All posts by z3u9t.icu

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”…

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.

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

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.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-31/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

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.

Ryan Mason will take charge of his first game as Tottenham Hotspur boss tonight in what could be a crucial week for the club’s fortunes.

The north London side welcome Southampton in the Premier League knowing that a win would put them closer towards top-four contention, leapfrogging Liverpool in the process.

And then there’s the small matter of the Carabao Cup final on Sunday afternoon, too.

The 29-year-old may want to stamp down his authority and make this side his own whilst he’s in temporary control until the end of the campaign and as such, we may well see plenty of changes from Jose Mourinho’s recent choices.

So, here’s our predicted XI for the first game of the Mason era, as well as the latest team and injury news ahead of kick-off…

Mason could be tempted into wholesale changes, especially with one eye on Sunday – a chance to clinch Spurs’ first trophy since 2008.

Club captain Hugo Lloris is expected to remain between the sticks, whilst there may even only be a slight alteration to the backline. We expected Spurs to line up in a 4-2-3-1 of sorts, something the 29-year-old has utilised in the academy system.

It would see Sergio Reguilon, Joe Rodon and Toby Alderweireld keep their places, with 27-year-old Eric Dier and the £18m-rated Serge Aurier two casualties.

Young versatile defender Japhet Tanganga could be in line for a recall to the XI after being unfairly axed for the Manchester United and Everton games.

In midfield, it would be a bold call to snub Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, so he should continue as the engine room enforcer but instead of either one of Spurs’ French duo, Moussa Sissoko and Tanguy Ndombele, we may well see a return for Harry Winks, especially as he’s someone that has played with Mason before.

Mourinho had snubbed Gareth Bale in recent weeks and he’s surely now in line for a boost, along with Dele Alli, who has only played 232 league minutes all campaign. The pair will welcome the change in the dugout and it would not be a shock to see them both start here tonight.

Even more so in the absence of leading talisman Harry Kane.

The Evening Standard have ruled the 27-year-old goalscorer out of this clash as he’s yet to train this week. He’s also a major doubt for Sunday, too.

[snack-amp-story url=https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-and-recent-gossip” title=”Read this week’s Spurs news, latest transfer rumours and more!]

Mason could push Heung-min Son upfront as he has the work rate to tire defences and run them ragged, it would allow Bale to start in his preferred right-wing spot.

Lucas Moura could then start on the other flank, with Alli through the middle.

In total, that would make five changes.

AND in other news, Spurs could find their next Pochettinio in 45 y/o gem who WOWED Guardiola…

Joe Gomez has been a key member of the Liverpool squad ever since signing for the Premier League club in the summer of 2015 from Charlton.

Following his arrival, the 24-year-old has gone on to represent England, as well as winning multiple titles for Liverpool, including a Champions League crown and Premier League title – and he still arguably hasn’t reached his peak years yet.

Gomez has made 139 appearances for the Reds in all competitions, and this is despite suffering major injuries which have ruled him out for significant periods of time – missing practically the whole of the 2015/16 season and undergoing ankle surgery twice.

In his 85 appearances in the Premier League, he has kept 32 clean sheets and has a 73% tackle success rate. Add to this the fact that he hasn’t made an error leading to a goal in these 85 matches and the stats show Liverpool have an extremely solid defender at their disposal.

This even led manager Jurgen Klopp to label him a “sensational footballer” during the side’s title-winning campaign in 2020.

His market value has soared in his seven years as a Liverpool player. The £3.5m signing now has a Transfermarkt value of a whopping £19.8m, showing just how impressive he has been for the team.

In March 2020, as Liverpool stood on the cusp of glory, his value sat at a staggering £37.8m while he was just 22. And, although it has slipped since then – largely due to injuries and Klopp rotating his squad – Gomez is still to enter his peak as a defender.

While Klopp is constantly trying to evolve his side, with his recent recruitment being excellent with attackers such as Luis Diaz and Diego Jota settling in extremely well, he won’t need to sign a centre-back for some time.

The £75k-per-week Gomez is at the perfect team in order to continue developing and you wouldn’t bet on him adding to his 11 England appearances in the near future too.

