All posts by z3u9t.icu

After weeks of speculation, it would appear that Liverpool have finally got their man, with Benfica striker Darwin Nunez seemingly on his way to Anfield in an £85m deal.

While not yet confirmed by the club, the move has been given the much-coveted green light from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, with it only a matter of time before the Uruguayan is officially announced by the Merseyside outfit.

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Having seen title rivals Manchester City act clinically and decisively to secure the services of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, Jurgen Klopp’s side have moved to recruit an exciting young forward of their own, fending off Manchester United to snap up the promising Nunez.

After firing in 34 goals in all competitions for the Portuguese side last term, including two against the Reds in the Champions League quarter-final, the 22-year-old has caught the attention of those across Europe, with it seemingly having been a case of when and not if he would leave his current side.

There will be understandable excitement among the Liverpool support regarding the deal, although some may see it wise to not get carried away just yet, with hard to shake the memories of another young prospect who failed to deliver after trading Benfica for the Reds – Lazar Markovic.

Plucked from Portugal in 2014 on a fairly sizeable £20m deal, the Serbian was tipped for big things upon his arrival in England, even earning comparisons to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for his prodigious talent from former Chelsea interim Avram Grant.

With little first-team experience under his belt he was something of an unknown quantity to most, although soon became a well-known name – for all the wrong reasons.

In truth, he simply never managed to make his mark for the club, scoring just three goals and registering just one assist across all competitions in his four-and-a-half-year spell, albeit with much of that time spent out on loan.

He would eventually join Fulham in February 2019 on a free transfer, although was again almost anonymous for the west Londoners, with the 28-year-old now plying his trade for Partizan Belgrade having joined the Serbian outfit just a matter of months into his stint at Craven Cottage.

That horror transfer for the Reds – which came in the same summer as Mario Balotelli’s infamous arrival and Luis Suarez’s long-awaited exit – could prove a warning sign for the impending Nunez arrival, with Markovic showing how a lack of experience, a big fee and a change of leagues can prove problematic.

Of course, the youngster has enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough campaign at the top level, although does one standout season warrant such a hefty fee?

While City are gaining an almost guaranteed supply of goals in Haaland – the Norwegian netting 86 goals in 89 games for Dortmund- Nunez is far more of a gamble and one that could well come back to bite them.

Liverpool have rarely got it wrong in the transfer window of late, although this latest deal may prove to be an anomaly.

IN other news, Klopp now plotting Liverpool bid for “dangerous” £34m talent, just imagine him & Nunez

Leeds United transfer target Jake Clarke-Salter has now been released by Chelsea, according to Sky Sports.

The Lowdown: Leeds enquiry

Clarke-Salter made just two senior appearances for the Blues but gained plenty of senior experience with loan spells at five separate clubs.

The 24-year-old spent last season in the Championship with Coventry City, where he appeared to catch the eye of Leeds officials after making 31 appearances for the Sky Blues.

Reports last month claimed that the Whites had made an enquiry regarding the centre-back’s availability, with a significant update emerging on the player’s future on Friday.

The Latest: Sky Sports update

Sky Sports shared some on-air news regarding a number of Chelsea players, as they learned ‘in the last few minutes’ that four Blues players have been released, including Clarke-Salter.

They added that Andreas Christensen, Danny Drinkwater and Charly Musonda have also been let go by the west London club.

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The Verdict: Leeds free to swoop

Victor Orta and co have seemingly been tracking the defender for some time following an enquiry last month, and they are now free to make the player their third summer signing after Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen.

Whether the 24-year-old is needed at Elland Road is another question, though, with Jesse Marsch already having five options at centre-back.

Other central areas of the pitch in midfield and in attack could do with bolstering as well, but if the Whites still want Clarke-Salter following reports last month, now is the time to act.

In other news: Leeds forced to negotiate for ‘next Declan Rice’ as ‘silly’ contract dispute emerges. 

Journalist Jacque Talbot has now revealed some Newcastle United transfer news on Christian Eriksen.

The Lowdown: Rebuild underway

In what promises to be an exciting summer for the Toon Army, the rebuild looks to have already gotten underway, with Sky Sports journalist Pete Graves revealing Matt Targett’s medical at St. James’ Park on Wednesday before a deal was confirmed this evening.

He becomes their first summer signing after his loan spell last season, and the North East club will surely add more to the squad over the next few weeks, with Hugo Ekitike expected to become signing number two relatively soon.

The Latest: Third signing?

Taking to Twitter, Talbot has revealed that the Tyneside outfit have ‘also spoken’ to the representatives of Eriksen ‘this week’ over a potential move, with Manchester United and Brentford also thought to be ‘interested’ in his signature:

“Told Newcastle have also spoken to Christian Eriksen’s reps this week. Manchester United and Brentford are interested as well.”

