All posts by z3u9t.icu

Liverpool are reportedly set to make Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Adama Traore their first signing ahead of the 2021/22 season.

According to reports in Spain, the Reds have agreed a deal with the Midlands outfit in a switch that would see the winger become the second player to switch Molineux for Anfield in as many years, following the transfer of Diogo Jota.

Whilst the Portuguese has been a success story with the reigning Premier League champions, signing Traore would be a huge mistake by Michael Edwards as Liverpool aim to re-establish themselves at the top.

The £31.5m-rated wideman is of course a talented player but his productivity is simply not enough to justify a big-money swoop.

In five seasons of Premier League action, Traore has only managed to accumulate five goals and 14 assists, with the vast majority of those contributions coming in his fantastic 2019/20 campaign.

The five-time Spanish international’s statistics have nose-dived since then though, having only supplied a solitary assist for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men throughout the current season.

When comparing Traore with his former teammate, Jota, during 2020/21, it is the Liverpool man who continues to come out on top.

According to WhoScored, the Portuguese ace produces more shots and passes, whilst getting dispossessed much less frequently.

Considering he would also have competition from the likes of first choices Sadio Mane and Mo Salah, as well as Jota, Xherdan Shaqiri, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and the returning Takumi Minamino for a starting berth out-wide, it is hard to envisage Traore making a significant impact on Merseyside.

Whilst Klopp might be keen to strengthen his options out wide with the “unplayable” Wolves man, Traore does not look like the correct solution.

Should they have agreed to a deal already, as reported, Edwards should do everything he can to back out as quickly as possible.

AND in more news, Liverpool should increase their bid for a Serie A starlet…

Premier League football returns this weekend and Liverpool will be aiming to continue their recent mini-revival as they travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal.

Despite a disastrous defence of their title, the Reds have won their last two games in all competitions, most recently managing to overcome Wolverhampton Wanderers before the international break.

How many changes could Jurgen Klopp be tempted to make for the clash against the Gunners? Let’s take a look.

There could be a couple of changes from the German for the trip to north London following the win at Molineux.

The former Borussia Dortmund schemer is somewhat forced into selecting almost the same defensive line-up due to injuries, so Alisson Becker should be shielded by Andrew Robertson, Ozan Kabak and Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, he could plump for the greater experience of Fabinho as opposed to Nathaniel Phillips at centre-back.

This will mean that there is a distinct gap in midfield alongside Georginio Wijnaldum. The somewhat defensive-minded Naby Keita could be drafted in to fill the void left by Fabinho’s shift in position.

Klopp does have a few headaches further forwards. Roberto Firmino is back in contention having missed the last three Premier League games and is likely to be included from the start. He will be looking to add to the seven goals he has scored this campaign.

However, these leaves a question over Diogo Jota. The Portuguese scored the winner against Wolves last time out and also netted three times over the international break. This could well tempt Klopp to start with a front two, with Sadio Mane and Mo Salah preferred in wide positions.

This would therefore see Thiago Alcantara come out of the starting line-up altogether. Having been substituted in each of his last six Premier League games, the 41-cap midfielder looks to be the most disposable at the current time.

AND in more news, take a look at which centre-back signing would be best for Liverpool this summer…

Carlo Ancelotti must boot Yerry Mina out of Goodison Park amid rumours that Valencia are keen to sign the Everton defender this summer.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, Valencia are plotting a raid on Merseyside for Mina’s services in the off-season as they look to sure up Javi Gracia’s backline.

Mina’s future in royal blue has been thrown into doubt after Ancelotti set his sights on signing a world-class centre-back, feeling that his current options lack the ability to play together.

The Toffees head coach is further noted to have private concerns over Mina’s ability, as he allegedly feels that the 6 ft 4 enforcer is too erratic and error-prone despite liking his physicality.

Mina has often been touted as a potential makeweight in efforts to strengthen Ancelotti’s defence, with claims that the Colombian could be sold for around £20m as Everton have accepted they will have to take a hit on the £27.2m paid to FC Barcelona in 2018.

Valencia may emerge as Mina’s best suitor, as the Mestalla natives are said to be showing a keen interest in taking the 26-year-old back to La Liga, with Gracia’s side set to be without European football next season.

