All posts by z3u9t.icu

Rangers ended their local rival’s period of dominance in Scottish football as they won the Premiership title last season, preventing their arch-rivals from completing the coveted 10-in-a-row.

Steven Gerrard, who joined the club as managed in 2018, was able to construct a side capable of going unbeaten throughout the entire campaign, winning the title in style as they picked up 102 points.

In order to do this, Gerrard needed players who he could trust to put in excellent performances week-in-week-out in the Premiership and one man he trusted explicitly was left-back Borna Barisic.

He started 30 of Rangers’ 38 Premiership matches in defence and was a brick wall at left-back, whilst also offering an attacking edge on the ball. Barisic averaged a sublime WhoScored rating of 7.35 in the top-flight, as he provided 2.2 key passes per game – ending the campaign on one goal and five assists.

This shows that he made a huge contribution to Rangers’ title success, as he was consistently impressive throughout the season and made a difference with his delivery in the final third.

Former Gers player Alex Rae lauded the defender for having ‘terrific quality’ with the ball at his feet. He said:

“He performs at good level week-in, week-out and has terrific quality in the final third of the park.”

Mark Wilson added: “He’s the best left-back in country. He’s improved his defending and supplies assists and is a threat at set pieces.”

The defender arrived at Ibrox in 2018 from Croatian outfit Osijek, having started his career at Dinamo Zagreb. Transfermarkt valued him at £1.8m at the time, with Barisic venturing out of his homeland of Croatia for the first time.

Barisic’s impressive form for Rangers, as aforementioned, has seen his value soar since arriving at the club. Transfermarkt now value the brilliant defender at £5.4m, which is a 200% increase from his initial valuation after leaving Croatia. His valuation has soared over the last couple of seasons and that is a credit to him and the coaching staff at Ibrox.

It shows how much he has been able to thrive under Gerrard’s management, showcasing his brilliance in the Premiership and in the Europa League.

Last season, he averaged an excellent WhoScored rating of 6.97 in Europe as he registered three goals and three assists in 10 appearances from left-back, yet again highlighting the ability he has on the ball to create from defence.

AND in other news, Gerrard masterstroke: Rangers colossus has seen value rise 650% since joining the club…

Many Everton fans have been left baffled by some transfer news on Mason Holgate.

As a report from earlier on in the week by The Daily Telegraph, which has since been shared across Twitter, Newcastle United were offered the chance to sign Holgate on loan in the summer window.

The central defender has already played the full 90 minutes in three of the Goodison Park faithful’s four games in total over all competitions so far this season, and even captained the team in the 2-1 away win at Huddersfield Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup (Transfermarkt).

With Ben Godfrey unable to feature yet this campaign as well, it certainly seems strange that the Merseyside club were considering letting him go out on loan, especially to a fellow rival in the Premier League.

Everton fans on Holgate transfer news

These Toffees supporters were left baffled by the news on Holgate as it was shared across Twitter:

“Makes little sense for us to do that doesn’t it? Very odd Unless they wanted him out on loan to push to bring Sarr in from Chelsea on a loan”

Credit: @Danny_EFC6

“Strange considering he’s now going to be a back-up full-back until January”

Credit: @MatthewKneale1

“Would make absolutely no sense if true. Could see the benefit in trying to sell one of our centre-backs but not in loaning one out”

Credit: @marchy27

“How in the world were we going to have a backline in that scenario?”

Credit: @ValleyWhit

“With Mina injury prone, Keane a brain-fart away from an opposition goal and Godfrey in quarantine, yeah that makes sense.”

Credit: @Peter82Meter

“Load of rubbish”

Credit: @offthecrosssbar

In other news, find out what transfer update has Blues raging here!

Manchester United will be hoping to pick up where they left off before the international break when Newcastle visit Old Trafford this afternoon.

The Red Devils picked up a healthy seven points from a possible nine in the opening weeks of the new Premier League campaign, and the addition of five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo will provide a significant boost to their ambitions this season.

However, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will have a difficult decision to make regarding who starts in midfield, with Scott McTominay unavailable for the 20-time English champions today due to injury.

There was also a doubt over Fred due to a dispute involving the Brazilian FA and coronavirus restrictions, but he has now been cleared to play.

The duo normally form either a double pivot alongside each other in United’s engine room, or if Solskjaer is feeling more adventurous, he drops one for a more attacking option.

On this occasion, the Norwegian will be forced to field a different setup in the centre of the park, handing an opportunity to one of the club’s fringe plays.

Against Southampton, 33-year-old Nemanja Matic got the nod to play alongside Fred, but his underwhelming display saw him return to the bench last time out.

The experienced campaigner would perhaps be the safe option for Solskjaer, yet a fixture at Old Trafford against a struggling Newcastle side on Ronaldo’s homecoming is no time to play things safe.

Therefore, he must bring Donny van de Beek into the starting lineup, giving the Netherlands international a perfect opportunity to showcase his true potential and stake a claim for a regular spot in the first XI.

Van de Beek arrived on English shores with a sizeable reputation after scoring 41 goals and providing 34 assists in 175 games for Ajax, as well as winning a domestic double in 2018/19 as they reached the Champions League semi-finals.

Nevertheless, the 24-year-old struggled in his maiden Premier League campaign, making just four top-flight starts last term as he attempted to get to grips with his new surroundings.

He did catch the eye from time to time, though. One such occasion was against Istanbul Basaksehir while on European duty, and his impressive showing drew praise from former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

“I thought Van de Beek was close to perfect. He is so unselfish, he can just fit in and play the right balls everywhere,” said the BT Sport pundit.

Van de Beek’s previous exploits for Ajax illustrate that he can be a real game-changer when on top form, and today’s fixture could be the ideal opportunity for him to show that in a United shirt, so Solskjaer must give the 24-year-old the opportunity to rediscover his golden touch.

In other news… Report reveals MUFC make “excellent” £63m-rated gem top priority, Ole will be elated 

Celtic have begun the new season in topsy-turvy fashion.

The Hoops were knocked out of Europe’s premier competition and then tasted defeat in their first league clash of the campaign.

However, Ange Postecoglou’s men have bounced back in perfect style. They won their first Europa League qualifying clash and then smacked Dundee for six last week.

On the chalkboard

One of the biggest success stories from Postecoglou’s reign so far is undoubtedly Anthony Ralston.

The right-back was barely seen throughout the 2020/21 campaign, featuring just once under Neil Lennon and John Kennedy combined.

Though, he’s come flying out of the traps during the new season and has immediately become one of the first names on the team sheet.

Ralston has scored two goals, including a brilliant individual strike against Hearts in their 2-1 defeat at Tannadice.

That being said, whether he can sustain this consistency very much remains to be seen.

Other options

Celtic continue to track various right-backs with Yan Couto and Aurelio Buta considered. Another option could be Fabricio Bustos.

That’s according to reports in France who suggest that the Bhoys are in pole position to sign the defender from Argentine side Independiente in a deal worth €4m (£3.4m).

Standing at just 5 foot 5, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Bustos is a rather weak full-back. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

During a training session with Argentina a number of years ago, he was forced to apologise to a certain Lionel Messi for a robust challenge.

The defender recalled: “I was strong to a play that could have been avoided and that is why I apologized at the time. He told me that nothing was happening and I calmed down. It serves as my experience for everything that comes.”

The statistics paint a picture that Bustos is a very tough-tackling player too.

During the 2021 Copa de la Professional, the 25-year-old was in particularly vibrant form. Over the course of 13 matches, Bustos has won 2.2 tackles and made 2.2 interceptions per match.

Although Ralston has won a mighty 3.5 tackles per game this term, he has only produced one successful interception per game.

The Independiente full-back is also particularly strong in the offensive phases of play. He has made 0.8 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per outing in Argentina’s domestic cup for instance.

