All posts by z3u9t.icu

Liverpool have completed the signing of Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez and now will reportedly move their focus to signing a midfielder this summer.

The Merseyside club have already missed out on a potential target in Aurelien Tchouameni who had agreed personal terms with both Liverpool and Real Madrid, but ultimately completed a move to the Champions League winners last week, so now FSG will need to take a closer look at their other targets.

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One player who has been consistently linked with a move to Anfield is Barcelona youngster Gavi who has been causing a stir with his impressive La Liga performances this season. As a result, Liverpool are thought to be willing to pay his asking price.

The 17-year-old midfielder who was dubbed an “erupting volcano” by Spain national team coach Luis Enrique scored two goals and delivered five assists in his 34 league appearances for Barcelona, however, it’s not just goal contributions that have captured the attention of the world.

Gavi created eight big chances, made 1.1 tackles and won 5.2 duels on average per game, as well as completing the majority of his dribble attempts successfully (62%) and provided an 89% pass accuracy overall in La Liga last term.

The Spanish teenager has failed to reach an agreement with his current club to extend his stay at Camp Nou and secure his future in Xavi’s side despite their desperate attempts to keep hold of him, which has prompted both Liverpool and Manchester City to pursue the player.

It has most recently been reported that as a result of cash-strapped Barcelona’s contract offers being refused so far by Gavi, they have now at the very least doubled his release clause so that the two Premier League giants cannot take the player for the original €50m (£43m) release clause, which now sits at €100m (£86m).

Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Jude Bellingham, but Borussia Dortmund are reportedly unwilling to sell the player during the current transfer window due to Erling Haaland’s move to Manchester City, but Klopp could unearth his own Bellingham with the signing of Gavi this summer.

According to FB Ref, Bellingham is listed in the top ten comparable players to the young Barcelona midfielder, with the Bundesliga star outperforming Gavi on all fronts but by very close margins proving that the Spaniard could easily develop with more experience and a coach who can get the best from him.

With that being said, FSG could either risk it by holding out another year for their marquee midfielder signing or they can get ahead of their plans to land Bellingham by signing Gavi this summer and securing his future 12 months before the Dortmund midfielder will even be available for negotiations.

AND in other news: Bid made: FSG now in LFC talks to land “world class” £60m “storm”, imagine him & Nunez

Gianluca Di Marzio has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a move for Sven Botman this summer.

What’s the talk?

In a recent article posted on his own website, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite AC Milan being believed to be in advanced negotiations for the signing of the LOSC Lille centre-back, Tottenham, Manchester United and Newcastle United are all keeping a very close eye on the situation of the 22-year-old ahead of a potential move of their own in the summer transfer window.

In his piece, Di Marzio wrote: “Both Tottenham and Manchester United could contest – together with Newcastle – the profile of Sven Botman at Milan – [who is in] negotiations with the Rossoneri. Both clubs have a sizeable budget to get to the defender. Even the Rossoneri club, therefore, must carefully monitor the current situation.”

Forget Bastoni

While missing out on the signing of Alessandro Bastoni will undoubtedly come as a huge blow to both Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte, considering just how impressive Botman has been for Lille in recent seasons, it is easy to see why the Spurs sporting director could be targeting the Netherlands U21 international as an alternative to the Inter Milan starlet.

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Indeed, over his 25 Ligue 1 appearances in 2021/22, the £27m-rated talent was in astonishing form, helping his side keep eight clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.0 interceptions, 1.0 tackles, 4.5 clearances and winning 4.0 duels – at a success rate of 66% – per game.

The £18k-per-week left-footer also impressed in an attacking capacity, scoring three goals and registering one assist, in addition to completing an average of 53.4 passes, 4.1 long balls and taking 0.6 shots per fixture.

These returns saw the player who Matt Spiro dubbed an “exceptional centre-back talent” average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Jocelyn Gourvennec’s best performer in the top flight of French football.

As such, with Botman clearly being an incredibly talented left-footed ball-playing centre-back – not to mention a cheaper option at €45m (£38m) than the £54m Bastoni – it would indeed appear as if the Dutch defender would be a fantastic alternative to the Italy international for Paratici and Conte to pursue this summer.

AND in other news: Conte could land “dream” transfer alternative as Paratici now begins £50m Spurs talks

Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in singing Ali Al-Musrati, according to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: Al-Musrati’s areer so far

Signed on a free transfer from fellow Portuguese Primeira Liga outfit Vitoria Guimaraes in 2020, the defensive midfielder has gone from strength to strength at Braga.

