Archive for July, 2011

Vidal, a step away from Juventus

Vidal, a step away from Juventus

July 18, 2011

By Abdel Kader Zeidan

Monday witnessed two eliminations, Chile eliminated from the Copa America and Felipe Melo eliminated from the Juventus squad travelling to America for their summer tour. These two events have sped up the Arturo Vidal’s transfer to Juventus.

Corriere dello Sport headline screamed “Juve, Vidal arrives!” while Tuttosport wrote “Bayer clear way for Vidal”. It is reported that Bayer have given the go-ahead to sell Vidal to Juventus as they are reluctant to sell to any other German club, namely Bayern Munich.

The agent of Vidal, Fernando Felicevich, is expected to be in Turin today to finalize personal terms with Juventus.

There could be a small obstacle in the deal, as Vidal’s former club Colo Colo own 30% of the player. Juventus could either offer extra funds to Bayer in order to compensate Colo Colo or have Bayer shoulder the cost.

Meanwhile Felipe Melo being left back in Turin while the team travels to the US only fuels speculation that he may be on his way out and that Juventus have already found his replacement in the Chilean.

The fee for the transfer is not clear yet, it is expected to be anything between €9-15 million. If the deal goes through, this will be considered a significant signing by the Turin side.

Follow Abdel Kader on Twitter and check out his blog as well

Tags: Arturo Vidal, Vidal, Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayer, Italy, Germany, Chile, Copa America, Colo Colo, Felipe Melo, Melo, Turin, Bayern Munich

2011
07/18
CATEGORY
Uncategorized
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Siena’s Baby Drogba – Player Profile: Souleymane Coulibaly

Siena’s Baby Drogba – Player Profile: Souleymane Coulibaly

July 15, 2011

By Abdel Kader Zeidan

Until last month, not many in Italy have heard of Siena’s 16-year-old Ivorian striker. After his Golden Boot performance at the recent Under-17 World Cup held in Mexico, Souleymane Coulibaly is on the tip of the tongue of every major European club.

Souleymane’s story is not too different from other African players who were forced to leave their countries because of conflict. Souleymane emigrated to Italy at the age of 13 with his father from the Ivory Coast in order to escape the conflict that has troubled the West African nation.

His talent did not go unnoticed by Siena’s scouting team and was soon snapped up. Souleymane has yet to make his first team debut with Siena and has been playing regularly with the youth team.

It was at last months Under-17 World Cup that the world took notice of the incredible potential the youngster is capable of. His 9 goals (Ivory Coast total goal tally equaled 11) in 4 games put him miles ahead in the race for the Golden Boot.

In game 2 of the tournament, Coulibaly racked up 4 goals as Ivory Coast beat Denmark 4-2. His man of the match performance put Brazil on alert as Ivory Coast headed into the final game of the group stage against the South American giants.

Coulibaly certainly did not disappoint, already having scored 2 goals, Coulibaly completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute with a wonderfully taken bicycle kick from a corner as the game ended in an enthralling 3-3 draw.

 

Coulibaly would go on to score his ninth goal of the tournament as the Ivory Coast were eventually knocked out by France in the 2nd round of the competition.

His performance at the World Cup have put the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United on alert while the media have likened him to his compatriot Didier Drogba.

It is yet to be seen how long Siena would be able to hold on to their superstar in the making. In the meantime fans of Siena and Italian football can be very excited to see the young striker take the peninsula by storm.

Follow Abdel Kader on Twitter and check out his blog as well

Tags: Souleymane Coulibaly, Coulibaly, Siena, Ivory Coast, Under-17 World Cup, Mexico, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Didier Drogba, Drogba, Brazil, France, Denmark, Africa

2011
07/15
CATEGORY
Uncategorized
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Moggi: “Rossi close to Juve”

Moggi: “Rossi close to Juve”

July 12, 2011

By Abdel Kader Zeidan

Luciano Moggi claims that Villarreal striker Juventus have turned their attention away from Sergio Aguero and that a deal for Giuseppe Rossi to join Juventus is not far away.

While hosting a sports show, Moggi said “It is almost certain that Juve will drop the idea of Kun (Aguero) and it is very likely to see the arrival of the Italian striker.”

“As we had anticipated two weeks ago, the plan for Aguero was impractical, the real goal had always been the Villarreal and national team striker.”

“Another possible arrival is Vucinic as Antonio Conte has specifically requested the player in order to entrust him with the role of the left wing.”

According to reports in Italy, Juventus are preparing a €25 million bid as well as offering one of Martinez and Motta as part of the deal.

Follow Abdel Kader on Twitter and check out his blog as well

Tags: Giuseppe Rossi, Sergio Aguero, Luciano Moggi, Juventus, Antonio Conte, Mirko Vucinic, Roma, Rossi, Aguero, Moggi, Conte, Vucinic

2011
07/12
CATEGORY
Uncategorized
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Pastore set to leave Palermo

Pastore set to leave Palermo

July 11, 2011

By Abdel Kader Zeidan

According to reports in Italy, it is almost a certainty that Palermo ace Javier Pastore will be plying his trade next season away from the Renzo Barbera.

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini spoke to Mediagol and said “There is no particular news; otherwise I would’ve already mentioned it. There are negotiations with at least four clubs, some of them are Italian clubs and there is a 99% chance that Pastore will be sold. His agent told me that we are in negotiation with three or four clubs, for now there is the Copa America and as such nothing has been finalized with other parties, but it is almost a certainty he will leave the club.”

Zamparini refused to reveal the identity of the Italian clubs saying it could be AC Milan, Inter or even Juventus. However it is rumoured that Juventus coach Antonio Conte does not believe Pastore fits into his tactical plans, thus pouring cold water over any move for Pastore to Turin. It is also yet to be seen how Pastore would fit in at Inter Milan seeing that Inter coach Gasperini is contemplating selling Wesley Sneijder in favour of bringing in wider players.

Palermo have set a €50 million asking price for Pastore.

Follow @AKZeidan on twitter

Tags: Pastore, Palermo, Zamparini, AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan, Conte, Gasperini

2011
07/11
CATEGORY
Uncategorized
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