All posts by n8rngtd.top

Many Everton fans were far from happy with the performance of Richarlison during their 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United on Sunday.

The Toffees’ hopes of qualifying for European competition next season are hanging by a thread after this latest defeat. The Blades’ relegation to the Championship has already been confirmed, but they were able to pick up all three points thanks to a goal from Daniel Jebbison, who was making his first start for the Yorkshire side (Transfermarkt).

Only Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored more than Richarlison for Everton so far this season (BBC), but the Brazil international was disappointing in this game. Although he did manage four shots (SofaScore), he was unable to provide a consistent display throughout the 90 minutes, and his attitude during the clash was far from exemplary, losing possession 10 times and coming off second best in most of his duels (SofaScore).

The Everton fans were livid with the 24-year-old, who earns £110,000 per week at Goodison Park (salarysport.com), and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Richarlison

“It was, they were awful tonight, especially Richarlison. Absolutely awful.”

Credit: @EFCMatt1

“Richarlison was disgustingly bad, he needs the crowd.”

Credit: @TopBalcBoy

“I miss Pienaar, Arteta, Cahill, Baines, we never won anything but least it was a proper team. Richarlison giving himself the Ronaldo haircut he can’t pass forward. Embarrassing”

Credit: @AlanTaylor4056

“if Richarlison could score we would be just fine, has been dreadful this season. afraid to take defenders on one v one, can’t finish in the box. thinking selling him is a good idea.”

Credit: @AlexZiabko

“Richarlison Delph Gomes Holgate Iwobi Sig Bernard DCL all these should be sold in the summer feel free to add”

Credit: @Hugodrax0077

“DCL is a threat in the air for any top 6 side but should not be leading the line, misses far too many with his feet. And I really don’t think Richarlison is good enough, poor decision making, woeful finisher and he’s offered absolutely zero this season.”

Credit: @LordFoxEFC

In other news, Everton are interested in this 12-goal Premier League striker.

A second-half comeback inspired West Ham United to victory as they bolstered their chances of qualifying for Europe by beating West Brom at the Hawthorns.

David Moyes’ side now need just one point in their final match to seal a Europa League berth and their highest league position since 1999.

After Declan Rice missed a penalty in the game’s opening stages, Matheus Pereira soon handed the Baggies the lead but right before the break, the man of the moment – Tomas Soucek – equalised before Angelo Ogbonna and Michail Antonio sealed all three points.

It was simply an outstanding display from the Czech warrior in the heart of the engine room as he dominated the opposition at either end of the pitch.

You can forget about Antonio causing a constant nuisance up top, capping his own performance with an injury-time strike and earning rave reviews from the Evening Standard, as it was Soucek who arguably ran the show on the night.

The 26-year-old beast was graded as the Irons’ best player (8.3), as per SofaScore ratings and it’s easy to see why.

Only one other player for either team managed more than his 70 touches, showing just how big an influence he was in driving the visitors forward, as well as thwarting the home side in their tracks.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-and-the-latest-gossip” title= “Read the latest West Ham news, transfer rumours, gossip and more!”]

Soucek registered double the number of tackles (six) of the next best on the pitch and also chipped in with five clearances, two blocks and two interceptions, via SofaScore – ‘industrious’ would be an understatement.

And that was on top of winning a match-high 15 duels.

But he also contributed further up the pitch, as alluded to by football.london, the midfielder was “an important part of West Ham’s team in both attack and defence.”

The £36m-rated talisman not only notched his tenth goal of the 2020/21 campaign but he also managed to fire off five of their 21 attempts at goal and made 32 passes.

His performance drew glowing praise from the media, with the Daily Star’s Paul Brown claiming he was “immense again.”

Evidently, Soucek was the star of the show up in the Midlands on Wednesday night.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Rice: GSB could form dream West Ham duo by signing £30m “total animal”…

Liverpool fans were delighted with the performance of Sadio Mane during the first half of their match with Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Reds are in a battle with Chelsea and Leicester City to qualify for the Champions League on the final day of the Premier League season. A win will be enough for them to reach Europe’s premier club competition, and the Reds are leading after the first 45 minutes thanks to Mane’s goal.

