All posts by z3u9t.icu

Writing for football.london, as shared on Twitter, reliable Lilywhites correspondent Alasdair Gold has shed light on a ‘huge’ Tottenham transfer decision Daniel Levy and Jose Mourinho have to make if they wish to have a busy summer window – with exits ‘needed’ to raise funds for signings. 

Amid the financial difficulties at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, coming as their state of the art £1.2 billion ground has sat largely unused over the last 12 months due to coronavirus, Gold has shed light on Spurs’ upcoming summer transfer window and the implications surrounding it.

Tottenham could be set for ‘huge’ transfer decision

In an article, the journalist has explained what he understands regarding any business Tottenham will do at the end of the season, explaining that any new signings will need to be funded by potential outgoings.

Harry Kane, who has been a star man for Tottenham this season, is at the centre of this dilemma – with Gold shedding light on the ‘huge’ transfer decision Levy and Mourinho have to make.

He says that what comes in the next few months is ‘likely to define’ whether the 27-year-old will ‘bankroll’ a summer spending spree, coming as clubs with financial power may look on Kane with ‘envious eyes’.

Due to the financial dilemma in north London, Tottenham face a big transfer call over the star striker and whether or not his exit would leave too big a hole – with Mourinho potentially wishing to reinforce his team for the 2021/2022 campaign.

Transfer Tavern take

Time will tell whether Kane makes way to assist Levy and Mourinho’s transfer budget for the summer, but Gold claims it will be a massive decision for Tottenham as the window looms.

Any new acquisitions will need to be funded off the back of exit deals, with Tottenham having to decide whether they stick or twist with Kane.

This will be determined over the next few months and how the Lilywhites finish 2020/2021 and it will certainly be an interesting development to watch over.

In other news: Tottenham are planning to unleash this ace over the last few months of the seasons, find out more here.

After a disastrous end to last month, Celtic have picked up a couple of morale-boosting victories in the Scottish Premiership as they look to salvage a bit of pride from what has been a horror show of a season.

Neil Lennon’s side have watched their hopes of an incredible ten-in-a-row go up in smoke, and have lurched from one nightmare to the other, not least a 2-1 defeat at home to St Mirren on January 30.

That prompted a reshuffle from the Celtic boss for the game against Kilmarnock, with the Hoops running out 4-0 winners. The Bhoys then clinched a 2-1 win over Motherwell, and head into tonight’s game against St Mirren with the chance to make it three wins from three.

One man who has been absent from Lennon’s starting line-up for the past couple of games has been Ismaila Soro. The Hoops manager recalled skipper Scott Brown into the fold, and his captain duly rewarded him with a goal against Kilmarnock and a very dominant display.

But whilst the 35-year-old might have gotten his mojo back, that’s no reason to keep Soro out of the limelight – especially after he has reportedly been cleared to feature tonight having had a minor car accident.

The £900k-rated midfielder has been a rare shining light in what has been a turbulent season for the club, and prior to the start of this month, had emerged as a vital cog in the engine room for Lennon – he had started the last ten games in the Scottish Premiership.

Speaking after his goal against Dundee United back in December, Lennon said: “He’s played brilliantly. I thought he passed the ball really crisply. I’m really, really pleased with his contribution, his energy and his reading of the game. He’s very, very crisp with the ball at the minute as well.”

Described as someone with “explosive power”, the 22-year-old represents the future of this Celtic team, along with young centre-back Stephen Welsh.

Yes, the Hoops might have found a way to win again, but it feels like taking a step backwards by returning to the old reliable of Brown. Soro is the man Celtic need to build around in midfield, and using the rest of this season as the perfect platform for him to be given even more game-time and consistent first-team starts would do him the world of good.

Much like with Welsh, keeping these young starlets on the side-lines just isn’t going to do them anything in terms of their development, and it would make a lot more sense for them to be in the side week-in and week-out.

The title race is effectively over, so Lennon could do more for the club’s long-term by placing his faith in Soro again. Starting with St Mirren tonight.

Many Southampton fans were probably fearing the worst when Moussa Djenepo went down with a heavy knock against Everton at Goodison Park in their last fixture but it appears he is still in contention to play against Sheffield United on Saturday.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have seriously struggled with injury issues in recent months, which has seen their strong start to the season completely undone by their woeful recent form, with Saturday’s game at Bramall Lane arguably a relegation clash.

Fortunately for the Austrian, it appears that Djenepo will be fit for the game against Chris Wilder’s side, as Hampshire Live journalist Tom Leach confirmed that he is training ahead of the weekend.

The Mali international was the difference in the same fixture last season, as his superb goal earned Southampton a 1-0 win, so Hasenhuttl will be hoping for a similar contribution on Saturday as he looks to arrest the awful recent run of form.

