All posts by z3u9t.icu

Now just three points adrift of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership with a game in hand and an improved squad, it's fair to say that Rangers enjoyed a successful January. Now looking to continue that momentum off the pitch, the Gers are reportedly lining up a summer move to make up for a failed deal during the winter window.

Rangers transfer news

By the end of the window, Rangers had welcomed Fabio Silva on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Mohamed Diomande on loan from Nordsjaelland and Oscar Cortes on loan from Lens late in the window.

Rangers struck gold on free transfer who's now become a "cult hero"

Rangers struck gold on a midfielder who they signed in 2021

ByRoss Kilvington Feb 7, 2024

One deal that the Scottish giants failed to get over the line is one for Fluminense left-back Jefte. According to reports, the deal collapsed due to Fluminense's failure to cancel Jefte's loan spell at APOEL Nicosia, who demanded £500k to end the move – a price that the left-back's parent club were not willing to match.

That still doesn't mean that all hope is lost, however. According to Dean Jones, Rangers will be in open talks with Fluminense over a summer move for Jefte, who was pushing for a move in January. Jones told GiveMeSport: “It's always a nice sign if you know that a player has been trying to cause a bit of a fuss to force a transfer to your club. That's a player you want to embrace further down the line.

“It doesn't always work out like that. Sometimes, that opportunity passes up. We've seen it in some high-profile cases before. For example, we had Joao Palhinha at Fulham, who was on the verge of joining Bayern Munich at one stage. He was at the training ground and had all his photos and interviews done, and then it didn’t happen. That deal didn't resurface the following transfer window.

“So, it doesn't always work out that the player has another opportunity to make the move. But Rangers did like him, and I'm sure they will continue to keep tabs on him. I understand they will keep avenues open on conversations with the player to reassure him that he's still in their thoughts.”

Jefte could finally solve Rangers' left-back problem

Rangers, of course, were in pursuit of Jefte in the hope of ending Philippe Clement's left-back problem. With Ridvan Yilmaz's Rangers future uncertain and Borna Barisic set to depart at the end of his contract this summer, the Gers could be without a left-back altogether come the end of the season. And that's where Jefte could step in.

The 20-year-old could quickly prove to be a long-term solution at Ibrox, given his age and potential for improvement. Jefte's stats so far this season certainly represent a player ready to step into the Scottish Premiership too, with his three goals and four assists from the full-back role a positive sign

A deal in the summer should prove to be far less complicated with no loan club involved for the left-back, but it remains to be seen whether Rangers can reach an agreement with Fluminense and the player ahead of the next transfer window.

Aston Villa have most definitely been the most active Premier League side in the transfer market this month.

Unai Emery has seen incomings and outgoings already occur, with Leandro Dendoncker the latest player to leave the club.

However, the Spaniard's quest to find a new attacker is still progressing, with numerous forwards on his wishlist.

Aston Villa want to bolster their attack

Morgan Rogers has been heavily linked to the Midlands club this month, but according to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb at the beginning of this week, Joshua Zirkzee is their latest transfer target.

However, they will face competition from numerous European giants, such as AC Milan, Arsenal, and Manchester United.

A move in the summer does seem more likely for the Dutch forward, who reportedly boasts a £34m release clause in his contract at the end of the season.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024 How Zirkzee compares to Jhon Duran

Jhon Duran only joined Villa in the summer from Chicago Fire for around £17m, but he could be on his way out of Villa Park already. Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing the Colombian, who is frustrated with his lack of game time under Emery, as per football journalist Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph.

The 19-year-old has featured in 23 games across all competitions this season, scoring four goals, but the Spaniard could look to move him on to raise funds for the potential Zirkzee move, in turn ending his short Villa career.

Unlike Duran, Zirkzee has developed into arguably his side's most important player this season, taking on a key role in Bologna's rise up the Serie A table. The 22-year-old has scored eight goals and provided four assists in 22 games this campaign, but a new challenge could be on the horizon.

With that in mind, let's look at Zirkzee's stats from this Serie A campaign, which prove he would be a brilliant signing.

Goals

0.40

Top 40%

xG

0.29

Bottom 65%

Key passes

1.42

Top 24%

Passes completed

20.96

Top 22%

Carries into the final third

1.42

Top 26%

Successful take-ons

1.42

Top 19%

Touches (Mid third)

42.59 (20.11)

Top 15% (Top 12%)

As you can see, Zirkzee is an extremely technical player who moves with elegance despite standing at 6 foot 4, which gives him an extremely unique profile.

