Ole is officially at the wheel. After months of progress, the legendary Manchester United hero has secured the job on a permanent basis and now the real work begins ahead of the summer transfer window. There’s a long road ahead, but life is good for you United fans right now.
Indeed, it could prove to be the biggest window for Manchester United in years because with the right signings, the Red Devils should expect to challenge for the Premier League title once again. For how big the club is, that is the least they can hope to achieve but first, it’s all about strengthening upon their current options.
Money has never been an issue for United and so it won’t prove too damaging to spend a lot of money on a number of positions this summer. Clearly, that’s needed and considering the insatiable nature of fans baying for transfers, it promises to be a huge summer.
To start proceedings, their first signing should be Crystal Palace right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, following a terrific breakthrough season at Selhurst Park.
Wan-Bissaka, (who is valued at £22.5 million on Transfermarkt) is yet another English talent showing his unbelievable ability this season, despite a senior call-up yet to occur. Reports from talkSPORT earlier this season suggest that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has earmarked Wan-Bissaka as a replacement for the outgoing Antonio Valencia as he looks to improve United defensively.
A big clear-out is expected at Old Trafford this summer, it makes room for an extremely talented right-back to enter the fray.
For Crystal Palace, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has shown his tremendous attacking and defensive abilities, when consistently making himself an option out on the right-hand-side, hence why Man United are obviously so keen on his signature.
He’s simply a wonderkid they need to sign.
Do you agree that Wan-Bissaka should be a target for Man United… Let us know down below!
Well, well, well. It looks like Southampton are just going to have enough yet again to steer themselves clear of the relegation zone and remain in the Premier League for next season.
It’s all well and good hearing that but Southampton were a team just a few years ago were regular challengers for the European positions, a sign of how quickly things have gone dramatically downhill.
That board, right? Terrible, terrible board.
The ownership continues to be somewhat unreliable in terms of how little money is being made available to Ralph Hasenhuttl and his team. Clearly, they have the chance to somewhat redeem themselves this summer, but one swallow doesn’t make a summer, Should that continue, Southampton must turn their attention to the development of their younger players.
An example of one of those players who could make it far in a Southampton shirt is striker Michael Obafemi.
Obafemi, (who is valued at £900k on Transfermarkt) is a youngster who showed great potential during his brief cameos with the Southampton first-team. Unfortunately for the Republic of Ireland man though, he had been plagued with hamstring problems throughout his time in the first-team and the last one he sustained was a season-ender.
Nevertheless, considering he is only 18, he deserves another chance at showing why he is deserving of a place in the first-team.
With a goal and an assist during his spell in the team, there is nothing stopping Michael Obafemi from kicking-on and being a success at St Mary’s when back from injury. It’s not as if his strike partners are covering themselves in glory, right? The competition just isn’t there.
He’s jet-heeled, full of tenacity and knows where the goal is, most importantly for a striker. He is a completely different option to his fellow forwards at Southampton and that’s why faith can’t be lost in him despite an injury set-back.
It’d take a fool to bet against a Hasenhuttl-inspired overhaul on the South Coast this summer but Saints’ most exciting prospect in years can’t be lost in it.
Saints fans, would you give Michael Obafemi another chance next season? Should he take precedence over new signings? Let us know!
Transfer deadline day is criminally devoid of notable Hollywood stories considering the level of hype it generates. It seems that the entire premise of the day is built upon the fact that Manchester City once signed Robinho and attempted to hijack Manchester United’s bid for Dimitar Berbatov on the same day.
Just as City’s wealth and exponential rise from clinical mediocrity to elite domination is unprecedented, so was their transfer activity on August 31st 2008. Transfer stories further down the leagues seldom generate the same level of interest as those concerning Premier League clubs, but the culmination of Leeds United’s lengthy and well documented pursuit of Daniel James was a deadline-day story for the annals.
The promotion-chasing outfit were deprived of their primary target in dramatic circumstances, leaving Phil Hay and his multitude of loyal followers in a state of bewildered meltdown. Circumstances will surely dictate whether the Whites return for James in the summer: promotion will line Andrea Radrizanni’s pockets with mounds upon mounds of cash and Swansea’s awareness of the financial implications of promotion will naturally give them added power on the negotiating table.
But the pulsating 21-year-old may have already priced Leeds out of a move with his performance against Manchester City in the FA Cup just under ten days ago. A game which was broadcast live on the BBC, Swansea shell-shocked the quadruple-chasing giants in a captivating first-half. James was at the forefront of every incisive move the Swans constructed, leaving Nicolas Otamendi in a pool of treacle as he flicked the jets on his heels before racing forward at Olympian-esque speed.
