All posts by z3u9t.icu

If there was one positive to take from this horrendous and arduous slog of a season for Celtic, it would be David Turnbull.

The midfielder was a breath of fresh air to the Parkhead side this term, creating and scoring goals on a regular basis for the Hoops.

The Bhoys didn’t get a lot of their recruitment right last season but Turnbull has turned into Nick Hammond’s best parting gift. Celtic’s head honcho on the recruitment operations resigned in March of this year but he should take comfort from Turnbull’s progression.

After arriving from Motherwell, the 21-year-old has been nothing short of fantastic. He won Celtic’s Player of the Season award and was nominated for the Scottish Young Player gong as well. It was unsurprising, then, that Steve Clarke named him in Scotland’s squad for the upcoming European Championship.

A similar player who didn’t quite make the cut was Ryan Gauld. Once of Dundee United, he took the brave plunge of moving to Sporting Lisbon as a teenager.

Now aged 25, he has developed into a bright talent as he begins to approach his prime years. He contributed to 16 goals this term for Farense, form which has earned claims for him to move to Celtic.

If he does come back to Scotland, he could create a mouth-watering partnership with Turnbull by moving to Parkhead. The duo are capable of playing out wide or in the middle and have very similar qualities.

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There were just two goal involvements between the two promising Scottish talents, while their more intricate statistics are almost dead level as well. Throughout the 2020/21 campaign, Turnbull provided 2.2 shots and 2.7 key passes per game – in comparison, Gauld registered 2.4 shots and 2.3 key passes per outing.

The area where the Celtic target comes out on top is dribbles per game. Gauld has particularly tricky feet, something that’s been widely praised.

Hailed as a “complete” player by Farense head coach, Sergio Vieira, he also commented: “When I compare Ryan to the average Brazilian player, I think he has more.

“I know that because I coached in Brazil’s first division for three years. I can strongly say that Ryan is a top player even when compared to the best in Brazil.”

That’s some praise for a player who hails from a nation which doesn’t always produce the most technical of players.

Gauld has proven to be a trailblazer for young Scottish footballers but it’s time for him to come back to his home nation. His qualities combined with Turnbull’s could revive Celtic’s forward line.

AND in other news, Forget Postecoglou: Desmond could revive Celtic by hiring “brave” 48 y/o manager…

Wolverhampton Wanderers have once again been linked with a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney this summer.

According to a recent report by 90min (via Birmingham Live), Bruno Lage is in the market for adding a striker to his squad ahead of next season, although his side could be priced out of a move for the Englishman.

Toney has settled into the top-flight excellently after catapulting the Bees into the Premier League last term with 33 Championship goals, finding the back of the net 12 times in the current campaign for Thomas Frank’s side, who now look all but safe after their first season in the first division.

Having played in League One, the Championship and now the Premier League over the last three seasons, the 26-year-old’s rise up the English football ladder has been remarkable.

Netting 139 senior goals over the course of his career, Toney has been a kingpin for Frank’s men, despite only joining in September 2020.

The Danish manager has previously labelled the striker as “special” whilst also claiming that he has the “mindset of a lion.”

The former Newcastle youth player has quickly established himself as one of England’s most prolific forwards and is certainly destined for bigger things, with no disrespect to Brentford.

Although the Englishman would see sides that can offer European football as a preference, joining Wolves would certainly be a step up with the West Midlands club enjoying a successful first campaign under the management of Bruno Lage.

The Old Gold currently find themselves eighth in the Premier League, although they are three points behind seventh-placed West Ham with a game in hand.

Securing European football is still very realistic for Lage’s men which, if they are successful in doing so, will make them a much more attractive prospect for potential signings.

Despite their strong campaign, quality in the final third has frequently been lacking for Wolves who have scored just 33 goals in 32 matches – with only Brighton, Burnley, Watford and Norwich have scored fewer.

Therefore, adding a prolific striker will certainly be a priority for the Portuguese manager.

This season has seen the return of forward Raul Jimenez after a horrific skull fracture that could’ve easily forced the Mexican into early retirement.

However, while the 30-year-old is Wolves’ joint-top goalscorer this term, he has been well below the standard previously set prior to his injury, scoring just six goals.

