West Brom boast an impressive academy set-up, though very rarely does an elite talent break the surface and make it at the Hawthorns.
In 2013, the Baggies received category one status and pledged to contribute £3m-per-year into the youth system so that they can continue to produce the very best talent in the Midlands.
Only Dara O’Shea and Rekeem Harper are on the cusp of the first-team right now whilst names such as Nathan Ferguson, Tyler Roberts, Kemar Roofe and Izzy Brown have all gone on to teams at a similar or better level.
Unlike recent times, Albion managed to secure the long-term commitment of Rico Richards this summer, one of their most promising forwards since Saido Berahino.
According to The Sun, Premier League rivals Arsenal, Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester City were all tracking the 17-year-old sensation last year but in August, he signed his first professional deal with a fresh three-year contract.
Academy manager Richard Stevens waxed lyrical about the young frontman, he said: “Rico is a creative player who can make things happen and we are looking forward to continuing his development.”
Richards has continued his impressive form this season, contributing to three goals in two appearances in the U18 Premier League, before finding himself promoted to the U23 set-up, where in back-to-back starts the young Albion side have picked up 1-0 victories.
It is also always a good sign when the youngster is recognised at an international level, and the Baggies starlet has picked up England caps for the U16s and has also played in a few friendlies for the U17s.
Slaven Bilic could have West Brom’s best talent since Berahino on their hands here and given their struggles in front of goal as the Premier League’s lowest scorers, he could well be called upon sooner rather than later.
Very much so as the club currently lack the presence of a Hal Robson-Kanu or Peter Odemwingie type that can play in a multitude of attacking positions, this combined with seemingly no attitude problems gives Richards the potential to eclipse their most controversial homegrown player of the modern era.
AND in other news, Exclusive: Carlton Palmer tips “unplayable” WBA star to become a £40m+ player
Arguably one of the more unheralded signings of Newcastle’s summer transfer window, Jamal Lewis is quickly proving what an absolute steal he is.
The Magpies bought him from relegated Norwich for a reported fee of around £15m – rising to £20m with add-ons – and being just 22, it was no surprise to hear Steve Bruce express his excitement at his arrival.
He said: “Jamal is a very exciting prospect. I watched him flourish in the Championship two years ago and he made a real fist of it in the Premier League last season.”
Think you’re a big Magpies fan? Can you name these former players by looking at their careers? Go on, give it a go…
The left-back has already established himself as Newcastle’s first-choice in that position, playing in all four Premier League games, and on Thursday night, he delivered an impressive display for his country Northern Ireland in their European Championship play-off game against Bosnia.
As per SofaScore, the speedster completed both of his attempted dribbles, sent in four crosses, and boasting a pass accuracy of 82%. In a crunch game where Ian Baraclough’s side needed to be defensively disciplined and be a danger going forward, Lewis showcased everything in his locker.
The 22-year-old was a threat whilst with the ball, and he didn’t shirk his defensive duties either, winning four out of his six total duels and blocking one shot, too.
Bruce would no doubt have been watching on, impressed at his summer recruit’s nerveless performance. The fact that reigning Premier League champions Liverpool were initially interested in him earlier in the summer transfer window just goes to show the kind of quality and potential that he has.
If he can replicate the kind of display that he put in for Northern Ireland on Thursday, then he will have proven to be a masterstroke signing from the club’s owners.
With the transfer window remaining open for another month, one saga is set to rumble on at Rangers Football Club, although the solution is firmly in Steven Gerrard’s hands already…
What’s the word?
Gers forward Alfredo Morelos has been linked with an exit for several months now; interest ranging from Lille to Bayer Leverkusen in Europe whilst West Brom have reportedly entered the race this week.
It’s claimed that the Scottish giants have paved the way for his exit by signing two strikers themselves this window but it remains to be seen if the Baggies will offer the mooted £17m that the Ligue 1 outfit were supposedly willing to pay.
With the Colombian seemingly set on leaving Ibrox, perhaps it’s time for Steven Gerrard to sell up.
Time to cash-in?
The Rangers boss appears to have also been preparing for life without Morelos with the 24-year-old being dropped in the last two SPFL outings – he hasn’t even featured for a single minute either.
That’s quite the bold call considering the prolific talisman bagged 29 goals and provided ten assists in 47 appearances last season, per Transfermarkt.
