Rafa Benitez is reported by the Italian press to be interested in signing Gian Marco Ferrari, who plays for Sassuolo.
Ferrari joined Sampdoria last season on a season-long loan deal and had an excellent season playing 31 times with two goals on loan.
Calciomercato.it is reporting the 26-year-old center-back is interesting Newcastle and we will need to sign another central defender if Chancel Mbemba leaves us this summer after three years on Tyneside.
He is said to have agreed personal terms to return to Anderlecht although no fee has yet been agreed between the clubs.
Gian Marco Ferrari was born in Parma, and has played for several Italian clubs (9 clubs in total) in his career.
He started at his hometown club Parma and in 2013 moved to Gubbio where he stayed for one year before returning to Parma.
Ferrari moved to Crotone one year later and then to Sassuolo in 2016.
26-year-old Gian Marco Ferrari – Italian defender
He has been on loan at many clubs including lower league Italian clubs like Monticelli Terme, Crociati Noceto, Fiorenzuolaand, and Renate.
Premier League club Fulham are also reported to be interested in signing the 6ft 2ins tall defender.
Sampdoria Chairman Massimo Ferrero is reported to have an option to buy the Italian defender for €13M (£11.2M) as part of the loan contract but is trying to get a reduction on that fee.
Best of luck with that.
The player has certainly moved around a lot in his short career and in total has played 175 first team games with 8 goals and 14 assists.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
127 comments so far
lochinvar
May 31, 2018 at 2:57 PM
Comment #1Rafa wants to buy a Ferrari
The Mackems are discussing if Erik Lada wants to come out of retirement.
Bobbybee
May 31, 2018 at 3:02 PM
Comment #2Ha ha, just posted this overleaf. Dark horse indeed. 🙂
Munster, yeah mate, I get it, but not to lead the line in the PL. He’s already missed some sitters in the Toulon Torno and for me, he has some potential yes, but he’s nowhere near ready to lead the line. Ideally we need an established striker, either from England or abroad.
He might make it as a PL striker one day, I’m not saying he won’t, I just don’t think that time is now and we need a striker now.
Marco Silva the new Everton manager. Interesting appointment.
Munster Mag
May 31, 2018 at 3:03 PM
Comment #3? ? ? ? ? ? 🙂 :):)
dig-n-dig22
May 31, 2018 at 3:03 PM
Comment #4Zidane steps down as Real boss
Munster Mag
May 31, 2018 at 3:04 PM
Comment #5Sorry those questions marks were supposed to be thumbs up to lochinvar. Very funny.
Munster Mag
May 31, 2018 at 3:06 PM
Comment #6Bobby is Arma Deffo going?
Bobbybee
May 31, 2018 at 3:10 PM
Comment #7Wonder what Everton fans will make of Silva? He was a popular choice when deemed a replacement for Hippo Heed, but then just that bit of pressure at Watford and he seemed to lose the plot a bit and Watford went sky diving.
Everton fans seem to believe they’re a monster club (playing in an 19th century toilet) and expect the best. Should make interesting listening when they start phoning in. 🙂
Tosun A. Wobbler
May 31, 2018 at 3:13 PM
Comment #8So many great suggestions for potentials going on here that I’m not going to try. Instead I’ll resort to my usual contribution of a bit of mindless trivia. Just been watching a Yootoob video of John Mayer playing Gravity at Glastonbury 2008. Right smack dab the middle front of the crowd is a whopper Toon flag. Wasn’t any of you guys was it?
Munster Mag
May 31, 2018 at 3:15 PM
Comment #9I think silva is a fine appointment Bobby.
Bobbybee
May 31, 2018 at 3:16 PM
Comment #10Munster, don’t know mate. Given he’s still classed as U21 I’d keep him and start giving him subs appearances. U21 players don’t count as squad members, so it’s a free hit innit?
Arma was saying he wants first team football when he was at Blackburn and if he won’t get it here it might suit him to leave.
Letting him go without at least giving him chance is shocking for me. Best academy product in years, represented England now, at every level except senior – motm on his debut – and such a natural goal scorer. The most clinical finisher on our books for sure.
If he goes it needs to be with either a sell on clause or a buy back option.
Bobbybee
May 31, 2018 at 3:21 PM
Comment #11Munster, aye, Silva certainly did a job for a while at Watford matey, nobody can deny that. That said though, once the Everton rumours started he appeared to lose the plot. Whether that’s a reflection on how he handles pressure remains to be seen – I just wonder how Everton fans see it.
I liked the football he played at Watford, very pleasing on the eye.
Bobbybee
May 31, 2018 at 3:31 PM
Comment #12According to This is Futball Rafa has already promised Kenedy first team football if he returns to Newcastle next season.
Obviously I have no idea if this is true but it doesn’t sound like Rafa to me. Strikes me that Rafa promises nobody first team football and unless you play to the max of your ability, you can easily find yourself on the bench the following game – something we’ve witnessed since his arrival.
