All posts by z3u9t.icu

There is no hiding away from the disappointment of Chelsea's 2022/23 campaign as the club failed to qualify for any European competition next season.

Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Frank Lampard all had turns in charge of the Blues throughout the year but Todd Boehly's ruthless use of his axe did not yield results as the term ended in a 12th-placed finish in the Premier League.

Mauricio Pochettino has now been appointed as the new manager to lead the team forward and the Argentine coach now has a full summer transfer window to make any changes that he wants to make to his squad.

One player who must be replaced in the coming months is central midfielder N'Golo Kante, who is set to sign an £86m-per-season deal with Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad upon the expiry of his contract at the end of June.

Who could replace N'Golo Kante at Chelsea?

Pochettino could land a dream long-term replacement for the Frenchman by striking a deal to sign the "exciting" – as he was hailed by journalist Dan George – Romeo Lavia from Southampton, who is a reported £50m-rated target for the Blues.

The Belgium international, who was once dubbed a“diamond” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, could be an excellent addition to the squad after his impressive first year in senior football with the south coast side, in spite of their relegation to the Championship.

He played 29 times in the top tier of English football and won 56% of his duels and completed 86% of his attempted passes, which shows that the midfielder was strong in his physical contests, despite being 19, and was a reliable passer for his side.

Meanwhile, the Chelsea ace completed 82% of his passes and won 59% of his battles for the Blues in the division, suggesting that there is a huge difference between the two when it comes to their efficiency in competing for the ball.

Over the last 365 days, Kante has averaged 3.57 tackles and interceptions per 90 in the Premier League and in European competitions. Lavia, meanwhile, has averaged 3.77 per 90 for the Saints in the top-flight, proving that both players are able to cut out opposition attacks multiple times each match.

They also both rank in the top 11% of players in Europe's top five leagues over the last 365 days for blocks made per 90. Indeed, they are both midfielders who track back and are willing to put their bodies on the line to prevent their goalkeeper from being called into action.

Therefore, Pochettino could land the perfect successor to Kante by signing Lavia.

He is 13 years younger than the Frenchman and it's clear that the Saints star is a talented teenager who has already shown immense promise in the Premier League as a holding midfield player.

West Ham United are fearful over the possibility of losing their stat midfielder Declan Rice.

What’s the word?

That is according to Dean Jones, via GIVEMESPORT, who claimed that, whilst there is confidence around Jarrod Bowen signing a new contract at the London Stadium, there are some at club who are “still bracing themselves for a bid from Chelsea for Declan Rice”.

The England midfielder’s current contract expires in the summer of 2024, with the option of a further year. As per Transfermarkt, he is valued at £72m.

Moyes surely worried

In what has been an exceptional couple of seasons for European football-chasing West Ham, Moyes will surely be worried amidst these latest reports.

By the age of 23, Rice has nailed himself down as a vital part of the Irons’ engine room, plying his trade at the very heart of the operation and starting 32 or more league games for four successive seasons.

Not only has he helped the Hammers faithful in getting over the retirement of Mark Noble by rising to prominence and taking on a similar leadership role himself, his efforts have proved pivotal in the club achieving their ambitions.

When looking at his numbers, you can immediately see his involvement as someone who pulls the strings from the middle of the park. Averaging 54.29 passes per game over the last 12 months at a completion rate of 90.6%, he keeps play ticking over from midfield, with his well-roundedness complemented by his technical ability.

Being comfortable with the ball has led to sustained attacking returns within his game, with one goal and four assists in 36 Premier League appearances last term in what is a solid return considering his role for the Hammers. It takes his career total up to 19 attacking returns in the form of ten goals and nine assists.

The England international ranks top of the Irons’ squad for accurate passes, accurate long balls, successful tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, which is a perfect summary of his impact for the club, as per FotMob.

Rice is pivotal for the development of West Ham, with his potential departure set to leave a gaping hole in terms of leadership, work rate and technical ability from the heart of midfield.

Moyes will be all too aware of this and will be fearful in losing his star man following this update from Jones.

In other news: Moyes now eyeing West Ham swoop for £17m speedster, he’d be a statement signing

Liverpool have placed Watford forward Joao Pedro on a list of potential Sadio Mane replacements, according to a report from the Daily Mail. 

The lowdown: Mane’s future

Having initially remained coy over whether the UEFA Champions League final would be one last hoorah in a red shirt, Mane is now expected to seek pastures new in the summer.

As a result, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are battling to secure the 29-year-old’s signature, as Liverpool begin to prepare for life after the talismanic attacker.

Now, a fresh update has suggested that the backroom staff at Anfield have already drawn up a list of potential successors to the Senegalese star…

The latest: Pedro named

As per The Daily Mail, new sporting director Ward is hard at work resolving the Mane situation, and Brazilian forward Pedro – who is worth just £9million (Transfermarkt) and was labelled as ‘exciting’ by former boss Xisco Munoz – has ‘caught the eye’ on Merseyside.

