All posts by z3u9t.icu

Giovanni van Bronckhorst hasn’t felt the need to do a great deal of transfer business during his first window in charge of Rangers at Ibrox.

The Gers have been happy to sit back and admire from afar with James Sands the only player to arrive over the winter so far.

However, with Nathan Patterson packing his bags and heading north of the border, becoming the latest in a long line of Scottish-based players to do so, it has left a hole to fill on the right-hand side of defence.

Speaking of football across the border, there is another player now earning his money in England that Rangers could do with finding a replacement for.

That happens to be Norwich City loanee and Chelsea owned midfielder, Billy Gilmour.

Now, the Scotland international never made an appearance for the Gers first-team before being snapped up the Londoners but there is very much a sense that he could have been a mainstay at Ibrox for a considerable period of time.

Just 20 years of age, it wasn’t a great advertisement for the club’s academy that he was able to be swallowed up so easily by a Premier League side.

Yet, it has ultimately benefitted Scottish football with the youngster now a key part of the national team set-up and a regular in the top division in world football.

Capable of playing as a holding player or slightly further forward in a midfield two, he is one of the most exciting young central players around.

It was certainly a mistake to watch him slip through their grasp so easily but the Gers could correct that by signing a certain Xavi Simons in 2022.

The Dutch gem, who clearly has ties to van Bronckhorst given his nationality, has been linked with a loan move this January and with the PSG teenager out of contract at the end of the season, there is a very real possibility that he could sign permanent terms with Rangers after a potentially successful loan spell come the summer.

That seems far-fetched at the moment but the exciting 18-year-old possesses a similar level of potential to Gilmour.

Simons is also capable of playing deeper in midfield but what sets him apart from the former Rangers academy star is his ability to feature in the number 10 role, on the wing and even as the central striker.

Blessed with plenty of guile and finesse, the former Barcelona youngster has been superb this season.

He’s made a first-team breakthrough at PSG and has been described as “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his display in the UEFA Youth League where he has bagged three goals and claimed six assists in just nine outings.

He has, meanwhile, been compared to the likes of Andres Iniesta and Xavi in his short career so far and has widely been tipped for the top.

His personal trainer in France, Jonathan Mengeli once stated that the teenager “has everything to evolve at the highest level.”

With that in mind, he’d certainly be an eye-catching signing for Rangers and considering his remarkable talent, he could be the best young player Gers supporters have seen in Glasgow since Gilmour.

AND in other news, Forget Goldson: Rangers must strike instant deal for colossus with “so much potential”…

Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst has enjoyed a seamless transition to life in Glasgow and is thriving at Ibrox as the club’s new head coach.

He has won five of his first six matches – starting with Sparta Prague – in all competitions, including all four of his Premiership games, and has carried on where Steven Gerrard left off.

However, one issue he has faced has been the fitness of midfielder Ryan Jack. The 29-year-old recently returned after nine months out of action and has now suffered a fresh setback, which is a shame as he has the potential to be a key player for the Dutchman.

Transfer dream

The Gers signed Jack on a free transfer from Aberdeen in the summer of 2017 and he has been a fine servant for the club over the years. At the time of the move, Transfermarkt valued him at just £630k, having played 250 times for the fellow Scottish side.

Since arriving at Ibrox, Jack has made 133 appearances for the club and been directly involved in 23 goals, with 11 for himself and 12 assists. He has also been capped 10 times by Scotland since joining the Gers, making his debut in November 2017.

Back in 2019, then-Gers boss Steven Gerrard claimed that the 29-year-old ‘drives the team on’ with how he demands more from his teammates, saying: “Ryan is an example for the rest of the squad because he never drops his standards, whether it’s a training session or a game.

“He knits everything together, he drives the team on, he demands from everyone else around him.”

The £12k-per-week beast played an important part in Rangers’ title success last season. He averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.14 as he managed 2.2 tackles and interceptions per game, whilst completing 90% of his passes overall.

At the time of writing, Transfermarkt value him at £3.15m and, at the age of 29, he still has the opportunity to improve on that valuation if he is able to return to fitness and play a leading role for the club in the second half of the campaign.

