All posts by z3u9t.icu

The Athletic’s Rangers correspondent Jordan Campbell has shared an update on Borna Barisic and his current situation at Ibrox after it was reported that he was attracting interest from abroad.

What’s the news?

In a recent post on Twitter, the journalist revealed that the 29-year-old is attracting interest from clubs on the continent, with the potential of significant wages being offered to the defender.

Campbell tweeted: “European teams interested in Borna Barisic, including Trabzonspor, which Turkish media have reported. The 29yo Croatian int still has two years on his deal. Big wages will be on offer but Rangers will demand a substantial fee if he is to leave. No club-to-club contact so far.”

The journalist then followed up with another tweet on the situation, stating: “This is not to say that Barisic will definitely leave this summer. It’s a possibility if the right bid comes in and it’s the right challenge for him but that’s probably unlikely to be Turkey right now.”

Fans will be livid

Rangers signed the defender from NK Osijek in 2018 on a four-year deal worth a reported £2.2m. Since then, the Croatian has gone on to make 155 appearances for the Light Blues across all competitions, scoring seven goals and delivering an impressive 35 assists along the way.

Despite only playing 23 league games this season, the 29-year-old still posted the second-highest number of crosses (158) and won the third-highest number of tackles (33) out of anyone in Rangers’ squad. This highlights just how important a figure he is for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team in an attacking and defensive sense and why he’d be a big miss for them if he were to leave this summer.

With fellow Rangers defender Calvin Bassey also being linked with a move away from Ibrox this summer, having him and Barisic both potentially waving goodbye to the club in the same transfer window would surely have lots of supporters fuming.

Even though Campbell said that the Gers would consider selling the Croatian if a significant offer comes in, we feel that they shouldn’t let him leave this summer unless they have a suitable replacement for him to come straight into Ibrox.

In other news: Rangers now plotting bid for “clinical” £5.4m-rated sensation, he’d be a dream for Van Bronckhorst

West Ham have recently been linked with a move for Manchester City ace Oleksandr Zinchenko and the 25-year-old could be a superb addition to David Moyes’ side this summer.

What’s the word?

According to the Evening Standard, West Ham and Arsenal are expected to step up their interest in Zinchenko after his World Cup dream with Ukraine came to an end following their 1-0 defeat against Wales last weekend.

They claim that City are unlikely to stand in his way should he ask for a move away from the Etihad, with West Ham planning to utilise him at left-back as a competitor for Aaron Cresswell, with Arthur Masuaku likely to depart.

Perfect for Moyes?

Although he has primarily featured as a left-back for Manchester City, for whom he has made 128 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and 12 assists, his performances for Ukraine in World Cup qualifying emphasised his quality in midfield.

In the win against Scotland, SofaScore ranked him as the top performer on the pitch with an 8/10 rating as he contributed three key passes and created two big chances, including the assist for Artem Dovbyk’s late goal.

He also impressed despite defeat against Wales, earning a 7.2 rating from SofaScore, contributing another two key passes which further highlights his technical ability, while he was also unfortunate to see a goal chalked off as his clever free-kick found the net, but was deemed too quick for the referee’s liking.

Having versatile players is something which every Premier League side needs and Moyes would surely love to have a player of Zinchenko’s quality and experience in his side next season.

As regular captain of Ukraine, he would also bring leadership to the dressing room at West Ham, so this is a signing that would make a lot of sense for the Hammers.

Pep Guardiola might be reticent to see him depart City, however, having described him as “incredible” in the past, which perhaps explains why reports have suggested that he will cost as much as £40m this summer.

However, head of recruitment Rob Newman would effectively be signing a player for two positions in one and if West Ham have European ambitions again next season, he’s exactly the type of player they need in order to progress.

And, in other news… Moyes may already have his dream Rice heir at West Ham

Phil Hay has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Lewis O’Brien.

What’s the talk?

In a recent Q&A on The Athletic, the Leeds United correspondent revealed that, despite a number of reports linking the Whites with a £10m move for the Huddersfield Town starlet this summer, at present, Victor Orta is pursuing other options in his attempts to sign a new central midfielder in the transfer market.

In response to a question asking how likely the 23-year-old’s signing appears to be, Hay revealed the following twist: “The club do want a central midfielder but from what we’re hearing, they’re focusing on other targets. It’s not that they don’t like O’Brien but, when push comes to shove, his window of opportunity for moving to Elland Road was probably last summer.”