It was the type of performance which, in-front of a national audience, can launch a player into stardom in one fleeting 90 minute slice of football. Those who had heard tales of the James to Leeds saga finally understood what all the fuss was about, and it’s fair to assume that Premier League clubs will have been watching with legitimate intrigue.
In the aftermath of proceedings, this is what Guardian journalist Ben Fisher had to say about the performance: ‘As for James, who was set to join Leeds in January for a fee rising to £10m only for Swansea to pull the plug at the 11th hour, eye-catching performances such as these could start a bidding war.’
While it would be rash to assume that top-flight clubs will be convinced to table bids for the Wales international based on the evidence of one performance, his ability to stand out in a clash of that magnitude underlined his credentials to grow above and beyond the Championship.
A recent report from the Daily Telegraph revealed that James has previously clocked up a personal best top speed of 36kph, just one kph shy of the official FIFA record set by Arjen Robben in 2014. Pace is one of the rawest and most unteachable virtues in football and it’s a commodity which clubs intensely desire, so there’s no doubt that Fisher’s verdict could turn prophetic in the summer window.
And James’ match-winning display for Wales against Slovakia on Sunday may well have intensified any lingering feelings of ruefulness that were spinning around Bielsa’s head.
At £10million Leeds could have snapped up a cunning acquisition in the winter window with plenty of resale value. That price-tag, however, looks set to be doubled at the very least by the basic supply and demand rule which drives the footballing market just like everything else.
As the acute awareness of a potential missed opportunity begins to dawn upon Leeds fans with a potential bidding war on the horizon, the underwhelming start to life in the top-flight Wolves’ chief pace merchant Adama Traore has experienced may offer some comfort.
That is about the only divergence to offer from the natural feelings of what might have been which emerged in light of James’ breathtaking FA Cup showing.
Accrington Stanley owner and chairman, Andy Holt, has unleashed a Twitter tirade in relation to the Financial Fair Play (FFP) hearing currently taking place against Birmingham City.
He claims, in no uncertain terms, that clubs who are relegated, or miss out on promotion, due to a rival club breaching the FFP regulations, should be able to sue their counterparts in court.
His suggestion that civil action should be enforced on top of any sanction that may be applied by the hearing committee.
He compared FFP breaches to cycling, claiming that if a cyclist has been caught cheating, the next rider is moved up in the standings.
While his point may be valid, placing them in the public domain on social media opens the door to a further, ethical question.
Is it right that owners and chairmen of rival football clubs can make comments that could be seen to influence an investigation or hearing?
If this was an ongoing court case, the proceedings would be considered active. In such active cases, it is against the law to make public comments, whether in an interview or on social media, that may be seen as having a direct effect or impact on the case.
Breaching these laws can be considered as contempt of court, and is punishable under the 1981 Contempt of Court Act with a fine, or in some cases, up to two years in prison.
Now, although this hearing is not an active court case, and those laws do not apply, shouldn’t there be something similar in place for them?
The comments made by Accrington’s owner may well be legitimate, but is it right that he can say these things on a public forum, for all to read and see, while the hearing is taking place?
Surely his comments can only inflame an already lit powder keg, and could be seen as a deliberate attempt to ramp up pressure on those responsible for making the judgement and, if appropriate, imposing a relevant punishment.
It is time for guidelines to be put in place, ensuring prominent figures in footballing positions hold their counsel on situations like these until the verdict has been reached, and any potential appeal has been exhausted.
Here are Holt’s Tweets in full so you can judge for yourself:
What are your thoughts on Andy Holt’s comments City fans? Are his comments a concerted effort to make Birmingham a scapegoat? Let us know below…
Daniel Levy has established himself as the epitome of tight-fistedness in a modern footballing world which is defined by extravagant and often gratuitous spending.
The vast majority of Tottenham supporters have never met Levy but almost all of them have constructed an identity for their chairman based off a combination of media reports, Spurs’ sparse transfer activity and an almost satirical will for him to be the league’s most cunning negotiator.
The immaculately presented bald-headed businessman looks like any old paper-chasing schmuck, but on the negotiating table this ordinary man morphs into a beast, forcing those who dare to join him to succumb to his demands regardless of how ridiculous they may seem.
But for how much longer can a man as unique as Levy survive in this modern world? Spurs are mixing amongst the heavyweights now and they sure want to stay exactly where they are.
Even though miracle-working Mauricio Pochettino has proven that there are exceptions to the rule in football, the club cannot continue to operate at the top level without an injection of significant investment.
