All posts by h716a5.icu

After a sobering 3-1 defeat away to Sheffield United in the Premier League, Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho delivered a reality check for the north Londoners.

Speaking after the game, the Portuguese man said: “The manager can help but the nature of the player as a professional is the most important. Clearly if these boys don’t care about results and don’t care about the position we finish at the end of the season we’ll be in big, big trouble for the future.”

Is it Mido or Pedro Mendes? This Spurs quiz will separate the loyal from the fake…

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The summer transfer window was already going to be a massive one seen as it’s Mourinho’s first, but with their struggles in the Premier League, making the right kind of reinforcements will be even more crucial.

And according to The Athletic, Spurs are now confident of signing Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, with fans of the north London side flooding to Twitter to share their reactions about the update.

One Spurs fan pointed to the defeat to Sheffield United as a key reason why they need someone like Hojbjerg, and it’s clear to see why – as per Sofascore, the Lilywhites won less ground duels and aerial duels, and made less tackles, interceptions and clearances too.

Another Spurs fan pointed to the midfielder’s “attitude and work-rate”, with Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl hailing him as a “fantastic player” and a “good example of professionalism” despite stripping him of the captaincy.

Hojbjerg is the kind of combative powerhouse that would represent everything Tanguy Ndombele doesn’t.

A player who has built up considerable Premier League experience in his time with Southampton, the Denmark international would be more likely to hit the ground running at Tottenham, and is the kind of proven option they could do with.

With finances likely to be restricted, signings players who you know can do the business at Premier League level will be vital, and Hojbjerg ticks that box.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos has recently been linked with a move away from Arsenal, but fresh reports suggest that the player will not be going anywhere in the summer.

According to The Telegraph, via Daily Express, the Gunners would be keen to sell him in the transfer window, but the defender does not want to leave the club.

He has no desire to leave Arsenal before the end of his contract and, if he were to leave, his wages would also be a problem for any teams interested, as he is on a reported £92,000 per week.

Sokratis only has one year remaining on his contract, so if the Gunners want to recoup some of the £14.40m that they paid for him, they would have have to sell him this summer. Therefore, the player’s stance is not a very helpful one for manager Mikel Arteta, who is set to be hamstrung by limited finances this summer.

The Greece international has only made one appearance since 18 January due to a combination of injury and being unfancied by Arteta over his other options in the squad, and it seems like he could still struggle to get game-time even if he stays.

This is a very annoying stalemate for Arsenal but hopefully they are either able to offload him this summer or start to utilise him more. If he stays and remains a peripheral figure, the club will be wasting roughly £4.7m on his wages next season until his contract expires.

Gunners fans, are you dismayed that Sokratis is seemingly content to be a bit-part player at Arsenal? Let us know your views below!

Name: Kylian Mbappe

Club: Paris Saint-Germain

Date of Birth: 20 December 1998

Position: Centre-forward, winger

KYLIAN MBAPPE – HIS CAREER SO FAR

It’s sometimes extremely easy to forget that Kylian Mbappe is only 21 years old. And despite that, he is undoubtedly one of the biggest footballing stars on the entire planet. Of course, it goes without saying that the Frenchman – a World Cup winner – is also the most expensive young player in the world. But looking at his career so far and the feats he has managed, it has to be said he very much warranted all the tags he’s been given.

For Mbappe, the journey through the professional footballing stage began at Monaco’s youth setups. Before that, however, there were reportedly numerous big clubs all lined up for a chance to sign him up immediately. The likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Bayern Munich all wanted a piece of the pie but the youngster ultimately, and perhaps surprisingly, settled for Monaco instead.

But that was a chance for him to feature regularly and immediately become the star of the club. Needless to say, that’s exactly what ended up happening as Mbappe warranted all the previous hype and then some. The youngster would score 27 goals and assist further 16 across 60 games, leading Monaco to the Champions League semi-finals in his second season and clinching the Ligue 1 title as well. It was becoming painfully obvious that it was just a matter of time before he swapped clubs and once again, he was quite spoiled for choice.

Still, in August 2017, Paris Saint-Germain confirmed they had won the battle for his signature and would take the youngster on loan with an obligation to buy the following season. His arrival to the French capital was made possible through a deal worth €145m (£131.1m) with extra €35m (£31.6m) in add-ons, making him the most expensive teenager in the history of the sport and also the most expensive transfer ever within a domestic league.

But once again, it was all worth it as Mbappe proceeded to score 90 goals and assist further 50 across 121 games for Paris Saint-Germain, cementing himself as the most talented young player in the world bar none. And as such, he is touted to become an eventual Ballon d’Or winner and even put a dent in Lionel Messi’s and Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacies along the way.