29-year-old Mane was selected by Jurgen Klopp to feature in the starting XI, and he looked back to his best against the Eagles. Although he has nine goals and eight assists this term (Transfermarkt), it has been one of his worst seasons at the club – with him at his best, it is hard to see Liverpool being in the position they are currently in. However, his goal could be vital for the Reds in making the Champions League.

The fans were happy with the Senegal international, and the fans took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about Mane below

“Mane loving the supporters being back, he’s got his mojo back”

Credit: @busterkelly

“Missed seeing Mane like this, he’s actually back to his best”

Credit: @YJAMJ1

“Omo only Mane and Thiago has sense on this pitch”

Credit: @M_borlarjorko

“Mane been the best player on the pitch so far.”

Credit: @fate_champ

“As stressed out as I am I must say Mané is balling rn”

Credit: @Auxanooo

“Mane is playing so well, could have something to do with the fans return to the stadium.”

Credit: @Chuka_emordi

In other news, Liverpool fans don’t want to sign this man.

When Nuno Santo decided to leave Wolves, it sent shockwaves throughout the city of Wolverhampton.

It was a huge surprise to see him depart Molineux but it now gives the entire club a fresh start, something that’s needed after their bottom-half finish.

What’s the word?

With Wolves in the hunt for a new manager, a number of coaches have been fed through to Fosun by super-agent Jorge Mendes.

Paulo Fonseca is in the hunt but former Benfica manager Bruno Lage appears to be at the top of the pile right now.

However, in recent days, Wolves have begun talking to former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.

That’s according to reporter Alex Crook who was speaking on talkSPORT this week: “I was told by a very reliable source that Wolves have started to make enquiries about Frank Lampard,” he commented.

The 42-year-old was sacked from his role as manager of Chelsea back in January and is yet to find new work.

A good appointment

Lampard may have lost his job at Stamford Bridge but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be a strong appointment for Wolves.

After all, he’s proven to be impressive with both Derby and the Blues.

He nearly achieved promotion with the Rams, developing a bold play-style that centred around young players in Fikayo Tomori, Harry Wilson and Mason Mount.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-wolves-transfer-rumours-and-news-soumare-dias-dembele-marques-nuno-santo” title=”Read the latest Wolves transfer rumours and news!”]

Lampard then secured Champions League qualification with Chelsea despite being in the middle of a transfer embargo.

Used to working with a smaller budget, that could suit a Wolves team who are looking to operate shrewdly in the upcoming window.

After all, the main reason Nuno left was due to a lack of resources that were going to be handed to him this summer.

On top of that, Jeff Shi has always had a desire to improve the club from the academy upwards. It’s seen the likes of Diogo Jota and Pedro Neto develop from promising young talents into genuine Premier League stars.

Lage has proven adept at improving some of the biggest names around including Joao Felix and Ruben Dias but Lampard also has a similar ability in his locker.

He helped turn Mason Mount into one of England’s key players and aided Tammy Abraham in his cause to become Chelsea’s top goalscorer in consecutive years.

Crucially, he also has experience of managing in England.

Lage may have won the league in Portugal but coaching in the Premier League is a whole different ball game. If you’re not ready, it’ll swallow you whole and spit you back out.

Lampard also appears to be wise to the way Wolves want to play. Speaking about them in 2019, the ex-midfielder said: “I am very impressed by Nuno, looking from the outside and the way that he shows himself in the media and the unity they have. They have a style they believe in and I like the way he operates.”

With that in mind, perhaps the former England international could bring a similar swagger to their counter-attacking play.

Both would be smart appointments but Lampard should hold the upper hand. His methods and experience could well revive Wolves next season.

AND in other news, Wolves can take Traore to the next level by appointing “brave” 48 y/o Mendes client…

Steven Gerrard was always likely to be a man in demand this summer after delivering Rangers’ 55th league title this season and there were some concerns recently that the 41-year-old could leave Ibrox to join Wolves following the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo.

The Athletic confirmed earlier this week that, whilst the Old Gold were close to appointing Benfica’s Bruno Lage as their new manager, there were doubts over whether or not he would be eligible for a work permit, which could have seen the Molineux outfit turn to Gerrard as the next best option.

Fortunately for Rangers fans, Lage’s work permit has now been approved and it seems that an announcement will be made imminently, which should hopefully ensure that Gerrard remains with the Gers next season ahead of their return to the Champions League.

