All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur insider John Wenham believes it’s a ‘disgrace’ that Son Heung-Min has been excluded from the PFA’s Premier League team of the season.

The Lowdown: Son misses out on recognition

It was announced earlier this month that the 29-year-old had been left out of the nominations list for the PFA’s player’s player of the year award. A week later, he missed out on the official team of the year.

The forward had a hugely impressive season, scoring more top-flight goals than Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo throughout the course of the campaign, both of whom managed to make the cut.

The Latest: ‘Disgrace’

Speaking to Football Insider, Wenham was furious with the decision and couldn’t understand why Son had been omitted.

“It’s a disgrace, I can’t think of another word for it. It was 11 players selected this time, we already knew he had missed out on the six-man player of the year shortlist.

“Ronaldo got 18 goals and three assists, Sonny got 23 goals and nine assists for a team that finished fourth, make it make sense.

“It is utterly not fair and not right really. To miss out on the entire team of 11, I am really struggling with that.

“The players chose it, I was desperate to blame it on people in suits who don’t know football. I just find it frustrating because it’s not fair. Son had a better season than Kane and he’s in the team. It’s just not fair.”

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The Verdict: Completely wrong decision

The South Korean was probably Tottenham’s number one standout performer this term and had a remarkable return, recording 34 goal contributions in 45 appearances across all competitions, per Transfermarkt, so how he wasn’t recognised for his achievements is scarcely unbelievable.

The 100-cap international also made history when he became the first ever Asian player to get his hands on the Premier League golden boot award, sharing it with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah after both netting 23 times.

There’s no doubting that Son should have been rewarded for his efforts, but the most important thing now is that he gets his head down during pre-season and keeps up the hard work and prolific form ready to go again come the beginning of August.

In other news… the Lilywhites are reportedly interested in a move for a former Premier League winger.

Liverpool are now unexpectedly desperate to sign a forward this summer after it was revealed that Sadio Mane wants to leave the club this summer, with a bid already rejected from Bayern Munich and another imminent.

Mane has been the linchpin in Liverpool’s success under Jurgen Klopp, since joining the side in 2016 the Senegalese winger has scored 120 goals and delivered 48 assists to lead the Merseyside club in winning the Premier League title for the first time ever, a Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

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As a result, it will be a hard challenge to fill the boots of the AFCON winner this summer, with not only his attacking output but his diversity and proven effectiveness across the front three positions which is an attribute rarely found in players combined with the goal contributions Mane has delivered in his time.

The Merseyside club have already been linked with a number of replacements and the names keep on coming with Christopher Nkunku one of the names to be added to their shortlist in recent months. That’s for good reason because he has had a phenomenal season for RB Leipzig.

The £64m gem who was dubbed “glorious” by journalist Andrew Dickson and called a “nightmare” by ESPN has impressively scored 35 goals and delivered 20 assists in 51 appearances with a goal contribution every 76 minutes.

However, it’s not just his scoring habits that are attracting interest from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and the Reds.

Nkunku has created 16 big chances, made 1.9 key passes, won 5.9 duels and taken 2.4 shots on average per game as well as being successful in the large majority of his dribbles (67%), proving that he is an absolute nuisance for his opponents and offers more depth to his game than just goals.

Former Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch hailed the Frenchman in a review of Nkunku’s performances and style of play, saying in a press conference:

“Christopher has no weaknesses. He is young and still wants a lot more.

“Working with him is a lot of fun as he is really intelligent and has a lot of potential.”

Darwin Nunez has been another player who has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield but plays a much more restricted role as an out and out striker for Benfica.

Thus, signing Nkunku could be a much better like for like signing to replace Mane due to his diversity in positioning, something that Klopp likes to exploit when managing in-game.

The 24-year-old can play effectively as an attacking midfielder, striker, left and right winger whereas Nunez produces his best work deployed strictly as a number nine in the striker role with SofaScore rating his passing as a weakness, which could be an issue for Liverpool’s free-flowing forward line.

