Some Manchester United fans have been lauding their interest in signing Dayot Upamecano as SportBild (via Sport Witness) have reported that the Red Devils, Liverpool and Manchester City are considering a move for the RB Leipzig central defender.
Liverpool are of course in desperate need of defensive reinforcements due to injuries to Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk, while Bayern Munich also want to sign him, so Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team may face some tough competition indeed to secure his services.
However, the publication also states that the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League winners are running out of time to sign him and that the Premier League clubs, including the Old Trafford faithful, could fix a deal in the January transfer window.
Upamecano has a €45m (£40.2m) release clause that will come into effect from next summer, and that is certainly a price worth considering for the Red Devils.
The France international has won no fewer than 3.7 of his duels per game in the Bundesliga so far in the 2020/21 term and has also averaged 1.8 clearances and 1.2 tackles per match (Sofascore).
Manchester United fan reaction to Upamecano interest
These Man United supporters lauded the reported interest in Upamecano on Twitter, with one fan highlighting that the 22 year-old is ‘quick’ and therefore could be a good partner for Harry Maguire:
In other news, find out which Man Utd star has had fans jumping out of their seats here!
When the Premier League fixture list was released, it almost seemed fitting that Leeds would be travelling to Anfield to face Liverpool in their first game back in the top-flight.
Two giants of English football doing battle once more, but with the obvious caveat of it being played with no fans in the stadium. And if there is anything that we have learned about Marcelo Bielsa during his time at Elland Road, then it’s that he will be feverishly drawing up plans on how to secure a famous victory against the reigning Premier League champions on opening day.
Reports in recent days have suggested that Leeds’ search for a star striker could be over soon, with Valencia’s Rodrigo inching closer to a big-money move to the club. But whilst the Spain international has all the hallmarks of being a superb acquisition, Bielsa could really throw Jurgen Klopp’s side for a loop by starting another one of his summer signings: Joe Gelhardt.
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The youngster arrived from Wigan for a reported fee of around £1m, and all signs point to him developing into a top-level centre-forward. Speaking after Gelhardt scored his first goal in professional football last season, then Latics boss Paul Cook said: “To get on the pitch and make an impact in a game at Championship level like Joffy does, it will justify the feelings everyone has about the young man.
“He’s got that special talent in football to create space in tight areas and you only have to look at his finish, the goalkeeper doesn’t move. He’s a great kid, he’s a really nice young man and if he keeps working hard and keeps his head down, he’s going to have a really bright future in the game.”
Anyone who watched Liverpool’s opening day fixture against Premier League new boys Norwich last season would have seen how Klopp’s men were incredibly slow out of the blocks, with Virgil van Dijk looking nothing like his normal self – Teemu Pukki in particular looked threatening with his movement in behind, eventually getting onto the score-sheet in the second half.
Promoted teams will always have that surprise factor early on, but if Bielsa were to unleash Gelhardt against the Reds, then Liverpool may be more than just surprised. It would be the kind of bold move from Leeds that could see Liverpool’s defence unsure of how to deal with Gelhardt, arguably preparing to face the likes of Rodrigo or Patrick Bamford instead.
It could be the kind of inspired decision that sees the Whites secure a famous victory on their top-flight return.
West Ham United could be on the verge of ending their centre-back pursuit as they enter the race for an experienced Premier League colossus…
What’s the word?
According to the Daily Mail, the Irons are keen on poaching Antonio Rudiger from Chelsea as he faces uncertainty over his future at the club having been left out by Frank Lampard in recent weeks.
The Telegraph’s reliable Blues correspondent Matt Law claims the 27-year-old is now effectively their fifth-choice centre-back and has been frozen out since the arrival of free-agent Thiago Silva.
Moyes is in the market for a new central defender and he could swoop in for the £36m-rated German on loan.
Ferdinand-like colossus
Ever since the likes of James Tomkins and James Collins departed east London, the centre-back position has been a rather troubling conundrum, even more so with Winston Reid perpetually on the treatment table.
You could argue that the club lack the presence of a Rio Ferdinand-type, someone who can influence from the back in an imposing nature and there were none better than the former fan-favourite.
Rudiger can give the Hammers that and more – ESPN describe the 31-cap international as a “tall, quick and athletic defender who is capable of turning out at centre-back or full-back” who is “comfortable with the ball at his feet and has all the necessary physical attributes to become a top-level centre-back.”