Supporters will be gutted

Considering just how exciting a prospect O’Brien quite clearly is, Hay’s rather surprising update that the Whites’ sporting director is not currently planning a move for the Terriers’ talent is sure to be news that will have left the Elland Road faithful gutted.

Indeed, over his 43 Championship fixtures this season – not including his three play-off appearances – the £3.15m-rated midfielder highly impressed for Carlos Corberan’s side, scoring three goals, providing three assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 1.1 shots, making 1.0 key passes and completing 2.0 dribbles per game.

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The £5k-per-week midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, enjoying 56.7 touches of the ball, as well as 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 outing.

These returns saw the player who Jonathan Hogg dubbed “sensational” and Jobi McAnuff claimed has “a bit of everything” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.00 – playing a crucial role in Town’s widely unexpected run to the play-off final.

As such, it is clear to see that O’Brien would make an exceptional addition to Jesse Marsch’s current options in the middle of the park, an opinion that many Leeds supporters agreed with in a recent poll ran on Football FanCast – with the vast majority stating that they believe the 23-year-old would be a fantastic signing for a £10m fee.

However, following Hay’s latest update, it would not appear as if the Whites are currently in the running for the midfielder’s signature this summer, something that will undoubtedly be disappointing news to many involved with the club.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals “well-advanced talks” underway, Leeds supporters surely gutted

Leeds United have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of the Barcelona midfielder Riqui Puig.

According to a recent report by The Express, the 22-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements by Xavi, with the central midfielder expected to be made available on a cut-price deal in the summer transfer window.

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The report goes on to state that this will come as a huge boost to Victor Orta and the Whites, with the Spanish sporting director believed to hold a long-standing interest in the former Spain U21 international.

Gundogan 2.0

Considering just how exciting a talent Puig quite clearly is, the argument that Orta simply must make a move to bring the playmaker to Elland Road in the summer transfer window is a rather easy one to make.

Indeed, according to FBref data, the 22-year-old ranks in the top 2% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for passes attempted per 90, as well as the top 2% for passes completed, the top 5% for progressive carries, the top 10% for touches in the opposition penalty area, the top 4% for progressive passes received and the top 29% for dribbles completed over the last 365 days.

The £64k-per-week Spaniard also ranks in the top 10% for non-penalty goals per 90, in addition to the top 18% for npxG, the top 12% for shots and the top 4% for shot-creating actions over the last 12 months.

These metrics see FBref compare the player who Quique Setien dubbed an “extraordinary” talent to a number of the most prestigious midfielders in European football, such as Manchester City duo Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva, Barca pair Pedri and Frenkie de Jong and the in-demand Lens talent Seko Fofana.

As such, should the La Masia graduate indeed be available for a reported €10m (£8.5m) fee this summer, Orta simply must make a move for the Barca starlet, as Puig could end up being Jesse Marsch’s own Gundogan at Leeds next season.

AND in other news: Marsch could land the next £48m talent as Leeds now plot bid for “elite” 23 y/o target

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte ‘will be pleased’ after a big development coming out of north London, BBC reporter Simon Stone has said.

The Lowdown: Conte eyes major overhaul…

As per a recent report by The Telegraph, the Lilywhites manager is eyeing a summer overhaul, with transfer chief Fabio Paratici set to hold talks with Conte in Italy soon.

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It is believed that a list of ‘potential targets’ includes the likes of Alessandro Bastoni, Gleison Bremer, Djed Spence, Christian Eriksen, James Ward-Prowse, Kalvin Phillips and Gabriel Jesus.

Conte is apparently set to be promised six major incomings, with a recent confirmed Spurs update now gifting the Italian a potential transfer windfall. The club – and by association owners ENIC and chairman Daniel Levy – announced midweek that the north Londoners have agreed a £150m capital increase.

The Latest: Stone makes £150m claim…

As per BBC journalist Stone, sharing an update after this big news, the £150m can be used for ‘any purpose’, including transfer costs and player salaries. As a result, the reporter claimed that Conte ‘will be pleased’ and has hailed the ‘significant news’.

Stone explained (via Twitter): “Significant news this off the back of return to Champions League. £150m equity increase that can be used for any purpose, including transfer fees and wages. Antonio Conte is going to be pleased with this.”

The Verdict: Big boost…

As if qualifying for next season’s Champions League wasn’t enough, this £150m boost is yet more reason to be optimistic for Conte’s first full season in charge in N17.