The Denmark international is out of contract at the end of the month, and so can leave the Bees on a free transfer.

The Verdict: Sign

Eriksen has already shown that he can still play consistently at the highest level, despite his heart scare at Euro 2020 when he collapsed on the pitch playing for Denmark.

Since returning to the pitch, the 30-year-old managed one goal and four assists in 11 matches in total in the Premier League last season (Transfermarkt) and created more chances per game than any of his teammates (Whoscored). It is no surprise he has attracted interest from other clubs in the top flight.

Nonetheless, he would certainly be a smart signing by the Magpies, and on a free transfer, they simply cannot go nabbing an experienced international with 123 career assists.

In other news, find out which six-foot-one midfielder NUFC are now ‘pursuing’ here!

Liverpool defender Nat Phillips is expected to be a target for multiple clubs in the summer transfer window, according to a report from the Liverpool Echo. 

The lowdown: Cult hero status

Stepping into the breach amidst an unprecedented injury crisis that left Jurgen Klopp without Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, Phillips, alongside Rhys Williams, helped guide the Reds to a third-place Premier League finish in 2020/21.

Those exploits, plus a cameo in the San Siro that saw the no-nonsense centre-back flamboyantly deceive Zlatan Ibrahimovic, have meant the 25-year-old will forever be remembered as a cult hero amongst the Anfield faithful.

Having spent the second half of the 2021/22 campaign impressing whilst on loan at Bournemouth, a permanent exit could be on the cards this summer…

The latest: Multiple suitors

As per a report late in the middle of last night from The Liverpool Echo, Phillips is wanted by Bournemouth once again after the South Coast outfit secured promotion to the top flight.

It’s stated in the report that contains an interview with Phillips that there are ‘many sides interested’ in the 6 foot 2 towering central defender.

The report also claims that the Reds will demand a fee in the region of £15million for the man hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by former Liverpool man Jamie Redknapp after a goalscoring display against Burnley.

The verdict: Sense in a sale

Under contract on Merseyside until 2025 (Transfermarkt), there is certainly no apparent need for the club to sanction an urgent sale of the Englishman.

From a playing perspective, with Van Dijk, Matip and Gomez all up and running, as well as the superb debut campaign from Ibrahima Konate, the need for a fifth choice centre-back in Jurgen Klopp’s squad is almost at zero.

Therefore, fresh off the back of an earning an impressive 7.04 Sofascore rating for Bournemouth, during which time the Bolton-born ace won on average 4.8 aerial duels per game, new Sporting Director Julian Ward and FSG can be confident of obtaining close to the mooted asking price.

Boasting top-level Premier League and UEFA Champions League experience, the suitors should be falling over themselves to sign a player of Phillips’ calibre and it will now be up to Ward to follow in the footsteps of Michael Edwards and extract every possible penny out of a player sale to put into the coffers.

In other news: Liverpool want to sign ‘intelligent’ forward as Sadio Mane replacement, read more here

Tottenham Hotspur ‘hierarchy’ are willing to back manager Antonio Conte with risky signing this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Spurs set for exciting summer?

The Lilywhites, after announcing a £150 million equity increase earlier this week, were further boosted by the news that Conte is now set to stay for the 2022/2023 Premier League season.

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Transfer chief Fabio Paratici and the head coach even held a meeting in Italy on Friday to discuss the club’s summer recruitment plans with a major overhaul on the cards, according to The Telegraph.

It is believed that the Italian is set for Tottenham’s full backing, and as per The Athletic, they’re even willing to go against their transfer policy for one of Conte’s targets.

The Latest: Tottenham hierarchy willing to make risky Eriksen move…

According to their information, despite the ‘element of risk involved’ in re-signing former star Christian Eriksen on a Bosman deal, it is believed that Spurs ‘hierarchy’ are willing to make ‘exceptions’ in ‘exceptional circumstances’.

Signing the Dane is viewed as a gamble given his ‘harrowing health scare’ at Euro 2020, not to mention the fact he has recently turned 30 with little sell-on value.

However, there is an ‘acceptance’ among the north London chiefs, including Paratici, that a sensational reunion for Eriksen could be viewed as one of those exceptional circumstances over bringing in younger players.

The Verdict: Promising update…

The Athletic also state that Eriksen is a personal target for Conte, backing recent reports that the former Chelsea boss is personally ‘pressing’ for his signature.

We believe the Tottenham boardroom have adopted the right stance when it comes to making a move for the international, especially considering his phenomenal campaign at Brentford under Thomas Frank.

