All posts by z3u9t.icu

When new Celtic signing Giorgos Giakoumakis hobbled out of the warm-up ahead of Celtic’s League Cup tie last week, Ange Postecoglou was absolutely seething.

The Australian has endured some rotten injury luck since being handed the role of Hoops manager and he has already been quite to make that point.

“I don’t know what it is mate, I have definitely walked under a ladder,” he said following their victory over Raith Rovers.

He will have been cursing his luck yet again this weekend as during their 1-1 draw with Dundee United, Josip Juranovic sustained his own injury problem.

What makes this even more typical is that the Croatian was playing out of position at left-back.

Fortunately, the issue doesn’t look quite as bad as first feared according to the manager.

Postecoglou is also hopeful for Giakoumakis. He sustained a calf strain last week after initially struggling for fitness upon his arrival in Glasgow.

However, he could be back for their clash with Aberdeen next weekend. The boss commented: “If Giakoumakis gets a full week of training we’re quite hopeful for next weekend.

“We’ve just got to get through to the next international break.”

With Kyogo Furuhashi still out, having Giakoumakis back next week will be a huge boost to their chances of reviving their season.

The Hoops started brightly under the new head coach but things have fallen apart in the last few weeks with Celtic enduring their worst start to a campaign for 23 years.

Kyogo’s injury hasn’t helped and neither has the form of Albian Ajeti.

He scored three times in two matches after the Japanese striker’s injury but has now put in a number of laboured performances, making just six passes against Dundee United on Sunday.

Thus, the return of the powerful Greek striker should do wonders for their attacking prowess.

After all, he found the net on 29 occasions in all competitions last term, finishing the season with a career-best tally.

If Giakoumakis can replicate that sort of form at Parkhead, he will become an instant fan favourite. Right now, however, it feels as though anyone would be better than Ajeti. Consequently, the manager should be buzzing with the medical team’s latest update.

AND in other news, Forget McCarthy: Celtic gem who lost possession 20x cost Postecoglou this afternoon…

Sheffield Wednesday’s transition from the Championship to League One has gone swimmingly so far and they currently sit second in the division during the first international break of the season.

Darren Moore’s side have shown few signs of a relegation hangover from their poor 2020/21 campaign, with three wins, one draw and one defeat in their first five League One matches.

The Owls beat Fleetwood, Doncaster and Rotherham, whilst drawing with Charlton and suffering their only loss against Morecambe in a 1-0 defeat.

With these strong results, Sheffield Wednesday have had a number of players who stood out with impressive performances on the pitch in the league. However, we believe that Moore’s key man in August was defender Sam Hutchinson.

The experienced enforcer averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.20 across his three starts in League One, facing Charlton, Doncaster and Fleetwood. He missed the last two matches of the month due to injury, but the fact that Wednesday’s only loss came in those two games merely emphasises his impact on the team.

Hutchinson was near-perfect defensively throughout August as he proved himself to be a rock at the heart of Wednesday’s defence. As per SofaScore, he won an eye-catching 72% of his duels on the pitch, including a whopping 77% of his aerial battles. This highlights his dominance over his opponents, with the defender winning the majority of his duels to stop opposition players from gaining an advantage over him.

He made two interceptions and three clearances per game in League One, whilst he did not allow a single player to dribble past him in any match. Perhaps most impressively, Hutchinson did not make a single error leading to a shot or goal, showing how reliable he was at the back for Moore.

Sheffield Wednesday conceded zero goals in his three League One outings before going on to lose 1-0 to Morecambe with Hutchinson missing through injury. Given his excellent displays in the other matches during August, Moore’s side may have come away with a better result had the 32-year-old been fit for action.

His stonewall defending was key to the Owls starting the season strongly, which was important to build positive momentum following on from such a disappointing campaign in the Championship. This is why he was perhaps Moore’s key man during August and hopefully will continue to be for the rest of the campaign.

AND in other news, Moore makes claim on free agent market, it’s the right call…

Erkut Sogut, the agent of Everton striker Cenk Tosun, has revealed it will not be long before the forward returns to full training with the Toffees.

The Lowdown: Difficult time

A loan move to Besiktas appeared to be rejuvenating Tosun – he scored three goals in three games for the Turkish outfit last term in the league (Transfermarkt).

