All posts by z3u9t.icu

It is always a gamble when Celtic decide to bring in a new player as there are so many factors at play, whether that be how they adapt to the style of play, how they get on with their teammates, or how they respond to the manager.

This is heightened when a young player comes through the door as all of those issues are questioned whilst they are still in the early development stages of their career. They are being signed on their potential rather than their ability at the time and that can make expectations hard to handle.

One player on whom Celtic took a gamble was right-back Jeremie Frimpong, signing him from Manchester City’s academy for £342,000 in the summer of 2019 when he was 18 years old. He had not played a single senior match in his career and the Hoops decided to splash out almost half a million pounds on his services, but that fee quickly started looking like a bargain for the Scottish giants.

Frimpong made 21 senior appearances for Celtic in the 2019/20 campaign, scoring twice and setting up three goals as he showed off his attacking quality from full-back. This led to his former Hoops manager Neil Lennon lauding the youngster as an ‘outstanding talent’ and admitting that he couldn’t hold him back.

He said: “I’m just delighted what he brings to the game, defensively or offensively and there is as an end product as well. He’s an outstanding talent who looks after himself. Watching him makes me tired, the amount of runs he makes, he wears people down.

“He is an amazing player. Amazing. With younger players, you want to look after them but you can’t hold talent back.”

Frimpong then pushed on further in the 2020/21 season as he started 19 games in the Premiership campaign, with 30 appearances in all competitions, averaging a solid SofaScore rating of 6.81. He helped Celtic to keep eight clean sheets in those games, whilst contributing offensively with one goal and two assists.

This led to Bayer Leverkusen swooping for him in the January transfer window at the start of this year. At the time of the move, Transfermarkt valued him at £3.6m based on his form for Celtic over the previous two seasons.

He spent his first few months adjusting to life in the Bundesliga, starting four of his first 10 league appearances for Leverkusen. This season, he is thriving in Germany with an average SofaScore rating of 7.13 in seven Bundesliga starts, providing three assists for his team.

At the time of writing, Transfermarkt value him at a whopping £13.5m. Not only is this more than the £9.9m Celtic reportedly received for his services, but it is also a 275% increase on the £3.6m at which he was valued upon his exit from Parkhead.

This shows that Celtic endured a disaster by selling him when they did. Had they been able to keep hold of him for another six months, or longer, they could then have sold him for a larger fee based on his progress in the last 10 months. The Hoops could have raked in a bigger transfer fee, which they could then have invested into making the team stronger across the park.

Whilst they will be proud of their work in bringing him to the club for a minimal fee before selling him on for profit, his soaring market value suggests that it was a mistake to cash in when they did as they have potentially missed out on a sizeable payday.

AND in other news, Celtic powerhouse has seen value soar 500% since January, he’s solved key issue…

Newcastle United have reportedly entered the race to sign long-time Leeds United target Nahitan Nandez, acting as a potential blow for the Whites.

The Lowdown: Nandez a long-term Leeds target

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Elland Road endlessly in the last year, with both summer and January rumours emerging from every direction.

Nandez has matured into a formidable performer for both Cagliari and Uruguay, starting 15 Serie A games for the former this season and playing 49 times in total for the latter, so it’s perhaps no surprise Victor Orta wants the tenacious midfielder given the lack of depth in that position at Elland Road.

The Whites’ transfer guru even flew out to Italy to discuss a deal last summer, claim some reports, but it now looks as though a strong contender has emerged in the battle to snap up the tough tackling ace.

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The Latest: Newcastle emerge as suitors

According to Tuttosport on Friday, Newcastle are interested in bringing Nandez to the club after their big-money takeover.

They are described as a ‘new entry’ in the race to sign the 5 foot 7 Uruguayan, with Leeds and Tottenham still very much in the fight.

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The Verdict: Potential big blow

In the last couple of seasons, there would be no reason why Newcastle would necessarily be a more appealing proposition than Leeds, but their takeover may change things significantly.

All of a sudden, the Magpies are able to blow other teams out of the water in terms of wages, which has the potential to work hugely against Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Nandez would be the perfect January signing to help solve the midfield shortage – his average of 1.9 tackles per game in the league this season is superior to both Robin Koch (1.0) and Mateusz Klich (1.1)  – so missing out on him to a Premier League rival would hurt.

In other news, Leeds have received a boost in their quest to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth has revealed that Leeds United starlet Niall Huggins could be set for an exit from Elland Road in this summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

Smyth had previously indicated that the young left-back was someone who was prepared to fight for his place at the club and be a part of Marcelo Bielsa’s Premier League squad this season.