Following that game last season, Nathan Redmond was full of praise for his young teammate, saying:

“He is a super-talented boy who is so open-minded and eager to learn every single day. He gets on well with everybody and has fitted in so well.”

Djenepo has impressed in his most recent starts against Chelsea and Everton, although hopefully the return of Kyle Walker-Peters means we won’t have to see the 22-year-old feature as a right-back again anytime soon.

Although the winger has struggled for goals and assists this season, managing just one goal and no assists in 19 top-flight appearances, his defensive work-rate is superb, whilst he can also create chances for others due to his excellent ability in one-on-one dribbling situations – as evidenced by the completion of 1.2 dribbles per game.

Therefore, it will come as a huge relief to both Hasenhuttl and Southampton fans that the knock he picked up against Everton wasn’t serious and he is therefore in contention to feature at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

And, in other news… Southampton can sign their dream Ings successor in 23 y/o beast likened to Drogba

Sam Allardyce could be about to resolve one of West Brom’s biggest problems with one fell swoop this January transfer window, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

The Express & Star claim that the 66-year-old is considering a loan move for Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury after he was made available by the fellow Midlands outfit.

It’s thought that Big Sam is a massive fan of Foxes ace and is desperately pursuing the addition of a new defensive midfielder this month.

Premier League rivals Southampton and Newcastle United have also been offered the 23-year-old.

Shades of Mulumbu

This is a move that the Baggies absolutely have to make.

Allardyce does not currently have a player capable of playing the holding midfield role with Sam Field still absent through injury, though it’s not as if he has bags of experience under his belt either.

Nor does Choudhury, but Brendan Rodgers has trusted him to start games in the Europa League this term – a luxury far beyond that of Albion’s relegation dogfight.

In those six appearances, the British Asian powerhouse has averaged 1.3 interceptions, one tackle and an 85.1% passing success rate, via WhoScored. Whilst it’s not much to go off, it’s rather encouraging.

The Foxes academy graduate has previously attracted praise from Gary Lineker, who dubbed Choudhury an “extremely talented young player” following his first senior goal last year.

Whilst Steve Walsh, ex-Leicester defender Steve Walsh tipped the anchorman for England recognition in the future in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, he said:

“Yes, he can [get into the England side]. Hamza has come through the academy, and it’s great to see homegrown players. He’s a player with great tenacity, he reads the game well, and he’s an up and coming star for Leicester. He’s threatening to start every game at the moment so again it’s a good option for Brendan Rodgers.”

The Baggies have long lacked that brute enforcer in the middle, perhaps ever since the 2012/13 season when Youssouf Mulumbu played a pivotal role alongside Claudio Yacob as Steve Clarke’s side finished eighth in the Premier League.

The next campaign, the DR Congo international averaged a whopping 3.1 interceptions and 2.4 tackles per game, via WhoScored.

Choudhury has many similarities to the former Albion monster. He initially joined the club on loan before making the move permanent, and Big Sam will be hoping the same can happen here considering the lack of options.

The £7.2m-rated beast could be a bargain this January.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Big Sam urged to sign 29-year-old free-agent this January…

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano in the summer transfer window and based on his performance against Union Berlin earlier this week, he would be a superb addition to Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The French defender has been a key player with Julian Nagelsmann’s side in recent seasons and helped them to the Champions League semi-finals last season.

Liverpool have struggled this season in the absence of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez and whilst a January move for Upamecano doesn’t look to be on the cards, he could prove to be a superb signing ahead of next season, if his latest performance is anything to go by.

As per SofaScore, the French international would earn a 7.9 match rating for his performance against Union Berlin, which was the highest of any player on the pitch.

The centre-back performed his defensive duties well, winning three tackles and making one interception during the 90 minutes. For comparison, Liverpool’s only currently fit centre-back Joel Matip, has averaged 1.3 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game in the Premier League, suggesting the Leipzig defender has the edge.

Upamecano would also impressively win all five of his ground duels during the game, which emphasises his excellent physicality, which could make him a good fit in the Premier League.

However, it was perhaps his passing that was the stand out attribute of an all-round superb display, as he would complete a remarkable 128/136 passes during his time on the pitch, resulting in a pass accuracy of 94%.

This is comfortably more than the 56.9 passes and 87.1% accuracy averaged by Matip, which again suggests that he would be an excellent fit at Liverpool.

Whilst this was a standout display from the Leipzig man, it was not a one-off, as he has scored higher than Matip when it comes to defending and passing stats throughout the season so far.

Something the Reds have missed in recent weeks is Van Dijk’s long passing ability, and considering Upamecano would complete 11/12 long balls against Union Berlin, he could be a great partner, and perhaps replacement, for the Dutch international in the future.

Therefore, when considering that Upamecano’s latest performance suggests he would be a better fit than the injury-prone Matip at Liverpool, Michael Edwards should pay the Frenchman’s £40 million release clause in the summer in an attempt to bring him to Anfield.

