All posts by n8rngtd.top

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan believes Mateusz Klich will find his best form this season, following an impressive summer.

The Lowdown: Klich enjoys good pre-season

The Whites are preparing for the start of the new Premier League season, with a mouthwatering trip to Manchester United awaiting on Saturday lunchtime.

Someone who has featured prominently throughout the summer is Klich, with the Poland ace scoring in the 2-2 draw with Villarreal last weekend.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Pundit tips Klich to shine

The 31-year-old wasn’t always a key starter last season, starting 28 of Leeds’ 38 league games, but someone who believes he could thrive in 2021/22 is Whelan.

Speaking to Football Insider, the ex-Whites man believes Klich looks primed to enjoy a strong campaign for Marcelo Bielsa’s side:

“Klich’s had a brilliant pre-season. He already had a goal in the bag away at Loughborough and last night’s finish tells me he is sprightly, sharp and ready to make a big impact this season.

“I think they are all itching for the new season to get started. Everyone one of those players will have wanted to play themselves into the starting XI for that first game. It doesn’t get much bigger than an opening day game against Man United.

“Klich is one that has definitely stood out in pre-season and I expect we will see him back to his best now.

“He had a great start to last season and then had a little dip so he’ll be looking for consistency this year.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-11/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Verdict: More of a squad player

Klich’s form wasn’t always good last season – he openly admitted that it dropped off in the second half of the campaign – and he will have to up his level if he wants to start every week this time around.

Kalvin Phillips is an undisputed key man in the middle of the park, and with a new central midfielder potentially coming in, too, there will be pressure on Klich to perform.

At worst, however, he remains a strong squad option and he will hopefully take his pre-season form with him into the opening game this weekend.

In other news, Phil Hay has provided a key Marcelo Bielsa update. Read more here.

Wolves came into the transfer window with plenty of work to do but it could only happen if they sold some of their best players.

The Old Gold had limited spending power and it was thought that in order to reinvest in the playing squad, Ruben Neves and Adama Traore would have to leave Molineux behind.

What’s the word?

Wolves are heading into the final weeks of the window still aiming to sign a centre-forward but they are set to gain the necessary money in order to do so by selling the likes of Rafa Mir, Patrick Cutrone and Romain Saiss.

That’s according to Tim Spiers who delivered an encouraging update on the future for Wolves in the window.

In his latest column for The Athletic, Spiers revealed that Wolves aren’t anticipating selling either Neves or Traore.

Arsenal’s interest in the former has never materialised and they will now only sell if their sizeable asking prices are met.

Huge boost

After Wolves finished 13th in the Premier League last season, this will come as a massive boost to their hopes of getting back in continental action.

During Nuno Santo’s final season at Molineux, he struggled to find an answer to their troubles as the Old Gold slipped down the table after missing Raul Jimenez from November onwards.

Pedro Neto finished as their joint-top scorer alongside the aforementioned Neves. That provides a big reason as to why they simply have to keep hold of the central midfielder.

Furthermore, Traore has shown that he’s one of the most dangerous players in the top-flight.

During the 2020/21 campaign, no player in the whole division recorded more successful dribbles than his 4.1 per match.

He did only score two goals last term but on his day, the Spaniard is an unstoppable force capable of scaring defenders with his remarkable speed and trickery.

Lage hasn’t had an ideal start to life in the Midlands but the idea that the Wolves hierarchy isn’t keen on selling should be music to his ears.

They are two key components in the Wolves XI and if they are to replicate their top-half finishes, they will need them to remain at the club. Consequently, fans should be absolutely delighted at this update.

AND in other news, Lage heading for big howler after Wolves submit bid to sign 35-goal “monster”…

A number of Liverpool fans have been showing their love for Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk following a Twitter post from the Scotland left-back.

The Reds’ pre-season is now in full swing, with the start of the new Premier League campaign now less than three weeks away.

Jurgen Klopp’s men will be desperate to improve on their performances from last season, with returning centre-backs and fans at Anfield likely to help in that respect.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

Two men who will be vital to Liverpool’s chances of success in 2021/22 are Robertson and Van Dijk, both of whom are arguably the best in the world in their respective positions.

