All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic moved swiftly to appoint Brendan Rodgers as their new head coach last month after Ange Postecoglou departed to move down south.

The Australian manager joined Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and that allowed Dermot Desmond to swoop for the Northern Irish tactician, who is now in his second spell at Parkhead.

Rodgers won seven trophies in less than three years with the Hoops between 2016 and 2019 before a move to Leicester City in England, where he won the FA Cup in 2021.

What's the latest Celtic transfer news?

The 50-year-old boss could now use his time with the Foxes to bolster his squad in Glasow as the club have been linked with interest in free agent centre-back Jonny Evans, who could join the likes of Hyun-jun Yang, Marco Tilio, and Odin Thiago Holm in signing this summer.

His contract at the King Power expired at the end of last season and the veteran defender is now available for nothing, which could make him a bargain addition to the squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Football Scotland have stated that no approach has been made by Celtic to the player but the manager must now pursue a deal for his former defensive rock as he could form an excellent partnership with Cameron Carter-Vickers at the back.

How old is Jonny Evans?

Evans, who Rodgers once described as "super-intelligent", is a 35-year-old centre-back who would not come in with the expectation of playing 50 matches across all competitions or being a starter week-in-week-out during the Scottish Premiership campaign.

He has only averaged 19.6 Premier League appearances per season over the last three years but could arrive at Parkhead with the quality to step in when needed or for stints in the team before being taken out for a rest.

His former Northern Ireland teammate Keith Gillespie once claimed that the towering 6 foot 2 titan was equally good at distributing the ball with either foot, which suggests that the ex-Manchester United man would be comfortable playing on the left of a defensive pairing – next to Carter-Vickers.

Across the 2020/21 and 2021/22 Premier League campaigns under Rodgers' management, Evans showcased his defensive strength as he won at least 67% of his duels, which included a success rate of at least 72% in aerial contests, over that two-year spell.

The Belfast-born veteran also made at least 2.4 tackles and interceptions per match in that time, whilst no current Celtic centre-back managed more than 1.3 per outing last term. This suggests that the ex-Leicester titan could provide an injection of defensive quality to Rodgers' options at the back in terms of how frequently he is able to win the ball back for his side.

Carter-Vickers could be a dream partner for Evans as the USA international is also a dominant enforcer who is capable of coming out on top in his physical battles.

The former Spurs colossus won 69% of his duels, which included a 74% success rate in the air, for the Hoops across 29 Premiership clashes last season. This came after the 25-year-old colossus won 68% of his overall battles during the 2021/22 campaign, which shows that he has been consistently able to dominate opposition attackers.

Evans won three Premier League titles and a Champions League throughout his time at Manchester United and could impart his wisdom to Carter-Vickers, who is ten years his junior, whilst being able to form a strong defensive partnership with him for Celtic.

Therefore, the free-agent monster could be a fantastic addition to Rodgers' team due to the ability he could provide on the pitch to go along with the experience and knowledge the ex-Sunderland ace could bring to the younger players at the club.

Manchester United could finally have a new goalkeeper in their ranks soon, with reliable journalist Ben Jacobs reporting that the Red Devils are confident a deal could be finalised this week for Andre Onana.

How many games has Andre Onana played for Inter?

The 27-year-old has only just settled into his surroundings in Milan, having joined the Serie A side at the beginning of the 2022/23 season, but could seemingly already be on the move again. Having been impressive with his showings for Ajax – he helped them to four league titles during his time in the Netherlands – the Italian side decided to snap him up on a permanent basis last summer.

He was instantly thrown into their first-team squad and helped his new team to reach the Champions League final. He was also a prominent figure in the league, playing 24 times in Serie A and conceding 24 goals.

He was even more impressive on the European stage though, with 13 showings in the Champions League leading to just eleven goals conceded. It shows that he is one of the best in his position right now, having played such a crucial part in Inter's run to the final. His eight clean sheets in the top flight of Italian football also meant he sat in the top ten in that area over the course of the campaign, while his save percentage of 73.5% also put him as the eighth-best shot-stopper in that field too.

