All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic finally got off the mark in their UEFA Europa League group on Tuesday afternoon thanks to a 2-0 win at home to Ferencvaros.

Kyogo Furuhashi, long odds with LV BET for first goalscorer, opened the scoring for the hosts just short of the hour mark, before an own goal late on sealed all three points for Ange Postecoglou’s team at Parkhead. However, not all of the Hoops thrived, as The Transfer Tavern dives into the three worst-rated players by statistical specialists Sofascore…

David Turnbull

Turnbull was the third-worst rated Hoops player (6.9) per Sofascore, as players have to had played a minimum of 45 minutes to be taken into account.

The Scotland international failed to record a single shot on target or dribble in the match, and also lost possession of the ball on nine separate occasions.

With little depth in midfield behind the 22 year-old, his place in the XI will likely remain safe for now.

Tom Rogic

Rogic was another midfield player who may have been a bit disappointed by his overall performance, as Sofascore gave him a measly 6.6 rating.

The 28-year-old lost out on five of his duels in total, and also did not manage a shot, while his 78% pass accuracy was the worst out of his outfield teammates.

Rogic also lost possession on no fewer than on 15 different occasions, the third-highest out of any Celts player.

Liel Abada

Abada did not have the most productive of afternoons, and was unsurprisingly ranked as the Bhoys’ worst player with a mere 6.4 overall rating.

The winger lost nine of his duels, the joint-most out of any player to have set foot on the pitch, and also did not have a shot on target or successful dribble, while his zero key passes or accurate crosses (Sofascore) pretty much sums up his lack of end product.

Abada also lost the ball 13 times, the fourth-most out of his teammates, in what was a frustrating afternoon for the Israeli.

In other news, find out which player Celtic are having doubts over here!

A number of Liverpool supporters are delighted that Naby Keita is back in training ahead of the Champions League clash with Porto.

The Reds are back in Champions League action on Tuesday night, making the trip to Portugal for another important Group B clash.

Jurgen Klopp’s men beat AC Milan 3-2 in a thrilling contest in their opening fixture and this is a great chance to build on that victory.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

There are a number of absentees for the game, however, with midfield duo Harvey Elliott and Thiago both missing on Tuesday.

Someone who is back in the fold however is Keita [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], having missed the Brentford game after picking up an injury away to Norwich City last week.

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Liverpool fans react to Keita news

These Liverpool fans reacted positively to the sight of the Guinean in training on Tuesday, taking to Twitter to provide their thoughts as one supporter called it ‘great news’.

“Great news! Maybe give him 15mins vs Porto at the end then start vs City. Without Thiago, Naby’s skillset is really important to provide control and balance to our midfield.”

Credit: @TaintlessRed

“MIRACLE”

Credit: @DrHarryCover13

“Nice one”

Credit: @_DarraghLFC

“Thank god”

Credit: @Homes19LFC

“Huge boost, need him for City”

Credit: @HendoGoat

“Brilliant news”

Credit: @6timesladd

In other news, some Liverpool fans love a transfer rumour that has emerged. Read more here.

Preston North End feared that Celtic may have made a late swoop for midfielder Ali McCann on deadline day, according to The Sun (05.09.21, pg. 62), as cited by The 72.

The Lowdown: McCann on the move

Celtic were extremely busy in the final hours of the transfer window, bringing in Cameron Carter-Vickers from Tottenham with minutes remaining prior to the deadline along with sealing a late move for Georgios Giakoumakis.

McCann was also on the move, completing a switch from St Johnstone to English Championship side Preston with just five seconds to spare before the transfer deadline. The Hoops were linked with a move for him late in the window, but a £3m asking price appeared to put them off.

The 21-year-old actually cost just £1.2m, and it seems as if the Hoops may have tried their luck with a late swoop.

The Latest: Preston’s fear

According to The Sun (05.09.21, pg. 62), as cited by The 72, Preston were fearing a late hijack from the Hoops in the hunt for McCann.

Celtic had an extra hour until the Scottish window slammed shut, and if the Deepdale club didn’t get a deal over the line, they were worried that the Hoops could have acted after the English deadline.

The Verdict: Missed a trick

Transferred for just £1.2m, Celtic may live to regret not making their move for McCann this summer.

They have enjoyed success in bringing a young Scottish midfielder to Celtic Park from a fellow Scottish side in David Turnbull from Motherwell, so McCann could have been the next one to follow suit.

Dominic McKay brought in James McCarthy over the summer, while Liam Shaw penned pre-contract terms earlier in the year, but Celtic could be short in the middle following the departures of Scott Brown, Olivier Ntcham and Ryan Christie.