Although Celtic’s current option has proved he has what it takes to star at Parkhead, they could do with another option as the campaign plays out.

AND in other news, Celtic prepare bid to sign “very gifted” £4.5m beast, fans must be buzzing…

Some Liverpool supporters have been reacting joyously to James Pearce’s claim that the Reds are working on tying Mohamed Salah down to a new deal.

Salah has been an incredible signing for Liverpool, arriving from Roma and never looking back from the moment he scored on his debut at Watford.

The 29-year-old has bagged a remarkable 126 goals in 204 appearances for the Reds, proving to be their attacking talisman time and time again.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

Salah was Liverpool’s best player last season and he has started in similar vein this time around, producing a superb performance away to Norwich City last weekend.

The Egyptian’s current Reds deal expires in the summer of 2023, but the hope is that he signs a new contract to take him well beyond that date.

According to The Athletic‘s Pearce [via Anfield Edition on Twitter], Liverpool are in talks with Salah over an extended deal – one which would make him the highest-paid player in the club’s history.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-10/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans react to key Salah update

These Reds fans reacted to the news on Twitter.

“Pay him whatever he wants and get it done. Deserves to be paid more than anyone at the club. Our best player and most marketable player. Would easily get £300k plus at any other big club.”

Credit: @Homes19LFC

“He deserves it”

Credit: @LfcLilw

“Worth every penny”

Credit: @LukeJones_10

“Probably the most important business done since the transfer window opened”

Credit: @LFC_Mike_jft97

“Please, please, please, please!!!”

Credit: @medusa_girl

“The signs are promising… this is my last request”

Credit: @lfcollie9

In other news, some Liverpool fans are delighted at an update regarding one Reds player. Read more here.

Lee Ryder has revealed what he describes as a ‘bitter blow’ to Newcastle United officials regarding their anti-competition case against the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Another delay

Back in May, it was reported that the top flight had been granted an extension to respond to the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) claim with regards to the stalled takeover deal between Mike Ashley and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium.

However, the case has now been delayed further until September, adding on top of the separate arbitration claim being adjourned until early next year.

The Latest: CAT delay

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, football journalist and takeover follower Ryder has confirmed that the CAT claim has now been delayed until September, it what he describes as a ‘bitter blow’ to officials at St. James’ Park.

He also claimed that the Premier League will continue to try to get the case thrown out, as a hearing date is yet to be confirmed.

The Verdict: Worrying

It is certainly worrying that the CAT case has been delayed until September, especially given that the arbitration proceedings have also been delayed.

It means that the North East club will not have the embarrassment of riches that they would have had to spend in the summer transfer window, should both cases have gone to plan and a takeover was subsequently completed.

The Toon Army now face yet another season of uncertainty, and it is not a guarantee that Steve Bruce will be able to keep his team in the division this time around without some players coming in through the door, meaning that the takeover could still be put in jeopardy come next year when the arbitration process is set to begin.

In other news, find out which Premier League ace NUFC are in talks to sign 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”…

Liverpool’s summer plans have suffered a potentially devastating blow after reports claim Jordan Henderson could be set to depart Anfield over the coming months.

What’s the story?

According to well-respected journalist David Ornstein, negotiations to extend the 31-year-old’s contract have made no progress, and the uncertainty over his future has left the door open for suitors of the club captain.

He tweeted: “Significant uncertainty over Jordan Henderson’s Liverpool future. Talks to renew contract (2023) began weeks ago & no real progress. Neither side want a Wijnaldum repeat so it may open the door to 31yo leaving.”

Fans will be gutted

The report claims that the way in which Liverpool allowed Wijnaldum to run his contract down over the last couple of years has alerted the market to the fact that Henderson could be available.

It goes on to state that Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be admirers of the England international, with former Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino keeping track of the developments.

The same is believed of La Liga champions Atletico Madrid. Henderson is still thought to be close friends with ex-teammate Luis Suarez, and the two would relish the prospect of being reunited at the Wanda Metropolitano.

