All posts by z3u9t.icu

With Southampton having only managed to create five big chances in the Premier League so far this season, the joint-second lowest out of any team in the top flight, it’s safe to say Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have struggled to create goalscoring opportunities in the league.

However, it seems as though the club have their eye on signing a player who could help them in that regard.

What’s the news?

It has recently been reported by Spanish media outlet Fichajes that Southampton, alongside fellow Premier League clubs Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion are interested in signing Real Betis attacking-midfielder Rodri Sanchez.

Sanchez joined Betis’ youth academy from Deportivo’s youth academy back in the 2016 summer transfer window.

Since then, the 21-year-old, who is currently valued at £1.35m according to Transfermarkt, has worked his way through Betis’ youth levels before eventually making his senior debut in  November last year in a 5-2 defeat against Barcelona in La Liga.

Overall, Sanchez has made a total of 26 appearances for Manuel Pellegrini’s side across all competitions in which he has managed to score two goals and provide two assists along the way, showing just how creative he can be on the pitch.

The missing piece

In terms of a potential move to Southampton, given the attacking talent Sanchez has shown for Betis in front of goal, he could well be an important player for the Saints. That’s judging by how they’ve only managed to score five goals in their opening seven league games of the season.

With his young age, there’s every possibility that Sanchez could well be Southampton’s next James Ward-Prowse given they occupy similar positions in the final third. Both can play out wide, while their awareness allows them to dictate play from central areas as well.

Speaking about his talent last term after he found the net, La Liga and Spanish football writer Andrew Miller said: “One of the real bright spots this season has been the emergence of Rodri in the Betis first team. Such a gifted young player and caps off an incredible effort with his first senior goal. Always brings a real injection of energy into the team.”

That final line is incredibly similar to Ward-Prowse, somebody who charges around the engine room with his imperious fitness.

However, it’s that lack of a creative spark that really makes Rodri such an attractive proposition. He makes 45.4 progressive carries of the ball per 90, meaning he’d get Southampton up the pitch quicker. That stat also ranks him second among those already at St Mary’s.

Furthermore, he has produced 3.47 shot-creating actions per 90, a statistic that outranks everyone at Hasenhuttl’s disposal.

Looking ahead to the upcoming January transfer window, the Saints should definitely consider making a move for Sanchez to see if he can turn their season around from its current state. At the moment, they are devoid of creativity but that could change with the Betis star in their team.

However, with both Everton and Brighton supposedly interested in signing Sanchez as well, the Saints could have a fight on their hands to get him as both clubs are currently above Southampton in the league table.

In other news: Hasenhuttl could save Saints from relegation by signing “important” £7.2m-rated beast – opinion

With Ange Postecoglou undoubtedly being desperate for his Celtic side to finally pick up their first points of the season away from Parkhead on Sunday, the 56-year-old will have been delighted to see the Bhoys just about scrape a 2-1 win over Aberdeen.

Indeed, in a game that was far from a classic, a first-half Kyogo Furuhashi strike coupled with an 84th minute Jota goal was enough to cancel out Lewis Ferguson’s second-half equaliser for the Dons, with the Hoops leaving Pittodrie with a much needed three points.

However, while both goalscorers turned in highly impressive performances in the fixture – with Furuhashi and Jota receiving a SofaScore match rating of 7.3 and 7.2 respectively – the display of 19-year-old left-back, Adam Montgomery, will also have delighted both Postecoglou and fans of the club alike.

Two key passes

Despite the fact the appearance was his first-ever start in the Scottish Premiership, the youngster put in a truly commanding display over the course of his 90 minutes on the pitch against Aberdeen.

Indeed, the £135k-rated man excelled at the back, making one clearance, one interception and winning six of his nine duels against Stephen Glass’ side.

The teenager who Kieran Tierney dubbed a “good talent” also impressed in an attacking capacity, registering the assist for Jota’s late winner and making two key passes, as well as completing two crosses and three of his four attempted dribbles.

These returns saw the 19-year-old receive a SofaScore match rating of 7.3, ranking the defender as the second-best player, from either side, to feature in the match – running the show for Celtic.

Indeed, the Scotland U21 international’s performance will have come as a huge boost to Postecoglou, as the manager looks set to be without the services of first-choice left-back Greg Taylor for a number of months due to injury.

However, following Montgomery’s performance on Sunday, the 56-year-old will now surely be convinced that the youngster is capable of filling in for the stricken defender, and perhaps even good enough to challenge for a starting spot in the side.

In other news: Forget Bitton: £16k-p/w Celtic “problem” who made just 1 pass failed Ange vs Aberdeen

Evening Standard reporter Jack Rosser believes Nuno Espirito Santo would get the best out of Adama Traore if Tottenham Hotspur complete a late swoop for the Wolverhampton Wanderers winger.

