All posts by z3u9t.icu

Glasgow Rangers will start a season without the services of Alfredo Morelos for the first time since 2016/2017 when the new campaign rolls around, and Michael Beale is tasked with finding a suitable replacement for the clinical striker.

It won’t be easy, that’s for sure, as the 26-year-old managed to score 124 goals during his six seasons at the Ibrox side while becoming their highest-ever scorer in European competition along the way, turning into somewhat of a cult hero figure among the support.

He only managed to score 12 times last season.

However while earning a reported £33k-per-week, perhaps agreeing to part ways is best for both parties, giving Beale some added flexibility in his wage budget to sign a replacement.

The Gers have recently been linked with Kenyan striker Michael Olunga, who will be available to sign for free with his contract with Al Duhail SC expected to end this summer, although the club could face competition with Galatasaray for his signature.

Could Michael Olunga replace Alfredo Morelos?

If goal-scoring ability is the only required prerequisite for success at Rangers, then Olunga fits the bill perfectly. He has scored 159 career club goals, adding another 21 in 48 appearances for the Kenyan national team, indicating that he is extremely clinical in front of goal.

His spell in Qatar has arguably been his most productive, scoring 81 goals in just 82 matches for Al Duhail, a quite remarkable record and the signs are positive for Beale if he wants to sign a reliable goalscorer.

The 6 foot 4 striker would be a solid option to come in to replace Morelos, especially as he wouldn’t cost a transfer fee, and it is reported that his weekly salary would work out at around £7.5k-per-week, much lower than what Morelos was earning and giving the 42-year-old flexibility to sign another attacking option.

Along with his stunning club form, Olunga has also scored for Kenya at the African Cup of Nations, netting twice against Tanzania back in 2019, demonstrating his ability to shine on the biggest national stage for his nation.

Indeed, following that match, where he also won five aerial duels, took five shots and created two chances, popular football platform Squawka lauded him as a “match-winner” and the 29-year-old could become a risk-free option for Beale ahead of next season.

Goals will be required in order to match Celtic in the race for the Premiership title and Olunga could arrive in Glasgow under the radar, offering Beale a solid goal threat in the process.

Everton have been approached by Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur regarding a deal for Jordan Pickford, according to reports.

Is Jordan Pickford leaving Everton?

Pickford has firmly established himself as Sean Dyche’s number one between the sticks having started 37 of the 38 top-flight games last season, and whilst coming close to relegation, he was a standout performer on Merseyside.

The England international only signed a new contract back in February which keeps him at the club until at least 2027, but there had been prior speculation that he could have been set to depart if the Toffees had dropped to the Championship.

Writing in his column for CaughtOffside, CBS reporter and journalist Ben Jacobs claimed that there was an informal agreement in place that the 29-year-old could leave if relegated, with Spurs the “frontrunner” to secure his services having held a long-term interest, and that is something that they appear to have stepped up despite him surviving the drop.

Are Tottenham signing Pickford?

According to Football Transfers, Everton have been “contacted” by Tottenham to enquire about the possibility of a summer swoop for Pickford. The Lilywhites have been tracking the goalkeeper for “several months” and have now “started to make moves” for the 6 foot star.

The Goodison Park outfit have been approached by Spurs to “establish a dialogue”, and there have also already been “discussions” held between the player’s representatives and his admirers in N17.

The Blues have placed a £40m price tag on his head, but it’s claimed that before joining, he wants “reassurances” over who their new manager is going to be as well as if Harry Kane will remain in the capital beyond the upcoming window.

Should Everton sell Pickford?

Pickford has been dubbed Everton’s “leader” by journalist Josh Bunting having captained Dyche’s side on several occasions last season, and considering the positive impact he has on the club, the board should do everything they can to retain his services for the 2023/24 campaign.

The World Cup participant kept eight clean sheets in the top-flight during the previous term which saw him receive two man-of-the-match awards, not to mention that he made a total of 123 saves from 181 shots on target against, giving him a save success percentage of 71.3%, as per FBRef.

Toffees supporters also clearly hold a lot of admiration for Pickford having voted him the Player of the Year twice, first in 2017/18 and second in 2021/22, and the thought of losing him would be a huge blow which is why he needs to remain in the net on Merseyside.

Dutch transfer journalist Mike Verweij of De Telegraaf has shared a big Tottenham Hotspur exit update involving want-away winger Steven Bergwijn.

The Lowdown: Bergwijn eyes exit…

The Netherlands international openly admitted that he intends to leave Spurs this summer as manager Antonio Conte cannot give him a sufficient amount of game time.