Are Manchester United signing Andre Onana?

His performances have now led to some big interest in snapping him up this transfer window. With Premier League side Man United on the hunt for a new player to feature inbetween the sticks, they have turned their attention to Onana.

The Red Devils have been moving to try and agree a deal for the 27-year-old and last week it was suggested that a deal between the two parties was close to being done. Now, according to a report from reliable journalist Ben Jacobs, that transfer could indeed go through this week.

He states that United are "confident" of the deal being finalised before the week is out and that even the goalkeeper is ready for the switch to England, having been told to "prepare" for his move to the Premier League last week.

Jacobs said: "Manchester United remain confident of securing Andre Onana this week despite suggestions Inter are being difficult over the final fee. Onana was told last week to prepare for the move to Old Trafford."

After a year of superb performances, the shot-stopper has recieved possibly some of the highest praise a player can get. Treble-winning manager Pep Guardiola stated that Onana is "exceptional" and also said he's "one of the best in the world".

It shows just how high his stock is at the moment, and how solid he can be inbetween the sticks – the goalkeeper is not just good, but stands as one of the best in his field right now. If Man United do manage to get a deal over the line then, it could really be a big upgrade on David De Gea and could make them much more formidable in defence in the next campaign.

West Ham United have made an offer of €21m (£18m) for Juventus midfielder Denis Zakaria, and he would be open to a move to the London Stadium, according to reports from Italy.

What's the latest West Ham transfer news?

With Declan Rice inching ever closer to finally completing his move to Arsenal, West Ham are tasked with replacing the midfielder, and they have their eye on several potential options, including Sao Paulo youngster Pablo Maia.

The Hammers hierarchy have scheduled a meeting with the representative of the 21-year-old to discuss a summer move, with his current club likely to sell him this summer, in order to raise some much-needed funds.

Meanwhile, transfer insider Dean Jones has recently confirmed the Irons' interest in Fulham's Joao Palhinha is "definitely real", but he also claims David Moyes may look at bringing in another midfielder, saying:

"West Ham is obviously one that is going to get interesting in the next few days. They're going for Denis Zakaria, looking at a loan with a view to an option to sign him further down the line but they are also looking at Palhinha as a signing that would happen alongside him."

Now, West Ham have made their first move to sign the Juventus midfielder, with Tuttosport reporting they have made a formal bid, which amounts to €21m (£18m) including bonuses. However, that amount is a little below the Italian club's asking price (via Sport Witness).

Juventus are said to be holding out for €25m (£21m) and they do not want to go below that figure, so it seems as though the Hammers' initial offer may be rejected.

There is still work to be done to conclude a deal, with the two clubs needing to discuss whether the move would be a full transfer now or a loan, with either an option or obligation to buy.

In what could be a real boost for the Irons, there may not be much work needing to be done on the player's side, as he has given a "favourable opinion" to the move, due to being "comforted by the idea of a five-year contract".

How good is Denis Zakaria?

The Swiss midfielder spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Chelsea, with writer Bobby Vincent hailing him as "fantastic" despite the Blues' 1-0 loss against Manchester City back in January.

There is some evidence the 26-year-old could be a quality addition for West Ham, given that he ranks in the 89th percentile for clearances per 90 over the past year compared to players in his position in Europe's top five leagues, showcasing his defensive talents, while he is also in the 95th percentile for his pass completion rate.

Those statistics indicate the Juventus ace could be a replacement for Rice, who also specialises in those areas. However, in truth, he is probably not going to hit the heights of the England international.

Zakaria found it very difficult to break into a poor Chelsea side last season, making just seven appearances in the Premier League, and it would probably be wise for West Ham to focus on signing midfielders who are more proven in England.

Arsenal fans finally returned to the Premier League’s top four last season after six years outside of England’s elite. They pulled up the chair to the big table once again under Mikel Arteta, next to some familiar faces and some pulling up a seat for the first time.