He finished 2021/2022 as their best-rated player by average match performance with a solid 7.37/10 (WhoScored), not to mention his creativity is seemingly intact.

Making more key passes per 90 in the final third than any Brentford player, the midfield ace could well gift Conte and Spurs an injection of quality further forward.

In other news: ‘Not only Perisic’…Tottenham push for ‘genius’ signing after Conte call ‘in recent days’…find out more here.

On the final day of the Premier League season, Crystal Palace completed their end of the bargain by securing a high profile win against Manchester United.

The Eagles needed a win to secure a top half finish, if other results went their way. And whilst they ended the season on a positive, results from Newcastle United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton meant that they fell just short of their ambition and ended the campaign in 12th place.

Although it was a Ronaldo-less Manchester United side who had nothing significant to play for, Palace still fought well and earned all three points, courtesy of a Wilfried Zaha solo effort. The Ivory Coast international just had to score against his old club to metaphorically kick them whilst they were already down.

Though, whilst Zaha’s performance was mature and gave Manchester United a taste of what they could have had if they had persevered all those years ago, it was Jeffrey Schlupp who was the unsung hero.

The Ghanian is a player who can often go unnoticed, due to his nonchalant approach and acceptance at being used as a utility tool, though he is a vital part of the Palace squad – with his 32 appearances in the Premier League this season evidence of this.

Deployed as central midfielder in a 4-3-3 system, Schlupp was emphatic off the ball, and needed to be with United racking up 62% possession across the 90 minutes.

With five out his six duels won at a rate of 83%, he was sensational for the Eagles and was a key part of Vieira’s counter-pressing system against the Red Devils.

His seven recoveries were also integral to the maintenance of Palace’s clean sheet in what ended up being a home win against Manchester United for the first time ever in the Premier League.

What a performance from Schlupp, and what an end to the season for Palace.

In other news: Crystal Palace now plot bid to sign £9m-rated “tangfastic” ace, imagine him and Zaha

Leeds United chief Victor Orta could be making yet another mistake after a recent transfer claim emerged…

What’s the word?

Rarely-seen winger Ian Poveda is likely to be sold or loaned out again this summer, according to LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross, who delivered an update during a recent Q&A with supporters.

He said: “Poveda has two years on his contract, but doesn’t seem ready to cut it in the PL after injury scotched his Championship experience. Could see him being sold or loaned out again.”

The 22-year-old only made ten appearances during the 2021/22 campaign, where he was on loan at second-tier outfit Blackburn Rovers, but an ankle fracture seriously halted his progress.

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Orta mistake

Despite only making 20 senior appearances for Leeds, the England U20 international could still have a bright future in the game, and it would be foolish for the Yorkshire giants to give up on him just yet.

That’s especially because of Raphinha’s likely departure from Elland Road this off-season. He seems set to leave, with Barcelona a very plausible destination.

His exit would open up a spot in Jesse Marsch’s squad, one that could be filled by the former Manchester City gem – even more so if they are relegated to the Championship.

After recovering from his injury at Thorp Arch, Poveda was integrated back into Rovers’ squad for the final few games of the season and even earned praise from manager Tony Mowbray, who described the 5 foot 5 dynamo as a “wonderful talent”.

One particular game against eventual play-off semi-finalists Sheffield United last November saw Poveda put in a ‘Man of the Match’ display, earning a SofaScore rating of 8.5, having laid on two key passes and five successful dribbles. A sort of display very much in the ilk of Raphinha.

Just last month, former Whites goalkeeper Paul Robinson lauded the 22-year-old as an “exciting young talent” and claimed that he’s “quick” and “direct” to MOT Leeds News.

We’ve certainly not seen enough of the Englishman to suggest that he should be cast away during the off-season. That could prove to be a very costly and big mistake from Orta, who has had many a transfer disaster in recent times.

With a potential Championship campaign on the horizon, it could be wise to keep Poveda around this summer.

AND in other news, Big 49ers takeover development emerges at Elland Road…

Everton have miraculously gone unbeaten in their last three Premier League games after taking a goalless draw and Frank Lampard will surely have mixed emotions about the result against Watford yesterday evening.

Of their remaining four games, considering Roy Hodgson’s side are already relegated from the league this season it could’ve been considered the Toffees’ easiest opportunity to take three points in their attempt to hold onto their Premier League status next season, so to take a draw from the game will be bittersweet.

Everton are two points clear of relegation rivals Leeds United and Burnley with three tough fixtures ahead against Brentford, Crystal Palace and then Arsenal at the Emirates on the last day of the season, so there’s no doubt the former Chelsea boss won’t be feeling too comfortable yet.

