All posts by h716a5.icu

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce has spoken in recent weeks about the potential transfer overhaul he’s looking to complete at the Hawthorns this summer.

One potential move that has been reported could see current Baggies defender Cedric Kipre leave the club this summer.

Since arriving at the club back in September 2020 from Wigan Athletic, the centre-back has made just 19 appearances for the Baggies across all competitions.

This latest season saw the 25-year-old appear just 14 times for his side in the Championship, the latest of which coming all the way back in January.

This shows just how much Bruce doesn’t fancy him and why it’s not a surprise to hear that the Baggies boss would be willing to see the Frenchman leave this summer.

Previously slammed for his “shocking” tackle on Rangers midfielder Ryan Jack that kept him sidelined for six months back in December 2017, Kipre may now be on the lookout for a new club to join.

In terms of who the Midlands side could look to bring in as a suitable replacement for the Frenchman, one figure the Baggies have been linked with that could fit the bill for Bruce is Blackburn Rovers defender Darragh Lenihan.

With a total of 219 appearances in the Championship under his belt, the 28-year-old certainly has more experience at this level than Kipre, who has just 88 games in the second division to his name.

This season saw the Irishman end Blackburn’s campaign with the second-highest number of interceptions (58) and third-highest number of tackles (43) to his name in the Lancashire club’s squad.

His overall performances earned him a season rating of 7.1/10 from WhoScored, making him Blackburn’s highest-rated player.

To put that into perspective, this rating would also put him as West Brom’s highest-rated player for the recent campaign.

To further highlight how impressive the £14k-per-week centre-back is, Rovers boss Tony Mowbray had this to say about him back in December.

He said: “He’s right at the top of his game, you can tell the way he’s dominating, he’s towering over players inches taller than him, his passing he looks so assured, long passing, short passing.”

Moving forward, with Lenihan’s contract at Ewood Park set to expire at the end of June, potentially cashing in on Kipre and securing the Blackburn star on a free transfer could be an excellent bit of business from Bruce and the Baggies.

In other news: Cost £0, sold for £15m: WBA sealed a big transfer masterclass with “quiet” 28 y/o flop

Everton are still waiting for defender Yerry Mina to decide his future as he prepares to enter into the final year of his contract at Goodison Park.

The Columbians former agent has recently spoken to Italian outlet L’Interista where he revealed that Mina has always wanted to play in Italy, and that there has been contact between the player and Inter Milan in the past.

However, he also said that this doesn’t mean the player won’t decide to renew his contract with Everton, and that he expects him to evaluate all the offers on the table and decide where he wants to play.

The £18m-rated defender struggled with injuries last season and missed 25 games, and his absence played a huge part in the club struggling to maintain their Premier League status.

If The Toffees are to avoid a relegation battle next season, then he will play a key part, so Frank Lampard needs to do all he can to persuade him to stay.

However, letting his contract run down is also a bad idea when Everton need to generate funds in order to be able to make new signings.

They can’t risk letting him go for free so making sure he commits his future with a new contract this summer is a must.

Mina moved to Merseyside from FC Barcelona back in 2018 for £27.2m and has made 91 appearances for the club, he’s a fans favourite and could lead the rebuild under Lampard and be guaranteed game time if he stayed.

If you look at his statistics for the 2020/21 Premier League season you can see just how good he can be. He showed composure with the ball ranking in the top 7% for touches in the defensive third and percentage of dribblers tackled.

In comparison to Everton’s two other main centre-backs Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey, he performs better in several areas. His pass completion percentage in 2020/21 was higher than both at an impressive 94%.

He’s been described as a “rock” by former Everton player Don Hutchinson.

We think he’s Everton’s best defender, and for a side who conceded the fifth most goals last season, keeping him at the club would be their most important signing this summer.

AND in other news: Everton eye £30m swoop for 21 y/o “special talent”, just imagine him and Gordon…

West Ham are plotting a move for Watford striker Emmanuel Dennis as David Moyes looks to bolster his attacking options ahead of next season.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, the Hammers are one of the clubs who will battle it out for the Nigeria international, along with Crystal Palace and Brentford.

Watford have valued the striker at £20m and this could tempt prospective suitors to submit a bid during the summer transfer window.

With Moyes urgently needing attacking reinforcements at the London Stadium, the move would make a lot of sense for the Irons.

Imagine him and Bowen

West Ham enjoyed one of their most memorable seasons in recent memory as Moyes led the club to a seventh-place finish in the Premier League, also taking the Hammers on a magnificent Europa League run all the way to the semi-finals.

