All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic kick off their Scottish Premiership campaign in just under two weeks as they host Ross County at Parkhead on the opening day.

Who have Celtic signed this summer?

Hoops supporters could see a number of new faces on the pitch as Brendan Rodgers has been able to bring in four signings so far during the summer transfer window.

Odin Thiago Holm, Marco Tilio, Hyeok-kyu Kwon, and Hyun-jun Yang have all arrived in Scotland on permanent deals. However, none of them have experience at this level and it remains to be seen if they will be upgrades on what the Northern Irish head coach already had in the building.

One way in which the ex-Liverpool boss could almost be guaranteed to improve his team would be to land former left-back Kieran Tierney on loan from Arsenal.

The Scottish Sun reported that the £120k-per-week defender would be willing to consider a return to Parkhead this summer as he is weighing up whether or not to leave the Gunners on a temporary basis.

How long was Kieran Tierney at Celtic?

Tierney made first-team appearances across five seasons for the club after coming through the academy set-up and would, therefore, arrive as a player with a proven track record with five league titles under his belt.

The Scotland international could come in as an upgrade on current left-back Greg Taylor due to the attacking quality he could provide in the Premiership and his defensive ability in European competitions.

Firstly, the now-Arsenal ace caught the eye with 4.7 tackles and interceptions combined per game across six Champions League matches during the 2017/18 campaign for Celtic, which shows that the talented battler was able to constantly disrupt the opposition's flow to win the ball back for his team.

Whereas, Taylor managed 3.5 per match for the Hoops in that tournament last term and Matt O'Riley (4.8) was the only player in any position to manage more than the former Bhoys star did during his last season with the club at that level.

This suggests that Tierney has the defensive awareness and strength to potentially be Rodgers' outstanding option at the back when it comes to playing the big matches in Europe, particularly when you consider that he was the manager in charge of the left-back at that point.

The 26-year-old dynamo could also provide more creativity to produce chances for his teammates than Taylor from that position as the bombarding talent caught the eye with his attacking play under the current Celtic boss during their time together.

Tierney, who teammate Oleksandr Zinchenko hailed as "amazing", assisted 25 goals across 97 Premiership outings and 37 in 170 appearances across all competitions for the club, which means that he set up a goal every 3.88 league matches on average throughout his spell in Scotland.

On the other hand, Taylor has racked up 20 assists in 181 Premiership games over the course of his career and 20 in 127 clashes for Celtic across all competitions – an average of one assist every 6.35 outings for the Bhoys.

Therefore, Rodgers could instantly improve his team by bringing the Arsenal defender back to Paradise this summer as his play in and out of possession, as a proven performer for the Hoops, could make him a big upgrade on the current first-choice.

Aston Villa could continue their strong feat in the transfer window with a move for Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson.

The Villans have been linked to the playmaker for some time, however, Unai Emery and Monchi could finally secure the talent on the back of three impressive deals.

Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby have already made the switch to Villa Park, with more activity anticipated this summer.

Who wants to buy Brennan Johnson?

As reported by the Daily Mail earlier this month, both Villa and Brentford have an eye on the Welshman, who is valued at around £40m by Forest.

The 22-year-old has been of interest to the Midlands side since May, when FootballTransfers named the Villans as a potential suitor for him in the summer.

The Garibaldi have remained reluctant to sell their star man, however as per the Daily Mail’s report, the club may be forced to accept an offer to ease Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns.

How good is Brennan Johnson?

Rising through the academy at the City Ground, the Nottingham-born gem has found his feet in recent years, cementing himself as one of the club’s key players.

A loan spell at Lincoln City in the 2020/21 season brought the youngster's talent to light, where he scored ten goals and assisted 12 in 40 League One appearances.

From there, the intricate forward hasn’t looked back, playing a pivotal role in Forest’s promotion to the Premier League in 2022, where he scored 16 goals and registered nine assists, as well as scoring twice in the play-offs, via Transfermarkt.

