AC Milan complete the signing of Mike Maignan

AC Milan have just confirmed the signing of French goalkeeper Mike Maignan from Lille for a fee around £11.7 million.

Maignan has been part of Lille’s title winning squad, as they beat Angers on the last day of the season to secure the Ligue 1 title.

In the league last season, Maignan was able to keep 21 clean sheets in 38 games for the French club, while only conceding 23 goals all season.

The goalkeeper spent 6 years at Lille and every season he became stronger, and a more influential member of the team.

Maignan began his career at PSG. He climbed the youth system and moved all the way into the first team.

Maignan never really had an oppurtunity at PSG, as he didn’t make a single appearance for the club in any competitions.

He joined Lille in the summer of 2015, and since his arrival at Stade Pierre-Mauroy he’s made 180 appearances. In those games he’s kept 65 clean sheets, and only conceded 195 goals.

His new club finished 2nd in the Seria A, and have confirmed Champions League for the first time since the 2013-14 season.

The 25-year-old, who will turn 26 on July 3rd, will be coming into Rossoneri to replace Gianluigi Donnarumma who will be leaving on a free. It looks like the Italian might be joining Milan’s rivals, Juventus.

Maignan will be given the number 16 shirt when he joins the seven time Champions League winners.

The keeper won’t be joining the squad straight away, as he was named in Didier Deschamps Euro squad, were they will look for more success after winning the World Cup in 2018.

If you would like to read more, click here

Brentford VS Swansea City – Match Preview

Kick Off: 3pm GMT, Saturday 29th May, Wembley Stadium, Championship Playoff final

Last 5 Games:
  • Brentford WWWLW
  • Swansea City DWLWD

Swansea and Brentford meet as they battle it out for a place in the Premier League, as both teams found their way past the semi finals.

Brentford finished their season in 3rd, just four points off the automatic places behind Watford. While Swansea finished in 4th position, being seven points behind their final opponents.

In Brentford’s semi final, they faced Bournemouth who were looking to come straight back up to the Premier League. The first leg at the Vitality stadium saw Bournemouth take the advantage in the tie when Arnaut Danjuma scored the only goal of the game.

Despite being behind in the tie, Brentford turned things around with an impressive 3-1 victory. The fell behind early in the game when Danjuma scored again, but Ivan Toney pulled one back minutes later from the penalty spot.

The game was turned on it’s head when Chris Mepham was sent off in the first half and the comeback was complete with second half goals from Vitaly Janelt and Marcus Forss.

The Welsh club faced Barnsley in their semi final and they came away from Yorkshire with an important lead. Just before half time, Andre Ayew’s curling effort found the corner of the net, which gave them a 1-0 lead heading into the second leg.

Just like in the first leg, Swansea took the lead just before the break, coming from a spectacular shot from Matt Grimes. Barnsley didn’t make it comfortable for the Swans when Cauley Woodrow scored with 20 minutes to go, but Swansea were able to hold onto the win.

The playoff’s isn’t unfamiliar to these clubs as they were both involved last season. They met each other in last season’s playoff semi final, were Brentford just edged Swansea, beating them 3-2 on aggregate, but in the final, Brentford fell just short to Fulham, who beat the Bee’s 2-1 at Wembley.

When these teams have met this season, both games had the same result. In the first game, Brentford opened the scoreline through Toney, but 15 minutes from time, Ayew pulled one back as the teams shared the points. At the Liberty Stadium, Tarique Fosu got the first goal of the game, which they thought would be the winner, but four minutes later, Conor Hourihane drew the game level in the 78th minute.

Key Players:

Ivan Toney: The Englishman has had a great first season at Brentford, and he would love to cap that off with a win at Wembley.

He broke the goal record in the Championship, as he has combined his great finishing and positioning, allowing him to score so many goals.

Marc Guehi: Guehi has been a rock at the back for Swansea this season, and he’s been a crucial part of their team’s success.

In the Playoff Semi Final’s, he won man of the match in both legs, and he was determined to make sure Swansea would be playing in the Final.

If you would like to read more, click here

Villarreal VS Manchester United – Match Report

8pm GMT Kick Off, Stadion Miejski, Gdansk, Europa League Final

After a draw in normal time and a dramatic penalty shootout, Villarreal come away from Gdansk with the Europa League.

