All posts by z3u9t.icu

What a performance from Rangers at Hampden Park on Sunday.

In the semi-final of the League Cup, the Gers beat Hearts 3-0, and didn’t look under threat at any point during the match. Filip Helander set Steven Gerrard’s side on their way following a fantastic cross from Alfredo Morelos before the 23-year-old Colombian got himself on the scoresheet twice.

They will now face Celtic in the final as they look to end their domestic dominance.

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There were several impressive performances on the day from the Ibrox outfit, but Ryan Jack looked particularly good. So far this term the 27-year-old, who is currently valued at £1.35m by Transfermarkt, has played 19 matches, during which he has scored three times and provided two assists.

It is fair to say that the club’s supporters were absolutely delighted with the two-time Scotland international’s display.

They took to Twitter to share their thoughts, and you can see some of the best comments from the social media platform below.

It’s seemingly becoming a regular occurrence for West Ham fans now to see Declan Rice called up to the England squad, and the 21-year-old midfielder is again back with the Three Lions this month.

The 6 foot 1 West Ham star was called up yet again to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for their upcoming international games against Montenegro and Kosovo (per the FA’s official website), with Rice retaining his place in the team despite the Hammers suffering some fairly poor form in October that saw the east London side fail to win a single game (per BBC Sport).

And it is because of this form that made West Ham fans on social media confused as to why Rice still kept his spot in the England team, with the defensive midfielder playing every minute in October, as stats from Transfermarkt show, that saw the Hammers slip to 13th in the Premier League table (per the Premier League’s official website).

Here’s what some West Ham fans had to say about Rice’s England call-up on Twitter, with a few supporters confused as to why the defensive midfielder had been named in the Three Lions squad for this month…

West Ham fans, was Southgate wrong to call up Rice for this international break? Let us know!

Nottingham Forest are reportedly one of the clubs preparing an offer to sign a new midfielder in 2025, according to a fresh report.

Nottingham Forest continue strong Premier League start

A 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at the City Ground continued Nuno Espírito Santo’s side’s strong start to the Premier League season.

After just avoiding relegation last season (albeit with points deductions for breaching financial fair play regulations), Forest have lost just once so far this season, and currently sit in the top half of the table. Their run of form includes a historic win over Liverpool and Anfield, as well as draws with European contenders Chelsea and Brighton, both of whom have started the season very strongly.

They did suffer shootout heartbreak in the EFL Cup as they were knocked out on penalties by Newcastle United, but their early form in the Premier League has left that disappointment a distant memory in the Midlands.

Nuno’s side now have a run of favourable fixtures ahead as they take on Premier League new boys Leicester City and Ipswich Town in their next five games looking to continue their early form and translate a good start into the Garibaldi’s best Premier League season since 1995/96, when they finished 9th. Now, a fresh report has linked them with a move for an impressive midfielder next summer.

Forest want £16m+ French midfielder

That is according to reports coming out of Turkey, which claim that Nottingham Forest are one of several sides preparing a move to sign French midfielder Batista Mendy next summer.

The 24-year-old joined Trabzonspor from French side Angers in the summer of 2023, and has gone on to become a key man in the Turkish side’s midfield. He started 31 games in the Turkish top flight last season, and has already started seven times this campaign, albeit largely at centre-back rather than in his normal central midfield berth.

He was considered something of a gem for the future during his time in Ligue 1, with football analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as a “strong ball-winning midfielder” and a “a technically secure anchor with good passing” on X.

Forget Elanga: Forest can ruin Cooper reunion by unleashing £6m "machine"

Nottingham Forest are looking to make it two Premier League wins in a row.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 25, 2024

As per the report, clubs in Europe have taken notice of Mendy’s form in Turkey, and it is claimed that “Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace” are among those most interested, while it is suggested that the interested parties are “preparing offers” for the 24-year-old midfielder.

Palace have a long-term interest in the midfielder, but he will not be allowed to leave in January even if offers do come in, with Trapzonspor only willing to let him leave next summer and having slapped a 20m euros (£16.6m) price tag on his head as they look to turn a profit on the Frenchman.

The Premier League duo will face competition from an unnamed Russian club, but their interest is thought to be concrete and should Mendy continue to impress, there could be a fight for his signature come next summer, with Forest firmly in the mix.

Everton have a long and rich history when it comes to developing top youth talents out of Goodison Park, with one obvious name always springing to mind.