Johnson has truly worked his way through the ranks, with his form failing to slow down in the top tier, where he netted eight goals for Steve Cooper’s side in his debut term in the Premier League.

While the Welshman's form comes as a thing to be celebrated by Forest, it’s also gathered the type of attention that the club feared, with fellow side’s hoping to pry the 22-year-old away from Nottingham.

For Villa, Johnson could become a valued member of Emery’s squad, adding individual brilliance and providing a fresh outlet for others in the side.

Like the Wales international, Emiliano Buendia shone in the Championship, however, has struggled to transfer his form to the Premier League.

Lauded as “unbelievable” by national team manager Robert Page, the Villa target could prove to be the key to unlocking the Argentine’s past form in the Midlands, through his lively nature in attack.

The 26-year-old secured 17 assists in the Championship before making the switch to Villa Park, highlighting just how efficient he can be as a playmaker.

Clocking the second-fastest top speed in the league last season at 36.70 km/h, via OptaJoe, Johnson could be the desired presence in the side to give Buendia a deadly outlet to target in the final third.

In the 2020/21 Championship campaign, the former Norwich sensation averaged 3.31 key passes and 0.41 through balls per 90, via FBref, highlighting just how deadly he could be if given a pace-ridden spark like Johnson to release.

Emery could add a host of threats to his front line by equipping the Forest star in his side, in a move that could benefit the club on multiple dimensions.

Manchester United are currently "speaking" to the highly rated and "very talented" Japanese international, Zion Suzuki, as they look for a new number two, claims transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Is Zion Suzuki joining Manchester United?

United have made a solid start to the transfer window this summer, with Chelsea's academy graduate and former fan favourite Mason Mount joining the Red Devils for around £55m.

Erik ten Hag is also overseeing a changing of the guard in the club's goalkeeping situation, with long-term shot-stopper David de Gea finally leaving Old Trafford after the two parties couldn't agree to a new contract for the former Spanish international.

With the number one shirt vacant, the bulk of attention has been diverted to securing the signature of Inter Milan keeper Andre Onana, a deal that Fabrizio Romano declared "really close".

However, the three-time European champions are also looking to sign a new second-choice keeper, and according to reports, they have identified Japanese youngster Suzuki as the perfect man for the job.

Japanese outlet Sponichi Annex reported that United have been watching the young shot-stopper for over six years, first taking notice of him in 2017 when he was just 14 years old.

The publication has also reported that the Red Devils have now made a £5m offer to the J League club, which would represent a record transfer fee for the league.

However, transfers expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that there have yet to be any official negotiations between the two sides.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"We also know that Manchester United are looking for a second goalkeeper, and I told you a few days ago that they are speaking to Urawa Reds for a Japanese goalkeeper, Suzuki, a very interesting one.

"A young goalkeeper highly rated because he looks to be a very talented goalkeeper, so I want to give you an update on this one. I am told that there are now conversations ongoing between Manchester United and the player side. So Manchester United confirmed to the representatives of the player their interest in Suzuki. At the moment, it's still not an official negotiation between clubs because Suzuki is a crucial player.

"The idea is to sign a second goalkeeper and let Dean Henderson leave with Nottingham Forest still interested."

Is Zion Suzuki good enough for Manchester United?

It has been a rapid rise to fame for 20-year-old Suzuki. He made his J League debut in 2021 and has only made 29 senior appearances in domestic competitions and just a single appearance for the Japanese national team.

He has barely featured at all this season, starting just six games for the Diamonds, not featuring at all in the league.

However, he is still highly thought of in Japan, with his manager Maciej Skorza saying in February (via Manchester Evening News):

"The Reds have four very interesting goalkeepers. Among them, Shusaku (Nishikawa) and Zion are of a very high level. I think Zion is taller than Shusaku, and I think he's a young player with a lot of future potential."

