Liverpool are “90 per cent sure” of enjoying a Mohamed Salah pre-season boost, with the Egyptian superstar seeing a big Olympic Games call made.
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Some seriously talented teenagers will be looking to set the tournament alight this summer in the United States
Copa America 2024 is now just a matter of days away, with fans and players from both South and North America buzzing with excitement ahead of what promises to be a thrilling tournament. As always, one of the biggest reasons for that enthusiasm is the prospect of young players emerging and making a name for themselves on the biggest stage.
Plenty of prodigies will be on show in the United States this summer, with some set to play key roles for teams that are expected to challenge for the title in the coming weeks. But who should you be watching out for and getting to know ahead of the big kick-off on June 20?
GOAL is here to give you the lowdown on the top teenage talents (born 2005 or later) to watch out for at this summer's Copa…
Getty ImagesKervin Andrade (Venezuela)
Venezuela head into Copa America with low expectations, but in Kervin Andrade they have a young playmaker who has the potential to become a star of the national team in years to come.
The 19-year-old, who plays his club soccer in Brazil for Fortaleza, has only made one appearance at international level with his debut coming back in March, but his presence in the Copa squad suggests coach Fernando Batista is keen to give the attacking midfielder some tournament experience.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesValentin Carboni (Argentina)
Argentina's squad for the Copa isn't markedly different from that which won the World Cup in 2022, but a couple of young talents have emerged in recent years and forced their way into the picture. One of those is Valentin Carboni, whose performances in Serie A have secured his place on La Albiceleste's roster.
An attacking midfielder who can play centrally or wide on the right, Carboni impressed on loan at Monza this past season having come through the ranks at Inter, and the Nerazzurri hope to raise up to €30 million (£25m/$32m) this summer by selling the teenager this summer.
Carboni only turned 19 in March, and he has already received the seal of approval from Lionel Messi, who told that the youngster has "a great present and future" after he caught the eye in the team's final warmup friendly against Guatemala.
Getty ImagesLuc de Fougerolles (Canada)
Canada are under new management for Copa America as Jesse Marsch takes charge of his first competitive fixtures, and the American could yet give youth a chance this summer after naming Luc de Fougerolles to his final roster.
At 18, London-born De Fougeroulles is a product of the Fulham academy, and made his first-team debut for the English club this past season in the Carabao Cup, while he was also named to the bench on multiple occasions in the Premier League.
A centerback with the versatility to fill in at either fullback position, De Fougerolles has only made one appearance for Canada thus far, but could become a key squad member this summer thanks to his ability to play multiple positions.
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Getty ImagesEndrick (Brazil)
Aside from Messi, there may not be player with more eyes on them at this summer's Copa America than Endrick. The Brazil wonderkid entered the consciousness of soccer fans around 18 months ago when he agreed to join Real Madrid in a deal worth up to €72m (£61m/$77m). As he prepares to finally move to Santiago Bernabeu in the coming weeks, this will be the first opportunity for supporters outside of his homeland to get a prolonged look at "the new Pele."
The 17-year-old is slated to lead the line for the Selecao in the U.S. having already proven he can handle the step up to international soccer by scoring three goals in his last four appearances, including late winners against England and Mexico as well as an eye-catching strike against Spain.
Whether Endrick will be able to live up to the hype at what is his first tournament remains to be seen, but if the teenager is able to handle the pressure, then he could provide the X-factor that Brazil might need to get over the line.
Liverpool are a world-class squad brimming with world-class players, but every once in a while an erroneous performance blotches a performance like a stain, pervading the efforts like sludge in a stretch of water.
Arsenal played their game and they played it well, taking control and winning the key battles, flooding the play toward the Reds' rearguard; Mikel Arteta's side leapt on two Alisson errors to secure victory but Liverpool were incohesive, enervated, and their lead at the top of the Premier League was cut to two points after 23 matches.
Of course, imperious champions Manchester City stalk from behind and will go level with the second-placed Gunners with a victory at Brentford on Monday night. They will still have a game in hand.
Jurgen Klopp, just over one week on from his shock decision to step down at the end of the season, will be dismayed by the error-strewn display but perhaps more so by the lack of fluency that has been at the core of the success so far this season.
