All posts by z3u9t.icu

Southampton are expected to lose some key players between now and the end of the transfer window, as long-serving skipper James Ward-Prowse and in-demand pair Romeo Lavia and Tino Livramento continue to be linked with the St Mary's exit.

What players have Southampton sold?

Since finishing bottom of the Premier League, and thus finding themselves in the Championship this coming season, Southampton have sold Mislav Orsic to Trabzonspor and released the likes of Mohamed Elyounoussi and Theo Walcott.

In truth, none of those losses will be majorly felt as the south coast side seek an instant return to the big time, but that could soon change given the speculation surrounding the aforementioned trio of Ward-Prowse, Lavia and Livramento.

There does not seem to be a top-flight side that has not shown an interest in Lavia, with Liverpool now looking well-positioned to sign the defender, while Livramento is supposedly wanted by Chelsea and Newcastle United.

The Saints could raise large sums for both, but it goes beyond money alone when it comes to Ward-Prowse. However, the Daily Mail claims Southampton are in talks with Everton for Mason Holgate, which could go a long way to softening the blow of the club captain departing.

What position does Mason Holgate play?

While Holgate has featured as a holding midfielder at times, he is a centre-back by trade who can occasionally fill in on the right. That means he is not a like-for-like replacement for West Ham United target Ward-Prowse, but Russell Martin is no doubt already on the lookout for a central midfielder.

Instead, Holgate can take over from Ward-Prowse – assuming the fan favourite does indeed move on this summer – in terms of his leadership qualities.

The 26-year-old has previously captained Everton and has been hailed as a "leader" by the Liverpool Echo's Sam Carroll. Southampton still have plenty of quality in their squad, but they lack obvious leaders beyond Ward-Prowse.

As someone who has been on Everton's books since 2015, Holgate is clearly loyal and also a team player, given he has had to be patient for his limited opportunities at Goodison Park.

That is not to mention the other qualities Holgate can bring to Southampton, such as his ability to clear the ball and tackle opponents – arguably the two most important traits for any centre-back.

Holgate ranks in the top 11% of all centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for clearances per 90 minutes (4.97), according to FBref, as well as the top 21% for interceptions per 90 (1.24).

The Doncaster native is also capable of bringing the ball out from the back, ranked as he is in the top 11% for successful take-ons per 90 minutes (0.53).

While it must be factored in that Holgate – valued at around £4m by Football Observatory – only played 508 minutes of Premier League football last season, the numbers show that he stood up when called upon.

If the former England U21 international now has to drop down a tier to play regular football, it may well be that Everton's loss is Southampton's gain.

An update has emerged on Liverpool's search for another addition in the central midfield position during the summer transfer window…

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

According to Sky Sports journalist Melissa Reddy, the Reds have "looked at" signing Atalanta maestro Teun Koopmeiners ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, adding: "They do love a surprise, stealth signing."

The reporter has listed the Netherlands international as one of several players in that position that the club have considered following the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Joao Palhinha, Nicolo Barella, Romeo Lavia, and Ryan Gravenberch have also been named as manager Jurgen Klopp attempts to restructure his midfield options after the Merseyside giants failed to secure Champions League football for next season.

How good is Teun Koopmeiners?

The talented 6-foot technician, who has been valued at up to €40m (£34m) by Atalanta, has proven himself to be an excellent performer in the middle of the park during his time in Italy.

Koopmeiners is able to carry a significant attacking threat from a no.8 position and his presence in midfield could make current Liverpool star Mohamed Salah even better.

The Dutchman's ability to create chances for his teammates regularly could provide the Egypt international with more opportunities to punish teams at the top end of the pitch.

Salah scored 19 Premier League goals for the Reds last season after 23 and 22 throughout the previous two top-flight campaigns combined.

Bringing in a player with the quality to open up the opposition's defence week-in-week-out could allow the former AS Roma winger to work his way back to more than 20 league strikes next term.

