All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Bromwich Albion got their summer transfer activity off to an exciting start when they announced last month that they had secured a three-year deal for John Swift on a free transfer from Reading.

The Baggies also moved some players out of the club such as Romaine Sawyers, Sam Johnstone and Andy Carroll as they got the ball rolling for the overhaul that Steve Bruce spoke about in April.

Now that the transfer window has been open for a week, it seems as though a potential next step has emerged which could see a new player come in and possibly result in a current figure in Bruce’s squad departing The Hawthorns.

Earlier this week, it was reported by The Northern Echo that the Baggies were among the clubs who have made contact with Newcastle United over a potential deal for youngster Elliot Anderson.

A product of the Magpies’ youth system, the 19-year-old has made 56 appearances for the Tyneside club across their senior and youth teams. In those appearances, the teenager has found the net 23 times and delivered eight assists, highlighting his attacking talent.

During his loan spell with Bristol Rovers last season, the £2.3k-per-week youngster scored eight goals and supplied five assists in 21 appearances.

Labelled a “classy” player by former scout Graham Carr, Anderson’s potential arrival at The Hawthorns could be bad news for current West Brom attacker Callum Robinson. In a recent report from The Athletic, it was claimed that the Baggies are “expected to listen to offers” for the 28-year-old this summer.

Described as “overhyped” by Irish football pundit Eamon Dunphy, Robinson scored just two goals during Bruce’s reign in charge of the club, which started in February.

With that in mind, should the Republic of Ireland international find himself leaving The Hawthorns at some point in the near future, this could push Albion to launch a move to sign Newcastle prodigy Anderson.

The Toon may be reluctant to let their starlet leave on a permanent basis this summer, but if the Baggies can secure a loan deal with a subsequent purchase option, this could very much work in their favour, especially if they can get back into the Premier League at the end of next season.

In other news: Bruce can land the next Livermore as WBA eye swoop for “sensational” £4.5m-rated gem

Giovanni van Bronckhorst faces a crucial first summer transfer window in charge of Rangers as he aims to keep the momentum high at Ibrox following a solid end to the 2021/22 season.

Narrowly losing the Europa League final and winning the Scottish Cup for the first time in 13 years gave the Light Blues something to cheer about after losing their Premiership crown to their Glasgow arch-rivals.

Although no incoming transfers have been completed yet this summer, there will surely be some activity as the weeks tick towards the first league fixture of the season on 30 July.

In order to spend money on players who will immediately improve the first team, there may need to be some outgoings. To that effect, with Borna Barisic being linked with a move to Trabzonspor, it might be the right time to sell him.

This could generate funds for Van Bronckhorst to make a move for Stoke City left-back Josh Tymon, although he will reportedly cost £6m.

Pete O’Rourke gave his views on the defender to GiveMeSport recently, saying: “I think Josh Tymon had a really good season for Stoke City; he’s got huge potential and is an exciting, young left-back. So, I think if Rangers were able to sign him, he would definitely improve the squad.”

Barisic wasn’t as influential last season compared to 2020/21. The Croatia international only registered three assists last time around compared to 14 in the Gers’ title-winning campaign. The 29-year-old’s goals have dried up too, as he failed to score last term following a five-goal season in all competitions prior to that.

On the other hand, Tymon helped himself to three goals and four assists in all competitions in 2021/22, and at only 23 years of age, he could be a shrewd investment for the future.

Perhaps more worryingly, Barisic proved to be a defensive liability in big games against Celtic earlier this year, twice being caught napping at the back post as the Hoops punished his lapses to find the net.

This prospective move will, of course, depend on whether or not Barisic, or even Calvin Bassey, is sold during the summer, with the latter also the subject of reported transfer interest.

With two years left on Barisic’s contract and the defender approaching his 30th birthday later in the year, Van Bronckhorst may decide to cash in on the underwhelming Croatian.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Morelos: Wilson must now seal Rangers swoop for “outstanding” 26-goal monster…

Rumoured West Brom transfer target Conor Hourihane will leave Aston Villa when his current deal ends this summer, coming as a boost for the Baggies.