Hopefully it isn’t a repeat of the John McGinn saga back in 2018.

In other news: ‘Seriously?’ – Lots of Celtic fans react to Ryan Christie’s social media post

One of the key Watford transfer sagas of the summer looks to be finally over, with reports suggesting that Will Hughes will join Crystal Palace in the coming days.

What’s the word?

Despite playing a key role in Watford’s promotion from the Championship last season, the Hornets were unable to agree to a new contract with the former Derby County man, which meant that an exit from Vicarage Road was always likely to be on the cards.

The Athletic suggested last month that Watford offered the 26-year-old a new five-year contract with the club but that it was rejected, and a decision was made to relegate him to the U23s as a result.

He failed to feature in any of Watford’s pre-season fixtures and has been absent for both of their Premier League games thus far, whilst the club have worked quickly to bring in replacements for the Englishman, with Imran Louza, Peter Etebo and Juraj Kucka all joining the club as midfield options this summer.

However, it now seems as if he has agreed a move away from Vicarage Road, with journalist Alan Nixon claiming that Palace are set to sign him in a £10m deal.

Is losing Hughes a blow for Watford?

Considering Hughes’ excellent performances last season, Watford fans will no doubt be disappointed that he won’t remain a Hornets player this season, especially as he is joining potential relegation battling rivals in Crystal Palace.

Last season saw the £6.3m-rated midfielder make 30 appearances in the second tier, in which he contributed two goals and averaged an impressive 6.85 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Although Etebo and Kucka both impressed on their debuts against Aston Villa in the opening fixture, the latter has picked up an injury, and Watford could seriously miss Hughes’ calmness on the ball in the top-flight this season, as evidenced by the second goal they conceded at Brighton last time out.

However, it is good news that the transfer saga looks to be finally over, as it will allow Xisco Munoz to move on from this and potentially put the funds received towards a new signing of his own.

And, in other news… 100% duels lost: £4.05m-rated Watford dud let Xisco down vs Brighton

Manchester United could be set for a significant boost after an update was provided on Paul Pogba’s future at the club.

What’s the story?

The star midfielder has entered the final year of his contract at United and is yet to commit his future to the 20-time English champions, leading to speculation that he could depart over the coming months.

Now though, The Athletic’s Andy Mitten has revealed that the Old Trafford outfit’s hierarchy have tabled a significant offer to Pogba in an attempt to keep him in the red half of Manchester.

Mitten’s report states that: “United have made a Pogba a very good offer to stay at Old Trafford, which will make him one of the world’s best-paid footballers and the second-highest earner at the club on close to £400,000 per week.”

It goes on to claim that the France international is “open to re-signing”, although he’s understandably taking his time over what is a huge decision at a crucial stage in his career.

Fans should be excited

French giants Paris Saint-Germain were heavily linked with the 28-year-old in the previous window before their shock move for Lionel Messi meant Pogba’s arrival was no longer a financial possibility.

It’s believed that the Ligue 1 outfit, Juventus and Real Madrid are still interested in the creative talent’s signature, and he recently addressed a potential move back to Turin during the international break.

“I always speak to my former Juventus teammates, like Paulo (Dybala),” said Pogba, who was then asked about what lies ahead for him. “I’m in Manchester, I’ve still got a contract there for a year, and then we’ll see.”

But United fans will be encouraged and excited by Mitten’s latest revelation regardless of the player’s latest comments. Pogba and his controversial agent have often flirted with the possibility of seeking pastures new in the past only to stay put on English shores and carry on regardless.

And a large section of the fanbase will be hoping this ongoing saga ends in a similar fashion, given the importance of the 6 foot 2 dynamo to Ole Gunnar Solsjaer’s charges.

Since the beginning of 2020/21, Pogba has bagged six goals and an impressive 18 assists in his 51 appearances for the Red Devils, illustrating his truly world-class form of late.

Only time will tell whether the World Cup winner puts pen to paper on fresh terms at United, but the signs are certainly promising at this moment in time.

And, in other news…Imagine him & Pogba: Murtough must seal MUFC move for £27m-rated “complete midfielder” 

Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for a new striker, and that’s not just because Harry Kane’s future is up in the air.

It’s thought that Lilywhites boss Nuno Santo is keen to deploy a system which utilises a two-man attack and has been seeking a proven Premier League forward to make that happen.

The Telegraph reported in early July that Danny Ings was a ‘top target’ but he has subsequently joined top-flight rivals Aston Villa, for whom he scored on the opening day at the weekend.

Another name who has appeared on Fabio Paratici’s radar is Leeds United talisman Patrick Bamford.