Villa currently has nothing alike in attack. The former Bayern player's ability to create using his dribbling, intelligence, and eye for a pass has been labelled as "out of this world" by football analyst Ben Mattinson, with his successful take-ons and key passes statistics supporting that claim.

At Villa, Zirkzee would slot perfectly into the second striker role behind Ollie Watkins because he loves to drop deep, get on the ball, and progress the play, as shown by his touches in the middle third of the pitch and passes completed. Operating in that free-roaming role would allow his creativity to flourish while also enabling him to impact the game with his goal-scoring instincts.

His work rate is also immense, as displayed via his tackles statistic, and his profile would fit perfectly into Emery's system. Sending Duran packing and signing Zirkzee would be an excellent piece of business by Villa.

Derby County want a striker in the January transfer window, and that's led them to show an interest in Notts County's Macaulay Langstaff. With 20 goals already this season, Langstaff is the top scorer in League Two, and Derby are one of a whole host of sides battling it out for his £1.5m signature.

A new number nine at Pride Park may have the opportunity to link up with winger Corey Blackett-Taylor after news emerged on Friday afternoon that the Rams made a bid for the Charlton Athletic man. That offer was rejected, but the player is into the final six months of his contract, which means there's real pressure to sell this month.

And they aren't the only ones on the Rams' January shortlist, with a League Two starlet also turning heads at the club seeking to return to the Championship next season.

Derby rival League One duo for Young

Sky Sports reports that Derby are interested in Jake Young at Bradford City, although they've yet to make a formal bid as they have for Blackett-Taylor. Intriguingly, mid-table Charlton are presenting competition, while relegation-threatened Carlisle United are also in for him.

As it stands, Bradford manager Graham Alexander regards Young as part of his plans for the remainder of the season and believes he could inspire a promotion push for a team that are currently down in 14th, seven points off the top seven in League Two.

Young may have edge over Langstaff

Young spent the first half of the season on loan at fellow fourth-tier side Swindon Town, but Alexander opted to recall him in January in light of his magnificent form. It was the previous Bantams boss, Mark Hughes, who had allowed him to leave.

The 22-year-old inspired some instant regret by scoring seven times and setting up three more in the month in August, remarkably notching nine direct goal contributions in the space of two high-scoring games (a 5-5 draw with Wrexham and a 6-0 win over Crawley Town). That form inevitably won him the league's Player of the Month award, and he repeated that feat in November after netting six times in five matches. Swindon manager Michael Flynn called it an "exceptional" achievement to land the prize twice before Christmas, and said Young is "a joy to work with".

Barkhuizen dropped & 16-goal star signed in Derby’s dream XI after January

Paul Warne could improve his Derby lineup this month for the challenge of winning promotion.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 19, 2024

Those hot streaks have powered Young to a career-high Transfermarkt valuation (£236k) and a season tally of 16 league goals, ranking him second in the table behind fellow Derby target Langstaff. On a per-90 basis, he leads the league for non-penalty goals (0.74) and total goal contributions (0.92), which could give him a slight edge over the Notts County man in the eyes of Derby's data department.

Another of Young's big assets is his versatility. While he's played every game this season as a centre-forward, he's also got experience playing on both wings, and that will give Paul Warne a variety of options if he wishes to use them.

While FIFA rules forbid a player from playing for three different clubs in one season, the Englishman hasn't played for Bradford since he was recalled, and that means Derby's hopes of unleashing him in League One this season are still alive. Given his irrepressible form in the division below, they'd expect him to handle the step up with aplomb.

January tends to be a time of turbulence at Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool enjoying years of illustrious success but often hitting something of a bump in the road upon the turn of the new year.

The 2022/23 campaign took this to a new level, one deep down at the nadir of the German's tenure, but with a summer of sweeping change, Liverpool appear to be navigating through the year's opening month.

Indeed, an emphatic Premier League victory over Newcastle United on New Year's Day preceded last weekend's dogged triumph away against Arsenal in the FA Cup third round, setting the tone for the upcoming months that Liverpool hope will crescendo in silverware.

By the way, this is very much attainable, with Liverpool first-placed in the league and still competing across every cup competition, with the semi-final of the Carabao Cup – against Fulham – forthcoming.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

It would be wise to bolster the ranks though, and while January is a notoriously tricky time to convince teams to part with their players, Klopp might have identified an exciting prospect to complete the midfield.