With that being said, signing up Nkunku could be a huge piece of business in Liverpool’s pursuit to find a replacement for Mane, bringing in a player who can play in the striker role as well as be effortlessly capable of switching positions when needed.

AND in other news: “Will go for…”: Fabrizio Romano drops LFC transfer update that’ll excite supporters

Reliable journalist Alan Nixon has confirmed that Celtic are interested in signing Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis this summer, but the Hoops may have to wait to wrap up a deal. 

The lowdown: Rising star

Born in Stockport, Harwood-Bellis has risen through the heralded City academy and made a senior bow for the Premier League champions in the Carabao Cup victory over Preston in 2019.

Since then, the central defender has been sent on loan to Blackburn Rovers and Anderlecht before spending the end of the 2021/22 campaign at Stoke City in the Championship.

Now, it appears that the recruitment staff at Celtic Park are attempting to make Glasgow the England youth starlet’s next stage in his development…

The latest: 14 days

Taking to Twitter, following a report from Sky Sports citing the admiration, Nixon confirmed that the Hoops are indeed interested in the 20-year-old, but fans may have to wait around 14 days for something to happen.

He said: “Nothing since last week … there IS an interest … no decision for a couple of weeks.”

The verdict: Fingers crossed

Signing Harwood-Bellis would be a superb coup for the Bhoys. Despite being some way off the first-team plans in Manchester, the youngster – who was once hailed as ‘exceptional’ by Pep Guardiola after his debut outing – appears to be held in high esteem at City.

During a second loan spell of the 2021/22 campaign, the seven-cap England Under 21 starlet earned a 6.78 Sofascore rating at Stoke, making 3.5 clearances, 1.9 interceptions and winning 4.9 duels on average per game – highlighting an impressive defensive acumen.

Valued at £6.3million and under contract until 2024 (Transfermarkt), a loan move would likely be preferable for all parties as Ange Postecoglou attempts to suitably strengthen the ranks for another tilt at the Scottish premiership title and UEFA Champions League action without breaking the bank.

In other news, Celtic are believed to be keeping tabs on one player. Find out who it is here.

Alasdair Gold has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Brennan Johnson.

What’s the talk?

In a recent video posted on his YouTube channel, the football.london journalist revealed that Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici have now added the Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder to their shortlist of transfer targets, with the Championship play-off finalists expected to demand a figure in the region of £20m in order to part with the 21-year-old this summer.

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Regarding Spurs’ interest in the playmaker, Gold said: “I know Spurs really like Brennan Johnson who plays for Forest, he is a talent. But I think there will be a queue of people for him… It’ll be interesting to see where he goes.”

The next Dele

Considering just how talented a prospect Johnson evidently is, it is easy to see why Conte and Paratici would be keen on a deal to bring the forward to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

Indeed, over his 48 Championship appearances this season, the £13.5m-rated attacker has been in breathtaking form for the Reds, scoring 18 goals, registering ten assists and creating 15 big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.9 shots, making 1.3 key passes and completing 1.2 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the £2.5k-per-week Wales international who Sabri Lamouchi dubbed “unbelievable” average a quite spectacular SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Forest’s fourth-best outfielder in the second tier – playing a key role in the Garibaldi’s run to the play-off final.

Furthermore, considering his age, position and extremely impressive showing in the Championship this term, there are quite clear comparisons that can be drawn between the Forest starlet and another of Tottenham’s former recruits from the lower leagues of English football – Dele Alli.

Indeed, in the season prior to the 26-year-old’s £5m move from MK Dons back in 2015, the attacking midfielder was in similarly exceptional form, scoring 16 goals and providing 11 assists over his 44 appearances in all competitions in 2014/15.

As such, should Conte be able to convince Johnson of a move to north London this summer, he could well have unearthed Tottenham’s next Dele, as the 21-year-old Forest sensation is undoubtedly a player who could go on to replicate the incredible impact the former England international had during his first few seasons with Spurs.