No central midfielder – with at least five starts – managed more than Thiago Alcantara's 0.9 key passes per Premier League game last season for Klopp.

Koopmeiners, meanwhile, produced 1.8 per match for Atalanta throughout the Serie A campaign, which would have placed him second – only behind Trent Alexander-Arnold (1.9) – within the Liverpool squad.

These statistics suggest that the 25-year-old dynamo has the quality to be an excellent addition to the German manager's array of engine room options, due to his impressive ability to create chances regularly.

Therefore, Salah could subsequently increase his goal tally even more by being able to advantage of more opportunities falling his way thanks to the Dutchman's creative passing.

Koopmeiners, who was once hailed as an "orchestrator" by scout Jacek Kulig, carries a goal threat from midfield too, and could take some of the attention away from the likes of Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo as defenders would need to be wary of his attacking potential.

The former AZ Alkmaar star plundered ten strikes across 33 Serie A matches for Atalanta last season, whilst he also managed 26 Eredivisie goals across the 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns before his move to Italy.

Meanwhile, only Salah (19) and Roberto Firmino (11) reached double figures for league goals last term for Liverpool, which suggests that £34m-valued target could be an excellent addition to bolster Klopp's firepower over the coming months.

Therefore, Koopmeiners has the serious potential to be a fantastic signing for the Premier League outfit, whilst also having the ability to help Salah improve his output in front of goal to get him back to his previous levels.

Manchester United are in the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby, with a whole host of Premier League clubs now competing for his signature, according to a recent report from The Daily Mail.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

Man United are now closing in on a deal for Andre Onana, with getting a deal done for the Inter Milan goalkeeper seemingly Erik ten Hag's priority at the moment, and there have been reports that a final offer in excess of €50m (£43m) is to be expected.

A deal for Onana would deplete nearly half of United's transfer budget, which is estimated to be around £100m, unless they are able to sell players, while the deal for Mason Mount has already cost them £55m, so they may not have much left to spend.

Ten Hag is yet to sell any first-team players, with Zidane Iqbal the only player to leave who has not done so on a free transfer, and so the manager may now be tasked with shifting some players on before any arrivals can be expected.

The likes of Jadon Sancho, Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay could all leave before the transfer window slams shut, which would hopefully free up some funds for Man United to bring in some new additions to the squad.

Personal terms have been agreed with Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, and the Dane is not the Red Devils' only attacking target, with a report from The Daily Mail detailing they are in the race for Bayer Leverkusen's left-footed winger Diaby.

There may be fierce competition for the Frenchman's signature, however, as Aston Villa, Arsenal and Newcastle have all made their interest clear, with the former becoming the latest club to make him a transfer target.

Leverkusen are set to hold out for £50m if they are to sanction the departure of the 24-year-old, who is expected to leave the Bundesliga side this summer.

How many goals has Moussa Diaby scored?

The Paris-born winger scored 14 goals for Leverkusen in all competitions last season, while also recording 11 assists, in what was yet another impressive campaign for the winger, who has proven himself as one of the Bundesliga's top players.

Last season, the Leverkusen star averaged a WhoScored match rating of 7.06 in the Bundesliga, the third-highest figure in the squad, having scored the highest number of goals, while also receiving three man-of-the-match awards.

The former Paris Saint-Germain ace has been hailed by journalist Aaron Stokes, who praised him for his "electrifying" pace, ability with both feet, and fearlessness in possession of the ball last year.

Diaby could be a fantastic signing for almost any club in the world, however, there are question marks over whether he should be a priority for Man United, as you could argue that there are other positions that need strengthening first.

Ten Hag already has the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony to choose from in wide areas, and so the manager's main priority could be signing a new striker like Hojlund to compete with Anthony Martial, especially if funds are limited.

Arsenal are ready to launch a bid for Southampton star Romeo Lavia after completing their Declan Rice deal, according to reports.

Who are Arsenal signing?