It’s claimed that perennially linked Watford teammate Ismaila Sarr, Chelsea ace Christian Pulisic, Villarreal sensation Arnaut Danjuma and Bayern’s own Serge Gnabry are also of interest to the Reds.

The report also states that Jurgen Klopp will look to add ‘at least one more forward’ with Divock Origi heading for the exit door and Takumi Minamino’s future in doubt.

The verdict: One for the future

Still only 20 years old, Pedro is far from the finished article for the Premier League, as proven by a lowly four goals in 2021/22 as Watford were relegated back to the Championship at the first time of asking.

Despite the struggles to have a direct influence on proceedings, the young Brazilian earned a strong 6.84 Sofascore rating comprising of 1.7 shots, 0.7 key passes and 6.0 duels won on average per game.

Sharing stylistic similarities with Wolves powerhouse Raul Jimenez and Brentford target man Ivan Toney (Fbref), Pedro is a more archetypal centre-forward who would be best served acting as a direct replacement for Origi as opposed to Mane.

Holding that perceived market value of £9million, Ward would be wise to test the waters with a low offer as FSG attempt to remain shrewd spenders in the market, particularly in light of the Hertfordshire club’s relegation. Perhaps, then, there will be cash left lying over for a more marquee addition alongside the young Hornet.

In other news, James Pearce has dropped a key Liverpool transfer claim. Read more here.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ proposed signing of RB Leipzig loanee, Hwang Hee-chan will become permanent in the summer.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Birmingham Mail, who have relayed Lage’s verdict on Hwang ahead of the South Korean’s permanent move to Molineux in July.

The 26-year-old joined Lage’s side last summer and it was announced in January that the club would indeed exercise their option to buy, consequently activating the £14m clause in his contract that would see him become an official Wolves player on July 1st.

Lage, by his own admission, has revealed that he will take inspiration from Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson when he oversees Wolves’ rebuild this summer.

As per Birmingham Mail, he said: “I remember maybe 10 years ago, when I read Sir Alex Ferguson’s book, he said something like that. ‘I love my players as sons, but when they drop their performance I am the first guy to go there, shake their hands, it’s time to move, and we need to replace him to continue.’

“I want that pressure. When the players are there you give him respect and pay the salary, so when they don’t give the same things you need to find solutions. That’s why he was in that position for 20 years and he won titles every time. He did that with a lot of players.”

Wolves’ Ji-Sung Park

With the shared South Korean nationality, esteemed work rate and selflessness for the team in the form of versatility, the comparison between Ji-Sung Park and Hwang writes itself.

It’s of course emphasised further by Lage’s inspiration from Ferguson, who notoriously used Park as a key utility tool in United’s most successful spell.

The Wolves boss has already been waxing lyrical over Hwang as a player, saying this on the eve of the final Premier League game of the season:

“For Hwang, the way he came with the impact he gave us, it was very good. It was so easy for him to fit in the team. After that he had a big injury and stayed out for five or six games. Since then he has had good moments and bad moments.”

Hwang, who was said to have sent Virgil Van Dijk “out for a hotdog”, has made 31 appearances for Wolves this season and is the Old Gold’s second-highest goalscorer with five goals scored.

Though like Park, his game is much more than just end product, with the forward producing 86 pressures in the attacking third this term, the fourth-highest in the Wolves squad.

In other news: In talks: Lage can unearth Wolves’ new Neves & Moutinho in double swoop for £12.8m duo 

West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn this summer.

What’s the story?

That’s according to Irons insider ExWHUEmployee, who stated on the latest episode of the West Ham Way Podcast: “McGinn of Aston Villa. Scottish international, Moyes really, really likes him, really likes him and wants him to be a marquee signing in midfield although there is a number of other clubs that are interested in signing him as well.”

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more” title= “Read the latest West Ham news!”]

There is uncertainty as to whether or not the Scotland international will be in Steven Gerrard’s plans at Villa Park for next season, with the West Midlands outfit already securing the signing of Boubacar Kamara from Marseille whilst reportedly keen on the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Yves Bissouma.

Therefore, the Hammers may find themselves able to secure a deal for one of the Premier League’s most under-rated midfielders.

West Ham must swoop for McGinn

Signed in 2018 to assist the Villans with promotion to the Premier League, McGinn was excellent in the Championship and has also taken to the top flight like a duck to water.

The 27-year-old started 35 of Villa’s 38 league matches this term, averaging a 79% passing accuracy per match whilst providing an impressive three tackles per game alongside one interception and 0.8 clearances.

However, with Moyes’ regular midfield duo of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek proving inseparable at times, it could be argued that McGinn would struggle to find regular playing time at the London Stadium. In a three-man midfield, though, the deep-lying midfielder would be an exceptional addition.