Villarreal took the led in the first half through Gerard Moreno, before Edinson Cavani pulled one back in the second half to take it to extra time.

The first five from each team were scored and of sudden death penalties De Gea missed his penalty, which gave Villarreal their first ever trophy

United had the first chance of the game. Marcus Rashford made a run into the box and laid the ball onto the edge of the box for Scott McTominay who dragged his shot wide.

Manchester United were knocking on the door as they tried to create an opening with a number of crosses. Luke Shaw came close as he drilled it goalward, but it was just wide of the target.

It was the Spanish club that took the lead. A free kick was whipped towards the back stick by Dani Parejo and Villarreal’s main man, Gerard Moreno poked the ball past David De Gea, which was Villarreal’s 100th goal this season.

Within the first few minutes of the second half, United could have a penalty after Alfonso Pedraza made contact with Mason Greenwood in the box. However, the referee deemed that their wasn’t enough contact.

It didn’t take long for the Red Devils to get another chance as Edinson Cavani was the man to pull the English club back into the game after a corner was cleared which was played back into the box, which Cavani reacted quickest to and slotted the ball past Geronimo Rulli to draw the game level in the 56th minute.

Rashford should have given United the lead. Bruno Fernandes found space down the right wing and played the ball across to Rashford who was unmarked. The Englishman got to the ball and put the shot wide of the target.

United were pushing for their second goal of the game and came close once again. Shaw fired the ball back stick towards Cavani who headed it goalward. It would have gave them the lead if it weren’t for a heroic block from Pau Torres.

The last chance of the game fell for Torres who tried to find the far post, but his effort just went over the bar, so the game went into extra time.

Alberto Moreno and Paco Alcacer both had good opportunities to take the lead, but both lacked the composure and smashed their effort over the bar. As extra time carried on, no one else really had a chance so the game went to penalties.

All the first five penalties for each team were scored, so it went to sudden death. There were great penalties from everyone and then it went down to the keepers.

Rulli took a penalty and put it into the top corner, and De Gea’s penalty was saved by Rulli, which meant Unai Emery’s Europa League record carries on.

Man Of The Match – Scott McTominay

The Scotland international had a great game, as he was solid in midfield for United in this game.

He won the ball back a number of times, while also dribbling and passing the ball into dangerous positions.

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Gervinho signs for Trabzonspor

Turkish club, Trabzonspor have completed the signing of Gervinho on a free, after he was released at the end of the season by Parma.

The Ivory Coast international was at Parma last season in the Seria A. He made 27 appearances for I Crociati in the 2020/21 season. In that season he grabbed himself five goals and one assist.

Gervinho spent 3 seasons at the Italian club, where he made 89 appearances. In that time he scored 25 goals and also got 8 assists.

Gervinho began his career at Belgian club KSK Beveren before moving to the French League. After a few good seasons in France, Gervinho moved to English club Arsenal.

Gervinho was at Arsenal for 3 years, before moving to China, were he played for a series of clubs in the Chinese Super League. Then in 2018 he left Hebei FC to join Parma after they got promoted back to the Seria A.

However, this season, Parma were relegated to the Seria B after finishing the season on 20 points, 17 points from the safety of relegation.

However, Gervinho’s new club had a great season in the Turkish Super Lig after finishing 4th on 71 points.

The 33-year-old isn’t the only signing for the Turkish club after they also announced they would be signing Brazilian fullback Bruno Peres on a free after being released from Roma.

Gervinho is a versatile player in the attacking positions, as he can play as a left winger, right winger or as a center forward.

Trabzonspor manager, Abdullah Avci will be hoping that Gervinho can help the attacking output of the team, and can help the club in both the league, and in Europe.

Gervinho will join Trabzonspor on July 1st 2021.

If you would like to read more, click here

Loanee Watch: Brighton and Hove Albion

I have looked at players who have spent a year away from Arsenal and Aston Villa, which you can check here. Now let’s have a look at some players who left Brighton in search of experience and game time.

Brighton had quite a few players on loan, as Graham Potter looked to give some players more game time, as Brighton finished 16th and they may look to one of these players for extra help next season.

