All posts by h79snht.top

Celtic had a rather successful 2021/22 Premiership season under the management of Ange Postecoglou.

The Hoops won 29, drew six and lost just three of their 38 league matches, leaving them with 93 points on the board as they clinched the title with four points to spare on their nearest challengers.

One other impressive factor of Celtic’s campaign is that they scored more goals than any other team in the league, finding the net 92 times, 14 more than they managed in the 2020/21 season.

To further highlight how impressive Postecoglou’s side were, 18 different players got their names on the scoresheet.

Now that the season has ended with the Bhoys taking their place as Scotland’s top side, the focus will be on the summer transfer window and getting their squad ready for the 2022/23 season.

One man with whom the Hoops have been linked and who could make them an even deadlier team in attack is Antoine Semenyo.

A product of Bristol City’s youth academy, the 22-year-old has made 98 appearances for the club, highlighting the experience that he has at a relatively young age.

He was one of the Robins’ most important players in the 2021/22 campaign, racking up eight goals and 12 assists in 31 Championship appearances. To further highlight how much of a nuisance he is to opposition goalkeepers, the centre-forward had a higher average of shots per game (2.3) than any of his team-mates.

Labelled by journalist Saddick Adams on Twitter as a player who is “difficult to mark”, the striker reportedly has a rather significant price tag of £20m.

Having also been likened to Brazil forward Hulk in terms of his stylistic similarities, this would make him an even more exciting prospect for Celtic and Postecoglou to have in their ranks.

The 35-year-old has 357 goals and 195 assists to his name in 660 club appearances, so if the Hoops manager has the chance to secure his own version of the Brazilian in the shape of Semenyo this summer, then Celtic should absolutely get him signed.

In other news – Talks incoming: Celtic plot swoop for £4.05m-rated dynamo, he’s Ange’s next “warrior”

Aston Villa have recently been linked with a move for Juventus striker Moise Kean and the Italian forward could represent an excellent option for Steven Gerrard’s side next season.

What’s the word?

According to Italian journalist Marcello Chirico, Villa are interested in the 22-year-old forward and could offer Douglas Luiz to the Serie A side as a makeweight in any potential deal.

The young forward returned to the Old Lady on a loan deal from Everton last season, in a deal which included an obligation to buy for £24m, but it seems as if his time back in Turin could be short-lived.

Villa’s own Vardy?

Although Kean’s time on Merseyside didn’t go to plan, with just four goals and two assists in 39 appearances for the Toffees, he was never really given many opportunities to adjust to the demands of the Premier League.

At 22, the striker could still be an excellent long-term option for Villa and his form for Juventus and PSG in the past suggests that he is not short of ability, as he hit 17 goals in 41 appearances for Les Parisiens in a loan spell there in 2020/21.

During his time in Ligue 1, he was heavily praised by Thomas Tuchel, with the German manager describing him as “fearless” which is undoubtedly a good attribute for any striker to have.

Kean also has four goals in just 12 appearances for the senior Italy team so clearly knows where the net is, and if given time to develop by Villa, he could be a superb long-term option.

According to FB Ref, the youngster is similar to Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy, who has enjoyed an extremely successful career in the Premier League, with 133 top-flight goals to his name.

If the 22-year-old can offer anything close to the attacking movement, pressing and finishing ability of Vardy, then he would surely prove to be a shrewd long-term acquisition for Gerrard.

If he were available for the £24m Juventus are set to pay for him, then he would surely be worth the risk for the Villans, given his obvious ability and potential.

And, in other news… Gerrard can unearth his next Matty Cash in AVFC’s teen sensation who’s a “cut above”

Journalists Liam Kennedy and Jordan Cronin have revealed the list of players that Newcastle United might seek to move on from the club this summer.

The Lowdown: Newcastle’s 2022 revival

Exactly halfway through the season, Newcastle were 19th in the Premier League with just one win and 11 points from 19 games, staring relegation in the face.