Notwithstanding the uncertainty regarding the future of Rice, with the 23-year-old the subject of a plethora of links away from east London this summer, McGinn would provide the Irons’ defence with extra protection whilst also adding some energy in the middle of the park.

The Scotland international made 54.8 touches per game in the Premier League this season, slightly more than Soucek’s 52, with Rice averaging an impressive 73.6.

Although goals from the Villa maestro in 2021/22 were limited to just three, the 27-year-old would be brought in for his defensive attributes rather than being a goal threat. That is an area where McGinn really thrives, so would be a signing that West Ham supporters would surely love.

AND in other news: Moyes can unearth West Ham’s own Antoine Griezmann in £12.6m deal for 20 G/A predator

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie is hugely excited by the attacking options at Ange Postecoglou’s disposal ahead of next season.

The Lowdown: Glorious season at Parkhead

The Hoops have completed a fantastic 2021/22 season, ending it with both Scottish Premiership and Scottish League Cup glory.

There have been heroes all over the pitch, from Cameron Carter-Vickers at the heart of the defence to Callum McGregor in the middle of the park.

Celtic’s attackers have done their bit, with the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi and Georgios Giakoumakis shining, including scoring a brace apiece in the 6-0 win over Motherwell on the final day.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates-7/” title=”Key latest Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: McAvennie gushes at ‘wonderful’ moment

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie lauded the attackers Postecoglou has to choose from, as seeing the pair both score was ‘wonderful’:

“I know they weren’t on the pitch at the same time but to see them both scoring in the same game was wonderful. It’s incredibly exciting because we brought off the main man Kyogo and Giakoumakis came on and got two as well.

“When they are both fit they are two quality options for us. That’s what I have wanted for so long. It’s just a shame we haven’t been able to see they play together this season because of the injuries.

“They can be a real asset to us if they both stay fit next season because they have both proved they can perform in the league.”

The Verdict: One more this summer?

McAvennie is correct in his assessment, with Celtic blessed with several strong options in the final third – something that will be required across four competitions next season, including the Champions League.

It could even be that another ruthless goalscorer is looked at to bolster Postecoglou’s choices further in the summer, considering only Liel Abada (ten) reached double figures in the league this season.

That could help competition for places be even more fierce in 2022/23, at a time when Celtic are looking to build their most formidable squad in years.

In other news, a journalist has dropped an exciting Celtic transfer claim. Read more here.

Numerous Liverpool fringe players are ‘in contention’ to start the Reds’ must-win Premier League clash with Southampton, according to journalist James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Reds must beat Saints

Jurgen Klopp’s men haven’t had long to celebrate their FA Cup triumph, with a trip to St Mary’s swiftly coming their way on Tuesday evening.

Liverpool know that only three points will do to keep them in the title race, with victory taking it to what could be a dramatic final day of the season.

With the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah not expected to play, however, and with legs still tired, Klopp will likely have to ring the changes against Saints.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-33/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Latest: Fringe players set to start

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Pearce claimed that as many as seven squad players could come into the Reds’ starting lineup, including Wembley hero Kostas Tsimikas:

“Joel Matip, Kostas Tsimikas, Joe Gomez, James Milner, Curtis Jones, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino among those in contention to be handed starts v Southampton.”

The Verdict: Massive test at St Mary’s

In truth, this is simply a game where Klopp has to trust his squad depth, with the Champions League final against Real Madrid having to play a part in his thinking.

It would be a huge risk to play Van Dijk and Salah, while other individuals such as Andy Robertson, Thiago and Sadio Mane could also do with a breather, avoiding risk of muscle injuries before they fight for number seven in Paris.

If Liverpool drop points at Southampton because of fielding a weakened side, it will have to be seen as a calculated gamble that had to be made. The Champions League final would be a nice consolation to focus on instead of the league.

A possible Liverpool XI could be: Alisson; Gomez, Matip, Konate, Tsimikas; Henderson, Milner, Jones; Diaz, Jota, Firmino.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has provided a key Liverpool transfer update. Read more here.

Rangers are in Premiership action at Ibrox again tonight as they look to end their league campaign on a high in the last two matches.

One point for their rivals in the next five days will see the top-flight title move back across Glasgow and this means that is incredibly unlikely that Gio van Bronckhorst will be lifting the trophy this month.

However, the Light Blues have the Europa League final to look forward to next week and the Scottish Cup final at the end of May. This means that there is still plenty of motivation for the players in these Premiership outings.

The Gers come up against Ross County at home at Ibrox after beating Dundee United 2-0 away from home at the weekend.

How many changes will Gio make to the team? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make five alterations, with Allan McGregor, Calvin Bassey, Alex Lowry, Ryan Kent and Amad Diallo all coming in.