Liverpool transfer news – Assan Ouedraogo

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool have placed FC Schalke midfielder Assan Ouedraogo on their six-man shortlist for 2024, with Bayern Munich also interested in the teenager.

Khephren Thuram

OGC Nice

Manu Kone

Borussia Monchengladbach

Assan Ouedraogo

FC Schalke

Goncalo Inacio

Sporting Lisbon

Pedro Neto

Wolverhampton Wanderers

*As per Caught Offside

Ouedraogo, aged just 17, has been a prodigious force in his homeland since the start of the campaign and has consequently got Klopp's head craning.

Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has recently revealed that his €15m (£13m) release clause has accelerated Bayern's interest, and with the Bavarian giants readying a bid, Liverpool must move quickly.

Assan Ouedraogo's style of play

Schalke supporters are probably rather fed up, having yo-yoed between the Bundesliga and Germany's second tier over the past several years, relegated in 2020/21 and then promoted and then relegated again.

A bit convoluted, but now the mist has cleared and The Royal Blues find themselves languishing in 14th place in Bundesliga 2. at the term's midpoint – an unenviable position for a club of prestige.

Ouedraogo, however, has been a beacon of hope throughout dark times and has impressed this term across 11 league appearances – posting one goal and one assist apiece – though he has missed the past six outings with a muscular injury.

As per FBref, the powerful prospect – described as a “monster” by journalist Antonio Mango – ranks among the top 14% of midfielders across divisions similar to Bundesliga 2. for goals, the top 19% for assists, the top 18% for shot-creating actions, the top 15% for progressive carries and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90.

This showcases the snap in his craft and a penetrative presence in the centre of the park that will allow him to wreak havoc on opposition defences for many years, with this style bearing a certain semblance to Paul Pogba, according to sources relayed by TEAMtalk.

Pogba has slipped into obscurity over recent years but at his apex was undoubtedly one of the world's finest midfielders; the Frenchman has an innate ability that most players can scarcely dream of.

The 2018 World Cup winner re-joined Manchester United in an £89m transfer in 2016 (a world record at the time) and notably won the Europa League and Carabao Cup, but he fell by the wayside the way a truck with no driver would careen off the road,

Having now failed a drug test with Juventus that may well have draped the curtain on a polarising career, there is more than a hint of poignancy, but in Ouedraogo, a clone could be reborn and Liverpool must push to secure his services.

If Liverpool could procure a player with a similar skill set to their rivals' one-time star man – without the disciplinary issues, of course – then Klopp would be a very happy man indeed.

Who Assan Ouedraogo could affect at Liverpool

Ouedraogo is a brilliant talent but his acquisition and arrival on Merseyside would likely have negative consequences for one or two of the rising stars at Liverpool.

Stefan Bajcetic is probably the salient starlet that springs to most minds, but then the all-action Spaniard is rated highly and will find a pathway to success under Klopp's guidance no matter the comings and goings.

However, the 18-year-old is not the only teenager looking to cement a regular spot in the first team, with Bobby Clark likely hampered in his progress should Ouedraogo join the pack.

Liverpool: Meet the Anfield academy star who could be Wijnaldum 2.0

The rising star could break into Klopp’s first-team plans this season…

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 12, 2023

Clark, aged 18, enjoyed an impressive cameo off the bench as Liverpool defeated Arsenal on Sunday, looking lively and making an intelligent tackle foul on Declan Rice to stifle a home break in the closing stage, leading 1-0.

The dynamo, who was shifted from a forward role to the centre of the park during his formative years, has been noted for his "splendid" displays for Liverpool's development squad by reporter Keifer MacDonald and has now made three senior appearances.

And while development in football is certainly not linear, it's hard to argue that Ouedraogo doesn't currently have a lead on him, with the Schalke gem really showcasing his skills as one of Europe's most exciting youngsters and earning top attention as a result.

With Clark similarly, a centre-midfielder boasting attacking qualities, it's hard to dispute that Ouedraogo would not be an upgrade, one who could knock him down the pecking order and preclude his chances of success at Anfield.

Crystal Palace are interested in signing a new Premier League player who has enjoyed success against the Eagles in the past, according to Sky Sports.

Crystal Palace January rumours

Roy Hodgson has guided the Eagles to five top-flight wins this season, with Palace currently finding themselves six points clear of the relegation zone. A much-needed 3-1 win over Brentford brought an end to 2023, and with the January transfer window now open, Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman have the chance to bolster the Palace squad for the second half of the season.