However, disaster struck when he ruptured his Patella – that was in April, and he has not played a game of football since.

The Latest: Tosun close to return

However, Sogut has provided a positive update on the 30-year-old. He told Fanatik:

“I hope Cenk Tosun will return to the field even stronger, as soon as possible. For this, he continues to work day and night with his private trainer. He has started running and will start training with the ball at his club, Everton, in a few weeks.

“[Tosun] is also very happy to be joining his friends at Everton again. He has one more year [on his] contract and will do his best on the field. The success of Everton is very important for Cenk.

“He is counting down the days to return to the national team as soon as possible and fight with his friends on the field to participate in the World Cup. Participating in the World Cup in Qatar is very important for both Turkey and Cenk.”

The Verdict: Future at Goodison Park?

For Tosun’s career, this is obviously great news. He will be eager to get back on the pitch as quickly as possible and get back to his best after such a long spell on the sidelines.

However, whether that will come at Goodison Park remains to be seen. After all, he has just 11 strikes in 58 games for the club after making the switch for £27m in 2018 (Sky Sports).

After all, the Toffees do have a few options available following the signing of Salomon Rondon. Tosun does have plenty of ability judging by his displays for his national side, but whether he can force his way into Rafael Benitez’s plans when he does return is a different matter entirely.

In other news, Everton fans were livid with this international break news.

Football.london writer Sam Inkersole believes that Tammy Abraham would certainly bring something different to West Ham.

There has been much speculation about Abraham’s future this summer, with Football Insider reporting earlier this month that West Ham were in pole position to sign the striker, but now Arsenal appear to be leading the race, according to the Mirror.

David Moyes has made a striker one of his top priorities this window, with Inkersole believing that Tammy Abraham would bring the club something different up front, telling Football FanCast: “He would certainly bring them something different. If Abraham went there, he’s excellent at holding the ball up, he’s just not as mobile as you would perhaps like your striker to be. 

“I think he would suit West Ham’s playing style; I think with Declan Rice seeing a lot of the ball in that West Ham midfield and playing through the lines to Abraham, get him to hold the ball up and because they do like their wide players, Fornals, Jarred Bowen bringing them in, Said Benrahma I think’s going to have a big season next season as well, I think it would be a good move for the Hammers.”

With West Ham qualifying for the Europa League, David Moyes needs to increase the size of his squad in order to cope with the demand of having at least six extra fixtures to play.

If the Hammers do decide to go for Tammy Abraham, they will be getting a player who knows where the back of the net is, as he has goal-scoring pedigree in both the Premier League and the Champions League.

Abraham featured 32 times in all competitions last season and helped himself to 12 goals in the process. This was a continuation of his goal scoring form the season prior, where he found the back of the net on 18 occasions in all competitions, including three in the Champions League.

According to a report by HommeDuMatch.fr, Tottenham Hotspur have tabled a bid to sign Sheffield United star Sander Berge and The Blades have already replied.

The Lowdown: Spurs in centre-midfield tussle?

The future of club record signing Tanguy Ndombele has been plunged back in doubt over recent days according to reports, with Daily Star reporter Paul Brown believing that he is again unsettled.

As such, Spurs are apparently weighing moves for centre midfield additions and have targets in mind – which include the likes of Joao Palhinha, Corentin Tolisso and Denis Zakaria (Daily Star).

Now, HommeDuMatch bring news of another target for Spurs with an offer now made.

The Latest: Spurs table Berge bid…

The news outlet claims Tottenham have now tabled a bid to sign Norway international Berge this summer – with the player’s current club Sheffield United already responding.

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It is believed that the 23-year-old is ‘eager to leave’ Bramall Lane after their relegation from the Premier League and Spurs have become the latest club to try and offer him an escape route.

Indeed, the Lilywhites have apparently offered United  €20 million (£16.9m) for Berge’s services but that won’t be enough.

Slaviša Jokanović’s side are holding firm and have rejected Tottenham’s bid as they hold out for ‘no less’ than €25m (£21.7m).

The Verdict: Good option?

