All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic may have signed 12 new bodies for the first team after Ange Postecoglou was made their new manager but there have been some riveting stories of former players in recent weeks.

Odsonne Edouard moved south of the border on transfer deadline day and with his very first touch of the ball, scored on his debut for Crystal Palace.

The Frenchman would net another in their win over Spurs on that same day but Olivier Ntcham and Kristoffer Ajer have also thrived.

Ajer was part of the Brentford squad who sealed a win over Arsenal during their first Premier League outing while Ntcham was in sensational form for Swansea last week.

The Swans were losing 3-0 at half time but his introduction saw the game end 3-3 as he registered a goal and an assist.

However, there is a forgotten man out in America who is very much stealing the show.

That happens to be Patryk Klimala, a player Celtic signed for £3.5m in the winter window of 2020.

The Polish striker was extremely average at Parkhead and struggled to find form, scoring just three goals in 28 appearances for the Hoops.

A move away this year was hardly surprising as the 23-year-old kick-started a mass clear out at Paradise.

He is now playing for the New York Red Bulls in MLS where he’s enjoyed a wonderful revival and is certainly showing what Celtic are missing.

Albian Ajeti has had his own mini-comeback at Celtic with three goals in his last three outings but that could so easily have been Klimala.

The Hoops did, at least, recoup the money they paid 19 months ago and for the American side, that’s now looking like a bargain.

During 2021, Klimala has found the net seven times and also picked up five assists for his new club in 20 outings.

That makes for impressive reading, especially when you consider that he’s scored in three successive games now.

What’s also intriguing is that he scored against Ronny Deila in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

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The ex-Celtic manager is now in charge of New York City FC but he witnessed heartbreak as his team drew 1-1 courtesy of a penalty kick from Klimala in the 12th minute of injury time after a VAR review.

So often used to being the man who was put out to pasture in Glasgow, his fortunes have drastically changed and improved since finding a new home.

Head Coach Gerhard Struber has been delighted with him since his arrival, commenting: “Patryk with his outstanding movements and with his pace, it’s not easy to handle.”

He is now one of the leading lights for the Red Bulls and is relishing his rise to stardom in America.

AND in other news, Celtic may discover their new Ralston in rarely-seen 21 y/o with “excellent pedigree”…

Wolves are back in action this lunchtime with an away Premier League clash against Manchester City after their crushing 1-0 defeat against Liverpool at Molineux last weekend.

On the chalkboard

In terms of which players Bruno Lage could pick to be in his starting XI to take on Pep Guardiola’s side, one man who should not be in the team today is wing-back Nelson Semedo.

His display against Liverpool showed why the Portuguese international isn’t capable of performing against the top teams in the Premier League, such as Manchester City, who have scored 32 goals and conceded just nine in their 15 league games so far this season.

In Semedo’s 90 minutes on the pitch against Jurgen Klopp’s side, he only completed 18 of his 29 passes and found a team-mate with just one of the six long balls he attempted, ultimately losing possession 21 times.

From a defensive point of view, the ex-Barcelona player – who has previously been derided as a “liability” at the back by Tim Spiers – only won three of his 11 duels and failed to make any tackles or block any shots. He was also dribbled past on two occasions, hardly making himself a tough opponent for Liverpool’s attacking players.

This display ultimately earned the 28-year-old an overall match rating of 6.2/10, making him the lowest-rated Wolves player on the day according to SofaScore – even lower than the likes of Joao Moutinho and Francisco Trincao, who came on as late substitutes in the 1-0 defeat.

The Express & Star also picked up on Semedo’s rather worrying display by claiming that he “struggled” in the game and that “defensively he allowed Mane and Robertson to get beyond him too often and he gave the ball away regularly,” as well as saying that he “offered little going forward.”

With this in mind as well as City’s plentiful attacking riches, it could be in Lage’s best interest not to start Semedo – who is currently earning £84k-per-week according to Salary Sport – this afternoon, as City’s attacking stars could target him as Wolves’ defensive weak link.

In other news – Huge relief: Wolves handed double injury boost ahead of City clash which will have many fans buzzing

Mark Douglas has now revealed some big Everton news involving both Farhad Moshiri and James Tarkowski.

The Lowdown: Centre-back wanted

The Goodison Park faithful have been linked with moves for the likes of Levi Colwill, Kim Min-Jae and Gleison Bremer in the summer, suggesting that they are after a new central defender.

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They have one of the worst defensive records in the Premier League, and Jamie Carragher has even went as far as to claim that they have a ‘Championship back four’ during the embarrassing defeat at Tottenham.