A busy transfer window in January saw the arrivals of Bruno Guimaraes, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Chris Wood at St James’ Park. Fuelled by these new additions, the Magpies went on a sensational run of form in the first few months of 2022, remarkably ending the season in 11th place with a total of 49 points, averaging two points per game in the second half of the campaign.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-6/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Summer exits expected

Following the club’s success in the January transfer market, PIF will surely be looking to build upon this again in the summer. However, this time around, it is expected that a whole host of players will need to make way for the new arrivals.

Kennedy revealed in a Newcastle World Q&A that, whilst the majority of departures are to be expected, Jamal Lewis is set to be handed another chance at St James’ Park

He stated: “This list is getting quite lengthy. And I think we all know the candidates. So instead, I will list one player who I think might stay, despite it appearing as if he is heading out the exit door. Howe is keen to take a look at Jamal Lewis this summer, and depending on what happens in the market, he may well get a second chance at Newcastle.

“In my opinion, a player with all the tools to succeed, just needs a lot of decent coaching – and let’s be honest, that wasn’t forthcoming before Howe walked through the door.”

Taking a different approach, fellow journalist Cronin name-checked a few players that Eddie Howe could jettison during the summer.

He claimed: “Since Liam didn’t write the list of potential departures, I will… Yes, the most obvious are Freddie Woodman, Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez, Jeff Hendrick, Isaac Hayden and Dwight Gayle. I wouldn’t rule out others departing however – Miguel Almiron for example, i.e. a player you might not expect to go.”

The Verdict: Busy summer ahead

If Newcastle are to keep buying high-quality players who require substantial transfer fees, then it will be important that the club can offload some of the deadwood early in the window, so that the board have enough time to secure their transfer targets and stick within Financial Fair Play parameters.

Therefore, numerous incomings and outgoings are expected at St James’ Park this summer, as Howe looks to carry the positive momentum from 2022 so far into the forthcoming season as the Magpies potentially eye up a European finish.

In other news: Newcastle United: Journalists address Lucas Paqueta transfer links

Tottenham Hotspur ‘hierarchy’ are willing to back manager Antonio Conte with risky signing this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Spurs set for exciting summer?

The Lilywhites, after announcing a £150 million equity increase earlier this week, were further boosted by the news that Conte is now set to stay for the 2022/2023 Premier League season.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-developments-2/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Transfer chief Fabio Paratici and the head coach even held a meeting in Italy on Friday to discuss the club’s summer recruitment plans with a major overhaul on the cards, according to The Telegraph.

It is believed that the Italian is set for Tottenham’s full backing, and as per The Athletic, they’re even willing to go against their transfer policy for one of Conte’s targets.

The Latest: Tottenham hierarchy willing to make risky Eriksen move…

According to their information, despite the ‘element of risk involved’ in re-signing former star Christian Eriksen on a Bosman deal, it is believed that Spurs ‘hierarchy’ are willing to make ‘exceptions’ in ‘exceptional circumstances’.

Signing the Dane is viewed as a gamble given his ‘harrowing health scare’ at Euro 2020, not to mention the fact he has recently turned 30 with little sell-on value.

However, there is an ‘acceptance’ among the north London chiefs, including Paratici, that a sensational reunion for Eriksen could be viewed as one of those exceptional circumstances over bringing in younger players.

The Verdict: Promising update…

The Athletic also state that Eriksen is a personal target for Conte, backing recent reports that the former Chelsea boss is personally ‘pressing’ for his signature.

We believe the Tottenham boardroom have adopted the right stance when it comes to making a move for the international, especially considering his phenomenal campaign at Brentford under Thomas Frank.

He finished 2021/2022 as their best-rated player by average match performance with a solid 7.37/10 (WhoScored), not to mention his creativity is seemingly intact.

Making more key passes per 90 in the final third than any Brentford player, the midfield ace could well gift Conte and Spurs an injection of quality further forward.

