All posts by n8rngtd.top

Ex-Leicester City player Steve Howey believes that the recruitment at the King Power Stadium is first class, after they completed the signing of Jannik Vestergaard from Southampton.

The Foxes had already strengthened their squad this summer, bringing in Patson Daka, Boubakary Soumare and Ryan Bertrand for a combined total of £40m.

All three featured in Leicester’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City over the weekend, with former City striker Kelechi Iheanacho scoring the winner for the Foxes from the penalty spot.

Leicester added the Community Shield to the FA Cup that they won last season after defeating Chelsea 1-0 thanks to a Youri Tielemans wonder strike. The Foxes are growing from strength to strength, both on and off the pitch, with former player Howey full of praise for the recruitment department at the club.

“I think the recruitment from Leicester has always been very very good. They let some players go after they won the Premier League, but you know they’ve bought players in that nobody’s really heard of and they’ve been absolutely outstanding. 

“So, you know, the recruitment is first class at Leicester and obviously with these players that’s just come in, I think they’ll be exactly the same, I think they’ll be excellent,” Howey told Football FanCast.

Manager Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that after success at Wembley over the weekend, Leicester get off to a really good start in the Premier League and with the new players added to the squad, that the club can challenge for the top four and for more silverware this season.

David Moyes has sent West Ham United fans an exciting transfer hint with less than two weeks to go until Deadline Day…

What’s the word?

The Hammers got the new Premier League season off to the perfect start as they defeated Newcastle United 4-2 at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon, and after the game, the 58-year-old revealed his intentions for the remainder of the month.

In quotes relayed by football.london, Moyes said:

“I have 17-year-old centre-half Jamal [Baptiste] who I want involved in the first-team training but undoubtedly I am going to try and add to the squad.

“And I will be adding a defender and maybe other players as well but then if I don’t, then I will be happy if the players perform as well as they did today.”

Time running out!

It’s been a frustrating summer of business for the Irons, who surely not only want but need reinforcements right across the pitch going into this season, especially as they’ll soon be testing themselves in the Europa League too.

They are among the few sides to have not signed an outfield player, with their only senior addition being a backup goalkeeper in the form of Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper Alphonse Areola, who was on loan to relegated Fulham last season.

It means that Moyes is still an injury to Michail Antonio away from disaster, whilst Fabian Balbuena is yet to be replaced – a reason why a centre-back seems to be the top priority – and there’s only the retiring Mark Noble to back up Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek.

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As a result of their lack of activity since the end of the 2020/21 campaign, plenty of the West Ham faithful have vented their anger on social media – one example is seen in this reaction article from Football Transfer Tavern.

Largely, their annoyance has been targeted towards GSB. The owners are also soon to witness another protest against them, with fan group Hammers United planning a pre-game march for their clash with Manchester United next month.

That could gain further traction should the Irons head into September without making further additions.

However, it’s evident that Moyes knows he needs to bolster his squad and has made the fanbase publicly aware, so they should ultimately be excited by this news.

Whether it actually happens remains to be seen.

It’s also clear that the 58-year-old really does want a new centre-backm and with the Hammers being linked to the likes of Nikola Milenkovic, Kurt Zouma and Kortney Hause in recent weeks, many should be buzzing by the prospect of signing any of these names.

Time is running out but at least there is some hope for United heading into the final few weeks.

AND in other news, Forget Antonio and Benrahma: £27m-rated machine stole the show for West Ham at Newcastle…

French club OGC Nice are lining up a move for Celtic forward Odsonne Edouard, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, and a number of Hoops fans have been reacting to the news on social media.

Edouard saw a move to Leicester City collapse earlier in the summer but is still working on a Parkhead exit before the end of the window.

The 23-year-old, who is valued at £15.3m by Transfermarkt, is into the final 12 months of his Celtic contract.

Should his situation remain the same, Edouard would be free to talk to clubs outside of Scotland in January ahead of a possible pre-contract agreement. That would mean the Hoops could recoup nothing for the striker next summer, but it seems as if they may well receive an offer from Nice before the current transfer window shuts.

Celtic fans react

O’Rourke shared the news regarding Nice’s interest in Edouard via Twitter

These Hoops fans want the forward to leave, possibly due to his contract situation or apparent lack of commitment to the club and Celtic being at risk of receiving nothing for him beyond the current window, with one supporter describing the update as ‘good’.

“He’s not bothered about Celtic anymore so hopefully this is true. Time to get the cash in and reinvest the money.”

