All posts by z3u9t.icu

Southampton fans have taken to Twitter to react after The Mirror (November 6, page 7 of pull-out) reported that Chris Coleman is on the Saints’ radar as a potential candidate to replace Ralph Hasenhuttl.

The former Wales and Sunderland manager has been out of a job since he was sacked by Chinese side Hebei China Fortune back in May, after just 11 months at the helm – the club’s supporters made banners calling for the 49-year-old to leave, after Hebei China Fortune had won just once in nine games before Coleman’s exit.

The pressure has been mounting on Southampton boss Hasenhuttl following the 9-0 defeat to Leicester at St Mary’s, and the south coast side are currently languishing in 18th place in the Premier League with just two wins in 11 games.

However, it doesn’t seem as if Coleman would be a popular appointment given the Southampton fans’ reactions to the news.

One supporter said that they wouldn’t set foot inside St Mary’s if Coleman replaced Hasenhuttl, whereas another said that they would “give up their season ticket” if the former Crystal Palace defender arrived on the south coast.

Let’s take a look at some more of the Twitter reaction…

Leeds United fans on Twitter have been waxing lyrical about Leif Davis after a video of his highlights against QPR was posted on social media.

The defender’s performance vs the R’s has been a huge talking point ever since the final whistle blew on Saturday as Graham Smyth even went as far as to compare it to Gareth Bale’s iconic showing against Inter in the Champions League back in 2010.

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You can understand where the comparisons have come from as well after watching the short clip of his highlights against the London outfit.

The 19-year-old certainly possesses similar speed to that of the Real Madrid man, and he consistently had the beating of his man.

There is certainly a lot in this short video to get excited about, and Leeds fans have certainly begun to buy into the hype.

Here’s what the Elland Road faithful have been saying on Twitter…

Wolves have been a relatively low-scoring team in recent years, often relying more on big defensive performances to win games. The Old Gold haven’t scored more than 50 goals in a Premier League season since 2019/20, registering less than 40 in three of the last five seasons.

One of the players who did possess that extra quality in the attacking third, especially in counterattacking terms, was Pedro Neto, who moved to Chelsea for £54m this summer, with a £51.4m initial fee, plus £2.6m add-ons.

Neto made 24 appearances for Wolves last season, scoring three goals, providing 11 assists, and totalling 1,729 minutes played. One player who had all the ability to be as good as Neto, but has recently been sold, is Daniel Podence. Here’s what happened to him…

Daniel Podence at Wolves

Podence first joined Wolves back in 2020, signing from Olympiacos for around £16.9m. In his four years at the club, the Portuguese winger made 108 appearances, scoring 16 goals and providing nine assists in 6,027 minutes played.

At his peak, Podence was valued at €25.00m (around £21m) according to Transfermarkt back in 2020/2021. But it has been steadily declining since then, now reaching just around £11m.

The 28-year-old now finds himself playing in Saudi Arabia, having moved this month to Al-Shabab, for a fee of around €5.00m (£4m), with Podence yet to make an appearance for the Saudi side.

Podence's comparison to Eden Hazard

The hype was once far larger for Podence, earning comparisons to a Premier League great following his performance against Leicester back in 2022, with pundit Darren Bent stating that “Podence reminds me of Hazard”.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast's 'First Impressions' series has everything you need.

Hazard made 352 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 110 goals, providing 85 assists, and totalling 26,697 minutes played. So, these comparisons were always going to be tough boots to fill, but despite showing glimpses of quality, Podence never managed to provide any consistency or output at a high level.

Stats (per 90 mins)

Podence

Hazard

Goals

0.30

0.47

Assists

0.15

0.36

Progressive Carries

3.82

8.49

Progressive Passes

4.55

7.72

Key Passes

2.18

3.23

Shots Total

2.34

2.65

Shot-Creating Actions

4.00

6.96

Successful Take-ons

2.12

4.65

Carries into Pen Area

1.27

3.20

Despite being compared to Hazard, the metrics aren’t close, with Podence not achieving the same output as Hazard in the peak of his powers, with G/A or other metrics, such as progression or carrying statistics.