On Sunday, the left-back posted a touching photo on Twitter showing himself and Van Dijk back in training together, with the Scot having returned later after his Euro 2020 excursions. The 27-year-old’s post was accompanied by the captain “Reunited” and a heart-eyes emoji.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-8/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans react to Robertson’s tweet

These Reds fans took to Twitter to react to the image, with positivity very much the order of the day.

“Tears in my eyes lads”

Credit: @_euanito

“My team is back”

Credit: @g1ed_

“The rest of the Premier League is shivering to see this”

Credit: @DJSspeaks

“Now we’re talking. Yes the boys”

Credit: @ghwilliams1

“This makes me beyond happy”

Credit: @leannef55

“The Barclays ain’t ready”

Credit: @97Jonesy

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to the exit of one Reds player. Read more here.

Steve Howey has tipped Newcastle United to sell Emil Krafth in a bid to boost their transfer budget.

Krafth moved to St James’ Park from French side Amiens in a deal reportedly worth £5million two years ago.

However, the Sweden international, who represented his country at Euro 2020, has failed to make a telling impact since joining the Magpies and has only made 33 Premier League appearances.

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce is thought to have a meagre budget ahead of the new season kicking off next month, with the club heading into an arbitration case later this month.

It has resulted in Bruce having to adjust his plans to strengthen the squad. Having initially wanted to sign Joe Willock on a permanent basis following his impressive temporary move from Arsenal at the end of last season, the Magpies are now exploring the possibility of sealing his return on a season-long loan instead.

Former Newcastle defender Howey feels right-back Krafth could be a player Bruce looks to sell if he needs more money to welcome his transfer targets.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Howey said: “Without being too harsh, I think he has struggled at times. Sometimes it just doesn’t quite work for whatever reason.

“He’s a good player but I think, at times, he’s been overwhelmed in that position.

“Sometimes he has been exposed because he hasn’t been getting a great deal of help but, at the same time, if they can get him out the door and recoup a little bit of money then it all helps.”

An update has emerged on West Ham target Tammy Abraham, regarding the club’s pursuit of his services.

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, West Ham are currently the favourites to land Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham ahead of Aston Villa, Wolves and Borussia Dortmund this summer.

The report claims that Chelsea value the England international at £35m and could be willing to start negotiations at £30m, with the striker not being viewed as part of Thomas Tuchel’s plans at the club heading forwards.

Moyes will be buzzing

West Ham must take advantage of their current position by getting a deal over the line for Abraham. They are leading the race and must ensure that they do not allow any of their competitors the chance to catch up with them by sealing a swoop for the attacker as quickly as possible. He would be a much-needed addition to the squad and David Moyes will be buzzing if Abraham arrives at the London Stadium ahead of next season.

Michail Antonio and Thomas Soucek were the club’s top scorers in the Premier League last term with 10 each. This suggests that there could be scope for a prolific striker to come in and take on the majority of the goalscoring burden to provide Moyes with a consistent goal threat. Abraham, given his record for Chelsea, could be that man.

In 82 competitive, senior, appearances for Chelsea, Abraham has found the back of the net once every 152 minutes. This is slightly better than a one-in-two ratio. This would equate to 22.5, let’s say 23, Premier League goals a season if he played every single minute.

Abraham was once described as “Drogba-esque” by Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand, who hailed the attacker’s hold-up play and ability to score different types of goals for Chelsea. 

He told BT Sport, as transcribed by The Express:

“I saw elements in Tammy’s game today that I hadn’t seen as much that I’d have liked to. His hold-up play, coming to the ball and bringing others into play.

“First half, one ball went up to him, Didier Drogba-esque, chests it down for someone, runs on for the next phase – I think he’s developing nicely. He’s scoring goals, he’s scoring different types of goals and I think he’s a threat.”

The £35m beast could be exactly what Moyes needs in his squad, which is why the Scot would love it if the club managed to bring him in from Chelsea in the coming months.

If he can keep up his impressive minutes-per-goal ratio then he could be the 20-goal-a-season forward West Ham have been in dire need of.