Although Everton have also recently been touted as a potential destination for the 41-year-old, it seems highly unlikely that he would join Liverpool’s closest rivals, so Rangers fans may be able to rest easy for now.

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

Considering the incredible impact Gerrard has had during his time with Rangers, their fans and chairman Douglas Park will surely be delighted that the manager won’t be leaving to join Wolves this summer. That should give them a great chance of retaining the Premiership title next season, whilst also giving a good account of themselves in Europe.

Since being appointed at Ibrox in May 2018, the Liverpool legend has taken charge of 170 matches, winning 112, drawing 36 and losing just 22 games, which is a superb record when you consider that this is his first job as a manager of a senior side.

The Premiership title win this season also saw Rangers finish the campaign unbeaten and earn more than 100 points, whilst also ensuring that their Old Firm rivals were denied a historic 10th title in a row, so it seems clear that Gerrard will go down as an Ibrox legend.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776″]

The “amazing” manager – as hailed by Harry Redknapp – may well see his future in the Premier League, but Rangers fans will surely be desperate to keep hold of him for as long as possible, so it is a huge boost for the club that Gerrard looks like he won’t be joining Wolves this summer.

In other news… Wilson should reignite Rangers interest in “super-tactical” gem this summer

Celtic’s transfer plans have been left in the dust this summer by the ongoing managerial saga at Parkhead.

The Hoops are on the verge of appointing Ange Postecoglou but it has now been over three months since Neil Lennon vacated his position at Celtic.

On the chalkboard

One player who Postecoglou may not have the privilege of managing next season is Moi Elyounoussi.

The Norwegian was the club’s second top scorer this term on 17 strikes but is heading back to Southampton with a permanent move to Paradise extremely unlikely.

A fee of £5m was touted for his services but it would appear that Celtic are favouring to spend their money on other areas of the squad.

You can hardly blame that point of view when you consider his dismal end to the campaign.

Elyounoussi scored only three goals in his final 16 league outings of the campaign, registering just three assists in that time frame as well.

The replacement

Celtic were interested in signing FC Utrecht forward Gyrano Kerk last year.

A move never materialised but with the Hoops searching for an Elyounoussi alternative in the coming weeks, they should consider reviving their pursuit.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-ajer-howe-lampard-wilshere-gauld” title=”Read the latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

Kerk was in red hot form for the Eredivisie side this term, scoring nine goals and registering seven assists while playing out wide and through the middle as a central striker.

That’s something Elyounoussi did to good effect while playing for Celtic in 2020/21, operating in tandem with Odsonne Edouard on a regular basis.

Like the Norway international, Kerk is capable of beating the goalkeeper with great regularity. He’s racked up 42 strikes in his 173 outings for Utrecht.

What’s most appealing about the Dutchman is his mazy dribbling ability. No player completed more than his 112 dribbles in the Eredivisie this campaign, performing them at a rate of 3.3 per game.

In replacing Elyounoussi, that statistic is vital. A tricky footed individual, the attacker had the ability to torment defenders at times.

What’s also intriguing about his game is the raw pace he possesses. Voetbal International hailed his finest qualities in expert fashion; “Kerk is a speed demon who always creates danger in the final third. When Kerk is on the moped, there is hardly any defender that can keep up with him.”

That viewpoint was matched by former striker Robin van Persie who was effusive in his praise: “Kerk is a player who basically has everything. He is fast, has vision, is technical and can score.”

Kerk’s value has likely increased after such a fabulous season but it’s worth Celtic enquiring about his ability.

AND in other news, Celtic can find a new Jullien by signing “special” 6ft4 tank, he’s “one of the best”…

Manchester City must sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez this summer, even if it means sacrificing one of their own first team regulars.

What’s the talk?

According to The Times, Spanish champions Atletico Madrid have proposed a trade deal with City which would see the 26-year-old head to the Etihad Stadium and Bernardo Silva go the other way. The report claims that Atletico believe Saul is worth around the same price (£70m) as the Portuguese winger and have offered City the chance to swap the players to aid their financial fair play status.

Both players are said to be disgruntled at their current clubs and are open to moves this summer. Saul is reportedly unhappy with the amount of game-time he received during the 2020/21 campaign, whilst Bernardo is considering his future in England. [The Times]

Back in 2015, Atletico manager Diego Simeone claimed that Saul “has absolutely everything” and heaped praise on the Spanish international midfielder. The Argentine told Goal.com: “It’s clear that Saul has heard a thousand times what I think of him. He has absolutely everything. He can play anywhere in the midfield, he can score, he can pass well.