Nuno, who was appointed as Spurs’ head coach following a lengthy managerial search in June, is keen to be reunited with Traore having bossed the Spain international before leaving Wolves at the end of last season.

With the transfer deadline looming, reports suggest Nuno is looking to negotiate a deal which would see Traore, who according to reports in Spain last week is keen to link up again with his former boss, head to north London on loan until the end of the season with a view to making the move permanent for £40million.

Despite links with a move away from Molineux, Traore has started all three of Wolves’ Premier League fixtures so far this season. However, he has been unable to stop his current employers falling to three consecutive defeats in the top flight.

Rosser thinks Nuno would be capable of taking Traore’s game to another level if the late move is completed.

He told The Transfer Tavern: “You’d back Nuno to get a good tune out of him even though you always worry about his end product.

“Nuno knows what he would be getting and is not going to waste money on a player he spent that much time with before. He’ll know he would add something to the group. Spurs do have quite a lot of players in those positions but there are question marks over a lot of them as well.

“Traore has just got into the Spain squad, which is good experience for him, but there is no other manager you would rather have looking after him if they get that deal over the line.”

Rangers manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst is reportedly hoping to land Belgian youth development specialist Zeb Jacobs to the club.

It has recently been claimed that the Gers are attempting to prise him away from Royal Antwerp to bolster the Dutchman’s backroom staff, with his background consisting of work with the progress of young players.

His potential appointment could indicate a desire from van Bronckhorst to integrate more academy prospects into the first-team set-up, as Jacobs could come through the door and speed up their progression.

Goldson 2.0

FFC published an article explaining why Tony Weston could be an academy player who breaks through into the first-team under the former Feyenoord coach. However, he is not the only promising talent coming through the ranks, with centre-back Leon King another who could have a bright future in Glasgow.

Gio could unearth Connor Goldson 2.0 in King, with the club potentially needing a replacement for the ex-Brighton man at the end of the season. His contract is up next summer and it remains to be seen whether or not he will put pen to paper on an extension.

Therefore, bringing through the 17-year-old, King, in the next few months could be perfect timing for the Dutch manager. He could potentially shine in the first-team and be the natural successor to Goldson, taking his place at centre-back if he is able to show consistency and quality in the Premiership.

Ex-Gers player Mark Hateley once tipped him to be massive in the future, saying: “If you look at that [our bench at Livingston] there is only Leon King there you’ve got that question mark, but Leon King is going to be massive.”

Steven Gerrard also previously dubbed him as “superb” after handing him a first-team debut in the Premiership, showing how highly the current Aston Villa manager rated the youngster.

These quotes suggest that the potential is there for King to make his mark at first-team level for Rangers. Whether that time is now, at the age of 17, or not is a question that cannot be answered until he is given an opportunity to show what he can do by van Bronckhorst.

Therefore, the 46-year-old must offer him a chance in the first-team, whether that comes in the Premiership, Europa League or in the cup. If he is able to step in and perform, then Rangers could have their next Goldson on their hands.

AND in other news, Big boost: Gio hands Rangers massive injury lift pre-Hibs, fans will surely love it – opinion

Newcastle United are now reportedly in talks to sign Hamza Choudhury in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Midfielders wanted

The St. James’ Park faithful are clearly looking to sign a new central midfield player, having been linked with the likes of James McCarthy, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Ross Barkley.

They could also look to try and sign Joe Willock on a permanent deal from Arsenal after his hugely successful loan spell in the North East in the 2020/21 season.

The Latest: Choudhury talks

According to transfers guru Pedro Almeida, there are currently ‘open talks’ between the Tyneside club and Leicester City over a potential move for Choudhury.

Steve Bruce’s team are prepared to offer €10m (£8.5m) to sign him from the Foxes, which is more than his current value of £6.3m (Transfermarkt).

The Verdict: Avoid

The Magpies should avoid overpaying for Choudhury while there are other options available to sign in the market.

The 23-year-old did not get much game time Brendan Rodgers’ side in the last campaign, playing in a mere ten matches in the Premier League and only completing the full 90 minutes on one occasion (Transfermarkt).

Thus, he may be short of sharpness if he made the move to the Toon, and Bruce already has the likes of Isaac Hayden, Jeff Hendrick and Jonjo Shelvey that he can call upon in his position.

Bruce and co should be going all out for Willock, not settling for lesser targets.

In other news, find out which ‘monster’ target NUFC have been predicted to lose out on here!

Leeds United are now keen on making an offer for FC Midtjylland midfielder Jens Cajuste this summer.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports from Swedish publication Expressen, the likes of Leeds, Wolves, Newcastle and Crystal Palace were all said to be in talks to sign Cajuste.

