All posts by z3u9t.icu

It’s an exciting time to be a Crystal Palace supporter, with their new era under the stewardship of Patrick Vieira’s getting off to an entertaining start.

Several new, young signings replaced multiple experienced campaigners over the summer to mark a new chapter in the club’s history, and things could get even better for the south London outfit in the seasons ahead.

Just last year, Palace secured Category One status after the redevelopment of the club’s youth academy, transforming their youth sides fortunes. And it could prove to be pivotal for their future prospects.

In the past, the likes of Jadon Sancho, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Emile Smith Rowe have grown up within close proximity to Selhurst Park but plied their trade elsewhere as the Eagles’ facilities were not at an elite standard.

But U18s coach Paddy McCarthy told the PA news agency (as relayed by F365) that the recent developments will be enough to entice talented locals to play for Palace in the future: “We have a great recruitment area in south-east London and within the M25. It is a hotbed of talent!

“And we now have a facility which is in the process of being up there with the best, a games programme in line with the best and we also have a pathway I would argue is probably better than others when you look at our history of getting players from the academy all the way through to the first-team,” McCarthy concluded.

One of the youngsters already benefitting from the improved infrastructure is 20-year-old Jake O’Brien.

Although the stocky Irish defender isn’t a native to south London, Palace’s ability to attract and then develop such a talented star is symptomatic of their newfound appeal.

The centre-back has made 19 appearances for the capital club since arriving from boyhood club Cork City on an initial loan deal in February, scoring four goals along the way.

“O’Brien collected nine Irish Premier League appearances with the Rebel Army before switching to south London,” Palace’s official website states.

“He hit the ground running for Shaun Derry’s men, scoring his first goal for the club against Sunderland in March 2021 – he added two more against Middlesbrough in their crucial 3-2 victory at Selhurst Park, as they secured a play-off place in their first season as a Category 1 Academy.”

His impressive performances for Derry’s charges have also caught the eye of several impressed onlookers, including journalist Dylan O’Connell.

O’Connell tweeted: “Jake O’Brien won the penalty (which was missed). I remember watching him breakthrough at Cork City. He came through as a RB and looked very good and physical for a teenager. Signed for Crystal Palace’s Under-23s and won promotion to PL 2 Division 1. One for the future.”

With Vieira’s squad currently light on numbers in the heart of defence and James Tomkins and Martin Kelly approaching the twilight of their careers, it might be a matter of when rather than if O’Brien forces his way into the first team setup at Selhurst Park.

And, in other news…Report provides exciting Palace transfer update that’ll leave fans buzzing 

Heading into their next Premier League clash at the weekend with a trip to Watford, Liverpool boast the best attacking record in the top flight with 17 goals scored in seven games.

One player who has featured heavily for the Reds so far this season and been a significant part of their attacking force over the years is Mohamed Salah, with nine goals in as many appearances across all competitions this season alone.

Since joining the Merseyside club back in the 2017 summer transfer window from AS Roma for a fee of £34m, the Egyptian has gone on to make 212 appearances for the Reds across all competitions, scoring 134 goals and providing 50 assists along the way. Furthermore, he has also won a number of team titles and individual awards during his time with the Reds.

On the international stage, Salah has made 71 appearances for Egypt’s senior side, scoring 43 goals in the process and showing just how important he is for his country as well as his club.

In terms of his market value, it was listed as £36m in October 2017 according to Transfermarkt shortly after he moved to Anfield, whereas it now stands at a massive £90m, showing just how much he has progressed and improved since joining Liverpool.

Taking all this into account, it’s safe to say that Salah, who has been described as an “incredible” footballer and person by Reds teammate Andy Robertson, has been a vital figure for Jurgen Klopp’s side since his arrival four years ago and arguably one of the best signings the club has ever made.

Looking ahead to the future, with Salah’s contract set to expire in 2023 and recent reports claiming that the club are trying to get him to sign a new one, we feel that Liverpool should be doing all they can to get the winger to pledge his long-term future to the Reds given how crucial he has been for them.

If he does sign a new contract with Liverpool and continues scoring a ton of goals, there’s every possibility that his market value could increase even further despite him turning 30 next June.

In other news: Klopp could seal Wijnaldum replacement at Anfield with “sublime” £49.5m-rated ace

Aston Villa suffered a shocking start to the new Premier League season, going down 3-2 to Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon.

Dean Smith’s side have had a rollercoaster few weeks in the summer transfer window, waving goodbye to talisman Jack Grealish and welcoming a number of new signings, a few of whom started against the Hornets.

While the new boys didn’t impress, it was one longer-serving player who had a particularly awful game – Matt Targett.