News of the talismanic midfielder’s potential departure will come as a shock to the Liverpool supporters and will surely leave large sections of fans feeling gutted.

He’s become a pivotal part of the club’s success in recent years, scoring 30 goals and providing 51 assists in 392 appearances for the Reds, winning the Premier League title and Champions League crown along the way.

However, with just two years remaining on his current deal, this summer would be the last chance for Liverpool to receive a substantial transfer fee for Henderson, and they could be tempted to cash in while they can.

While negotiations aren’t believed to have broken down completely and sources stress that dialogue is ongoing over fresh terms, it’s reportedly both a complicated and sensitive situation.

With a faulty forward line to fix, new contracts for world-class stars to finalise and fringe players to sell,  Liverpool’s owner Fenway Sports Group (FSG) currently have bigger priorities to address in the first-squad.

Jurgen Klopp – who is known to be a big fan of Henderson – and the fans will be hoping this is an issue that can be resolved, though, with the experienced dynamo a crucial component of this Liverpool setup.

And, in other news…Liverpool enter race to sign “incredible” £37.8m-rated beast, Klopp will be buzzing 

Everton are reportedly among some of Europe’s top clubs keen on signing Joao Palhinha in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Midfielders needed?

Given that both Gylfi Sigurdsson and James Rodriguez have recently been linked with moves away from Goodison Park, the Merseyside club may need to invest in more midfield players ahead of the new 2021/22 season.

They have been strongly linked with a move for Matheus Nunes, but may assess other options the further into the window that they go.

The Latest: Palhinha eyed

As per Record (via Sport Witness), the Toffees are keen on signing Palhinha, although they face competition from Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla for his signature.

However, the news outlet claims that while the Blues are interested, they have ‘other priorities’, namely his teammate at Sporting – Nunes.

They also cite that Palhinha is currently away with Portugal at Euro 2020, and claim that he was one of their ‘best performers’ when he came on in the 2-2 draw with France in the group stages.

The Verdict: Sign

If EFC were to lose a few midfielders, and were not able to sign Nunes, then Palhinha would certainly be a good player to bring in and help bolster the squad.

He was such a key player in Sporting’s recent domestic title win, winning a tremendous 9.1 duels a game, while also averaging a whopping 3.3 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 1.2 clearances per match (Sofascore).

At just 25 years of age as well, Palhinha still has potential to improve further, and that could well be fulfilled at Everton.

In other news, find out what transfer update has Evertonians buzzing here!

The West Bromwich Albion squad has reconvened for pre-season training ahead of their return to the Championship. 

New manager Valerien Ismael, appointed following the departure of Sam Allardyce, has the chance to begin implementing his ideas.

The Baggies are looking to bounce back after amassing only 26 points over the course of 38 Premier League games last season, leaving them 19th in the final table, 13 points adrift of safety.

The club’s official social media channels have been posting images of the preparations getting underway in the Midlands, and one of those showed forward Callum Robinson in action, with the caption ‘fit and firing’.

Intriguingly, in the background of the shot, 17-year-old defender Rico Richards is visible.

Richards could make next step after impressing for West Brom youth

His involvement in the senior session perhaps bodes well for the teenager’s chances of making a first team debut during the 2021/22 season.

The attacking midfielder shone for the under-18s last season with seven goals in 13 appearances and that form saw him fast-tracked into the under-23s, for whom he played 15 matches.

Upon noticing him participating in first team training, these Baggies fans erupted with excitement:

West Brom fans delighted to see Richards in training

“IS THAT RICO RICHARDS THE GOAT?????? RICO FOR FIRST TEAM.”

Credit: @wbaollie

“Ricoooo”

Credit: @wbaliam

“Rrriiiccccooo”

Credit: @AndyCapp17

“Go on Rico lad”

Credit: @JamSohnstone

“Superstar Rico”

Credit: @YungNellss

“Ricooooo”

Credit: @Dubishh

In other news, some West Brom fans reacted to reported Premier League interest in this Baggies defender.