All posts by z3u9t.icu

Many Liverpool supporters have been reacting to rumours of Mohamed Salah’s latest wage demands as talks continue regarding a contract extension.

According to The Independent [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], reports claimed Salah had demanded £500,000-a-week to keep him at Anfield, but it has emerged that his representatives just want parity with the Premier League’s best players, with Kevin De Bruyne currently earning around £380,000-per-week.

After bagging 31 goals last season, his contract has under two years remaining and is currently enjoying his fifth campaign for the Reds following his move from Italian side AS Roma.

Since returning to England, following a short stint with Chelsea, the 29-year-old has scored a remarkable 134 goals and grabbed 50 assists in 212 appearances.

With the 2021/22 season starting in such sizzling fashion – Salah has nine goals in nine games across the Premier League and Champions League – his wage demands and proposals don’t come as much of a surprise.

Liverpool fans react to Salah demands

These Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to react to the latest demands made by their Egyptian King.

“No brainer. Pay him now.”

Credit: @PhilVergeire

“I’d pay him £1m a week after that goal on Sunday”

Credit: @RadioheadFgt

“Give him what he wants !”

Credit: @SaccSaccSacc

“Oh my”

Credit: @G5_24

“If he wants parity with KDB then I agree he’s worth it. City without KDB is no big deal. LFC with Mo is a VERY big deal. Irreplaceable.”

Credit: @stylishfella

“It’s a no-brainer. And I hate to say this, but England glorifies players like Grealish for the bare minimum while Salah is miles clear of anyone in the Prem. He’s doing Ronaldo and Messi things at the moment. If he feels under appreciated, he’ll to move to somewhere else.”

Credit: @M_Hosni22

“Best player in the league is asking to be paid same salary as the top players in the league. Give him what be wants fsg”

Credit: @TommieVadaszi

In other news, these Liverpool fans have flocked to the latest rumour linking a player to FC Barcelona. Find out more here.

West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a major blow in their bid to bring Josh Windass to The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Yorkshire Live, who revealed that the Sheffield Wednesday midfielder has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal at Hillsborough, putting an end to the transfer speculation surrounding the 27-year-old.

Indeed, earlier reports had claimed that a number of Premier League and Championship clubs, including Valerien Ismaeal’s West Brom, were keeping a close eye on the situation of the player ahead of a potential summer swoop following the Owls’ relegation from the second tier last season.

However, with Windass now looking set to remain at Wednesday until at least the summer of 2023, a move for the former Glasgow Rangers man would now appear to be rather unlikely for the Baggies any time soon.

Fans will be gutted

With Matheus Pereira’s departure leaving a rather significant goalscoring and creative hole in Albion’s attacking ranks, the addition of a player who could somewhat replace the Brazilian’s influence within the side would appear to be a must for Ismael before the closure of the summer transfer window.

And, considering the form Windass was in for Wednesday last season, despite the fact the Owls were battling at the wrong end of the table, the 27-year-old looked to be something of a perfect fit for the Frenchman.

Indeed, over his 41 Championship appearances for Darren Moore’s side last term, the £1.8m-rated man scored nine goals, registered six assists and created seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.9 shots and making 0.7 key passes per game.

These metrics saw the man dubbed an “explosive” player by his father Dean earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.80, ranking him as the club’s seventh-best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, when taking into account the £10k-per-week attacking midfielder would have been available at something of a snip this summer, in addition to his obvious ability in the final third, fans of the Baggies are sure to be gutted that Windass has signed a new deal with his current side, as the 27-year-old would have appeared to make an exciting addition to the Albion squad.

In other news: West Brom in the running for “phenomenal” £5k-p/w goal-machine, he’d be a huge coup

Lots of Glasgow Rangers fans have been left buzzing over some off-field news shared by the club.

As per the official Twitter page of the Teddy Bears, they will now play Stirling Albion at Ibrox in the Fourth Round of the Scottish Cup.

The tie will be played at on the weekend of 22nd January next year.

Stirling Albion currently play in the Scottish League Two, and so Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team should really fancy their chances of getting through into the next round of the competition, especially with a home crowd behind them.

The Light Blues also have not won the trophy since the 2008/09 season, and so there is extra motivation to go on and win it, especially starting off with a favourable draw.