The qualities the two had most in common, and perhaps the reason for parallels being drawn between the two, was their carrying style, ability to beat their man 1v1, and glide forwards with the ball. Whilst Hazard did this at an elite level, Podence did this similarly, just at a lower level and efficiency.

Often described as having a low centre of gravity, the great Belgian’s ability to change direction at speed, get away from his man, and draw fouls was his best trait, with some even putting him in the category of the dribbling greats, such as Lionel Messi and Neymar.

Podence may have had lots of quality, but an inability to show it on a consistent basis, providing efficency and output for his side, has seen him now move on to Saudi Arabia, where he will most likely play out his final years of football.

Wolves star who had fewer touches than Sa must instantly be dropped

The Old Gold lost against Brighton in the EFL Cup

ByRoss Kilvington Sep 19, 2024

Amid a busy transfer deadline day, Leeds United are reportedly ready to table an offer for one final reinforcement after agreeing a deal to sign Isaac Schmidt.

Leeds transfer news

Leeds started their deadline day by signing Ao Tanaka from Fortuna Dusseldorf in a move that could replace both Glen Kamara and Georginio Rutter to kill two birds with one stone late on in the summer. They've not waited around to admire their new man for long, however, instead turning their focus straight towards full-back Schmidt.

Championship record move: Leeds looked at signing amazing Hamer alternative

Leeds United reportedly attempted to get this top gem in through the door.

1 ByKelan Sarson Aug 30, 2024

According to reports, the St. Gallen left-back is on his way to Elland Road to complete a medical before sealing the move. His ability to play both left and right-back should prove to be invaluable for Daniel Farke, as will his ability to step into defensive midfield.

Even after Schmidt, however, those in Yorkshire may not be done with a busy deadline day. According to Maghrebactu, Leeds are ready to table a €6m (£5m) bid to sign Bachir Belloumi from Portuguese side Farense in the final stages of the summer transfer window.

The right-winger would complete the Whites' attacking rebuild alongside the likes of Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon. Lining up with a new look frontline, Daniel Farke's side will have their sights on reaching promotion from the Championship at the second time of asking.

Belloumi would play a large part in that too. The 22-year-old Algerian winger, who can play on the left, right and in attacking midfield, is undoubtedly one to keep an eye on this season.

"Exciting" Belloumi would complete new Leeds attack

Losing Summerville and Rutter was an undoubted blow but since adding Solomon, Tanaka, Ramazani and perhaps even Belloumi should be seen as a solid comeback on the attacking depth front at Elland Road. Of course, there's still plenty of steps to take before Belloumi is a Leeds player, but given that they're reportedly ready to launch their bid, things could move quickly.

The young Algerian has earned plenty of praise during his time in Portugal, with analyst Ben Mattinson dubbing him an "exciting RW in the mould of Zhegrova" back in April.

If Belloumi does complete a late move, he'll be looking to pick up where he left off in Portugal at Elland Road, having scored seven goals and assisted a further five in all competitions for Farense last season. Only time will tell whether he gets the chance to replicate those numbers in Yorkshire, however.

Newcastle United are believed to be keen on signing a Premier League attacking ace who is "really difficult for defenders" to play against, according to a new transfer update.

Newcastle transfer news

Eddie Howe may still be interested in adding more fresh faces to his squad, not least at centre-back, as they look to strengthen in a vital area of the pitch. Marc Guehi continues to be a target in the remaining days of the summer transfer window.

Chelsea defender Axel Disasi has also been mentioned as an option, should a move for Guehi fail to materialise, with injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles making it essential for at least one new defender to make the move to St James' Park.

Meanwhile, Adrien Rabiot is also a reported target for the Magpies, having left Juventus at the end of last season, meaning he is now available on a free transfer. Manchester United are also considered potential suitors, however, so Howe's men may have a battle on their heads to sign him.

Raheem Sterling could also be an option for Newcastle before the month ends, having been cast aside by new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who has made it clear that he has no future at Stamford Bridge.

Newcastle eyeing move for £40m ace

According to a new update from The Boot Room, Newcastle are considering making a late move for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin before the current transfer window closes.