Credit: @adriceltic

“I’ll drive him there myself if that helps matters, I honestly don’t mind”

Credit: @DeanoEngles

“good”

Credit: @Broadbhoy

“Good riddance he’s another Ntcham, an empty jersey …”

Credit: @Slanjboy

“Let’s hope so… let Ange get his own motivated striker in.”

Credit: @TheLeatherBelts

“I hope so.”

Credit: @johnmack12345

In other news: Celtic links to 35-goal free agent resurface, find out more here. 

Many Everton fans have been left fuming as some comments emerged from James Rodriguez.

Speaking on his Twitch channel (via The Toffee Blues), the Colombia international admitted that he did not know who the Goodison Park faithful were playing over the weekend: “I don’t even know who Everton plays with, if you can tell me please.”

This comes after he said that he is not going to play any part in the game, which is away at Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Rodriguez has been linked with a move away from the Merseyside club throughout the summer transfer window so far, and comments like these suggest that he is not overly bothered about his current employers.

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Thus, it is not a surprise to see so many Toffees supporters angry at his total lack of awareness and application.

Everton fans on Rodriguez comments

These Blues fumed as the comments were shared on Twitter, with one EFC fan even going as far as to claim that Rodriguez was a ‘bad egg’:

“Time to get rid of this bad egg James Rodriguez now and end this love in for him that the Echo falls brigade have created. Not only is he disrespecting the fans and the club with his latest comments but the players also.”

Credit: @DixiReal

“You know what get him gone”

Credit: @BenRobbo1878

“Moronic comment from him, If true. Fast going off this bloke & I’m sure lots more!”

Credit: @MaxyMj3669

“If this is true, its time to go @jamesdrodriguez. You have just burnt a lot of bridges I reckon, gonna be a hard one to come back from…”

Credit: @ChrisPickles24

“Get this dude off our club @Everton. Don’t even care about making money off his release. Just insanely disrespectful.”

Credit: @NealEmbry

“If this it true, it is totally disrespectful and unprofessional.”

Credit: @colingeorgerice

In other news, find out what transfer update has Evertonians gushing here!

Wolves may conclude their transfer window with a bang as the Old Gold begin to make strides to improving their first-team options.

They are in the market to sign another striker while a further centre-back could arrive before the deadline slams shut next week.

What’s the word?

Bruno Lage appears to be desperate to bring in a new centre-half in the closing days of the window with a multitude of players linked in the last few weeks.

They were eyeing deals for Takehiro Tomiyasu at Bologna and Nikola Milenkovic at Fiorentina but they are incredibly unlikely now.

Instead, they’re looking at finalising a deal for Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car.

That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas who took to Twitter on Wednesday evening. He said: “Wolves have an interest in Duje Caleta-Car at Marseille but face an uphill task to convince him to join. He wants to keep playing in Europe.”

Much-needed

One of the biggest issues for Wolves last season was undoubtedly their defence.

During a period between October and February, the team led by Nuno Santo managed to keep just two clean sheets in 14 straight matches.

Defensive mistakes riddled their team with Romain Saiss in particular struggling. Various injuries to star centre-back Willy Boly also didn’t help their cause.

Boly has spent the early parts of this season out injured while new signing Yerson Mosquera is also on the treatment table.

Consequently, Wolves’ options in their preferred three-man backline are extremely limited.

Caleta-Car, therefore, would not only give them more depth but he’d also provide them with an immense dose of quality. On that basis, supporters should be extremely excited that they want to sign the Croatian.

The 24-year-old is one of the most promising centre-backs in Europe and has developed well in French football.

Last season his pass success rate was north of 86% while he also won 2.5 aerial duels per match. If you compare that to every defender at Wolves, he fits right into their preferred make-up.

Only Conor Coady and Max Kilman had a better pass completion percentage while only Boly and Saiss were more prolific in aerial battles.

As a consequence, Lage must do his utmost to bring the Croat to Molineux this summer. Supporters would surely be elated at having another option in their defence.

AND in other news, Wolves make offer to sign £17m “phenomenon” before deadline day, Lage needs him…

Despite being heavily linked with a move away from Manchester City earlier in the window, it now looks as if Bernardo Silva is set to remain at the Etihad.

What’s the word?

It was widely reported that the former AS Monaco man was keen on a move away from the Citizens this summer, especially after City confirmed the £100m signing of Jack Grealish, with the Englishman seemingly set to take Silva’s place in the starting eleven.

Pep Guardiola’s side were clearly keen to cash in on some first-team players in order to raise enough money to bring Harry Kane to the Etihad and Silva seemed a prime candidate to leave, with AC Milan amongst the sides said to be interested in signing him.