Here is a look at three players who left the Amex on loan this season.

Bernardo – Red Bull Salzburg

The Brazilian moved to the Austrian club in the winter transfer window after only making three Premier League appearances for the Seagulls in the first half of the season.

Since joining Red Bull, Bernardo has made 14 appearances, only missing the others through injury. In those 14 games, he scored one goal, but also picked up 3 yellow cards.

He has played in a few positions since his loan move which include left back, center back and defensive midfield, and at Brighton, he played a few games at left midfield this season.

Brighton didn’t really have a regular left back playing this season, with Bernardo and highly rated Michal Karbownik also being on loan at Legia Warszawa.

Potter has tried both a three back with wing backs and a back four this season, and has mixed between the two a lot. When he used a back four, it’s normally Dan Burn who takes up the left back position.

Bernardo’s future at Brighton will most likely be down to if Potter feels a back four is more useful to him than a three back, as well as if he feels that Bernardo can out perform Karbownik next season.

However, an important attribute that Bernardo possesses is versatility. With him being able to play in multiple positions, both attacking and defensive, he might play his role for Brighton next season, whether that’s a starter or squad player.

Leo Ostigard – Coventry City

The Norwegian center back is expected to have a bright future and he spent a season at Championship club Coventry City.

Coventry were promoted from League One the season before, and would have to work hard to stay in the league, but Coventry finished the season in 16th, 12 points above the relegation.

Ostigard joined the Sky Blues in the summer transfer window, where he made 39 appearance. In the 39 games, he scored three goals and had two assists, but also picked up 10 yellow cards.

He also helped his team get 11 clean sheets in the appearances he made for Coventry.

A problem the 21-year-old could face is the amount of competition there is for his position at Brighton.

Brighton have Lewis Dunk, Ben White, Adam Webster and Dan Burn already in the squad, with Shane Duffy also returning from his loan spell at Celtic.

Ostigard had an average season in the Championship, with many of the Brighton fans likely to compare his spell to Ben White’s season at Leeds, which White outshines the Norwegian.

However, the defender still has plenty of time to grow into the player which people know he can become, and Potter will likely look for another loan next season to help him grow.

Tudor Baluta – Dynamo Kyiv

The 22-year-old signing for Brighton in 2019 from Romanian club FC Viitorul for a fee around £2.6 million.

Since arriving in England, Baluta has had many loans spells away from the Amex Stadium, including a loan back to Viitorul and to Dutch club ADO Den Haag.

In October, he joined the Ukrainian club Dynamo Kyiv, however, things haven’t really gone in Baluta’s favour.

He has missed games through Coronavirus and injury and only played for 9 minutes at Dynamo Kyiv this season.

It’s doubtful that Batula will be playing for Brighton this season, after so little playing time at Kyiv, and Potter will be looking for another loan move for the Romanian.

Potter will have to find a better loan move for him, as neither of the last two have been good to help the midfielder reach his potential, after only making 4 league appearances during his time in Holland.

Other Loans

Brighton had a number of loans this season, in a number of leagues. Matthew Ryan joined Arsenal on loan, Jurgen Locadia went to Cincinnati and Matt Clarke went to Derby.

A lot of these players will be looked at over the summer, but I think the decision that Potter will make with most of these players is either sending them back on loan, or selling them to boost their funds for other players.

Potter will want to see progress next season, and will be hoping to see his side further up the table. With that success, new faces will have to arrive at the Amex.

Potter has a big summer ahead of him, making sure more players grow through loans, who can help the team and sealing transfers which can help the team get a greater finish next season.

If you would like to read more, click here

“File:West Stand – Amex Stadium – geograph.org.uk – 2634148.jpg” by Paul Gillett is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Loanee Watch: Aston Villa

After looking at some players from Arsenal who spent a season away from the Emirates which you can read here, it’s now time to look at some players who were sent on loan from Villa Park.

Aston Villa didn’t send too many players on loan this season, with a lot of their squad staying to help them get an admirable 11th place finish this season in the Premier League.

Here is a look at three players and who their loan spells went as they spent time away from the Villans.

Frederic Guilbert – RC Strasbourg

The French fullback joined the French club in the January transfer window on loan, and has been a solid player for Strasbourg.