Even though he is still waiting for his European glory, domestically, PSG have been tearing the opposition apart with their newly formed duo of Mbappe and Neymar. It’s difficult to imagine him staying in France forever, though, and he is only 21.

For him, the sky’s the limit.

TRANSFER LATEST

When you’re one of the best and you’re still so young, there isn’t going to be a single club out there who’d want to miss out on the chance to sign you. Needless to say, the same is true for Mbappe as he is constantly connected with various transfer rumours and transfer news. Lately, however, it’s been all about Real Madrid.

The Frenchman is Los Blancos’ distant dream and that deal seems like one of those that are simply destined to happen at one point in the future. But of course, there were some transfer rumours connecting him to Liverpool and maybe the Reds take a swing at PSG too.

At the moment, however, he is set to remain in the French capital for a while longer.

PLAYER PROFILE

Mbappe is a deadly finisher who uses his pace and physicality to brush off his markers and blaze through the pitch and towards the goal. And that explosiveness along with sheer speed and incredible strength are definitely one of his main weapons. But it’s also his movement and intelligent positioning that make him stand out from the crowd.

The Frenchman is also a strong dribbler, meaning that it’s extremely difficult to take the ball away from him. Needless to say, he provides PSG with a dose of creativity, energy and just lethality in the final third. But Mbappe can also assist as well and his combinations and link-up play are on an admirable level despite his young age.

And that’s the best part about him – there is still so much room for growth and it’s scary to even think about what kind of a player he could become once he enters his prime.

Leeds United are back in the promised land of the Premier League and the club is already being linked with superstars from across Europe, including Edinson Cavani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic – yes really.

Although the latest name should have the Elland Road faithful brimming with excitement…

What’s the word?

According to Italian news outlet Tuttomercatoweb, the Yorkshire giants are rivalling AC Milan for the signature of Benfica wonderkid Florentino Luis.

It’s claimed that United’s chances of clinching the 20-year-old have increased following promotion after talks first emerged back in February, albeit before the pandemic.

Luis does have a whopping €120m (£108m) release clause but the Portuguese outfit’s valuation of the defensive midfielder has decreased substantially to between €20m (£18m) and €30m (£27m).

KP successor

The report makes it sound very much like Leeds are genuine contenders to land one of the best talents breaking through in Europe this summer, and he’d be an amazing fit for Marcelo Bielsa’s system.

Luis has been capped over 70 times from Portugual U15s to more recently the U21s and as a lynchpin-type, he could be the long-term heir to Kalvin Phillips, who is sure to garner even more interest now he’ll be competing in the top-flight.

The young prospect has displayed enforcer-like attributes across the previous two seasons, averaging an impressive 3.8 tackles, 2.9 interceptions and 1.3 long balls per game, via WhoScored. This includes a whopping nine tackles in the Champions League against Lyon this term.

He’s such a massive talent that he’s been tipped to have a higher ceiling than Joao Felix and has even been likened to Real Madrid enforcer Casemiro as well as Man Utd superstar Paul Pogba.

Former Benfica youth coach Joao Tralhao claims Luis is “an exceptional talent and [has] physical qualities totally in line with his footballing qualities.”

United don’t really need another defensive midfielder, but passing up on the chance to sign a potential generational star would be a massive mistake to make.

The Portuguese destroyer would be right at home at Elland Road and one day could be the man to take the reins from the popular Phillips.

AND in other news, Orta can land LUFC a bargain in £5m Championship star…

Liverpool aren’t going to be looking for an elite attacker this summer, but that doesn’t mean that their frontline won’t have a little bit of a shakeup.

The Reds’ front three has proven almost impenetrable with Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino all playing at least 34 league games this term.

However, having a capable backup is vital at any club, and while Liverpool have had that in Divock Origi, that could change next season.

What’s the story then?

Alan Nixon claimed on Saturday that Rhian Brewster won’t be going out on loan anytime soon.

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The journalist went on to say that the youngster could be close to making the team if Origi departs the club this summer, and with Aston Villa reportedly interested in the Belgian, this is a real possibility.

However, you can’t help but feel Jurgen Klopp would be making a mistake by replacing Origi with Brewster.

Not a patch on Origi

Now, we aren’t saying that Brewster isn’t a brilliant player, the 20-year-old has a lot of potential and his 11 goals in 22 Championship games shows exactly what he can bring to a team.

However, it’s hard to imagine that anyone will fit Origi’s role as well as he does, he’s content not being a starter, but whenever he is called upon he gets the job done, scoring a litany of late goals that have changed the course of vital matches over the past 18 months or so.

His brace against Barcelona sent the Reds to the Champions League final last year, while he also sealed the win against Spurs in that final, netting late on to make it 2-0 and wrap up the tie.

Meanwhile, his goals against Everton in Merseyside derbies over the past two years have given Liverpool valuable bragging rights in their own city.