After weeks of protracted negotations, the Gunners are now set to sign Rice, just over a week after they initially agreed a fee in principle with West Ham.

Both Arsenal and the Irons compromised on a £105 million total price (£100m + £5m in add-ons), but much of the talks since then have been regarding payment structure.

In the last 24 hours, there has been an agreement for Arsenal to pay the initial £100m over a 24-month period, with Rice now set for a medical this week ahead of signing a long-term contract.

After that huge boost for manager Mikel Arteta, it is believed the north Londoners are also closing in on a deal for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, as transfer chief Edu gets to work on backing Arsenal this summer transfer window.

Both players look highly likely to join Kai Havertz at Arsenal, coming after the Germany international put pen to paper on a £65 million move from Chelsea.

This window's outlay could total well over £200 million, but according to reports in the last 48 hours, they certainly aren't done there.

Indeed, Southampton's Lavia is still firmly on their radar, with Arteta's side readying a bid for the 19-year-old who starred at St. Mary's Stadium last season.

That is according to The Times and journalist Tom Allnutt, who claim they're set to make a move for Lavia.

"Arsenal are ready to make a move for the Southampton midfielder Roméo Lavia once the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham United is completed," wrote Allnutt

"Arsenal want to continue their summer spending spree by bidding for Lavia, although they expect to face strong competition from Liverpool for the 19-year-old.

"Chelsea and Manchester United are also interested in Lavia, with Southampton wanting £50 million for the Belgium player."

Who is Romeo Lavia?

Boasting the highest pass accuracy percentage of any Southampton regular, Lavia stood out as one of their best-performers per 90 according to WhoScored.

The Belgium international is one of huge potential, as already explained by Man City boss Pep Guardiola, who admitted that he has been "very impressed" with Lavia's progress on the south coast.

"I am really impressed with what Roméo has done and is doing,” Guardiola said.

"We had, and we have, an incredible opinion about him. We thought to keep him, but maybe he would not [get] enough minutes like he has in Southampton.”

Meanwhile, members of the press have called Lavia a "sensational midfielder", with journalist Sam Tighe even believing the teenager is a "shining star" of Southampton's relegated side.

"I watched every game Roméo Lavia played last season and he was absolutely incredible," explained Tighe.

"A shining star despite playing in terrible circumstances most of the time. Arsenal reportedly advancing on a deal…one to be very excited about."

The former City starlet played 29 league games last season, scoring once and picking up nine yellow cards.

A new era is in full swing for Chelsea.

The last week has seen the departures of numerous first-team players edge extremely close as the incoming Mauricio Pochettino attempts to trim a hideously bloated squad.

The most unexpected and well-documented exit is that of Kai Havertz to Arsenal as Fabrizio Romano revealed that a £65m deal has been agreed upon, and his medical is to be scheduled.

However, the Blues were already prepared for this eventuality – RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku has had an agreement with Chelsea since October. It was recently confirmed he has joined for a reported fee of €60m (£52m).

In his first interview as a new Premier League player, the Frenchman has outlined how he can bring excitement to Stamford Bridge.

He said: "We can say that I am a hard worker. I will give everything for the club, for the fans and to help the team bring some trophies. To give the best of my football. I hope I will make them as happy as I am to be here at this club.

“I think the project was good for me. It is a good project for me to develop myself as a player and a man also.

“I want to improve, to progress every day, so wherever they tell me to play, I play, and I wanted to improve in every position. So that’s the way I go about everything and why I was able to score goals after changing.

An upgrade on Kai Havertz?

Nkunku arrives in the English capital off the back of a scintillating final season in Germany. In 25 Bundesliga appearances, the ten-cap international scored 16 goals, as he was the division’s joint-top scorer, despite missing nine games through injury.

The forward isn’t just a one-season wonder, as he was crowned the Bundesliga’s Best Player and Footballer of the Year in Germany for 2022.