AND in other news, Moyes must ruthlessly axe “special” £115k-p/w West Ham dud, he’s rinsing GSB dry…

Newcastle United’s recent recruitment has been “absolutely awful”, claims the club’s former central defender Steve Howey.

In the past few summers, the Magpies have brought in the likes of Joelinton, Ryan Fraser and Yoshinori Muto, all of whom have struggled.

Muto spent last season out on loan after struggling to find regular minutes at St. James’ Park, Fraser has found himself in and out of the side and Joelinton has simply not lived up to his £40m price tag.

In the Brazilian’s debut Premier League campaign, he scored just twice in 38 games, though he did manage to double that last term. But all in all, not good enough for Howey.

“One of my biggest criticisms is the recruitment,” the ex-Newcastle player exclusively told TT. “The recruitment has been absolutely awful.

“I don’t know who the head of recruitment is to be quite honest, but obviously they need a big sit down with Steve [Bruce] and the rest of the staff, identify the players and do the checks on them to make sure that the limited money that we’ve got, we spend wisely.”

It is certainly something to think about for Newcastle, whose recent transfer activity has not been a complete disaster.

They have been able to bring in individuals such as Allan Saint-Maximin, the best dribbler in the side last season, per WhoScored, and Joe Willock, the club’s highest goalscorer after Callum Wilson.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Southampton are battling West Ham and AC Milan to sign Barcelona defender Junior Firpo this summer.

The Lowdown: Saints planning for new season

After a mixed season that saw Southampton reach an FA Cup semi-final but also finish a lowly 14th in the Premier League table, Ralph Hasenhuttl and co will be planning for the upcoming campaign.

That is likely to see a number of new arrivals, and the Saints appear to have their eye on a La Liga left-back.

The Latest: Saints eye Firpo

The latest report suggests that Southampton are an option for Firpo this summer.

At the moment, though, it seems like the Hammers are leading the race for the 24-year-old, with Milan also an intriguing proposition.

The Verdict: Worth a punt

The move to Camp Nou has not gone fantastically for Firpo – he has made just 41 appearances across two seasons for the club (Transfermarkt). However, during the 2018/19 campaign, he scored three goals and provided five assists for Real Betis in 29 matches despite being a defender.

Valued at just £7.2m (Transfermarkt), he is unlikely to break the bank – which is just as well considering Hasenhuttl previously said the Saints will struggle to sign any single player for more than £10m (Sky Sports). It remains to be seen whether they are able to beat their competitors to his signature but the Barca left-back would be a very good addition in a problem area for the Saints.

In other news, Southampton fans rage at this man’s exit.

Many Southampton fans desperately want Danny Rohl back at the club after it was revealed that he will be leaving his current position at Bayern Munich.

Ralph Hasenhuttl is the manager at St Mary’s and the 32-year-old used to be his assistant. Their working relationship started at RB Leipzig, and Rohl followed the Austrian to Southampton when he made the switch in 2018. However, he departed the Saints to become assistant to Niko Kovac and then Hansi Flick at Bayern – an opportunity he would have been crazy to turn down, not least as he was a member of the latter’s backroom team as they won the Champions League last year.

His departure from the Bundesliga champions has now been confirmed (via Tobi Altschaffl). With Flick set to take over from Joachim Low as Germany boss following the European Championship, there is every chance Rohl could join him, but many Southampton supporters desperately want him to return to the south coast of England instead.

These Saints fans made their thoughts clear on the news concerning Rohl, and they took to social media platform Twitter in their numbers to share their views.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Rohl

“BRING HIM HOME”

Credit: @JackHStubbs

“Bring this man back home. Ralph is in desperate need of an assistant next season. We need this duo back at St. Mary’s. Southampton need to give everything to get Danny Rohl.”

Credit: @JoshW_SFC

“Arguably have the worst back room staff in the division (2 goalkeepers!!!!!!). Get this guy back”

Credit: @DazHawkins

“This would be huge if we managed to get him back, I wouldn’t mind us having a bit of a shake up across some of the other coaching staff too”

Credit: @25JStep

“Hope so. Many times last season we felt Ralph needed tactical help during games. It would be as big as a new player signing imo.”

Credit: @bfgfox

“Get this man back in Southampton. There’s no doubt that his experience and quality would help us for the upcoming season”

Credit: @TheSaintCentre

In other news, Southampton want to sign this man during the summer.