In other news: ‘Not only Perisic’…Tottenham push for ‘genius’ signing after Conte call ‘in recent days’…find out more here.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on the future of reported Leeds United transfer target Eddie Nketiah.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist dropped the news that, despite the centre-forward previously being expected to leave Arsenal upon the expiry of his contract this summer – with Leeds rumoured to be keen on the signing of the former England U21 international – the 22-year-old will now put pen to paper on a new deal at The Emirates.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more-2″ title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer rumours and more!”]

In his tweet, the transfer insider said: “Eddie Nketiah will stay at Arsenal… the decision has been made – nothing signed yet. Nketiah will pen a new long-term deal – Eddie has decided to turn down Bundesliga and PL club proposals to stay at Arsenal.”

Supporters will be gutted

While Romano does not specifically mention Leeds as one of the Premier League clubs to have made an approach for Nketiah, considering the fact that the Whites were linked with a £20m move for the forward last summer, in addition to the recent rumours of their reignited interest this year, it would be extremely surprising if Jesse Marsch’s side were not one of the teams to approach the 22-year-old regarding a move.

Indeed, despite being a bit-part player under Mikel Arteta for the majority of the season, the £9m-rated talent still managed to return impressive numbers over his 21 Premier League outings – only eight of which came as starts – scoring five goals, registering one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.4 shots and making 0.6 key passes per game.

The £45k-per-week striker also impressed in the Carabao Cup, bagging five goals over five appearances in the competition – taking his total haul for the 2021/22 campaign to ten goals and one assist over 27 appearances, with the 22-year-old boasting an average of a direct goal involvement every 103 minutes of football played.

As such, with the signing of a Premier League proven forward reported to be one of Victor Orta’s priorities in the summer transfer window, the news that Nketiah will now be remaining at Arsenal will more than likely come as a gutting blow to the Spaniard and supporters of the club alike – as the Whites’ former loanee would undoubtedly have made an exceptional addition to Marsch’s current attacking options, especially as he wouldn’t have cost a penny.

AND in other news: Orta could unearth the next £50m talent as Leeds plot offer for “highly-rated” target

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has personally set his sights on an £85 million star who’s now open to joining the Premier League champions, according to reports.

The Lowdown: City eye new midfield man…

After completing a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland, City are now eyeing an heir to club legend and long-serving veteran Fernandinho who’s set to leave this summer.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/man-city-latest-developments-3/” title=”Man City latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Sky Blues will miss the Brazilian who has been pivotal both on and off the field since his arrival from Shakhtar Donestk in 2013.

City officials are now tasked with bringing in his perfect replacement and the player in question will have absolutely huge shoes to fill.

The likes of Paul Pogba of Man United have even been linked as Guardiola and sporting director Txiki Begiristain seemingly leave no stone unturned in their search.

Another big name in Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong is reportedly on the agenda with Sport recently claiming his club will demand €100 million (£85m) to sell.

The Latest: Pep ‘personally’ sets his sights…

Now, according to reports out of Spain, Guardiola has ‘personally’ set his sights on the Dutchman and ‘wants’ him for the 2022/2023 season.

As well as this, it is believed that de Jong ‘would not look down’ on City’s boss and is now open to joining.

The Verdict: Make the move…

If Begiristain and co can whittle down the rumoured £85m price, de Jong would undoubtedly be a great signing.

Lauded as ‘phenomenal’ by former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell, the 25-year-old has been a mainstay under Barca boss Xavi this season and one of the first names on the team sheet with only a handful of other players featuring over more La Liga minutes (WhoScored).

In that time, de Jong has won the joint-most Man of the Match awards for Barca alongside Memphis Depay – standing out as a major figurehead for the Catalans (WhoScored).

Guardiola’s personal interest tells you all need to know and we believe the Netherlands international ace would be quite the capture.

In other news: Eithad sources: Pep dealt big blow with Man City ‘beast’ now ready to quit, find out more here.

Manchester United are lining up an ambitious swoop for Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, according to a report from The Mirror. 