Therefore, Rangers pulled off a transfer blinder by landing Jack on a free in 2017. He has surpassed 100 appearances for the club, heavily increasing his value and turning in impressive performances on a consistent basis in a title-winning season. Hopefully this will not be the end of his Gers career and he will continue to prove his worth under Van Bronckhorst when he returns from injury.

AND in other news, Forget Tavernier: “Terrific” Rangers beast with 51 duels won is already GVB’s key man…

The career of Mikey Johnston has flattered to deceive on many an occasion at Celtic with several Hoops managers now failing to get the best from him at Parkhead.

Whether that is down to the coaching, the player, or positional rivals is very much a cause for debate.

This term, the 22-year-old has had to compete with the likes of Jota, Liel Abada and even Kyogo Furuhashi on the flanks meaning game time has been severely limited.

However, he has very rarely grabbed his opportunity with both hands. After Jota was ruled out through injury, Ange Postecoglou challenged the young Scot to grab the bull by the horns.

“Ultimately, we need guys like Mikey and Liel (Abada) to step up, that’s why they’re here at the club.

“And if the opportunity exists for them it’s up to them to take it,” the Australian said.

However, just as a chance presents itself, Johnston is out injured again. He missed the club’s last gasp win over Ross County last night and after that, there should really be no way back for the Celtic man in Glasgow.

In the words of Frank McAvennie, this is a problem that’s been going on “for years now.”

He told Football Insider this week: “He’s barely getting a game and when he does play he is really struggling.

“Sell him. I would like to see him moved on for the benefit of his own career. Ange gave him a chance with Jota out and he’s not done anything.

“Some fans might disagree but he’s simply not good enough for what Ange is trying to build.”

It’s hard to disagree with those sentiments. Johnston has scored just 11 times in his Hoops career and is yet to find the net for Postecoglou this term.

In the process of amassing that disappointing number, the attacker has spent over 557 days on the treatment table and has missed around 68 fixtures.

He may only earn a weekly salary of £7.9k-per-week but that money is surely better spent on someone of greater quality or even a player who doesn’t take up so much time with the physios.

It seems harsh but ultimately, the winger has not delivered on the pitch with his performances or with his fitness.

After breaking on the scene in 2018, divisive figure Chris Sutton tweeted the following: “Is Mikey Johnston the new Ryan Christie? Celtic’s fringe players at the start of the season coming to the fore when it counts.”

Sadly, he has not stood up and been counted on too many occasions since and just like Christie, he must seek a new club.

AND in other news, Forget Abada: Celtic gem who won 67% duels proved he’s now someone “Ange can’t ignore”…

Taking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have been left buzzing following reliable club insider ExWHUemployee’s claim involving Andrea Belotti.

The Torino captain has reportedly been on manager David Moyes and recruitment chief Rob Newman’s radar as West Ham continue their search for a brilliant back up forward (The Daily Express).

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-developments-2/” title=”West Ham developments” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Concerns surround star man Michail Antonio and whether his past record of injury problems could resurface again over 2021/2022, leaving Moyes and the club ‘desperate’ to sign a striker over the summer.

Alas, the transfer mission fell flat and West Ham seem set to monitor their targets ahead of potential swoops in January.

ExWHUemployee, sharing the latest on Belotti in particular, has made a promising claim as he backs the Hammers’ interest.

According to his information, as explained on the West Ham Way Podcast, Italy’s international star is still set to be out of contract at the end this season as things stand.

As a result, West Ham are indeed eyeing Belotti as the 27-year-old is free to negotiate a pre-contract with overseas clubs in the winter window.

West Ham fans buzz…

Given links to the Serie A frontman have now been backed by a very reliable source, you can understand why many supporters have been left buzzing on social media.

The 41-cap star is arguably proven on the world’s biggest stages, having helped his nation to Euro 2020 glory, and his prolific record at club level is another incentive to swoop.

Since the beginning of 2019/2020, Belotti has racked up 31 goals and 10 assists in Serie A alone – pointing to a capable back up for Antonio and a potential bargain for free.

West Ham supporters certainly agree it’s a move worth pursuing, with one fan even calling him ‘perfect’ for Moyes.

Find all of their best verdicts down below:

“no one is ready for him under moyes”

Credit: @krays2208

“Pre contract is right down GSB street of doing business”

Credit: @_whufcszn

“GET. RIGHT. IN.