The 6 foot 4 powerhouse certainly stands out as a physical presence and one who has impressed in the English top flight before, with ex-Blades boss Chris Wilder lauding him as a ‘unique’ player (VG via CaughtOffside).

However, the midfield dynamo also suffered through his fair share of injury problems over 2020/2021 and missed a worrying total of 21 games due to surgery (Transfermarkt) – meaning it could be a gamble to pay over the odds.

Other targets like Palhinha, who played consistently last season whilst averaging more tackles per 90 than any Spurs player (WhoScored), arguably stand out as more priority targets.

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Fantastic’…Sky Sports pundit blown away by ‘huge’ claim involving Spurs, find out more here.

A number of Liverpool supporters have been reacting positively to the news that Harry Wilson has completed a move to Fulham.

The 24-year-old never managed to force his way into Jurgen Klopp’s plans at Anfield, being loaned out several times instead.

Wilson only made two first-team appearances for Liverpool, which may surprise some, and a permanent exit always looked to be on the cards.

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Not only does it allow the Welshman to settle at a new club and kick on in his career, but it also means the Reds receive a healthy amount in return, hopefully, to spend on new signings.

On Saturday, The Athletic‘s James Pearce took to Twitter, confirming that Fulham were on the verge of signing Wilson in a £12million deal and the forward completed the move soon after.

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Liverpool fans react to Wilson exit rumour

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the news, with everyone putting a positive spin on it.

“Good deal”

Credit: @Lucky_Lugo

“Good piece of business for Liverpool. Best of luck Harry”

Credit: @theskiff13

“Seems like Michael Edwards’ plan this summer is to sell deadwood off”

Credit: @EliasYusuff

“Best for all parties involved”

Credit: @footyyuxun

“Michael Edwards committing theft yet again”

Credit: @darragh_n4

“£12m is smashing piece of business for the sale of Wilson, time to invest with it”

Credit: @Conor_Burns398

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to another Reds-related transfer rumour. Read more here.

Teenager Owen Moffat is set to be Celtic’s next breakout star, according to Anthony Haggerty.

The 19-year-old has yet to make a senior appearance for the Scottish giants but has progressed through the youth ranks and is now on the cusp of being in contention for the first-team.

Moffat earned rave reviews from Bhoys fans after showing glimpses of what he can offer in the pre-season win over Sheffield Wednesday last month.

The Celtic Way reporter Haggerty has high hopes for the attacking midfielder and believes Moffat could prove to be as successful as Scotland international Kieran Tierney, who came through Celtic’s ranks and made 170 appearances before securing a £25million move to the Premier League with Arsenal.

Celtic have endured a wretched start to the season, with them crashing out of the Champions League at the second qualifying round for the second consecutive year and losing their Scottish Premiership opener at Hearts.

But Haggerty believes Bhoys boss Ange Postecoglou, who was appointed in June, will help Moffat to develop.

He told Football FanCast: “Kieran Tierney went for a first-team training session once and Ronny Deila and John Collins said ‘we’ve unearthed a diamond’. Moffat might well be the same.

“He impressed in the pre-season friendlies and Postecoglou likes to work with young players, so he might be thinking he can mould Moffat into something that can make a valid first-team contribution.

“Any first-team experience will be a great experience for him.”

Some Everton fans have been left buzzing as transfer updates emerged on both Richarlison and James Rodriguez.

As per Eurosport, both players are looking to move to Spain in the summer window, with Richarlison looking to go to Real Madrid while Rodriguez could join Sevilla.

The Goodison Park faithful would be willing to let the Colombia international go, but they would like to keep hold of Richarlison.

There is no doubt that Rodriguez is a talented player, but he has been criticised for his lack of work rate while playing for the Merseyside club back in his home country, and has not exactly been overly enthusiastic about staying in the past.

Richarlison did not have a great 2020/21 season by his usual high standards, scoring a mere seven goals in the Premier League, and he was criticised by some Blues supporters for a few of his displays.

Thus, it may be an idea for Rafa Benitez’s team to sell both for a profitable sum of money and use that to then reinvest in the squad.

Everton fans on transfer updates

These Toffees certainly liked that idea as the exit rumours were shared on Twitter:

“Tara lads. The door is that way.”