As well as his potency, the attacker has demonstrated himself to be a wonderful all-rounder. He ranks within the top 9% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for non-penalty goals per 90, shot-creating actions per 90, progressive passes per 90, and successful take-ons per 90.

The £124k-per-week star has splendid pedigree and can fill the void left by Havertz, who flattered to deceive in a Chelsea shirt.

The German’s time in west London has seen flashes of impudent brilliance, but he has desperately lacked consistent ruthlessness, cutting an anonymous figure for prolonged periods.

Whilst Havertz is obviously extremely talented, he was yet to be fully unlocked in any Chelsea system and failed to hit double digits for goals or assists in any season for the Blues.

It’s the best outcome for both parties to go their separate ways. Nkunku, who has been hailed as “world-class” by former Leipzig assistant coach Achim Beierlorzer, now has the opportunity to become the new talisman.

Nottingham Forest may have found the perfect Brennan Johnson replacement as the Tricky Trees eye Sydney van Hooijdonk, according to reports from Italy.

What's the latest Nottingham Forest transfer news? – Sydney van Hooijdonk identified

After escaping relegation last season, Forest are keen to strengthen their squad and build on the back of their first season back in the Premier League, with the club linked to a number of different players.

Former Premier League defender Roman Saiss is reportedly on the club's radar, with Steve Cooper determined to strengthen the team's back line.

Forest have also identified a Keylor Navas replacement after the goalkeeper returned to Paris Saint-Germain, with Citta Celeste reporting that the club have made an offer for Lazio's Luis Maximiano.

On the flip side, one man that may be leaving the Forest Ground is talisman Johnson.

According to reports, the 22-year-old has caught the attention of Aston Villa, West Ham and Everton, so the club have begun searching for a possible successor.

Well, it seems they've found the perfect replacement in Bologna's van Hooijdonk, according to Corriere Di Bologna.

How does Sydney van Hooijdonk compare to Brennan Johnson?

While the 23-year-old dynamo was primarily played as a centre-forward last season during his loan spell at Eredivisie side, SC Heerenveen, he is also more than capable of putting a shift in on the left wing and Forest have identified him as a possible successor to Johnson.

On paper, the two men aren't all that similar, but in van Hooijdonk, Forest would replace Johnson with a natural goalscorer.

The Dutch forward scored 19 goals in all competitions last season, double the tally that the Englishman put up himself, whilst in the past, talent scout Jacek Kulig has described the "prolific" frontman as a "target man" who has "athleticism," with the latter attribute comparing well to Cooper's current gem.

With an average WhoScored rating of 6.83, van Hooijdonk out-performed Johnson who averaged a score of 6.49, and the two men put up a similar number of key passes, with van Hooijdonk averaging 0.5 a game, while the Forest man averaged 0.7.

Having controlled the ball with his feet 426 times last season, the Dutchman showed a similar ability to Johnson, who controlled the ball 450 times with his feet last season.

With the Forest man set to fetch the club at least £30m in any potential move away, and van Hooijdonk valued at just £2.5m, the forward would be a bargain for the club and offer a worthy successor to the talented Englishman.

Interestingly, the 6 foot 3 Bologna man's father Pierre played for Forest in the late 1990s, and the deal ended sourly when the former player refused to play for the club towards the end of his time there, drawing criticism from fans and his teammates, so the 23-year-old could potentially offer the chance to rewrite the van Hooijdonk name in the eyes of the club and everyone surrounding it.

Football supporters have flocked to social media to express their sympathy for Luka Modric after he failed to win silverware with Croatia once again.

How many trophies has Luka Modric won in his career?

At club level, the midfield maestro has won essentially every major honour available to a European footballer. Indeed, with Real Madrid he has lifted the Champion League five times, La Liga three times, the Copa del Rey twice, the Spanish Super Cup four times, and the Club World Cup five times.

On top of that, he won the Croatian national league three times with GNK Dinamo Zagreb, as well as two domestic cups in his native country too.