Nonetheless, it is one area that the Merseyside club will surely look to strengthen.

The Latest: Tarkowski eyed

Writing in his latest piece for iNews, journalist Douglas has revealed that Tarkowski has now ’emerged’ as a potential target this summer.

Senior sources at the Toffees have claimed that there is ‘no way’ that Moshiri is going to sell the club, despite Russian links with Alisher Usmanov, and Frank Lampard can ‘expect to be backed’ in the market.

The Verdict: No-brainer

Given the fact that Tarkowski is out of contract at Burnley in the summer, he will be able to leave as a free agent, and so it would be a no-brainer for the Blues to sign him up.

Described as a ‘real leader’ by pundit Noel Whelan, the 29-year-old could be the organiser at the back that Lampard’s team need in order to be more solid and ship fewer goals.

Of course, he has plenty of experience of playing in the top flight, and so should be able to settle in fairly quickly.

In other news, find out which EFC star Manchester United have now ‘discussed’ signing here!

Tottenham Hotspur have one final game before Christmas as they welcome Premier League rivals West Ham United to north London for a Carabao Cup quarter-final.

And with a place in the last four up for grabs, it leaves manager Antonio Conte with plenty to ponder in terms of team selection.

Last time out, the Lilywhites were held to a 2-2 draw to ten-man Liverpool, whilst they defeated Burnley and Wolves to make it this far in the competition.

The Italian head coach has a largely fully-fit squad to choose from, so it will be interesting to see what decisions he may make ahead of kick-off, particularly with his midfield, where a rarely-seen trio of Dele Alli, Harry Winks and Tanguy Ndombele all featured on Sunday.

It’s the latter who could make way, surprisingly, as he was the most underwhelming of the three players, who all had a point to prove to Conte.

He was not only the first player to be substituted, coming off for Oliver Skipp in the 64th minute, but he too was their third lowest-rated player (6.4) as the French dynamo struggled to have much of an influence on the game.

Yes, he provided an assist for Harry Kane’s opener but as explained by the Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick, he was otherwise ‘largely a passenger’ who offered ‘little defensively’ and more than once was caught ‘overplaying in dangerous positions.’

Across his hour on the pitch, Ndombele managed only 11 passes and 30 touches, which shows that he was barely involved. For further context, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris managed more in both regards, and he’s stood between the sticks all game, not in an advanced midfield role.

Once dubbed a “world-beater” and “unplayable” by former Spurs shot-stopper Joe Hart to BT Sport’s Rio Ferdinand (via football.london), the £26m-rated maestro is surely in line for the axe tonight.

Meanwhile, Spurs’ embarrassing defeat to NS Mura last month saw ex-midfielder Jamie O’Hara dub the £55m man “absolutely shocking”, which only goes to show his vastly-contrasting performances in Spurs’ colours.

Conte cannot afford to carry someone in a game of his nature. Having been knocked out of the UEFA Europa Conference League, this tournament could be the north Londoners’ only genuine chance of silverware, so it must be taken seriously.

As such, the 52-year-old must be ruthless with the club’s inconsistent club-record signing. He must be dropped this evening.

AND in other news, Imagine him and Dier: Spurs eyeing swoop for £45m-rated “top player”, Conte “wants” him…

According to a report by TuttoMercatoWeb (as relayed by Sport Witness), Atletico Madrid could be set to battle West Ham for the signing of Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Milenkovic important for Fiorentina

The 24-year-old was frequently linked with a move to the Hammers last summer, with David Moyes keen on bolstering his centre-back options.

While this was put on the backburner when the Serbia international penned a new deal with Fiorentina, unusually the renewal only came to the summer of 2023, making the move a possibility in this year’s summer transfer window.

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Milenkovic has played an essential part in his team’s strong opening half to the Serie A campaign, having made 18 league appearances for sixth-placed Fiorentina as they remain on track for for European football. The defender leads the Viola squad for tackles, interceptions and clearances made per game, illustrating his importance to Fiorentina’s backline.

The Latest: Atletico Madrid could challenge Irons for Milenkovic

According to a report by TuttoMercatoWeb, Atletico could be interested in a summer move for Milenkovic and could be set to battle it out with the likes of West Ham, who are also said to be interested in the player.

Sport Witness claimed that “Milenkovic was ‘very close’ to signing for the Hammers in the summer, so the assumption is David Moyes’ side would be keen again, depending on what happens with their own defensive options.”