This major windfall could go some way to assisting Paratici in backing Tottenham’s head coach in the summer transfer market as the Premier League club now seek to get back among the top-flight’s elite and come closer to challenging the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.

In other news: ‘Told Spurs are ready’…Kilpatrick has exciting transfer news for supporters! Find out more here.

Rangers have never been shy when it comes to bringing players to Ibrox on temporary loan deals during previous transfer windows.

The Gers have also seen numerous players come in on loan from English clubs, with Amad Diallo being a fairly recent one during the previous January transfer window.

Looking back to that period of time, Rangers were also linked with another young player making a name for himself in Manchester – James McAtee.

As many fans will be aware, the Europa League finalists were ultimately unsuccessful in their attempts to secure a loan move for the Englishman.

In February, the midfielder put pen to paper on a new long-term deal at Manchester City, firmly securing his future with the Citizens.

With the next summer transfer window on the horizon, it could well be worth the Ibrox club making an attempt to see if City would be willing to let them take their starlet on loan to give him his first real taste of regular senior football.

The 19-year-old has seen just 18 minutes of Premier League action for Pep Guardiola’s side this season, which doesn’t make his chances of playing regularly next season look particularly high.

For their U23s, the Englishman has scored 18 goals and provided seven assists in 23 league games, highlighting the sort of talented attacking midfielder he is and why Van Bronckhorst would love to have a player like that in his squad.

This also backs up why he was called a “massive talent” by journalist Jonathan Smith and why the Manchester club were so keen to tie him down to a long-term deal.

It also shows why the Rangers manager should be banging on Ross Wilson’s door to get him to sanction a move for the midfield star.

To further highlight how impressive the £2.7m-rated City sensation is, he has been nominated for the 2021/22 Premier League 2 Player of the Season award

Taking into account the relationship that Van Bronckhorst has with Guardiola and the influence that the City boss has had on the Gers manager, this could potentially help Rangers and their potential chances of signing McAtee on a loan deal this time around.

With all of this in mind, should an opportunity to sign the young midfielder on loan arises this summer, Rangers should definitely be in the mix to secure his signature.

In other news: Big blow: Rangers dealt crushing injury setback, it’s a huge worry for Van Bronckhorst

Leeds United have been linked with a summer swoop for Cardiff City winger Japhet Matondo.

The Lowdown: Matondo profiled

Matondo, already sponsored by Nike, is primarily a left-winger who can also play on the opposite flank. The Wales U17 international is yet to make a senior appearance for Cardiff but has featured for the U23s.

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The 16-year-old is yet to pen a professional deal with the Championship side due to his age, but he is already catching the eye across the country, including those at Elland Road.

The Latest: Leeds interest

Football Scotland shared an update regarding Matondo on Wednesday, where they claimed that Celtic have registered their interest in the teenager. The Scottish champions could land the attacker for a £130,000 compensation fee.

Leeds are also keeping tabs on the Cardiff teenager, however, Matondo would cost the Whites substantially more than £130,000 as the Hoops would be benefitting from cross-border compensation rules.

The player’s future may well be mapped out over the coming weeks.

The Verdict: Shrewd U23s move?

Should Leeds secure Matondo’s services ahead of Celtic over the coming weeks, you’d expect that he could be placed in with the U18s or U23s next season, having been hailed as a ‘very exciting’ talent in a piece from Wales Online.

A move wouldn’t necessarily rely on Leeds remaining in the Premier League, however, Matondo may well be in line for more game time with the academy if the Whites drop down to the Championship.

Raphinha looks set to leave for Barcelona, which could result in Crysencio Summerville stepping up and establishing himself in the first team, leaving a regular spot on the wing for the U23s up for grabs.

In other news: Orta now finally set to accept defeat as Leeds plot exit for Bielsa ‘mistake’ – opinion. 

Victor Orta is set to release Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla this summer.

What’s the word?

That’s according to reports in Spain (via Sport Witness), who claim that the 35-year-old shot-stopper will return to Elland Road following the conclusion of his season-long loan deal with Elche CF, with it appearing likely that Leeds’ Spanish sporting director will then terminate the former Spain international’s contract in LS11 – which is due to run until the summer of 2023.

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The report goes on to state that, as a result of the former Real Madrid man’s professionalism after losing his starting spot to Edgar Badia earlier this season, should Casilla’s wage demands not be too expensive, Francisco could look to bring the goalkeeper back to the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero in the summer transfer window.

