All posts by z3u9t.icu

Flocking to Twitter, a number of Manchester City supporters have absolutely erupted over a latest exit report on Raheem Sterling.

The 26-year-old, who has proven to be a key player for Pep Guardiola in past seasons, continues to find himself on the fringes at the Etihad Stadium, with the likes of Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez and Gabriel Jesus seemingly preferred out wide.

Sterling’s game-time has been gradually declining since the beginning of 2021 and especially this season, starting just three Premier League games and appearing primarily off the City bench (WhoScored).

His contract situation is also up in the air, with his current deal set to expire in 2023 and still no sign of fresh terms, despite Guardiola’s wish for the winger to stay.

His lack of involvement compared to past seasons, as well as his contract saga, has seen Sterling repeatedly being linked with a move away from Manchester as La Liga giants Barcelona enter the fray.

Now, as per Metro, there has been another update on his future concerning City’s price tag. Indeed, their reporter Sean Kearns has shared news, attracting plenty of social media debate, that the Sky Blues value their forward at around £45m are indeed open to selling.

They are apparently set to use the sale of Leroy Sane to Bayern Munich in 2020 as a ‘guideline’ for their valuation whilst they continue talks with Sterling’s representatives.

Man City fans fume…

Flocking to this update, it’s safe to say that plenty of City fans have been left fuming by the meagre sum their club could accept for his services.

City’s top scorer in all competitions with 31 over the 2019/20 campaign, he is also yet to hit his prime, is homegrown and is a proven star at international level.

He has also steadily improved his all-round game under Guardiola since signing from Liverpool, with the Spaniard calling him ‘extraordinary’ following his 11-minute hat-trick against Atalanta in 2019 (Sky Sports).

Taking all this into account, it’s safe to say the player has serious ability when at his best, leaving little wonder why so many City supporters are in disbelief over his “disgusting” £45m valuation.

Check out some of their verdicts from Twitter below:

“Selling him for less than they bought him for would just be an utter embarrassment.”

Credit: @j2mcfc

“Disgusting”

Credit: @crossmerchant2

“Are we registered as a Charity???”

Credit: @charteredtax

“We’re so finished. We also valued Bernardo at 43m and look how that turned out. Been our best player this season”

Credit: @GoatedVision

“If we sell him for that little I will cry myself to sleep for a week”

Credit: @AaronWi

“We must be the most embarrassing club in the world in the transfer market”

Credit: @billymcfc_

“I’ve never seen a club worse than us at selling players”

Credit: @ReadJ0J0

“We are the worst selling club in the world”

Credit: @TeacherOfBall

In other news: ‘Perfect’, ‘Bring him home’ – These Man City fans erupt as Txiki eyes ‘massive signing’ for Pep; find out more here.

After listening to Victor Orta’s exciting comments about the academy last week, Leeds United supporters will no doubt be casting even more of a keen eye on some of the club’s brightest young talents.

The Yorkshire club’s director of football openly spoke about the need to have academy prospects in and around the first-team set-up, saying: “I believe in a project that is one of Marcelo Bielsa’s legacies – 18 professionals and the other four players always being under 21.

“If you believe in youth development, you need to prove (it). Our idea is to believe in youth development and to give belief to the Academy. (What) is better for me – the 450 minutes for a striker in Joey Gelhardt, or 450 minutes in a striker who is 31 years old? I believe in the first.

“Because it’s the only way Leeds United can grow. Because the other way, if I am going to buy careers, I always lose, because there are other teams in England with more money, with more investment. I need to build careers.”

Well, if Orta is looking at ‘building’ a career out of someone at Thorp Arch, then he should look no further than 18-year-old starlet Max Dean.

The teenage forward has enjoyed an impressive campaign with the club’s U23s this season, scoring five goals in 15 games at Premier League 2 level, including strikes against the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.

It’s been no surprise then that Leeds’ former U23s boss Mark Jackson has previously waxed lyrical about the forward and his character, saying: “You don’t have to prepare it with Deano. Deano’s a fiery character, I don’t like to quash that in him. He’s got an edge to him and how he plays – and I like that in his personality.