With the Europa League final coming up, McGregor and Bassey may return after they were both rested at the weekend. Van Bronckhorst will surely want to keep his key players match fit and spending two games on the bench may be detrimental to their form as they could lose their rhythm.

In midfield, Lowry could come in for his second start in the Premiership. The 18-year-old midfielder was given a taster off the bench against United and should now be unleashed as part of the XI.

Journalist Josh Bunting lauded the magician’s talent earlier this year, Tweeting: “Alex Lowry is just a fabulous footballer, on this pitch the way he’s dribbling on it indicates he has so much quality, so good on the ball and has a wonderful sense of balance, really good at driving at the opposition defence he creates plenty of problems with his movement.”

Finally, we are predicting that Kent and Diallo will come in. The former may start to maintain his form ahead of the clash in Sevilla, after being rested at the weekend, whereas the latter may be given a chance to showcase what he can do.

Scott Arfield started up front on Sunday and the £16k-per-week dud was abysmal against United. As per SofaScore, he won 0 duels and missed one ‘big chance’ as he struggled at both sides of the game and his poor display should see him axed in order for Diallo to walk through into the team.

AND in other news, GvB can unearth Patterson 2.0 in “athletic” 19 y/o Rangers dynamo who’s “highly rated”…

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly now looking to secure a bumper new deal for Alex Lowry as early as next week.

The Lowdown: Offer rejected

Lowry actually rejected an initial contract offer from the Ibrox faithful back in February, as his current deal expires in 2023.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/rangers-news-4/” title=”Rangers news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

It has been reported that Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Manchester City are interested in signing Lowry in the summer, should contract talks continue to stall, but recent news has been more positive, with Alan Hutton delighted to hear Lowry could now stay put.

The Latest: Breakthrough

As per The Scottish Sun, there seems to have been a breakthrough in talks, as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team are now hoping to tie Lowry down to a new deal next week.

More discussions have been pencilled in with his representatives, as the club are desperate to keep him and fend off interest from the English top flight.

However, Lowry and his camp would prefer to wait until later in the month before making their final decision.

The Verdict: More good news

After reaching the UEFA Europa League final with a 3-1 win at home to RB Leipzig on Thursday night, it seems as if more good news has emerged with regards to Lowry’s contract.

A player who has made four senior appearances for the Teddy Bears this season at just 18 years of age, Lowry is highly thought of at the club, as former boss Graeme Murty even went as far as to call him ‘remarkable‘.

Nonetheless, it is important that the Light Blues keep their young talents as they look to build for the future, hopefully adding a Europa League trophy to their legacy.

In other news, find out which ‘absolute legend’ Andrew Dickson hailed against Leipzig here!

Former Celtic striker Charlie Nicholas has praised the sporting manner in which Ange Postecoglou conducted himself at the end of Sunday’s Old Firm clash.

The Lowdown: Parkhead draw played out

The Hoops faced their Glasgow arch-rivals in a vital Premiership clash on Sunday afternoon, with the title race reaching its denouement.

In the end, the two teams played out a 1-1 draw at Parkhead, with Jota opening the scoring for Celtic, only for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men to equalise through Fashion Sakala.

While the usual feistiness was on show at times during the game, Postecoglou and his opposite number showed respect to each other after the final whistle, sharing a warm embrace.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/key-latest-celtic-updates-5/” title=”Key latest Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Nicholas praises managers’ sportsmanship

Speaking to The Express [via Daily Record], Nicholas praised the behaviour of the two managers, saying it felt like the conduct which used to be displayed by the likes of Jock Stein and Tommy Burns, both of whom are bona fide Celtic legends.

The 60-year-old ex-Hoops idol chimed:

“What I did appreciate at the end of the Celtic v Rangers match was two coaches who showed each other great respect by shaking hands and embracing on the pitch.

“Ange Postecoglou looked like a proper Celtic manager, it was like a Jock Stein or Tommy Burns scenario.

“Giovanni van Bronckhorst also deserves enormous credit. Even their comments after the game, especially Ange’s, were great. There was none of that stuff of old with Neil Lennon’s smugness or anger.

“I loved the humility, representing clubs who are wholehearted all in.”

The Verdict: How it should be

This is exactly how football should be, with two teams fighting it out over 90 minutes, and perhaps some pre-match mind games thrown in, but mutual respect on display once the final whistle is blown.

Postecoglou is not only doing a superb job on the pitch as manager in his first season at Celtic, taking them to the cusp of reclaiming the Premiership title, but the class with which he carries himself with is also impressive, making him most worthy of the praise from Nicholas.

Celtic are in good hands with the 56-year-old at the helm, and it could be that he and Van Bronckhorst have a healthy rivalry which builds over the coming years.

In other news, a journalist has picked out Celtic’s main current weakness. Read more here.