He has made 13 appearances for FC Neudorf, which has resulted in him playing 73% of the minutes for Strasbourg since his move.

In them 13 games, he has scored one goal and has four assists for the club, however, he has also picked up two yellow cards and one red card.

Strasbourg enjoy having attacking fullbacks, and their former fullback Kenny Lala left in the winter window, and Guilbert has more goals and assists that Lala did in the first half of the season.

Guilbert didn’t make a Premier League appearance for Villa this season, with his last League appearance coming against West Ham last season.

One problem that the 26-year-old could face is convincing Dean Smith he deserves a place in the starting eleven, despite the season Matty Cash has just had.

Cash joined in the last transfer window from Nottingham Forest and has had a brilliant season for Villa.

It’s likely that Guilbert will take up a backup position behind Cash next season, or he will find a place at another club. Strasbourg may make a move for him this summer, or someone else may be after the Frenchmen.

Conor Hourihane – Swansea City

Just like Guilbert, Hourihane left Villa on loan in January, and went to Championship side, Swansea City.

The Irishman’s season isn’t over yet as Swansea will face Brentford in the Championship playoff final this weekend.

Hourinhane’s first game on loan was against Brentford, and he grabbed himself a goal on his debut, as they drew 1-1 at the Liberty stadium.

Since his move, he’s made 19 appearances for the Swans, were he’s scored five goals, and has two assists from midfield.

Hourihane has regularly been in midfield alongside Matt Grimes and Jay Fulton as they look to pull Swansea back into the Premier League.

Just like Guilbert, Hourihane will have to convince Smith that he belongs in his squad, despite John McGinn and winter signing Morgan Sanson also playing in that position.

Smith may also see Hourihane as an oppurtunity to fund a player who will have a bigger impact on the team, with Smith’s main target next season being to get Villa into the top 10.

However, Smith has said he’d like Hourihane to stay but the 30-year-old wants regular football, which Smith may not be able to guarantee.

Lovre Kalinic – HNK Hajduk Split

Kalinic joined the Croatian league team Hajduk Split in the January window, at the club were he began his career.

The 31-year-old had been at Hajduk since 2005 in their youth development. He left the Croatian club in 2017, were he joined Belgian club KAA Gent for a fee around £2.8 million.

Since his loan move in the winter, he has had quite a good season for Hajduk.

He has made 21 appearances for Hajduk, only conceding 16 goals during that time, while also keeping 11 clean sheets.

During his time back at Hajduk, he was also named captain towards the end of the season, helping the team finish 4th, just one point outside European qualification places.

However, just like Guilbert, Kalinic faces uncertainity over a place next season after a hughely impressive debut season from Emiliano Martinez after signing from Arsenal.

However, Smith might find a place for Kalinic as the back up to Martinez, as it looks increasly likely that Tom Heaton will be leaving Villa Park this summer. If Kalinic is content with being the backup, he will find a place in Smith’s plans next season.

Other Loans

Aston Villa didn’t have any other first team players out on loan this season, but had some players from the under 23’s moving to get some experience.

Indiana Vassilev went to Cheltenham Town on loan and Tyreik Wright went to Walsall, but neither really had successful loan spells.

Smith will be focusing on taking Villa a step further, and looked likely he would after a great start to the season, but things didn’t go their way as the season progressed.

The Villa fans will be hoping they can keep hold of Jack Grealish this summer, and they will be hoping to make even more progress next season.

If you would like to read more, click here

“Witton Lane Gardens – Aston – Villa Park – Witton Lane, Aston – the Holte End” by ell brown is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Tymoteusz Puchacz joins Union Berlin

Union Berlin have completed the signing of Lech Poznan’s fullback, Tymoteusz Puchacz who will join Die Eisernen for a fee around £3.2 million.

The Polish international has been a key player for Poznan this season, making 27 appearances in the league, while getting himself one goal and two assists in the process.

The 22-year-old has made 82 appearances overall for the Poznan first team, having 7 goals and 12 assists to his name.

The youngster is highly rated by many across Europe and is expected to be one of the best up and coming fullbacks, having had interest from other teams around Europe.