Los Murcielagos currently sit in the bottom half of the Spanish top flight and trail Real Betis for the final Europa League play-off spot by 13 points with nine games to play, ahead of hosting fifth-placed Real Sociedad on Sunday.

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Mina has also been linked with a move to the Serie A and has put Inter Milan and Fiorentina on alert, as a spell in Italy is seen to be an attractive proposition for the 26-cap international who Valencia had chased for £15m last year.

Should Everton let Mina join Valencia?

It remains to be seen what sort of offer Valencia can produce for Mina, but it is unlikely that the La Liga side will be able to improve on their bid from last year as they are in a desperate state of affairs financially and are expected to be selling players on the cheap this summer.

Everton must look to move Mina on in the off-season to help fund Ancelotti’s mission to sign a world-class upgrade at centre-back, so will have to listen to what Los Murcielagos have to offer if interest from Serie A does not materialise first.

Ancelotti’s supposed concerns over Mina being too error-prone will ensure that he does not occupy a key role at Goodison Park next season if a suitor cannot be found, which would not be financially acceptable for Everton.

Mina is the joint top-earner at Goodison Park with Bernard on £120,000-per-week deals, per Spotrac figures, which is far too much to pay for a backup player, especially when Napoli are expected to demand €50m (£43.5m) to sell Ancelotti’s alleged top target Kalidou Koulibaly.

His deal plus the £27.2m paid to Barcelona means that Mina has also currently cost Blues owner Farhad Moshiri £675,000 for each start he has made for Everton, having earned £16.7m in wages over his 139 weeks on Merseyside so far.

Across his Everton career, Mina has started 65 of his 73 appearances in all competitions, in which the Toffees have kept just 16 clean sheets – 13 in the Premier League – equating to £2.7m for each defensive shut out.

Mina’s arrival was a costly outlay for Everton which has not returned the desired rewards, and the funds being flushed away must stop this summer if Ancelotti has designs on signing an upgrade.

AND in other news, Everton have landed a huge boost in the race to sign an 11-goal striker subject to a potential £21.5m bid…

When Christian Marques signed for Wolves for a fraction under £600,000, he became the academy’s most expensive ever acquisition.

This was a player arriving in the Midlands who could quite easily now be plying his trade for one of the biggest clubs on the continent.

A fee had been agreed between Grasshoppers and Benfica in January 2019 before that move fell through. Bayern Munich even enquired about Marques’ services before he penned terms with Wolves.

Evidently rated very highly, the humble teenager has been making waves at Wolves as he’s developed and come through the ranks.

The centre-back was awarded the Academy Player of the Season for 2019/20 and it’s clear to see why. A modern-day sweeper, the 18-year-old has captained Switzerland at youth level and has already skippered both the U18s and U23s at Molineux.

He has never made a senior appearance for the club but it only feels like a matter of time before the youngster becomes an important part of Nuno Santo’s plans.

Marques was in Wolves’ squad for the Premier League Asia Trophy in 2019 while he has trained regularly with the senior side and even been included on the substitute’s bench in the top-flight on three occasions.

The Old Gold have become a club accustomed to developing young talent but very rarely have they found gems from a defensive point of view. In attack, they have plenty of young talent from Fabio Silva and Pedro Neto to Theo Corbeanu and Owen Hesketh.

Though, of every player in the U23s, the keenest of eyes need to be cast towards Marques. He is the real deal and could become the club’s next Conor Coady.

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Like the England international, he is an example for his teammates and can carry the ball out of defence astutely. He is a confident passer and plays in a similar role.

Wolves knew he could eventually replace their club captain just four weeks after scouting him. Graham Clutton, their head of European academy recruitment, reported back in that time frame that the defender was a “no-brainer” for the Coady role.

He was first spotted by Harry Hooman – now Wolves’ head of UK academy recruitment – who described him as “outstanding.”

What sets him apart from the rest is his maturity. Speaking to The Athletic, Wolves’ elite player development coach, Darren Ryan, said: “It’s rare for a youngster coming from another country to show such leadership.

He continued: “That Coady role is so important in a 3-4-3 or a 3-5-2 but like Coady, he’s a leader, he’s driven and has a great mentality.”

Having trained with the senior side on a regular basis, Marques now knows what it takes to become a figurehead in defence.