AND in other news: Klopp could unearth next Konate by unleashing “incredible” £450k-rated gem

Everton midfielder Andre Gomes must step up for Carlo Ancelotti amid Abdoulaye Doucoure being ruled out for eight to 10 weeks with a fractured foot.

Ancelotti confirmed that the 28-year-old could miss the remainder of the season ahead of last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Burnley, but hopes to have his summer signing back at some stage.

Doucoure has been an important part of the Italian’s plans since arriving at Goodison Park in a £20m transfer from Watford, starting all 25 available Premier League games to him.

Only centre-back Michael Keane has started as many top-flight fixtures for Everton this term as Doucoure, whose 2,137 minutes of action sees the 28-year-old rank third, also behind 14-goal top scorer Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Former Leeds United forward Noel Whelan believes the loss of Doucoure will come as a big blow amid Everton’s push for a European qualifying berth, and has challenged Gomes and Allan to step up to ensure his absence is not overly consequential.

“They bought a player for £20m, which for him was cheap, and he has become an integral engine in that midfield,” he told Football Insider of Doucoure.

“The way he gets up and down, he challenges, he’s got great physicality and he gets into the box as well.

“Defensively, he’s huge. That allows [James] Rodriguez and Richarlison and your other flair players to get forward knowing you’ve got that security behind you.

“With Allan and Gomes, that is a real formidable, aggressive three in there if you have those guys playing too. They are going to be crucial. But for Everton to lose a player of that stature, they are going to feel it.”

Doucoure has been one of Everton’s top performers this season, as illustrated by performance metrics from WhoScored. He has earned frequent praise from Ancelotti for his efforts, and will leave the Italian tactician with a tough task to replace what he brought to the engine room at Goodison Park.

“It was his best performance [for Everton],” the Toffees boss said following December’s 2-0 win at Leicester, via quotes by Royal Blue Mersey. “He was really intelligent defensively, he understood what to do and also with the ball he had some acceleration that were good for our counter-attacks.”

Ancelotti later described the powerful £75,000-per-week unit as a “really fantastic signing”, and will have to see Gomes step up from his previous efforts if the Portuguese maestro is to establish himself as the crucial cog Whelan expects of him.

Doucoure has averaged a greater defensive contribution for Everton this season than both Gomes and Allan in a number of areas, with the Frenchman offering 1.3 interceptions to his teammates’ respective 0.4 and 0.9, per WhoScored.

He also leads the trio for fewer fouls conceded (0.8 to 1.5 and 0.9), most clearances made (0.9 to 0.5 and 0.9) and the least times dribbled past (1 to 1.7 and 2.4). Allan ranks first in the group for successful tackles (3.1) to Doucoure (1.8) and Gomes (1.4), per WhoScored.

Doucoure is a powerful presence in supporting the attack, too, with a higher contribution than Gomes for goals scored (2 to 0), assists (3 to 1) plus average number of shots (0.6 to 0.5) and key passes (0.8 to 0.5) a game, per WhoScored.

Gomes may have found a home for himself in the midfield of late with five straight Premier League starts, but the 27-year-old has work to do if he is to now fill Doucoure’s void.

AND in other news, Carlo Ancelotti is eager for Everton to sign a £32.5m-rated titan who top clubs would sign “without thinking twice”…

Rangers have been tipped to sell George Edmundson this summer by Frank McAvennie after the club reportedly received a number of bids for the young centre-back, and Steven Gerrard should heed his words and axe the former Oldham Athletic man from his squad at Ibrox this summer.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Hoops striker said:

“Gerrard will already have made his mind up about him leaving. Rangers will go about their business quietly, as they tend to do. I have no problem with that.

“Edmundson wasn’t getting game time at Rangers so it’s better for him to get going and try to restart his career. There’s nothing worse than training all week and not getting a game, it’s a horrible feeling.

“He might go away and want to prove people wrong but he has to know he messed up. He’s still young though, he could become a better player but his Rangers days are over if you ask me.

“I can see him leaving soon with minimal fuss now.”