And, in other news… “He’s decent” – Exclusive: Pundit claims 6 ft 4 “unit” could fix Klopp issue

Leeds United could be free to strike on one of their long-time transfer targets this January.

According to Football.London, the Whites’ top-flight rivals, Arsenal, have not made contact with Norwich City over a move for their playmaking maestro, Emi Buendia.

They claim that any deal is very much dependant on the Championship outfit, though he is a player that is on their list of potential targets, meaning the Yorkshire giants will have to strike if they are to make amends for missing out on him, not just once, but twice.

Buendia joined the Canaries from right under Leeds’ nose in the summer of 2018 as he enjoyed a breakthrough campaign on loan to Cultural Leonesa, who are affiliated with the Elland Road-based side.

Norwich’s sporting director told the Telegraph about the transfer last year, he revealed: “We literally found him from nowhere. The most interesting part of it is that Buendia was on loan at Cultural Leonesa, who are owned by Leeds. Luckily we got in there under Leeds’ noses.”

While in the latest transfer window, United were linked with a move for the uncapped Argentine once again.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay claimed in June that the club have made an enquiry for Buendia, even if it was “only a small ask,” the intent over a potential swoop was there.

At just 23, he could be a perfect fit for what Marcelo Bielsa is trying to do in Yorkshire.

In the Premier League last season, only Man City sensation Kevin De Bruyne averaged more than Buendia’s 3.3 key passes per 90 minutes whilst only three other players managed to create more chances (the Belgian, Jack Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold) yet he finds himself enjoying another campaign in the second-flight.

The attacking midfielder has contributed to seven goals in 11 starts already, recording 3.2 key passes, three shots and 1.3 dribbles per appearance, via WhoScored.

It’s no wonder Canaries boss Daniel Farke once lauded Buendia as a “game-changer” as without him, they may not be sitting at the top of the tree in the Championship.

Orta may well be inclined to pull the trigger on Jack Harrison in January, but first, he should look to make amends to his nightmare over Buendia. It may come at a reported cost of £25m, but a creative player like that needs to be at Leeds in the Premier League.

In fact, both this and last season, the Argentine managed more key passes than Harrison, as per WhoScored. He should be a top priority with Arsenal yet to make contact.

AND in other news, Leeds dodged an almighty bullet in £27m flop this summer…

Aston Villa squandered a chance to move into the Premier League’s top seven as they couldn’t find a way past Burnley at Villa Park.

Dean Smith’s side were held to a goalless stalemate despite registering a whopping 27 shots throughout the 90 minutes, and even hit the woodwork twice.

Ahmed Elmohamady had an attempt cleared off the line by former Villan Matt Lowton before Nick Pope’s heroics saw the England shot-stopper tip a shot from Anwar El Ghazi onto the crossbar.

Despite not picking up the victory, the Midlands outfit recorded a sixth clean sheet of the season, more than any other top-flight team.

Ollie Watkins was one home player that found the game difficult as he was largely anonymous and wasteful in what chances he did have.

Per SofaScore, the 24-year-old won just three of 18 duels (16%), failed to score from four attempts on goal, and lost possession 14 times.

For large spells the visiting partnership of James Tarkowski and Ben Mee kept the £33m summer signing at bay, even with Jack Grealish sitting behind him in the no.10 role for the first time this season.

Watkins also made just eight passes all match at an accuracy rate of 64%, which was fewer than goalkeeper Emi Martinez, which only goes to show how little of an impact he had at the other end of the pitch.

His performance was summed up by the five out of ten rating handed to him by BirminghamLive in their post-match review. They said:

“Spurned a few chances early on, and didn’t seem completely on his game. Worked tremendously hard to find a Villa opener, but seemingly lacked the clinical striking ability that has defined his best performances in a Villa shirt.”

It’s now four straight matches in which Watkins has failed to score and at Villa Park on Thursday night, the £75k-per-week frontman clearly let Smith down badly with a shocking performance.

AND in other news, Lange handed big boost in AVFC hunt for £16.2m-rated star, he “makes scoring look easy”…

Glasgow Rangers target Jack Wilshere has been discussing his next move with BBC Sport, and has admitted he is open to a switch wherever.

Free-agent Wilshere on the move

Wilshere recently left West Ham United by mutual consent, which now means he is a free agent and he can move wherever he likes.

The Ibrox outfit have been heavily linked with a move for the 28-year-old, but as of yet he is still available. He has recently been speaking to the BBC about his future and he said:

“It is important to find a club where I am going to play, be an important player and be happy. I don’t want to rush into anything. It has to be the right team in the right country.

“I am open to Europe or wherever.

“I am the type of player who wants to have the ball. I understand there is another side to the game and I enjoy that but I would like to be in a team who has the ball.