Despite being just 18 years of age, he looks set for a bright future in the game. Those at Wolves rate him above every other player in the academy and Nuno checks frequently on his progress.

Marques epitomises what Wolves have become; a team who pick up talent at a young age and develop them into Premier League regulars.

The teenager, however, may just be the jewel in the crown of their efforts.

AND in other news, Forget Neto: Wolves should unleash rarely-seen 18 y/o who’s “got a bit of everything”…

Morgan Gibbs-White has long been the darling of Wolves’ academy.

He won the U17 World Cup with England in 2017 and has been making strides year upon year at senior level.

The attacking midfielder has featured in the Premier League and despite an injury-hit campaign this term, joining Swansea on loan last year was key to his development.

However, because of fitness issues, he’s now facing pressure to get in the side. That’s because behind him in the pecking order are a number of hot young talents ready to make a breakthrough.

Speaking to The Athletic last year, a senior Wolves figure told the outlet that they were currently working with the strongest U18 side ever assembled at Molineux.

It’s clear to see why. They possess Christian Marques, a player touted to be the next Conor Coady while they also have the tricky Theo Corbeanu in their ranks.

That being said, of all those now to have transitioned to U23 and senior football, it’s Chem Campbell who is one of the stand out names.

He can play in a plethora of positions from behind the striker to out on the flanks and that’s why Gibbs-White should be looking over his shoulder so closely.

After making the move to Wolves from Birmingham City, Campbell has quickly risen up the ranks. He was named in The Guardian’s 20-best young players at Premier League clubs in 2019 and the 18-year-old is now the second-youngest player to feature for Wolves at senior level.

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Campbell has still only played on one occasion for Nuno’s side but he clearly has a very bright future in the game.

He has pace, is composed in possession and has plenty of creativity. Speaking about the teenager last year, former Crewe manager and former Wolves candidate Boss Davis said: “He can produce things out of nothing,” he began.

“Defensively he’s got work to do in terms of his responsibilities but with the ball he can create things just with his skill. He catches the eye.”

That’s a glowing review for a talent who surely deserves a better look at by Nuno. After all, Wolves now have nothing to play for during the run-in so could blood some of their younger players.

Davis continued: “I like him more on the left, right-footed coming inside. He’s got the ability to finish and to link up — he’s got that eye for a pass. He gets a bit stuck on the right a bit more.

Just 18 years of age, he is one of a number of candidates from the academy who could start to transition more to first-team life in the coming months.

Gibbs-White better watch out.

AND in other news, Wolves could sign big Silva upgrade in “fantastic” 56-goal beast, Nuno would love him…

Many Glasgow Rangers fans were delighted with a video of Gordon Strachan during the Gers’ Scottish Cup fourth round victory on Sunday.

The Gers progressed to the quarter-finals at Ibrox this past weekend with a 2-0 victory over their fierce city rivals Celtic. Steven Davis opened the scoring before a Jonjoe Kenny own goal doubled the lead and, although Allan McGregor later saved a penalty from Odsonne Edouard, the Gers were able to see out the tie with relative comfort. The 55-time Scottish champions will now face St Johnstone as they look to complete a domestic double.

However, Strachan clearly didn’t believe the Gers were that impressive. He was eager to point out that McGregor was man of the match, while he also said repeatedly that Celtic created a number of chances.

A clip of his comments was shared on Twitter by @chr1sbe55, and it attracted plenty of attention from Gers supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Strachan video below

“Priceless, this is comedy gold of the highest level.”

Credit: @Wallis819

“Mate that tune in the background is the icing on the cake”

Credit: @Euan1986

“Glorious. Trolling of the highest order from The Famous Glasgow Rangers on greetin-faced that Strachan as he goes full meltdown”

Credit: @1872Rck

“All that was missing was a big cheesy from Boydy in the background whilst Strachan went on his frivolous rant. Love it when they can’t admit it we won the game in second gear, yet again”

Credit: @halestorming1

“You’d almost think that song was added after it. That is absolutely, utterly glorious!!!”

Credit: @tmcvey077

“Perfect timing”

Credit: @Baxter1872

In other news, James Bisgrove makes this Castore claim which could affect Rangers.