Rangers fans on Scottish Cup draw

These Gers supporters were left buzzing as the draw was confirmed on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it was ‘great’:

“Yeeeees let the conspiracy cries begin”

Credit: @LaurzieJayx12

“63-0”

Credit: @potty_9

“I’ll take that”

Credit: @Chelle1872

“Happy days. Obviously massively important to take serious and go through but could this be a chance for some youth like Alegria & McCan to make an appearance?”

Credit: @OhItsSteely

“Great tie”

Credit: @waynefawcett

“That’ll do”

Credit: @ArgyllWarrior

In other news, find out what injury news has been lauded by RFC fans here!

Crystal Palace view Will Hughes as a long-term successor to James McArthur, The Athletic’s Matt Woosnam writes. 

Palace paid £6.3million to sign Hughes from Watford in the final days of the summer transfer window.

He penned a three-year, £36,000-per-week contract on his arrival at Selhurst Park.

But the 26-year-old is yet to play a single minute for his new club, in any competition.

Perhaps most frustratingly, he’s featured in the matchday squad for seven Premier League games, but Patrick Vieira hasn’t given him a run-out.

McArthur ever-present… until now

By contrast, 34-year-old McArthur had started every PL match prior to the weekend’s draw with Burnley.

Scans have revealed that he tore his hamstring in the victory over Wolves prior to the international break, and he now faces a spell on the sidelines that could last until January.

This might present Hughes with an opportunity to impress in the short-term.

Fan feed CPFC Transfers HQ relayed Woosnam’s report, and here’s what supporters had to say in response.

These Crystal Palace fans want Hughes to be given a chance

“I think most people agree. But when even Jaïro has gotten minutes, the question is why hasn’t will?”

Credit: @JA9Baller

“Then put him on for the next game, not really overwhelmed by Lukas’ performance against Burnley.”

Credit: @VestinJesper

“Not played a single minute yet has he? Annoying”

Credit: @sxp55555

“About time, would be good to see him get some game time”

Credit: @cpfc_joe

“Nice to hear at least”

Credit: @amancpfc

“Yes please”

Credit: @cpfc_sean

In other news, fans react to this blow revealed on Monday.

An update has emerged on Lille defender Sven Botman, regarding Tottenham’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to Sky Sports (10:22 – 28/07/21), Tottenham are one of a number of clubs interested in signing Lille centre-back Sven Botman as Nuno Santo attempts to restructure his defensive options.

The report claims West Ham, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Norwich are tracking him, whilst Manchester City, Manchester United and Spurs have tentative interest at this stage.

Upgrade on Sanchez

Fabio Paratici must sanction a swoop for Botman this summer as he would be a much-needed, quality, addition to the squad.

Spurs are being touted with a deal for Atalanta defender Christian Romero, but he could be viewed as a replacement for Toby Alderweireld – who left the club earlier this month.

Botman, meanwhile, could be seen as an upgrade on a player who is already at the club; Davinson Sanchez. The centre-back endured a dismal 2020/21 campaign, as he averaged a disappointing WhoScored rating of 6.67 in 18 Premier League appearances for Spurs. This suggests that Santo requires an improvement in that area of the pitch, in addition to the potential arrival of Romero.

Therefore, Spurs landing the Ligue 1 gem could improve the defensive options that Santo has to work with. Lille head coach Christophe Galtier hailed the former Ajax player as a “leader” on the pitch with his impressive performances for the French club.

“In football, you have leaders who are vocal, ones who gesticulate and ones who shake the team up… I have a few of those.

“But you also have people who lead by example, through their performances, and it’s true that Sven is emerging as this type of leader.”

The 6ft 3 beast averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.99 across 37 Ligue 1 starts as Lille won the title last term. This shows that he is capable of consistently performing to a higher standard than Sanchez at the top level, whilst he is also four years younger than the Spurs man.

The Lille ace has the potential for further improvement at his young age and he could grow under Santo’s coaching, making him an asset in both the short and the long term.

Paratici must work hard to get deals over the line for both the Dutchman and Romero this summer, assuming it is within the budget they have set themselves. If they can do that then Tottenham should have a reliable defensive unit in the 2021/22 campaign.

AND in other news, Paratici could land dream signing for Spurs with £50m swoop for “complete number nine”…

Serie A outfit Lazio could attempt to bring West Ham United’s Felipe Anderson back to the Stadio Olimpico.

That’s according to the print edition of the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero (via Tutto Mercato Web).

The lowdown

West Ham signed Anderson in July 2018 for what was then a club record fee of £36million.