The Lowdown: West Brom linked with Hourihane

Steve Bruce will be hoping for a productive summer transfer window as he looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2021/22 season for Albion overall.

A number of new faces are expected to come in, and one player who has been linked with a move to The Hawthorns in the recent past is Hourihane.

The Baggies have been given fresh hope of signing the 31-year-old, who has been hailed as ‘excellent’ by his former manager Steve Cooper in the past.

The Latest: Baggies given Hourihane boost

As per a report from Football League World, Hourihane will be released by Villa when his contract expires at the end of this month, meaning that the Irishman will be available on a free transfer.

That could alert Bruce as he potentially looks to snap up the midfielder from West Brom’s Midlands rivals.

The Verdict: Worth the gamble

At 31, Hourihane may not be at his peak these days, but he remains a formidable Championship player, with 31 goals and 35 assists in the second tier of English football.

For that reason, he would appear to be a shrewd prospective signing for the Baggies, providing valuable experience for what will hopefully be a promotion push, along with an ability to unpick opposition defences. His match average of 1.3 key passes from the most recent campaign was surpassed only by Alex Mowatt at The Hawthorns (with 1.4).

Hourihane registered four assists on loan at Sheffield United last season, helping them to reach the play-offs, and this level of creativity could help West Brom to become more prolific in the final third next time around, having scored just 52 league goals in 2021/22.

In other news, one pundit has dropped a significant West Brom transfer claim. Read more here.

There has been mounting speculation surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future at Liverpool due to his contract expiring in June 2023, and now a reliable source has given a new update.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has given an update on the ongoing situation at Liverpool with Egyptian winger Salah.

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Romano tweeted;

“Mo Salah situation has not changed, as of now. He doesn’t want to leave Liverpool this summer – but new contract talks are still complicated, up to the club for the next months. #LFC.

“Liverpool will have to improve their proposal or Salah could leave on a free next year.”

Supporters will be worried

There is no doubt that supporters will be worried about the stalemate the powers at Anfield have found themselves at with one of the club’s best players in the team, and the thought of him leaving on a free next summer would be hard to take.

Salah has been part of one of the most successful teams Liverpool have ever built with the club winning the Champions League, Premier League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup since the Egypt captain joined in the summer of 2017.

The 30-year-old goal machine has scored 156 goals and contributed 63 assists in 254 appearances with a goal involvement every 94 minutes which is an impressive output that puts the right winger ninth in the top ten all-time Liverpool goal-scorers.

With that being said, it would clearly be no easy task to replace Salah if he was to leave the club next season, especially when it is reported that he prefers to remain in the Premier League and could end up joining a title competitor due to his unrivalled attacking output that has seen him win three golden boots in the league.

It is reported that Salah is looking for a contract with a salary worth £400k-per-week, which would make the star the highest-paid Liverpool player in their history and would put him ahead of his teammates by hundreds of thousands, as a result considering that the club and the player haven’t come to an agreement this doesn’t look like an option.

Ultimately, if Liverpool and Salah cannot come to an agreement in their contract negotiations the club run the risk of not only losing the player but receiving no compensation in terms of a transfer fee either so it could be a complete nightmare and FSG must prepare for the worst-case scenario ahead of the next summer.

AND in other news, Klopp set for transfer disaster as LFC now plot bid for £42m target, he’s Aquilani 2.0…

West Bromwich Albion are set to target a right-back this summer as manager Steve Bruce wants to offer competition to Darnell Furlong next season, reports the Express & Star (via Birmingham Live).

The Lowdown: The right-back position

Bruce has previously claimed that defender Dara O’Shea can operate well in the right-back position when called upon.

However, it is believed that West Brom view O’Shea’s long-term future at the club as a centre-back.