However, they were overly dependent on goals from their wingers during the 2021/22 season, with Jarrod Bowen (18) and Said Benrahma (11) contributing massively to take the pressure off the Irons’ only senior centre-forward Michail Antonio, who netted 13 times.

Dennis joined Watford from Club Brugge last summer and netted an impressive ten goals in all competitions last season, along with supplying six assists.

There is no doubt that West Ham need another striker to take the burden off the injury-prone Antonio, and the Hornets’ Nigerian marksman now has a season of experience in the Premier League.

Having been described by reporter Tolu Olasoji as a “delight to watch”, the 24-year-old surely won’t want to ply his trade in the Championship next season, especially at this important stage in his development.

Dennis and Bowen could make an interesting prospective partnership in east London. With the English winger also contributing heavily towards his club’s goal tally, he could relish proving chances galore for Dennis to put away, propelling West Ham towards another excellent season.

For a potential £20m, it could well turn out to be an incredible piece of prospective business for Moyes and the Hammers in the long run, if they can pull it off.

AND in other news, “Another target…”: Ex drops big West Ham summer transfer claim that supporters will love

Rangers’ hopes of signing Joe Rothwell look to be over, with the latest reports suggesting that he is set to join Nottingham Forest on a free transfer.

What’s the word?

Rangers have regularly been linked with the Englishman in the past few weeks, once it became apparent that he wouldn’t extend his stay at Ewood Park and would leave the club on a Bosman transfer.

The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell recently suggested that Rangers will look to bring in free transfer signings this summer and the Blackburn Rovers midfielder would have made a lot of sense for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side, considering his strong form for Blackburn in the Championship last season.

However, Football Scotland journalist Mark McDougall has now suggested that Rothwell is on the brink of joining Forest following their recent promotion to the Premier League.

Gutting news

Rothwell enjoyed an excellent campaign for the Lancashire side, contributing three goals and 10 assists in 41 Championship appearances, averaging an impressive 6.95 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

The Teddy Bears have found a lot of success in signing free agents from English sides in recent seasons, with the likes of John Lundstram, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey having all established themselves as key figures at Ibrox after signing for nothing.

With Aaron Ramsey unlikely to return to Rangers next season given his current wage at Juventus, and Aribo attracting interest from elsewhere, depth in central midfield is something that van Bronckhorst will surely be keen to add this summer.

Tony Mowbray was full of praise for the 27-year-old last season, saying:

“Joe Rothwell’s threat is there for everybody to see when he plays like he did today. When he bursts past the first challenge and runs into space there’s nobody catching him.”

Only James Tavernier would register more assists than Rothwell in the Rangers squad last season, so the former Oxford United man could have added some creativity in midfield.

Unfortunately, it seems as if he has his sights set on a move to the City Ground, and Rangers supporters will surely be disappointed that their side could not convince Rothwell to make the move north.

And, in other news… Rangers eyeing move for Brazilian sensation

Liverpool have enjoyed a successful season winning both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, but they are now ready to go again next season and could be set to bolster their squad beyond finding a Sadio Mane replacement this summer.

What’s the latest?

According to Italian news outlet Calciomercato, Liverpool are interested in signing Matthijs de Ligt this summer.

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As per the report, the Reds are one of the most interested clubs in taking advantage of stalling contract talks between Juventus and the young defender, but they are not alone in their interest.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain are all named as parties who will compete with Liverpool to secure the signing.

The news comes amidst a potentially record-breaking swoop for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez who could move to Merseyside this summer.

Dream VVD heir

There is no doubt that Liverpool have one of the best defensive set-ups in European football boasting top talents like Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson and Joel Matip, however Klopp could be planning for the future when it comes to their most recent rumoured transfer target.

Both Matip and Van Dijk are now in their 30s and whilst they have many years ahead of them as well as a reliable youngster in Ibrahima Konate rotating into the centre-back partnership, if the reports are true FSG are clearly planning ahead to make sure they’re not caught short in their back-line.

De Light who was hailed an “absolute monster” by journalist Carlo Garganese has had an outstanding season in Serie A with Juventus.

According to SofaScore, the £83.6m star scored three goals and created three big chances, whilst making 1.1 tackles, 3.1 clearances and taking 64.5 touches on average per game.

He also won the majority of his duels (62%) and was successful in the majority of his dribbles (67%), proving he is a nightmare for any forward line.