Jib
May 31, 2018 at 3:48 PM
Comment #13I think Bobby should go to the sinbin for
Ferrari being a dark horse
😛
hibbit
May 31, 2018 at 3:51 PM
Comment #14bobby
fully agree with you about Arma if he wants to play he has to leave no future for him with us,
it’s now in his own best interests to leave which is a massive shame that his only way forward is with another club
AncientC
May 31, 2018 at 3:56 PM
Comment #15Wenger would be perfect for the Real Madrid job, 2 years at the very top then he can bow out with grace. There is still time in the future to give the Real job to others like Conte, but this is the one chance to install Wenger—looks almost nailed on to me.
Zidane is a bit of a mystery, I have no idea if he is a great manager or not… very difficult to know with a Real Madrid squad that is almost fully self-functioning. Zidane managing in Italian football would appear to be his future calling.
cleveleysbob
May 31, 2018 at 3:57 PM
Comment #16I’m staying out of all the, “ we’re signing this that or the other player” and will just wait and see how it all pans out, much less tense that way!
On a different but football related subject, did you see the report that Ronaldo wants Real Madrid, to “re-sign” him with an up front fee equivalent to the amount of tax he has to pay!! – Greedy F’n B****d! Is he not getting paid enough? Lost any respect I ever had for him, hope they sack him.
Bobbybee
May 31, 2018 at 3:59 PM
Comment #17Jib, I’m already voluntarily sitting on the naughty step after that attempt at humour mate.
Hibbett, looking that way mate. Very strange that someone with that potential can be ignored by Newcastle… Oh wait on though. 🙂 Not the first like!
Definitely needs a buy back option or sell on clause because I’m convinced this kid will make it big style. The sheer quality of his goals shows what ability he has. He’s only going to get better as well. His performance for the U21 game the other day was very mature for a young lad, especially when laying Abrahams on for the winner. Many other strikers would’ve tried to score themselves. Got motm as well.
Still, he’ll make it somewhere and there’s, no shortage of suitors. Good luck to him.
Bobbybee
May 31, 2018 at 4:02 PM
Comment #18Ancient, can you imagine the meltdown on Arsenal TV if Wenger wins the CL with Real? 🙂
I agree with you, he’s definitely the man for the job.
DubaiMicky
May 31, 2018 at 4:07 PM
Comment #19You can get 66/1 on betfair Pards being next Real manager!
I’m sure you can get longer odds with Paddy Power.
DubaiMicky
May 31, 2018 at 4:08 PM
Comment #20BTW, did I miss much, been on site all day so no access (did you miss me). Too hot here, 42c in Dubai and the humidity!!!!
Bobbybee
May 31, 2018 at 4:09 PM
Comment #21Cleveleysbob, hard to imagine a more arrogant individual isn’t it? As a footballer he’s brilliant, nobody can deny that, but as a person he’s the pits.
I lost all respect for him when I watched another player score a goal for Real and all he could do was kick off because he wanted him to pass to him so he could score. Wouldn’t even congratulate him, just scowled at him.
Again, the other night. No acceptance that Bale scored a wonder goal, it was all about Me me me and what’s next for Ronaldo, not what’s next for Real.
Whereas Messi is all about the team – and it is a team game after all.
RobLeenio
May 31, 2018 at 4:15 PM
Comment #22Bobby, nowt wrong with Rafa promising Kenedy first team football – it seems obvious that he’ll get that if he came here. I’d have an issue and can’t imagine Rafa saying that Kenedy would be automatic first choice whenever available.
I think Kenedy knows Rafa rates him – at the end of the Chelsea match, he put his arm round the lad’s shoulders and pointed at the crowd, presumably saying something along the lines of “you’ll miss this if you don’t come back next season”.
Bobbybee
May 31, 2018 at 4:20 PM
Comment #23Rob, aye, that’s why I can’t see it. You simply can’t make promises like that because form dictates who plays.
He will get it – first team football – because of his ability, but I simply don’t believe Rafa would make such promises. We know how ruthless he can be selection wise.
He might well have said ‘on this form you’ll keep your place’ but no guarantees. Not sure Rafa does ‘favourites’. 🙂
Bobbybee
May 31, 2018 at 4:25 PM
Comment #24I did notice Kenedy ‘liking’ the club tweet about signing Dubravka though. Seems like he’s keeping tabs on everything Newcastle. He has said he’d be open to coming back and he said he loves the connection between the crowd and players at Newcastle. I reckon it’s down to who the next Chelsea manager is. If we can match any offer from other clubs I believe he’ll choose us over anybody else.
RobLeenio
May 31, 2018 at 4:26 PM
Comment #25Looks like there’s some nonsense being talked around Pochettino to Real. Apparently the clause giving him the right to speak with Real and PSG doesn’t exist and has never existed and he’s only just signed a new contract last week. Also, apparently he’s been drumming into the Spurs team how loyalty and team spirit is more important than money, so he’d look a royal muppet if he was to allow his head to be turned. No chance Spurs will give Real permission to speak with him.
