All posts by z3u9t.icu

Last summer, Manchester United signed Brazilian midfielder Casemiro from Real Madrid in what was a massive statement of intent from new boss Erik ten Hag.

This was a player who had just won La Liga and the Champions League in the same season and was arguably one of Madrid’s integral players, therefore, bringing him to Manchester was seen as an excellent move and one that would pay dividends.

A fee of £70m certainly raised a few eyebrows at the time as he was the second most expensive player over 30 in history, behind his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, however, he has been worth every penny.

The midfielder helped United win their first trophy in six years by securing the League Cup, while he ranked as the second-best player in the squad for overall rating in the league while also ranking second for big chances created and first for tackles made, suggesting he has made a positive influence in the Old Trafford side.

Could Ten Hag repeat this masterclass during the summer transfer window? As the Red Devils are reportedly keen on making a move for midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, and they are prepared to offer up to €150m (£129m) in order to make a move happen.

Could Manchester United sign Eduardo Camavinga this summer?

Never say never, especially with the way the club lured Casemiro to England last year, however, Ten Hag may decide to use these funds for a striker or two.

The youngster is an exciting prospect and has enjoyed success at the Spanish side since joining from Rennes in 2021, winning the Champions League and La Liga title in 2021/2022, alongside Casemiro.

He doesn’t offer much in terms of goal contributions, yet his passing and defensive abilities are among the finest on the continent.

Across the big five European leagues, the Frenchman ranks in the top 3% for pass completion rate (89.8%), top 3% for tackles won per 90 (2.14), top 8% for percentage of aerials won (64.1%) and in the top 3% for carries into the final third per 90 (3.06), showcasing his wonderful talent in the heart of the midfield to not only help out defensively, but to also make accurate passes and carry the ball into the final third often.

It's no wonder he was dubbed “special” by Sky Sports reporter Nubaid Haroon just last year and if Ten Hag could somehow pull a move off for the Madrid sensation, he would be repeating his Casemiro masterclass, that’s for sure.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in a summer move for Bayer Leverkusen defender, Edmond Tapsoba, albeit with chairman Daniel Levy set to face competition in the battle for the Burkina Faso international.

What's the latest on Tapsoba to Tottenham?

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Lilywhites – as well as rivals, Arsenal – are said to be among the clubs who have been keeping a close eye on the 24-year-old of late.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider stated: "Premier League clubs are now tracking Edmond Tapsoba ahead of the summer transfer window — he’s one of the CBs to keep an eye on. Arsenal and Tottenham scouts have monitored Tapsoba in recent games but the race is absolutely open — Bayer will only sell for huge bid."

While the coveted centre-back has a market value of around £26m – as per CIES Football Observatory – as Romano alluded to it could take a 'huge bid' for Spurs to be able to pull off a deal, with the player having reportedly been valued at around €70m (£60m) back in 2021, amid interest from the Gunners.

What's Tapsoba's style of play?

It will be of intrigue to Spurs supporters that the 6 foot 4 ace is said to share a number of stylistic and statistical similarities with current first-team asset, Cristian Romero, according to FBref, amid his displays in the Bundesliga.

That likeness is showcased by the two men's defensive ability, with Tapsoba having recorded 50 tackles, 38 blocks and 36 interceptions in 32 league games this season, while the current Tottenham man has enjoyed a similar record, having racked up 68 tackles, 38 blocks and 44 interceptions from his 27 league appearances.

That comparison may be of some concern to those at N17, however, with Romero having endured an underwhelming campaign at the heart of the backline, forming part of a defence that has shipped 62 goals in the league this season – the sixth-worst record in the division.

The World Cup-winning warrior has been described as a "liability" by pundit Jamie O'Hara since making his return from Qatar back in December, while journalist Sam Dean dubbed the 25-year-old as like a "reckless teenager" amid his errant displays.

To think that the club may bring in Romero 2.0 in the form of Tapsoba would be of concern, although the Leverkusen man does possess his own quality, having been described as "complete" and "elegant" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, while ranking in at least the top 7% among his European peers for both progressive passes and progressive carries.

Even so, Spurs may be wary of bringing in a Romero-esque talent into the heart of the defence, such have been the £165k-per-week man's recent woes.

Newcastle United have cemented the foundation of a lasting dynasty under the tutelage of Eddie Howe this season, and could now complete a league-shattering signing by pulling off a deal for Real Madrid phenom Vinicius Junior.