The 22-year-old dubbed “incredible” by Andrea Barzagli would be the perfect heir to eventually succeed Matip and van Dijk when the time comes, but there is one huge problem that puts the entire idea of the potential transfer in question.

De Ligt would only be willing to make the move to Liverpool if he was paid £200k-per-week, something that would be unfathomable in FSG’s tight wage structure and would put him at the top end with the likes of Mo Salah and Van Dijk who perform and play week in week out, which would be unlikely for the youngster due to the strength in defence.

With that being said, FSG will need to carefully consider their move for De Ligt and weigh up their options as there are other areas of the squad that need strengthening, so to offer a player they don’t necessarily needs the kind of salary he demands would likely be a non-starter.

AND in other news: Offer made: Liverpool now “want to sign” 34-goal “diamond”, Klopp absolutely loves him

An update has emerged on Tottenham and their interest in signing Lisandro Martinez in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

90min reporter Sean Walsh has claimed that Spurs are in the race to land the defender alongside a host of Premier League outfits.

He Tweeted: “Arsenal are leading the chase for Lisandro Martinez, but they face significant competition from likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and Newcastle. Erik ten Hag and Man Utd also admirers but further down their shortlist.”

Fabio Paratici is plotting a swoop for the Argentine gem and will reportedly need to shell out £25m to tempt Ajax into selling him.

Big Ben Davies upgrade

By securing a deal to sign Martinez, the Spurs chief can land Antonio Conte a big upgrade on Ben Davies at left centre-back.

The Wales international enjoyed a solid campaign with Tottenham as he started 28 times in the Premier League and helped them to secure Champions League football.

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He averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.88 and won 54% of his duels as he established himself alongside Eric Dier and Christian Romero on the left-hand side of the back three.

In Martinez, however, Spurs can find themselves a superior player to improve their XI heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

Journalist Casey Evans previously claimed that the defender has a “bulldog-like” approach, much like Carlos Tevez, and his statistics suggest that it is an accurate comment.

In 2021/22, the brute won a whopping 69% of his individual duels and made 3.9 tackles and interceptions per game in the Eredivisie – showing that he is an aggressive defender who wins the majority of his 50/50’s.

These stats show that he is a physically dominant player, despite standing at 5 foot 9, who can outmuscle opposition players in battles at a much higher success rate than Davies.

Martinez has also shown that he has potential to deliver a higher standard of performance on a regular basis than the former Swansea man. Last season, the Argentina international averaged a phenomenal SofaScore rating of 7.61 from centre-back as he produced quality displays week-in-week-out in the Netherlands.

At the age of 24, he also has the potential to improve and is a player Conte can work with on the training pitch to help him develop in the years to come. This means that he can be a big upgrade on Davies in the short-term, if he can adapt to the Premier League, whilst also being an investment for the future.

AND in other news, Conte can axe £80k-p/w “nightmare” as Spurs plot bid for £50m gem who “rarely misses”…

Sergio Gomez is an entirely viable option for Aston Villa.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Birmingham Mail who claim that the 21-year-old is still on Aston Villa’s “list” as a young but experienced understudy option for Lucas Digne.

After the sale of Matt Targett to Newcastle United, Digne is undoubtedly the first choice left-back, with Gerrard looking to embed competition for places in order to maintain a level of desire within the squad.

The Anderlecht left-back is rated at around £9m, as per Transfermarkt.

Gomez x Watkins

Barcelona youth product, Gomez, has found his feet in the Belgian top-flight, chipping in with five goals and 12 assists in 34 appearances throughout his maiden Jupiler Pro League campaign.

Operating throughout Vincent Kompany’s 4-4-2 system as an offensive left-back, he has gathered more goal returns in the league this season than Digne has managed throughout the last two Premier League campaigns and has quite simply been “on fire” as put by Stefan Buczko.

With 65 chances created, Gomez surpasses Digne’s squad-topping 52 chances at Villa, with the Spaniard’s 15 big chances created almost double that of Villa’s top ‘big chance’ creator Emi Buendia, with eight in the season just gone.

His offensive acumen is astonishing and represents what would be an unorthodox, but entirely prosperous, partnership with Ollie Watkins, who has enjoyed two solid Premier League campaigns back-to-back.

Watkins finished as Aston Villa’s top-scorer for the second season in a row and despite possessing athleticism and agility, has slotted into the role of a poacher with relative ease.

With an average of just 33.51 touches per game, he is reliant on teammates to create chances, so you can imagine the field day he would have if Gomez was operating on the left flank.