That’s where the Gunners are out. And they deserve credit for that. They took Manchester City all the way in the title race, that cannot be disputed. What Arsenal are not, however, is in a position to be negotiating for Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe, with all due respect.

One season back in the Champions League pulls up a chair to England’s elite, not Europe’s, where the North London club have never won that specific trophy. That’s without even speaking about the financial ramifications, too.

This hasn’t stopped some Arsenal fans from getting ahead of themselves, however.

What’s the latest on Kylian Mbappe?

Strap yourselves in, because the Mbappe transfer saga is set to go around the rollercoaster of the transfer window yet again this summer, with the Frenchman refusing to sign a new deal at PSG, making him a free agent next summer.

The forward has reiterated his desire to see out his contract at the French club, who would like to cash in on the player they initially splashed out a reported £166m for back in 2017. According to Fabrizio Romano, unless Mbappe signs a new deal, he will be on the market this summer.

Leading the way for his signature, as has always seemingly been the case, is Real Madrid, according to Romano, as the Spanish giants wait and see if they’ll be forced to wait a year for his services, or pick the World Cup winner up for a hefty price in the coming months.

Still, a report by FootballTransfers recently linked the Gunners with what would be an outrageous move for the Frenchman, claiming that Mikel Arteta might look to try and land him for free in 2024. While sporting director Edu Gaspar has even responded to some of the wild claims on Instagram too.

AFTV make outrageous Mbappe claim

Speaking on AFTV main man Robbie Lyle seemed to be reading an awful lot into all these recent rumours too.

Indeed, he said: “Is it too far-fetched to say that Arsenal could make a move for Kylian Mbappe. They’ve got a lot of money, Arsenal, they’ve got the wage bill right down at the club.

“If they have a good run in the Champions League and a good run in the league, they’ll have additional funds, they’ll be more attractive again to a player like Mbappe.

“His number one destination’s always been Real Madrid, but what I’m talking about, could Arsenal be in the conversation for a player like Kylian Mbappe come next season?”

It’s fair to say that Premier League fans have disagreed with the claim, too, taking to Twitter to react:

Leeds United maintained a questionable transfer strategy under the guidance of Victor Orta, who was the director of football for just under six years before his dismissal last season.

The Spaniard was guilty of some dreadful transfer missteps, and his hand in the various appointments they underwent have left the club in a torrid state and exactly where they started under him: in the Championship.

One such example of his misconduct came in the form of Marc Roca, whom he tempted to Elland Road from Bayern Munich, as it quickly became clear that his arrival had been ill-thought-out, and it ultimately fell flat.

Whilst a far less extravagant and exciting appointment, the promise from interim football director Nick Hammond is that they will shift their focus to a more domestic market, seemingly taking fewer risks in order to promote a steady and sustainable return to the Premier League.

To contrast the aforementioned deal, it seems that their interest in Jayson Molumby seeks to spearhead this shift in focus. The Ireland international, whilst a far less attractive name, will almost definitely offer an upgrade in the Whites' engine room for the new campaign and the 49ers' first as owners.

Is Marc Roca better than Jayson Molumby?

Roca's £10m move caught the eye of many for its seemingly cut-price nature, and yet it somehow still managed to be a waste of resources one year on.

The 26-year-old was decidedly average throughout the league term, in which his 6.81 average rating gave way to a meagre 79% pass accuracy and 2.1 tackles per game, via Sofascore. He was not nearly as defensively sound as Tyler Adams, who managed 3.7 tackles per game, yet lacked the creativity needed to make him a truly useful figure in Jesse Marsch's midfield.

Whilst he faltered towards the drop in West Yorkshire, Molumby was playing a key role in Carlos Corberan's West Bromwich Albion resurgence, starring in a new-look midfield that took them from relegation battles to promotion chasers.

His 86% pass accuracy paints the picture of a far more reliable general in the heart of midfield, yet also managed 1.4 tackles per game too in the Championship, via Sofascore. It is a testament to his reliability that his Spanish boss played him in all but two of the league matches he took charge of.