The 23-year-old has made just 17 appearances for Rangers since joining from Oldham in the summer of 2019, in which he has contributed two goals and one assist.

However, he found himself behind Connor Goldson, Filip Helander and Leon Balogun in the pecking order this season and after breaking some of the Covid restrictions in November, it was no surprise to see him sent out on loan in the winter transfer window, as he joined Wayne Rooney’s Derby County.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-rangers-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Rangers transfer rumours and news!”]

There, he would make 10 appearances in the Championship, averaging a less than impressive 6.62 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which arguably does not bode well for his future at Ibrox.

Football Insider also reported earlier this month that the defender, who was dubbed “easily expendable” by Steven Naismith last year, was attracting interest from a number of sides but their bids have so far been rejected by Rangers.

It seems unlikely that he will be able to win back Gerrard’s trust next season, especially with the addition of Jack Simpson which could see him slip further down the pecking order at Ibrox.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776″]

His performances thus far have done little to suggest that he would be good enough for a side who want to challenge in the Champions League next season, so Gerrard should arguably cash in on him this summer.

And, in other news… Wilson should seal Rangers swoop for “top player” likened to Kante, Gerrard would love him

According to reports, Manchester City are planning a big-money transfer splurge to sign Aston Villa star Jack Grealish.

What’s the story?

Dean Smith’s side have enjoyed a fine Premier League season thus far, but have hit a rocky road in recent weeks with their talisman out injured – they’ve managed just one win in the six league games that he has missed.

Now, The Daily Mail claim that both Grealish and Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Braut Haaland are top of Pep Guardiola’s wish-list for this upcoming summer transfer window, and that the pair are expected to cost in excess of £200m.

The report adds that “interest in Grealish, 25, has accelerated over the past few weeks and there is hope a deal can be struck with Aston Villa despite his club’s wealthy owners meaning they have no imperative to sell their skipper.”

Dean Smith will be worried

Grealish being linked with a summer exit? It’s familiar territory for anyone who’s been following Villa over the past few seasons, with the England international being touted with moves to the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United.

But City’s emergence onto the scene is truly a different kettle of fish given the seemingly bottomless sum of money they possess with their mega-rich owners, while the side’s involvement in the Champions League and competing for Premier League titles will also no doubt be a sway for Grealish.

Dubbed “phenomenal” by former Villa man Kieran Richardson, the 5 foot 10 Grealish faces a pivotal summer decision in his future – stay at his boyhood club and help them continue to climb the table and reach new heights, or make the move to a title-chasing team financially backed for success?

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-aston-villa-transfer-rumours-and-news-copy-copy” title=”Latest Aston Villa transfer rumours and news”]

Reports of City being intent on signing Grealish this summer, even at a truly eye-watering price, will surely have Smith worried about finally losing his main man.

Meanwhile, Villa could strike gold by signing this Championship sensation…

Southampton have been linked with Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard recently and he could prove to be the ideal heir to Danny Ings in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side should he arrive at St Mary’s this summer.

Whilst the Austrian manager has reaffirmed on a number of occasions that Ings won’t be sold this summer, it is also looking unlikely that he will commit to a new deal at St Mary’s, so we could see him depart on a free transfer next summer when his current deal expires.

Southampton were recently linked with a move for Edouard, with The Sun claiming that the Saints have joined the race to sign the Frenchman, who has been prolific during his time with the Hoops but is reportedly looking for a new challenge this summer.

The former PSG man’s contract at Celtic Park is, similarly to Ings, set to expire at the end of the next season, so a summer exit certainly looks to be on the cards for the 23-year-old, as you would suspect that Celtic won’t want to lose him on a free transfer.

During his time with the Scottish side, Edouard has made 168 appearances, contributing an impressive 83 goals and 37 assists in all competitions.