January transfer window: All the deadline day deals from England and Scotland

Stay on top of all the latest transfer deals across the Premier League, EFL and SPFL as the January window closes.

ByCharlie Smith Feb 1, 2024

Hodgson admitted last month that winter window additions could be on the cards, with those behind the scenes seeing how the squad has been depleted due to injury.

“I would think perhaps we are in that position a bit more than some other clubs. But in terms of the work that goes on behind the scenes, which is orchestrated by Doug Freedman, and lots of people are scouting, and by Steve Parish himself, that's definitely an ongoing process.

“I know that the people in that position would like in January to provide some sort of reinforcements because they've seen how the squad has been depleted."

Reports have claimed that Palace would like to sign a new central midfielder and left-back before the month is out, and in attack, a new target has merged in West Ham’s Danny Ings.

Crystal Palace eyeing Danny Ings move

According to Sky Sports, Crystal Palace are keen on signing Ings from West Ham this month. Wolves are also credited with an interest, whereas Southampton looked at a deal but Ings would prefer to stay in the top flight. However, they add that due to the Hammers’ injury issues in the final third to Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen, a transfer is looking unlikely at this stage.

With Antonio and Bowen out, Ings is currently the only available senior centre-forward available to David Moyes, with teenager Divin Muamba also on the books.

Therefore, should a move to Selhurst Park materialise, Palace may need to wait until the Hammers bring in an attacker of their own, meaning a move across London could happen later in the month.

If it does happen, the 31-year-old, who has been labelled as “clinical” in the media, could be a shrewd addition who would offer Hodgson’s side plenty of top-flight experience.

Ings may have played just 423 minutes of football this season, failing to score or provide an assist, but he has netted 70 times in 215 Premier League fixtures, five of which have come against Palace.

Danny Ings record vs Crystal Palace

Appearances

13

Wins

4

Goals

5

A move for the Englishman could therefore be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks, but Parish and Freedman may need to play the waiting game for now.

Liverpool are once again flying under Jurgen Klopp, sitting top of the Premier League at the halfway stage and three points clear of closest challengers Aston Villa, and five clear of champions Manchester City, who have a game in hand. The Reds looked down and out last season, before a summer overhaul gave the Anfield side new life ahead of the current campaign.

The good news could just keep coming their way too, with reports suggesting that they could now keep hold of one of Klopp's biggest stars to end any fears over a potential departure in the coming months.

Mohamed Salah contract update

After missing out on a Champions League place last time out, not many would have expected Liverpool to make their return to the title race. Here they are, however, not just competing, but even leading the way.

Of course, there's still a long season ahead and the January transfer window must still play its part, but the Reds deserve credit for how they've bounced back from disappointment in such style. The arrivals of Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have certainly played a part, yet it could be internal transfer news which hands Liverpool the ultimate boost.

20

13

6

1

45

25

20

13

3

4

42

16

19

12

4

3

40

24

20

12

4

4

40

17

According to Football Transfers and Anfield Watch, Mohamed Salah is now leaning towards signing a contract extension at Liverpool to ease any fears that he could leave the Merseyside club.

It's a bit of a twist from previous rumours, as FSG had reportedly been planning for life without the Egyptian. Given Salah's consistent Saudi Arabia links, it was easy to worry for Liverpool, who have now scaled back their contingency plans in the case of his exit. Some credit deserves to go to FSG for that too, with their willingness to pay Salah's reported £18m a year contract more than playing its part.

Top of the Premier League, in a Carabao Cup semi-final and predictably through in the Europa League, the news that Salah is leaning towards a contract extension sums up what could be a season to remember for Liverpool.

How many goals has Salah scored for Liverpool?

There is no doubting the fact that Salah is one of the best players to ever play for Liverpool in the Premier League. The 31-year-old has won it all in English football and has picked up plenty of records along the way. With three Premier League Golden Boots to his name, there's an argument that Salah is the greatest winger that the Premier League has seen.

Salah's Premier League goals tally of 153 is impressive enough (two for Chelsea), but his overall contributions in red stand at 204, with 88 assists thrown in for good measure.