Although there were extra matches with the West Midlands outfit reaching the quarter-final of the Europa League, the 2019/20 campaign saw Jimenez score a whopping 27 goals and assist a further 10 in 55 games.

Moreover, the season prior saw the Mexican find the back of the net on 17 occasions in 44 appearances.

Had Wolves’ defence not been as good as it has been this campaign, the Golden Boys would undoubtedly find themselves well out of contention for a European spot.

Therefore, adding a more consistent goalscorer over the summer is vital as Lage’s men cannot rely on solely shutting teams out regularly to progress. With a good record, plenty of potential and top-flight experience, Toney would be an excellent candidate.

AND in other news: Huge blow: Wolves dealt late injury setback ahead of Burnley, Lage will be gutted

Manchester United have been handed a hugely disappointing update over the future of striker Edinson Cavani.

Out of contract at the end of the season, there were suggestions that the Uruguayan was not all that convinced of staying in Manchester, with Boca Juniors reportedly interested in signing him on a free transfer.

That certainly seems to have come to fruition, with reports from Argentinian outlet Depo suggesting that the striker has requested to leave the Red Devils in the summer, news which will hugely disappoint Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Since arriving at Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain, Cavani has been one of the Red Devils’ most productive players. He has struck ten goals in all competitions, bettered only by Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford in the United squad this term.

The majority of those have come in the Premier League with Cavani having found the net in each of his last two games against Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley.

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His performances have also drawn plenty of praise, with United boss Solskjaer labelling Cavani as “top-class” in his short time with the club so far.

It goes without saying that the Norwegian will be disappointed to lose a player of such quality, especially with the Red Devils all but set to return to the Champions League next season – a competition in which the Uruguayan is hugely experienced.

His departure could also have huge impacts on Manchester United in the transfer market.

Should Cavani have stayed, it would have allayed their need to recruit a striker in the window. However, to compensate for his loss, the Red Devils are surely going to have to fork out a considerable amount to find an equal replacement for the 34-year-old unless they once again turn to the free agent market.

His request to leave the club will surely be a crushing blow for Solskjaer and Manchester United fans alike.

AND in more news, read about the huge boost that Manchester United have received regarding the European Super League…

Liverpool won’t use funds from the potential sale of Neco Williams to sign another right-back, according to journalist Paul Gorst. 

It was reported in June that the likes of Southampton, Leeds United, Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers were interested in Williams.

The Reds are apparently open to selling the 20-year-old if their £10million valuation is met.

Williams himself is keen to secure ‘regular first-team football’, having been limited to just three Premier League starts last season as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s understudy.

How would Liverpool use the Neco Williams money?

According to Gorst, though, that £10million wouldn’t be reinvested in a direct replacement.

That’s because Liverpool are confident Joe Gomez and 17-year-old academy prospect Conor Bradley provide sufficient depth.

In theory, the money could instead be put towards a replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, who departed Anfield at the end of his contract.

It could also be used to sign another forward with a mid-season Africa Cup of Nations calling for Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Fan feed LFC Transfer Room relayed Gorst’s claim, and here’s what supporters made of it.

Liverpool warned as right-back plan emerges

“They said that last year and look what happened”

Credit: @LeeLeema123

“Sounds a bit like last season when Lovren went and we had cover with Fab at CB”

Credit: @LFC8FAN

“Just like how koumetio offered brilliant depth at cb last season”

Credit: @1mran0402

“We never learn from the mistake”

Credit: @samuelthangte22

“Enough cover for Trent? We deserve nothing”

Credit: @VxskoPx

“Gomez at RB is horrendous, cheap clowns can’t ever just have a backup”

Credit: @egan_96

In other news, fans react as the Reds reportedly look to repeat their 2020 transfer trick.

Journalist Luke Hatfield said John Terry’s departure will be a major blow for everyone associated with Aston Villa.

The former England captain’s Villa Park exit brings down his four-year affiliation with the Midlands outfit.

Following his release from Chelsea back in 2017, Terry dropped down to the Championship and signed for Villa, who were managed by Steve Bruce at the time.

Terry was named skipper and would make 32 Championship appearances as Villa qualified for the play-offs.

However, the centre-back didn’t enjoy the fairy tale ending that he would have hoped following a 1-0 defeat to Fulham in the play-off final.

