything insulting. He was frustrated of course,” said Ancelotti, adding that Bellingham had used a common English swearword when telling the referee it was a goal.

We are annoyed with Jude Bellingham’s Red Card: Carlo Ancelotti

“We were annoyed with Bellingham’s red card. He didn’t say any insults. He said in English ‘it’s a f—ing goal,’ but he was just saying what we were all thinking … [The referee] allowed play to continue. I think he made a mistake.”

“[Bellingham] was clear in what he said,” Ancelotti added. “He was quite vehement [in his reaction] but that’s normal, after what happened. It wasn’t an insult, not at all.”

FOOTBALL

PL 2023-24: MCFC vs MUFC Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI, Fantasy League Today’s Captain, Vice-Captain, and more for Manchester derby

Published

9 months ago

March 2, 2024

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Super Sunday is set to witness the Manchester Derby in the Premier League 2023-24. The match between Manchester City (MCFC) and Manchester United (MUFC) is set to take place in Etihad Stadium, the home ground of Manchester City. The two teams have had a contrasting journey in the league till now. The fortunes of City changed ever since Pep Guardiola took over the club as the manager.

While the home side are placed in the second position in the points table currently, United are in the sixth place in the points table. In their previous encounter, City hammered Luton Town by 6-2 in the FA Cup. United have shown massive improvements in the last few weeks after not having a good start to their campaign. United were involved in a thrilling game where they beat Nottingham Forrest by 1-0 in their last game.

Both teams feature some of the best players in the world. The likes of Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland, Marcus Rashford, Kevin De Bruyne, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and others would be taking part in the match. Manchester City will start the match as the favourites, given their record in the ongoing league so far and the match taking place in their home. United with their improved record can challenge the home side.

MCFC vs MUFC – Match Details

Match – Manchester City (MCFC) vs Manchester United (MUFC), Premier League 2023-24

Venue – Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Date and Time – 3^rd March 2024, 21:00 IST

Live Coverage – Star Sports Network and Disney plus Hot Star

MCFC vs MUFC – Head-to-Head

Both the teams from Manchester have a rich history in the sport. they have been up against each other in 191 instances. In as many games, Manchester United have been historically the better side with 78 wins to their name. City have managed to win 60 wins, as 53 games ended in a draw. In the last five games between the two sides in the Premier League, City have won four of the five games.