Therefore, this leaves Albion short on the right-hand side, meaning they would be vulnerable if Furlong were to suffer any form of serious injury over the course of next season, with the defender having been hailed as “exceptional going both ways”.

The Latest: Bruce picks four targets

According to the Express & Star (via Birmingham Live), Bruce is said to be keen on signing an additional right-back this summer as he looks to add depth to the role and to provide Darnell Furlong with competition for the starting role.

With West Brom’s acknowledgement that O’Shea will be utilised as a central defender, this has pushed the Midlands club into dipping into the transfer market for a full-back this summer.

It is reported that former Aston Villa right-back James Bree, who was signed by Bruce at Villa Park, is one option within the free agent market, while Ryan Nyambe of Blackburn Rovers, Derby County’s Nathan Byrne and Moses Odubajo of Queens Park Rangers could also be possible options.

The Verdict: Need cover

Bruce has shared his desire to exploit the free transfer market even more this summer, following the arrival of John Swift and potentially Jed Wallace at The Hawthorns.

With the lack of depth in the defence, it is imperative that the Baggies bring in some cover ahead of next season.

Otherwise, fatigue and injuries could become a real issue for Bruce’s squad after a disappointing campaign this time around.

In other news: Baggies eye up Tom Lawrence signing

Newcastle United journalist Mark Carruthers has been left thrilled by some news that he has now heard involving Sean Longstaff.

The Lowdown: New contract for Longstaff

As per the Magpies’ official website, the midfielder has now signed a new three-year deal, following his team-mates Fabian Schar and Paul Dummett in extending their contracts recently.

Amid all the money available to the Tynesiders to buy world-class quality this summer, Longstaff is a local boy born and raised in North Shields, so he has that extra connection with the Toon Army which will now continue on into next season.

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The Latest: Carruthers thrilled

Taking to Twitter, Carruthers – who writes for various Magpies-themed outlets – was left thrilled when he heard the announcement about Longstaff’s new contract.

He gushed: “Great news! I think there were signs in recent weeks of the player we all saw developing under Rafa Benitez.

“Looking forward to seeing him develop further under Eddie Howe and building on the undoubted momentum.”

The Verdict: Deserved

Featuring 14 times so far under Eddie Howe, Longstaff played his part in getting Newcastle out of the relegation scrap in which they found themselves under Steve Bruce, so he is deserving of his new deal.

Ranking highly among his team-mates in terms of average tackles and pass completion per game in the Premier League (WhoScored), the midfielder is not particularly flashy, but he does a consistent job for Howe in the middle of the park.

Also, at 24 years of age, Longstaff has probably not hit his prime yet, and Howe could certainly help the player to fulfil his potential over the next few years under his management.

In other news, Howe is now pondering a bid for this Premier League maestro

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Lewis O’Brien to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

That’s according to a report by The Sun, who claim that Jesse Marsch will make a move for the Huddersfield Town central midfielder this summer, with the 23-year-old said to have a £10m release clause written into his contract with the Championship side.

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The report goes on to state that, should the Terriers have secured promotion to the Premier League in Sunday’s play-off final, the Whites could have once again missed out on the player they attempted to sign 12 months ago, however, with Nottingham Forest defeating Carlos Corberan’s side at Wembley, the door is now open for Marsch to move for O’Brien.

Rice 2.0

Considering just how impressive O’Brien was for Huddersfield this season, it is unsurprising to learn of Marsch’s interest in a move for the box-to-box midfielder.

Indeed, over his 43 Championship appearances this term – excluding his three play-off fixtures – the £3.15m-rated talent was imperious in the middle of the park, scoring three goals, registering three assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.1 shots, making 1.0 key passes and completing 2.0 dribbles per game.

The £5k-per-week midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, enjoying 56.7 touches of the ball, in addition to making an average of 0.8 interceptions, 2.2 tackles, 29.5 passes and winning 7.5 duels – at a success rate of 56% – per fixture.