The report states that Howe "is a huge fan" of the £40m-rated Englishman, with the Magpies' interest remaining after looking to sign him earlier in the summer in a swap deal involving Yankuba Minteh.

Calvert-Lewin is a top-quality player when he is fit and firing, with the only reservation surrounding him the injury problems that he has suffered down the years.

If Newcastle are willing to take that risk or believe that he has overcome his fitness woes, then he could be a fantastic signing this summer, having shone so often for Everton, scoring 54 goals in 215 appearances in the Premier League. He has also been lauded by Jamie Carragher in the past, with the Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool hero once saying of him:

"I’ve always been a massive fan of Calvert-Lewin, I have. I’ve always really liked him. The thing that’s always let him down is goals. I know people will say that’s the obvious thing for a centre forward, [but] he almost ticked every other box. His aerial ability; his pace; his strength; making runs also, making it really difficult for defenders."

Everton boost as rivals' talks over £40k-per-week attacker in jeopardy

The Toffees could be poised to pounce if negotiations fall through.

ByHenry Jackson Aug 24, 2024

Whether or not Everton are happy to sell such an important player is up for debate, however, especially after such a poor start to the season for the Blues, but the fact that Calvert-Lewin has the same agent as Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento could possibly help with negotiations over a move to St James'.

Glasgow Rangers target Cyriel Dessers is keen on making the move to Ibrox this summer, according to reliable reporter Scott Burns.

What’s the latest Rangers transfer news involving Dessers?

Michael Beale has made a quick start to the club’s summer transfer plans by bringing in four players already. The Gers have signed goalkeeper Jack Butland, full-back Dujon Sterling and attacking midfielder Kieran Dowell on free transfers. The club have also spent some money by bringing in forward Sam Lammers from Italian side Atalanta for €3.5m.

Despite already bolstering the attacking ranks, Beale and Rangers seemingly want to strengthen their option in the final third even further, with Dessers a real target.

A bid was submitted for the Cremonese forward earlier this month, although a report recently stated that the player has said no to a move to Scotland and favours remaining in Italy.

However, that doesn’t appear to be the case in a fresh transfer twist shared by Burns. Writing for The Daily Record, the reporter said:

“Dessers remains keen on a move to Ibrox and is waiting for Rangers to make another offer.

“Reports in Italy claimed the Nigerian international had turned down a switch to Ibrox. Sources close to all sides of the deal are adamant that is not the case. Dessers is very much keen on a move to Scotland and for the chance to play in the Champions League.

“Rangers have already made multiple bids for the striker but have still to reach an agreement with Cremonese. The Ibrox side are expected to go back in for the 28-year-old but won’t be rushed into a deal.”

Who is Cyriel Dessers?

Dessers, hailed as "phenomenal" by members of the media, is 28 years of age and is an out-and-out centre-forward. The Nigeria international previously plied his trade in Belgium and the Netherlands before moving to Italy with Cremonese last summer.

In total, Dessers has made 280 club appearances throughout his career, scoring 111 goals and registering 40 assists. As per FBref, the striker ranks in the 92nd percentile for touches in the penalty area and 93rd for goals per shot on target, showing how he can be a real danger in the box.

He certainly knows where the back of the net is and has been described as someone who is “awkward to play against” because of his physical strength by journalist Josh Bunting, so he could prove to be a smart signing, joining Lammers in the process.

Liverpool target Kephren Thuram could be another Xabi Alonso-like midfielder at Anfield, believes Dean Jones.

The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Anfield this summer, and 'has got quite a few people excited' according to Jones.

Liverpool transfer news – Kephren Thuram

Liverpool remain in talks to sign Thuram this summer, but the midfielder's current club, Nice, would love a bidding war for the 22-year-old, according to David Lynch of Football Insider.

Lynch also reported that the Reds could turn their attention to Ryan Gravenberch if a deal for Thuram fails to reach completion in the coming months.

Currently, the young midfielder is playing into the final two years of his contract with the Ligue 1 side; providing Nice with some power over the future of the 22-year-old.