1.
Liverpool
23
51
2.
Arsenal
23
49
3.
Manchester City
21
46
Making sweeping changes in the summer after a dour 2022/23 campaign, the esteemed German has masterminded a resurgence but today's showing was reminiscent of last year's struggles.
Alisson's early save from Gabriel Martinelli was turned in by Bukayo Saka on the rebound; Martinelli made it 2-1 after the break following a dreadful communicative confusion between Alisson and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
Virgil van Dijk & Alisson suffer "dreadful mix-up"
Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes had turned into his own net before the break to hand Liverpool a lifeline, but parity restored proved to be nothing more than a stay of execution as the Merseyside outfit sculpted their downfall and dented their hopes of a second Premier League title under Klopp's wing.
Van Dijk, so reliable in his defensive strength this season, failed to rid his defensive third of a hoofed ball and Alisson's ungainly acrobatics allowed Martinelli an easy finish into an open net.
The Athletic's James Pearce, no doubt perplexed by the calamity, remarked at the "dreadful mix-up" that Klopp's side failed to recover from, Ibrahima Konate compounding the issues in the dying embers with a red card for two yellows, Leandro Trossard scoring from the bench minutes later.
As per Sofascore, Van Dijk still showcased many of his finest qualities, in the thick of the action after taking 106 touches, completing 89% of his passes, winning eight of his nine contested duels and making four clearances and two interceptions, but he suffered a lapse in a definitive moment and will need to ensure that such a mistake does not arise once more in a pivotal contest.
Similarly, Alisson was abject at the Emirates but has been Liverpool's saviour on countless occasions this term; still boasting the Premier League's best save percentage this season with 77.3%, the 31-year-old will rebound from this poor performance.
While such errors came at key moments, they should not detract from the fact that Liverpool's overall effort was as flimsy as plywood and at the epicentre was Ryan Gravenberch, who endured a lifeless display in the engine room and did little to strengthen his claim for a starting berth in the biggest moments under Klopp.
Ryan Gravenberch's performance against Arsenal
Gravenberch was handed a starting berth after Dominik Szoboszlai suffered a recurrence of the hamstring injury that ruled him out for much of January; the Hungarian was sidelined as a precaution.
While Gravenberch has many exciting talents as a multi-functional midfielder, he is not quite making it happen in Liverpool colours and was indeed at the core of Liverpool's issues against Arsenal.
As per Sofascore, the £150k-per-week ace was hooked before the hour mark after taking just 24 touches, and while he completed 86% of his passes, Gravenberch failed to make a key pass.
Very much a 'passenger', his lack of defensive skill was among the biggest reasons behind Liverpool's struggles and having been dribbled past once, Gravenberch failed to make a tackle, block or interception, also winning just four of his nine contested duels. It was unsurprising, therefore, to see him earn a shocking 3/10 match rating courtesy of the Liverpool Echo.
It would be unfair to heap the blame onto any one player and there is a good case that Gravenberch's blushes would have been spared had his skipper and shot-stopper not conducted their duties to the basic, error-free standard.
Ryan Gravenberch's season so far
Signed from Bayern Munich in a £34m deal back in August, there is no question that Gravenberch is a midfielder of high quality but he is yet to mesh the cogs together with the kind of constancy needed for Liverpool.
As per FBref, Gravenberch ranks among the top 4% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for progressive passes, the top 9% for progressive carries, the top 8% for successful take-ons and the top 8% for blocks per 90.
Considered to have a similar skill set to stars such as Jude Bellingham and Liverpool duo Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, Klopp's desire to bring him to the club is understandable and at 21 years old he could yet be fashioned into a first-rate phenom, having been hailed as “unbelievable” by former Reds midfielder Didi Hamann.
But he will need to start bringing it all together and given that Thiago Alcantara made his anticipated return this afternoon after an interminable spell on the sidelines, Gravenberch must start combining his talent with application.
Arsenal might have defeated Liverpool to clutter the title race once again, but Klopp's team have demonstrated their ability and resilience many times this term.
Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp appeared to take a swipe at rivals Manchester United and Chelsea at a farewell event with fans.
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The Spanish champions enjoyed a magnificent first half but completely fell apart as Alexander Sorloth blasted in four goals for the hosts
Alexander Sorloth had Real Madrid stunned as the striker scored four times to seal a 4-4 draw for Villarreal on Sunday. La Liga champions Madrid looked like they were strolling to victory as they sat 4-1 up at half-time, with Arda Guler, Lucas Vazquez and Brahim Diaz all looking awesome for Carlo Ancelotti's team.
Even with the likes of Jude Belingham, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Toni Kroos on the bench, Madrid still had enough firepower to potentially sink the Yellow Submarine at home. Sorloth, however, refused to let his team go down without a fight, as he was a constant pain in Los Blancos' side, opening his account for the day when a fantastic cross from Yerson Mosquera found him and he sent a powerful header into the net to make it 2-1. He then struck again early in the second half, followed by a third goal after 52 minutes to make it 4-3. Four minutes later, a quality counter-attack from Villarreal ended with him blasting beyond Andriy Lunin again. The Norwegian forward now looks set to end the campaign with La Liga's top scorer prize.
It was a bizarre capitulation from Madrid, but the game settled down afterwards. While there were plenty of worrying signs in that second-half burst – Dani Ceballos' collapse and Eder Militao's terrible defending – there were plenty of positives to take for the Spanish champions. Guler's stock just keeps on rising as he maintained his awesome form with two goals, and he has now scored in three consecutive matches with six goals from his last seven appearances, bringing an excellent finish to a season that started with injury heartache for the winger. Joselu and Vazquez – who also got two assists – also found the net while Brahim Diaz set up two goals in a bright display.
GOAL rates Madrid's players from Estadio de la Ceramica…
MatériaMais Notícias
Com foco na última rodada do Brasileirão-2020, quando enfrenta o Internacional, no Beira-Rio, Fagner passou por exames de imagem na tarde desta terça-feira e segue como dúvida no Corinthians. Gustavo Mosquito, por sua vez, tem sido apenas reavaliado pelo departamento médico do clube. Ambos iniciaram tratamento na última segunda-feira no CT Joaquim Grava.A informação foi divulgada primeiramente pelo UOL e confirmada pelo LANCE!.
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Fagner sentiu dores no músculo adutor da coxa direita no fim do primeiro tempo do duelo com o Vasco, no último domingo, mas só foi substituído no intervalo, quando Michel Macedo entrou. O lateral-direito titular do Timão passou por exames nesta tarde e terá conhecimento dos resultados apenas nesta quarta-feira, mas a tendência é que seja mesmo desfalque contra o Inter.
Enquanto Mosquito deixou o campo ainda no primeiro tempo, aos 35 minutos e deu lugar a Gabriel Pereira, após ter sentido uma pancada no joelho direito. Diferentemente do lateral-direito, o meia-atacante não precisou passar por exames, mas tem sido submetido a avaliações diárias do departamento médico. Mesmo que o caso seja mais leve, ele também segue como dúvida.
Caso sejam realmente desfalques para enfrentar o Internacional, na próxima quinta-feira, às 21h30, no Beira-Rio, Mosquito e Fagner serão baixas sentidas para Vagner Mancini. Para a vaga do atacante a dúvida seria maior, além do próprio Gabriel Pereira, Léo Natel e Otero podem ter chance. Já para a lateral, a tendência é que Michel Macedo seja naturalmente o escolhido para a função.
Liverpool were set to drop points for the first time at Anfield this season, but Trent Alexander-Arnold said no. The England international's last-gasp winner against Fulham on Sunday afternoon is symbolic of the lionhearted mentality under Jurgen Klopp's management.
Was this on show last season? Decidedly not. Liverpool struggled, toiled, languished and flopped. A fifth-placed Premier League finish was probably a fair reflection of a season marred by a malfunctioning engine room, the cuts too deep despite a late-season purple patch.
But Liverpool's heavy tinkering across the summer has resulted in a new-look midfield that has charged the club back into title conversations, with results such as the 4-3 win over Fulham evidence of a mindset fit for champions.