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney is, of course, that player, who scored on his Premier League debut for the Toffees back in 2002, audaciously firing home an effort past Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman at just 16 years of age.

There are other notable faces, such as Ross Barkley, but another is Anthony Gordon, who is starring away from Merseyside now with Newcastle United.

Gordon's time at Everton

Although his time with his boyhood club would end on sour terms when he departed for the Magpies, much like the aforementioned Barkley irked the Goodison Park masses when switching allegiances to Chelsea, Gordon will be viewed as somewhat of a success story still from the Finch Farm academy set-up.

The entertaining winger would go on to make 78 first team appearances for the Toffees before St James’ Park came calling last year, firing home a goal return of eight strikes on top of helping himself to seven assists.

This strike against Manchester United was huge in Everton keeping their heads above water during the 2021/22 campaign, but Gordon has arguably saved his best in the men’s game for when he’s been donning a Newcastle strip, as he continues to grow in confidence more and more away from Merseyside.

Away from a costly penalty miss at Goodison Park recently, which saw the home masses take great delight in revelling in Gordon’s error, the 23-year-old has bagged 15 goals and picked up 11 assists from 73 clashes playing for the Toon, which is a notable improvement on his Everton numbers from less games.

There will be many back on Merseyside in and around the academy that look to Gordon’s upward trajectory as a point of inspiration, including one versatile midfielder who is now starring for the Everton U21s down the 23-year-old’s usual trusty left-hand side among other positions.

The player who could be Everton's next Gordon

19-year-old Isaac Heath will hope he can, one day, become Everton’s next Gordon, with the potential already there for the teenager to be a top performer for the Toffees very soon.

Heath is even currently training with the first-team squad during the international break alongside a whole other host of other Everton starlets, which will no doubt be formative for the young sensation who has only ever graced youth pitches so far for the Premier League club.

The adaptable youngster, who can line up in central midfield alongside playing as a full-back, has shone this season for the U21s, with two strikes and one assist picked up from five Premier League 2 clashes.

Football journalist Joe Thomas has labelled the homegrown Toffees product as “impressive” subsequently, as the next generation at Finch Farm begin to break through, to hopefully eclipse the achievements of Gordon or even Rooney when making the cut in the senior game.

Player

Level played at

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

Gordon

U21

28

8

5

Heath

U21

29

2

3

Gordon

U18

32

16

5

Heath

U18

43

6

2

Heath isn’t quite at the same level as Gordon was in the U21 and U18 structure just yet, as can be seen glancing at the table above, but there will still be excitement in the air that the 19-year-old could go on to be another magic talent of the Everton academy’s work.

Before then, however, the teenager will strive to keep his top early season form going in the Premier League 2, whilst Dyche and Co aim to pick up more wins to stave off the top-flight drop-zone.

Everton have just unlocked their new Ross Barkley in "magic" star

Everton could well have stumbled across their next Ross Barkley.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 15, 2024

There has been an update regarding the future of Southampton manager Russell Martin during this international break, as reported by a journalist.

It has been a disappointing and frustrating start to the new season for the Saints, as they are yet to win a game in the Premier League after seven matches, with their only point coming in a 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town, so much so that pressure is starting to significantly grow on Martin.

Martin gutted: Concerning new injury update on "fantastic" Southampton ace

This could be a big blow.

ByHenry Jackson Oct 6, 2024 Southampton news

Martin guided the Saints to promotion last season, his first promotion since becoming a manager, and he now finds himself managing in the Premier League for the first time in his career. While Southampton continues to play an attractive brand of football, results haven’t come with it, and that could see a change in the dugout.

It was reported recently that Southampton’s majority owner, Dragan Solak, is considering the position of Martin. Solak is keen to ensure the Saints cement themselves in the Premier League, but according to this update, he has been left “reeling” from their start to the campaign.

Meanwhile, away from Martin, Tyler Dibling, who has been a shining light for the Saints this season, is now attracting interest from some of England’s biggest clubs. The 18-year-old has reportedly been watched by scouts of these clubs on multiple occasions after impressing in the seven league games he has played.

However, there has now been a further update on the future of Martin, as supporters will be keen to know what is going to happen over this international break.

Journalist shares new Southampton update on future of Russell Martin

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke in the past 24 hours, Southampton’s hierarchy are now set to meet and hold talks over the future of Martin. The 38-year-old is said to be fighting for his job, as their winless start to the new Premier League season has them sitting joint-bottom of the table.