Belotti should be top of Moyes’ striker targets IMO. COYI”

Credit: @BlaugranaIron

“Couldn’t ask for a harder worker! Proper Moyes player!”

Credit: @CalsCrypto

“Omds pre contract Belotti aswell pls”

Credit: @WHUNath8

“Hope so, he’s strong and loves to bully defenders. Perfect type of striker for how we play”

Credit: @GtheHead

“all my dreams will come true if we can complete this signing. Would be huge for the future of the club imo. Would fit Moyes & squad perfectly imo”

Credit: @DJTiale

In other news: ‘Increasingly likely’…Sky reporter breaks news on ‘clinical’ forward in big boost for West Ham, find out more here.

Despite sufferng his first defeat as Aston Villa manager in midweek with their 2-1 loss against Manchester City, Steven Gerrard has made a positive impact on the Midlands club by winning his first two games in charge after a poor run of five defeats prior to his arrival.

One player who could well become an important figure for Villa and Gerrard in the future is young striker Cameron Archer.

Despite being left out of the squad for Gerrard’s first three games in charge, the 19-year-old was beginning to get some senior Premier League minutes under his belt prior to the new manager’s arrival, with 24 minutes from three substitute appearances under his belt.

As a product of Villa’s youth academy, Archer has made 17 appearances for their under-18 side, scoring two goals and supplying one assist, as well as making 34 appearances for the under-23 team, for whom he has scored 16 goals and provided seven assists.

Labelled a “confident” player in the past by Kevin Phillips, the teenager has scored four goals in his six appearances so far for Villa’s first team, highlighting his attacking talents at such a young age.

Taking this into account and the fact that Danny Ings, who will turn 30 next July, is currently out injured and has a worrying history in that regard, Archer could not only be a good short-term attacking option for Gerrard to call upon if needed – he could also save Villa millions in potential future transfer fees as a long-term figure in the squad and a possible replacement for Ings.

Even though there have been some recent reports suggesting that fellow Villa youth starlet Carney Chukwuemeka may not sign a new deal at the club, it should be their main priority to secure Archer’s long-term future at Villa Park given that his current contract is set to expire in the summer.

If Gerrard doesn’t plan on giving Archer any senior minutes this season, perhaps it could be the best option for all parties if they loan him out to a club where he would be playing regularly, as long as they get him to sign a long-term deal at Villa first.

In other news: Villa handed double potential injury boost ahead of Leicester clash which will leave fans thrilled

An update has emerged on Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette, regarding Newcastle’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to the Sunday People (24/10, pg 54), via Geordie Boot Boys, the Magpies are interested in a deal to sign the French forward.

The report claims that he could be available as Arsenal have been offering him out to clubs across Europe in hope of finding a buyer.

Imagine him & Wilson

PIF must secure a January deal for Lacazette as they could seal a deadly strike force for the manager they pick to replace Steve Bruce. With Callum Wilson already at the club, bringing the Arsenal forward in could help to create a terrifying front two capable of scoring the goals to fire Newcastle up the table.

Wilson has been in sensational form since joining from Bournemouth last summer. He has scored 16 goals and provided five assists in 28 Premier League starts, which means that he has averaged a goal contribution every 1.33 starts.

Lacazette, meanwhile, scored 51 goals and provided 23 assists in 132 Premier League matches for Arsenal, starting 98 of those matches. This means that he has been directly involved in a goal every 1.32 starts in the top-flight, which is a terrific record for the attacker and shows that he and Wilson could strike fear into opposition defenders in a front two.

When Asked about Lacazette’s future recently, Mikel Arteta hailed his character and refused to rule out an exit in January. He said:

“We discuss that internally, we discuss that with him. It’s a long season ahead of us anything can happen everything is open. He just needs to focus on performing and contributing to the team like he always does.

“He’s a phenomenal character, he’s somebody that’s always pushing and he has a real interest to help the team. That’s not going to change. After we will see what happens.”

This suggests that the dynamo has the right mentality to come in at Newcastle and give the rest of the team a lift, as he wants to help the side overall rather than focus on himself.

Therefore, a partnership with Wilson could be a dream scenario for Newcastle, as both players have sensational records at Premier League level and could work well in a pair, given Lacazette’s unselfishness and willingness to work for the team.