Given the fact that Jurgen Klopp has already welcomed Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer, too, it remains to be seen just how much is left of Liverpool's budget.

What has Dean Jones said about Kephren Thuram and Liverpool?

Speaking to Football FanCast, when asked about Thuram, Jones said: “Liverpool would love another Xabi Alonso-type player and I think Thuram’s got quite a few people excited I think.

"When you go through the normal list of players that Liverpool are pursuing, Kone is always on there, Thuram’s always on there.”

How did Kephren Thuram perform in Ligue 1 last season?

Thuram was one of the few bright sparks in a disappointing campaign for Nice as a whole, as they sunk to a mid-table finish.

The young Frenchman did enough to earn a potential Liverpool move, however, as further backed up by the statistics.

If Liverpool are to complete a move for Thuram, he'd offer them something crucially different from midfield. According to FBref, for example, the reported target completed 3.25 progressive carries per 90 last season. For context, Jordan Henderson completed just 1.61.

A player of Thuram's dribbling ability could help unlock defences where the likes of Henderson struggle at times, potentially handing the Reds' midfield a whole new dimension.

Defensively speaking, too, the Nice man fits Jurgen Klopp's pressing style, making 1.34 interceptions, and 1.80 tackles per 90, both of which are higher than the amount Henderson totalled in the last campaign at Anfield.

So, if Liverpool are to get Thuram, they could be getting themselves an upgrade in a midfield in desperate need of a rebuild.

Manchester United have reportedly identified a potential replacement for long-serving goalkeeper, David De Gea, following an update regarding the club's apparent interest in Yann Sommer.

What's the latest on Sommer to Man United?

According to journalist Alex Crook – in his transfer notebook for talkSPORT – the Red Devils are said to have revived their interest in the Bayern Munich man, with the 34-year-old having reportedly been on Erik ten Hag's 'radar' last summer.

The report suggests that the former Borussia Monchengladbach ace – who only made the move to the Allianz Arena in January – would represent a cheaper alternative to the likes of Andre Onana and Jordan Pickford in the search for a new number one.

As the piece also notes, the aforementioned De Gea has verbally agreed a new contract extension with the Old Trafford outfit, although a formal deal has yet to materialise, amid claims that the Spaniard won't be the first-choice option next season even if he does stay in Manchester.

Would Sommer be a better signing than Pickford?

There has been much talk of late that Pickford could be on his way to the Theatre of Dreams, with the 29-year-old – who only recently signed a new deal at Everton – set to be available for a fee of around £30m this summer.

While the former Sunderland ace remains the undisputed regular for his country having now made 52 appearances for the Three Lions, there are lingering concerns over his consistency at club level, with pundit Chris Sutton stating that the Englishman simply "makes too many errors".

Ten Hag may then be wise to consider a figure such as Sommer to provide at least a strong, short-term solution in the sticks, with the £83k-per-week colossus having been hailed as the "best in the world" by former Gladbach teammate, Joe Scally.

That hefty praise had come following the 82-cap gem's astounding display against his current employers earlier in the campaign, as the 6 foot ace made 19 saves in the 1-1 draw between the two sides back in August – breaking a Bundesliga record in the process.

Having since gone on to replace the stricken Manuel Neuer at Bayern, the experienced ace has particularly impressed due to his ability to play out from the back, as he ranks in the top 4% for touches made among those in his position across Europe's top five leagues – with Pickford ranking in just the top 44% in that regard.

Sommer's innate composure on the ball is also showcased by the fact that he achieved a standout pass accuracy rate of 83% across his 29 Bundesliga appearances in 2022/23, with far better than the at times erratic Toffees asset, who averaged just 52% for that same metrics.

That superior record would suggest that the one-time Basel man – who was also described as "one of the best goalkeepers in Europe" by former boss Marco Rose in the past – could be a perfect alternative to Pickford in Ten Hag's quest to find a reliable number one this summer.

Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a move for Leicester City full-back Timothy Castagne this summer as Mikel Arteta looks set to improve his defensive options.

What’s the latest on Timothy Castagne to Arsenal?