While he has also won numerous individual accolades – such as Croatia’s Player of the Year five times – and most notably the 2018 Ballon d’Or.

Sadly, however, Modric has yet to win a trophy with his country and this unfortunate run continued over the weekend as Spain beat Croatia on penalties in the UEFA Nations League final.

After the game, the 37-year-old was seen looking dejected as he wandered around the pitch – even though his own fans showed him plenty of love.

Despite having been part of an excellent national side that keeps performing far above expectations, Modric doesn’t quite have a trophy to show for all his efforts.

After all, in the 2018 World Cup they picked up a silver medal after losing to France in the final. While at Qatar 2022, they came away with bronze.

And now, this time in the Nations League, the veteran Real Madrid star has fallen just short once again, with another silver medal to add to his international collection.

With all this in mind, fans took to social media to outline just how gutted they were for Modric. Here are some of the best reactions…

There was still plenty of love for Modric and his achievements though.

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey could be set for a summer exit from the Emirates over the coming weeks.

Who will Arsenal sign this summer?

The Gunners enjoyed a seriously impressive 2022/23 campaign which saw them provide Manchester City with some stern competition at the top of the table.

However, Mikel Arteta's side were unable to prevent Pep Guardiola and his team from retaining their Premier League crown.

And as a result, it is believed the Gunners will be looking to make some major moves in this summer transfer window which could see some movement in the midfield.

Indeed, reports have suggested the north London club are seriously keen on making West Ham United's Declan Rice an Arsenal player this summer.

This comes amid claims the current Arsenal star Granit Xhaka could be set for a potential return to his homeland with Bayer Leverkusen reportedly interested in acquiring him.

And as the speculation surrounds a potential incoming and outgoing in north London, it appears Xhaka may not be the only Arsenal midfielder to leave in the coming months.

Speakng on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Ghanaian midfielder, Partey, could also be heading for the exit doors at the Emirates:

"So guys, let me start with Arsenal because I have important updates to give you about the Gunners."

"Thomas Partey could be on the move this summer. It's a possibility for Thomas Partey to leave Arsenal.

"I'm told this is a very concrete chance for Thomas Partey to find the solution and to leave Arsenal Football Club.

"There are conversations ongoing. This is still not advanced, for example, Xhaka to Leverkusen is more than advanced. It's almost done just waiting for the green light from Arsenal.

"For Thomas Partey, still time to look at options and then discuss with Arsenal but Thomas is a concrete name in the potential exits of Arsenal."

How long is left on Thomas Partey's contract?

This summer will mark Partey's third year since joining the north London side from Atletico Madrid for a fee believed to be worth in the region of £45m.

And in that time he has played a significant role in the middle of Arsenal's side having made 99 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions (via Transfermarkt).

In the Premier League alone last season, Partey was able to rack up a third of those 99 appearances where he contributed with three goals.

But the – dubbed "monster" – Ghanaian has also battled with numerous injuries over his time in north London which could be a reason behind his potential departure from the Emirates.

On the back of an impressive campaign for the Gunners, the 30-year-old now has just two years remaining on his deal with the north London side.

And with reports suggesting Arteta's side are hoping to bring in Rice over the coming weeks, perhaps Partey is not viewed as a long-term option anymore.

If they are to wait another year to potentially sell the Ghanaian then they could receive a much lower return on their £45m investment.

Aston Villa have been linked to a relegated Premier League ace ahead of the transfer window, as Unai Emery prepares to bolster his squad this summer.

While the Spaniard is reportedly set to be given a £150m transfer kitty to spend, Villa could land a budget signing from a newly relegated side as per recent reports.

What’s the latest on Crysencio Summerville to Aston Villa?

As reported by sports outlet in the Netherlands FC Update (via Sport Witness) Aston Villa have their eye on potentially signing Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville.

The narrative of the report surrounds the forward’s potential move to PSV, however, mentions that both RB Leipzig and Villa are also interested in the player.