Despite weighing in with crucial contributions at big points over 2021/2022, including his last minute brace to clinch a 3-2 victory away to Leicester City, Bergwijn has found it hard to fight his way past the in-form Dejan Kulusevski in Tottenham’s pecking order.

As such, Eredivisie giants Ajax have been plotting to bring him back across the English channel with Verweij now sharing an update on the situation.

The Latest: Personal terms a ‘formality’…

The reporter, taking to Twitter, claims a five-year contract for Bergwijn at Ajax is a ‘formality’ – going on to state in his piece that the 24-year-old has an ‘outline agreement’ on personal terms to leave Tottenham.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-developments-2/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

However, it is also believed that the Amsterdam outfit have been indecisive in terms of an offer to Spurs and will have to shake off emerging competition from the Premier League (De Telegraaf).

The Verdict: Time to go?

Lauded as a ‘big-game monster’ in recent seasons by members of the media (John Cross, Daily Mirror), as evident by his heroics at the King Power Stadium, his quality at times is perhaps deserving of more regular chances.

Depending on the fee Spurs can obtain from Ajax or any other interested party, we believe it is best to amicably part company before the start of 2022/2023.

Allowing the player more regular minutes at a high level team while Spurs bank a decent fee to reinvest into other positions feels like a win-win.

In other news: ‘Better and better’ – Tottenham could make announcement ‘in the coming days’, says insider…find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur have been ‘offered’ the chance to sign West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek, according to a report from Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Premier League star

Signed for £15million following a successful loan spell from Slavia Prague (Sky Sports), Soucek has been nothing short of sensational since arriving in the Premier League.

The towering 27-year-old has scored 19 times and provided two assists in 105 appearances for the Hammers, notching up ten league goals in the 2020/21 campaign.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-developments-2/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

However, after discussions over a new contract were recently put on hold, it appears that Spurs could be set to benefit from the impasse surrounding the Czech Republic international…

The latest: Spurs could swoop in

As per a Spurs source at Football Insider, Tottenham are believed to have been ‘offered the chance’ to sign Soucek this summer in what they call a ‘surprise twist’.

It’s claimed that the 48-cap ace’s future is ‘up in the air’ at present and there is a ‘very real chance’ that the powerful midfielder will be sold.

The report also states that the ‘historical relationship’ between the clubs doesn’t lend itself to a move but agents of the man hailed as ‘outstanding’ by journalist Josh Bunting are interested in making the move a reality.

The verdict: No brainer

If indeed the Lilywhites were offered the chance to land Soucek then it would be a deal that Antonio Conte, Fabio Paratici and ENIC should jump at the opportunity to strike.

Not only would it mean taking a top player away from a domestic and city rival, but also bolstering a midfield department at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in need of an assertive presence.

During the recent 2021/22 campaign, Soucek won on average 6.5 duels per game in the league (Sofascore), more than Rodrigo Bentancur (4.9) and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (5.1), highlighting the Czech Republic star’s combative prowess in the middle of the park.

Whilst the report makes no mention of a fee, valued at £40.5million and under contract with West Ham until 2024 (Transfermarkt), this won’t be an inexpensive venture for Spurs but it is certainly a worthwhile one.

In other news: Tottenham will now attempt to seal eight-figure agreement for ‘incredible’ speedster, find out more here.

Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili ahead of a potential move.

The Lowdown: Mamardashvili profiled

Mamardashvili stands at 6 foot 4 and only made a permanent move to Valencia back in January. He signed from Georgian side Dinamo Tbilisi in a deal worth just £765,000.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-updates-2/” title=”Latest Man Utd updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Since then, the 21-year-old has gone on to make 21 appearances for the Spanish side, keeping nine clean sheets and conceding 22 times.

The Georgia international only penned a deal through to 2024 with Valencia and reportedly has a release clause set at €20m (£17m).

The Latest: United phone call

Sports Witness relayed an update from Spanish outlet AS regarding Mamardashvili on Wednesday.

They claimed that Valencia are already working on extending the goalkeeper’s contract which would raise his release clause from €20m (£17m) to €30m (£25.5m).

The report name-checks United with an interest in Mamardashvili, who has now ‘received a call’ from the Red Devils, presumably chief executive Richard Arnold, over a possible move.

The Verdict: Henderson replacement?

It looks as if Dean Henderson could be on his way out of Old Trafford, with a move to Newcastle thought to be close.

Therefore, should the 25-year-old leave this summer, Erik ten Hag could be left with just Tom Heaton as back up to David de Gea.