The 2017 summer transfer window saw the club break their transfer record for Davinson Sanchez, who joined from Ajax in a deal worth £42 million, and if Spurs want to sign one of the most compelling talents in European football they will almost certainly have to obliterate that record.
The talent being alluded to is Fiorentina star Federico Chiesa. Tottenham were credited with interest in the flying winger back in December 2017 and reports have continued to persist ever since, with a report last month suggesting that interest is still at large.
Chiesa, 21, has established himself as one of the most coveted talents on the continent since breaking into the first-team at Fiorentina, stunning Serie A audiences with his multitude of technical qualities.
It’s no surprise, then, that he is the club’s most valuable player at €68 million (£58.7 million), per a recent financial report from CIES Football observatory.
On paper that valuation may seem beyond what Levy is willing to splash out but some context is needed here. This is a player who is already performing to an immense standard in one of Europe’s top five leagues, despite being just 21-years-of-age.
Attacking players typically command the biggest valuations in football due to their match-winning capabilities. That Levy was willing to pay £42 million for a central defender of the same age almost two years ago suggests the extra £16.7 million cost for a proven attacker is actually within the realms of possibility.
Of course, it must be considered that Spurs have other areas to prioritise in the transfer market but Chiesa is the type of talent who has stark credentials to become a key player at the club, and he could even rise to a level akin to that which Son Heung-min currently stands proudly on.
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Like the South Korea international, Chiesa is a dynamic attacking winger who loves to dribble at his opponent with verve and purpose. But that desire is not merely a vanity exercise and his return of 20 goals and 22 assists from 106 appearances for Fiorentina underlines the excellence of his end product.
Statistically the players are similar too. Chiesa has had 3.8 shots per Serie A game this season, played 1.5 key passes, completed 2.3 dribbles and been fouled 1.7 times, per Whoscored.
Son, meanwhile, has made 2.3 shots per Premier League game, played 1 key pass, completed 1.5 dribbles and won 0.7 fouls, per Whoscored. Looking at the statistics, Chiesa actually looks like the more dangerous talent on paper with the ball at his feet, although Son’s emphatic return of 12 goals and 6 assists compared to the Italian’s 6 goals and 3 assists says otherwise.
Evidently, Chiesa has another level to rise before he can be considered on a par with Son, but that will come with time and experience in the coming years.
Would the majority of Spurs fans take a Son-esque wizard at £58.7 million? You bet they would.
كشف مصدر مسؤول بالاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم “كاف”، مصير مباراة الزمالك والرجاء، في نصف نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا، بعد إصابة عدد كبير من لاعبي الفريق المغربي بفيروس كورونا.
وأرسل نادي الرجاء المغربي مستندات رسمية إلى الاتحاد الإفريقي لكرة القدم “كاف”، لتوضيح موقفه بطلب تأجيل مباراة الفريق أمام الزمالك المحدد لها السبت المقبل، ضمن منافسات مباريات العودة بدوري أبطال أفريقيا. طالع التفاصيل
وأضاف المصدر في تصريحات خاصة لـ بطولات: “هناك اتجاه لتأجيل مباراة الزمالك والرجاء ليوم ٣٠ أكتوبر؛ بسبب التقارير الصحية الواردة إلى كاف من الجهات المنوطة بالمغرب والتي ستقف حائلًا أمام إقامة المباراة يوم السبت المقبل”.
وتابع: “المباراة النهائية لدوري أبطال إفريقيا تكون يوم ٦ نوفمبر في موعدها بدون تأجيل”.
وحقق الزمالك الفوز على الرجاء المغربي، بهدف دون رد، في ذهاب دور نصف نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا، التي أقيمت بينهما يوم الأحد الماضي، على ستاد محمد الخامس بالدار البيضاء، وكان من المقرر أن تقام مباراة الإياب في التاسعة من مساء السبت المقبل، بالقاهرة.
According to Colombia media outlet Marca Claro, via Sport Witness, Everton defender Yerry Mina looks set to be out for three weeks after suffering a hamstring injury during his country’s clash with South Korea this week, and Toffees fans have been quick to react to the soul-destroying blow.
Having seen his performances at the 2018 World Cup and considering the fact the tall centre-back was joining from Barcelona, there would have been plenty of excitement and anticipation following the arrival of Mina at Goodison Park last summer.
However, it has turned out to be something of a nightmare spell in England for the 24-year-old to date, as he has been continually hampered by injuries and lack of form.
The South American finally made his first Premier League start since December against Chelsea before the international break, but now the latest setback looks set to consign him to another spell on the sidelines.
The update has unsurprisingly been met with a disgruntled response by Toffees supporters, with many suggesting it is typical of the Merseyside club’s luck, while one says his injury record is “concerning” and another believes the club have “signed a dud”.