Manchester City made it four Carabao Cup wins in a row as they edged Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at Wembley on Sunday afternoon. Here are our City player ratings from the game:

Starting XI

Zack Steffen: 6/10

Had nothing to do in the first half. Tipped a Lo Celso effort around the post early on in the second 45 and that proved to be the only real save he had to make.

Kyle Walker: 6/10

Barely touched the ball in the first half as City dominated but attacked down the left. Did well to get back and cover when Hojbjerg was found in the box after a quick Spurs counter.

Ruben Dias: 7/10

Great tackle on Kane to stop a Spurs counter-attack, although it was somehow given as a foul. Kane and Son barely had a sniff, although the Portuguese defender looked comfortable, he was dominant in everything he needed to do.

Aymeric Laporte: 7/10

Fortunate to not get an early booking after losing the ball to Lucas Moura and dragging him down when he could have countered. Eventually was shown a yellow card for scything down Moura again when he was running forward dangerously. Opened the scoring with a great header from De Bruyne’s cross, which proved to be the winner.

Joao Cancelo: 7/10

A lot of City’s play was going down the left-hand side in the first half and the Portuguese international was heavily involved. Denied by a flying save from Lloris after being found by Mahrez on the edge of the box. Did well to tackle Kane when he threatened to break into the box before picking out Foden to kick start a counter. Defended really well when he had to and looked excellent going forward.

Fernandinho: 6/10

Lovely through ball to set up Sterling but his clipped shot went wide. Picked up a Fernandinho-esque booking for stopping Hojbjerg on the counter. Headed straight at Lloris after a great ball into the box. Replaced by Rodri with 10 minutes remaining.

Ilkay Gundogan: 6/10

Helped to dictate play in the first 45 but didn’t get forward as much as we’re used to seeing him do. Couldn’t quite get enough contact on a cross from Mahrez and headed over the bar. Volleyed well wide after being found in the box by Sterling.

Kevin De Bruyne: 7/10

A superb pass was inches away from finding Sterling, the Belgian was regularly found in excellent positions in the first half and his crosses were as dangerous as ever. Surprisingly wasteful when found in the area by Mahrez early in the second half. Great ball in from a free-kick for Laporte to score the opening goal. Replaced by Bernardo Silva late on.

Phil Foden: 8/10

Turned Sterling’s cross just wide, did well to rob Alderweireld to set up an early chance. Good quick thinking to set up Sterling for a great chance, but his effort was blocked. Came very close to opening the scoring when his shot was blocked onto the post by Alderweireld. Involved in so many of the good things that City did at Wembley and the £63m-rated “superstar” was a thorn in Spurs’ side throughout.

Riyad Mahrez: 7/10

So close to opening the scoring after a delightful touch from Cancelo’s cross-field pass with his curled effort only just wide of Lloris’ goal. Hits another great effort inches over just a few minutes later. A superb run and shot saw him denied by Lloris.

Raheem Sterling: 5/10

Had a great early opportunity after a loose pass from Son but was slow to get a shot away and was tackled by Aurier. Did well to set up an early chance for Foden after turning Aurier inside the area. Had another great chance to open the scoring but saw his shot blocked by Dier. Perhaps a little too greedy late on as he regularly tried to get a goal rather than passing to his teammates. Played better than in recent weeks but once again, he lacked the finishing touch.

Subs

Rodri: 6/10

Helped to see the game out late on.

Bernardo Silva: 6/10

Had a lot of touches despite only playing the last few minutes, he helped City to secure their win.

And, in other news… Guardiola dealt huge blow as “genius” superstar edges closer to agreement 

Mark Douglas has dropped some insight on the pending arbitration from sources close to the potential takeover of Newcastle United.

Writing in his latest piece from The Chronicle, the football journalist has shared that takeover sources have admitted that there is an uncertainty over the timescale of the pending arbitration case between the St. James’ Park faithful and the Premier League.

Douglas also claimed that the Tyneside club are continuing to plan for a business-as-usual approach in the summer and beyond.

Nothing appears imminent in terms of when the hearing will start, given the complex legal arguments surrounding it, but both sides are confident that they can get a positive result.

Newcastle takeover rests on arbitration

The potential revival of the proposed deal between Mike Ashley and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group seems to rest almost entirely on a positive result for the North East club in the pending arbitration case.