Unfortunately for the Reds, Arsenal mirrored the result at Kenilworth Road soon after, with Declan Rice popping up big time once again in a further token of his worth after a £105m summer arrival.
Manchester City also exists, and the pursuit of silver-laden success will require season-long fortitude, ingenuity and innovation to prevail and return to the pinnacle of the footballing pyramid.
Such ambitions have been made possible by the acquisitions of cultured Alexis Mac Allister, indefatigable Dominik Szoboszlai and exciting Ryan Gravenberch.
Such signings still have not answered the question surrounding Liverpool's long-term answer to the No. 6 position in the team, where Mac Allister has been playing since the summer.
Indeed, the time for a solution is now approaching, and to take a step in that direction, Liverpool must make a move for high-octane wideman Jeremie Frimpong.
According to a recent report from 90min, Liverpool scouts were present to watch surprise German Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen draw 1-1 with Borussia Dortmund, with Frimpong the man at the centre of Klopp's attention.
Understood to have a £35m release clause in his contract which expires next summer, the Dutchman has been exceptional under Xabi Alonso's management this season, with his exploits down the right channel also attracting Arsenal's attention, with scouts decidedly impressed by what they saw.
The 22-year-old is among the finest attacking wing-backs in the business and appears to offer a skill set that would complement Liverpool's system, though whether the Reds opt to prioritise such a signing over the midfield remains to be seen.
Praised for his "breathtaking" speed by journalist and U23 scout Antonio Mango, Frimpong is one of the most distinctive and talented defenders in Europe, though it's perhaps incorrect to label him as a member of the backline.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for touches in the attacking box and progressive carries, and the top 2% for successful take-ons and progressive passes received per 90, highlighting his placement up within the thick of the attacking action.
As a result of such marauding forays, Frimpong ranks among the top 2% for goals, the top 5% for assists and the top 9% for shot-creating actions per 90, leading United Stand presenter Beth Tucker to call him a “monster” in the final third.
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Jeremie Frimpong: Similar Players |
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Player |
Club |
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1 |
Theo Hernandez |
AC Milan |
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2 |
Alphonso Davies |
Bayern Munich |
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3 |
Kieran Trippier |
Newcastle United |
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4 |
Joao Cancelo |
Barcelona |
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5 |
Benjamin Pavard |
Inter Milan |
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*Sourced via Football Transfers |
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Likened to some of the best offensive full-backs around, Frimpong has certainly been in fine fettle this season, posting six goals and seven assists from 18 appearances across all competitions, particularly eye-catching in the German top-flight.
As per Sofascore, the whiz has clinched nine direct contributions across 13 starts in the Bundesliga this season, notably also completing 80% of his passes, averaging 1.5 key passes and 3.5 ball recoveries per game and providing Alonso's high-flying side with a constant offensive outlet down the right.
Again, it must be stressed that the former Celtic starlet is firmly positioned in the attacking half, only making 0.9 tackles and 0.5 clearances per game and only winning 48% of his duels, so his addition to the fold would hardly eradicate the perpetual question marks over Liverpool's defensive solidity at right-back under Klopp's leadership.
By sealing a swoop for Frimpong, Liverpool would, of course, likely wave goodbye to Alexander-Arnold's permanent role at right-back, with all the pointers suggesting that the brilliant playmaker is destined for a future in the centre of the park.
Two years ago, Klopp scoffed at claims that Alexander-Arnold should move into midfield, saying, "Why make the best right-back in the world a midfielder?"
Now, with the 25-year-old increasingly venturing into the nucleus of Klopp's system of the pitch, it appears inevitable that he will eventually cement a spot in the middle, which would mean that signing someone of Frimpong's ilk makes a load of sense.
Alexander-Arnold is one of the finest creative players in the world, ranking among the top 1% of positional peers for assists and passes attempted, the top 25% for shot-creating actions and the top 3% for progressive passes per 90.
His innate ability to influence play and pick out the Mohamed Salah's and Luiz Diaz's of Liverpool's team is nothing short of extraordinary, though there is a growing sense that his defence-splitting passing would be better utilised as the central fulcrum.