Brewster has never played in such big games, whereas Origi is a proven performer when it matters most.

This would be a big mistake on Klopp’s part to let the 25-year-old go and hang his hopes on Brewster.

Celtic chief Nick Hammond could be playing with fire if latest reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to Italian newspaper Il Secolo XIX, the Scottish champions are keen on bolstering their defence with a swoop for Sampdoria right-back Bartosz Berenszynski.

It’s claimed that the Hoops along with Southampton and recently relegated AFC Bournemouth are monitoring the 28-year-old ahead of a possible move before the summer transfer window slams shut in October.

Whilst it remains to be seen how much he’d command, Transfermarkt currently value the Poland international at £5.4m.

Frimpong impact

The 22-cap full-back has been a regular in the Serie A this campaign where he has also featured in central defence, though his performances haven’t really been a standout.

Per WhoScored, Berenszynski has averaged 2.5 clearances, 1.9 tackles and 1.3 interceptions and only managed 0.5 crosses per appearance too.

This would suggest that he’d be a pretty solid addition but nothing spectacular, which poses the question – should he really be brought in to play above Jeremie Frimpong?

The teenage sensation has started all of the Bhoys’ three Premiership matches this campaign, which included a goal in the opener against Hamilton.

Neil Lennon is such a big fan of the Dutch youngster that he labelled him as “one of the best kids I’ve ever seen” before adding that he’s got “pace, power, end product” as per the BBC.

That is quite some statement considering the Hoops boss has overseen the development of Kieran Tierney and many others in over five seasons in charge of the club.

Therefore, Hammond would be sleepwalking into a disaster at Parkhead with a move for the Sampdoria ace. Other players can fill in at right-back if the young sensation ever needs a rest or is injured.

AND in other news, Celtic are landing a bargain in “special talent”…

Brighton play their second home match in four days tonight as they welcome Portsmouth to the Amex Stadium in the Carabao Cup.

The Seagulls will aim to advance to the third round, where they were defeated by eventual finalists Aston Villa last season, and bounce back from Monday night’s 1-3 loss to Chelsea in their Premier League opener.

With Albion making the long trip north to Newcastle for a 2pm kick-off on Sunday, Graham Potter is likely to make wholesale changes to his starting line-up given the hectic schedule as several fringe players come in for rare starts.

The manager issued positive updates on the injuries to Adam Lallana and Ben White, both of whom went off on Monday night, but neither is in line to feature against Pompey. [via Brighton & Hove Independent]

Here is our predicted XI for tonight’s cup tie, which shows 10 changes from the team that started against Chelsea:

Mat Ryan, who was ever-present in the Premier League last season, will almost certainly be given the night off and that could give Jason Steele, who was on the bench on Monday, a chance to make just his second senior Brighton appearance.

Summer signing Joel Veltman didn’t feature against Chelsea but could make his Seagulls debut at right-back in place of Tariq Lamptey, with West Ham-linked Bernardo coming in at left-back. Adam Webster could be the only player from Monday’s defeat to start again tonight, with Dan Burn alongside him as the ex-Wigan man re-assumes his more customary centre-back role.

Potter has said in the lead-up to the game that Davy Propper will feature after shaking off a recent Achilles injury and the Dutchman could partner Dale Stephens at the base of midfield. Ahead of them, Brighton may line up with an attacking midfield trio of Pascal Gross on the right, Alireza Jahanbakhsh on the left and Alexis Mac Allister in the number 10 role.

Choice is abundant for the lone striker’s position, although the manager hinted earlier this week that Swedish youngster Viktor Gyokeres could make an appearance against Pompey and he might be given his chance to impress at centre-forward. Amid reported loan interest from Swansea, Potter perhaps wants to see what the 22-year-old can do before making a decision on his future.

Brighton fans, what players would you like to see in action tonight? Join in the discussion in the comments section below!

West Ham United are bordering on desperation as they enter the final five days of the transfer window and latest reports could spell trouble for GSB…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Italia (via the Daily Mail), the Irons have submitted an offer to Napoli for their centre-back Nikola Maksimovic with the 28-year-old reportedly top of David Moyes’ shortlist.

It’s claimed that the Serie A outfit are looking for between £14m and £19m for the Sebian international whose contract is set to expire in less than 12 months time.

Premier League newcomers Fulham are said to be keen whilst Everton were mooted with interest earlier in the transfer window.

Costly error?

The Hammers haven’t had much luck with centre-backs over the past few years, since the departures of James Collins and James Tomkins, no one has truly stepped up.

Winston Reid is always injured, Angelo Ogbonna is inconsistent and Issa Diop isn’t trusted by some supporters.

But would Maksimovic be a solid addition? Well, the 6 foot 4 colossus is currently third choice in Naples and only started 21 matches last term where he averaged just 1.8 aerial duels won and 1.5 tackles per game, via WhoScored.