Martin took charge of the Saints at the beginning of last season, and despite a few bumpy patches, it was a very successful first campaign, as the club won promotion to the top flight. That success is believed to mean that Martin still has some credit in the bank, but poor results this season are putting him under pressure.

The report states that the way the club has been beaten has raised concerns among the hierarchy, as Southampton have already conceded 15 goals in the league. It goes on to state that it is going to be a key couple of weeks post-international break for Martin as he needs to start turning things around.

Games

63

Won

32

Drawn

12

Lost

19

Points

108

Points per game

1.71

It is believed that Martin could continue in his role at Southampton until the next international break in November, but if results don’t improve between now and then, then they could make a decision to bring in a new manager. The Saints face games against Leicester City, Manchester City, Everton, and Wolves in the next couple of weeks, games that Martin will know he needs to pick up some results.

Arsenal "could reluctantly be forced" to cash in on striker Folarin Balogun with his value at an all-time high, according to journalist Charles Watts.

Who will leave Arsenal this summer?

Following the marquee signings of Germany international winger Kai Havertz, midfielder Declan Rice in a £105 million deal and defender Jurrien Timber from Ajax, the north Londoners need to balance the books.

Further additions haven't been ruled out this summer, with Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia attracting Mikel Arteta's interest, though outgoings are of the upmost importance right now.

Granit Xhaka has already completed his multi-million pound move to Bayer Leverkusen, with the likes of Thomas Partey and Balogun linked to the exit door also.

The latter player is a curious case after his scintillating season on loan at Reims. The USA forward scored 21 goals in 37 Ligue 1 appearances last campaign, putting a host of clubs on red alert given his Arsenal contract also expires in two seasons.

Journalist Charles Watts, writing on his official website, claims Arsenal could be forced to sell Balogun given he has no intention of going out on loan again and has also showed little willingness to pen fresh terms.

"Arsenal’s academy product scored 22 goals in all competitions in France, sending his reputation through the roof," wrote Watts.

"That has allowed him to go into the transfer window holding all the cards when it comes to taking his next step.

"He wants guaranteed playing time and with Gabriel Jesus ahead of him at Arsenal, it feels unlikely that he will be able to get the minutes that he craves with the Gunners this coming season.

"That’s why Arsenal could reluctantly be forced to cash in on the talented frontman this summer.

"Balogun is coming off the back of a superb individual campaign. He still has two years left of his deal and he has just agreed to be the poster boy for the United States ahead of their home World Cup in 2026. So his value, both in footballing terms and commercially is sky high."

How good is Folarin Balogun?

The 22-year-old's goal record in France is just one indicator of his quality, with Balogun also attempting more shots at goal per 90 than any other Reims player and ranking among their best-performers overall (WhoScored).

Balogun is a player of serious potential and attacking quality, making him an attractive proposition for any interested side, domestically or abroad, who are in need of a prolific forward.

Arsenal could apparently demand as much as £50 million for the frontman, who Arteta has previously praised for his commitment and bravery as well.

“He’s a boy that has a really clear idea of what he wants to do with his career," said Arteta.

"He’s really ambitious, really committed and really brave.

“We discussed a lot before he made that move whether it was the right place to go and the other choices he had. He was so convinced. I’m really happy for him because he deserves what he’s getting.

“When you look at the numbers and what he is doing, it’s just incredible. It’s very rare to see that. But he’s got something special."

It looks as if an official bid for Moises Caicedo from Chelsea could finally be happening, with Sky Sports reporting that the Blues will "formalise" their interest in the player shortly.

What are the latest Chelsea transfer rumours?

The Premier League side have got plenty of irons in the oven it seems, with numerous players all linked with potential transfers to Stamford Bridge. They've already brought in Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku for their first-team squad and yet the rumours have not stopped. Instead, it appears the business may now be in full flow for Mauricio Pochettino's side, as they look to rebuild the squad after last season's meltdown.

At one end of the pitch, Chelsea appear to be keen to bring in more goalkeeping reinforcements. At the top of their list in that area seems to be Diogo Costa, with a recent report suggesting Jorge Mendes is now on the case in terms of a deal. The Blues have recruited the agent to help them snap up the Porto man and are now pushing to get a transfer done.

They've also placed Federico Valverde on their wanted list, although there is no offer on the table yet for the Real Madrid player.