On a per-game average in the league this term, the "genius" – as he has been dubbed by reporter Neil Jones – is creating 1.8 key passes, making 6.8 ball recoveries and 1.3 tackles, also completing 81% of his passes.
This hints at an ability to thrive in the centre, marrying his flair and style with an underrated industriousness; it's also worth noting, that were such changes to be enforced then Frimpong could find the ultimate force supplementing his darting runs.
Frimpong lingers in the final third and weaves into space at breakneck speed, with Alexander-Arnold in the centre, pulling the strings, then there is no telling how indomitable Liverpool's offensive verve could become, and Klopp must seriously consider signing the Bayer Leverkusen star and continuing the evolution of 'Liverpool 2.0'.
Kyle Walker and Annie Kilner have reconciled, despite the Manchester City right-back fathering two children with Lauryn Goodman.
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Walker and Kilner reconicleHad split after news of infidelity emergedWalker and Kilner have four childrenWHAT HAPPENED?
Per the Daily Mirror, Walker and Kilner have agreed to reconcile after the birth of their fourth child. In December of last year, while Kilner was pregnant, she discovered that the Manchester City and England right-back had fathered two children with Lauryn Goodman.
Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Per the report, Walker is not currently living with Kilner, but the pair are continuing to co-parent and are attempting to put significant work into their marriage. quotes a source claiming that the pair are "over the moon" to have extended their family and have decided that the "past isn't important."
DID YOU KNOW?
Walker and Kilner met when the two were teenagers, before the former's career took off. The pair were married in 2022 and have three sons, named Roman, Riaan and Reign.
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?
Walker will next be in action when City play Chelsea in this weekend's FA Cup semi-final. They are also currently top of the Premier League table, two points clear of second-placed Arsenal.
Adelaide Strikers star Rashid Khan is determined to play out the remainder of the Big Bash League despite the recent death of his father. Rashid’s father died on Sunday night, just hours before he took the field in the Strikers’ New Year’s Eve win over Sydney Thunder in Adelaide.The 20-year-old legspinner took 2 for 34 in the 20-run win over the Thunder. He returned to his absolute best against the Melbourne Renegades in Geelong on Thursday, thumping 21 not out from seven balls before taking 1 for 18 from his four overs.ALSO READ: Rashid Khan to play in New Year’s Eve fixture despite father’s deathRashid said his family had encouraged him to stay in Australia and play for the Strikers after his father’s death. “It was tough,” Rashid said. “I lost my dad, the one who is very close to us and to my family. He really supported us. He struggled a lot while giving up (a lot) with how he (raised) us.”He was always watching my games. He didn’t understand cricket a lot but he just was always asking my family how I had done.”It happens. It’s life. In this situation my family has really supported me. Especially my mum, my brothers, my nephews. They were encouraging me a lot from back home.”They were calling me again and again. They were (saying), ‘you have to be there, you have to play for us, you have to play for your dad. We can see you’re sad, you’re alone there, you’re (a long way) from home’.”That’s how their motivation helped me to stay here and play for the Strikers.”Rashid also paid credit to Renegades allrounder and Afghanistan team-mate Mohammad Nabi, as well as the entire Strikers squad, for helping him through the last week.”I spoke with him (Nabi) a lot. He said, ‘it’s life. Someone will go, someone will come. We all will go one day. It’s not like we will be here for all of time’,” Rashid said.”The way the team, my captain, my coaches, my management, the way they (supported) me has been great.”They were in my room until late (after the New Year’s Eve game) encouraging me. I really love that. That kept me alive there. They were coming to me and hugging me.”He also revealed he had turned down the chance to play in the upcoming Bangladesh Premier League in order to remain in Australia, citing his preparation for the World T20 in Australia in 2020 as a priority.”I was approached as well to go there but I always preferred to go to Big Bash,” Rashid said. “I love it. I love being here. It’s absolutely different conditions for you as a bowler.”We are always playing in Asia, if you (play) outside of Asia, it’s something else for you, it’s something new each and every day.”The T20 World Cup is here. It’s good preparation for us, for me as well, to be well prepared for the World Cup.”