While TuttoMercatoWeb’s report stated that ‘some Premier League clubs’ are ‘following him with particular interest’, the Irons were the only English side to be explicitly mentioned in the article, which may suggest that they are the likeliest to bring him to England’s top flight.

The Verdict: A tough battle for the Hammers

If Moyes does decide to pursue Milenkovic again in the summer, Atletico will not prove to be an easy competitor to overcome, with Champions League qualification a near-annual occurrence for the La Liga title holders.

However, due to the deal having been ‘very close’ before, it would not be a surprise if the 24-year-old were to reignite talks with the Hammers.

Former Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic said that he saw a “new Vidic” in the defender, who has already made 32 appearances for his country.

With interest also coming from Inter and AC Milan, West Ham can expect to face tough competition in their pursuit of the 24-year-old if they go all-in for him this summer.

In other news: ExWHUemployee claims West Ham could make January move for 63-goal ‘monster’ loved by Irons chiefs

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Leicester have completed the signing of Youri Tielemans from Monaco, with the midfielder joining on a loan deal until the end of the season as reported by the club’s official Twitter account.

What’s the word, then?

The Belgian international arrives at the King Power Stadium, with the out-of-favour Adrien Silva moving to Ligue 1 as part of the deal. Tielemans has scored five goals in 20 Ligue 1 appearances for 19th-placed Monaco this season, proving to be one of the few bright lights in what has been an otherwise uninspiring season for the French club.

The 21-year-old was very highly-rated at Anderlecht, so his arrival at the King Power Stadium could be viewed as somewhat of a coup for Claude Puel and Leicester, and he should offer a lot more than Silva ever did for the club.

Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…

Tielemans was also linked with Arsenal, Newcastle and West Ham, so the Midlands-based club have done well to fight off the competition to get him into a Blue shirt.

Who could be under threat from his arrival?

Well, the young Belgian can play in a centre-attacking midfield role, or slightly deeper as a centre-midfielder, so he could realistically threaten any of the Foxes’ current midfield options.

James Maddison and Demarai Gray have started the last couple of games on the wing,  with Marc Albrighton also in the attacking trio behind Jamie Vardy. One would assume that Albrighton would be the one to drop out, given the significance of having Maddison and Gray in the side behind Vardy.

Tielemans has an impressive long-shot and a fantastic eye for goal, so it would be wise of Puel to drop the slightly limited Albrighton in favour of a more exciting option that would keep defenders on their toes.

The Belgian international, sat behind Vardy, with the aforementioned duo of Maddison and Gray either side of them would arguably be one of the best quartets outside the top six.

Many Liverpool fans have slammed Roberto Firmino for his performance in the first half of their clash with Watford, despite the Brazil international bagging a tap-in late on.

Liverpool were looking to go top of the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime, for a few hours at least, and return to winning ways after draws against Brentford and Manchester City.

Watford, meanwhile, were hoping to start Claudio Ranieri’s tenure with a win, having beaten the Reds in their last encounter in February 2020.

Jurgen Klopp made four changes from the City match. Alisson Becker, Fabinho, Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota made way, and Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Naby Keita and Firmino came in.

Three of those changes were enforced, with Jones injured and the Brazilian pair in action for their country as recently as the early hours of Friday morning (UK time).

Firmino returns at centre forward

Jota was available for Liverpool, but Firmino got the nod after the Portuguese’s fitness scare over the international break.

He misplaced seven of his 28 passes during the first period, losing possession 12 times in total (via SofaScore) before finding the net courtesy of some great play by James Milner.

These Liverpool fans tear into Firmino

“So bad at passing Firmino”

Credit: @lfcjack_11

“Firmino as a footballer serves no purpose to Liverpool anymore. Says everything that he’s most effective when he’s not involved in the play at all”

Credit: @lfcj_

“Firmino sucks man”

Credit: @RightorRon_G

“Firmino under/over hitting every pass”

Credit: @Gbemig_A

“Firmino is like super finished”

Credit: @hipster_szn

“Firmino is playing against us as expected”

Credit: @t4trizzy

In other news, fans were excited by this transfer revelation. 

West Ham United have been handed a transfer boost ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the word?

The Irons have recently been linked with a move for Hertha Berlin defender Niklas Stark, with manager David Moyes said to be keen on securing the 26-year-old this winter, even more so after losing Angelo Ogbonna for the season.

Now, according to Fussball Transfers, the Bundesliga outfit would be open to selling the two-time Germany international, but only if they are able to find a viable replacement.

However, the club risk losing him for nothing in the summer as his contract is currently set to expire. Transfermarkt value the 6 foot 3 colossus at just £9m.