According to Spanish sources, Newcastle are joined by Liverpool and Manchester United in their interest in the Brazilian whiz, who would possibly command a fee as tall as €200m (£174m) to prise him away from Los Blancos' clutches.

The 22-year-old is one of football's hottest commodities and has been integral in Madrid's illustrious success over the past several seasons, and procuring his signature could be the perfect way for Newcastle to stamp their authority after a tremendous campaign that will see them return to the Champions League next term.

Indeed, the Magpies have qualified for the competition for the first time in two decades, and following the PIF takeover in October 2021, now boast an opulence to give St James' Park a palatial feel, one that could entice someone of Vinicius Junior's ilk into joining.

How good is Vinicius Jr.?

When Real Madrid signed 16-year-old forward Vinicius Junior from Brazilian outfit Flamengo for £38m in 2018, several eyebrows arched skyward after such a heavy sum was spent on a player still within their formative years.

However, the 21-cap menace has now forged 224 appearances for the Spanish giants, winning the Champions League, two La Liga titles and the Copa del Rey.

This season, Vinicius has scored 23 goals and supplied 21 assists from 54 appearances, confirming his stature as a "top player" and the "catalyst" for his outfit, as lauded by Daniel Sturridge.

The threat that the £348k-per-week gem would cultivate on Tyneside is a terrifying prospect for the rest of the Premier League, with the flanker ranking among the top 8% of positional peers over the past year for non-penalty goals, the top 8% for assists, the top 1% for progressive carries and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, also demonstrating his driving prowess by ranking among the top 1% for touches in the attacking box per 90, as per FBref.

He would, quite candidly, be the ultimate upgrade on Magpies wide-man Allan Saint-Maximin, whose future on Tyneside yields a more tenuous link by the week as the forthcoming transfer market opens its stalls.

Saint-Maximin is a fleet-footed winger and an enigmatic figure, but has scored only once from 30 appearances this season, starting just 11 times in the Premier League.

It goes without saying that Vinicius Junior would bring a somewhat more direct threat than his French counterpart, concurrently enriching the Toon ranks with his guile and aura as a superlative force.

His signing would embody the shifting of the wind, the changing of direction and the navigation toward prominence and silverware – securing Newcastle's ascension to the forefront of the global game.

Glasgow Rangers could see a mass exodus of players this summer as Michael Beale looks to move out some deadwood, while the likes of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos will depart once their contracts expire at the end of the season.

Beale will be looking to raise some precious funds for future transfers as he aims to assert his own authority on the team and this could mean players who have been at the Light Blues the previous few years will be moved on.

Kemar Roofe should certainly be one who can raise a decent sum by being sold, with the £26k-per-week forward only having one year left on his current deal, yet he has made only six appearances this term due to injury.

Indeed, across his three seasons with the club, he has missed more games than he has actually played and despite his overall scoring record being solid enough (36 goals in 78 matches), it’s time both parties moved on.

Who could replace him, however? American striker Haji Wright may just be the perfect solution.

Could Rangers sign Haji Wright this summer?

The Ibrox side have been linked with the Antalyaspor striker recently, even having a reported bid of £7m rejected, with the Turkish side valuing him at around €10m (£8.8m) – a potential obstacle for any deal.

The 25-year-old has been in wonderful form this term however, scoring 15 goals across just 26 league starts while ranking fourth in the squad for overall Sofascore rating (7/10), sixth for big chances created (four), fourth for successful dribbles per game (one) and first for shots per game (2.8), clearly proving his importance to the side.

Is it any wonder then, that he has been described as a “dangerous striker” by former Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt and not only does he have plenty of experience at club level, but he has been a regular fixture in the USA national side, even representing his country at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

He played a part in all four matches and managed 1.5 shots per game, despite averaging only 34 minutes of game time each match, proving his enthusiasm for scoring as often as possible, despite little chance to impress.

The American did score a bizarre goal against the Netherlands in their last 16 defeat, but the experience gained on the biggest stage will stand him in great stead heading into the future.

Beale could certainly get goals out of Wright next season if utilising him in the correct manner, and it would be the perfect licence to move on Roofe in the process.

While sealing a deal may prove expensive, the 6 foot 3 gem certainly warrants a closer look for those at Ibrox.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has offered an exciting update regarding Aston Villa’s interest in Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder, Yves Bissouma.