Are Chelsea signing Moises Caicedo?

However, it is Moises Caicedo who has arguably dominated headlines when it comes to Chelsea transfers recently. One report suggested that a deal worth £70m could happen for the Brighton man, whilst another added that the Blues have already spoken to the Seagulls ahead of a potential move.

Now, according to Sky Sports, Chelsea are indeed ready to kick things up a gear when it comes to Caicedo. They plan to "formalise" their interest in the player soon and in another boost for fans of the club, it seems as though once a fee has been agreed, the midfielder himself will have no issue with joining them. Instead, they are being "encouraged" by the Ecuador man in regards to whether or not he would agree personal terms – so it is positive news for the Blues in their pursuit of the 21-year-old talent.

With no official bid made yet, it isn't clear how much Caicedo would cost Chelsea as part of a move. However, other reports have suggested that an offer may be worth around £80m and that could be enough to land the midfielder. That fee is not fixed though and could vary when talks officially open between the Seagulls and the Blues.

Whatever fee the club have to pay for the 21-year-old could be worth it though, with the youngster viewed as having a lot of potential, whilst also already playing at an incredible level. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig stated that Caicedo is already a "high quality" option in the middle of the field and that he is a "big fan" of the Brighton man. It shows that the Ecuador starlet is already catching the eye – and a move to Stamford Bridge could really bolster Chelsea's midfield as they look to improve in the Premier League next season.

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, as Monchi eyes his first transfer window masterclass during his first window in charge.

The Spaniard alongside former colleague Unai Emery will fuse together to ensure the Villans are in good stead ahead of next season, as the Midlands club prepare to endeavour on their first European journey since 2010.

Laporte has been on Villa’s radar since earlier this month, when 90min revealed the club’s interest in the central defender.

An update provided by Football Insider this week cemented the Claret and Blues’ desire to sign the 29-year-old, claiming that the club had ‘set sights’ on the Manchester City star and were ‘considering a move’.

The report adds that the Spaniard ‘ticks a lot of boxes’ wanted by Emery, with the four-time Europa League-winning manager hoping to sign a left-sided centre-back this summer.

Valued at £60m by the treble winners, as per the Mirror, the defender could be Villa’s record-breaking signing this summer, however, he’s not the only centre-back linked to Villa Park.

Indeed, Pau Torres looks as though he's also on his way to the Midlands, with reports emerging on Thursday that an agreement is in place to land the player from Villarreal.

The links to the two centre-backs is exciting news for the Villans, who could see a complete shift in defence with two experienced upgrades potentially incoming.

What could Aymeric Laporte and Pau Torres offer Vila?

While Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings have been a revelation at the back for Emery, the Spaniard could present Villa Park with two world-class signings in a rebuild of the defence this summer.

Hailed as the “best left central defender in the world” by treble-winning manager Pep Guardiola, the City star could be just what Emery requires to take Villa forward.

Despite falling down the pecking order at the Etihad, Laporte possesses quality that could see him dominate in most defences in Europe, seeing him lauded a “beast” by journalist Muhammad Butt.

The 29-year-old won an average of 60% of his total duels in the Premier League last season, cementing himself as a competent defender before anything else, however, his attributes go way beyond his defensive capabilities.

Similarly to Torres, Laporte flexes a powerful progressive ability, acting as a defender that can transition the ball upfield competently, in skills honed by the genius of Guardiola.

When comparing the two Villa targets based on their respective seasons and minutes via FBref, it makes for fascinating reading for those associated with the Midlands club, who could see a complete revamp of the defence as they know it.

While Torres’ 4.30 clearances and 1.74 aerials won along with Laporte’s 2.72 clearances and 2.18 aerials won per 90 communicate their defensive knowhow, their competency on the ball highlights just how much they could add to Villa Park.

As per FBref, the Villarreal gem averaged a monstrous 5.81 progressive passes and 2.24 progressive carries per 90 in La Liga this season, closely followed by the City ace who scored an average of 7.70 progressive passes and 2.72 progressive carries per 90.

By introducing two experienced players in quality and efficiency, Emery could equip his side with strength that could bolster all areas of the field, with two players boasting the ability to move the ball and dictate play from the back. This is surely a mouthwatering prospect for everyone associated with the club.