As a versatile asset, Gomez can occupy more advanced positions, so it would not be a shock to see him deployed as a left-midfielder at times.

But ultimately, he shines in defence and has proven himself as one of Europe’s most promising defensive prospects.

Gerrard needs to wrap this deal up.

AND in other news: Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez 

Aston Villa forward Trezeguet appears to be edging closer to a departure from the Premier League outfit, according to the latest reports.

What’s the word?

As per journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Midlands side have “reached an agreement” with Turkish champions Trabzonspor regarding a deal for the 27-year-old, albeit with the Egypt international still to agree on personal terms.

Writing on Twitter about the 56-cap playmaker’s future, the transfer guru stated: “Aston Villa and Trabzonspor have reached an agreement for the transfer of Trezeguet. Paperworks and personal terms remaining in order to complete the deal.

“Negotiations will continue in the coming days.”

The former Kasimpasa man – who joined Villa on an £8.75m deal back in 2019 – had spent the second half of last season on loan in the Super Lig with Istanbul Basaksehir, having only returned from a lengthy injury absence towards the end of 2021.

Supporters buzzing

While the £9m-rated gem has perhaps been unfortunate to have suffered that significant knee injury – which ruled him out for almost eight months – he had hardly pulled up many trees prior to that, showing just glimpses of his talent during his three-year stay in England.

A promising debut campaign had seen the £47k-per-week ace net six times in 34 Premier League games, including a pivotal winner against Arsenal to help stave off the drop, yet he followed that up with just two league goals the following year, having failed to earn a regular starting berth for the Villans.

In truth, supporters won’t be shedding any tears over his departure, with his exit perhaps a sign of the impressive squad revamp that manager Steven Gerrard is currently undertaking, as the ambitious club bids to improve upon last season’s 14th place finish.

With the likes of Emi Buendia, Leon Bailey and now Philippe Coutinho among the Englishman’s impressive attacking options, it is unsurprising that Trezeguet has become surplus to requirements, with the one-time Anderlecht man not perhaps at the level that was needed.

Having scored six goals and provided four assists in just 13 league games during his recent loan stint, the 5 foot 11 winger has showcased he is not a lost cause, although simply does not have a future in Gerrard’s squad moving forward.

It could also prove smart business to generate some extra funds with any sale, with the player set to be available for free next summer, with just a year remaining on his existing deal.

His exit will also spark hope among supporters that a new attacking incoming could potentially be on the way, an eventuality that would no doubt leave Villa Park buzzing.

AND in other news, Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez

Everton have been in a back-and-forth with Tottenham Hotspur over a deal for Richarlison, and a new update has now emerged from a reliable source on the progress of the move this summer.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has given an update on the 25-year-old’s imminent exit from Goodison Park.

Romano tweeted: “Tottenham have signed Richarlison on a permanent deal, here we go! First part of paperworks now signed with Everton, after full agreement on personal terms.”

“Fee will be £50m guaranteed plus add-ons. Richarlison, on his way for medical tests in Brasil. Done deal.”

Moshiri will be scrambling

There is no doubt that Everton supporters will be gutted by the news that Richarlison has reportedly now completed his move to Tottenham Hotspur, as the Merseyside club has been on a downward spiral for some time.

The Toffees spent the best part of last season struggling in a relegation scrap with a change in hands of management, all amid ongoing financial issues which have seen the club post more than £100m of losses for the third year in succession.

Losing Richarlison will be a big blow to Frank Lampard’s squad at Goodison Park, as he has been one of the most reliable and consistent players in the side during their most difficult periods over the last season.

The 25-year-old scored 10 goals, delivered five assists and created seven big chances, along with making one key pass, 1.3 tackles and 1.1 interceptions, taking 2.4 shots and winning 7.1 duels per game, proving that he was massively hard-working in both attacking and defensive play.

Farhad Moshiri will now be scrambling for ways to fill the void that the Brazilian winger has left at the club and identify a player who can strengthen the now-weakened Everton squad without breaking the bank.

It will be no easy task for Kevin Thelwell and the rest of the recruitment team at Goodison Park, as their unstable position in the Premier League could make things difficult in terms of signing high-quality players who can make a real difference and replace Richarlison’s output.

With that being said, it remains to be seen if Lampard will be given the funds to reinvest back into finding a replacement for the 25-year-old, but what is certain is that the Toffees have lost a player who has made a huge difference in the team, and it could be seriously detrimental to Everton’s season ahead.

AND in other news – Offer made: Everton close to signing “unique” £20m magician, Lampard needs him badly