Current national team manager Hajime Moriyasu also seems to think very highly of the youngster, saying earlier this year:

"Urawa has two national team calibre players and from them I chose to call-up Zion Suzuki."

No doubt signing the "high-potential" Suzuki represents something of a risk for United, but if the fee is really only around £5m and the hype around him is even only partially true, then it could be a gamble well worth taking in the long run.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has already signed two midfielders during the transfer market, luring Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to the Reds, could the German now begin to look at strengthening his defensive options ahead of the 2023/24 season?

Dutch defender Perr Schuurs is currently on the list of targets for Klopp and now the fee that Liverpool will be required to pay Serie A side Torino to secure his services has now been revealed.

How much will Perr Schuurs cost Liverpool?

As reported by La Stampa (via TuttoMercatoWeb), the Anfield side will need to fork out €40m (£34m) in order for any potential move to be sealed and this could represent a wonderful bargain for the club.

Klopp appears to be a massive admirer of the player as according to Tuttosport, they had an offer of £25m rejected by Torino and the Italian outlet claims that the German has wanted the defender for over two years and is keen to get a deal done for the 23-year-old as soon as possible.

Napoli also remain interested in Schuurs as they look to sign a replacement for Bayern-bound, Kim Min-jae and the Reds will need to act swiftly to bring him to Merseyside.

How good is Perr Schurrs?

The former Ajax starlet enjoyed a solid season in Serie A during 2022/23, ranking first in the Torino squad for tackles per game (1.7) and clearances per game (3.2) while also winning 4.1 total duels per game – a success rate of 55% – demonstrating just how effective he can be at the heart of the defence.

Liverpool conceded 47 goals in the Premier League last term, which was 21 more than they conceded the previous season where they came so close to pipping Manchester City to the league crown and this suggests Klopp needs to invest in a few new defenders.

Joe Gomez, in particular, didn’t exactly have the best of seasons, ranking in a lowly seventh for tackles per game (1.3) across the Liverpool squad last term while also ranking 11th for overall rating as per Sofascore, and it’s clear that they need an upgrade on the Englishman.

Schuurs could certainly offer more, as he completed a higher pass completion percentage (88.1% to 85.7) than Gomez while also winning more aerial duels (62 to 46), making more tackles (26 to 21) and making more blocks (29 to 17), clearly showing he is an improvement on the Liverpool defender across a wide range of metrics.

He was even lauded by journalist Josh Bunting, who dubbed him a “mountain” and it’s evident that the Anfield side require a player of his nature that can come in and stake a claim for a first-team spot, giving Klopp something different in the heart of the defence.

With Virgil Van Dijk recently turning 32, he may not have long left at the top of the game and therefore, not only can Schuurs be an instant upgrade on Gomez, but the Torino star would be an excellent heir for the Dutch titan who has been an integral part of their success over the previous five years.

Chelsea have already waved goodbye to a number of first-team regulars this summer, with more set to follow in the coming days as part of a mass squad overhaul.

While the likes of Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic and Manchester United-bound Mason Mount will be missed, others have either had less of an impact at Stamford Bridge (Kalidou Koulibaly) or simply have not played as much of late (N'Golo Kante).

One player who very much will be missed should he move on this window is long-serving captain Cesar Azpilicueta, who has once again been linked with the exit after an 11-year stay at the club, during which time he has won every trophy on offer.

Amid claims personal terms have already been agreed between Azpilicueta and Inter on a two-year deal, The Sun reports new Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino is willing to let the defender leave for a nominal fee – or indeed, for free.

That is because Pochettino is already happy with the options he has available at right-back, with Reece James hopeful his injury issues are behind him, while Malo Gusto is now part of the squad after signing from Lyon in a £26m deal in January.

James will start the new Premier League season as Pochettino's first choice down the right, but Gusto showed last season at Lyon – whom he re-joined in January on loan for the remainder of the 2022/23 season – that he may well have a big part to play this season for the Blues.