However, after Kane confirmed he would be staying with Spurs this summer, it now looks as if Silva will remain a Manchester City player, with Portuguese journalist David Novo (via SI), claiming that there is a strong possibility that he won’t depart before Tuesday evening’s transfer deadline.

A boost for Manchester City?

Kevin De Bruyne’s injury has perhaps played a factor in Bernardo Silva starting two of City’s three games in the Premier League this season and whilst it is early days, the skilful midfielder is showing signs of the form he produced in the 2018/19 campaign when he was named in the PFA Team of the Year after helping City to the title.

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Last season saw the 27-year-old manage just two goals in 26 top-flight appearances but he was excellent in both of the 5-0 wins against Norwich City and Arsenal, with Guardiola singing his praises after the game, saying:

“Bernardo in his mind is happy – happy in his life and what a player.

“The year we won the Premier League with 98 points, he was the best player in the Premier League.

“All I want is his happiness. He can play in different positions. He always plays good and today he played exceptional again.”

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Although the Portuguese maestro might lose his regular starting spot when the likes of De Bruyne and Phil Foden return to full fitness, there is no doubting Silva’s quality when he is on form, and Guardiola would surely be delighted to keep him in his squad this season, so it seems unlikely, after this journalist’s update, that he will depart before the deadline.

And, in other news… Man City handed huge boost with “incredible” beast,  Pep will be buzzing

The summer transfer window might have closed for English clubs, but there’s still a handful of European sides who are able to conduct some business over the next few days.

What’s the story?

One of the leagues still able to buy and sell is the Turkish Super Lig, and recent reports claimed that Fenerbahce were interested in securing the services of Liverpool striker Divock Origi.

The Belgium international has been linked with a move away from Anfield in recent months, but PA Media sports reporter Carl Markham has revealed that the 26-year-old is set to stay put on Merseyside for now.

He tweeted: “Contrary to reports in Turkey @LFC have had no approaches – from anyone – for Divock Origi”.

Jurgen Klopp will be gutted

Although losing Origi without being able to bring in a replacement would have left Reds manager Jurgen Klopp short of options in the final third of the pitch, he may still be gutted that a sale could not be secured.

The 19-time English champions were working with a limited budget over the summer and were only able to bring former RB Leipzig centre-back Ibrahima Konate as a result.

Several fringe players such as Xherdan Shaqiri, Harry Wilson and Marko Grujic departed Liverpool, duly raising substantial funds for the club, but director of football Michael Edwards was either unable or unwilling to bring in further reinforcements with the money those sales generated.

However, selling the £10.8m-rated Origi may have topped up the club’s coffers enough for Klopp to secure his top targets in January, while Diogo Jota and Takumi Minamino provided cover and competition for the famed front three.

Instead, Origi faces another few months warming the Liverpool bench as the club’s hierarchy watch his market value plummet even further, a situation that both parties would surely rather have avoided. A return of one goal in all competitions last season illustrated just how much his stock has fallen since his glorious 2019.

It remains to be seen whether the former Lille hitman eventually departs over the remaining months of 2021, but Klopp will certainly be looking for a solution to the Belgian’s prolonged Anfield struggle.

In other news… Edwards can redeem himself at Liverpool with January move for “devastating” maestro 

Following the arrival of Valerien Ismael at West Bromwich Albion this summer, a manager who has something of a reputation for developing younger talents, Albion fans would have undoubtedly been expecting to see a number of the club’s academy prospects breaking into the Frenchman’s first-team squad.

And, while youngsters such as Taylor Gardner-Hickman, Ethan Ingram, Caleb Taylor, Tom Fellows, Toby King, Quevin, Rico Richards, Mo Faal and Rayhaan Tulloch have all featured for the senior side already this season, West Brom have also sanctioned the departures of a couple of highly-rated talents, including Rekeem Harper and Finley Thorndike – the latter of whom recently joined Aston Villa.

Indeed, the decision to release Thorndike could well be a call that the club and Ismael come to regret, as the attacking midfielder would very much appear to be a player who boasts a significant amount of potential.

Big mistake

While Thorndike failed to make a first-team appearance for the Baggies, the 19-year-old nevertheless impressed during his time while playing for the various West Brom youth sides.

Indeed, over his 29 appearances for the U18s, the attacking midfielder scored 11 goals and registered one assist, as well as scoring three goals and providing one assist over his 16 fixtures with the U23 team – which the youngster was promoted to at the beginning of last season.

Furthermore, the man Aston Villa academy manager Mark Harrison dubbed a “creative” player has already demonstrated his ability for Villa’s U23 side, scoring one goal and registering one assist over his three Premier League 2 appearances for his new side.