AND in other news, PIF must avoid first NUFC blunder over £20m “mentality monster”, fans would be fuming…

Junior Firpo’s recent absence from Leeds United’s matchday squad has certainly raised a few question marks as the summer signing was widely expected to return following injury.

And now LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross has delivered his verdict on the situation, outlining his concerns that there could be a fresh issue to deal with.

What’s the latest?

The club haven’t provided any indication over why the 25-year-old defender missed the clash with Leicester City, having played over a week earlier for the U23 squad.

Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa claimed he would “assess” his left-back ahead of kickoff but with Jamie Shackleton also absent through injury, the Argentine had to deploy towering central defender Pascal Struijk in an unfamiliar role.

“[Bielsa] hasn’t said this as such, but I can’t work out if Firpo hurt himself in that Friday night game [vs Arsenal U23s] here, because he came off at half an hour, and obviously didn’t then go to Norwich [in the Premier League],” claimed the journalist on LeedsLive’s Facebook stream.

“I think we all just assumed that it was because it was too close to Norwich, but then he obviously missed today [vs Leicester City]. And the inference is that there’s either a new problem or he had maybe a setback in that Friday game.”

Frustrating update

It is certainly strange that the Dominican Republic-born star featured for the youth side for just 30 minutes ahead of Leeds’ trip to Norwich but then has not been seen since.

Firpo has now missed their last four Premier League outings and the Carabao Cup defeat to Arsenal, having only featured eight times since his £12.8m move from Barcelona a few months ago.

United have struggled for form so far this campaign and find themselves in 15th place, just three points outside of the relegation zone – a stark contrast to last season, where they finished inside the top ten and stunned teams like Man City, Spurs and Liverpool with impressive displays.

Bielsa was already light in the full-back positions heading into the 2021/22 season, especially after the exit of Gjanni Alioski, so to not have Firpo available for so long is certainly frustrating and it has not helped their fortunes whatsoever.

The longer this mystery goes on, the more the Elland Road faithful will become worried if not fuming.

Struijk is not a left-back and whilst he deputised sufficiently, Leeds cannot afford to head into a hectic fixture list by putting square pegs in round holes. It’ll only make things worse and put pressure on everyone in the dugout.

The £12.8m-rated dynamo, who is thought to be earning around £55k-per-week, now has two weeks to get fit and ready for the Whites’ return to action after the international break, when they head to north London to face Spurs.

Bielsa will want to have his first-choice left-back available for such a tricky encounter but Cross’ verdict is far from encouraging.

AND in other news, Orta “preparing” Leeds bid for “special” gem, he’s what Bielsa is missing this season…

Frank McAvennie believes that Tottenham could be in trouble if Callum Wilson is available for Newcastle ahead of the meeting between the two sides next weekend.

The Lowdown: Wilson could be fit

The 29-year-old started the season in top form for the Magpies, scoring twice in the first three Premier League games (Transfermarkt).

However, since the 2-2 draw at Southampton in late August, he has not played a minute in any competition due to a hamstring injury, but it is being reported that the striker could be available to face Spurs once domestic football returns following the end of the current international break.

The Latest: McAvennie fires Spurs warning

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League striker McAvennie has urged Spurs to be vigilant if Wilson is available for Newcastle. He said:

“If he’s back, that’s massive, that’s the game Wilson wants to play in.

“He is going to be up against a pretty poor Tottenham defence and he is a striker who will punish you if you slip up.

“Me, as a striker, I would play against that defence all day long and twice on Sunday.

“It doesn’t matter, if you come up against a striker who knows how to pull you about and create space, you’re in trouble.

“If Newcastle are on it, which they should be, any ball over the top will have Eric Dier scrambling.

“Wilson will fancy that I’m sure. He loves scoring and he has a great chance to get a couple in my opinion.”

The Verdict: Difficult task

Spurs have not been in the best form this season, losing three of their first seven Premier League matches (Sky Sports). However, they are doing considerably better than the Magpies, who are without a win in any competition this term. The Tynesiders may have been taken over by a Saudi Arabian consortium in recent days, but they will not be able to spend any of the money now at their disposal until January (BBC).