In 89 appearances for his current club, Al-Musrati has scored six times and provided five assists whilst playing an instrumental role in the team’s Portuguese Cup triumph last season.

It now appears that the Libya international is destined for pastures new this summer, and Wolves have seemingly joined the party…

The latest: Wolves linked with Al-Musrati

As per O Jogo, translated by Sport Witness, Wolves and newly-promoted Fulham are both attentive to the possibility of signing the 26-year-old.

It is claimed that Braga are now waiting for the ‘best offer’ after the 40-cap Libyan was allowed to miss international duty in order to resolve his future.

The report suggests that, with Bruno Lage beginning to prepare for life after Ruben Neves, Al-Musrati – who has been hailed as a ‘special talent’ by journalist Zach Lowy – is among those on the radar at Molineux.

The verdict: Special player

Albeit predominantly a defensive-minded operator and therefore perhaps not a like-for-like replacement for Neves, the combative Libyan would nevertheless be a superb capture for Wolves this summer.

During the 2021/22 campaign, Al-Musrati made 45 appearances across all competitions and earned an outstanding 7.13 Sofascore rating, making 1.4 interceptions and completing 1.1 key passes per league game.

Perhaps most impressively, the £10.8m-valued Braga ace won 4.6 duels per match, comfortably more than the Old Gold midfield trio of Neves (3.8), Joao Moutinho (3.4) and Leander Dendoncker (2.8) per Premier League game.

Holding a close stylistic likeness to Liverpool destroyer Fabinho (FBRef) and boasting an array of impressive attributes including tackling, aerial ability and concentration, adding a player of Al-Musrati’s quality to Lage’s ranks appears a no-brainer regardless of what happens with Neves.

In other news: Two EFL clubs target Dion Sanderson…

Everton could reportedly now sell Salomon Rondon this summer as Real Mallorca consider making an offer.

The Lowdown: Flop

It is safe to say that Rondon has been a flop since arriving at Goodison Park in the summer, having managed to score just once in the Premier League in 20 games.

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His last match summed up his time on Merseyside perfectly, as he got himself sent off for what Sky Sports pundit Andy Hinchcliffe described as a ‘reckless’ challenge in a 3-2 loss at home to Brentford, which could have ended up as what costed them dearly if the relegation threat had been realised.

The Latest: Offer considered

As per The Daily Mail, Spanish club Real Mallorca are now considering making an offer for Rondon, as Frank Lampard is expected to overhaul his attack.

He has one year left on his current deal at the Toffees, with the option of a further year, so the summer presents a good time to sell him, should they want to recoup any decent transfer fee.

The Verdict: Get rid

It has come to the point where the Blues simply need to get rid of Rondon, and reinvest in a new striker for the future.

The 32-year-old is currently earning £43,000-per-week, and so EFC could do with getting his wages off of their books to free up room for any potential additions.

Sadly, it just has not worked out for Rondon, who was signed by Rafa Benitez for the third time in his career, a player that the former Everton manager clearly loves.

Nonetheless, now is the time for both him and the club to part ways.

In other news, find out which ‘outstanding’ leader the Toffees are now favourites to sign here!

Crystal Palace has shown interest in signing Watford’s Senegalese winger, Ismaila Sarr.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from JeunesFooteux who claim that Watford’s relegation to the Championship suggests there is a “good chance” of the 24-year-old leaving.

The French outlet suggest that Sarr “will not be retained by his club in the event of an interesting offer.”

Several Premier League teams are said to be interested in securing the services of the Watford star, with the likes of Newcastle, Everton and “especially Crystal Palace” mentioned – with Vieira said to “greatly appreciate” Sarr’s profile as a player.

Vieira’s admiration

With Vieira’s admiration for Sarr stated in the report, amidst Watford’s relegation to the second tier of English football, a move for the Senegalese forward makes complete sense from a Steve Parish and a Crystal Palace perspective.

Though, the potential £30m signing would represent what is, on the face of it, a project for Vieira and at a fee that would fall just short of the £32.5m deal that saw Christian Benteke make the switch from Liverpool to make him the record arrival at Selhurst Park, it could be a risky move.

This season, the 24-year-old, who has been dubbed a “champion” by previous manager Claudio Ranieri, has been a bit of an enigma. His five goals and two assists are a solid return for a player who has operated in a shaken up Watford side and had his fair share of injury woes but it has added to his career total nicely, which now stands at 47 goals.