Who is Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto?

Gusto spent two seasons as a first-team regular for Lyon, racking up 51 Ligue 1 appearances since the start of 2021/22 and catching the eye with his attacking play down the flank.

As pointed out by Football.london writer Bobby Vincent, the 20-year-old "is very dangerous going forward" and also "has an eye for a cross". That is very much reflected in the stats, with his 6.55 crosses per 90 minutes last season very similar to the number recorded by James at Chelsea (6.59), as per FBref.

There are other similarities between the pair, too, as they also completed a similar number of passes per 90 minutes last season (64.6 for James, 66.2 for Gusto) and also won a near-identical number of tackles (1.45 v 1.47), suggesting the France U21 international will be a good fit for Chelsea.

Using FBref's player comparison tool, there is a full-back even more alike Gusto in terms of their statistical profiles: Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies.

The pair won a similar number of tackles per 90 last season (48.8% for Gusto, compared to 46.2% for Davies), hit the target from a similar number of shots (42.9% v 42.1%) and registered blocks at a similar rate (1.24 v 1.23).

They also had the majority of their touches in the middle third of the field (43.6 v 40.2) – highlighting where they spend most of their time – and played 4.80 and 4.85 passes into the final third per 90 respectively.

Whether it is the next Davies that Chelsea have signed or a younger version of James, it is clear that Gusto is a talented player who is capable of challenging for a first-team place once Azpilicueta's exit is finally sanctioned.

Moving house is something that we all dread. It arguably sits right next to running late for a flight on the list of things that can result in things that human beings haven't quite figured out how to deal with in a calm manner yet.

If anyone knows how to move house in an orderly fashion, however, it should be footballers. Such is the frantic nature of the transfer window, players can find themselves on the move within a moment's notice, forced to settle into a new town or, as is often the case, a new country.

With that said, a bit of advice must never go amiss. And that's exactly what Manchester City star Erling Haaland has given new Liverpool man Dominik Szoboszlai.

The duo played for Red Bull Salzburg together, and have clearly remained friends since.

What's the latest on Dominik Szoboszlai and Liverpool

Szoboszlai is Liverpool's biggest signing of the summer so far, arriving for a reported £60m, as the Reds look to rebuild what was a struggling midfield last season.

The 22-year-old joins Alexis Mac Allister on the list of arrivals at Anfield, with Southampton's Romeo Lavia also linked with making the move to Merseyside this summer.

By the end of the window, if Jurgen Klopp has signed three new midfielders, he may consider it a successful transfer window and one which could see his side competing for the league title, or at least finishing in the Premier League top four once again.

Last season, Liverpool finished outside the Champions League places for the first time in a full season under Klopp, and that clearly sent alarm bells, as the German has not messed about this summer, already spending close to £100m.

What did Haaland say to Szoboszlai?

Speaking about his Liverpool move, Szoboszlai revealed the advice that Haaland gave him, telling Nemzeti Sport, via Goal: "We've talked. So much so that Erling Haaland has also advised on finding real estate, and it could very well be that we become neighbours.

"I learned from him that several players live halfway between Manchester and Liverpool in a quiet area where privacy can be preserved, and on Monday I will see what he was talking about, I am very curious. And of course, putting our friendship aside during the Liverpool-Manchester City matches, it will surely be a fantastic experience to play against each other.

"I'll do some training on Monday, I have some paperwork to do, and then look at some potential properties where I'd like to live. Then I have to go to Leipzig, pack up my stuff, say goodbye to my former club, thank everyone for their support, love and encouragement and then to Budapest. But on the 10th at the latest I will be back in Liverpool because on the 11th I will be training for my new team."

Liverpool's first pre-season game takes place against Karsruher in Germany on July 17, in an upcoming fixture which could see Szoboszlai and Mac Allister make their debuts for the Reds.

Arsenal still need to agree the yearly payment structure over the fee for Declan Rice, but once this is finalised, the deal will be completed, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

What's the latest on Rice to Arsenal?