Given his nationality, imposing frame and aggressiveness (1.1 fouls per match), the 28-year-old has been likened to former United monster Nemanja Vidic who was the long-term partner of Rio Ferdinand for years.

Fabian Balbuena has just made a claim to be a starting centre-back after recording a whopping five tackles against Wolves whilst Ogbonna is averaging 1.7 per game, which is more than Maksimovic, so perhaps he wouldn’t be much of an improvement at all.

GSB would be playing a risky game to splash £14m plus wages in excess of the £36k-per-week he’s earning in Italy on a player that’s hugely untested outside of the Serie A.

Something they can’t afford to do after the uproar over selling young sensation Grady Diangana.

AND in other news, Irons targeting a surprise move for rival right-back…

Tottenham Hotspur are desperate for a new striker this summer and their ongoing pursuit has seen them revisit a former target of Mauricio Pochettino’s…

What’s the word?

According to L’Equipe, Spurs could be prepared to offer €15m (£13.8m) for Metz forward Habib Diallo before the transfer deadline on October 5th.

They claim that the 25-year-old is desperate to leave the Ligue 1 outfit to join the Premier League, especially the north London outfit, who are his priority.

A few weeks before his sacking, ex-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino was keen on signing the Senegalese talisman in a £10m deal, though Chelsea were also thought to be keen, per TEAMtalk.

Second time lucky?

Well, it’s certainly no secret that Jose Mourinho needs another option to Harry Kane this window and perhaps Diallo offers a cheap solution.

The 6 foot 1 powerhouse provided 12 goals and three assists in Ligue 1 last season, which included strikes against Monaco and Yann M’Vila’s Saint-Etienne, via Transfermarkt.

He captained Metz for the majority of those matches, but this term, he’s been condemned to the bench and last time out, he didn’t get a single minute on the pitch.

Diallo has followed in the footsteps of Sadio Mane and Ismaila Sarr, and could well become the next to make the step into the English top-flight if Spurs manage to clinch him this summer.

Former teammate Franck Signorino believes the 25-year-old is “a good forward, holds up the ball well, and he’s effective with his head” whilst his coach Vincent Hognon added: “He’s a guy with every quality going. You know how much I love him. I’m surprised he hasn’t found a club matching his stature. I see his quality in his movement, the way he keeps the ball, in a huge amount of things.”

As a late bloomer like Wolves’ Raul Jimenez, the Senegalese striker has also been dubbed a “phenomenal finisher” who is also class aerially by WonderScouting.

Diallo has even been likened to Emmanuel Adebayor due to his physical movement on the ball, so perhaps that’s exactly what Spurs need to be second fiddle to Kane.

AND in other news, Spurs must focus on signing a defender after £65k-per-week star’s disasterclass…

Scottish giants Celtic are gunning for a historic tenth title in a row this season and they have every chance of doing so as Neil Lennon’s side remain unbeaten in the league so far.

But a serious lack of foresight could come back to hurt them later down the line.

Rewind to the summer of 2019, the Hoops made some solid deals in the transfer market – loan moves for Moi Elyounoussi and Fraser Forster from Southampton were regarded as quite the coup for the club whilst Christopher Jullien, Greg Taylor and Jeremie Frimpong have all cemented their names as first-team regulars now.

However, there was a disappointing departure amongst the Parkhead academy ranks as Liam Morrison rejected a deal to join Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, which has since turned out to be a grave mistake.

The 17-year-old had his sights set on a move to Germany as soon as Bayern entered the equation but the likes of Peter Lawwell and the youth setup should have done so much more to tie him down long-term.

This week, The Guardian named him among the top 60 ‘best young talents in world football’ sitting alongside the next Erling Haaland and the best Portuguese prospect since Cristiano Ronaldo.

They relay comments from Scotland youth coach Brian McLaughlin, who said: “He has all the potential to be a Champions League centre-back. I believe their academy people have likened him to a young Mats Hummels and I think it is a good comparison. You have a centre-back who is equally comfortable playing on the right or the left and has the ability to beat a man if he has to.”

Again, this comparison is made by Bundesliga.com, claiming the teenager is “the very definition of a modern centre-back, combining sentry-like qualities with cultured build-up play.”

And he’s already been impressing Bayern’s academy manager Jochen Sauer, who added: “He’s a robust and physical defender with a lot of quality.”

Given the dubious future of Kristoffer Ajer at Celtic Park and the fact that Shane Duffy is only signed on a season-long loan, the Bhoys could well live to regret their feeble attempts to keep a generational Scottish prospect at the club.

Lawwell and co only have themselves to blame.

AND in other news, Lawwell could land Celtic their next Broony with swoop for 5-goal monster…