Newcastle United have been left threadbare after an injury crisis, which could see up to 11 first-team players ruled out heading into Saturday's match against Chelsea.
Read more: Latest Newcastle injury news
As such, Eddie Howe will be keen to strengthen his ranks come January, particularly in midfield, where Sandro Tonali has left a huge void after picking up a 10-month suspension.
Al-Hilal's Rúben Neves had been mooted as a potential replacement for the Italian, but The Atheltic recently confirmed that he is expected to remain in Saudi Arabia, at least until the end of the season.
Although, the recent Premier League vote on a loan ban between associated clubs failed, so technically there is still a possibility.
With that in mind, Football FanCast has taken a look at five midfielders Newcastle could sign in January.
Scott McTominay – Manchester United
West Ham could provide competition for his signature
Scott McTominay has been linked with a move to the North East club in the past and the Mirror ran a report in October claiming that he is among a four-man shortlist for the January transfer window.
The towering midfielder has netted three times in nine league outings this season and has been in prolific goalscoring form for Scotland, scoring seven goals in Euro qualifying.
McTominay was subjected to a bid from West Ham United in the summer and the Hammers could return with a second proposal this winter.
That would only drive the price up for the Magpies which could force them to explore other midfield alternatives…
Kalvin Phillips – Manchester City
The 27-year-old is eager to find regular football
According to ESPN, Newcastle are lining up a proposal for out-of-favour Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who is also being monitored by European powerhouses Bayern Munich and Juventus.
The England international has played just 89 minutes of Premier League football this term and is eager to find regular opportunities ahead of the Euros next summer.
It remains to be seen whether any forthcoming deal will be a permanent or loan, though, City will likely want to recoup as much of the £42m they outlaid as possible.
Phillips' game time since moving to Man City
Season
Appearances
Starts
2022/23
21
4
2023/24
8
1
Amadou Onana – Everton
The former Lille midfielder could be sold to ease financial pressures
As reported by The Athletic, Newcastle United have previously had Everton midfielder Amadou Onana on their transfer shortlist and could materialise their interest in January given Everton's financial position.
The Toffees have recently been deducted 10 points and could face further punishment with Leeds United, Leicester City and Burnley all set to sue the Merseyside club.
One of Onana and Jarrad Branthwaite will likely depart in the next year to ease the club's financial concerns which could allow the Magpies to land the Belgian international's signature at a discounted price.
Though, TEAMtalk claim Everton remain well-positioned to keep hold of their prized assets and won't accept any cut-price offers.
João Palhinha – Fulham
The former Sporting midfielder came close to a summer exit
Fulham's João Palhinha was another midfielder namechecked in The Athletic's October report, though, the publication did note that the deal is 'potentially unrealistic'.
Bayern Munich were close to signing the 23-cap Portugal international for a reported £55m in the summer before the deal collapsed.
The Cottagers will clearly want a similar fee should they sanction a January exit, meaning the Tynesiders will have to outlay a sizable fee, which is perhaps non-viable.
The 28-year-old is under contract until June 2028.
Palhinha career path
Date
Left
Joined
Fee
12th August, 2015
Sporting B
Moreirense FC
Loan
30th June, 2016
Moreirense FC
Sporting B
End of loan
1st July, 2016
Sporting B
Sporting CP
–
9th August, 2016
Sporting CP
CF Os Belenenses
Loan
4th January, 2017
CF Os Belenenses
Sporting CP
End of loan
7th August, 2018
Sporting CP
SC Braga
Loan
31st July, 2020
SC Braga
Sporting CP
End of loan
4th July, 2022
Sporting CP
Fulham
£18.2m
André Almeida – Valencia
The Portugal youth international impressed against England's Under-21s
The Athletic further notes that Valencia's André Almeida could be targetted this winter, with the Spanish outfit potentially in need of raising cash.
The 23-year-old has represented Portugal at every age level and impressed against England in the Under-21 European Championships quarter-final in the summer.
He is thought to be worth around £20m, which could be a more feasible option than some of the aforementioned names. Despite Newcastle's significant wealth, they must operate shrewdly in the market with Financial Fair Play looming.