AND in other news: “I’m told…”: Alasdair Gold drops big Spurs transfer twist, supporters will be gutted

Ahead of their Premier League clash against title-chasing Liverpool on Sunday, Wolves manager Bruno Lage sat in front of the media for his last pre-game press conference this season to issue a fitness update on his squad.

What’s the latest?

Asked to give an update on injuries within the camp, Lage said (as per wolves.co.uk): “Just Saiss at the moment. He doesn’t recover from his injury, so Saiss, Semedo has a big injury, Max also out. Daniel is coming. Nothing new, just those things.”

Saiss ruled out

With Saiss still not fit to face Liverpool in Wolves’ final game of the season, it will come as a concern for Lage and the Molineux faithful.

The Moroccan’s contract is set to expire in the summer, so this setback could mean that he will not turn out in an Old Gold shirt again.

As Lage looks to implement a rebuild at Molineux, amidst a host of expiring contracts, there is a cloud of uncertainty hovering over the club, with Saiss’ future also still up in the air.

As a left-footed centre-back operating in Lage’s back-three, the 32-year-old has shown his worth again this season, having made 31 appearances and starting 81% of his team’s matches in the Premier League.

Since the defender’s absence, Lage has opted to use Jonny as a right centre-back, whilst right-footed Willy Boly has come in place of Saiss, with Toti Gomes also getting a run out in the last game against Norwich. During that time, the Old Gold have conceded six goals in what has been a dreadful end to a season which saw them within touching distance of European football.

Saiss is a big miss in the Wolves squad, posting the fourth-highest WhoScored performance rating this term among players to start more than 10 league games, so it will come as a big blow that he is still not in any condition to feature against a Liverpool side who still have hope of lifting the Premier League trophy at Anfield on Sunday evening.

With the Moroccan’s future at Molineux uncertain, it remains to be see whether we will ever again see him plying his trade in a Wolves shirt. For now, Lage may just be worried over the damage that the free-scoring Reds could cause against a defence deprived of one of its most assured operators.

In other news: Wolves can save millions by unearthing 22-year-old “diamond”, Lage will be ecstatic 

Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Blackburn Rovers midfielder Joe Rothwell, according to a report from the Lancashire Telegraph. 

The lowdown: Rothwell’s career so far

Formerly of Manchester United, Rothwell arrived at Ewood Park in 2018 and has since become a mainstay for the Lancashire side, amassing 161 appearances.

However, the 27-year-old is out of contract at the end of June (Transfermarkt), and it appears as though a move could be on the cards for the former England youth international.

It now seems as though Forest could be among the interested parties ahead of a crucial week…

The latest: Forest keen on Rothwell

As per the Lancashire Telegraph, Steve Cooper’s side, along with Sheffield United and already-promoted Bournemouth, are in the mix to sign Rothwell.

It is claimed that the Rovers midfielder is ‘expected to receive offers’ this summer from the aforementioned clubs.

The report stated that the man for whom Cooper admitted a ‘love’ following a 2-0 Forest victory at Ewood Park earlier this season is set to ‘leave’ the Lancashire club at the end of his current deal.

The verdict: Make it happen

Regardless of what happens next week at Wembley against Huddersfield Town in the play-off final, adding Rothwell to the City Ground ranks would be a smart move from Cooper.

During the 2021/22 campaign, the energetic midfielder scored three times and provided 10 assists in 41 Championship outings, earning an outstanding 7.08 Sofascore rating whilst winning three duels, making 1.7 key passes and playing on average 77 minutes per game.

Valued at £3.15m by Transfermarkt, signing Rothwell – who has been tipped to become a ‘top player’ by his manager Tony Mowbray – for free would have to be regarded as a superb piece of business to kickstart what could be an exciting summer on the transfer front at the City Ground… especially if there is a Premier League campaign for which to prepare.

Everton are still unclear whether they will be playing Premier League football or not next season, however, it hasn’t stopped them from working on potential transfer moves this summer as a new update emerges.

What’s the latest?

According to Football League World sources, Everton remain keen on signing Sheffield United youngster Daniel Jebbison.