Perhaps the 27-year-old has been unfairly treated across the river as last season he averaged 2.9 aerials won, 2.8 clearances, 1.4 tackles per game, and even managed a passing accuracy of 86.8% from over 70 passes per match too, via WhoScored.
The 6 foot 3 monster has even been likened to Ricardo Carvalho by Garth Crooks, which isn’t a bad one to make given his influence in Chelsea’s title-winning sides.
Although Ferdinand himself isn’t a huge fan of Rudiger having slammed him for “appalling defending” in the past, though Moyes needs a quick solution and bringing him in on loan could provide that.
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There’s an ominous transfer saga evolving at Tottenham Hotspur already and the transfer window is still a week away.
It has been well reported that Jose Mourinho is a keen admirer of Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg with the Dane even wanting a move to north London over anywhere else this summer.
However, Spurs appear to be losing in the race to land him after Everton had a £25m bid accepted earlier in the week. It’s claimed that Daniel Levy is unwilling to match the offer as of yet.
The Champions League runners-up were declared the Premier League’s richest club after a study by University of Liverpool football finance expert Kieran Maguire earlier in the year, eclipsing both Manchester clubs with annual profits of £461m.
Yet, we’re supposed to believe that the club cannot afford transfer fees this summer? The Evening Standard claim that Mourinho will be limited to free agents, swap deals and mere funds from any player sales.
Though, Everton can stump up £25m for Spurs’ top target? It’s a bit puzzling.
Levy has been chairman at Spurs for nearly two decades and in that time he’s returned one League Cup.
He lauded Mourinho has one of the “most successful managers in football” upon his appointment, which in some ways was a subtle hint that the Portuguese would be the man to bring something Mauricio Pochettino couldn’t – silverware.
But that’s never going to happen if he’s not backed in the transfer market.
The former United boss has already expressed his desire to land a defensive midfielder, of which Hojbjerg meets the profile, having averaged 2.4 tackles, 1.5 clearances and 1.4 interceptions per game this season (via WhoScored).
Spurs starters Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks aren’t a scratch on the 24-year-old’s figures, managing just 1.3 tackles each match this season. They are also averaging fewer interceptions and clearances too.
Hojbjerg has also been lauded as a “great leader” by his current Saints teammate Angus Gunn, which only bolsters his suitability for Spurs and their manager.
If Mourinho can’t get the players he needs to complement his system, then Levy is arguably setting him up for failure before he’s even had a full season in charge, thus rendering his appointment pretty pointless in the first place.
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With Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s rebuild of the club finally starting to take its shape, this summer transfer window could prove pivotal in his vision and the owner’s ambitions to try and take United back to the top of English football, where they dominated for more than two decades.
The club’s performances as of late have been lackluster compared to the glory years, and the club have only managed a top-four finish three times since the 2012/13 season, which was Sir Alex Ferguson’s last.
To do so, however, the club is going to have to invest smartly, unlike in previous seasons with many failed transfers, and players that didn’t quite hit the mark at Old Trafford. It is all well and good saying this though, as finding the right players for the right price can often be quite tasking – especially given the current climate of the transfer market due to COVID-19.
So with all this in mind, who should the club sign this summer to try and work their way back up with the big guns of the Premier League?
Federico Chiesa
The Italian winger was promoted to Fiorentina’s first team in July 2016 and hasn’t looked back since. Chiesa is still only 22 years old, and he was linked to the club back in April but stated he was happy at Fiorentina.
However, with the club’s attempt at agreeing on a fee with Borussia Dortmund for Jadon Sancho looking less likely – the club could turn their heads back towards Chiesa.
The youngster boasts 10 goals and 9 assists in Serie A this season and prefers playing on the Right Wing, a position that Solskjær is likely to want to strengthen.
It’s Chiesa’s versatility that makes his £43.2 million market value even more attractive, with the winger able to play both sides, as well as down the middle on occasion.
Gabriel Magalhães
Soccer Football – Ligue 1 – Olympique Lyonnais v Lille – Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France – December 3, 2019 Lille’s Gabriel and Jose Fonte celebrate after the match REUTERS/Emmanuel Foudrot
The Brazilian defender has been plying his trade at French club Lille for the past three years after joining the club from Avaí FC in Brazil.