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If the Magpies win the case, then it would certainly clear a pathway for the KSA’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to come back to the table, which could then lead to the resurrection of the original bid.

Nonetheless, when exactly the hearing will start and the exact timescale of it are not yet clear at the moment, and that is hugely worrying news – if there is still no clear timescale by the time the summer transfer window opens, it is difficult to see Mike Ashley getting his chequebook out for signings while he has the excuse of a possible takeover.

In other news, find out what promising insight Lee Ryder has dropped on the takeover consortium here!

If Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa was watching the Old Firm clash between Rangers and Celtic on Sunday, then there’s every chance that the Argentine would have been calling up the club’s hierarchy to wax lyrical about Ryan Kent.

Reports in recent days and weeks have suggested the 24-year-old is a transfer target for the Whites once again, after it was revealed that the Premier League side had a bid rejected for the winger last summer.

And during the Gers’ 4-1 thrashing of their rivals on Sunday afternoon, Kent was absolutely outstanding, and surely showed Bielsa that he could create a scary duo in the Premier League alongside Leeds talisman Raphinha.

As per Sofascore, he completed four of out of his six attempted dribbles which was the joint-highest of any player on the pitch, while he also provided a mammoth five key passes – again the most of any player on either side.

The winger also showed he’s someone who can handle the physical side of the game too, winning nine total duels, which was the most of any player who took to the field.

As well as picking up the assist for the opening goal of the game, Kent also had arguably the most eye-catching moment of the match, absolutely skinning Greg Taylor with a brilliant piece of Raphinha-esque skill and leaving him for dead.

And speaking after the game, Gers boss Gerrard said: “I watch a lot of Celtic and they’re a good team, but with all due respect, they’ve got weaknesses – especially in that back-line.

“I wanted to put two men right up against them centre-halves and cause them problems all night. I wanted Ryan Kent to continue to do what he does to Scott Brown, which is to be a right menace and the three of them were superb.”

Given how Raphinha has terrified Premier League defences all season and been a “right menace” himself, Leeds could ensure the Brazilian has a more than capable supporting act on the opposite flank in the Gers star.

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The £20k-a-week earning Kent put in a masterclass, and Bielsa will be salivating at the prospect of partnering him with Raphinha at Elland Road for next season in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, this Leeds man surely had Bielsa fuming after Brighton…

Rangers and their Old Firm rivals Celtic could both have B teams playing in the Lowland Leagues next season, which could prove to be. huge boost to Steven Gerrard and his hopes of developing quality young talent at Ibrox.

As per Sky Sports, both Rangers and the Hoops have been invited to join the Scottish Lowland Football League on a one-season basis ahead of next season, as both clubs look to improve the development of young players, whilst also hopefully boosting the quality of the lower leagues in Scotland.

Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson has recently spoken about the prospective plans for next season, saying:

“That’s something we have looked upon favourably and something that we would potentially be interested in if, of course, it was something the members of the Lowland League wanted to embrace as well.

“We want to test our players in different scenarios. Playing in the Lowland League would provide a completely different test for the young players, as well as our best-v-best games programme that we would continue to operate against some of the best teams in Europe.

“We want to aid that transition, we feel Scottish football needs to do something for that, and we are thankful that the Lowland League have stepped forward when maybe others haven’t.”

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Although sending players out on loan to other clubs can be successful, this would guarantee that all of the youngsters in Rangers’ academy can get regular competitive football whilst also testing themselves against more senior professionals, which is surely something which would stand the Ibrox outfit in good stead for the future.

It also provides a direct pathway to the first-team, as if the youngsters can impress in the lower leagues under the careful eye of Rangers scouts and coaches, then it seems likely that they could be afforded more opportunities in the first-team in the future.

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Therefore, this update from Wilson is undoubtedly a huge boost for Gerrard and the club as a whole, as it will be a great experience for those in the Rangers academy sides to test themselves next season, whilst continuing to make use of the great facilities and coaching on offer at Ibrox.

If even a couple of players use the experience to become better players and help out Rangers in the future, this will have been a more than worthwhile decision for the Glasgow club. Gerrard should be buzzing that his youngsters will be getting this chance to improve and more importantly, prove themselves to him.

And, in other news… Gerrard dealt shock Rangers blow after huge claim on “top talent”, he could leave Ibrox