On that basis, activating Mamardashvili’s £17m release clause could be an extremely smart move to provide competition to De Gea and in the long run.

The Spaniard will turn 32 in November, so United may soon have to think about his long-term replacement, and that could be Mamardashvili, providing he is willing to play second choice to begin with under Ten Hag.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals Man Utd & Ten Hag eyeing another Dutch gem along with De Jong and Timber. 

David Moyes will be aiming to bolster his West Ham squad next season, with a defender being a main priority in the summer transfer window as the Scot hopes to be backed by GSB.

The Irons have enjoyed a wonderful 2021/22 campaign, reaching the Europa League semi-finals and securing European football again for next season, but Moyes will want to take the next step.

There will be signings made this summer, no doubt about it, but the main priority must be improving the heart of defence.

Angelo Ogbonna has missed the majority of this season with a serious knee injury, Kurt Zouma has had his campaign disrupted by fitness and off-field issues, while Issa Diop is a lowly 17th in the West Ham squad on WhoScored performance ratings with just 6.46, so it’s clear to see the defence needs to be rejuvenated.

According to The Guardian, Moyes is monitoring Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd, who could be signed for a reasonable fee of £20m this summer.

The French media claimed that he was the “real boss” at Rennes, while the Ligue 1 club’s former manager Julien Stephen said that Aguerd was a “cerebral person”, high praise indeed for the 26-year old.

West Ham could have their own Virgil van Dijk if they sign the Moroccan, with the two players being quite similar in their styles and statistics according to FBRef.

Aguerd has actually made more tackles (30 to 21) and interceptions (52 to 48) this season than the Dutchman, and at a fraction of the price that Liverpool paid for Van Dijk, Moyes could make an extremely shrewd signing for the Hammers.

There is a feel-good atmosphere surrounding West Ham at the moment, but for this to be maintained and the club to move up a gear, there needs to be solid business in the transfer window over the summer.

AND in other news, Cost £1.5m per goal: GSB made a colossal blunder on “strong” £40k-p/w West Ham flop

Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch must unleash an out-and-out striker against Brighton and Hove Albion this afternoon in a desperate bid to keep the Yorkshire giants in the Premier League.

Things have gone from bad to worse for the Whites in recent weeks as they now find themselves in the relegation zone with only two games left remaining this campaign.

Both the American and his predecessor Marcelo Bielsa have rued the absence of last season’s top goalscorer, Patrick Bamford, through a variety of injuries and it has certainly cost them dearly.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more-2″ title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Only Raphinha has hit double figures for Leeds in 2021/22.

Six teams have scored fewer than the Whites’ 39 league goals and the Brazil international has accounted for 25.6% of that – and 33.3% when factoring in his assists, too.

One of the more underwhelming players this season has been Rodrigo and across the last 17 outings, he’s failed to start one match. On the contrary, he’s lasted the full 90 in only eight of those, as per Transfermarkt.

Across his last four games, in which he’s led the line, the £13.5m-rated Spaniard has failed to score or assist, adding to Leeds’ woes in the final third.

In terms of that attacking output, he ranks fourth for average number of shots per game (1.5) and that has only correlated into six goals across 29 appearances, via WhoScored.

Considering he was once the club’s record signing at £26m and is easily their highest-earning player on a reported £100k-per-week, it’s not great reading and if anything, he’s been holding them back.

Earlier this month, his poor form was highlighted by journalist Beren Cross, who claimed there were still plenty of question marks over his ability for the big time.

“He had that little spurt of goals and performances and uptick and then against Palace and City he was completely anonymous, which kind of sums up his entire tenure at least so far really,” he told LeedsLive.

“It hasn’t really got going for him I think injuries and COVID have played their part, especially in his first season, but ultimately, yes, there are still major questions about his impact on this team and his input and what he’s good at.”

As such, with Bamford still unable to start, Marsch must be bold with his team selection and opt for someone like Joe Gelhardt instead of the struggling Spanish flop.

It’s a decision that could seriously aid Leeds’ quest to remain a Premier League outfit.

AND in other news, Insider drops Leeds transfer claim ahead of summer window…

Liverpool stand on the brink of an unprecedented quadruple, with the Champions League and FA Cup finals awaiting them in the next few weeks, plus the remaining Premier League fixtures which could turn these players into legends.

Jurgen Klopp understandably wants the best team available for every match, although due to the sheer demands from being so successful in four competitions, squad rotation has been paramount.