If Premier League legends played in their prime in today’s market, there’s no doubting that the fees negotiated would be up there with some of the highest that we’ve ever seen. The inflation in fees has seen the likes of Antony hit the £82m mark, so we dread to think how much the likes of Rio Ferdinand would be worth.Ever the confident defender, however, even if backed up by his illustrious career, Ferdinand believes that he’d be worth more than double the £75m fee that Liverpool paid for Virgil van Dijk back in January 2018.

Who are the most expensive players in football history?

Given the price that he thinks he’d be worth, the former Manchester United defender would rank among the most expensive players in history. According to Transfermark, the top five list has Neymar sitting top after his move to Paris Saint-Germain cost €222m (£190.71m). Meanwhile, his PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe cost the French club €180m (£154.6m).

Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele make up third and fourth at €135m (£115.9m), whilst João Félix cost Atletico Madrid €127.20m (£109.2m).

So, with that said, given the fact that Ferdinand told his FIVE YouTube channel that he believes he’d be worth £170m in today’s market, the defender would rank second in the most expensive players of all time.

The Premier League winner would also become the most expensive defender in football history, thankfully taking the mantle from a certain Harry Maguire, who cost United £80m back in 2019. The less said about that transfer, the better.

Perhaps if United had a player of Ferdinand’s level these days then they wouldn’t be going through such a difficult spell without many major trophies – ending a six-year drought with their Carabao Cup triumph last term. It must be said, however, not many clubs in world football could splash out more than £150m on a player, no matter the ability.

Ferdinand would be worth spending the money on if a club had the funds available. Even in the modern game, where defenders need to be press resistant and able to play from the back, he would thrive, as highlighted in a compilation put together by @niamhutd:

What did Rio Ferdinand say?

Speaking on his YouTube channel when the topic of how much he’d be worth in today’s market came up, Ferdinand said: “£100m would be cheap for me in today’s market. £170m, £400,000-a-week. That’s what I’ll be now.”

Bear in mind, PSG reportedly could sell Mbappe for €150m (£129) this summer.

The £400k in wages is an interesting number, too. Within Manchester United’s current squad, that would put the defender top of the Red Devils’ earners, as per Salary Sport, with David de Gea losing top spot. So, on that front, United can count themselves lucky that Ferdinand is not in his prime and playing these days.

You can see the video in full below:

Social media can be a brutal place for footballers, who have to watch what they say over the years just in case an awkward post resurfaces at the worst possible time.If James Maddison could go back in time, for example, then we’re pretty sure he never would have posted his Tweet mocking Gareth Bale.The Leicester City midfielder is reportedly set to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer, making the posts fairly awkward reading. It’s not exactly the best introduction to the fans, to say the least.

What’s the latest on James Maddison and Tottenham Hotspur?

According to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are finally set to get their man, with Maddison’s medical to be scheduled soon ahead of a transfer worth £40m, plus potential add-ons.

The England international is on course to become new manager Ange Postecoglou’s second signing in North London following the arrival of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Serie A side Empoli.

The Maddison deal will be the one to really dominate the headlines, though, given his place in England’s squad and his status as a Premier League proven player.

Even in a struggling Leicester City side last season, the midfielder was involved in 19 Premier League goals, netting 10 and assisting nine.

With Harry Kane around to potentially assist next season too, should the move reach the expected completion, Maddison’s creative numbers will only go up. At Leicester in the last campaign, he had Kelechi Iheanacho and an ageing Jamie Vardy to choose from – neither of which found the back of the net on enough occasions (with 14 goals between them in all competitions).

Adding Maddison should pay off for Spurs, who will be looking to make a return to European football next season after finishing eighth and, therefore, missing out last season.

Why did James Maddison delete his Spurs Tweets?

What’s the worst way to introduce yourself to your new fans? We’d say criticising a club legend in favour of showing your support for the biggest rival’s midfielder is up there.

That’s exactly what Maddison has done here, too, with his old Tweets resurfacing showing more love for Arsenal than Spurs.

The midfielder said in 2012: “I hate Gareth Bale with a passion, calm down you monkey, [Jack] Wilshere is 10x better than you chimpanzee.”

He didn’t stop there, either, Tweeting in 2013: “Hope Luis Suarez destroys Tottenham today, don’t like Spurs! Especially that monkey that everyone’s on about!”

Somehow, we have a feeling that Maddison will have some apologising to do in his first Spurs interview…

At least they have since been removed from the England international’s account, as reported by the Daily Mail.