And just three days after Terry announced his retirement from playing, he was confirmed as Dean Smith’s assistant for the first-team.

And Terry has played a key part in Villa’s rise from the Championship to becoming an established Premier League club once again before announcing he would depart ahead of the new campaign to pursue his dream of becoming a manager.

Hatfield told The Transfer Tavern:

“He’s been fantastic at Villa. He obviously joined as a player and then moved on and coached at the club and had an impact, so it will be a blow for the club and for Dean Smith.”

Lee Johnson’s Sunderland have been dealt what is potentially a huge blow ahead of their upcoming League One play-off semi-final.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to the Sunderland manager himself, who – speaking following the Black Cats’ 1-1 draw with Northampton Town on Sunday – revealed that Ross Stewart was ruled out of the fixture due to a hamstring injury, something which casts doubt over the centre-forward’s availability ahead of the play-off semi-final against Lincoln City on 19th and 22nd May.

As cited by Chronicle Live, Johnson said: “Ross suffered a grade two hamstring tear – or tweak, or strain, depending on how you want to look at it. In saying that, he is presenting very well, he feels good, and that’s one of the reasons why potentially we can chuck in a friendly on Friday to give him another sharpener. Next week it will be time for the players to be honest about what they need.”

Big blow

While Sunderland’s first-choice striker, 25-goal Charlie Wyke, has undoubtedly been the club’s star of the League One season so far, the news of Stewart’s injury is still likely to infuriate Johnson.

Indeed, with Wyke having only just returned to action following his own thigh injury, the potential loss of Stewart for the play-off semi-final is a “big blow” for the club, as described by Sunderland Echo journalist Phil Smith.

Should the 24-year-old be ruled out against the Imps, a reoccurrence of Wyke’s knock would leave Johnson incredibly short of centre-forward options. Even if the Black Cats’ top scorer stays fit, the loss of Stewart significantly reduces the options that the manager can utilise up front.

As such, it would seem a very likely scenario that Johnson is desperate for the 24-year-old’s return ahead of the clash with Lincoln, with anything other than securing promotion via the play-offs likely to render the Black Cats’ season a failure.

In other news: Forget Wyke: Lee Johnson may have found Sunderland ace’s heir in gem who could be worth £10m – opinion

Crystal Palace are the subject of a £220 million takeover bid led by American businessman John Textor, who is a pioneer in hologram technology.

What’s the story?

According to The Sun, the investor is leading a consortium that is attempting to take control of the south London outfit.

Palace’s current American co-owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer purchased stakes in the Eagles back in 2015, but both are believed to want to sell their shares in the club.

Fans should be worried

Textor built his reputation as the co-chairman of visual effects company Digital Domain, famously working on several award-winning films, including Titanic, which won an Oscar in 1997.

However, his reputation in Hollywood suffered a huge blow after an attempt to change the company’s business model failed in a spectacular fashion.

After debts reached a reported £160m, they filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2012, putting Textor’s business acumen into question.

Digital Domain did eventually recover, though, as did Textor. He’s now the leading shareholder of a streaming company focussed on sport called FuboTV.

Fubo merged with Textor’s company Facebank, best known for creating holograms of rapper Tupac Shakur for the Coachella Music Festival in 2012 and of Michael Jackson for the 2014 Billboard Music Awards.

Despite his ultimate success in business, Textor isn’t a billionaire and will have to acquire financial support from elsewhere to put together a feasible offer for Palace.

With Harris, Blitzer and chairman Steve Parish all thought to own an equal stake of 18%, the proposed new owner will have to invest a substantial sum to gain majority control.

While getting new, ambitious owners is often an exciting time for football fans, Palace supporters should be relatively worried about this latest revelation.

Talks are thought to be at an advanced stage, yet Textor’s concerning previous business exploits and relative lack of financial might are far from ideal.

Parish has proved to be a popular figure at Selhurst Park in recent years, and with the capital club attempting to rebuild themselves following Roy Hodgson’s departure, this distraction may have come at a bad time.

And, in other news…Parish must swoop for “unstoppable” £13.5m-rated goal machine, Palace badly need him 

Kevin Phillips has given his reaction to some Newcastle United injury news involving Callum Wilson.