Imagine him and Zouma

A new central defender has quickly emerged as one of the Hammers’ top priorities in the transfer window and they could do little wrong in sealing a bargain move for Stark.

The German beast can play anywhere across the backline, as well as in holding midfield, which not only makes him decent cover for Ogbonna but also a host of Moyes’ first-team stars. That could be very beneficial, with West Ham still competing across all competitions heading into 2022.

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Hertha head coach Pal Dardai once dubbed Stark a “real force” and “exactly the sort of player every coach wants to have,” whilst ex-Germany boss Joachim Low has previously described him “physical, versatile and focused,” per Bundesliga.com.

Indeed, the 26-year-old centre-back leads the Hertha squad for aerial duels won (2.4 per game) and is a close second for clearances (5.6 per game) this season, too.

Elsewhere, he is equally adept with the ball at his feet, managing an 83.6% passing accuracy from an average of 45.5 passes per game, which only one other Hertha player can better, via WhoScored.

Kurt Zouma needs a new defensive partner and Stark could well be that man, with Craig Dawson looking a little suspect against Wolves and Moyes’ lack of faith in Issa Diop in the big time.

Newman and the club’s recruitment staff could well seal an absolute bargain, should they move for the Hertha star in January.

AND in other news, West Ham “monster” who had 99% passing accuracy hands Moyes one big headache yet again…

Leeds United left-back Junior Firpo could be available against Watford this weekend, according to medical expert Ben Dinnery.

The Lowdown: Knee ligament damage

The Spaniard, who has been hailed as ‘strong’ in the past by Kevin Campbell, started Jesse Marsch’s first two games in charge at Elland Road but hasn’t been seen since being stretchered off against Aston Villa.

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Firpo suffered knee ligament damage after colliding with Emiliano Buendia and has watched on over the last three games as the Whites collected seven points from nine.

Marsch gave Firpo a timescale of three to five weeks over a possible return prior to the win at Wolves in mid-March, and it seems as if the 25-year-old could now return for the trip to Vicarage Road.

The Latest: Firpo return imminent?

MOT Leeds News relayed an update from Dinnery’s injury tracker, which shows that a possible return date Firpo is this Saturday.

Leo Hjelde, who has also been sidelined with a knee problem, also has the same date with regards to a possible return.

The Verdict: Boost for Leeds

Stuart Dallas has had to fill in at left-back for Firpo in recent weeks, but it would be good news if the Spaniards is able to travel with the squad for the crucial meeting with Roy Hodgson’s side.

A win against the Hornets would be a major step towards safety for Leeds, so even having the 25-year-old back on the bench would provide some much-needed strength in depth at left-back.

Marsch had limited full-back options last time out against Southampton, making Firpo’s return even more important.

In other news: ‘Bad news from Elland Road…’ – Big Leeds injury update emerges on Joe Gelhardt

Speaking to Give Me Sport, transfer insider and journalist Dean Jones of Eurosport has shared a West Ham United update as they allegedly eye a move for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The Lowdown: West Ham line up move?

Amid manager David Moyes’ hunt for a new striker this month, perhaps one of the most surprise links of the January window was to the England international earlier this week.

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The Sun and journalist Alan Nixon claimed that West Ham, and by extension recruitment chief Rob Newman, were eyeing a move to sign Calvert-Lewin valued at a sky high £60 million.

The Irons would have to break their transfer record to complete this move, an aspect of this potential deal which proves a huge obstacle, with Jones now sharing an update on the story.

The Latest: Jones drops Calvert-Lewin update…

As per his sources, speaking to GMS, it is believed that West Ham do not in fact hold an interest in moving for the Toffees forward ‘at this point’.

“West Ham aren’t actually interested in Calvert-Lewin at this point I’m told,” he explained.

“West Ham are obviously linked with 10 strikers every window, but Calvert-Lewin isn’t somebody that they’re looking to sign right now, especially as there’s a £60m fee that’s being talked about.”

The Verdict: Not a surprise?

The 24-year-old, especially going by his impressive 21 goals and five assists across all competitions last season at Goodison Park, would of course be a brilliant signing for Moyes.

Lauded as a ‘sensational’ striker by former West Ham favourite Tony Cottee, Calvert-Lewin would bring a different dimension up front and provide a real injection of quality alongside Michail Antonio.

However, it is no surprise to see West Ham aren’t currently eyeing a late window move going by his seismic price tag, and if that were to change, it would certainly be one of the shocks of the winter window.

In other news: ExWHUemployee says West Ham now want ‘battle-hardened’ £20m attacker, find out more here.