These returns saw the Huddersfield academy graduate showered with a considerable amount of praise, with Jonathan Hogg stating of the 23-year-old earlier this season:

“I think it’s only a matter of time before he plays in the Premier League. He has a lot of great attributes, his energy and intensity is sensational, up there with the best I’ve seen in my career. He certainly drives the team with his energy and forward runs, it helps the team massively… it’s only a matter of time before he does play at the top level.”

Furthermore, Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff backed up Hogg’s claim that O’Brien is ready for a Premier League move, with the former Crystal Palace, Reading and Watford forward stating of the youngster:

“He’s probably not a household name but he’s a midfielder who, for me, has been a massive part of that Huddersfield team. He’s only 23 years of age but he’s had four real good, solid seasons now at this level and he’s really, really developing. He’s led the team at times, captaining in the absence of Jonathan Hogg.

“He can play central midfield, he’s got a bit of everything; he’s a good tackler, carries the ball ever so well and you can see him popping up with a few goals this season. He literally is a midfielder who’s got every part of his game and I certainly feel there’d be some Premier League clubs knocking if Huddersfield don’t get through the play-offs.”

Indeed, O’Brien’s metrics this season, coupled with Hogg and McAnuff’s descriptions of the 23-year-old, would very much appear to draw comparisons between the Town starlet and West Ham United’s Declan Rice – the driving midfielder who scored one goal, registered four assists, made 2.2 tackles, completed 1.4 dribbles and won 5.1 duels per game over his 36 Premier League appearances this term.

As such, should Victor Orta manage to get a deal over the line for Hogg this summer, the Spanish sporting director could well have unearthed the next Rice at Leeds – something that is sure to be an extremely exciting prospect for both Marsch and supporters of the Whites alike.

AND in other news: Huge transfer twist emerges that will have Leeds United supporters buzzing

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Takumi Minamino to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report from Italy (via TEAMtalk), which claims that both Leeds and Lazio are keen on a move for the Liverpool winger this summer, with further reports suggesting that the 27-year-old is open to the idea of leaving Anfield in a bid to secure more regular first-team football.

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It has also been reported that Jurgen Klopp could be convinced into parting with the Japan international in the off-season, as long as the Reds were to receive an offer in the region of £17m for the former RB Salzburg sensation.

Raphinha heir

While it is true that Minamino has failed to hold down a starting spot in the Liverpool side following his £7.25m move to Anfield back in January 2020, it is nevertheless easy to see why Victor Orta would be interested in a deal to bring the forward to LS11 this summer.

Indeed, despite his lack of minutes, FBref rank the £12.5m-rated attacker in the top 3% of wingers and attacking midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, as well as the top 5% for npxG, the top 13% for npxG+xA, the top 2% for pass completion, the top 1% for pressures, the top 8% for tackles and the top 15% for aerial duels won over the last 365 days.

For comparison, FBref rank £25m Leeds winger Daniel James in the bottom 27% of wingers and attacking midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, in addition to the top 44% for npxG, the bottom 27% for npxG+xA, the bottom 8% for pass completion, the top 8% for pressures, the bottom 47% for tackles and the bottom 42% for aerial duels won over the past year.

As such, it is clear to see just how exciting a signing the £72k-per-week talent who David Lynch dubbed “unreal” would be for the Whites to get over the line this summer, with the “frightening” forward appearing to be something of a perfect heir for Raphinha – who looks set to seal a big-money move to Barcelona in the coming weeks.

AND in other news: Respected journalist drops huge 49ers takeover update that Leeds supporters will love

Celtic have their final Premiership game of the season this afternoon as the newly-crowned league champions welcome Motherwell to Parkhead.

Wednesday’s 1-1 draw against Dundee United was enough to confirm Ange Postecoglou’s side as the top dogs in Scotland and reclaim the league title.

Looking ahead to today’s showdown against Motherwell, it gives the home supporters one more chance to see their heroes in action before the season ends and celebrate the Premiership triumph.