The Brazilian netted 10 goals and laid on five assists in an impressive debut campaign, but then tailed off during the 2019/20 season with only one goal in 27 appearances.

Anderson wound up being loaned to FC Porto last October and was restricted to just five league outings in Portugal.

West Ham even considered ending his loan spell early due to the lack of game time.

The 28-year-old’s value has now fallen to £9million (Transfermarkt) as he nears the final year of his contract at the London Stadium.

The latest

There are said to be ‘many names in the running’ as Lazio, who finished sixth in Serie A last season, target a new winger.

Alongside Anderson, the club have shortlisted Atalanta’s Josip Ilicic, Napoli’s Matteo Politano and Bologna’s Ricardo Orsolini.

Anderson previously spent five years in the Italian capital after joining from native club Santos.

The verdict

It very much looks as if time is up for Felipe Anderson at West Ham. He seemed a very good signing in his first season, but since then his decline has been a little alarming.

Lazio know that they could sign Anderson for free next summer, potentially leaving the Hammers in a fairly weak negotiating position.

You suspect they will recoup only a fraction of their initial investment, a huge disappointment.

A return to Italy may well appear to the player himself too as a means of revitalising his career.

He’d also have the opportunity to work under a great manager in former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, recently appointed at Lazio.

This looks like a deal that could be good for all parties.

In other news, West Ham have entered talks to sign this 25-year-old forward. 

Speaking on a football.london Q&A, reliable correspondent Alasdair Gold has come out with a Tottenham Hotspur claim involving Nuno Espirito Santo, Fabio Paratici and Wolves star Adama Traore.

The Lowdown: Spurs wanted Traore?

During the latter stages of the summer transfer window, Tottenham became heavily linked with a move for Traore and reports even suggest they lodged a failed £30 million bid on deadline day.

The 25-year-old was the subject of exit debate and Nuno’s new club were, of course, mentioned in the fray alongside other interested parties.

When asked about Spurs and Traore on deadline day, Gold confirmed their interest whilst hinting they could potentially revisit.

The Latest: Gold explains Traore interest…

As per the reliable Spurs correspondent, both Nuno and Paratici ‘love’ the Molineux winger and despite nothing happening on deadline day, it could perhaps be one to look at again in the future.

“Wolves are standing firm at the moment,” Gold said (via football.london).

“Spurs aren’t currently hopeful of anything happening for him today.

“Perhaps it’s one to look at again in the future as Nuno and Paratici do love him.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

While the summer transfer window has literally just shut, it’s never too early to start thinking about possible additions for the next one.

Traore’s price tag has dropped considerably since last year, with his former €100 million (£85.9m) valuation now halving to around £50m.

A 50 per cent discount of this magnitude is arguably too good of an opportunity to miss for a player described as ‘undefendable’ by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

In other news: ‘Finished article’ – Sky pundit in awe of Spurs starlet who’s an ‘improved version of Ndombele’…find out more here.

Aston Villa have suffered a big setback after confirmation that Argentina duo Emi Martinez and Emi Buendia are set to miss games after the international break.

What’s the story?

The Athletic revealed: “Argentina have confirmed they intend to keep their Premier League players for the entire international break — despite the quartet having to quarantine for 10 days on return.

“Premier League attempted to keep hold of their players who were going to be playing in red list countries due to concerns over quarantine. The current UK government rules state that anyone travelling into the country from a red list nation has to quarantine for 10 days at a government-approved hotel.

“There are no exemptions to this rule, and Argentina is a red-list country. As a result, Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia, and Tottenham’s Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso will have to spend 10 days isolating when they return to England after the international break.”

Speaking about Villa in particular, The Athletic confirmed the latest news was a major setback for them, noting: “Villa broke away from the Premier League-wide agreement and said they would release their Argentinian duo for the first two games.

“It meant they would miss Villa’s game against Chelsea on September 11 but then return to action for the match at Everton on September 19. Argentina have now gone against Villa’s public statement. Martinez and Buendia are key members of Dean Smith’s side and their absence for two games will be a blow.”

Fans will be devastated

After the initial confirmation from Villa that they would give permission to the duo to join up with the Argentina squad for their first two games, it meant that the pair would only miss the match against Chelsea on September 11 before being available for the clash against Everton a week later.

However, Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that those players who were called up to his squad will remain for the entire allotment of three games, with their last match coming against Bolivia on September 10.