And now, The Sun (July 27, p49) have claimed that Bielsa has made the Swedish powerhouse his number one target to reinforce his midfield options, with the Whites now said to be happy with paying the £13m fee demanded by Midtjylland.

Bielsa will be delighted

A profile done by Leeds Live, said of him: “Cajuste is an all-action midfielder whose attributes look ready-made for Premier League football. Tough tackling, close control and accurate passing are seen as his main strengths but he offers everything you would want in a player of his position.

“Standing at 6 foot 2, he is dominant both in the air and on the surface which would provide vital stability in the middle of the park for Leeds. The 21-year-old also enjoys exhibiting his flair with a number of fancy but effective touches and passes being a particular stand-out feature of his overall game.”

In fact, as per Sofascore, Cajuste actually won more duels per game last season than Leeds talisman Kalvin Phillips (5.6 to 5.3), while he also had a marginally better success rate in those 50/50s too, winning 56% compared to the England star’s 52%.

The fact Andrea Radrizzani is happy to sanction a £13m move for Cajuste is yet more evidence of the kind of understandable faith that the club have in Bielsa and his eye for players.

The Leeds boss will be thrilled that he could be set to get the man that he wants. The relationship between the likes of Bielsa, Victor Orta and Radrizzani is key to ensuring everything runs smoothly, and this latest development suggests that is the case.

Meanwhile, Leeds are plotting a record-breaking move for this star…

Leeds United will have to pay around £4m if they want to sign Hibernian defender Josh Doig this summer, according to journalist Ross Pilcher.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Doig move

The Whites have been linked with a move for the 19-year-old, who has impressed for Hibs, making 24 appearances with a goal and three assists in the Scottish Premiership last term.

Doig could potentially move on this summer, with a number of clubs keen on snapping him up, including Leeds and Brighton, as a move to England beckons.

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The Latest: Journalist provides update on Doig

Speaking to Sussex Live, the Daily Record’s Pilcher gave an important update on the young defender’s future, quoting the amount that Leeds would need to pay to prise him away from Easter Road. He reported:

“From what I understand, Cochrane was one they were aware of seeing as they have Josh Doig and Lewis Stevenson for left-back already, wasn’t really an issue.

“The big one will be at left-back if Doig goes and at and center-back if they sell [Ryan] Porteous, although they might look to add there anyway.

“I imagine they’ll [Hibernian] look to see if they can fill gaps with decent youngsters from Brighton rather than target any specifically for starting spots.

“My best guess would be someone comes the other way on loan if Brighton sign Doig, or they need a backup striker (which they do). Kevin Nisbet is their main man and top scorer so is going to play.

“I know they’ve been keeping tabs although only Watford have made a bid so far which has been knocked back. Hibs will be looking for about £4million.”

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The Verdict: Huge long-term potential

While it is important that Marcelo Bielsa signs readymade players for Leeds this summer, it is also vital that they plan for the future, ensuring that their current momentum continues for years to come.

Doig would be a signing who represents the long-term future at Elland Road – Hibs manager Jack Ross has described him as ‘excellent’ in the past – possessing the potential to be an exciting addition and possibly even fill in from time to time in the first team.

Left-back is an area which needs addressing, with Ezgjan Alioski likely to move on from Yorkshire, and the Scot could be a handy backup for someone like Junior Firpo, who could join imminently.

In other news, Leeds are believed to have made contact with one summer target – find out who it is here.

Crystal Palace have just enjoyed the most exciting transfer window in their recent history, but one target who got away may give new manager Patrick Vieira some sleepless nights as the season unfolds.

What’s the story?

The Eagles have added the likes of Marc Guehi, Odsonne Edouard and Joachim Andersen to their ranks in recent weeks as they effectively overhauled their first-team squad.

However, they were also heavily linked with a €20 million (£17.1m) move for Sassuolo winger Jeremie Boga on Deadline Day before Vieira decided against the deal following Edouard’s arrival, according to Football.London.

“Football.London understands that deal is now unlikely with Palace’s spending complete after signing Edouard…Patrick Vieira seems to think his side have enough forward players to compete and score goals this season,” the report read.

Crystal Palace fans may be concerned

Boga has cultivated a career full of promise and potential since leaving Chelsea for Sassuolo back in 2018. The former Rennes, Granada and Birmingham City loanee made a solid contribution during his maiden campaign in Serie A  before backing it up with 11 goals and four assists in his second.

The tricky forward’s productivity dropped slightly throughout 2020/21, though, after he bagged four goals and provided two assists in 27 Serie A appearances, but his overall game was more impressive than the numbers suggest.