“We will be very demanding, because we believe that being demanding is the only way to make players like him grow.”

Txiki masterstroke

Manchester City’s director of football Txiki Begiristain could pull off a masterstroke by sending Bernardo to Atletico and receiving Saul in return. Fernandinho is out of contract at the end of the month and City are poised to lose one of their few enforcers in midfield, which leaves a space in the squad for a player like Saul to come in and stake a claim for a place next season.

This is not to say that City should be rushing to kick Bernardo out of the door. The Portugal international has been a classy performer for the club in recent years, with an average WhoScored rating of above 7.0 in his past three Premier League campaigns for the club. However, The Times claimed that he is open to leaving City, and therefore Txiki must pounce on the opportunity to bring in Saul if it allows Bernardo to get his wish of moving to a new club as well.

The £238k-per-week Saul is not a technical and creative player like Bernardo, but he could offer some steel to City’s midfield. In 340 competitive career appearances for Atletico and Spain, he has averaged four tackles and interceptions per game, along with 2.6 aerial battles won and 1.7 clearances.

For context, no Manchester City player managed four tackles and interceptions per game in the 2020/21 Premier League campaign and Aymeric Laporte was the only player who could match Saul’s 2.6 aerial battles won per game.

This suggests that the Atletico stalwart could be a superb addition to Manchester City’s squad and add a different dimension to Pep Guardiola’s midfield. Txiki could pull a masterstroke by bringing Saul to the Etihad in exchange for Bernardo if the deal goes through this summer.

AND in other news, Txiki heading for Man City disaster over “complete” £16k-p/w dynamo – opinion

Manchester United must avoid making a move for Lyon defender Joachim Andersen this summer if they want to challenge for major honours next season.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are interested in signing the 25-year-old ahead of the upcoming transfer window after he impressed during a season-long loan spell with Fulham.

Andersen made 31 Premier League appearances for the Cottagers throughout 2020/21 but was unable to prevent the capital club from suffering their second relegation in three years.

Solskjaer must avoid

United’s desire for a new centre-back to partner Harry Maguire at the heart of defence has been discussed for many months now, with several names coming to the fore.

Star figures such as Raphael Varane and Jules Kounde have dominated the headlines in recent weeks as the Old Trafford outfit search for a suitable candidate, yet no solid bid has materialised so far.

That has left the door open to other potential targets, one of which is now thought to be Andersen.

Despite being part of a side that finished in 18th position, the £19.8m-rated Denmark international won many plaudits for his standout performances, including from Fulham legend Tony Gale.

“It doesn’t seem fair to single any one player out for praise after a win like that, but Joachim Andersen was absolutely sensational,” said Gale.

“I think he’s probably the best centre-back we’ve had since Brede Hangeland. I don’t want to be disparaging about anyone else as we’ve had a lot of good defenders, but I just think this lad really is top drawer.”

However, despite Andersen showcasing his impressive qualities for the west London outfit last season, major question marks still remain over his suitability for a side like United.

Solskjaer’s men will be aiming to claim major silverware in 2021/22, and will face incredibly stiff competition from Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City in the race for domestic domination.

Therefore, the 20-time English champions need someone who is going to immediately improve their defence, rather than bring in someone who would be a solid squad player.

Victor Lindelof is currently the man tasked with playing alongside Maguire at this moment in time, and the 26-year-old’s underlying numbers indicate he outperformed Andersen last season in many aspects.

The Sweden international bettered his Scandinavian rival’s pass completion rate by a considerable distance, finding a teammate with 91.1% of his passes compared to Andersen’s 83.8%.

It’s a similar story when looking at their tackle success rate, with Lindelof dispossessing his opponent 57.1% of the time, whereas the Lyon man did so on just 51.3% of occasions.

United’s No.2 also appears to be more comfortable carrying to ball forwards out of defence, a key asset in the modern era. He travelled a combined total of 9111 yards with the ball at his feet in the Premier League last season, compared to Andersen’s 8603 yards.

It will come as little surprise to fans of the Old Trafford outfit that the only key area where Lindelof was outperformed was in the air, with his aerial duel win rate of just 65.7% being dwarfed by Andersen’s 75.6% and given Maguire’s aerial ability, this shouldn’t be seen as a huge issue for United.