The left-back certainly wasn’t helped by Ashley Young seemingly allergic to doing his defensive duties and tracking back, but Watford’s Ismaila Sarr took him to the cleaners with his combination of pace and trickery.

As per Sofascore, the English ace lost all five duels in which he was involved and made no tackles or interceptions whatsoever. He also lost the ball on eight separate occasions and couldn’t find his passing radar either, completing just 79% of his passes.

Such were his struggles that Smith actually decided to take him off at half-time and spare his blushes, but some journalists didn’t spare the 25-year-old in their assessments of the match.

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece claimed that Targett was “all over the shop” as Emmanuel Dennis opened the scoring for the home side, with the left-back’s nemesis on the day Sarr playing a big part for the goal.

Writing on Twitter, The Athletic’s Gregg Evans said: “Feeling a little bit for Matt Targett here. 14 mins in and Sarr is causing him all sorts of problems. Hard to watch. #WatfordFC #AVFC.”

All in all, it was a difficult afternoon for the left-back, who looked completely off the pace like the rest of his teammates and was left embarrassed by a winger in Sarr who is at the top of his game.

From being considered Villa’s most improved player last season by some fans, to putting in a shocking performance like the one on Saturday afternoon, Targett’s season couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start.

The Villa defender badly let his manager down today with a woeful display at Vicarage Road.

Meanwhile, this Villa star could leave the club…

Manchester United’s new interim manager Ralf Rangnick has reportedly placed RB Leipzig midfielder Christopher Nkunku on his wish list for the January transfer window.

According to the Daily Express (who cite SportBild), the new Old Trafford boss is set to raid his former club for the highly-rated 24-year-old over the coming months as he looks to overhaul his first-team squad.

Nkunku becomes the third current or former Leipzig star to be linked with the Red Devils following the German’s arrival, with Amadou Haidara and Timo Werner also believed to be on their radar.

Ralf Rangnick can get Man Utd firing again

After rising through the ranks at boyhood club Paris Saint-Germain, Nkunku departed the Parc des Princes in search of regular game-time back in 2019.

Since making the €13m (£11m) switch to Leipzig, the versatile midfielder has gone from strength to strength, firmly establishing himself as one of the Bundesliga’s most promising talents.

In just 21 games in all competitions this season, Nkunku has already bagged 14 goals and provided a further nine assists, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.

Ahead of a recent European showdown with Club Brugge, his manager Jesse Marsch lauded the youngster, describing him as player who always wants to improve.

“We have spoken to Christopher a lot about playing on the counter, and also what he needs to do to play as a striker, a number 10 and on both wings,” Marsch was quoted as saying by the official RB Leipzig website.

“Christopher has no weaknesses. He is young and still wants a lot more. It’s always a good thing when a young player listens to the things we say and also wants to implement them. Working with him is a lot of fun as he is really intelligent and has a lot of potential.”

With Nkunku already familiar with the pressing style that Rangnick is expected to implement at United, the £42.3m-rated gem could be an instant hit at Old Trafford, so the German must make a move.

His arrival would certainly have the potential to get the 20-time English champions rocking again, injecting new life into their disappointing campaign to date.

In other news… Forget Ronaldo: Man Utd gem with 4 key passes was Carrick’s final Old Trafford hero

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba can envisage his long-term future at the Old Trafford outfit, although he may not put pen to paper on a new deal in the current transfer window.

What’s the story?

The 28-year-old has entered the final year of his contract with United and has been linked with a move to French giants Paris Saint-Germain in recent weeks.

However, according to Sky Sports, Pogba is full of admiration for his boyhood club, is said to have a fantastic relationship with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and is excited with the direction in which the club is going following the addition of Jadon Sancho and the imminent arrival of Raphael Varane.

The report added that the France international is aware that his next contract is likely to be the last big one he signs in his career given his age, but if he doesn’t commit to fresh terms with the Red Devils this summer, it will not automatically mean he is against signing one further down the line.

Sky Sports claimed: “Talks between Pogba’s representatives and United over a new deal continue, while PSG remain interested in signing the midfielder in this window. While a move to Paris has not been ruled out, Pogba knows he will have more options if he sits tight – one of those options being a new deal at Old Trafford, as well as what is likely to be the pick of Europe’s top clubs.”

Fans will be buzzing

Although Pogba has far from committed his future to the 20-time English champions, this latest revelation will surely have the club’s supporters buzzing.

News that he is settled at United, has a good relationship with Solskjaer, is excited by the new signings, and is reportedly open to signing a new contract in the future will be seen in a positive light by the fanbase.