“I am not naive enough to think I am going to sign for a club and play straight away. There is a process to it. You have to train with the team, get to know your team-mates, maybe come off the bench a couple of times. I want to get that process going but it has to be the right thing.”

Stunning player

In regards to Rangers, Wilshere may be right about his potential playing time. The 54-time Scottish champions have had a fantastic start to the new campaign, going unbeaten in their first 15 matches. Steven Gerrard has put together a squad hungry for success, so there is little need to change things too much right now.

However, they will always be on the lookout for top quality, and Wilshere should bring just that. Yes, injuries have hampered his career, but this is a player who has been continually praised by legends of the game such as Xavi Hernandez. Kevin Phillips even previously told Football Insider that the ex-Arsenal midfielder would “dominate” in the Premiership.

On a free transfer, there is little risk for Ross Wilson and co. It remains to be seen where the £4.32m-valued England international (Transfermarkt) ends up.

In other news, Alan Hutton believes this Gers scapegoat has wasted his big opportunity at Ibrox. Let us know what you think in the comments!

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ unbeaten run came to an end at the hands of their local rivals on Sunday afternoon as Nuno Santo’s side put in a disappointing display.

They made the 60 mile trip to the King Power Stadium but returned without any points after Jamie Vardy’s 15th-minute penalty proved to be the decider.

VAR had a controversial say in the matter, but that can be excused after the 33-year-old saw his second spot-kick saved by the heroic Rui Patricio between the sticks for the visitors.

And despite the defeat, there was perhaps a brighter spark amongst the Wolf Pack side in Ruben Neves.

The Portuguese monster, now valued at a whopping €70m (£63m), was industrious in the heart of the pitch and was often the instigator whenever Wolves did manage to penetrate the Foxes’ final third.

Per SofaScore, Neves made 69 of 76 passes (91%), including 12 of 14 long balls, and also recorded three tackles, three interceptions and one clearance.

No other player recorded a higher rating either with the box-to-box powerhouse raking in 7.6, which was also more than any Leicester player too.

The 23-year-old created one big chance and had three attempts at goal but that wasn’t quite enough to grab something at their nearby rivals – if anything, his teammates let him down as he was the clear standout.

Patricio will undoubtedly take what plaudits there are for the losing side, but without Neves’ presence in the engine room against the likes of James Maddison, Youri Tielemans and Nampalys Mendy, Wolves could’ve been easily overrun.

That much was evident in the fact that the Portugal international enjoyed more touches (92) than any other player on the pitch. He was, as he often is, frequently involved.

Nuno must quickly look to the performances of his wide options, namely Nelson Semedo and Rayan Ait-Nouri, as well as their leading man Raul Jimenez for firing a blank on Sunday.

Neves, though, can hold his head high.

AND in other news, Nuno could unearth the ideal heir to Diogo Jota right under his nose…

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit and ex-Leeds United striker Noel Whelan claims new Tottenham signing Gareth Bale looks ‘fit as a fiddle’ as he works his way back from injury ahead of his hugely anticipated return – and his arrival along with more signings could get Lilywhites ‘buzzing’. 

Bale, who has made a sensational Spurs comeback seven years after leaving for Real Madrid in a world record deal, is currently side-lined with injury issues and reportedly won’t be seen sporting a Tottenham shirt for at least one month (Marca).

The Welsh superstar re-signed in north London on a season-long loan deal from the Galacticos, with his parent club footing a portion of the wage demands, and Bale has the potential to stay for an even longer time past his temporary agreement.

Rumours first came to light over a return after a piece from the Telegraph, which broke Real’s willingness to pay half of Bale’s £600,000-per-week salary before tax.

Thereafter, Mundo Deportivo claimed he could sign permanently for any club in a meagre £18.2 million deal, prompting intense speculation that Tottenham had reignited their interest.

After his signing came to fruition, with supporters going crazy on social media, news then came to light about his medical – with it being revealed that his Spurs debut will be postponed for now.

However, Whelan has now claimed that the 31-year-old looks ‘fit as fiddle’ as he works his way into contention, and his arrival along with other star names could have supporters ‘buzzing’ as the 2020/2021 season kicks off.

“Gareth Bale coming back to the Premier League at 31, he still looks as fit as a fiddle, from what I’ve seen of him recently. He still feels he’s got loads to prove and offer.

“I think he’s going to be a real good influence inside that changing room.

“The more professionals that you have like Gareth Bale in the changing room the better your team gets.

“At the minute, I’m not sure what’s going on with a couple of their players but it doesn’t seem like the harmony is there right now. A couple of transfers will freshen that changing room up and get people buzzing again.”

Spurs fans, are you ‘buzzing’ to see Bale make his debut along with potential more signings? Join the discussion by commenting below…