The report suggests they have been told that the Toffees see the Championship striker as their next Dominic Calvert-Lewin but will likely loan him out to make sure he is playing regular football.

Everton reportedly believe that Jebbison has bags of potential and that is why they are so keen to sign him this summer.

Calvert-Lewin successor

There is no doubt that Jebbison is offering glimpses of star quality and has obviously caught the eye of the powers at Goodison Park after scoring against the Toffees during his spell in the Premier League with Sheffield United last season.

However, the centre-forward is only 18 years old and will unlikely be able to break straight into the first team but he could potentially become Calvert-Lewin’s successor in the future if he signs for the club and continues to impress.

This season Jebbison who was hailed a “shining light” by Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards, spent the first half of the season on loan to Burton Albion scoring nine goals in 23 appearances which prompted Sheffield United to recall the striker from his loan deal following Rhian Brewster’s season-ending hamstring injury. In total, he has an impressive 16 strikes across the various levels.

Since returning to Bramall Lane, the youngster has been fighting for a place in the team making just eight appearances and not able to find the back of the net in the second half of the season. With so many attacking options Paul Heckingbottom briefly explained why Jebbison wasn’t getting favoured for game time.

The Sheffield United manager claimed (via Yorkshire Live):

“If you look who is in form, Bill’s been doing great and scoring goals, Morgan has and we have spoken about Iliman and Oli Mac and Jebbo is in amongst that.

“He’s got to get past them, simple as that.”

With that being said, a move to Everton could be a great step up for the young goal-scorer and a golden opportunity for him to develop and improve under the watchful eye of Lampard who was renowned for his goal-scoring abilities with 177 Premier League goals to his name.

AND in other news: Get rid: £28k-pw EFC dud who lost the ball every 1.5 touches must never start again

Tottenham Hotspur’s Sergio Reguilon now fears the axe by manager Antonio Conte as Barcelona eye a surprise move to sign the former Real Madrid talent, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Conte overhaul looming?

The Spurs head coach is reportedly plotting a major summer overhaul with as many as six major signings on his mind (The Telegraph).

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Conte wishes to add a reserve goalkeeper, right-wing-back, central defender, two midfielders and a new forward to his ranks as he prepares for a first full 2022/2023 season in charge at the Premier League club.

Several Lilywhites players have been tipped to make way as transfer chief Fabio Paratici is tasked with balancing the books and ensuring Conte’s transfer market wishes are fulfilled.

Now, sharing an update on who could leave north London, chief football writer John Cross of The Daily Mirror has an update for supporters.

The Latest: Cross makes Reguilon claim…

According to his sources, La Liga giants Barca are eyeing a ‘sensational’ move to sign former Real Madrid academy ace Reguilon from Spurs.

As well as this, the 25-year-old ‘fears he is not part of Conte’s long-term plans’ as he grows fearful of the Italian’s possible axe.

It is thought that Reguilon ‘could be surplus to requirements’ and it looks ‘increasingly likely he will leave’.

The Verdict: Let him go?

Depending on whether Madrid activate their £27.5 million buy-back clause for the defender or if it is Barca who end up swooping in, letting Reguilon depart should be considered by Paratici and Conte.

Ryan Sessegnon has been shining in the left-wing-back role when deployed and the Spaniard’s exit could help to balance Spurs’ worrying homegrown quota issue.

The potential fee will also bolster Paratici’s transfer kitty to fund summer swoops and appeasing Conte’s wishes in the summer will be crucial in keeping him at the club.

Lauded as a ‘top-class’ player by former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson, a Reguilon sale may well be one to watch out for regardless of his quality at times.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano: Conte could lose ‘monster’ Spurs player who’s now ‘expected to leave’…find out more here.

Paddy Kenny has been left wowed by some Newcastle United transfer news that he has now heard on Stefan de Vrij.

The Lowdown: Newcastle boost

As per Football Insider, de Vrij has been told by Inter Milan that he can now leave for just £15m in the summer, £25m less than his previous £40m value.