The World Cup-winning midfielder has often been a divisive figure during his time on English shores, regularly being criticised for not living up to his £89m price tag.

Nevertheless, Pogba produced a string of top-class performances in the second half of 2020/21 and was their fourth-best performer of the campaign according to WhoScored, and United finally appear to be building a side capable of competing for major honours.

He has endured some of the toughest years in the club’s recent history under Jose Mourinho and the transitional period under Solskjaer, but the Norwegian has made great progress with the midfielder over the last couple of campaigns.

It remains to be seen whether Pogba commits his future to the Red Devils amid continued speculation, yet this update is likely to give United’s fans renewed hope that an agreement can be reached, which will surely delight many of the Old Trafford faithful.

In other news…Time’s up: Ole must brutally axe £7.2m-rated MUFC flop this summer, he’s been shocking 

Journalist Duncan Castles has dropped an exciting claim about Aston Villa and their transfer plans for this summer.

What’s the story?

Speaking on the latest edition of The Transfer Window podcast, the journalist said: “Aston Villa actually have, I’m told, a substantial budget to work with. They are one of the better-placed teams in the Premier League (post-pandemic).

“This week, they’ve signed Buendia from Norwich City for an initial £33m that is a ‘half-replacement’ for Grealish, as it’s been described to me, and they’re looking at other attacking midfielders coming in as well.”

Fans will be buzzing

The revelation that Villa have a “substantial budget” with which to work this summer will surely be music to the ears of Dean Smith and the club’s supporters, who’d have been hoping for the club to go again in the transfer window.

Villa made a real splash in the market last summer when they brought in the likes of Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez, and that followed on from the previous year when they came back to the Premier League with some eye-catching signings such as Wesley and Trezeguet.

Having already clinched a deal for Buendia, there may have been a worry that perhaps Villa were done with their big-money signings, but this latest claim from Castles should ease those fears.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/aston-villa-dean-smith-transfer-window-premier-league-villa-park-emi-buendia-gregg-evans-gossip-rumours-update-news” title=”Read the latest Aston Villa transfer rumours and news!”]

Given that their owners are in the top five in the division according to Forbes when it comes to the rich list, it’s no surprise that Villa are named as one of the “better-placed teams in the Premier League” considering the financial effects of the pandemic.

With the summer transfer window only getting started, it seems that Villa fans can now look forward to some more high-profile deals.

Meanwhile, Villa are eyeing a move for this 6 foot 5 star…

Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs monitoring Antonio Rudiger’s situation…

What’s the word?

That’s according to 90min, who claim that Premier League rivals Chelsea are no closer to agreeing on a new contract with the 28-year-old centre-back, whose representatives have ‘barely’ spoken with director Marina Granovskaia.

It’s thought that the last offer fell well short of expectations despite pleas from manager Thomas Tuchel to reward him with an extension.

In four months time, Rudiger can field offers from abroad, with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Juventus all said to be keeping a close eye on the German international.

Spurs have previously tried and failed to sign the defender and are expected to retain an interest in his services.

Quite the coup

If Italian supremo Fabio Paratici can land the vastly-experienced Premier League colossus ahead of some of those teams, then it would have to be regarded as a massive coup – and one that could see Spurs elevate to the next level.

The Lilywhites must throw the kitchen sink at the £18m-rated star. He’s won an FA Cup, a Champions League and a Europa League since arriving in England back in July 2017. These are accolades that the vast majority of Nuno’s squad are lacking.

Last season, as the Blues were crowned Champions of Europe, the 6 foot 3 centre-back was rated at their third-best player in the top-flight (7.02) and averaged 1.6 tackles, 2.7 clearances and a 89.4% passing accuracy per game, via WhoScored.

During the campaign, he was also a rock against Spurs as he helped silence a frontline containing Heung-min Son, Carlos Vinicius, Steven Bergwijn and Tanguy Ndombele, with Chelsea winning 1-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in February.

His form under Tuchel earned a glowing endorsement from Premier League legend Rio Ferdinand back in August. He told his podcast (via the Metro):

“Look at Rudiger, he’s arguably, since Tuchel has been there [at Chelsea], been the best defender in the Premier League. Him or [Ruben] Dias in that time. He’s been unbelievable, he’s like an animal.”

If the opportunity arises to sign Rudiger in the coming windows, then Spurs must do all they can to secure him. A backline containing him and Cristian Romero could be one to be feared for the next few years.

AND in other news, Spurs dealt cruel double injury blow ahead of Palace clash…

Some Liverpool supporters are fuming after Jurgen Klopp admitted there is unlikely to be more business done at Anfield this summer.