If Martinez and Buendia stay with Argentina until that match, and then have to spend ten days isolating, then not only would they absolutely miss the Chelsea and Everton clashes, but they would also be in serious doubt of missing the Carabao Cup clash against Thomas Tuchel’s side on September 22.

That’s not to mention that their training preparations will be affected, and Dean Smith will not be able to work with the pair. In Martinez’s case as a goalkeeper, that may not be too much of a concern, but for an attacking midfielder and new summer signing like in Buendia, that is something to worry Villa fans – in effect, the Manchester United game on September 25 may also be one too soon as well for the 24-year-old.

Whatever the case, reports that the duo now stand to miss at least two games (if not more) is sure to devastate Villa fans, who must make do without their first-choice goalkeeper and one of their star signings from the summer transfer window for longer than originally anticipated.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa must give this starlet a chance…

Southampton have been linked with a move for Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie recently and he could be an excellent addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side this summer.

What’s the word?

According to The Sun, Southampton are keen on signing the 26-year-old this summer, although they will likely face competition from Burnley and newly-promoted Norwich City.

It is suggested that his contract with the Scottish Premiership side is set to expire in January, suggesting that they need to cash in on him this summer or risk losing him for free, so Southampton could well complete a bargain swoop for him.

Would he be a good signing?

Christie’s performances with both Celtic and Scotland in recent seasons suggest that he is ready to make the step up to the Premier League.

This season saw the attacking midfielder contribute five goals and 11 assists in 34 Premiership appearances, with his performances earning him an impressive 7.33 average rating from WhoScored.

This would rank him as the second-best performer for the Hoops this season, whilst if he has produced the same level of performances with Southampton, then he would comfortably have been their best performer.

The £6.3m-rated midfielder has consistently been one of the best players in the Scottish Premiership in his career, with 40 goals and 41 assists in 142 appearances for Celtic.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-southampton-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Southampton transfer rumours and news!”]

He has also played across the midfield and the attack during his career and given Hasenhuttl’s preference for versatile players at Southampton, he certainly seems like the type of player the Austrian would love to have in his squad.

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish was full of praise for Christie last season, saying:

“Ryan Christie has been an outstanding performer over the last year or so.”

This suggests that he would be a worthwhile addition at St Mary’s this summer, so Martin Semmens should definitely look to bring him in.

And, in other news… Hasenhuttl can evolve his Saints attack with summer swoop for “unbelievable” star

Celtic are reportedly interested in signing Bodo/Glimt winger and Norway international Ola Solbakken, according to the Scottish Daily Mail [Print edition, 27/04] (via the Daily Record). 

The lowdown: A familiar foe

The 23-year-old played a major hand in eliminating the Hoops from the UEFA Conference League earlier this season, scoring and assisting across the two legs as the Norwegian side got past Ange Postecoglou’s charges 5-1 on aggregate.

Since then, Celtic have been tentatively linked with the ace whose contract is set to expire at the end of 2022 (Transfermarkt).

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Now it appears that the interest from Celtic Park could be about to ramp up a notch as we approach the winger’s free agency…

The latest: Mail provides an update

As per the Scottish Daily Mail (via the Daily Record), Celtic officials have identified the Norway international as a possible alternative to loan star Jota.

Whilst the club hold an option to make Jota a Bhoy on a permanent basis in the summer, the deal is yet to be finalised and the hierarchy may already be considering other avenues.

One possibility would reportedly be to ‘rekindle’ their interest in the two-cap Norwegian star, who has also been linked with a move to join Jose Mourinho at AS Roma.

The verdict: Smart planning

Most connected with Celtic would want to see Jota arrive on a permanent basis having already proved to be a hit in Scotland with 11 goals and 12 assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.

However, should that transfer not be forthcoming, never one to take a backwards step, Postecoglou would no doubt welcome Solbakken into the Lennoxtown ranks with open arms.

Already a fully-fledged senior international and with a stunning seven-goal European campaign under his belt, the talented wide-man would be a superb addition to the Celtic squad.

Predominantly operating as a right-winger, Solbakken has shone in the early season in Norway, averaging a 7.07/10 average match rating (Sofascore) – we feel he would make for a shrewd signing at the right price even regardless of Jota’s situation.

In other news, an ex-Celtic hero has taken a dig at Rangers ahead of Sunday’s game. Read more here.