The Lowdown: Back training

Speaking in his pre-game press conference before the Magpies lost 2-1 at Wolves on Saturday, Steve Bruce revealed that the 29-year-old is due to start training ‘in the next couple of days’, and hinted that he could make a return to the squad after the upcoming international break.

The former Bournemouth striker has not played since he scored in the 2-2 draw at home to Southampton in the Premier League in late August.

The Latest: Phillips reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League Golden Boot winner Phillips has claimed that Wilson being back in training is a big boost for Newcastle. He said:

“That’s a massive boost. They’ve missed him hugely. When he plays, he guarantees you goals, guarantees you a threat.

“That’s what Newcastle have lacked. It’s great news for him to be back in training.

“I’m sure they can’t wait for him to get out there and get going again.”

The Verdict: Huge

It certainly is huge that Wilson is back in training, as he could be back in a black-and-white-striped shirt after the international break has finished.

There is no doubt that Newcastle have missed him, having not being able to win any of the last four Premier League games without him, only managing to score four goals in that time (two in three matches prior to his injury.

He is such a key player for Bruce’s team and gives them a focal point up top from which the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron and Joe Willock can thrive.

In other news, find out what controversial beIN reveal has been dropped on the potential takeover

Everton are fighting it out with two other Premier League clubs for the signature of Real Betis’ Rodri Sanchez, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown

Sanchez is a versatile 21-year-old who can play as an attacking midfielder and as a left or right winger.

He has made seven appearances in all competitions so far this season, averaging 1.6 shots, 1.3 dribbles and 1.3 tackles per 90 minutes (via WhoScored).

Sanchez made his first appearance for Spain’s under-21s in their 3-2 European Championship qualifying win against Slovakia last week.

The latest

Fichajes claimed that Betis are currently trying to extend Sanchez’s contract, which runs until 2024. His existing deal apparently contains a release clause of €24m, equating to £20.4m.

Everton, Brighton and Southampton are all said to be willing to part with that amount to secure the signing of the 21-year-old.

The verdict

The Athletic’s Greg O’Keeffe suggested on Monday that Rafael Benitez wanted more options out wide at Everton, and Sanchez’s versatility means he could provide cover across a number of positions.

Would he be a good fit for the Toffees? It’s notable that he hasn’t attempted a single cross so far this season, and you feel that aiming balls in towards the aerially prolific Dominic Calvert-Lewin would be an important part of his job if he were to move to Merseyside.

He could possibly try to adapt his playing style to meet Benitez’s demands.

In other news, Greg O’Keeffe has claimed that this Everton defender could be sold 

Manchester City look set to miss out on Sergio Ramos this summer after football journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that he is on the brink of a move to PSG.

Ramos set to sign for PSG

City had been linked with a move for the legendary centre-back after it was revealed that he would leave Real Madrid this summer but it seems as if PSG have won the race to sign him, after Romano posted on Twitter that:

“Sergio Ramos will undergo his medical in the next hours then he’ll sign with PSG until June 2023.”

Should Man City have signed him?

Whilst many will point towards City’s impressive defensive record last season, which was built heavily on the partnership of Ruben Dias and John Stones, whilst also having the quality of Aymeric Laporte and Nathan Ake available as squad depth, City fell short when it mattered most in the Champions League final against Chelsea.

Having a serial winner in the squad, such as Ramos, who has won four Champions League trophies and five La Liga titles during his time at Real Madrid, might well have been the difference against Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Although he was substituted in the first half, fellow experienced centre-back Thiago Silva proved to be a vital signing for the Blues last season and dramatically improved their defence thanks to his ability and experience as a centre-back.

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Despite being 35-years-old, Ramos undoubtedly still has the drive to play at the top level and could’ve been a superb addition to Guardiola’s squad, both on and off the pitch.

Spain manager Luis Enrique was full of praise for the experienced defender last year after he equalled Gianluigi Buffon’s record for international caps, saying:

“Sergio is unique. He is on a different level. The appearance record is only within the reach of those who are very gifted.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“577936″]

City fans should be disappointed that Txiki Begiristain seemingly didn’t make a significant move for Ramos, as he could’ve been the difference between the Citizens winning the Champions League or not next season, and considering he was available on a free transfer, he surely would have been worth the risk.

And, in other news… Txiki heading for transfer disaster with “complete” Man City beast