Liverpool's top Premier League goalscorers (via LFC History)

Goals

Mohamed Salah

151

Robbie Fowler

128

Steven Gerrard

120

Michael Owen

118

Sadio Mane

90

Klopp will certainly be relieved about the potential contract news, recently lauding Salah, saying via TNT Sports: "A player with his numbers I’m not sure I will ever coach again. His whole development from the first talks we had to the talks we have now, as a man, is an incredible and very impressive development and growth – and as a player as well. Absolutely exceptional player, all-time great. No shadow of a doubt. I was blessed to have a few good ones, to be honest, but he is right up there and the numbers are super special.”

Celtic have now ended their 2021/22 season as Premiership champions after securing a 6-0 victory over Motherwell in their final match of the campaign on Saturday afternoon.

Now that the season has come to an end, the Hoops can turn their attention to the upcoming summer transfer window and getting their squad ready to take on the 2022/23 campaign.

With that in mind, it seems as though a behind-the-scenes development has emerged regarding one potential transfer deal with which the Bhoys have been mentioned recently.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Il Romanista (via Roma Press), Serie A giants AS Roma have reportedly agreed a deal with Bodo/Glimt winger Ola Solbakken for a potential summer transfer. This comes after the Parkhead club were linked with a move for the attacker last month.

The 23-year-old joined Bodo/Glimt in January 2020 from fellow Norwegian club Ranheim IL. Since then, the winger has gone on to make 72 appearances for his current employers, scoring 17 goals and providing 18 assists along the way.

This season has seen the £1.8m-rated talent play in 19 matches across all competitions, finding the net eight times and delivering five assists for his team-mates. He has played on both the left and right wings, highlighting his versatility in attack.

Bad news for Postecoglou

Taking into account how Solbakken scored three goals in as many Europa Conference League games against Jose Mourinho’s side, along with one goal against Celtic in the same tournament this season, it’s easy to see why the winger is a man in demand this summer.

This also shows why an attacking team like Celtic, who have scored 92 goals in their recent Premiership campaign, would be looking at adding a prolific player like Solbakken to their ranks.

However, now that it has been reported that the Norwegian has apparently made an agreement with Roma for a potential summer move, this will be a big blow for the Hoops and come as bad news for Ange Postecoglou.

Having been mentioned with a move for the Bodo/Glimt star as a potential backup option for the Bhoys if they aren’t able to sign Jota on a permanent deal, this update could either ramp up the club’s need to sign the Portuguese gem or make then move on to another potential target they can look at bringing to Glasgow.

In other news – Forget Kyogo: “Mouth-watering” Celtic dynamo with 77 touches ran the show at Parkhead on Saturday

League One play-off Finalists Sunderland may face a battle to keep hold of their highly-rated midfielder Dan Neil in this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the latest?

That is according to a report from Football Insider who state that the 20-year-old could depart from the Stadium of Light this summer, amidst links to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Sunderland fan pundit Jack Austwicke, has added further fuel to the fire. Speaking to Football League World, he said: “Obviously right now with Dan Neil to go to Spurs he wouldn’t fit straight in.

“A League One player coming straight into a Premier League side is never going to happen really.

“But with a bit of nurture and care and training-up at such a high facility club, I do think he could get at a level where, one day, he could play Premier League football.”

Disaster if Neil leaves

Whilst it seems like a big ask to get a League One footballer to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, it is something that we’ve seen Spurs do before with Dele Alli.

Albeit, Alli’s trajectory has changed as of recent, but the case study that he created when he burst onto the scene with his ten goals and nine assists – in what was his debut season – serves as a model that League One prospects can look to follow.

Whilst he has started 67% of the Black Cats’ games in League One this season, his three goals and seven assists along the way have been integral in helping the side reach the play-offs. Couple that with his young age – he is still only 20 – and it would simply be a disaster if he left the club.

His potential is huge and as the Mackems aim to reach the Championship, he is the type of player that Neil should be building his side around, not losing to the jaws of the Premier League’s elite.

That happened time and time again under the reign of Stewart Donald with the likes of Bali Mumba, Josh Maja, Logan Pye and Joe Hugill all leaving for higher echelons.

As of early April, the mere £1.4k-per-week earner has seen his minutes dry up and if Spurs were to come calling, the North London club could surely convince the Englishman who has been dubbed a “major star”, by reporter Ross Gregory to join up with Antonio Conte’s squad.

If a Premier League side are reportedly interested in acquiring his services, then interest will most certainly be high in the summer. Black Cats boss Neil will surely face a battle to keep the young prodigy.

In other news: Neil can unearth Sunderland’s new Pritchard as Speakman plots bid for £450k-rated gem