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider has claimed that Steven Gerrard and co will be in for the Mali international again this summer, having seen a bid rejected for the 25-year-old back in January.

Having already brought in Boubacar Kamara this summer on a free transfer, O’Rourke revealed that Villa could look to bolster their midfield ranks even further: “We all know Villa have held a long-term interest in Yves Bissouma. They tried to sign him in January, but Brighton managed to hold on to him. I would expect Villa to be considering a move again for him in the summer transfer window.

“If they were to get him and Kamara in the same window, I think we’d definitely see an improvement in that Villa midfield in general.”

This follows a report from 90min last week that stated that the Midlands side were keen on rekindling their interest, with a bid of around £30m seemingly on the cards for a player who is out of contract next summer.

Imagine him and Kamara

With Kamara’s arrival already confirmed, NSWE are seemingly set on a total revamp of the club’s midfield, with Bissouma’s potential capture only set to add increased quality in the centre of the park alongside the promising Frenchman.

Having made the move to the Amex from Lille in 2018, the Seagulls star has been an integral asset to manager Graham Potter, emerging as one of the most coveted midfield players in the Premier League following his impressive displays in recent seasons.

A “Champions League level” player, in the words of his manager, the £31.5m-rated gem has the ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch, while also driving his side forward with an unerring calmness in possession.

Capable of a spectacular strike from distance, the £29k-per-week powerhouse is perhaps most widely-regarded for his defensive ability, notably averaging a remarkable 2.9 tackles, 1.9 interceptions and 1.8 clearances in his 26 league outings in the 2021/22 campaign.

Not only an imposing midfield presence, however, the 18-cap maestro also possesses a silky quality with the ball at his feet, ranking in the top 10% for dribbles completed and the top 9% for pass completion among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues.

With Kamara in tow – who also ranks in the top 4% for pass completion and the top 3% for attempted passes – Villa would have a midfield duo capable of keeping the ball out of the reach of the opposition, but a partnership that also has the defensive instinct to win back possession if needed.

That combination would no doubt be the envy of clubs far higher in the league table, with – as O’Rourke suggested – Gerrard’s men set to enjoy a rapid improvement if the pair are unleashed at the start of next term.

The signing of the 22-year-old Marseille man is already in the bag, it now requires Villa to make their interest concrete in Brighton’s “phenomenal” star – as dubbed by pundit Lee Hendrie.

A Kamara-Bissouma midfield axis is simply a mouthwatering prospect.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Alexander Isak is among the strikers being considered by Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the summer transfer window…

What’s the word?

That’s according to football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, who claims that the Real Sociedad forward is one of several potential targets on sporting director Fabio Paratici’s wishlist.

The likes of Darwin Nunez, Gabriel Jesus, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Victor Osimhen and Lautaro Martinez are all also mentioned in the report.

It remains to be seen if the Sweden international is even attainable as the LaLiga outfit may not want to sell him, whilst Transfermarkt currently values him at £36m.

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Conte’s next Martinez

Spurs’ plans to bolster Antonio Conte’s playing squad should come as little surprise as the club have lacked a solid alternative to Harry Kane for several seasons now.

It’s believed that they would like to find a viable backup, if not someone who could feature alongside him in the starting lineup or out wide, which would suggest that the Italian could alter his formation in 2022/23.

He had great success at Inter Milan with such tactics, deploying Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez as a partnership, where the duo bagged 41 goals between them on their way to the club’s first Scudetto in 11 years.

Over at Hotspur Way, Conte already has a Lukaku-type predator in Kane, although he can offer a lot more, especially with his passing range and tendency to drop deeper, so Isak could fit the Martinez role as someone a bit shorter in stature but one that brings pace to burn.

The 22-year-old has bagged ten goals across 40 appearances this season, some seven short of his tally last term, via Transfermarkt. In between, he impressed at Euro 2020, particularly catching the eye of Rio Ferdinand.

“This kid, Isak, he was a problem today for the defenders in the Spain team,” the former Manchester United defender said during BBC’s coverage of Sweden vs Spain (via football.london). “He was a nuisance. He showed today why he’s got Young Player of the Year in La Liga. He was the outlet.”

Fellow pundit Gary Lineker also lauded him as an “exceptional talent” during last summer’s tournament, where Sweden reached the round of 16.