“Yes he gets frustrated at times and we have to curtail it but his hunger to press and work hard and his hunger to score goals is really apparent.”

In late October, despite a 4-2 defeat to Arsenal, Jackson showered Dean with more praise, saying: “I spoke to Max before the game. When he first came to the club, he had a real intensity about his play, really aggressive style in how he pressed and how he competed – we have chats with the players all the time and there’s been stages where we think that’s sort of dipped off a little bit in recent games.

“We’ve had a few chats recently with Max, and particularly before the game, I said ‘listen, you need to try and get back to those moments when you were playing in the 23s last year’. I thought he took that conversation well and he took it on board today and he had a much more positive performance.”

If Leeds are looking to get more out of their burgeoning academy, then Dean could well be the next breakout star to come out of Thorp Arch.

AND in other news – Sold at £8m, now worth triple: Leeds had a nightmare over “fearless” 5 ft 9 magician

A number of Liverpool supporters are delighted after journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed Divock Origi would not be leaving in the January transfer window.

The 26-year-old had put together a memorable Reds career – one that will likely see him considered a legend for many years to come.

While Origi has rarely been a regular starter for Liverpool since arriving in 2014, he has scored some iconic goals against the likes of Barcelona, Tottenham, Everton, Newcastle United and most recently Wolves.

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The Belgian’s current deal potentially expires in the summer of 2023 and he has even been linked with a January exit, despite Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane being away from Africa Cup of Nations duty.

Taking to Twitter on Saturday, however, Romano claimed Origi was going nowhere until at least the summer, saying Liverpool have no intention of selling him this month.

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Liverpool fans love Origi update

These Reds fans provided their positive thoughts on the matter on Twitter, no doubt delighted to keep hold of the cult hero given their lack of options up front in January.

“Not surprised, Salah and Mane already left for Afcon. And Minamino still injured…”

Credit: @biGDhee08

“HE STAYS!!!!”

Credit: @SIGHYONARA

“The hero stays!!!”

Credit: @lfc_reviews

“THANK GOD. WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT LORD ORIGI”

Credit: @Muniamma007

“Good”

Credit: @lomein4real

“At least we got to keep Origi”

Credit: @Littleisprince

In other news, some Liverpool fans also love a David Ornstein transfer claim. Read more here.

Tottenham are looking to pip Newcastle United in the race to sign Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele, according to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, relayed by Sports Witness.

The Lowdown: Dembele at Barca

Dembele has been at the Nou Camp since 2017 following a £121.5m move from Borussia Dortmund and has made 126 appearances for the Catalan giants.

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The 24-year-old, capable of playing anywhere across the front line, has scored 30 times and provided 23 assists during his time in Spain.

However, he’s missed a whopping 100 games due to injury, and it now seems as if his time with Barcelona could be coming to an end.

The Latest: Tuttomercatoweb’s update

Tuttomercatoweb, relayed by Sports Witness, suggest that Dembele is the ‘dream’ signing for Spurs boss Antonio Conte.

They claim that Newcastle have been pushing for Dembele for some time without making progress, with Tottenham now looking to pip their Premier League rivals to a move. Contact has been made with Dembele’s entourage, with Spurs keen on a January deal.

The Verdict: Possible?

A cut-price transfer in the New Year could well be a real possibility, especially with Barcelona recently reaching a big-money agreement to sign Manchester City forward Ferran Torres.

Dembele’s current contract has just over six months remaining, so Barcelona could now be open to the idea of bringing in some funds in January to avoid losing the Frenchman for nothing in the summer.

It seems as if Conte and Fabio Paratici are extremely keen on the World Cup winner, so this could be a move to keep a close eye on as Spurs look to add to their attacking ranks with a first marquee signing under the new manager.

In other news: Conte in awe of tireless player as he wows in Spurs training, could now stay in January.  

Jack Harrison, Raphinha and Pascal Struijk stood out as star performers in Leeds United’s crucial 3-2 win away to West Ham on Sunday afternoon.