A recruitment source told the outlet that the Netherlands international is yet to open talks over a new deal in Milan and that has cast his future into doubt ahead of the looming transfer window.

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The North East club are just one of a number of teams now targeting a move for him, with both Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa also in the mix for his signature.

The Latest: Kenny reacts

Speaking to Football Insider about that update, former Leeds United and Sheffield United goalkeeper Kenny has claimed that de Vrij would be an ‘incredible’ signing for the St. James’ Park faithful, and that snapping him up would be a ‘no brainer’:

“You are talking about a top-quality defender who has seen it all.

“Newcastle could do with some of that. Look at Kieran Trippier. I know he has only played a few games but his influence can’t be overstated.

“You are paying £15million for a defender of his quality, it’s an absolute no brainer for me.

“Other clubs will be interested but obviously Newcastle can blow their competition out of the water with wages.

“They can do that if they need to. Maybe de Vrij can be convinced by the project.

“He will have seen Newcastle’s rise under Eddie Howe and he might want to be a part of that.

“If he was available I would go all out to get him. He would be an incredible capture.”

The Verdict: Get it done

If a player of de Vrij’s quality is available for just £15m, the Tyneside outfit simply need to get the deal done.

As Kenny points out, the central defender has a lot of experience of playing at the highest level, and so would help raise the game of his other teammates.

Dubbed a ‘monster‘ by former Lazio defender Mauricio, the six-foot-two colossus loves to defend, and so would help shore up the backline to allow the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin to express themselves more further up the pitch.

In other news, find out who PIF are now in ‘contact’ over signing here!

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring David Carmo to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Portuguese publication A Bola (via Sport Witness), who claim that Fabio Paratici has now opened negotiations with SC Braga ahead of a move for the centre-back at the end of the season.

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The report goes on to state that Borussia Dortmund have also registered an interest in the 22-year-old, who is thought to be available for a figure of around £20m this summer – despite the defender possessing a €40m (£33.5m) release clause.

Spurs’ own Van Dijk

With it being reported that Paratici’s main target in the summer transfer window is the signing of a left-sided centre-back, it is easy to see why Spurs are being linked with a move for the left-footed Carmo.

Indeed, despite missing the majority of the current campaign with a broken ankle, over his ten Liga Portugal appearances following his return to action, the £9m-rated defender has highly impressed, helping his side keep four clean sheets, as well as making an average of one interception, 0.7 tackles, 3.4 clearances and winning 3.7 duels – at a success rate of 61% – per game.

These returns have seen the £3.4k-per-week talent average a SofaScore match rating of 7.01, ranking him as Carlos Carvalhal’s second-best defender and ninth-best player overall in the league.

However, it has not only been in domestic competition that Carmo has impressed, with the centre-back also shining over his five Europa League outings, helping Braga keep three clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.2 interceptions, 1.8 tackles, 6.2 clearances and winning 5.4 duels – at a success rate of 69% – per fixture.

These metrics saw the player who Sam McGuire claimed “looks the part” average a SofaScore match rating of 7.14, ranking him as Braga’s fourth-best performer in the competition – with the centre-back playing a key role in his club’s run to the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Furthermore, following Virgil van Dijk’s season-ending injury back in October 2020, data analysts Twenty3 identified Carmo as the perfect replacement for the stricken 30-year-old, with the former Portugal U20 international best matching the Liverpool defender in aerial duels won, defensive duels won, long passes completed, forward passes completed, final third passes completed and fouls.

Indeed, Liverpool even reportedly made an offer for the 22-year-old the following January, however, with Ozan Kabak being a more attainable option, Jurgen Klopp’s side decided upon a move for the Turkish defender ahead of the Braga starlet.

As such, considering his undoubted ability, his reasonable asking price and his strong left foot, it would very much appear as if the defender would be a signing Conte would love to welcome to north London this summer – as well as being a talent who could well go on to become Tottenham’s own Van Dijk.

AND in other news: “Told those around him…”: Journo drops big Spurs transfer claim, Conte will be livid