Has to be Wenger, which is hilarious. Good luck to him, I reckon he’ll do well if it happens.
RobLeenio
May 31, 2018 at 4:28 PM
Comment #26Bobby, it’s a strange one – I actually feel more confident about Kenedy coming back than I did at the end of the season. Just little snippets in the media, things like the fact you mention about how he liked the Dubravka tweet. Just all starting to add up quite strongly.
Pottsclock
May 31, 2018 at 4:30 PM
Comment #27Remember Allardyce saying he should be manager of Real Madrid.
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/allardyce-i-should-be-manager-of-real-madrid-not-blackburn-2082454.html
What a tool.
Bobbybee
May 31, 2018 at 4:34 PM
Comment #28Rob, aye, looks like Real missed the boat with Potch. Makes you wonder how the media get away with printing nonsense like having the right to talk to PSG or Real if, as you say, it’s non existing. Where do they get them from?
From what I gather about Levy, I’d be surprised if there isn’t some sort of protection included in the contract, like a release clause of mega millions. He’s definitely more football savvy than our owner for sure.
Pottsclock
May 31, 2018 at 4:34 PM
Comment #29On Kenedy, I honestly think there is a chance we’ll get him. There’s so much uncertainty at Chelsea at the moment – Who will be manager? Owner can’t get in the country? Plan for a new stadium on hold because of financial constraints.
He clearly enjoyed playing for us and working with Rafa. It’s all about the fee and his wages
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
May 31, 2018 at 4:39 PM
Comment #30Thing with Chelsea the manager doesn’t get to pick the players so if the club have decided they need money for other targets Kennedy could be sacrificed !
This Italian defender looks like a proper Rafa centre half big , strong , good in the air and comfortable with the ball at his feet would be an upgrade on Mbemba and Clarke by the looks of things!
Bobbybee
May 31, 2018 at 4:50 PM
Comment #31Micky, 66/1 sounds scary if you support Madrid. I’d have thought 66000/1would be a more acceptable price. More chance of me playing for the Toon on my crutches than Pardew getting that job I reckon! 🙂
Hippo Heed on the other hand… Ha ha ha ha! Just kidding.
RobLeenio
May 31, 2018 at 4:56 PM
Comment #32This lad Ferrari could be an interesting test case – apparently Fulham are in for him too. As an established PL club with a World class manager, you’d think we’d be favourites but we know we’ve struggled against teams prepared to pay more and act more decisively than us, particularly clubs in London. So, if they win his signature over us it could signal that we’re in for a long Summer. If we win his signature, it could signal that Rafa has convinced the club to start acting a little more like we would hope.
Reilly
May 31, 2018 at 4:59 PM
Comment #33Jim White
@Sky_JimWhite
·
1m
Sources close to the club suggest that Newcastle are close to bringing former Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel to St James’ Park.
Tosun A. Wobbler
May 31, 2018 at 5:01 PM
Comment #34Bobby….I’d love to be a fly on the wall when the likes of Pardew is pitching his case for a new job.
“Well, everybody turned against me, the players deliberately started playing badly. I’m a really good manager, honest, my man management is second to none”
” Oh, really Alan, ok you’ve got the job.”
I suspect one of his other talents is mass hypnotism.
Tosun A. Wobbler
May 31, 2018 at 5:02 PM
Comment #35Talents…oops I should have said tricks.
Essex Geordie Bill
May 31, 2018 at 5:02 PM
Comment #36Reilly
I really hope not!
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
May 31, 2018 at 5:12 PM
Comment #37The Dubravka signing – does that mean Rafa is staying? Ed it can mean what ever you would like it to mean…
To me it means nothing – Rafa is still contracted and doing his job. To be honest Dubravka was an easy signing with everything all ready agreed!
Jib
May 31, 2018 at 5:14 PM
Comment #38Bill
I think Skrtel is being sought by Rafa for what
he brings to the changing room rather than the
pitch.
Rafa seems to like having these old warhorses
around the place – remember he was after
Pepe Reina for ages.
At £1.7M somebody to come on and rally the
defense late in league games , play in cupties ,
and take some of the weight off Jamaal’s young
shoulders doesn’t seem too daft.
Bobbybee
May 31, 2018 at 5:15 PM
Comment #39Rob, that can only be judged assuming we are actually trying to sign this lad. Being linked in the press to more than a new first team already, sort of indicates most of them are pure BS. 🙂
Fulham might sign him, but we might not have even tried. Or vice versa, we might sign him and Fulham turn out to have had no real interest in him, if you follow me.
I’m only interested if I hear Rafa say he wants a player, coz last summer we were linked with 300 players, 290 of them at least pure fantasy. 🙂
DaveD1000
May 31, 2018 at 5:21 PM
Comment #40Jib #38
and bring on Lascelles at the same time.