The Whites picked up an enormous Premier League victory in east London, battling their way to a priceless three points after a thrilling game.

Harrison scored a hat-trick against the Hammers on a memorable afternoon for the winger, as the visitors dug deep amid more injury problems.

We’ve delved into the numbers from statistical website Sofascore to analyse the Whites’ three best performers from those to have played at least 45 minutes of action. No prizes for guessing who one of them was, but who else stood out against the Irons?

Jack Harrison – 9.0

There was no doubting who the best player was for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, as Harrison enjoyed arguably his best game for the club.

Aside from the headline-making hat-trick, the 25-year-old also won two tackles and four ground duels and played two key passes in a superb all-round display.

That’s now four goals in his last three appearances for Harrison, who appears to be returning to his best.

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Raphinha – 7.8

Raphinha has been Leeds’ best player so far this season and he was a constant threat to West Ham’s defence today.

The Brazilian was unfortunate to see a brilliant assist chalked off for offside but he still managed to play an incredible eight key passes against the Hammers.

Not only that, but the Brazilian created two big chances and hit the woodwork with a stunning free-kick, while also pitching in defensively by winning five ground duels and one tackle.

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Pascal Struijk – 7.3

Struijk has been limited to 10 league starts so far this season but he was excellent on Sunday, playing an important role in a huge win for Leeds.

The 22-year-old won all five ground duels that he contested at the London Stadium, summing up the dominant nature of his performance. The Dutchman also won five tackles and made one interception, not being dribbled past once in the whole game.

In other news, one Leeds player has been linked with a move away from Elland Road. Find out who it is here.

What’s better than having one top defensive midfielder in your team? Well, having two of course and that’s what Denis Zakaria can bring to Liverpool.

The Anfield club have been linked with a move for the Switzerland international midfielder, with his current contract at Borussia Monchengladbach set to expire at the end of the season.

While journalist James Pearce says it’s unlikely that anyone joins the club in January, Liverpool could risk losing out on the 25-year-old to clubs such as Bayern Munich or Barcelona if they don’t move before the summer when he is a free agent.

Currently Jurgen Klopp’s preferred midfield trio boasts Fabinho in a holding role with captain Jordan Henderson and Thiago playing slightly ahead, providing energy and passing abilities for the forwards to feed off. They have started each of the last three Premier League games together but with Henderson being 31, this may be the perfect opportunity to bring in a replacement and start to phase him out of the side.

Zakaria has previously spoken about his style of play, saying he appreciates comparisons to the likes of Patrick Vieira and Paul Pogba but others describe him differently. Lothar Matthaus says he reminds him of Toni Kroos, Yann Sommer says he possesses some traits that Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini had and Marco Rose described him as “complete.”

But much like Gunter Netzer, the descriptions by some as just a “defensive midfielder” are an insult to someone with the skillset of Zakaria.

The midfielder has featured in 12 Bundesliga games so far this season and scored twice, with an assist to boot. Much like Pogba, he excels in a hosts of different areas. He averages 1.3 shots per game, 0.7 key passes, 1.6 dribbles and has a pass completion rate of 89.2% from an average of 50 passes per game.

In comparison to Henderson, who has taken part in 14 Premier League games so far this term, he looks like a very good alternative. The England international averages 0.9 shots, 1.4 key passes and 0.4 dribbles a match. He also boasts a pass completion rate of 86.7% from an average of 65 passes per game.

Defensively, the £24.3m-rated Zakaria is an improvement too, with 1.8 tackles an outing compared to Henderson’s 1.1 and 1.2 interceptions compared to the Liverpool skipper’s 0.5.

With his good energy too, he would form a perfect pairing alongside Fabinho to make Liverpool even harder to beat than they already are while adding some fresh legs to the club’s weakest position on the pitch. In turn, they may well find their very own Pogba too.

AND in other news, Divock Origi’s masterclass in Milan.

Vice-captain, loyal servant and arguably a club legend, Leeds United defender Luke Ayling is something of a hero around Elland Road.

But having amassed 217 appearances and secured a Championship winners medal during his time at the west Yorkshire outfit, it could be time to move on.