The lowdown: Key position targeted

The Red Devils have recently been linked with a host of defensive midfielders such as Declan Rice and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as incoming manager Erik ten Hag prepares to oversee plenty of squad changes at Old Trafford.

Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic are both on their way out in the coming weeks, leaving just Scott McTominay and Fred as senior recognised central midfield options.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-news-2/” title=”Latest Man Utd news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

However, it now appears as though one serial winner could be on the Dutchman’s list of targets…

The latest: Ten Hag ‘wants’ Kante

As per The Mirror, United are believed to see the 31-year-old Frenchman as an ‘attainable target’ this summer despite currently plying his trade for direct domestic rivals.

It’s claimed that Ten Hag ‘wants’ to bring Kante to Manchester in order to ‘kick-start’ a new era at Carrington under his stewardship.

The report also claimed that the incoming Red Devils manager believes that the 2018 World Cup winner, who was hailed as ‘world class’ by former Chelsea team-mate Cesc Fabregas, still has the ‘hunger’ to succeed should he arrive at Old Trafford.

The verdict: No eye on the future

At 31 and with injury issues becoming increasingly prevalent in recent seasons, Kante may not be the ideal addition to freshen up the Manchester United ranks.

Whilst the Frenchman remains a high-quality operator when fit and available, earning an outstanding 7.13 Sofascore rating whilst making 2.2 tackles per game across 24 Premier League outings this season – this move may have come too late and could ultimately prove detrimental to what is supposed to be a rebuild at Old Trafford.

However, the player is out of contract in 2023 and Chelsea are currently embroiled in off-field turmoil, so should Kante be available at a rock-bottom price, then the move would become worthwhile alongside a younger alternative who can learn from the trophy-laden superstar with an eye on the next generation.

In other news:Ten Hag working on big free transfer after Man Utd meeting; agent now in England

Tottenham Hotspur’s Sergio Reguilon now fears the axe by manager Antonio Conte as Barcelona eye a surprise move to sign the former Real Madrid talent, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Conte overhaul looming?

The Spurs head coach is reportedly plotting a major summer overhaul with as many as six major signings on his mind (The Telegraph).

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Conte wishes to add a reserve goalkeeper, right-wing-back, central defender, two midfielders and a new forward to his ranks as he prepares for a first full 2022/2023 season in charge at the Premier League club.

Several Lilywhites players have been tipped to make way as transfer chief Fabio Paratici is tasked with balancing the books and ensuring Conte’s transfer market wishes are fulfilled.

Now, sharing an update on who could leave north London, chief football writer John Cross of The Daily Mirror has an update for supporters.

The Latest: Cross makes Reguilon claim…

According to his sources, La Liga giants Barca are eyeing a ‘sensational’ move to sign former Real Madrid academy ace Reguilon from Spurs.

As well as this, the 25-year-old ‘fears he is not part of Conte’s long-term plans’ as he grows fearful of the Italian’s possible axe.

It is thought that Reguilon ‘could be surplus to requirements’ and it looks ‘increasingly likely he will leave’.

The Verdict: Let him go?

Depending on whether Madrid activate their £27.5 million buy-back clause for the defender or if it is Barca who end up swooping in, letting Reguilon depart should be considered by Paratici and Conte.

Ryan Sessegnon has been shining in the left-wing-back role when deployed and the Spaniard’s exit could help to balance Spurs’ worrying homegrown quota issue.

The potential fee will also bolster Paratici’s transfer kitty to fund summer swoops and appeasing Conte’s wishes in the summer will be crucial in keeping him at the club.

Lauded as a ‘top-class’ player by former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson, a Reguilon sale may well be one to watch out for regardless of his quality at times.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano: Conte could lose ‘monster’ Spurs player who’s now ‘expected to leave’…find out more here.

Liverpool could already be preparing for their January transfer window after a concerning start to the season with a new transfer target named.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Julio Miguel Neto (via Sport Witness), Liverpool are preparing an offer for Flamengo star Joao Gomes.