Journalist Rudy Kinsella clearly rates him highly too, claiming last summer: "A disciplined Jayson Molumby is an insane talent. Bloody love him." Perhaps he could realise this potential in Roca's place, given he is set to depart.

Valued at just €5m (£4m) by Football Transfers, it is this kind of intelligent business that will ensure tangible progress for the 49ers' club, which has endured a tumultuous past two decades.

The gulf in quality is little but arguably tipped in the 23-year-old's favour. Should he make the switch, it would be like Roca never even joined, with his relentless presence enough for any second-tier side vying for promotion.

Liverpool are one of the suitors appealing to Benjamin Pavard ahead of a potential transfer move this summer, according to a report from Christian Falk, via Caught Offside.

How has Benjamin Pavard performed this season?

Having been with Bayern Munich for the last four seasons, he has been a part of domestic dominance which has seen them rack up four consecutive Bundesliga titles. He's had a key part to play in all of them too, never dipping below a total of 20 league outings for the side and he managed a further 30 for the club over the course of the 2022/23 season.

his led to the defender bagging himself four goals and one assist along the way. They're his best totals for the side since he initially moved to the club back in 2019/20.

The France international – who can feature as either a central defender or on one of the flanks – also ranks favourably against others in his position. When you look at his FBRef scouting report amongst centre-backs in the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues in Europe for example, he ranks within the top five percent on nearly every offensive stat that there is.

His 0.18 non-penalty goals per 90 puts him within the top one percent for example, as does his progressive passes rate per 90 of 7.59. It shows that Pavard has the passing ability and end product to perform a similar role to Trent Alexander-Arnold, creating attacks from deep.

Are Liverpool linked with Pavard?

It's previously been stated that Pavard could actually be on his way out this summer despite these impressive stats. Liverpool had been linked, only for the Reds to apparently not be prepared to make a move for him.

Now, in another twist, a new report from Christian Falk, via Caught Offside, has revealed that the Premier League outfit are actually one of four clubs still in the mix to make something happen.

There has been no "concrete" bid yet for the £116,000-a-week player but that the Reds are an intriguing proposition for him – as are Barcelona, Chelsea and Man City – and they've already spoken to his agents, claims Falk.

He's clearly still viewed in high regard, with football journalist Josh Bunting stating that a recent goal was "stunning" and "top class" from Pavard. The 27-year-old then still has plenty to offer a club and if Liverpool want to strengthen their backline and potentially mix up Alexander-Arnold's position next season, then they could do a lot worse than adding the Bayern Munich man to their ranks.

Liverpool have been interested in Valencia midfielder Yunus Musah for a long time now, with the USMNT international attracting attention from many of Europe's top outfits despite his LaLiga side's lacklustre campaign.

What's the latest on Yunus Musah to Liverpool?

That's following recent reports from Spanish sources, claiming that Liverpool remain at the forefront of the attention on the 20-year-old ace as Valencia deliberate over his availability.

Musah has a release clause of €100m (£88m) and could provide Anfield with the youthful exuberance it needs to return to prominence after falling by the wayside this season and failing to qualify for the Champions League.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp would welcome such a prodigious talent with open arms, and while his release clause threatens to be an insurmountable stumbling block, there would be every belief that a cheaper deal could be struck despite being contracted until 2026.

How good is Yunus Musah?

Despite his youthful age, Musah is an experienced midfielder, having racked up 108 appearances for Valencia after joining from Arsenal's academy ranks and starring for USA at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The 24-cap international started all four of his nation's matches at the prestigious tournament and earned an average rating of 6.75 – as per Sofascore – completing 87% of his passes and averaging two tackles per game, notably producing a gritty display against England in a hard-fought group stage draw, with Joey Barton waxing lyrical and saying he even "dusted [Jude] Bellingham".

A powerful and energetic ball carrier, Musah flourishes by providing defensive support and sweeping away danger before progressing the ball upfield, with ESPN writing: 'His speed of dribbling with the ball and eagerness to press opponents are other attributes that keep Premier League clubs alert to his availability.'