It was also announced earlier last week that Puchacz will be apart of the Poland Euro squad, so many will key an eye of Union’s new man.

This isn’t the only transfer that Union have already confirmed, as Rani Khedira and Levin Oztunali will also join the club from the capital ahead of next season as Union look forward to a season in Europe.

Puchacz will be coming in to replace Christopher Lenz who will be joining Eintracht Frankfurt on a free once the window opens on July 1st.

Puchacz normally plays at left back, however, he can also take up a position on the left wing if necessary.

It’s one of many players who will likely join the Stadion An Der Alten Forsterei this summer as Union will want to give a good account of themselves in the league and Europe.

If you would like to read more click here

“File:Tymoteusz Puchacz 2017 Pierwszy Gwizdek Lecha Poznań.jpg” by Klapi is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Forest Green Rovers VS Newport County – Match Report

6:30pm GMT Kick Off, The New Lawn, League Two Playoff Semi Final 2nd Leg

A game with a flurry of goals saw Newport edge Forest Green after extra time as they head to Wembley.

Newport found themselves 3-0 down before pulling the tie back into their favour. Matt drew the game level just before the full time whistle. The game headed into extra time were Nicky Maynard scored the vital goal to send his club to the Playoff final.

The winner of the game knew who they won’t be playing ahead of kick off as Morecambe beat Tranmere in their tie.

Forest Green had the perfect start, pulling one back immediately. A corner from Nicky Cadden was met by the head of Ebou Adams who glanced it past the Tom King.

Things got even better for Forest Green as they got a second just a few seconds after the first. A ball was delivered into the box by Baily Cargill and Aaron Collins hit it on the volley past the keeper, as they made an electric start to the match as they made the score level on aggregate.

After the two early goals, Newport began to easy their way into the match, with Aaron Lewis causing problems down the right hand side, but the Forest Green defense were able to deal with the pressure.

Forest Green looked like they would have a third as Jamille Matt slotted the ball into the path of Collins who tried to take it past King, and when he did he fell over. However the referee deemed it as a dive.

Collins had another great chance to take the lead just before half time as he made a run down the line and beat the defender, his shot came just off the bar.

In the 52th minute, Forest Green completed the comeback thanks to Cadden. The winger took a free kick from 35 yards out and the ball went through a number of players. The keeper had no time to react as the ball found it’s way into the net.

Newport needed something special if they were to get themselves back into the game, and that piece of quality came from the 42-year-old Kevin Ellison. Ellison picked the ball out just outside the box and went for a curling effort which came off the underside of the crossbar, which pulled the Welsh side back into the match.

After Forest Green scored three and went ahead in the tie, Newport went back in front on aggregate with Joss Labadie getting in on the goals. The midfielder found room in the box, and his effort nestled in the bottom corner.

However, the goals didn’t stop as it was time for Forest Green to draw the game level, with an 87th minute goal from Matt. The ball was played it into the by Odin Bailey who had just come on. His cross was met by Matt who scored Forest Green’s fourth goal of the evening and with that goal, the game headed into extra time.

Nicky Maynard should have given Newport the lead once again. The Forest Green defenders switched off as Maynard was unmarked in the box, but somehow he missed the target from just 6 yards out.

With two minutes of extra time to go, Maynard scored a crucial goal. The ball was played over the top to Maynard who chipped the ball over Luke McGee and stuck the ball into the empty net.

Maynard came close to completely finishing the game off as the ball was played to him from the right wing. He put it onto his left foot and went for the far corner, but his shot came off the bar.

Man Of The Match: Nicky Maynard

There were a lot of goals and a lot of good performances, but Maynard earned the win for Newport, as he showed great composure at the end of the game.

The 34-year-old had a number of chances to finish the game off in extra time as he made a number of runs and created a number of chances, with his goal coming so late to give Newport the chance of League One football next season.

Swansea City VS Barnsley – Match Report

6:30pm GMT Kick Off, Liberty Stadium, Championship Playoff Semi Final Second Leg

A Goal From Matt Grimes Was Just Enough To See Swansea Beat Barnsley And Claim A Place In The Final.

Despite a late scare from Cauley Woodrow, the Welsh side held onto a 2-1 win on aggregate. With the win, they will face Brentford at Wembley.