The journalist said: “A number of the 23s, inspired by what Pascal Struijk did quite unexpectedly last season in seizing a first-team opportunity and accruing a huge number of Premier League minutes, have set their hearts on staying put to try and do the same. Niall Huggins is among those preferring to stay put than head out on loan.”

But now, Smyth has claimed Huggins could be on his way out of the club on a permanent basis, adding: “The Yorkshire Evening Post understands an offer from a Championship club is on the table and Blackburn Rovers’ interest in the Wales Under-21 international is well documented, but nothing is imminent.

“Huggins signed a new contract last season, one that runs to the summer of 2023 but it would now be a surprise if he is still at Elland Road to see it through to expiration.”Leeds fans won’t be happy

In a recent poll done on FFC about whether Huggins deserves a chance to impress in the first team next season in the Premier League, 77% of Leeds fans who answered, said yes (135 votes to 41).

While the 20-year-old may have made just one outing in the top flight last term – he was however a key member of the U23s squad under Mark Jackson which won the Premier League 2 Division 2 title (he scored twice and provided one assist in 17 games).

Leeds’ midfield talisman Kalvin Phillips has previously tipped Huggins for a bright future at Elland Road, saying just last summer: “We’ve got a few younger lads called Niall Huggins and Alfie McCalmont. They’re really good young players as well. They’ll be in the team in the next year or so, definitely.”

Keeping Huggins around as a potential squad option, or even just allowing him to build up experience away on loan, would surely be the right call here, especially given his age.

Instead, Leeds are making a ruthless call on someone who hasn’t yet been given a proper opportunity to shine in the first-team. While Junior Firpo may have arrived from Barcelona, the Whites still look short on natural left-back options, especially with Gjanni Alioski of course having departed in the summer.

Getting rid of Huggins permanently would surely not have Leeds fans happy. At just 20, he’s got all the time in the world to develop into a fine player, and the Whites should give him the chance to do so.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has dropped a Leeds United transfer update…

A number of West Brom supporters have shared their anger on Twitter after Dara O’Shea’s serious injury was confirmed by the Baggies.

The 22-year-old has played in every minute of the Baggies’ opening five games and has even scored twice to help Valerien Ismael’s side into the top two places, behind Fulham, on 13 points.

O’Shea started the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifying fixture defeat to Portugal, but limped off after only 36 minutes and has withdrawn from Stephen Kenny’s squad before the draws with Azerbaijan and Serbia.

It was announced on the club’s official Twitter account that O’Shea would miss four to six months after suffering a fractured ankle and requires surgery to rectify the injury before undergoing rehabilitation.

The club reacted almost immediately to the news and quickly brought in Kean Bryan on a free transfer following his release from Sheffield United in the summer.

West Brom fans fuming with injury update

These West Brom fans took to Twitter to give their thoughts after the news of the extent of the injury, with one fan worried such a damaging injury to the ankle will be ‘career changing’.

“The fact this man walked off the pitch despite the injury. Made of steel”

Credit: @waltererose

“Gutted for you and us Dara, you have been brilliant so far this season so will be massively missed over the next few months. Wishing you a speedy recovery”

Credit: @gemmadowneswba

“This will be a big miss been brilliant so far and has improved game by game, he’ll be back even stronger”

Credit: @jamster0504

“Man. Career changing injury too. All the best in recovery”

Credit: @LukeyP_wba

“So sad, didn’t deserve anything of this. Had an amazing start to the season as well. Get well soon” 

Credit: @ftbl_mouraa

“4-6 months. Big miss for us”

Credit: @ftbl_joey

In other news, West Brom have reacted positively to latest addition. Find out more here.

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been criticising the performance of Joe Aribo in their 2-1 win at home to Hibernian on Sunday afternoon.

Despite a red card given to Ryan Porteus after just half an hour after Kevin Nisbet had given the visitors an early lead at Ibrox, it took until the 78th minute before Alfredo Morelos struck the winner to give Steven Gerrard’s men all three points.

While there were some good performances for the Light Blues, Aribo seemed to struggle throughout the game. He lost out on eight of his duels, the most of any of his teammates, while he also failed to record a single shot on goal or key pass, losing possession on 15 separate occasions in the match (Sofascore).

Rangers fans on Aribo’s performance

These Gers supporters on Twitter slammed the 25-year-old’s performance against Hibs, with one fan even going as far as to claim that the Nigeria international is a ‘waste of a jersey’:

“Kamara, Hagi and Aribo shouldn’t be near the team the now. 3 are far too slow, though Kamara is a player.”