But some smart pieces of business this summer could allow the club to cash-in and move on from this troublesome saga at long last.
Ex-Leeds forward Kemar Roofe joined in a €5m (£4.5m) deal from Anderlecht earlier this summer and after he gets fully up to speed with match fitness, he seems the ideal candidate to fill the void left behind.
The 27-year-old scored in his first start for the club against Kilmarnock and in his 231 minutes of action, he’s averaged 1.8 shots per game via WhoScored, so he could have had a couple more to his name on a different day.
His former teammate Barry Douglas thinks he’ll be a hit at Ibrox, claiming that “he knows where the back of the net is” which is backed up by Chris Maguire who believes Roofe has “real potential” to score hatfuls for Gerrard’s side.
This could all prove to be a masterstroke from Ross Wilson. It’s time to end the Morelos saga and put full faith into Roofe as well as fellow arrival Cedric Itten.
AND in other news, Gers could land their own Gerrard with £7.2m-rated “real menace”…
West Ham appear to be the latest club to enter the race for a recently relegated talent and east London could well be the ideal spot for him to land this summer.
What’s the word?
According to the Daily Star, Hammers boss David Moyes is keen on AFC Bournemouth winger David Brooks but he faces stiff competition from a host of Premier League rivals, including title winners Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.
They also claim that the Reds could be reluctant to splash out on the Welshman, meaning the door could be opened for those other sides.
Meanwhile, Alan Nixon at The Sun believes the Cherries think they can snag £40m for Brooks’ signature this summer following the departure of Nathan Ake to Man City at a similar price.
Wide improvements
Those at the London Stadium should know the tricky 5 foot 8 winger all too well after he tore the Irons apart across two fixtures last season.
Back in January 2019, the 23-year-old provided the assist for Joshua King’s winner alongside an industrious display which included four tackles, two shots and five duels won.
That day, left-back Aaron Cresswell was tormented into losing possession 18 times, committing one foul as well as being dribbled past once too, via SofaScore.
Earlier in the campaign, Brooks recorded two key passes, five shots and one successful dribble, so he’s certainly been a thorn when playing the Hammers.
Cherries teammate Chris Mepham believes the winger has “tonnes of talent” whilst the recently departed Eddie Howe once lauded his intelligence and also praised his “creative flair” and “non-stop energy”.
Some reports have suggested that the likes of Felipe Anderson, Manuel Lanzini and Andriy Yarmolenko are on the chopping block this summer, so a swoop for the Welsh wizard would be an absolutely ideal way to fill that wing void ahead of the new campaign.
AND in other news, West Ham fans react as ex-prospect finds new club…
Phil Jones has struggled ever since Sir Alex Ferguson left Manchester United.
Jones has been a regular sight on the sidelines during his time at Old Trafford as he has succumbed to multiple injuries.
According to The Athletic, Man United are hopeful he can turn his career around and become the next Nemanja Matic. However, Laurie Whitwell reported that Jones has attracted attention from Serie A, although there are only a few clubs who can afford his wages.
The Mirror reported earlier this year that the Red Devils are ready to let him go for £12m in the summer. His old boss David Moyes is also interested in signing him when the transfer market opens, depending on whether or not West Ham stay in the Premier League.
Jones is apparently open to a move as he wants to be playing regularly, which is something Ole Gunnar Solskjaer cannot guarantee. He has dropped below the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly in the pecking order and could be on his way out sooner rather than later. Either way, fans will have to wait and see what happens before the start of next season.
Unsurprisingly, loads of United fans blasted the transfer update on social media, with one supporter calling it an “absolute joke” while another urged the board to “get rid ASAP.” One fan branded Jones as “deadwood” in reference to the fact he has only played two games in the Premier League this season.
Scroll down through some of the scathing reactions so far…
United fans, do you think Ed Woodward should sell Phil Jones? Let us know down below!
Lots of Everton fans have been destroying the latest link to former Chelsea man Branislav Ivanovic as Republika have reported comments made by him on his future.
As per the outlet, he said that he will probably continue his career at the Merseyside club and claimed that he has received a good offer from them.
The Zenit St. Petersburg defender also added that he has not receive an offer from Red Star Belgrade, which may potentially put the Toffees in the front seat.
Perhaps it is not a surprise that Ivanovic has been linked given that Carlo Ancelotti has worked with him before at Stamford Bridge, playing in 89 games in all competitions across two consecutive seasons, scoring a rather impressive seven goals and making a further 13 assists, according to Transfermarkt.