The 22-year-old has become a colossus at the back for Lille – averaging 3.3 clearances per game, as well as 1.7 tackles and 3.5 aerial duals won. He has recently been linked with a move to Arsenal for £27 million, and Lille appears happy to cash in on the player.
If United were to try and sign him, with Solskjær looking to strengthen his backline – the club will have to move fast to secure his signature ahead of the Gunners.
Eduardo Camavinga
At just 17-years-old, Eduardo Camavinga has already caught the attention of some of the biggest clubs in the world, with the likes of Real Madrid also monitoring the youngster.
Having played 25 league games this season – Camavinga’s defensive stats are incredible, boasting 4.2 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, and 1.3 clearances per game, as well as an 87.7% passing accuracy.
With a market value of £33.75 million – it is likely that United could meet Stade Rennais asking figure, but it would take a lot of persuasion with Rennais not looking to sell the player any time soon.
The move would make sense too, with United’s midfield aging with the likes of Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata.
Faitout Maouassa
Another youngster from Stade Rennais – the 22-year-old left-back would be a great addition for the club, with the left side of their defence being a position that could do with strengthening. Maouassa played 23 league games for the club averaging, 2.2 tackles and 1.9 clearances per game.
United have apparently shown interest in the defender, with him being ‘flattered’ by their admission of him, but again, Rennes will put up a tough fight if the club were to make a move for the player. With a current market value of £10.8 million – United could secure the services of the youngster for a good price.
Unai Simón
With David De Gea’s confidence and form dwindling down at United this season, it is likely that the club will be looking towards a replacement between the sticks this summer.
The return of Dean Henderson from his two-season loan at Sheffield United has left Solskjær in a sticky situation, with both de Gea and back up goalkeeper Sergio Romero being linked with moves away.
With Henderson still not tipped as a 100% starter by the manager – it would be wise for them to invest in a new No.1 this season. Unai Simón has been in fine form for Athletic Bilbao this season and has averaged 2.4 saves per game, alongside not losing a single aerial duel, and has been statistically better defensively than Jan Oblak, who is regarded as the best goalkeeper in the world, in La Liga this season.
With a market value of £27 million, United could land a good deal for the player this summer.
Since Kevin De Bruyne made the move to Manchester City, the Belgium international has established himself as one of European football’s elite midfielders. As per Transfermarkt, in the 195 games he has played for the Citizens, he has scored 47 times and provided an impressive 77 assists too.
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And on Sunday afternoon against Arsenal, the 28-year-old was at his supreme best in a scintillating first-half performance. The former Chelsea man struck twice with two exquisite strikes, whilst also crossing for Raheem Sterling to score too. Whilst De Bruyne may be plying his trade for their city rivals, Manchester United fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts and appreciation on the play-maker.
A couple of fans compared his quality to Paul Pogba, with one fan in particular critical of how De Bruyne’s display against Arsenal is exactly what they expect, but miss out on, from their French midfielder.
Some United supporters also revealed that they felt they lacked a player like the Belgian in their team, with one fan admitting “that’s the standard we should be aiming for”.
More than anything, De Bruyne’s biggest quality is his ability to consistently produce, and he has shown that once again this season with six goals and 11 assists. With United on the other hand fielding Jesse Lingard in that number ten role, it really does paint a startling picture in terms of the gulf in quality between the two sides in that position.
Meanwhile, Manchester United fans slam this star after his performance against Everton.
Oakwell Stadium was built in 1888 and is now the home of Barnsley FC who are playing their football in the Championship. The ground is located along Grove Street in South Yorkshire and apart from being a football pitch first and foremost, it is also a multi-purpose sports development in the city of Barnsley.
Its current capacity is 24,009 with a 100m x 68m pitch that has a grass surface with no undersoil heating and no running track surrounding it.
The record attendance was tallied in 1936 when 40,255 spectators watched the clash between Barnsley and Stoke City.
A history of Oakwell Stadium
Interestingly enough, the Oakwell Stadium was built the same year when Barnsley FC were founded, albeit it didn’t officially open until a year after, in 1888. The name of the stadium does primarily refer to the pitch where the football is being played, but it is also the name for several neighbouring venues that form the facilities of Barnsley FC.
The stadium was mostly owned by the club itself but over the years, especially going into the new millennium, they experienced some financial difficulties, falling into administration and forcing them to yield the ground to Barnsley Council who purchased the stadium but not the surrounding facilities.