The aforementioned factors form the collective reason as to why he has made just 22 Premier League appearances this season. Sarr’s returns could not have been predicted by his numbers over the last year. It’s a valid case for the “eye test” endorsers who rubbish statistical analysis, with the Senegalese’s average of 0.73 shots on target, 15.96 passes completed and 2.13 shot-creating actions demonstrating what would appear to be a lack of involvement in the game.

Yet despite this he has drummed up an xG total of 5.6 in the league this season, with stat advocates like me left with egg on my face in this particular case.

In other news: Vieira can unearth CPFC’s very own Saka in “impressive” rarely-seen 19 y/o sensation 

Now that Everton have secured safety in the Premier League they can focus on improving the squad this summer to avoid a similar situation next season, and they are wasting no time in identifying their transfer targets.

What’s the latest?

According to MLS football journalist Larry Henry Jr, Everton have joined the race to sign Tottenham Hotspurs defender and current Celtic loanee Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Henry Jr tweeted:

“Everton and Fulham are in the race for Cameron Carter-Vickers, should Celtic not agree to a transfer with Tottenham prior to June 12, a source close to the player confirmed. CCV heading to June USMNT camp and coming off two trophy haul with Celtic this season.”

Lampard needs him

There is no doubt that improvement and changes will be made at Goodison Park this summer as Everton narrowly missed relegation from the Premier League this season, and one area that has come under harsh criticism is the defence.

Jamie Carragher dubbed the Toffees’ backline a “Championship back four” a few months ago after a humiliating 5-0 loss to Spurs, with the side conceding the fifth most goals in the league out of 20 teams during the 2021/22 campaign, something they must improve upon next season.

Carter-Vickers who was hailed “solid as a rock” by pundit Simon Donnelly, has been impressing at Celtic on loan and his impact has led the team to their Scottish Premiership title win this season and the defensive qualities he has displayed prove that Lampard needs him.

According to SofaScore, the £10m centre-back has scored three goals and contributed one assist, making an astonishing 99.5 touches, 1.2 interceptions and 4.1 clearances on average per game as well as winning the majority of his duels (68%) and successfully completing an overwhelming amount of his dribbles (86%) in 33 league appearances.

When you consider these statistics the American native is clearly a huge threat both dominating defensively and offering a great attacking output too, something that would be highly valued at Everton if Lampard could secure the signing this summer.

However, it has been reported that Celtic have managed to agree on personal terms for a permanent deal with the player so Farhad Moshiri will need to work fast if he wants to hijack the deal before they lose out to the Scottish Champions.

AND in other news: Forget Iwobi: Everton’s “waste of space” who made just 6 passes today has got to go

Manchester United are eyeing up a move for a striker to boost their attacking options ahead of next season.

What’s the word?

According to ESPN, Erik ten Hag is monitoring the performances of Reims marksman Hugo Ekitike, and they have reportedly made an enquiry over the 19-year-old.

They could face a battle for him though, as Bayern Munich have also been linked with a move, and the player could be available for a bargain price of €15m (£12.7m).

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Ten Hag could find the next Mbappe in Ekitike

With Manchester City announcing the signing of Erling Haaland earlier this week, that news would have come as a blow to United, especially given their prior interest in the Borussia Dortmund striker.

However, in Ekitike they could well have “the next Mbappe”, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, and this could well be music to the Old Trafford faithful’s ears ahead of next season.

With his market value currently sitting at £18m, almost 50% more than the aforementioned transfer fee, it represents an excellent deal and one that the Red Devils simply can’t let slide.

The 19-year-old has scored nine times this season and possesses a 33.3% goal conversation rate, which places him fifth out of all players in the top five leagues in Europe. This actually ranks above the likes of Haaland and Robert Lewandowski, illustrating what an immense talent he is.

In one sense, it may be wise for the teenager to remain in France for another season to continue his development. The new project at Manchester United under Ten Hag could go either way and it would be a shame to see a young prospect’s career being derailed if the club have yet another poor season.

However at the price quoted, it might be tough to resist for United, especially if they dither and allow rival suitors to nip in and sign Ekitike instead.

AND in other news, Man United plotting bid to sign “complete” £63m monster, he’d be their own De Bruyne

Phil Hay has reacted to news of relegation for Leeds United’s under-23s over the weekend.

The Lowdown: Another weekend to forget

Jesse Marsch’s first team dropped into the bottom three for the first time since October following a 2-1 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday and have just three Premier League matches remaining to pull themselves out of trouble.

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Former Whites loanee Eddie Nketiah scored twice early on at the Emirates before captain Luke Ayling received a straight red card for a terrible tackle on Gabriel Martinelli. It was arguably one of Leeds’ worst first-half displays all season, and things got worse for the club at half-time in that match.