Boga completed 3.2 dribbles per game last season, far more than any of his Sassuolo teammates achieved and also successfully dribbled past 91 opponents, the third-highest number in the Italian top division.

With Palace set to be without their most prolific dribbler Eberechi Eze until the new year through injury, and with their fourth-most fruitful dribbler Andros Townsend joining Everton, the arrival of Boga would certainly have eased the blow of their absence.

Although Palace found the back of the net twice to salvage a 2-2 draw against West Ham United last time out, Conor Gallagher’s goals were the first strikes of Vieira’s four-match reign.

Therefore, despite Edouard’s arrival, the decision to turn down the opportunity to sign a proven goalscorer and creator such as Boga is a choice that Vieira may come to regret in the weeks and months ahead.

The lack of replacement for Townsend has left the south London outfit without a natural right-winger in the first-team squad, something which could prove to be problematic for the Eagles this season, possibly leaving the club’s supporters with some serious concerns.

And, in other news…The Athletic drop CPFC transfer claim on £15m dud, Parish dodged a bullet 

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has tipped Patrick Bamford to replicate Arsenal legend Ian Wright in the coming years.

The Lowdown: Bamford excels for Leeds

There were a number of standout figures for the Whites in their first season back in the Premier League, but none more so than Bamford.

The Englishman scored 17 goals and registered seven assists in the league, standing out as one of the best attacking players in the division.

It has been quite a turnaround for Bamford, who hasn’t always been rated so highly but has thrived with Marcelo Bielsa at the helm, also being hailed as ‘exceptional’ by Jurgen Klopp.

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The Latest: Whelan makes big prediction

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, who regularly comments on matters at Thorp Arch, used Wright as a perfect comparison for Bamford, in terms of remaining a top striker over a sustained period of time:

“When you take about strength of character, he’s definitely got it. He’s faced a lot of adversity in his career when he’s been at Palace, Chelsea and Middlesbrough.

“He’s always been one of those players where you want to see a bit more from, you think there’s more to come. There were always question marks there but he’s come back and proven himself.

“He has a strong character and a good mentality. He’s proved those doubters wrong with his goals.  He’s the second-top scoring Englishman in the Premier League, you can’t do any more than that.

“Next season is another big one. He’s 27 now and in his prime. This is when you get the best football out of yourself.

“After getting 17 last season he will be a marked man, the best players overcome that. Your Alan Shearers and Ian Wrights.

“They scored at least 20 every season in spite of being targeted by defenders, that’s Bamford’s challenge now and he can be the next Ian Wright, for sure.”

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The Verdict: Hitting his prime

At 27, Bamford is a player at his peak and there is no reason why that will change over the next four or five years.

Pace has never been a key aspect of the striker’s game, relying more on his intelligent movement, while more maturity could bring even more composure and belief in front of goal.

Bamford is a huge player for Leeds moving forward and he deserves immense praise for the strides he has made in recent years, silencing the doubters in the process.

In other news, one Leeds player has been tipped to become a ‘god’ at the club eventually. Find out who it is here.

‘The reality’ is that Freddie Woodman will leave Newcastle on loan once again next season, according to Chronicle Live journalist Lee Ryder.

The lowdown

The goalkeeper spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan at Swansea City, where he kept a league-high 21 clean sheets for Steve Cooper’s promotion chasers. The Swans reached the Championship play-off final, but it was heartbreak for Woodman and his team-mates as they were beaten 2-0 by Brentford at Wembley.

Nonetheless, Woodman was included in The Athletic’s Championship team of the season in recognition of his starring role. Despite his ‘hugely impressive’ performances, though, the door to the Newcastle first team is seemingly shut given that the incumbent Martin Dubravka signed a six-year contract as recently as the 2019/20 season.

The latest

Ryder says that both Swansea and the player himself are ‘keen’ on a return next season, although Woodman – who is ‘attracting so much attention’ – may have his head turned.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Southampton and Scottish giants Celtic are now said to be ‘in the mix’ for the 24-year-old. Ryder noted that the Hoops first expressed an interest in Woodman back in 2018.

His colleague Mark Douglas had urged the club to sanction a sale for a fee of £15m, provided the deal included ‘smart clauses’ such as first refusal on future transfers or a ‘hefty sell-on’. However, it seems a seventh temporary departure (after earlier spells at Hartlepool, Crawley, Kilmarnock and Aberdeen) is in the offing instead.

The verdict

The likelihood of another loan for Woodman probably speaks to the weakness of the market right now, and it underlines the difficulties Newcastle may have in raising funds to boost a transfer budget which could be as meagre as £12m.

Still, a successful stint at Southampton or Celtic should only boost his price tag in time for next summer, while he remains fairly young and therefore could still attract a sizeable fee.

In other news, Newcastle are in pole position to land this forward.