Newcastle’s leading scorer last season with 12 goals, £19.8m-valued Wilson (Transfermarkt) is the best striker at Steve Bruce’s disposal right now, and having the England international available would provide his team with a massive boost. Spurs have conceded 10 goals in the Premier League already, so Nuno Espirito Santo and his team could indeed be in for a challenging Sunday afternoon if the 29-year-old is fit to feature for the visit of the north Londoners to St James’ Park.

In other news, Jose Mourinho’s stance on this Tottenham midfielder has been praised.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are plotting a swoop to bring Guilherme Arana to Molineux in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by transfer expert Ekrem Konur, with the journalist revealing on Twitter that Jeff Shi is planning to open negotiations with Atletico Mineiro regarding a deal for the left-back this winter.

Previous reports had claimed that Wolves were scouting the player following his highly impressive performances for Brazil at this summer’s Olympics, while Everton are also believed to be monitoring the 24-year-old ahead of a potential January move.

In his tweet, Konur said: “Wolves have added Guilherme Arana to their transfer list. They plan to talk with Atletico MG in January.”

Lage would love him

It is easy to see why Shi would be keen to open negotiations regarding a deal for Arana in the coming months, as the left-back impressed for Brazil this summer, as well for Atletico Mineiro so far this season.

Indeed, over his six appearances in the Olympics, the £7.2m-rated defender helped his side to keep three clean sheets, registered one assist and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as making 1.2 key passes, 0.7 interceptions and 2.3 tackles and winning 5.5 duels per game.

These returns saw the 24-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 7.17, ranking him as Brazil’s fourth-best performer on the way to winning the Olympic gold medal.

Furthermore, the player who Andre Jardine dubbed a “spectacular” talent has also impressed over his 17 Serie A appearances this season, helping Atletico Mineiro to keep seven clean sheets, providing five assists and creating three big chances – returns which have seen the left-back average a SofaScore match rating of 7.15.

As such, being a player who is equally adept in a creative capacity as he is solid at the back, Arana seems like someone who Lage would love to have as a left wing-back option in his Wolves squad, as well as being a player who could help inspire the Midlanders to a top 10 finish in the league this season.

In other news: Lage could save Fosun millions with “outstanding” 23 y/o, he’s just what Wolves need

Queens Park Rangers have been handed a double boost ahead of their upcoming Championship fixture.

What’s the latest?

According to a report by West London Sport, both Charlie Austin and Moses Odubajo are set to make a return to Mark Warburton’s matchday squad for the visit of Bristol City this weekend.

The 30-year-old Austin was absent from QPR’s mid-week loss to AFC Bournemouth due to a family bereavement, while right-back Odubajo also missed the 2-1 defeat due to a knock picked up in last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Reading.

Meanwhile, Luke Amos has not been deemed fit enough for Saturday’s fixture, with the midfielder’s return to first-team action being earmarked for the Rs’ Carabao Cup meeting with Everton next week, while Sam Field and Lee Wallace are also unavailable due to injury.

Speaking about the current state of his squad, Warburton said: “Hopefully everyone’s fit and well. Sam and Lee are a few weeks away but Luke did 90 for the B team, so he’ll look to get involved from Tuesday onwards. Other than that we’ve got a full squad to pick from, so we’re in good shape.”

Warburton will be buzzing

With Warburton undoubtedly hoping that his QPR side can bounce back from their first loss of the Championship season with a win against Bristol City this weekend, the return of both Austin and Odubajo is sure to have left the 59-year-old manager buzzing.

While Austin has not been in the best goalscoring form of his career over his five league appearances so far this term, having found the back of the net just once, the addition of a player who scored eight goals and registered one assist over 21 Championship fixtures last season is undoubtedly a major boost for Warburton.

Meanwhile, considering the poor display of stand-in right-back Osman Kakay against the Cherries, with the 24-year-old earning a disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.2 for his efforts in the fixture, the return of summer signing Odubajo will also please the Rs boss.

As such, it would very much seem as if the reintroduction of both players to Warburton’s matchday squad will increase the 59-year-old chances of picking up a positive result against the Robins, something which is sure to delight everyone involved with QPR.

In other news: Warburton must unleash “positive” £18k-p/w ace vs BCFC, he could solve big QPR problem