Despite Celtic’s struggles this season, the young striker has still been a consistent performer, contributing 16 goals and three assists in 26 Premiership appearances, which has helped him average a superb 7.31 rating from WhoScored.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-southampton-news%2c-transfer-rumours-and-more” title=“Latest Southampton news, transfer rumours and more!“]

He has 22 goals in all competitions this season, so he clearly knows where the back of the net is, and his consistent record in Scotland certainly suggests that he could do a job in Hasenhuttl’s side in the future, perhaps filling the shoes of Ings, who will undoubtedly prove to be difficult to replace when he eventually does leave St Mary’s.

Earlier in the season, before his sacking, Neil Lennon was full of praise for the Frenchman, saying:

“He’s scored goals in cup finals, he’s scored goals in big games from the penalty spot and he took it brilliantly today. He looked far more like himself today and I thought he was magnificent. He’s a joy to watch at times, so he’s had a good day as well.”

If the 23-year-old does arrive at St Mary’s this summer, then he could be a fixture in Southampton’s side for many years to come, and could definitely prove to be the ideal man to replace Ings if he can replicate his goalscoring form from Scotland in the Premier League.

And, in other news… Semmens should seal Southampton swoop for 29-goal “phenomenon” 

Tottenham Hotspur are still searching for Jose Mourinho’s successor and Paul Stewart, who spent four years at Spurs, has exclusively told Football FanCast, that Daniel Levy sacked the Portuguese manager to avoid a significantly bigger payout.

Spurs made the surprising decision to sack Mourinho just days before their Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, which they ended up losing 1-0 and managing just one shot on target.

In an astonishing turn of events, Graham Roberts exclusively told FFC that Mourinho played a big part in getting Mauricio Pochettino sacked as he told Levy that he could get more out of the players than Pochettino could.

Mourinho only managed 17 months at Tottenham but has since been appointed as Roma’s new manager for the 2021/22 season and Stewart spoke exclusively to FFC about why he was sacked:

“We’ve probably taken a step backwards over the last couple of years and I don’t know why they hired Jose just to fire him a week before a cup final.

“It seemed ludicrous, but from what I was told it was because of money and how much they would have had to pay him if he had got Spurs into the top four or won a trophy.”

Ryan Mason was handed the task of getting Tottenham into some European competition for next season and they appear to at least be on course for a Europe League or Europa Conference League spot.

There have been reports suggesting that Graham Potter could be the front runner for the job following Steve Hitchen recommending him to Daniel Levy.

Celtic’s lucrative sales of Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer have been hailed as ‘incredibly good business’ by Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson. 

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper was speaking to Football Insider.

The lowdown

Both Edouard and Ajer had entered the final year of their deals at Celtic Park, meaning that, when January rolled around, they would have been in a position to arrange a free transfer for the summer of 2022.

Celtic agreed to sell Ajer to new Premier League arrivals Brentford back in July, banking an initial £13.5million, a fee which could rise depending on how he performs (via Sky Sports).

Edouard had to wait until the end of the transfer window to seal his move to Crystal Palace, this time for a base figure of £14million. Again, that could eventually climb to £18.5million (also via Sky Sports), albeit with some of that profit going to PSG.

According to Transfermarkt, Edouard’s sale is the third-biggest in Celtic’s history, with Ajer slotting into fourth on the all-time list.

The latest

Robinson says Celtic have pulled off a ‘very difficult’ feat, overcoming what looked like a weak negotiating position, but the focus must now turn to how CEO Dominic McKay will use those funds.

“That is incredibly good business considering they both only had 12 months left on their contract,” he said.

“When players of that quality get down to that stage of their contract it is very difficult to keep them and in a lot of cases they will leave for free a year later.

“You just hope some of that money gets reinvested into the squad in the January window.”

The verdict

The extent to which this really good business also depends on how Celtic’s replacements fare.

Georgios Giakoumakis looks to be some coup, having netted a league-high 26 goals for a relegated VVV-Venlo side in the Eredivisie.

But can the same be said for £4.5million centre-back Carl Starfelt? Yes, it’s early days, but as Alan Hutton notes, he’s had ‘a difficult time’ so far.

While Robinson’s praise for McKay’s ‘incredibly good’ negotiating power is certainly correct, only time will tell how effective this summer’s rebuild has really been.

In other news, Alan Hutton offers his reaction to another outgoing.