There’s no denying that this season has been appalling – stopping just short of disastrous – as it appears as if new manager Jesse Marsch has steered the Whites to safety, having been involved in the relegation dogfight for the past few months.

A four-game unbeaten run, which includes wins over basement boys Norwich City and relegation rivals Watford, has seen Leeds move nine points clear of Burnley with six matches left to play.

They may have just done it.

However, the team is still the leakiest defence in the Premier League, having conceded a whopping 68 goals from their 32 outings – an average of 2.1 goals let in per game.

And when you’re having to score three goals every week to stand a chance at winning – without last season’s top goalscorer Patrick Bamford too – then it’s no wonder the Yorkshiremen have found themselves in a precarious position at times.

It’s a backline that has largely been unaltered since promotion from the second flight and there have to be question marks over whether big players like Ayling can consistently cut the mustard at this level.

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Marsch ought to be ruthless this off-season by trying to secure a better option and that’s not through any fault of his own but Ayling has looked out of his depth at times.

During the recent win over the Hornets, commentator and former Wales international David Phillips described the 30-year-old’s defending as “awful”, whilst his seasonal 6.56 average WhoScored rating is bettered by eight other Leeds players right now.

No one is dribbled past more than Ayling either, letting his man run by 1.6 times per game and when you’re coming up against some of the best left-wingers in the division – ranging from Heung-min Son to Sadio Mane and Raheem Sterling – it’s going to cause plenty of trouble for his defensive counterparts.

Former manager Marcelo Bielsa was a big admirer of the full-back, especially as he could often slot in at centre-half for him. He even once waxed lyrical about his talents in this regard. He told reporters:

“He was quick, he was agile, he defended well, he headed well, he used the ball well, he transmitted serenity to the rest of the team.”

Just because he has been at the club for the best part of six years, doesn’t mean Marsch owes him anything. If a better option can be secured, then he must look to axe the Leeds favourite for the benefit of him becoming a successful manager at Elland Road.

The £35k-per-week ace just isn’t good enough for the big time, at least in a team that shouldn’t be fighting to keep their place in the division. A ruthless decision, but the right one.

AND in other news, Phil Hay drops Robin Koch update amid Leeds exit rumours…

A number of Rangers fans have been praising Scott Arfield following his comments after the Scottish League Cup exit at the hands of Hibernian.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst suffered a sobering afternoon on Sunday watching on as Light Blues manager, with his side sent packing from the competition.

The Scottish Premiership champions found themselves 3-0 down at Hampden Park before half-time and, despite Arfield pulling one goal back, missed the opportunity to set up a showdown against Celtic in the final.

It was a bitterly disappointing day for the Gers and it is now vital that the ship is steadied in the coming weeks, ensuring that a second successive league title is secured.

One player who has come away from the Hibs game with some credit is Arfield, with the club’s official Twitter channel sharing an interview with him assessing the defeat and Football Scotland writer Calum Woodger describing him as ‘one of few bright sparks for the Light Blues’.

The Canada international bluntly admitted that the “collective and individual standards” of the team were “not good enough” at Hampden Park and that the Gers had “no excuses” for what he felt was a deserved defeat.

Rangers fans praise Arfield comments

These Gers fans responded to the video to show their appreciation for the midfielder, claiming that he is someone who understands the values of the club.

“Only one of two players who showed up yesterday. Then they got subbed…”

Credit: @No_Bikers

“Even in defeat this man knows what it means”

Credit: @RobbieBaird98

“Always been a big fan of Scotty & this shows the type of guy he truly is. Well said sir!”

Credit: @joanneawright

“Fair play to Arfield, no point in trying to sugar coat it”

Credit: @dougie_rfc

“Well said, one of the only ones that deserves pass marks”

Credit: @_ReidFisher

“One guy who can be relied on”

Credit: @m6134n

In other news, some Rangers fans slaughtered one player’s performance against Hibernian. Find out who it is here.

Writing on his Patreon, reliable club insider ExWHUemployee has made a promising West Ham United player claim with talks ongoing behind the scenes.