The winner of this game already knew who their playoff final opponent would be after Brentford beat Bournemouth 3-2 a few hours before kick off.

The early part of the game saw both teams trying to get hold of the ball and control the game. However, neither team had a real chance to challenge the oppositions goalkeeper.

Swansea had the majority of the ball in the opening 20 minutes, and tried to double their lead, but Barnsley did well to stop Swansea from breaking through.

Barnsley also had a good chance when Callum Styles and Carlton Morris linked up outside the area, but just like the first leg, Marc Guehi sniffed out the attack.

It was the home side that took the lead just before the break thanks to a specular effort from Matt Grimes. Bradley Collins punched the ball from a corner, but Grimes picked it up, opened up his body and placed it in the top corner.

A piece of quality which gave Swansea a greater advantage as they headed into the second half.

Swansea came close to levelling it on the night when a ball played across the box fell to Jordan Williams, however, Jake Bidwell was there to make a heroic block.

Moments later, Barnsley came right back into the game. Williams burst down the line and pulled it back to the edge of the box which Cauley Woodrow smashed past Freddie Woodman.

Swansea looked to finish the game after a ball was played into Corey Smith who beat the offside trap. As he burst into the box, he lacked the composure to get past Collins.

Even though they couldn’t score to decrease the pressure at the end of the game, the Swans held on and booked a place at Wembley.

Man Of The Match: Marc Guehi

This game didn’t have too many chances for either team, but the 20-year-old helped make sure that Barnsley had few chances in the game.

He had an excellent game in the first leg, and was brilliant once again. He made a number of blocks, tackles and interceptions, being the heart of Swansea’s defense.

Swansea City VS Barnsley – Match Preview

Kick Off: 6:30pm GMT, Saturday 22nd May, Liberty Stadium, Championship Playoff Semi Final 2nd Leg

Last 5 Games:
  • Swansea City LDWLW
  • Barnsley WWLDL

This second leg tie must see Barnsley overturn a one goal deficit if they are to reach the playoff final, after an Andre Ayew goal in the first leg has given Swansea the advantage.

Swansea finished their campaign in 4th place on 80 points, with many hard earned results putting them in the playoff positions this year.

On the final day of the season, Swansea lost 2-0 to already promoted Watford. Second half goals from Andre Gray and Isaac Success gave the Hornets the three points, but could the Welsh team face Watford again next season in the Premier League.

Barnsley finished their season in 5th, 2 points behind Swansea, as they unexpectedly reached the playoffs after an incredible campaign.

The team from Yorkshire also faced an already promoted team, facing Norwich on the final day of the season. Barnsley found themselves 2-1 up at the break. However, Adam Idah pulled one back within ten minutes of the second half whistle.

Last season, Barnsley finished just one point above the relegation zone. Valerien Ismael has been able to work hard with his players and bring them to new heights this season.

The first leg of this tie saw Swansea take a 1-0 advantage thanks to Ayew’s curling effort which Bradley Collins had no chance of saving.

However, Barnsley did have their chances of scoring. Daryl Dike showcased his strength and aerial presence, but Marc Guehi and Freedie Woodman helped make sure Swansea kept a clean sheet away at Oakwell Stadium.

If you would like to see more about the match, read my match report on the 1st leg by clicking here

When these teams faced each other in the league earlier this season, Swansea came away from the game with three points on both occasions.

The first time they met this season, the Swans won 2-0, with an early goal from Jamal Lowe and an own goal by Victor Adeboyejo towards the end of the game.

In the reverse fixture, the scoreline was the same with Ben Cabango scoring just before halftime, then Lowe scored once again versus Barnsley, confirming a 2-0 win once again.

Key Players:

Marc Guehi: The young defender will have to be on top form once again if his side are to progress to the playoff final.

He made a series of blocks, tackles and interceptions in the first leg, and was key to making sure Barnsley didn’t find the back on the net.

Alex Mowatt: The Midfielder must inspire his team and fire them to a comeback.

The Englishman has scored 8 goals and has 7 assists to his name this campaign, and will likely need to add to that if the team from Yorkshire will progress to Wembley.

If you would like to read one of my recent stories click here