The Reds face a huge Premier League game on Saturday, as Chelsea make the trip to Anfield for a crucial top of the table clash.

Thomas Tuchel’s side will arrive on Merseyside as the European champions, with Romelu Lukaku added to their squad and a 100 per cent winning start to the season, like Klopp’s men.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

While the Blues have spent big this summer, Liverpool’s business has been extremely low-key, with Ibrahima Konate the only signing to date.

There is still time for Klopp to add to his squad, but in Friday’s pre-Chelsea press conference [via The Athletic‘s James Pearce on Twitter], the Reds boss hinted that no more business will be done.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans fume at Klopp update

It is not an update that many Liverpool fans wanted to hear – these individuals have been providing their unhappy thoughts on Twitter.

“What are they smoking over there at the Anfield”

Credit: @LangatGodwin_LG

“Same old story”

Credit: @AMasrizky

“I can’t do this anymore”

Credit: @OpJaay

“This club is just unambitious & totally dependent on Klopp pulling a miracle”

Credit: @rayyanaziz

“When will this end!!!!!!! Just say we aren’t signing anyone and let me live peacefully man”

Credit: @valiasamarth

“FSG Out”

Credit: @renomercieca

In other news, some Liverpool fans are delighted after one update ahead of the Chelsea game. Read more here.

As confirmed by the club in an official announcement, West Ham United have sold young forward Oladapo Afolayan to Bolton Wanderers following his loan spell there as a consistent regular – and many Irons supporters are livid after this development.

The 23-year-old was shipped out to the University of Bolton Stadium on loan for the second half of 2020/21, where he managed to turn heads under manager Ian Evatt.

Helping Bolton to achieve promotion from League Two, the Trotters were seemingly impressed enough to make his temporary spell permanent, with Afolayan now cutting his ties with West Ham.

Making just one senior appearance for the Hammers back in January, Afolayan bagged his debut goal in that game as West Ham thumped Doncaster Rovers 4-0 in the FA Cup fourth round (whufc.com).

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

The striker also impressed for West Ham’s under-23s, scoring nine goals and setting up five others in 32 Premier League 2 outings (Transfermarkt).

Afolayan’s potential appeared to excite many Irons supporters, who are now livid with the decision to sell him so soon – check out some of their verdicts on the announcement below.

West Ham fans horrified by Afolayan sale

“I actually find it crazy how these young talents don’t even get a look in with the first team.

We have now lost another kid who could have been a superstar”

Credit: @lozza3man

“Pain“

Credit: @WHUalfiee_

“Crazy decision”

Credit: @tonyclarke1

“Another exceptionally good young player we have lost. Going into Europe we need this talent. Why buy players who don’t fit in when we already have the quality here.”

Credit: @claretandblu1

“Why can we never keep hold of our promising youngsters”

Credit: @littlelegsessex

“Wasted talent”

Credit: @cayz03

“Shame, I thought he could have been given more of a chance in the first team at some point, makes you laugh squad is paper thin and we are always happy to let players go”

Credit: @JackPar78026231

In other news: ExWHUemployee lifts lid on enticing GSB transfer plan for West Ham, find out more here.

Sky Sports have provided an on-air update regarding the future of Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.

The Lowdown: Exits galore

Pogba is out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of the season and looks likely to leave the club ahead of Erik ten hag’s arrival.

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

The French midfielder could follow Nemanja Matic and Edinson Cavani out the exit door, and the 29-year-old may have already played his last game in a United shirt.

Ralf Rangnick admitted last week that an injury Pogba picked up against Liverpool looks likely to rule him out for the remainder of the season, and an update on his future has now emerged.

The Latest: Sky Sports claim

Sky Sports presenter Mike Wedderburn shared more news on Pogba on Tuesday, saying:

‘We at Sky Sports News have been told that his final choice will be a football decision and Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG and Juventus are all interested.

‘Staying in the Premier League has not been ruled out either. There has been no new offer from Manchester United since last summer.’

The Verdict: Interesting

Sky Sports also added that a possible wage he’ll pick up in Europe wouldn’t match the offer he had from the Red Devils last summer.

He may now be regretting the decision to snub a new United deal in 2021, which could have given him the opportunity to play a key role under new manager Erik ten Hag next season in a major Old Trafford rebuild.

It looks as if a departure is inevitable over the coming months though, so it will be interesting to see where the central midfielder ends up ahead of the 2022/23 campaign. He may not be short of offers but it seems they won’t be as big as the one United made last year.

In other news: Man Utd now leading race to sign ‘absolute beast’ in club-record deal following Ten Hag request.