As such, considering Ismael’s reputation of helping young players establish themselves in his first team, it would certainly appear as if Thorndike would have been a player the Frenchman could have worked wonders with.

And, should the 19-year-old be able to maintain his fine form for Villa’s U23 side over the course of the season, it would not be surprising to see the midfielder in and around the club’s senior squad towards the end of the current campaign – something that would certainly cause a great deal of regret for everyone involved with West Brom, as well as confirming that letting the teenager go was a big mistake.

In other news: West Brom dealt crushing blow on “brilliant” £4.4k-p/w ace, Ismael will be devastated

Speaking in a football.london Q&A, reliable Tottenham Hotspur reporter Alasdair Gold has made a big contract claim involving goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

The Lowdown: Spurs in new deal flurry?

After Spurs finally tied down first team superstar Son Heung-min with a bumper new deal, there has been talk of yet more fresh terms for Tottenham’s first teamers.

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Indeed, this includes striker Harry Kane despite his heavy links with a move away to Manchester City in the last transfer window.

Speaking in a Q&A, Gold has now shared news involving another big name in Lloris and what Spurs are planning to do with him next.

The Latest: Gold makes Lloris contract claim…

As per the journalist, Tottenham have a plan for the France number one, whose current deal expires in 2022.

He claims that Fabio Paratici and co could now offer him a new and improved short term contract if he continues his consistent performances so far this season.

“The Frenchman admitted recently that he hasn’t had a new contract offer,” Gold explained (via football.london).

“As I understand it, if he continues to show his level of consistency this season then Spurs will offer him a new short-term deal.

“Then it will be down to Lloris over whether he wants to go past the decade with the club or whether he wants to return to France, as he’s suggested before, or even move somewhere like the MLS.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

The 34-year-old has been a mainstay since his arrival from Lyon all the way back in 2012 and it will be interesting to see if Pierluigi Gollini marks himself out as a potential permanent replacement when called upon.

Lloris has arguably deserved the links to a new contract based off his performances overall early in the season, but only time will tell whether he can maintain this fine start.

In other news: Spurs source: Rising starlet could now be out for at least nine months after big injury blow, find out more here.

Southampton have developed an enviable reputation for improving young players over the years following a number of signings and academy graduates in the Premier League going on to do great things.

The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane and Dejan Lovren are just some of those who have either been signed by the club and sold on at a profit, or come up through the academy before sealing a big-money exit.

One player who could be in the middle of that journey is right-back Kyle Walker-Peters. The defender is currently in his second full season for the Saints, having initially joined on loan during the 2019/20 campaign ahead of signing permanently in the summer of 2020.

During his loan spell, Walker-Peters made ten Premier League appearances (seven starts) and averaged an impressive WhoScored rating of 6.86. He made 2.7 tackles and interceptions, whilst also completing 1.7 dribbles and 0.4 key passes, per game.

This convinced the Saints to sign him permanently from Tottenham in the summer of 2020, with Transfermarkt valuing him at £7.2m at the time.

The 24-year-old went on to start 30 of Southampton’s 38 Premier League matches in the 2020/21 campaign, averaging a WhoScored rating of 6.84. He improved defensively as he averaged 4.1 tackles and interceptions per game, showing that he was able to grow as a defender and stifle more attackers by either taking the ball off an opponent or reading a pass to intercept it and regain possession for the Saints.

Throughout the campaign, his market value soared. It went from £7.2m to £10.8m in October before shooting up to £13.5m in December and then £16.2m – where it currently sits – in May 2021. This means that his market value has risen 125% from £7.2m to £16.2m since he completed his permanent transfer to Southampton, proving that his signing has been a masterstroke by Hasenhuttl.

Upon Walker-Peters’ arrival at the club, the former RB Leipzig coach hailed him as an intelligent player and claimed that he could improve further.

The Austrian said: “He is a very good fit for our style. He is a young, intelligent player, and he is very good on the ball, with good quickness and an ability to play this intense style that we like.

“I am very pleased we have been able to bring him back as our player, as this is a position that we have been looking to improve in and Kyle does this for us. I think he can develop his game even more here too.”

Walker-Peters’ 125% increase in value shows that Hasenhuttl has pulled off a masterstroke, as his initial comments prove that he saw the potential in the defender. The Austrian has been able to help the former Spurs gem develop as a player in the past 18 months and the 24-year-old could be well on his way to earning a big-money transfer in the future, or hopefully becoming a crucial player at St Mary’s for years to come.

AND in other news, Semmens must avoid Saints disaster over “very nasty” beast, Ralph would be devastated…