Arsenal have fought off interest from Manchester City and now appear very close to securing a record-breaking transfer for the West Ham captain.

The Gunners initially had two bids rejected, but a mega-offer of £100m, with £5m in add-ons, has been deemed acceptable as an overall package.

However, Romano has revealed that the structure of the payments of the initial £100m is still yet to be agreed, with West Ham wanting the payment made in less time.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano indicated that this would be the final hurdle before officially completing the deal.

"There is an agreement on the fee, £100 million plus £5 million in add-ons, a club record fee for Arsenal, a historical fee for English football as Declan Rice is going to be the most expensive player ever.

"It's just a matter of hours probably, but it's just about the payment terms. As I told you, Arsenal want to pay in four years, and West Ham want the £100 million guaranteed fee to be paid in 18 months. So he's about this detail, then the deal will be done."

What will Rice bring to Arsenal?

The England midfielder will come at a high price, but Arsenal are investing in a signing who could help them challenge at the top level for years to come.

Rice will arrive as an experienced Premier League captain, with European experience under his belt, and fits the age profile that Mikel Arteta has targeted in the last few seasons.

At 24, he can form a midfield trio with Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz for the next few years, and he can help replace the leadership void which will be left if Granit Xhaka leaves the club.

Rice could play as both a number six, in front of the back four, and further forward, and this tactical flexibility will be something Arteta can use when setting up his team for bigger games.

The Englishman ranks highly for interceptions as per FBref, and his presence in the middle when facing tough opponents could give Arsenal an extra aggressive edge, something which they often lacked over the years.

He is a signing that can help Arsenal bridge the gap between themselves and Manchester City, as they attempt to challenge for the title again, and beating their rivals to the signing is a huge statement of intent from the club.

West Bromwich Albion are set to lose key defender Dara O'Shea to Premier League side Burnley, but Carlos Corberan can give supporters reason to believe by making an exciting signing at the other end of the field.

O'Shea is reportedly the subject of interest from the Clarets in a deal that could eventually be worth up to £10m in what is undoubtedly a major blow for the Baggies as they attempt to improve on last term's ninth-place finish in the Championship.

However, that sizable fee can be used to not only bring in a replacement for the Republic of Ireland international at the back, but also players in one or two other positions.

One area Albion could do with further strengthening is up front, and former West Brom striker Kevin Campbell has tipped the Midlands club to move for Peterborough United star Jonson Clarke-Harris.

Who is Peterborough United striker Jonson Clarke-Harris?

Clarke-Harris is not exactly an up-and-coming striker, but he has proved his quality in League One by winning the Golden Boot on a couple of occasions.

The 28-year-old led the scoring charts again in the third tier last season with 27 goals in 48 games, yet Peterborough somehow missed out on promotion after capitulating in their play-off semi-final with Sheffield Wednesday.

A player boasting over 400 appearances at senior level, having started his career by becoming Coventry City's youngest ever player aged 16 in 2010, Clarke-Harris is someone who can bring knowhow to West Brom – and goals aplenty.

As Campbell told West Brom News: "I’m sure if West Brom were to bring him in and help him, he can be a difference maker."

Clarke-Harris averaged 0.59 goals per 90 minutes during the regular League One season last time out, as per FBref, which is more than any West Brom player could manage, albeit in a division higher.

Indeed, aside from Daryl Dike (0.52), who is facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, no Albion player averaged more than 0.33 goals per 90 minutes than the much-travelled striker, whom Football Observatory suggests could be available for a fee of £4m.

Clarke-Harris not only has power and an eye for goal, he also has plenty of pace to burn, as nicely put by his former Rotherham United boss Steve Evans. "He's quicker than Usain Bolt over 10 metres," Evans said.