Despite having more possession (52%), more shots on target and more passes completed away from home last night, the Everton side could not find the creativity to take anything from the game against a weakened Watford side.

In fact, Everton had five shots on target in total over the course of the game compared to their opponent’s zero attempted shots on target, so to not convert a single one will be massively frustrating for Lampard. However, it won’t be surprising when you consider the number of goals the side have conceded (56) this season compared to the goals they’ve scored (37).

With that being said, Abdoulaye Doucoure played a huge part in missing his opportunities to progress the ball and build play during the tie at Vicarage Road on Wednesday night, which ultimately led to the stalemate result and opportunity missed to secure all three points in the game.

According to SofaScore, the 29-year-old attacking midfielder lost possession of the ball every 4.7 touches he made, which didn’t help in the slightest when it came to controlling the flow of the game.

He was also surprisingly poor in his defensive duties, losing the majority of his aerial and ground duels combined (6/16). He also struggled to assert his authority on his former employers, proving unsuccessful in 100% of his dribble attempts against the Hornets.

The Blues boss will be hoping that last night’s performance from the Frenchman will be a one-off considering he has played a crucial part in the two most recent victories prior to the Watford clash, and will hope that going forward the midfielder will step up to put in the hard work needed over the last three games to ensure they can remain in the Premier League next season.

AND in other news: “Everton are keen..”: Insider drops exciting transfer claim, Lampard will be ecstatic

West Ham have three more Premier League fixtures left in order to secure seventh place and another tilt at European glory next season.

David Moyes will be hoping to put his team’s Europa League disappointment behind him when his side travel to Norwich today and focus on what matters, namely three more points.

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Some squad rotation will probably be required, and this gives Moyes the perfect opportunity to rejig the starting XI, with one prospective change potentially making all the difference.

Unleash Yarmolenko

Although not a Premier League regular, the 59-year-old should finally unleash “magical” right winger Andriy Yarmolenko against Norwich, as he can be a major threat.

His performances in Europe this season have proved that the Ukrainian still has the ability to cause all sorts of problems, with two goals and one assist in just eight Europa League matches, so the onus is for him to translate this form into domestic duties.

The 32-year-old signed for the Hammers from Borussia Dortmund in 2018 for a fee of £17.5m but has arguably struggled to display his talents across his four years at the east London club.

There is no doubt that he can be a nightmare to play against when he is on form, and Moyes could throw the cat among the pigeons by starting him against Norwich, particularly after only receiving piecemeal action off the bench against Arsenal and Eintracht Frankfurt in the last week.

As per FBRef, the winger ranks in the 90th percentile amongst positional peers in the big five leagues in Europe for touches in the opposition box (6.31 per 90 minutes) and the 88th percentile for non-penalty goals (0.40 per 90 minutes), so he has the ability to terrify the Canaries today.

This is despite playing just 24 matches, showing how impressive his attacking abilities have been. It would be a big decision for Moyes to start Yarmolenko, as he has yet to make a full 90-minute appearance in the Premier League this season, but it could be a wise move from the manager.

AND in other news, Forget Rice: Moyes now set for West Ham disaster on “remarkable” £125k-p/w giant

Rangers have had a stunning few weeks, progressing to the finals of both the Scottish Cup and, more recently, the Europa League.

A historic double is on the cards and Giovanni van Bronckhorst must be commended for his tactical masterclass, especially in Europe and he has used his squad well over the previous few weeks.

With a home fixture in the Premiership against Dundee United tomorrow, the Dutchman will be aiming to utilise his squad to its full potential and rotate a few bodies.

Leon Balogun should be unleashed on Sunday in order to give Calvin Bassey or even Connor Goldson a vital rest.

Time to unleash Balogun

The £14k-p/w Nigeria defender has been a “tremendous addition” to the Rangers team, according to former Gers hero Alex Rae, and it’s clear to see why.

Since arriving at Rangers in 2020, he has amassed 62 appearances, scoring twice for the club, and contributing heavily to them winning their first Premiership title in ten years last season.

His importance to the team is backed up by his defensive statistics this season. In 19 league matches, Balogun has made more interceptions (29) than fellow Gers defenders Goldson (16) and Bassey (19), despite playing fewer matches than the latter duo.

With a WhoScored average rating of 6.88, the 33-year-old Nigerian is Rangers’ second highest-rated centre-back, which is made even better as he has featured in 15 fewer matches than Goldson.

With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Balogun’s excellent performances when he is called upon deserve at least a one-year extension. In the shorter-term, Van Bronckhorst should restore him to the startine line-up tomorrow after he missed last week’s clash against Celtic due to suspension.

AND in other news, Rangers played an Ibrox blinder with £22k-pw “cornerstone” who’s like “Graeme Souness”…