However, a Kane-Bamford frontline is a little one-dimensional. Aside from the obvious difference in quality – one starts for England, the other doesn’t even make the squad – they are rather similar in playing style, so that fails to make much sense at all.

If the Italian supremo wants to add a fresh alternative to Nuno’s attack, then perhaps his attention should turn to mooted long-time Spurs target Wilfried Zaha, who has been linked to the club for the umpteenth time this week.

Eurosport journalist Dean Jones revealed to ‘The Football Terrace’ podcast that the north Londoners were considering a move for the long-serving Crystal Palace attacker before the end of the month.

He said:

“I’ve heard Ismaila Sarr at Watford. I’ve heard Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace. Both players that Tottenham are looking at. It hasn’t gone very far yet and maybe they won’t progress with that interest but the fact that those names are being put forward, they’re a different type of forward. I guess it shows that there are various ideas that Nuno is working on right now and that Tottenham are trying to be versatile and flexible in their thinking.”

Spurs’ interest in Zaha dates back to at least 2016, when then-manager Mauricio Pochettino was said to be a huge admirer of the Ivory Coast international.

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It’s believed that the Argentine saw a £12m bid rejected that summer and subsequently, Eagles chairman Steve Parish issued a hands-off warning before making a major claim about the former Spurs boss’ thoughts.

“We’ve told Spurs that there is really no point bidding for him because he is going nowhere – 100 per cent guaranteed,” he told talkSPORT (via Goal). “It’s not right really that players get their heads turned. I was told that the manager there thinks he’s the next Ronaldo. Well, I’d like to get the next Ronaldo for £12m.”

If Nuno really does require a proven Premier League talent, then Zaha could be the answer.

The versatile 28-year-old can play on both flanks, as well as up top, and has registered just shy of 250 appearances in the Premier League, where he has contributed to 88 goals, even despite a disappointing stint at Manchester United.

Last season saw him hit a career-best 11-goal tally in the top-flight, whilst throughout the course of his career, he has averaged 3.4 dribbles and 1.1 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

That’s a different type of threat to what Nuno currently has at his disposal, that’s for sure.

In terms of ability on the ball, no Spurs player could match Zaha’s numbers. In 2020/21, only one player averaged better than 1.5 dribbles per game and that was Tanguy Ndombele (2.2), who was still some way off the bar set by the Eagles dynamo.

It’s no wonder ex-Palace boss Roy Hodgson once lauded his star man as a “game-changer” for his side, whilst he has reiterated his desire to join a bigger club this very window, having seen moves to Everton and Arsenal collapse in recent times.

Zaha is expected to command a fee of around £40m, according to The Athletic’s Matt Woosnam, so it’s certainly a considerable investment to make but it is lower than Fiorentina’s asking price to another one of Spurs’ mooted targets Dusan Vlahovic, who could cost around €70m (£60m).

It would be a surprise, but Paratici should look to convince chairman Daniel Levy to fork out the funds for Zaha before August 31st, as he would add a new dimension to Spurs’ attack.

He and Kane would be a very intriguing frontline under Nuno.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Spurs transfer claim…

According to Sky Sports, a fresh transfer claim has come to light involving Newcastle United and Odion Ighalo.

The Lowdown: Newcastle set for January moves?

Ahead of what looks likely to be a long and arduous relegation battle for Eddie Howe’s side, the Magpies and their new owners PIF have been linked with a plethora of January swoops to boost their chances of Premier League survival.

The likes of Ousmane Dembele and Kieran Trippier have been mentioned in recent weeks, with the Magpies aiming to maintain their top-flight status and kickstart a new era on Tyneside.

It appears that some players are even keen to be a part of Newcastle’s new age as Sky Sports now share news on former Manchester United marksman Ighalo.

The Latest: Sky make Ighalo claim…

According to their information, the 36-cap Nigeria international has now been asked by his current club Al Shabab whether he would agree to join Newcastle and Howe should they make a move for him.

Ighalo’s response was apparently that he would seriously consider a move to St James’ Park should the Magpies and PIF come knocking.

The Verdict: Should they swoop?

Once called ‘superb’ by Geordie legend and all-time Premier League top scorer Alan Shearer (via African Football), the 32-year-old has previously turned it on for his former club Watford. Indeed, Ighalo bagged 16 goals and five assists in 27 Premier League appearances for the Hornets over 2015/16, but that was his last great season at an elite level.

Prolific campaigns have followed in both the Chinese Super League and Saudi Professional League but this arguably isn’t enough to prove that he could come in and seriously bolster Howe’s chances of Premier League survival.