While the Lyon ace will certainly be a good signing for someone this summer, he’s not the player that United need to progress to the next level, so Solskjaer must avoid him in order to carry on his good work.

And, in other news…Forget Tielemans: MUFC already have “the next Michael Carrick” in rarely-seen 20 y/o 

A major update has emerged on Juventus’ Aaron Ramsey, regarding Aston Villa’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to Italian outlet Sports Media Set, as relayed by Tutto Mercato, Aston Villa are in pole position to land Juventus central midfielder Aaron Ramsey this summer. Ramsey has two years left to run on his Juventus deal and is expected to depart from Turin ahead of next season, with a return to England looking most likely.

The report claims that Ramsey is not a part of Juventus’ plans heading into next season and the Italian giants will allow him to leave if the right offer comes in. Ramsey wants to seal a transfer back to the Premier League and Villa are now attempting to pounce on this opportunity.

In 2019, Keown hailed the outstanding midfielder and claimed that he was becoming a leader in Arsenal’s team, prior to his transfer to Juventus. He told BT Sport, as transcribed by the Daily Mail:

“He continues to mature as a player and develop. He’s a real leader now in this Arsenal team.

“Playing in a deeper role, as he did under Arsene Wenger – I think that’s the best role for him. If you want Ozil and him in the same team. He’s so important to everything to do. It’s the energy – the box-to-box energy. He’s become an outstanding technician.”

Smith needs him

Villa sporting director Johan Lange must sanction a deal for Ramsey this summer as head coach Dean Smith needs him next season. Smith’s side struggled for goals from central areas in midfield in the 2020/21 campaign, with Ross Barkley and John McGinn the top scorers with three goals each. This suggests that there could be room for a goalscoring midfielder to enter the fray and that is where Ramsey comes into the equation.

Ramsey was able to produce goals and assists from midfield during his time in England with Arsenal. The Welsh international racked up 65 goals and 65 assists for Arsenal in all competitions before his move to Juventus, including three 10+ goal seasons for the Gunners. He has also netted 17 times in 65 caps for Wales, scoring his 17th against Turkey in the European Championships earlier this week. This shows that he has the quality to make runs into the box to score goals for his side.

The £187k-per-week ace could, therefore, be an upgrade on Villa’s existing midfield options in that regard due to their aforementioned lack of goals. Ramsey could arrive at Villa Park and bring an added goal threat to Smith’s side, which could then help the club push on and challenge for European football next season. This is why Lange must make sure that he is able to seal a deal for Ramsey to bolster Smith’s ranks in the coming weeks/months.

AND in other news, Villa must avoid unforgivable disaster over £17m-rated “warrior”, fans will be fuming…

Fulham manager Scott Parker is edging closer to a departure from Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Sky Sports, who claim that the 40-year-old and the Cottagers are currently finalising the mutual termination of his contract, ahead of Parker’s expected move to Bournemouth on the 1st July.

The report goes on to state that the former England international has already put together his backroom staff in anticipation of taking over at the Vitality Stadium, with the Cherries incumbent manager Jonathan Woodgate looking set to leave the club at the end of the month.

Khan will be relieved

With the uncertainty surrounding Parker’s future in west London swirling for a number of weeks now, the fact that Fulham appear close to finally closing the 40-year-old’s chapter at the club is sure to have left both Shahid and Tony Khan feeling rather relieved.

Indeed, it had been reported that the relationship between the Fulham hierarchy and the coach had broken down significantly following the club’s relegation from the Premier League last term, with Parker having made comments during the season regarding the actions of Tony Khan in relation to the club’s transfer business, with the manager labelling the director’s involvement as “frustrating.”

However, with the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder now looking extremely likely to be on the way to Bournemouth at the end of the month, Khan can now begin to turn his attention to appointing Parker’s successor, with recent reports claiming that Swansea City’s Steve Cooper is under the consideration of the Fulham bosses.

Whoever the new manager ends up being, however, one thing is certain – Khan will be expecting a swift return to the Premier League next season, and anything other than achieving this feat would represent something of a disaster for Fulham, and likely result in the unknown manager’s sacking.

In other news: Fulham handed major boost over “immense” £31k-p/w dynamo that will leave fans buzzing