Sunderland manager Lee Johnson will be buzzing after the club’s sporting director Kristjaan Speakman confirmed that Elliott Embleton will be part of the first-team squad next season.

What’s the talk?

Embleton spent the second-half of the 2020/21 season on loan to Blackpool in League One and earned promotion to the Championship last weekend by winning the play-offs. Sunderland failed in their play-off campaign and then watched a player on their books help Blackpool seal promotion to the second tier.

His contract at Sunderland was due to expire this summer before the club triggered an extension to keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2022. Speakman has now claimed that he will impact Sunderland’s team in League One next season, rather than seal a permanent transfer to Blackpool. He told SAFC Unfiltered, via Blackpool Gazette:

“The easiest thing with Elliot would have been to loan him to League Two, and we held out and we held out because we were desperate to get him with the right club and the right coaching staff.

“Neil and the guys at Blackpool have done excellent with him, given him that platform and he’s gone and performed.

“He’s demonstrated the ability to play at the level we need him to play at, so when he comes back here he can hopefully impact our team.”
Sunderland midfielder Max Power praised the “brilliant” Embelton earlier in the campaign. He told SAFC unfiltered:
“He’s technically one of the best players I’ve seen. A good mark of knowing someone’s technically good is he can take corners with both feet.
“I think Elliot’s at that age now where he knows that he needs to stay fit. I know it must be tough for him because I thought last season, he was brilliant in pre-season and then he done his hamstring away at Sheffield United in the [League] Cup.”

Johnson will be delighted

Johnson will be delighted that Sunderland have decided to keep Embleton at the club and integrate him back into the first-team picture for next season. Speakman could have opted to cash in on the 22-year-old after his impressive spell with Blackpool, especially given that they achieved promotion to a higher division than Sunderland, but Johnson now looks set to benefit from Embleton’s talents next term.

Embleton produced two goals and four assists in 17 starts for Blackpool. He averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.75 across 21 appearances and set up Blackpool’s equalising goal in the play-off final against Lincoln as he helped his side win 2-1 at Wembley. This shows that he has the quality to make a real impact at League One level and that he is built to perform in the biggest games, having done it in the play-off final.

The £4.3k-per-week midfielder could prove to be an upgrade on Aiden O’Brien. Johnson deployed O’Brien as an attacking midfielder and a winger during the game, as the Irishman played 33 times for Sunderland in League One, averaging a WhoScored rating of 6.61 and providing one assist for his teammates.

Embleton averaged a higher WhoScored rating and was able to create more for his teammates in the league for Blackpool, suggesting that he could improve Sunderland’s squad upon returning to the club this summer.

AND in other news, fans should be delighted as £4k-p/w beast has been backed to sign a new deal

Granit Xhaka had the entire Bayer Leverkusen bench fooled, including manager Xabi Alonso, with a fake injury celebration against Mainz.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Xhaka fooled Leverkusen bench with celebration
• Scored a stunning goal against Mainz
• Leverkusen extended their lead over Bayern to 11 points

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Arsenal midfielder opened the scoring for his team in the third minute against Mainz with a stunning strike from the edge of the box. After breaking the deadlock, Xhaka was seen clutching his hamstring. Alonso and the entire Bayer Leverkusen bench had worried looks on their faces, but the former Arsenal star then perked up and performed a dance to show he was actually still fine physically, prompting a huge collective sigh of relief.

Advertisement

• WATCH THE CLIP

• (C)Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Four minutes after the Swiss midfielder scored the opening goal, Dominik Kohr equalised for Mainz, but the hosts then restored their lead in the 68th minute as Robert Andrich netted the winning goal for the Bundesliga leaders. With the win on Friday, Alonso's side have now extended their lead over Bayern Munich to 11 points at the top of the table.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR BAYER LEVERKUSEN?

  Leverkusen, who remain unbeaten in the league, will be next seen in action on March 3 when they take on FC Koln in another Bundesliga fixture. Alonso is winning plaudits across Europe for the great job he's doing at Bay Arena, and has been linked with the top job at both Bayern and Liverpool.