The Latest: Hay’s tweet

At the same time that Leeds’ first team were heading into the dressing room two goals down at Arsenal, Chelsea’s under-23s managed to turn things around against Tottenham, meaning that the Whites have been relegated from the top tier of Premier League 2.

Hay took to Twitter to react to the news, stating: “Sad to report, Leeds U23s have been relegated. Chelsea stay up after beating Spurs.”

The Verdict: When it rains, it pours

It looked as if the under-23s would avoid the drop as Chelsea were trailing with 10 minutes to go in a must-win game, but two goals in the final 10 minutes for the Blues summed up how things have gone at Elland Road this season from top to bottom.

Hopefully Hay won’t have another Leeds relegation to report on over the coming two weeks, but Marsch’s side will need to pick up some points against either Chelsea, Brighton or Brentford to ensure their Premier League safety.

They are also without numerous senior players for the final three games, with Ayling joining that list following his ridiculous sending off, so Leeds will have to do it the hard way if they are to survive.

In other news: Marsch now set to lose Leeds player with ‘incredible engine’ this summer. 

It’s crunch time for West Ham United on Thursday evening, as David Moyes’ side take on Eintracht Frankfurt in what is set to be an enthralling, Europa League, semi-final, second-leg clash.

The Hammers head into the game on a run of four matches without a win in all competitions – having lost their last three both in Europe and domestically – although all hope is not lost with the current aggregate scoreline at just 2-1 in favour of the Bundesliga side.

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The London Stadium outfit weren’t at their best in that defeat on home soil, although that one-goal deficit ensures it is all still to play for, with history seemingly on their side as they overcame the same opponents at the last four stage of the European Cup Winners’ Cup back in 1976.

Ahead of this pivotal encounter, here’s how the Football FanCast think that Moyes will line his side up…

With the former Manchester United boss announcing a clean bill of health in his pre-match press conference, the only changes to be made are likely to be tactical ones, with the Scotsman having shuffled his pack in the weekend defeat to Arsenal. As such, we are predicting that the 59-year-old will make four alterations from the side that lost at home to the Gunners.

One of those tweaks will see Alphonse Areola return in goal having featured in nine of the ten games in the competition, while ahead of him Craig Dawson returns to the backline after his brief suspension on Sunday, lining up alongside Vladimir Coufal, Kurt Zouma and Aaron Cresswell.

The latter will return to his usual left-back berth, meaning that £38k-per-week dud Ryan Fredericks will drop out – the full-back having been dubbed a “shocker” by journalist Thomas Clark earlier this season.

In midfield, the club’s “man mountain” Tomas Soucek, as he has been described by pundit Micah Richards, replaces club captain Mark Noble alongside talisman Declan Rice, while ahead of them should be the attacking trio of Pablo Fornals, Manuel Lanzini and Jarrod Bowen.

Leading the line will almost certainly be Michail Antonio – with Said Benrahma making way – although as his manager admitted, the Jamaica international is in desperate need of a goal, having scored just twice in all competitions since New Year’s Day.

In other news, Forget Rice: Moyes now set for West Ham disaster on “remarkable” £125k-p/w giant

Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips is likely to be sold permanently at the end of the season, with plenty of interest in the Englishman.

The Lowdown: Phillips out on loan

The 25-year-old became an unlikely hero for the Reds last season, filling in during a defensive injury crisis and helping Jurgen Klopp’s side finish third in the Premier League.

Phillips has been largely deemed surplus to requirements in 2021/22, however, making just three appearances for Liverpool before joining Bournemouth on loan in January.

The centre-back has played his part in the Cherries sealing promotion from the Championship, making 16 league starts.

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The Latest: Permanent summer exit?

According an early morning report from The Liverpool Echo, the Reds will listen to offers for Phillips this summer, especially if Joe Gomez ends up signing a new deal at Anfield.

Bournemouth are thought to be eyeing up a permanent move for the defender, whose current Liverpool deal runs out in the summer of 2025.

The Verdict: Time to move on

Phillips will always be appreciated for his efforts last season – Klopp hailed one performance as ‘absolutely insane’ – but the truth is that he is not at the required level to make it at Liverpool, meaning he should be moved on.

Bournemouth are perfect for the Englishman, in terms of being a lower Premier League or upper Championship side, and he could thrive there over a long period, as evidenced by his role in their promotion.

With Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez all ahead of Phillips in Klopp’s centre-back pecking order, it is impossible to see him getting many chances from this point on.

In other news, another Liverpool player is also expected to leave this summer. Find out who it is here.