The Lowdown: West Ham seal Antonio deal…

As confirmed by the club, West Ham and GSB have extended star striker Michail Antonio’s deal at the club.

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Indeed, in an official announcement, the Irons forward’s new contract means he looks set to remain at the London Stadium until 2024 with the option of a further year included.

The Jamaica international has been one of Moyes’ star players this season, winning August’s Premier League player of the Month award whilst going on to rack up eight goals so fat.

In an update, Ex claims this may not be the last bit of player news you hear soon as he makes a promising behind-the-scenes claim.

The Latest: Ex drops claim…

Taking to this Patreon, the Irons source says that ‘negotiations have been ongoing’ over new contracts for Lukasz Fabianski, Angelo Ogbonna and Ben Johnson.

Following on, he says that further contract news ‘should come soon’ after the club confirmed Antonio’s extension.

The Verdict: Promising…

As Moyes and recruitment chief Rob Newman also tie down important first teamers to long term contracts, it’s little wonder this particular trio are next in line.

Fabianski, deemed an ‘untouchable’ in the Scotsman’s starting eleven, is one of only two Irons players to start every single Premier League game this season alongside Tomas Soucek (WhoScored).

Johnson, meanwhile, has really impressed and played a much more prominent role in the first team than last campaign – drawing praise from Moyes in particular.

Ogbonna, despite currently being injured, was a fixture alongside summer signing Kurt Zouma in defence with reporters in the press describing the Italian as ‘influential’.

If the Irons trio all put pen to paper, it’s safe to say that will come as a mighty boost for the club.

In other news: ‘Tears in my eyes’, ‘Finally’…West Ham fans flock to ‘very exciting’ transfer news, find out more here.

Liverpool will head into the January transfer window with some important decisions to make.

They are well within reach of securing another Premier League title but they will have to negotiate the choppy waters of a winter period without Sadio Mane and most importantly, Mohamed Salah.

The Egyptian sensational has been nothing short of mesmerising this term, finding the net on 19 occasions already.

He has had to lift his game in the absence of Roberto Firmino but when he heads off to the African Cup of Nations with his offensive colleague next month, the club’s lack of depth could be exposed.

Of course, Diogo Jota will be a good stand-in having taken his tally to the campaign to nine strikes, but no one is ever coming close to replicating what Salah offers Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Adding to their ranks in the New Year would be a smart decision from Michael Edwards and FSG, but who will they turn to?

One player mooted with a switch to Anfield is Porto forward Luis Diaz. The Colombian featured against the Reds in the Champions League earlier this season and has demonstrated some jaw-dropping attributes this term which would make him a perfect fit in Merseyside.

Indeed, he has found the net 12 times in only 19 appearances this term for the Portuguese outfit, putting in some dazzling displays from the flanks.

He recently scored a screamer in a clash with Vitoria Guimaraes, rifling an effort right into the postage stamp after cutting inside. It was a goal that summed up why he’d be such a good capture for Liverpool, especially when Mane leaves his role vacant on the left wing next month.

That beautiful goal was perfectly summed up by Marino Peixoto, a Portuguese football enthusiast, who took to social media to say the following:

“The rate at which Luís Diaz is churning out otherworldly performances coupled with his ability to score screamers like this on a consistent basis is genuinely frightening. Only a matter of time before somebody pays an astronomical fee for him.”

And what may that fee be, I hear you ask? Well, it’s thought that Porto would be willing to part with the player if their price tag of €50m (£42m) is met.

That shouldn’t deter Liverpool who are clearly in need of adding further bodies to their ranks.

Diaz’s ability to carve out offensive opportunities for both himself and his teammates is inspirational and as presenter Manas Singh says, he is a “livewire” in the final third.

Based on the above evidence, FSG must do all they can to ensure he swaps the blue and white of Porto for the red of Liverpool next year. The thought of him lining up alongside the likes of Salah and Jota is a mouth-watering one. Klopp’s attack could be about to get even scarier; imagine that.

AND in other news, FSG must seal Liverpool swoop for “Jota-esque” £13m beast who sent VVD “for a hot dog”…