Valued at €11.6m (£10m) by Football Transfers, the young attacker could be a steal for Emery’s side.

What could Crysencio Summerville offer to Aston Villa?

Hailed as being “absolutely incredible” by pundit Nedum Onuoha on BBC’s Match of the Day, the 21-year-old Dutchman could be a revelation under Emery.

It’s been a difficult season for the young forward, who experienced relegation with Leeds in a campaign of poor performances.

The winger, who signed from Feyenoord’s academy to Leeds’ U21s in the summer of 2020, made an impression at times this campaign, as shown through his six goal contributions in 28 appearances, scoring four and assisting two – via FBref.

In the build-up to the World Cup last year, the Rotterdam-born ace was the talk of all things Leeds, as he scored in four consecutive Premier League games, including an emphatic late winner against Liverpool at Anfield. Such impressive form saw Statman Dave applaud his "unstoppable" performances.

It went from all to nothing for the Dutchman, who struggled to re-find his form in a depleted side after the winter break.

All is far from lost for the young forward, however, who could find his form rejuvenated under Emery, and could be a valuable asset to Villa Park.

Aptly described as having an opposition defence in a “tumble dryer” by journalist Joe Donnohue, the Dutchman could replicate the feats of Anwar El Ghazi at Villa, with whom he shares a variety of attributes.

The fellow Netherlands representative was “magnificent” for Villa, as lauded by pundit Michael Brown, scoring 26 goals during his stay in the Midlands, including a crucial goal in the play-off final a few years ago.

Like El Ghazi, the 21-year-old is strong playing on the wing and is extremely direct in his play, as signified by his average of 3.22 progressive carries and 1.51 successful take-ons per 90 – as per FBref.

Similar numbers were recorded by El Ghazi in his final season at Villa Park, who registered 2.79 progressive carries and 1.45 successful take-ons per 90 on average.

The comparison between the potential summer target and the former Villa winger implies the impact the Dutchman could have in Emery’s side, and at just 21 years old, he could become a dangerous talent under the Spaniard’s care.

Aston Villa are battling Everton for the signing of Almeria attacker Largie Ramazani ahead of the summer transfer window, a new report has claimed.

Has Ramazani had a good season?

The Villans enjoyed such an impressive 2022/23 season in the end, with Unai Emery completely transforming the club's fortunes and getting them into Europe. It is an achievement that seemed scarcely believable at one point, and it puts the club in a strong position heading into the summer.

The upcoming window has the potential to be one of the most exciting at Villa Park in a number of years, with funds available for new signings and Emery's pull potentially allowing them to snap up some top-quality additions.

One player who has been linked with a move to Villa in recent days is Ramazani, who proved to be a key figure for Almeria throughout the campaign. The £2,499-a-week forward has scored three times in La Liga for a side who only just avoided relegation, and he may feel that he could thrive more in a stronger outfit.

Could Ramazani be off to Villa?

According to Football Insider, Villa are "tracking" the 22-year-old ahead of a potential summer move, although they aren't alone in expressing an interest. Everton are also name-checked in the report, while other unnamed clubs are also believed to be in the running.

Ramazani, who was once a youth team player at Manchester United between 2017 and 2020, is "attracting admiring glances from across Europe after starring for the Rojiblancos on their return to the Spanish top flight."

The Almeria favourite could be a really shrewd signing by Villa this summer – not necessarily the big name that many supporters will be hoping for, but someone who could be a strong squad addition. He is out of contract at the end of the 2024/25 season, so his current club may feel that now is the right time to cash on him, with his stock arguably never higher.

Ramazani has played all across the front-line for Almeria this season, proving to be adept on either flank and in a central attacking role, and his versatility could be something that really appeals to Emery, providing depth in a number of positions.

The youngster has been hailed as "explosive", "dynamic" and "the Mini-Vinicius" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, which says a lot about his ability and potential as a player, and why Villa would be wise to make a move for him.