On the chalkboard

Before the full celebrations can begin, the Hoops and Postecoglou will want to finish the season with another victory.

In terms of the starting XI, one man who didn’t start in midweek but should be in the team on this occasion is Jota.

After replacing James Forrest just after the hour mark at Tannadice, the Portuguese wizard – who was praised by Postecoglou for his “unbelievable” performances earlier in the season – had 25 touches of the ball.

With those touches, the winger completed 10 passes, had two shots at goal and won four of his five duels. This shows just how much of an attacking nuisance he can be for the Bhoys.

Since arriving at the Parkhead club on loan from Benfica, the 23-year-old has scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists in 39 games across all competitions.

To further highlight how deadly he has been for the Hoops, David Turnbull is the only player currently in the Celtic squad with a higher average for shots and crosses per game in the league this season than the Portuguese winger.

In terms of who the forward could replace, the fact that Liel Abada went off with an injury in midweek could pave the way for the 23-year-old to come back in if the Israel winger isn’t fit enough to play.

Also, in addition to being able to terrify Motherwell with his attacking prowess, another reason for Postecoglou to start Jota this afternoon is to give him what could potentially be his final game for the Hoops before he returns to his parent club in Lisbon.

However, this chance to end the season playing in front of the celebrating home fans could also sway the loan star into wanting to stay at the club and sign for Celtic on a permanent basis should Benfica allow it, which would be something extra for the fans to savour at Parkhead.

In other news: Postecoglou must axe wasteful £14.5k-p/w Celtic ace, he’s holding the team back

Real Madrid have reportedly named their price for midfielder Dani Ceballos, amid interest from Crystal Palace.

What’s the word?

According to Spanish outlet AS, the La Liga giants are set to demand just £10m for the 25-year-old, with the player having only a year remaining on his existing deal at the Bernabeu.

The Spaniard’s former side Real Betis – whom he left on a €17m (£14.5m) deal back in 2017 – are credited with an interest, although the report suggests that Manuel Pellegrini’s side are unwilling to stump up the fee required to recapture the player.

The report goes on to add that there is interest from clubs in Serie A and the Premier League, with previous links earlier this season suggesting that Palace are one of those sides believed to be eyeing a move.

Gallagher replacement

The £13.5m-rated man would seemingly be available at a relative bargain price, while he also offers previous top-flight experience in English football having spent two seasons on loan at Arsenal between 2019 and 2021.

Although the £128k-per-week playmaker came in for criticism during his time at the Emirates, notably from pundit Tim Sherwood, he offers genuine quality to Patrick Vieira’s side, having been dubbed a “very clever” player by Robin van Persie while in north London.

A route out of the Spanish capital is seemingly needed for the 11-cap international having made just two league starts this season, although even in his brief outings he has shown flickering of quality, notably recording an impressive 7.5 match rating in the 4-0 win over Espanyol at the end of April.

Palace appear in need of a new midfield addition with current loan star Conor Gallagher set to return to parent club Chelsea next season, the 22-year-old having chipped in with eight goals and three assists during his stellar stint at Selhurst Park thus far.

The young Englishman – who has been dubbed “like N’Golo Kante with goals” by talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino – has shown his quality as an all-action presence in the centre of the park, averaging 0.8 interceptions, 2.1 tackles and o.7 clearances per game in the top-flight this term.

In comparison, however, Ceballos has proven he can match or even better that dynamic quality, averaging 1.4 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and 0.6 clearances per 90 while with the Gunners during the 2020/21 campaign, as well as winning 51% of his total duels.

Although he failed to net a single league goal in 49 appearances during his previous stint in English football, he did register five assists in that time, showcasing he can make the difference in the final third if required.

There’s no doubting Gallagher’s absence next term will be a huge blow, although in Ceballos the club can secure an affordable and experienced addition with similar traits and attributes.

AND in other news: Lost the ball every 2.4 touches: Palace flop who lost 63% duels let Vieira down again