Even though it was far from ideal, it did give them enough financial backing to pay off their creditors while also remaining in the Football League. Still, the stadium was changed over the years with the majority of the biggest refurbishments being done in the 1990s and only the original main stand from the early 20th century is left of the old structures.
Oakwell Stadium got a brand new East Stand in 1993, and that was then quickly followed by a new South Stand in 1995. The North Stand – the stand mostly used for the away fans – was next in line and got finished in 1999 before the club’s aforementioned financial difficulties. Interestingly, once the East Stand was completed, Barnsley FC became the first football club in Yorkshire to incorporate ‘executive boxes’ into their ground, which was a huge step towards modernisation.
It is also quite interesting to note that apart from Barnsley FC obviously using the ground, it is also used by their reserve team, which is not exactly a common thing in the world of football.
Tickets to watch Barnsley FC at Oakwell Stadium
All tickets to watch Barnsley FC at Oakwell Stadium can be found on the club’s official website. The most expensive tickets for adults cost £36 and will give you an opportunity to be seated in category A. It has to be noted, however, that the cost rises by £2 if the tickets are purchased on the day of the game.
The club also offers memberships and season tickets which come with all sorts of financial benefits for the supporters. More information can also be found on their official website.
Related links
https://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/ – Official website of Barnsley FC
Aston Villa hearts were sunk as former loanee Tammy Abraham put in a superb performance to earn Chelsea a 2-1 victory over the side he represented last season.
The 22-year-old scored a brilliant headed goal to give the Blues an initial 1-0 lead, before assisting Mason Mount for what turned out to be the winning goal of the game.
Following the 90 minutes, he spoke to the media in an interview that was originally posted on Chelsea’s official channels, in which he declared how much Villa still means to him.
Many of the club’s fans loved hearing the way that he spoke about them and their team, feeling that there is still a connection with the 22-year-old.
During his campaign at Villa Park, Abraham was able to amass a total of 26 goals and three assists from 41 appearances, playing an integral role in getting the club promoted to the Premier League through the play-offs.
Many fans have spoken about the respect they have for the striker and his professionalism, while another declared the striker will “always be a play-off winning prince in my mind”.
Some supporters have even been imagining how good it would be to still have the 22-year-old leading their line, this time in the Premier League.
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Abraham has really hit the ground running since taking over the role of Chelsea’s main striker, having already scored 12 goals and got five assists in 21 games across all competitions so far.
Regarding league goal contributions, Abraham currently has nine more than Wesley has managed since joining in the summer.
In other news, Aston Villa fans have been reacting to Trezeguet’s goal against Chelsea.
Liverpool fans have mocked RB Salzburg striker Erling Haaland after the Reds’ 2-0 victory against the Austrian outfit on Tuesday.
The Norwegian forward, 19, made a bold prediction in the build-up to the crunch Champions League clash that saw his team knocked out of the competition and demoted to the Europa League.
Goals from Naby Keita and Mohamed Salah ensured that Jurgen Klopp’s side advanced through to the last 16 of the tournament as group winners, finishing ahead of Napoli.
Haaland was seen throwing a water bottle in anger on the pitch after his side’s defeat to the Premier League leaders in frustration. He was substituted shortly after this incident.
Haaland predicted that his side would beat the reigning European champions 3-1 at the Red Bull Arena and said that he would score a hat-trick.
Supporters reminded him of these comments that he made before the game and made their feelings clear about his attitude on social media.
Here you will find some of the best comments from Liverpool fans:
Sunderland’s 3-0 loss to Scunthorpe United in the Leasing.com Trophy on Tuesday means new manager Phil Parkinson has won just two of his eight matches in charge.
It is a terrible return, especially when he was meant to come in and turn things around after a lack of direction under Jack Ross.
The Scottish manager had led the Black Cats to the final of both the FA Trophy and the play-offs, but poor form this season meant fan animosity towards him grew, and the owners made the decision to part company with him.
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However, with things only getting worse, some supporters seemingly think that decision may have been a little premature, and they now wish they had kept him in charge. After all, the new man already has five defeats to his name, just six fewer than Ross managed in 76 games at the club.
Patience with Parkinson already seems to be running out and given what most fans thought of the Scot, the fact that some are considering bringing him back says all you need to know about what they think of Parkinson.
Here are some of the reactions from the defeat and the subsequent calls for Ross’ return.