Credit: @bg724

“Aribo and Hagi. Not remotely interested”

Credit: @martinsuth90

“Hagi, Wright and Aribo have all been anonymous”

Credit: @SY97Ger

“Aribo can’t even make a simple pass”

Credit: @Davidjmae12345

“25 mins in. No shots on target. Defence a shambles again. Midfield creating nothing again. Aribo…waste of a jersey.”

Credit: @55andcounting55

“Joe Aribo has a good game every 10 games”

Credit: @michaelc_1872

In other news, find out which Ranger player’s display was praised by numerous fans

Some Everton fans have been left fuming as a transfer update emerged involving Rafa Benitez.

As per The Liverpool Echo, the Spanish manager wants to make at least three or four more signings before the summer window shuts, and is keeping a close eye on the likes of Sean Longstaff at Newcastle United and Dwight McNeil at Burnley especially.

While it is good to hear that the Goodison Park faithful are still active in the market, the new 2021/22 Premier League season gets under way on Friday night, and so some Merseyside club supporters have grown frustrated that more new faces have not come through the door so far.

The right-back position was not one mentioned as needing strengthening either, as some Toffees feel as if Seamus Coleman needs to be given competition in that role, and overall is an area that they need to strengthen most of all.

Everton fans on transfer update

These Blues fumed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter:

“Going to be another miserable slog again by the looks of it”

Credit: @lebatman1

“I’m gonna be sick”

Credit: @gromszgrad

“He needs to get his finger out then!”

Credit: @lincolnblue2

“Dusted club”

Credit: @_barneywynne_

“This is worse than Koeman”

Credit: @MaxDwyer2000

“We’re so mid-table it’s painful”

Credit: @alexmiIIer

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

Cameron Carter-Vickers has said that ‘discussions are to be had’ with Celtic at the end of the season as he considers his future. 

The lowdown

Celtic signed the American on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur during the summer transfer window. The deal included an option to buy for just shy of £6m but, according to the Daily Record, the fee would exceed £10m once add-ons are applied.

The Hoops have never paid an eight-figure transfer fee, with £9.27m recruit Odsonne Edouard still their record signing.

Carter-Vickers has been heavily involved since he made the move to Glasgow, starting 13 out of a possible 14 Premiership games as well as five Europa League group stage matches.

The latest

Carter-Vickers has said that he is ‘enjoying’ life at Celtic but insisted that he’s yet to make up his mind on where he wants to be long-term. The American also pointed out that parent club Spurs would have a significant say on where will be playing next season.

“I am enjoying playing out there,” he said on talkSPORT, as quoted by Glasgow Evening Times. “It is all going well.

“I think it is a little bit too early to say. It is not purely down to me as well. Obviously, discussions are to be had at the end of the season.”

The verdict

It would feel like a significant boost if Celtic were able to land Carter-Vickers on a permanent deal. With an average WhoScored rating of 7.43/10, he has been one of their top five performers this season.

He has also been showered with his praise by none other than Kenny Dalglish, who called him an ‘excellent professional’ who boasts an ‘exemplary’ attitude.

The £10m fee would be a huge commitment, but his £22,000-per-week wages should be affordable at least. Hopefully club and player can persuade Tottenham that a permanent move to Glasgow would be the best thing for him.

In other news, read the latest on Reo Hatate

Liverpool head into Thursday evening’s Champions League quarter-final second-leg meeting with Benfica knowing that any result better than a two-goal losing margin will see them progress to the semi-finals of the competition – something that, considering their dominating 3-1 victory at the Estadio da Luz last week, would appear an extremely likely outcome.

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And, with Jurgen Klopp revealing in his pre-match press conference that he has a fully fit squad to pick from ahead of this evening, the Reds’ comfortable lead on aggregate could well lead to the 54-year-old selecting a somewhat rotated squad against the Eagles – especially with another showdown against Manchester City coming up on Saturday in the FA Cup semi.

So, will the German make any changes to the side that started the 2-2 draw with City last weekend? Here’s how we think Liverpool could line up against Benfica…

With Klopp’s fully fit squad boasting an exceptional amount of strength in depth, we predict the 54-year-old will make six changes from his starting XI at The Etihad on Sunday.

In the back five, Alisson gets the nod between the sticks, while both centre-back Ibrahima Konate and left-back Kostas Tsimikas come into the XI for Joel Matip and Andy Robertson respectively – with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk retaining their spots at right-back and centre-back.