He seems to have emerged as a transfer target for the Blues given that he has previously been linked to EFC before in this summer window, which did not go down well with supporters.
Nevertheless, being 36 years of age now, perhaps one can question whether he has the legs to cope with the sheer pace of the Premier League.
These members of the Goodison Park faithful destroyed the link to the Serbian international on Twitter:
Evertonians, would Ivanovic be a bad signing? Comment below!
Swiss football coach Arno Rossini has come out with aÂsavage statement about Xherdan Shaqiri.
Speaking to Tio (via Goal), the 63-year-old has slammed Liverpool’s wide-man and doesn’t think people will remember him as part of this Premier League winning side.
“Xherdan is not a champion,” Rossini commented. “We certainly cannot say that he left his mark with the teams with which he won. Not with the big guys at least.
“Let’s say that over the years he has often followed the games of his teams as a spectator, sitting in the best places. And millions have been paid for him.”
Liverpool signed Shaqiri from Stoke City back in 2018 after triggering his £13 million release clause (via BBC Sport). Since his arrival, he has contributed seven goals and five assists in 30 appearances (via Transfermarkt). The 28-year-old also grabbed himself an assist against Barcelona at Anfield last season, which ultimately contributed to Liverpool’s sixth European title.
“This, taking everything into account, makes me think that the Swiss is not one who always gives his best. Of course, Xherdan is filling the bulletin board and seeing his bank account grow dramatically; I don’t know how many, in 10 years, will remember him thinking about the great teams in which he has played.”
A lot of Liverpool fans have slammed Rossini after @AnfieldEdition relayed his comments. One supporter has branded them ‘nasty and unnecessary’ as they see Shaqiri as a vital part to the club’s success, particularly last season, whilst another called him a ‘fantastic player.’
Read some replies from fans backing the Swiss man’s corner:
How do you feel about Rossini’s comments towards Shaqiri? Join the conversation in the comments below…
Whilst the sporting market climate continues to be affected by the current global crisis, it looks more and more unlikely that clubs will be able to splurge on the transfer targets they had in mind this summer.
According to a recent report by Transfermarkt, player values have dropped by up to 20%, which could impact the way teams go about their summer business.
If spending big, or even at all, is not an option in the upcoming window then clubs may need to turn to their youth ranks in order to provide depth for the senior players next season.
We’ve put together a list of five youth players West Ham should call upon next campaign if bringing in new personnel is off the cards…
Jeremy Ngakia
West Ham have conceded the third most goals this season with 50, and are currently on 27 points, only out of the drop zone on goal difference. The Irons must tighten their defence next season if they want to avoid repeating a relegation battle.
If recruiting some stronger defensive players in the transfer window isn’t an option, West Ham should look towards 19-year-old Jeremy Ngakia. A right-back by trade, the London local has played in his preferred role in four Premier League matches this season, as well as filling in as a centre-back for the reserve side.
Ngakia’s versatility can be utilised across West Ham’s back four as they are likely to re-consider their defensive options. The 19-year-old has also registered an assist this season, showing his eye for creativity is also a strong point.
Josh Cullen
Although West Ham’s midfield has been much stronger than their attack this season, the club must ensure they have enough personnel to provide depth. With Jack Wilshere currently injured and Carlos Sánchez having played just six league games all season, the Irons should look to extend their arsenal in midfield.
Josh Cullen could be an exciting option to bring into the senior squad next campaign. Despite only tallying one goal and one assist on loan with Charlton this season, his 2018/19 performances were much better. Cullen bagged himself two goals and seven assists last term and can play in either central midfield or in a more defensive role.
Cullen’s versatility could really help bolster West Ham’s ranks and provide a fresh burst of creativity from the bench.
Xande Silva
Soccer Football – FA Cup Third Round – West Ham United v Birmingham City – London Stadium, London, Britain – January 5, 2019 West Ham’s Xande Silva in action with Birmingham City’s Harlee Dean Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley
Even though the right flank is currently well-occupied, three out of the four recognised West Ham right-wingers are ageing. Andriy Yarmolenko and Michail Antonio are both 30-years-old, and Robert Snodgrass is 32. The only youthful wide-man is 23-year-old Jarrod Brown, who recently arrived from Hull City.