Credit: @bernieo63

“If the price is right for Richarlison let him go”

Credit: @marc_lloydy

“Richy is too inconsistent so no loss there.”

Credit: @lordoftheping

“Nice £110 mil for both that should sort FFP out”

Credit: @amhughes72

“Sell them. If they aren’t happy here send them away…. For a hefty fee”

Credit: @Lawemannen

“See ya Tara!!!!”

Credit: @Garyegerton1

In other news, find out which Euro 2020 star Benitez is keen on signing here!

Manchester United fan and social media influencer Mark Goldbridge got plenty of Aston Villa fans talking on Tuesday with his comments on Jack Grealish.

A number of Villa supporters were quick to give their immediate thoughts after the Youtuber suggested the AVFC captain ‘should be wearing a United shirt’.

Grealish once again impressed on the international stage, with his influential display off the bench helping England into the quarter-finals of the European Championships following a 2-0 win over Germany at Wembley.

The 25-year-old played the pass for Luke Shaw to set up Raheem Sterling to open the scoring before setting up captain Harry Kane late on to seal the win.

Goldbridge posted this on Tuesday evening on Grealish, claiming he should be wearing a United shirt.

“Grealish should be wearing a United shirt. He thought he was coming to United and we bottled it by going for the cheaper option as ever”

It seems to be quite the turnaround from Goldbridge, whose post last year appeared to point at a preference for a deal for Donny van de Beek over the Villa man.

Villa fans react

This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply to Goldbridge’s Twitter post last night, with one describing it as ‘weird’.

“Keep crying mark once a villan always a villan”Credit: @Rio_Wickham”this guy”Credit: @domwrighht”What a weird tweet. About to sign yet another deal with the club he is so desperate to leave BTW”Credit: @DonCorl38152157″Ha ha ha ha ha ha what a joke UTV”Credit: @PhilCookes”Cringe”Credit: @HarryUTV”HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA”Credit: @maxavfclove

In other news: Villa interested in Man Utd defender, find out more here. 

Noel Whelan has been thrilled by Leeds United youngster Joe Gelhardt’s application in pre-season training ahead of the upcoming season.

The Lowdown: Leeds United gear up for 2021/22

Looking ahead to 2021/22, many onlookers up and down the country will be eager to see whether Marcelo Bielsa’s men can improve on their impressive ninth-placed finish last term.

New acquisitions will be key to prospective improvement, with the Whites already busy in the transfer market following the signings of Amari Miller and Jack Harrison permanently. However, the young talent coming through Thorp Arch could also have a role to play for the Yorkshiremen.

The Latest: Whelan lavishes praise on ‘hungry’ Gelhardt

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Football Insider, BBC pundit Whelan was particularly complimentary regarding Gelhardt. Talking up the 19-year-old’s chances of gaining first team recognition in the coming months, the former Leeds striker said:

“It’s dedication, that desire, that hunger when the season is finished.

“Give yourself a bit of downtime but not that much. You know straight away you want to hit the ground running when you come back.

“They’ll see that this kid is a hungry kid who really wants to start pushing. He’s definitely got the talent, there’s no doubt about that.

“You want to be ahead of the players that have been playing, you want to test your Bamford’s, your Rodrigo’s.

“Really, you want to be pushing them. They had a great under-23 season last year but that’s not where he wants to play this year.

“I think every under-23 that’s there would love to be part of the first-team squad.”

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The Verdict: Gelhardt should be given more first team opportunities

Whelan rightly points out the need for Gelhardt to be given first team opportunities within a senior environment at Elland Road.

In 2020/21, he enjoyed a fantastic season in the Whites’ under-23 setup, producing 14 goal contributions from 16 Premier League 2 Division 2 outings with 11 goals and three assists [Transfermarkt]. He duly helped his side to gain promotion to the Premier League 2 Division 1, the highest level of developmental football in England [SB Nation].

Equally capable of operating behind the striker as a secondary forward or attacking midfielder, there is scope that Gelhardt can challenge for a debut in the first team during the next few months.

Leeds should use the forthcoming pre-season programme to afford the 19-year-old a platform to impress ahead of 2021/22.

In other news, one of Leeds United’s rivals have been left ‘stunned’ after the Whites gazumped their reported transfer pursuit.