While the exorbitant fee touted for his services would no doubt dissuade the Reds' technical director Jorg Schmadkte from initiating formal negotiations, there is indeed every belief that the fee could be whittled down and a swoop as shrewd as the recent £35m acquisition of Alexis Mac Allister could be clinched.

And what a duo that could unfurl at the heart of Klopp's outfit as the German manager looks to craft a resurgence; Mac Allister's forward-pushing dynamism and Musah's robustness in the tackle could combine to return the intensity and balance on the red half of Merseyside to its former illustrious glory, scaling the lofty heights that have clinched the whole gamut of silverware – barring the Europa League – at the 56-year-old's disposal.

Mac Allister ranks among the top 20% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 18% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

The £25k-per-week Musah, comparatively, ranks among the top 8% for progressive carries per 90, while also averaging 1.5 tackles per match in the Spanish top-flight this term.

Signing Musah, if the staggering valuation could depreciate with the opening of transfer talks, it would be a stunning move for the Anfield side, and he could be moulded into a first-rate star under Klopp's wing, concurrently absorbing the fruits of Mac Allister's labour and complementing the 24-year-old with a progressive approach to match his own.

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be eyeing a summer swoop for Fulham defender, Tosin Adarabioyo, with manager Ange Postecoglou seemingly keen to strengthen his centre-back ranks ahead of next season.

What's the latest on Adarabioyo to Tottenham?

As per journalist Lyall Thomas, writing on Twitter: "Exclusive: Tosin Adarabioyo is among the centre-back options being considered by #Tottenham this summer. One year left on his deal at #Fulhamfc + he is open to an exit #thfc #ffc."

In his subsequent piece for Sky Sports, Thomas reveals that negotiations regarding a move for the imposing giant are at an 'early stage', with the Lilywhites contemplating whether to formalise their interest in the 25-year-old.

The report suggests that the former England youth international is seeking a new challenge with just a year left to run on his existing deal, having spent the last three years at Craven Cottage.

Should Tottenham sign Adarabioyo?

With Clement Lenglet having made his return to Barcelona – and with the likes of Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez facing uncertain futures at N17 – it does appear that Postecoglou is in need of extra bodies to help bolster the backline this summer, with Adarabioyo potentially set to prove a wise, albeit surprise investment for the club.

The "very solid" ace – as previously hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – has been tipped for big things stretching back to his early days at Manchester City, having been hailed by former boss Pep Guardiola back in 2016:

"He has all the quality. He is fast. He is faster than the people can believe it and he's strong in the air. He has the quality to look behind the line for the next step, the next pass."

Having been just a teenager at the time of that praise from the serial-winning Spaniard, the £40k-per-week titan has since blossomed into a fine asset at top-flight level, having helped to keep ten clean sheets in 25 Premier League games last season as part of a Fulham side that finished tenth.

The 6 foot 5 gem's stellar performances in that standout campaign are also bolstered by the fact that he is said to share a number of stylistic and statistical similarities with Manchester United star, Raphael Varane, according to FBref.

That likeness to the "world-class" Frenchman – as lauded by pundit Paul Robinson – is notably showcased by the duo's quality on the ball, with Varane having racked up 17 progressive carries and 63 progressive passes last season from his 24 league outings, while the Cottagers' ace recorded 16 and 95 for those same two metrics, respectively.

In a defensive sense, the pair are also alike due to their dominance in the air, with the United man having won a standout 72% of his aerial duels in 2022/23, while Adarabioyo averaged only slightly lower at 69% in that regard.

To be likened to a figure who has a World Cup and five Champions Leagues under his belt is a clear sign of the latter man's quality, with Postecoglou and co no doubt set to jump at the chance to sign a Varane-esque talent in their bid to strengthen the backline.

Arsenal could complete the signing of West Ham United star Declan Rice "within the next week" after verbally agreeing personal terms, according to reports.

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

The Gunners are aiming to back manager Mikel Arteta in the transfer market this summer and have already earmarked their targets for central midfield.

