Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha is poised to join a surprise club and sign a ‘huge’ deal after his World Cup heroics this summer put him on the footballing map. Despite having turned 40 before this summer’s showpiece tournament, the shot-stopper proved he had what it takes to perform at the highest level.

Vozinha attracted significant international attention and acclaim for his performances against Spain and Argentina, including keeping a clean sheet against eventual champions Spain. In that particular match, he was faced with 27 shots, with 16 inside the box, but he ultimately proved immovable.

His nation was the surprise package of the tournament. As the smallest country by land area and the second-least-populated country to ever qualify for the World Cup, Cape Verde managed to reach the Round of 32 without losing in normal time in any of their five matches, eventually being knocked ou by Lionel Messi and co. in extra-time.

Vozinha Set For Huge Deal With New Club After World Cup Heroics

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While European clubs have been skeptical of signing Vozinha because of his age, that hasn’t stopped Chilean topflight side Colo Colo from taking a punt with him, having announced this week that they had secured his signature.

Before the World Cup, he was earning just £7,500 a month while playing in Portugal’s second-tier for Chaves. Now, his salary will be more than doubled, with his new wage of £18,700 seeing him take home nearly 225,000 every year, having completed a transfer after becoming a free agent.

According to La Cuarta, the shot-stopper is set to fly to Chile between Monday and Tuesday, where he will undergo medical examinations and be presented to his new fanbase.

It is the biggest move of his career as he joins the 34-time league champions, though he did appear 116 times for AEL Limassol between 2017 and 2022, which helped Vozinha compete in UEFA competitions such as the Europa League.

Vozinha’s Value Soared During World Cup

Vozinha, whose full name is Josimar Jose Evora Dias, has also become a social media star this summer. With the help from Brazilian influencer Casimiro, the goalkeeper’s Instagram following has soared from 50,000 to nearly 30 million, which shows he has benefitted from more than just his transfer from the tournament.

He regularly appears in interviews, and is loved worldwide because of his World Cup heroics. It is unknown how much extra money he’s making because of his content, but he’s undoubtedly making the most of his new-found fame.

Newcastle United are reportedly plotting a move for a new right-back as they look to replace Kieran Trippier.

The Magpies hero left St James’ Park at the end of last season and his versatility will be a huge miss. Tino Livramento had looked set to follow Trippier out of the club when Arsenal and Manchester City showed interest in him before the transfer window opened.

Livramento suffered a calf injury on the eve of England’s World Cup opener against Croatia and underwent a minor surgical procedure. His future is unclear but it doesn’t appear that clubs are keen on signing him while he’s on the sidelines.

Newcastle Keen on Rayo’s Ratiu

Newcastle are still exploring the market for a new right-back and they have reportedly set their sights on a La Liga star. Matteo Moretto of Marca reports that the Tyneside outfit are interested in Rayo Vallecano’s Andrei Ratiu.

The Romanian, described as ‘one of the best defenders in La Liga’, caught the eye in a Rayo team that finished eighth in the Spanish top flight and made it to the UEFA Conference League final before losing to Crystal Palace. He made 50 appearances across competitions, posting one goal and four assists.

Eddie Howe has endured a frustrating summer thus far as his top targets have headed elsewhere. If his transfer chiefs decide to move for the 28-year-old, they could face competition from Nottingham Forest.

While there’s no word on how much Rayo want for the Romania international, he still has four years left on his contract. He is an attacking full-back who is also defensively sound in one-on-one situations.

Newcastle Should Focus on Williams

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Ratiu isn’t the only right-back linked with Newcastle as they are reportedly also in the mix to sign Forest’s Neco Williams. Ironically, the Tricky Trees could turn to Ratiu if the Welshman were to depart.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also keeping tabs on Williams, which might prove problematic for the Magpies. But if he comes down to a choice between the pair over whom Howe’s bosses should swoop for, he’s undoubtedly the better pick.

Williams enjoyed a superb past season, winning Forest’s Player of the Year award. He made 37 league appearances, scoring two goals and providing three assists.

While the Welsh star might be more expensive, he possesses Premier League experience and is coming off his best-ever campaign. He’d be a fantastic addition to Howe’s squad which needs players of such quality.

Arsenal have been dealt a potentially damaging blow in their ambitious pursuit of Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, according to the Telegraph.

Credible journalist David Ornstein revealed on Saturday afternoon that the Gunners are exploring the possibility of bringing the Brazilian winger to the Emirates. Vinicius has a year left on his contract at the Bernabeu, and while talks are set to take place over a new deal, it’s believed there’s a genuine possibility that no agreement is reached, opening the superstar wide man up for a departure.

Arsenal have emerged as early frontrunners in the race to land Vinicius, described as ‘the best player in the world‘, with the North Londoners ready to pounce should he become available.

The financial complications around the deal could present a major stumbling block in it materialising, although this isn’t the only potential issue for the Gunners.

Jose Mourinho Doesn’t Want Real Madrid to Sell Vinicius Junior

Jose Mourinho was appointed as Real Madrid’s new manager earlier this summer, replacing Alvaro Arbeloa in the Bernabeu dugout. Florentino Perez has backed the Portuguese head coach thus far, signing the likes of Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva and Denzel Dumfries.

However, the divisive club president could still be prepared to take tools away from Mourinho. The reports suggest that Los Blancos will sanction Vinicius’ exit if they cannot agree new terms with him, as they aren’t prepared to lose him for nothing next summer.

That said, the Telegraph indicate that Mourinho would oppose Arsenal’s move for the 26-year-old. The former Chelsea boss has told Real Madrid higher-ups that he wants all the big names in his squad to remain in the Spanish capital this summer.

The 63-year-old tactician is trying to rebuild a fractured club, and believes he needs all his best players to increase his chances of being successful in this regard.

Given how Perez has supported Mourinho since the manager’s return to Madrid, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the president bows to the coach’s demands, meaning this could put a halt to Arsenal’s pursuit of Vinicius.

Real Madrid Could Still Sell Vinicius Junior

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While Mourinho’s voice will hold some power in the boardroom at the Bernabeu, Perez has the ultimate say.

If the player isn’t happy with what Real Madrid can offer him, then he won’t accept the proposal and the La Liga giants will be forced to sell. Perez won’t make an economically poor decision just to appease his new manager.

Real Madrid are reportedly chasing Yan Diomande, which suggests they’re already preparing for Vinicius’ potential exit. Perez is more likely to satisfy Mourinho’s demands by signing the highly-touted 19-year-old, rather than hoarding an asset that wants out.

Combine this with Mourinho and Vinicius’ complicated history, and all the signs point towards the player moving on, regardless of the ex-Tottenham coach’s qualms with the deal.