It would be easy to dismiss Clarke-Harris as a player who can perform in League One but is unable to take the step up to the Championship, yet he scored 0.36 goals every 90 minutes in a poor Peterborough team the last time he played at that level – better than any Albion player other than Dike.

While it may be a defender Corberan needs to prioritise if O'Shea's move to Burnley goes through, signing striker Clarke-Harris would help soften the blow somewhat and ensure supporters do not lose all hope of a promotion push next season.

Newcastle United are plotting a raid to bring Leeds United star Tyler Adams back to the Premier League, according to reports.

Is Tyler Adams leaving Leeds?

The Whites’ defensive midfielder only made 26 appearances during his debut season at Elland Road after joining from RB Leipzig due to spending a large spell on the sidelines through injury, but despite not being able to prevent relegation, he was the real standout player when available.

The United States international was Sam Allardyce’s best-performer with a WhoScored match rating of 6.73, so whilst he still has another three years to run on his contract, his remarkable displays have grabbed the attention of top flight sides, notably Eddie Howe and PIF.

The Telegraph recently reported that St. James’ Park officials were hugely impressed with the 24-year-old’s character and combative nature when he visited the northeast, and it sounds like they are now weighing up a more concrete approach that would see him switch the opposition for the home outfit.

Are Newcastle signing Adams?

According to Football League World, Newcastle "have their eyes" on Adams, alongside his Leeds teammate Brenden Aaronson ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. The Magpies have placed the duo firmly "on their list" of targets, but it's believed that the former is the "more likelier" to join because he would be able to give more freedom to Bruno Guimaraes.

Newcastle will be aware that Adams is stronger in the natural defensive midfield aspect of his game having recorded zero goals or assists at Leeds, but with the protection that he would bring to the backline as well as his personal qualities, PIF should certainly test the waters.

The World Cup participant, who’s sponsored by Nike, ranked in the 99th percentile for midfielder tackles and the 97th percentile for blocks last season, via FBRef, with his physical presence and desire to commit to challenges seeing him described as a player with a “nasty streak” by journalist Josh Bunting.

The YMU Group client, who has the versatility to operate in seven various positions across the pitch, would also bring wonderful leadership qualities to the centre being the USA’s captain, which will no doubt be yet another attractive attribute to Howe.

The Athletic have reported that Leeds are demanding £40m to part ways with Adams which is a lot considering that they now find themselves in the second-tier, but when thinking about the positive impact he could have on the side, that would be a fee worth paying.

Everton star Richarlison is looking to line up a move to a European ‘giant’ this summer, according to Goal Brazil journalist Thiago Fernandes. 

The lowdown

Everton are battling to remain in the Premier League, and Richarlison is at the heart of those efforts.

The Blues are just two points above the bottom three with two games – against Crystal Palace and Arsenal – remaining.

Richarlison has bagged five goals in the last eight games, with his strikes against Leicester City and Chelsea earning the Toffees four potentially crucial points.

But it seems the £45million-rated man, who has just over two years left on his contract, may look to leave even if they’re successful in their survival bid.

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The latest

Fernandes took to Twitter to report that Richarlison is assessing potential exit routes.

The player’s camp would like to arrange a transfer to one of the continental elite, he says.

“Richarlison considers leaving Everton at the end of the season and seeks a giant in Europe,” he wrote.

“Striker should not stay at the English club in 2022/2023. His staff wants to put him in a team considered “top” on the continent.”

The verdict

Football Insider reported in April that ‘crunch talks’ had been held behind the scenes over Richarlison’s future, and it seems that he may have mind his made up.

Everton will be safe if they can beat Crystal Palace on Thursday, but it’s possible that this season has raised serious doubts in the player’s mind.

He may have been hopeful of a European push after a 10th-place finish last season, but instead the Blues have gone rather alarmingly backwards.

The 25-year-old, who has 34 caps for world-number-one Brazil, might now have come to the conclusion that Everton can’t match his ambition.

In other news, Adam Jones slams this Everton midfielder.