According to reports, the position is a real priority for Arsenal to reinforce, leading to their serious interest in Rice, Brighton star Moises Caicedo and Man City captain Ilkay Gundogan.

As well as the aforementioned trio, talks could accelerate for Galatasary's Sacha Boey, with a new right-back also thought to be on Arteta's agenda this summer.

Going back to Rice, though, it is believed Arsenal are favourites to sign the 24-year-old who has been heavily linked with a move to north London.

West Ham chief David Sullivan, speaking to talkSPORT recently, even confirmed that he will be on the move.

"I think it has to be," said the Irons board member."We promised him he could go. He set his heart on going."In due course, he has to get on and we have to get a replacement – or several replacements. It's not something we want to happen. We offered him £200,000-a-week 18 months ago. He turned it down."

According to Football Insider, there has been quite a big update on his potential move to Arsenal, coming after he already verbally agreed personal terms.

Indeed, it is now believed that the Gunners could complete his signing "within the next week", and a deal which could be worth close to £100 million is edging closer.

Arsenal have been laying the groundwork for months on a potential agreement and there is a belief that they could reach a compromise of £92m with West Ham.

It's added that Rice is set to replace Granit Xhaka, who is reportedly on the verge of joining Bayer Leverkusen.

Who is Declan Rice?

The Englishman was West Ham's star player last season, averaging a higher match rating per 90 than any player in their squad over 2022/2023 (WhoScored).

Former Hammers defender Matthew Upson, speaking before their UEFA Europa Conference League final win over Fiorentina on Wednesday, raved over his maturity at such a young age.

"He is a very mature player for his age," said Upson."He can handle responsibility amazingly well, which is why he was such a young captain in the Premier League."Players don't usually come into their own in that position until their late 20s. For someone of Declan's age, the level he is playing at now is exceptional."

Manchester United will need to pay in excess of £60 million this summer if they are to land a new striker at Old Trafford, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news on Manchester United's striker search?

Manchester United have been linked with several strikers this summer as they look to add an elite forward to their attack, with Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane being among the leading names, though the Red Devils will need to part with around £100 million to land the England international, as per The Daily Mail.

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is also a target for Erik Ten Hag heading into the forthcoming transfer window alongside Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund and Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani, according to The Manchester Evening News.

As per The Mirror, Benfica frontman Goncalo Ramos is also highly thought of at Manchester United and is seen as a 'brilliant prospect' for the future by Old Trafford chiefs.

Calciomercato claimed in March that Juventus hitman Dusan Vlahovic is also being considered by the Red Devils, providing an intriguing mix of strikers that Manchester United could choose to pursue once the window opens for business.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that Manchester United may have to shell out a significant sum of cash to be in with a chance of landing any of these reported targets.

Jacobs told FFC: "I think the last point I would make is that Manchester United are going to have to balance lots of priorities here. If they, for example, want a traditional number nine striker, which is a key and urgent priority position, should that opportunity present itself early in the window. Whether that is for a Kane, which we know is going to be difficult, or Victor Osimhen, which we know is going to be expensive, Gonzalo Ramos, which again will come with a big price tag or a Dusan Vlahovic, which there's a real possibility he'll leave, but again, it's going to be well in excess of £60 million at a minimum."

Who is the most likely target to end up at Manchester United?

All strikers who have been linked with Manchester United will prove to be difficult to attain; however, this may well become an easier task to manage financially once the ownership situation at Old Trafford has been rectified.

One thing we do know is that Red Devils boss Ten Hag is said to be 'obsessed' with Tottenham icon Kane and will act early as they try to secure a deal to entice the 29-year-old away from N17, as per The Guardian.

It is easy to see why Kane is so highly rated by the Manchester United boss, given that he managed to notch 32 goals and five assists from 49 appearances in 2022/23 for a struggling Spurs side, as per Transfermarkt.

Kane may prove to be one of the more tricky deals to complete, though the fact that he is desperate to become the all-time leading goalscorer in the Premier League may just give Manchester United enough leg room to seriously tempt him into considering his future this summer.