It’s safe to say Naby Keita hasn’t lived up to his price tag since arriving at Liverpool.
Signed for a then club-record fee of £48 million, Keita was widely seen as the heir to Steven Gerrard at the club, but seven months into his debut season, the former RB Leipzig star hasn’t exactly set the Premier League alight.
Since his move to Merseyside, the Guinea midfielder has six goals and assisted another five in 27 Bundesliga appearances alone.
Of course, you can point to factors as to why Keita hasn’t done well in England from the dramatic change in teams he has played against to the pressure of being dubbed the heir to Gerrard after taking the latter’s iconic shirt number, but there are no two ways about it, the midfielder has had a stinker of a debut season.
With Liverpool chasing City in the league and Keita seemingly benched, Jurgen Klopp’s plan to bring the midfielder in as the true heir to Gerrard at Liverpool hasn’t gone to plan, but an answer for the German isn’t far away from returning.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, you remember him right? The English midfielder has been out of action since his knee injury against AS Roma in last season’s Champions League, but with former Arsenal man returning to first-team football soon, there is a good chance the 25-year-old could be back in time for some Premier League minutes this season.
Chamberlain was a success with Liverpool last season, flourishing in the midfield three and looking likely to be a part of England’s World Cup team, but of course his knee injury through those plans out the window, but with his return imminent, the versatile midfielder now has a chance to show his worth again in the team.
Unlike Keita, Chamberlain has been able to put up the numbers that matter for Liverpool, scoring five and assisting eight in all competitions for the Reds last season, and it won’t be a surprise to see Klopp decide to bring the English midfielder back into the first-team next season as the true heir to Gerrard.
Liverpool fans, would you rather have Chamberlain in the first-team over Keita? Let us know!
In a revealing interview with the Sheffield Star, Danny Webber has shared the key things he thinks Sheffield United need to do in order to repeat the promotion heroics the striker was a part of back in 2006.
What’s he said?
In a fascinating interview, Webber had plenty to say about the Blades’ campaign so far and what sort of situation the players are now finding themselves in. He first told the Sheffield Star:
“Everybody outside of the dressing room knows what the situation is. So the lads inside it definitely know.”
He picked up on what he thinks the major attribute is that has led to the Yorkshire club’s success this term, speaking about collectiveness as a team and how he experienced the same feeling during his playing days.
“We had a group of proper blokes who were all good players but down to earth and prepared to roll their sleeves up. That’s what I see at United now as well. That collective is important, together with the desire to do whatever it takes to get what you want.”
“That’s going to be the case at United now, especially with Chris and the skipper Billy (Sharp) being United fans. They’ll be setting the ground rules, making sure everyone knows what United’s identity is all about.
“I don’t think it’s any coincidence, with that mindset and identity, that United are doing so well. It breeds a connection within the group and also one with the terraces.”
The former striker also revealed what the team needed to do going into the final few months of the campaign, and what the current Blades side need to replicate.
“Lazer sharp focus is what’s needed now. That’s what got us up and that’s what can get the lads there now.”
Webber spot on
Webber is absolutely right when it comes to the togetherness of the team, with the likes of Chris Wilder and Billy Sharp helping install a group mentality within the club. It’s something that’s really visible.
Having such good spirit during a promotion campaign is absolutely pivotal and there is no better man to say so than someone who’s already gone and done it.
Who would make a combined Sheffield XI? Ingood Nick makes his picks in the video below…
With eight games left to play of the season, everything is in Sheffield United’s control, sitting a point above Leeds in the automatic promotion places. That’s why focus is needed now more than ever as the club reaches the business end of the season.
They’ve outweighed expectations completely this season but the togetherness and focus within the team has been exceptional. It’s bred a winning mentality and as a consequence rallied the fans.
Spurs fans on Twitter have been backing Heung Min Son to win Champions League Player of the Week after he was nominated for the award.
Son put in a brilliant showing against Manchester City, scoring the only goal in Tottenham’s 1-0 win.
The South Korean has been fantastic for Mauricio Pochettino’s side this season, netting 18 goals for the London club.
Son will have a busy few weeks as he once again is relied on to be the main provider of goals for Spurs after Harry Kane limped off with an injury against City.
If the 26-year-old can keep his performances at the level they were at on Tuesday night, Spurs shouldn’t miss Kane too much as Son stepped up to the mark in the absence of their top scorer.
The attacker is nominated alongside Roberto Firmino, Gerard Pique and Frenkie De Jong for the award but in the minds of Tottenham fans there should only be one winner.
Here’s what Spurs fans have been saying on Twitter…