In the middle of the park, after highly impressing in the first leg, Naby Keita makes a return to the side alongside Jordan Henderson – who drops back into the six – and Thiago Alcantara in Klopp’s three-man midfield, with the £180k-per-week Fabinho – who journalist Declan Carr dubbed “woeful” against City – dropping to the bench.

Finally, there are wholesale changes in attack, with all three of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane being afforded a rest, while Harvey Elliot – who journalist Tom Barclay labelled a “wonderkid” – Roberto Firmino and Luis Diaz all come into the XI.

AND in other news: Liverpool in talks to sign “absolutely crazy” £42m talent, it could be bye-bye Salah

Aston Villa could capitalise on VfB Stuttgart’s need for funds in their pursuit of left-back Borna Sosa, according to German outlet Bild. 

The lowdown

The report cites ‘English transfer experts’ who claim that Steven Gerrard wants to sign Sosa in January.

Sosa has played 1,060 out of a possible 1,080 minutes in the Bundesliga so far this season.

He’s averaged 1.9 key passes, 1.4 clearances and 1.1 dribbles per game (via WhoScored).

For context, no Villa player is creating more than 1.6 chances per 90 this term.

The Croatian set-piece specialist has operated as a defensive midfielder or a left winger on 10 occasions in 2021/22, highlighting his versatility.

The latest

Journalist Ursula Vielberg writes that Stuttgart will be forced to sell players ‘in the future’ to address the effects of the pandemic.

Since it began, they’re said to have lost as much as €80million (about £67.1million).

That’s not to say Sosa will be sold for far less than he’s worth, though. He still has four years left on his deal.

The report adds that Stuttgart have yet to receive a formal approach from Villa. At this stage, it just looks to be interest.

The verdict

Sosa actually gave some insight into his own strengths and weaknesses in an interview with the official Bundesliga website.

He picked out his shooting, passing, set pieces and pace – he claimed he’s been the fastest player at all of his clubs – as his headline attributes.

But he also confessed that he could improve defensively, having focused on his attacking output as he came through the ranks.

His tally of 14 assists in 50 Bundesliga matches immediately catches the eye, but that possible weakness if something for Villa to consider before they greenlight a move.

In other news, Steven Gerrard has set his sights on this Champions League star.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Matthias Ginter to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Sky Sports News (via the Daily Mail), who claim that Fabio Paratici is set to battle it out with Juventus, West Ham United and Aston Villa for the signing of the Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back – who is set to become a free agent upon the expiry of his contract at Borussia-Park at the end of the season.

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Conte can axe Sanchez with Ginter

While Antonio Conte and Paratici have reportedly made a left-sided centre-half their priority target this summer, considering just how impressive the right-sided Ginter has been for Gladbach this season, in addition to the fact that Davinson Sanchez does not look to have much of a future in north London under the 52-year-old manager, it is easy to see why Spurs would be interested in a move for the 28-year-old.

Indeed, over his 25 Bundesliga appearances in the current campaign, the £21.6m-rated defender has been imperious in the heart of Adi Hutter’s backline, helping his side keep four clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 1.4 tackles, three clearances and winning 5.6 duels – at a success rate of 67% – per game.

The Germany international has also impressed in an attacking capacity, scoring one goal and creating four big chances for his teammates, in addition to making 56.2 passes, 3.2 long balls and taking 1.2 shots per fixture.

These returns have seen the £50k-per-week player who Joachim Low dubbed “underrated” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.98, ranking him as Gladbach’s best defender and fourth-best player overall in the German top flight this season.

The 46-time capped World Cup winner has also earned praise from legendary German centre-back Lothar Matthaus, who went as far as to compare the Ginter to Paris Saint-German defender and former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos.

Matthaus said: “Ginter has become a leader at the back, similar to Ramos at Real. He doesn’t just give instructions to his teammates, but leads them as well. That’s what Ginter is doing really well at the moment. He reminds me of Ramos.”

As such, considering the fact that the £42m Sanchez has not featured in seven of Tottenham’s last eight Premier League fixtures, as well as the £67k-per-week centre-back who Paul Robinson dubbed “inexcusable” having been linked with a move away from north London in the January transfer window, it would indeed appear as if the Colombia international could be on his way out of the club this summer.

And, if Sanchez does depart, signing Ginter on a free to replace the 25-year-old would undoubtedly be a fantastic piece of business for Paratici to get over the line – as the German would be a huge upgrade upon the former Ajax starlet.

AND in other news: “I wouldn’t be surprised…”: Gold drops teasing Spurs claim that supporters will love