Orta must axe Casilla

Considering just how little Casilla has featured for Leeds in recent seasons, in addition to the fact the 35-year-old is reported to be earning a staggering £40k-per-week at Elland Road, the argument that Orta simply must cut the Spaniard loose this summer is an easy one to make.

Indeed, the shot-stopper’s career in England appeared all but over back in March of 2020, when the £720k-rated man was found guilty of racially abusing Jonathan Leko, and was subsequently handed an eight-game ban by the FA.

Following this incident, the ‘keeper made just six first-team appearances for the Whites over the remainder of the club’s 2019/20 campaign as well as 2020/21, before Orta shipped the shot-stopper out to Elche last summer.

As such, considering his advancing years, Illan Meslier’s now undisputed role as Jesse Marsch’s first-choice goalkeeper and Casilla’s extremely hefty weekly wage, it is clear for all to see that the Leeds sporting director must finally axe the player Oscar Mario dubbed a “mistake” and “nothing short of a liability” this summer.

AND in other news: Huge boost: Leeds now handed big injury lift ahead of Bees, supporters surely buzzing

Celtic could break their own Scottish record of earning £100m in a season, according to financial expert Kieran Maguire.

The Lowdown: Memorable season at Parkhead

The Hoops are on the verge of regaining their Premiership title, with just one point required in their final two matches of the season.

Ange Postecoglou has come in and done a superb job in his first campaign as manager at Parkhead, with the Scottish League Cup already added to the trophy cabinet earlier in the season.

It appears as though Celtic are thriving on and off the pitch, following a fresh revelation from a financial guru.

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The Latest: Expert makes £100m Celtic claim

Speaking to Football Insider, Maguire claimed that the Hoops could generate more money next season than their record £100m earnings back in 2018. He revealed:

“Celtic are the only club in the history of Scottish football to generate more than £100m in a single season. That came in 2018 when they were in the Champions League. It is transformational.

“Last year, they generated £60m worth of income. I expect that to go up because they will have a full season of matchday in 2021-22.

“For every £1 in the Europa League, you get £5 in the Champions League. Celtic will be joyous in the boardroom with this news.”

The Verdict: Hugely exciting times

This is a wonderful time to be a Celtic fan again, with last season’s on-field disappointment and football behind closed doors now a suppressed memory.

The Hoops are excelling both in terms of performances on the pitch and being run shrewdly behind the scenes, with this latest update indicating their healthy financial position.

It means that funds should be available to make significant signings during the summer transfer window, ensuring that Postecoglou builds an even more potent squad moving forward – something which will be vital ahead of a return to the Champions League group stage.

In other news, one Celtic player has been backed to leave this summer. Find out who it is here.

Everton forward Richarlison could incur a three-match ban after throwing a flare against Chelsea on Sunday, ESPN’s Dale Johnson has hinted. 

The lowdown

The Brazil international scored his team’s winning goal just a minute into the second half at Goodison Park.

It was a potentially huge moment, with the relegation-threatened Toffees five points adrift of safety at kick-off, but amid the celebrations, Richarlison appeared to pick up a flare from the pitch and throw it towards the stands. Even though it was a possible red-card offence, VAR did not examine it during the game.

Everton are due to travel to Leicester on Sunday before a midweek trip to Watford and a home clash against Brentford on 15 May.

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The latest

Taking to Twitter, Johnson pondered the possibility of Richarlison being hit with a suspension for those three matches, although the outcome of any such decision could rest on where the flare ultimately landed.

Sharing footage of the incident, he tweeted: “Will Richarlison face a three-match ban? Possibly. Much may depend upon where he threw it. Did it land in the fans or did he throw it out of the stadium? I suspect it didn’t land in the fans, so he might escape with a fine or censure.”

The verdict

Johnson isn’t the only one to raise the possibility of a ban for Richarlison. Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett believes that the incident is worthy of a one-match suspension at a ‘minimum’.

However, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has come to the Brazilian’s defence, insisting that ‘you wouldn’t think for one minute that he’s thrown it into his supporters’.

Everton will be nervously awaiting a decision on any possible ban, given the importance of Richarlison. First and foremost, he’s their top scorer this season with nine goals in 29 appearances.

That figure alone doesn’t fully outline how vital he is to the cause, though. In the past five years, no Premier League player has scored more goals directly impacting the outcome of games, so for Everton to lose him now over one spontaneous incident could be calamitous.

In other news, a fresh Everton transfer claim has emerged