In Isak, Paratici could well hand Conte his next Martinez. He and Kane would be an incredible duo to strike fear into Premier League, and potentially Champions League, defences next season.

AND in other news, Bid made: Paratici in talks for “underrated” £51m signing, he’d be “unreal” for Spurs…

Rangers could be set to receive a substantial fee should they decide to sell midfielder Glen Kamara this summer, according to former Scotland defender Alan Hutton.

The lowdown: Agreement in place

This comes following an initial report from Football Insider claiming that the Ibrox club are ‘willing to listen to offers’ for Kamara during the upcoming transfer window.

It was claimed that ‘sources’ close to the Teddy Bears have confirmed that there is an ‘agreement’ between the club and the 26-year-old that a move will materialise at a certain price after Aston Villa were previously linked when Steven Gerrard took the Premier League job.

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Now, as the end of the season fast approaches, one heavily connected Gers man has had his say…

The latest: Hutton makes ‘huge’ claim

Speaking to Football Insider, regular Rangers TV pundit Hutton has outlined what it would take to prize Kamara away this summer, calling his initial move to Ibrox ‘laughable’.

The 37-year-old said: “As important to the club as he is, I think it has to be £10million, round about that. Some people might think that’s huge, but in terms of what it gives to the team and what it has done, he’s pivotal to what Rangers do.

“He has had times where he’s been a little bit up and down and started from the bench. But every time he comes on he proves his worth to the team. I think £10million is a good number, in my opinion. Especially in today’s market, if you look Nathan Patterson going for £16million. I know there’s a lot of potential there but we’re talking about a ready-made midfielder.

“He’s played at a high level already and Rangers did excellently well to get him for £50,000. An absolute steal, it’s laughable to see what he’s turned into. He’s only going to get better, he’s still a good age so definitely around that mark.”

The verdict: Big decision looms

Having missed out on an automatic place in next season’s UEFA Champions League group stages, the Light Blues hierarchy may look to make up some of the financial shortfalls with major player sales such as Kamara.

However, having scored four times and provided five assists in 51 appearances this season, featuring in 78 minutes per Scottish Premiership game on average (Sofascore), the Finland international remains just so integral to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side and therefore should only be sold at the very top of his valuation.

Under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), there is certainly no rush to cash in on the 42-cap ace and as such Rangers can afford to hold out for at least Hutton’s mooted £10million asking price.

In other news, find out what ‘massive blow’ Rangers have now been dealt here!

Former Celtic striker Charlie Nicholas has pleaded with the club to tie manager Ange Postecoglou down to a new deal, claiming the club must already be plotting or even in behind-scenes ‘negotiations’.

The Lowdown: Ange excels in first year

The Australian replaced Neil Lennon in the Parkhead hot seat last year, looking to improve fortunes on the pitch after a disappointing period.

Postecoglou has done just that, inspiring Celtic to within touching distance of regaining the Scottish Premiership title, needing just one more point to achieve that goal.

Not only that but the Hoops have already sealed Scottish League Cup glory, too, further outlining the job he is doing.

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The Latest: Nicholas wants new deal sorted

Postecoglou only signed a one-year deal at Parkhead, however, and speaking to The Scottish Daily Express, Nicholas, 60, claimed the club must surely already be engaged in or plotting behind-scenes talks:

“Forget about all the transfers because Celtic’s No. 1 priority in the coming weeks should be rewarding Ange Postecoglou with a new contract. I would be absolutely amazed if talks haven’t already started.

“Celtic would be absolutely crazy if they haven’t opened negotiations or even scheduled them for the coming weeks. Ange deserves to be rewarded for what he has done.

“Let’s get him tied up because he is at the heart of everything good that Celtic are doing and have done. They kept topping up Brendan Rodgers’ deal and look at the compensation they got for him when Leicester City came in.

“I don’t think Ange will be pushing for a new deal but it would be a reward for the remarkable job he has done at Celtic…so far. His reputation is growing and there is no doubt other big clubs will be looking at him.

“So Dermot (Desmond) show a bit of loyalty and reward Ange, please. He should be the top priority at the club.”

The Verdict: No-brainer for Celtic

It would be devastating to see Postecoglou suddenly leave at the end of the season, having not agreed terms on a contract and found a new club instead.

That seems unlikely, in truth, with the Celtic boss seemingly happy at the club, but supporters won’t rest easy until he has extended his stint with the Hoops.