The Reds take on Chelsea this weekend in the FA Cup final and the manager received a blow with the news that Fabinho will miss out due to a hamstring injury that he sustained against Aston Villa in midweek.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

There is a silver lining, though, as Klopp has stated that the Brazilian “will definitely be back for the Champions League final”, which is a big boost for Liverpool’s chances against Real Madrid in Paris in just over a fortnight’s time.

The 28-year-old has made the defensive midfield position his own this season at Anfield, featuring 47 times in all competitions whilst scoring eight goals, a solid return for someone whose main job is to stabilise the midfield and protect the back four.

Indeed, only five players have scored more for Liverpool this term, and they are all forwards, illustrating how much the Brazilian has contributed from midfield.

Compared to his positional peers in the big five European leagues, Fabinho sits within the 88th percentile of pass completion percentage (88.9%) and the 79th percentile for interceptions won per 90 minutes (2.15), showing his ability to win the ball back and anticipate opponents’ next moves.

Losing the 28-year-old is a big blow for Liverpool ahead of the FA Cup final and it could seriously hamper their hopes of a second Wembley triumph over Chelsea this year.

In the Carabao Cup final earlier this season, Fabinho was given a rating of 7.25 by WhoScored against Thomas Tuchel’s men, which was the joint-third highest rating in the Liverpool side as they went on to win the trophy following a marathon penalty shoot-out.

They may well find the task tougher this time around without the Brazilian, but at least they will potentially have him back to take on Real Madrid, which will be a major boost for the Reds as they seek to avenge their 2018 Champions League final defeat to the La Liga giants.

AND in other news, Time to go: Klopp must brutally axe Liverpool flop who loses the ball every 6.3 minutes

Glasgow Rangers could now lose Josh McPake in the summer, as per a source from Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Wasted talent?

McPake is a player that has been ‘very highly’ thought of at Ibrox, according to former Morecambe manager Stephen Robinson, who called him a ‘really exciting’ signing back in July when they signed him on loan.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/rangers-news-4/” title=”Rangers news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

However, that was his fourth loan spell away from the club, and he has only ever managed to make one senior appearance for the Teddy Bears, throwing his long-term future under Giovanni van Bronckhorst into serious doubt.

The Latest: Raith interest

As per Football Insider, Raith Rovers are now plotting to sign McPake in the summer, and an Ibrox source has revealed that he could be made available on a free transfer.

The winger is under contract until 2024, but a financial agreement could be made that would allow him to leave for free.

The Verdict: Get rid

Given the plethora of attacking options available to van Bronckhorst, and his lack of first-team football, it is clear that now is the best time for both McPake and the club to part ways.

It is a shame for things to end this way, given that he came up through the youth ranks at the Light Blues, but there is simply no point of him staying if he wants to play regular first-team football.

Nonetheless, McPake is 20 years of age now, and so needs to move permanently for the sake of his career.

In other news, find out what ‘huge’ Gers boost has now emerged before RB Leipzig here!

Wolves defender Nelson Semedo won’t play again this season because of a hamstring injury, according to expert Ben Dinnery.

The Lowdown: Semedo’s injury-plagued season

The right-back joined Wanderers from Barcelona back in 2020 but his second season at the club has been negatively affected by fitness issues.

Semedo has been limited to 25 Premier League starts, which while still a healthy amount, would be comfortably higher if he had remained injury-free.

The Portuguese ace suffered a second hamstring problem in last weekend’s 3-0 defeat at home to Brighton and a key update has now emerged regarding the situation.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/all-the-latest-from-wolves-5/” title=”All the latest from Wolves!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Defender’s campaign over

Taking to Twitter, Dinnery confirmed that Semedo’s season is over, meaning he will miss Wolves’ remaining Premier League fixtures against Chelsea, Manchester City, Norwich City and Liverpool:

“Having already lost Max Kilman for the remaining fixtures. Nelson Semedo quickly follows suit… after he was forced off against Brighton with a hamstring injury.”

[freshpress-poll id=“388780″]

The Verdict: Season fizzling out

This is another blow to add to Max Kilman’s season-ending injury of his own – Semedo has been described as ‘unbelievable’ by journalist Tim Spiers – as Wolves’ season threatens to peter out after such a promising campaign overall.

Bruno Lage’s men have a tough-looking final four matches, especially without two key defenders fit, and the aforementioned defeat to Brighton was worryingly lethargic.

There is still the lure of European football, however, which has to act as inspiration – they are three points behind seventh-placed West Ham with a game in hand -and the hope is that Wolves can re-capture their previous good form in the next few weeks.

In other news, Wolves have been handed a transfer setback. Read more here.