It remains to be seen whether Newcastle do make contact, but it’s arguable that Ighalo’s signing wouldn’t pull up any trees.

In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ ace NUFC are now ‘most likely’ to sign here!

Leeds United are keen on signing RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Previous interest

The Whites were linked with a move for Gvardiol following promotion back to the Premier League. However, the 20-year-old, who journalist Izak Ante Sucic told BBC Sport is “built like a tank”, snubbed a move to Elland Road to sign for RB Leipzig.

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Gvardiol made 18 appearances under Jesse Marsch at Leipzig, and with the American now in charge at Elland Road, it looks as if the Croatia international is wanted once again in Yorkshire.

The Latest: Source reveal

FI shared a story on Thursday morning regarding Leeds and Gvardiol after being informed by a Whites source.

They claimed that Leeds are stepping up their interest in the defender and Victor Orta has had scouts watching him at recent matches ahead of a potential summer move.

The Verdict: Club-record deal?

The report adds that Leipzig now value Gvardiol at £27m, so it looks as if Leeds will need to hit their club record to sign the centre-back this summer, matching or eclipsing the £27m they spent on Rodrigo.

A defensive overhaul is in the pipeline over the coming months, with Robin Koch a player who could be set to leave the club ahead of Marsch’s first full season in charge.

Gvardiol may well be the man to arrive as a marquee signing, so a move could once again be one to watch closely.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals big transfer blow for Leeds as key 21 y/o target now set to move elsewhere

A number of Wolves supporters have been enjoying footage of a wonderful pinpoint Jose Sa kick in the weekend victory against West Ham.

Wanderers enjoyed another productive day at the office on Saturday, winning 1-0 against the high-flying Hammers at Molineux. Raul Jimenez’s goal proved to be the difference between the two teams and it left Wolves sixth in the table, only four points adrift of David Moyes’ charges.

Sa enjoyed another good performance as he kept a clean sheet, his third of the season, and continued to show why he was such a strong summer signing from Olympiakos, having conceded just 12 goals in as many games so far.

On Monday, Wolves’ official Twitter account shared footage of the Portuguese spraying an inch-perfect long ball straight to Daniel Podence, starting a counterattack for his team in the process. It was one of five accurate long passes from the ‘keeper on Saturday, the joint-second highest figure among Lage’s team (SofaScore).

Wolves fans laud Sa’s brilliance

These Wanderers fans took to Twitter to show their appreciation for Sa’s moment of “unreal” quality.

“His distribution is superb”

Credit: @SteveHermon

“What a keeper this guy is, the best we’ve had in a while”

Credit: @Pembswolf

“Jose Sa has created more chances than most outfield players”

Credit: @Elcapitann_

“Wow”

Credit: @wwfcglover

“I fully hold my hands up. This guy is such an upgrade on Patricio it’s unreal!”

Credit: @robbowwfc

“Absolutely love it”

Credit: @SteC9911

In other news, a Wolves target has hinted at a move to the Premier League. Find out who it is here.

Aston Villa fan feed Villa Report has shared an image of new signing Philippe Coutinho seemingly on his way to Birmingham. 

The screenshot, taken from the Instagram story of the 29-year-old’s wife Ainee, shows the player on the flight to England.

Villa announced on Friday that they had agreed a deal with Barcelona to take the Brazil international on loan until the end of the season. In the summer, they will then have an option, rather than an obligation, to buy him for a fee of £33m.

The excitement around Coutinho

This will be Coutinho’s second spell in English football after his earlier stint at Liverpool. The Brazilian scored 54 goals and provided 45 assists in 201 appearances across five years at Anfield.

His last loan move, which took him to Bundesliga outfit Bayern Munich in 2019/20, saw him win the Champions League.

Furthermore, Coutinho has previously been named in the PFA Team of the Year, the World Cup Fan Dream Team and the Europa League Squad of the Season, while Barcelona spent a cool £142m to bring him to La Liga four years ago, so that illustrates the stature of player that Villa are getting.

Here’s how some fans reacted to the image of the 29-year-old making his way back to England.

These Villa fans erupt as Coutinho jets in

“Yes boy!!”

Credit: @jim_cushe

“Omg he’s nearly here”

Credit: @mikedrover

“BIG CLUB / INCOMING”

Credit: @thevillan57

“I’m at the airport mate”

Credit: @myles_morris

“cannot comprehend this is really happening”

Credit: @abihttps

“#UTV Such an exciting player, can’t wait to see him wear claret and blue”

Credit: @vitalvilla

In other news, Villa are in advanced talks over this potential deal