Postecoglou has made an enormous difference since replacing Lennon, becoming an undoubted fan favourite already, and the club could enjoy a rich period of success under him.

In other news, an exciting Celtic financial update has emerged. Read more here.

Celtic are in action in front of their home fans again this afternoon as Ange Postecoglou’s side take on Hearts in their latest Premiership clash. 

Having dropped two points against their Old Firm rivals last weekend after being a goal up at half-time, the Hoops will want to get back to winning ways this time out. 

In terms of what the starting XI could look like for the home side on this occasion, here’s our prediction for what the 56-year-old may go with. 

Celtic predicted XI – Hart; Ralston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor; Rogic, McGregor, Hatate; Maeda, Giakoumakis, Jota

To kick things off, having played in the majority of Celtic’s league games throughout the campaign, it seems likely that Joe Hart will start in goal to try and add another clean sheet to his tally of 25.

At right-back, with Josip Juranovic still out injured, Anthony Ralston will most likely start once again.

For the two centre-back positions, with 61 combined league appearances between them, we feel that Cameron Carter-Vickers will partner Carl Starfelt once more. Finally, for the left-back role, we think Greg Taylor will also keep his place in the team.

Moving on to the midfield, we predict that Postecoglou will make one change to the trio which started against Rangers last weekend.

Instead of seeing Matt O’Riley start again, we envisage Tom Rogic coming back into the side to freshen up the midfield alongside club captain Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate.

With the composition of the attacking trio, we predict that Jota will keep his place in the XI on the left wing after scoring against the Gers last weekend, with Daizen Maeda on the right.

Finally, at centre-forward, we can see Postecoglou making another big decision by taking Kyogo Furuhashi out of the team and replacing him with Giorgos Giakoumakis.

Even though he has scored 17 goals in 30 appearances for the Bhoys since his £5m move from Vissel Kobe last summer, the Japanese attacker failed to have much of an impact against Rangers last time out. With that in mind, it could be an ideal time for Postecoglou to put Giakoumakis back in the team.

Labelled a “confident” player by Kris Commons, the Greece international could be the one to freshen up Celtic’s attack on this occasion rather than Furuhashi.

In other news: Enquiry made, then joined rivals: Celtic had the last laugh over “huge” 161 G/A dynamo

West Bromwich Albion returned to winning ways as the Baggies secured a 1-0 victory at Reading in the Championship this afternoon thanks to Karlan Grant’s 78th-minute strike.

The Englishman’s effort was his 16th goal of the season and he looks set to finish the campaign as Albion’s top scorer.

It was important to return to winning ways after a draw and a defeat in the Baggies’ last two outings, and the victory also saw Steve Bruce’s men climb up to 10th.

In a game which saw West Brom edge possession with 52% but dominate the shots tally with 14 compared to the Royals’ six, Grant will take the obvious plaudits for his goal. However, Jayson Molumby was excellent for the visitors at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Molumby stole the show for West Brom

The 22-year-old enjoyed a whopping 88 touches in Berkshire whilst also completing 61 passes at an astounding 90% accuracy. Moreover, the Irishman lost possession just nine times all afternoon.

The Brighton loanee also contributed two key passes and won 89% of his duels, in addition to making four tackles, three interceptions and one clearance in an impressively solid outing.

The 22-year-old’s performance was a stark contrast to that of his midfield partner Jake Livermore, who was rated 6.4/10 by SofaScore after having just 49 touches and losing 71% of his duels.

At West Brom, Molumby – who has previously been described as “energetic” by former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr – has seen opportunities come inconsistently, starting just 16 of Albion’s 45 Championship matches this term, with another 14 league appearances coming from the bench.

Molumby had featured twice for Brighton’s under-23s in August before his loan move to the West Midlands, which has seen the young midfielder gain invaluable experience of playing first-team football. However, it could be argued that both the Irishman and the Seagulls would’ve liked to have seen the Baggies offer him more game-time.

Nonetheless, in what has been a slightly chaotic campaign for West Brom with a managerial change and underachievement after targeting promotion back to the Premier League, Molumby should be delighted to get the experience that he has received over the past few months.

What lies ahead for the 22-year-old, who has just one match of his loan spell remaining, is as yet unknown, but the Irish dynamo stole the show against Reading today.

AND in other news: Huge West Brom transfer claim emerges, it’s not good news for the Baggies