As per the report, Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of the player and has been watching him for some time and now wants him to become part of the squad at Anfield during the second half of the season.

However, there is currently no information on how much the Reds would be prepared to pay for the young midfielder.

Imagine him & Fabinho

There is no doubt that reinforcements are desperately needed in the midfield depth of the Liverpool squad and the signing of Gomes would surely improve the quality in the centre of the pitch, as well as giving Klopp the options he needs to improve the team’s form.

With James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all out of contract at the end of the season it would be hugely advantageous for the club to get a head start in improving the team ahead of the summer.

The 21-year-old talent, who was once hailed “unique” by Paulo Sousa, has been attracting attention for all the right reasons with Flamengo and taking the next step into the Premier League via Merseyside could see him develop into the next superstar for Liverpool.

Over this season so far the talented midfielder has delivered one assist and created one big chance, with a pass completion rate of 87%, making 3.1 tackles and winning 6.2 duels per game, as well as completing the large majority of his dribble attempts (72%), proving that Gomes is powerful and meticulous whilst in possession.

Thanks to his impeccable ball control and passing range he could make the perfect partner for Liverpool star Fabinho who is renowned for his defensive attributes in the midfield three and the Brazilian pair could certainly complement each other if the Reds are able to complete a deal for Gomes.

Just like Gomes, Fabinho has an impressive pass completion rate this season (90%), as well as completing two tackles and winning 3.3 duels per game, proving that the two players have a lot in common in the way that they operate in the centre of the pitch largely successful in winning the ball and distributing it accurately.

With that being said, the signing of the young Brazilian would be a major coup for Klopp as bringing in a player that can match up with Fabinho could further strengthen the team whilst maintaining the manager’s thorough tactics and successful style of play.

Leeds United defender Leo Hjelde could be the answer to one of Jesse Marsch’s lingering problems at Elland Road.

The Nottingham-born teenager was signed from Celtic in August 2021 and soon became the youngest-ever Norweigen to play in the Premier League after he made his debut against West Ham United, less than a week after starring in their defeat to them in the FA Cup.

Those are just two of his four senior appearances for the west Yorkshire giants and interestingly, he has often been deployed at left-back, rather than his more natural central defensive role.

It’s a position that Marsch is struggling in right now, with Junior Firpo currently out injured. That said, even when the former FC Barcelona man is available, he’s far from an ideal starter.

Daily Mirror journalist David Anderson described the defender as a “liability” to the team, so perhaps the American head coach ought to turn to the young Norway U21 international instead.

The 19-year-old has been widely tipped as the ‘next Virgil van Dijk’ by some, though the 6 foot 2 gem could have a future at left-back, given his pace attributes and defensive intelligence.

After the game against the Hammers, Leeds legend Jermaine Beckford waxed lyrical about Hjelde. He told the club’s official podcast:

“The young boy, Hjelde when he came on as well, what a player he’s looking by the way.

“I don’t want to put too much pressure on him. But that’s twice we’ve seen him, twice we’ve seen him against West Ham, against a very physical, very strong, very quick centre forward in Michail Antonio and a tricky player in Jarrod Bowen.

“I don’t want to say he had them in his pocket, but I think he did.”

Meanwhile, the former Ross County loanee was dubbed a “massive talent” by his old manager John Hughes, who also said during another interview:

“Leo is going to be the next Van Dijk. Trust me on that.

“The quality he has shown, the physical challenge, playing real men’s football and standing up to it – it’s been a wonderful experience for Leo.”

Hjelde’s inclusion at left-back could be a smart decision that allows Pascal Struijk to move back into a more natural central role, whilst also keeping the inconsistent Firpo out of the side completely, which after the recent 5-2 drubbing by Brentford, could be a wise move indeed.

Marsch has experience in developing youth, so it would make further sense to transition the 19-year-old into a first-team star at Leeds. Next van Dijk or not, he’s worth a shot at left-back.

AND in other news, Marsch could unearth Leeds’ own Iniesta by unleashing “magic” teenage “goal machine”…