According to Belgian outlet Het Belang van Limburg (via Sport Witness), the Gunners are keen on making a move for the right-back this summer, although unnamed sides from Italy and Spain have also looked at the player and Arteta will be wary of this competition for his signature.

Due to the Foxes' relegation at the end of the season, Castagne will be available for between €15-20m (£13m-£17m) as per the report, which could represent a bargain for the Spaniard who clearly needs some reinforcements at right-back heading into next season, especially with the Champions League group stage beckoning.

Should Arsenal sign Castagne?

Last season, the north Londoners lacked serious depth at right-back, having to utilise Ben White out wide as opposed to his usual position at centre-back, although he did perform well, playing all 38 matches, registering five assists, creating six big chances and making 1.6 tackles per game, showcasing his attacking abilities.

Takehiro Tomiyasu, the backup full-back, didn’t enjoy the greatest of league seasons, ranking 18th in the squad for overall match rating, 19th for goals and assists, sixth for tackles per game and 15th for big chances created, suggesting he failed to leave an imprint on the first-team when he got his chance.

In contrast, Castagne ranked 7th in the Leicester squad for goals and assists, second for tackles per game and fourth for big chances created, suggesting he could offer a bigger attacking output than the Japanese player should he join Arsenal this summer.

Defensively, the Belgian ranked in the top 9% for clearances per 90 (3.04), top 17% for aerials won per 90 (1.52) and top 25% for tackles won per 90 (2.41) across Europe’s big five leagues over the previous 365 days, proving himself to be more than capable in the Premier League.

Tomiyasu did rank in the top 10% for tackles per 90 (3.22) and aerials won per 90 (2.29) while ranking a lot lower for clearances per 90 (1.86), although this could be skewed due to the fact he played only 1063 minutes compared to the 3254 minutes that Castagne played last term.

Jamie Vardy lauded the Belgian for being “brilliant” during his debut for the Foxes a few years ago and given his attacking qualities are clearly better than what Arteta has at the moment, it could be a shrewd investment to secure him before next season.

Glasgow Rangers will be looking to put their poor 2022/2023 campaign in the rearview mirror as the summer transfer window looms into view.

Michael Beale has already started his business, signing Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling on pre-contract deals from Norwich City and Chelsea respectively, however his aim now will be to bolster his attacking options, especially considering Alfredo Morelos and Ryan have departed the Ibrox side.

If the Gers want to give Celtic a proper Premiership title challenge next term, they will need to sign forwards who can hit the ground running and score a few goals in their opening matches to build some confidence and then perhaps can Beale push for glory.

With regard to this, the Light Blues have shown interest in striker Cyriel Dessers according to the Daily Mail (via Daily Record) and he could very well be Beale’s very own version of a Serie A attacker who is attracting interest from Manchester United and Arsenal – Dusan Vlahovic.

Could Cyriel Dessers be a good signing for Rangers?

The 28-year-old currently plays for Italian side Cremonese, and has scored six goals in Serie A during 2022/23 whilst also laying on two assists, leading to journalist Josh Bunting to describe him as being “awkward to play against” due to his strength and this could come in handy due to the physical nature of Scottish football.

His adaptability could mean moving to Scotland wouldn’t faze him as he spent the 2021/2022 season on loan at Feyenoord, scoring 20 goals across all competitions for the Dutch side, while he is also statistically similar to Vlahovic.

According to FBref, the Serbian striker is the third-most similar player to Dessers and considering his goal-scoring abilities in the Italian top flight, netting 61 goals in 140 appearances, it is certainly not a bad comparison to have.

Indeed, the two players have registered similar statistics this season with regard to goals (ten to nine), shots on target per 90 (1.14 to 0.94), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.49 to 2.1) and touches in the attacking penalty area (115 to 102), indicating that they both offer a decent attacking threat for their respective club sides.

Beale desperately needs a bustling striker to cause chaos in the opposition box while being able to chip in with goals, and the £8m-rated machine certainly fits the bill.

Being likened to Vlahovic is a sign he could be a hit in the Premiership next season and with Morelos departing Ibrox, he could well fill the void left by the Colombian striker.