Xande Silva is a winger who could really put up a fight for his place in the starting XI. The 23-year-old has made one senior appearance this season and was given just 17 minutes, however his form in the reserve league speaks for itself. Silva has scored seven goals so far this campaign and with the first team’s solid engine room behind him, that amount could be a lot higher.
David Moyes should consider bringing in the Portuguese attacker, especially if he decides not to give new deals to Snodgrass and Antonio who will both enter their final 12 months under contract this summer.
Gonçalo Cardoso
Another defender West Ham could look to bring into the senior team next season is Gonçalo Cardoso. The 19-year-old has played mainly as a centre-back for the U23s this campaign, scoring a goal and assisting two from the backline. He has also filled in as left-back on two occasions.
It seems Moyes already has plans for the Portuguese defender as he has featured on the bench three times this season. A chance-creating defender is a rare attribute to have in your team, and Cardoso’s abilities need to be utilised on the big stage.
Nathan Holland
Perhaps the most exciting prospect in West Ham’s youth ranks at the moment. Fans are desperate to see Nathan Holland be given a chance to shine with the first team.
The 21-year-old is a goal-getting left-winger who could potentially take the place of Felipe Anderson if West Ham are to offload him this season (via Mirror). Holland is due to return from loan from Oxford United where he gained some valuable time in the senior squad. This season, the Englishman has a massive 15 goals and eight assists across all competitions, scoring one in the FA Cup against Newcastle.
Holland can also switch up and play on the right-wing as well, which will add depth to West Ham’s team. He is at the point now in his career where he will be looking to establish himself as a first team regular, and Moyes should be looking to offer him that chance next season.
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
According to Italian media outlet Tuttomercatoweb, Southampton are one of a number clubs keeping tabs on Sassuolo left-back Alessandro Tripaldelli, and they may have finally found their long-term Ryan Bertrand replacement in the process.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Tuttomercatoweb report that Saints, along with Crystal Palace, Manchester United, Levante, Valencia, Fiorentina, Bologna and Atalanta are all watching the 20-year-old, who has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract with the Serie A outfit.
The report says that scouts from the south coast outfit have been spotted looking at the Italy U21 international, who is described as having the pace that would make him suitable for the Premier League.
Despite all of the interest, he has actually found first-team minutes hard to come by so far during the 2019/20 campaign, featuring for just 135 minutes in total and often having to settle for being an unused substitute.
Long-term Bertrand replacement?
Despite his lack of first-team minutes for Sassuolo this term, the fact that clubs of the stature of Manchester United and Valencia – as well as the fact that he has been capped at U21 level by his country – suggest that Tripaldelli has something about him.
The left-back position has become a real problem for Southampton in recent seasons, and while Bertrand has been a top performer for the club in the past, he certainly hasn’t been anywhere near as consistent or effective in more recent seasons as the club has battled relegation.
One of the reasons for that could well be complacency given he has had little competition for the spot, with Matt Targett obviously failing to convince Ralph Hasenhuttl of his ability having been sold to Aston Villa during the summer transfer window.
The Austrian manager has also preferred to use the likes of Cedric Soares, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Moussa Djenepo out of position at left-back and left wing-back rather than place faith in youngster Jake Vokins when Bertrand has been absent, which suggests that he also may not be up to the task of eventually replacing the former Chelsea man.
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That will need to happen sooner rather than later with the England international now 30 years of age and not having the ability to get up and down the pitch like he once did, and Tripaldelli’s pace in particular sounds promising in that respect.
A potentially promising deal for Saints, then.
In other Saints news, fans have been reacting after Gao’s January transfer plans were revealed…
Things at Liverpool are going pretty swimmingly at the moment.
The Reds are top of the Premier League by eight points from Leicester City and Chelsea, whilst Manchester City are a further point back as well. They are still in all competitions, and they could win the Club World Cup for the first time in their history in December after winning the Champions League last season.
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It seems that there is plenty to be positive about off the field of play too. Work is progressing well on their new £50m training ground in Kirkby, and they are set to move into the new facility before the end of next season.
Not only that, but it has remained on budget. It looks to be a fantastic complex, and Jurgen Klopp and the club’s players are even said to have had some input into the building process.
Whilst there is sadness that the team will be departing Melwood, the club’s supporters are delighted with how it is looking.
They have taken to Twitter to share their thoughts, and you can see some of the best comments from the social media platform below.