All posts by h716a5.icu

Crystal Palace have made some terrible signings over the previous few years, with the likes of Emmanuel Adebayor and Shola Ameobi draining the club’s vital resources with very little end product, but it is perhaps a player that they didn’t sign which will be the greatest cause of regret.

Back in 2014, the Eagles had the chance to sign Virgil van Dijk, who was then at Celtic, for a measly £6m before Southampton pounced and grabbed the opportunity to bring the defender to the Premier League.

Neil Warnock, who was the manager at Selhurst Park at that time, has confirmed the story and expressed his misfortune at missing out on the player. The 73-year-old admitted: “We could have bought him at Palace for £6million but my chief scout told me he was too slow. I think he’s still in a job as well!”

The Dutchman joined Liverpool in 2018 as the Merseyside club spent a massive £75m to sign the defender, and it hasn’t worked out too badly for him or the Reds since then.

He has won pretty much every major honour with the club apart from the FA Cup (which could be added to his CV this weekend) and he has gone from strength to strength, more than paying back the money that Liverpool spent on him.

It is an interesting sliding doors moment for Palace, and although they have retained their Premier League status ever since promotion in 2013, having Van Dijk in the team may have given them a better chance of stabilising themselves in the top half or even pushing for Europe.

Former England striker Darren Bent has dubbed the 30-year-old “world-class”, and Van Dijk is arguably the best defender on the planet at this moment in time.

Warnock had a wonderful managerial career which took him to Sheffield United, Cardiff City and Palace among many others, but he might sometimes wake up in a cold sweat wondering what might have been if he had Van Dijk in his squad at Selhurst Park.

AND in other news, “Agreement close…”: David Ornstein drops huge Palace update that Eagles supporters will love

Rangers were left heartbroken on Wednesday night as the Ibrox giants lost on penalties in the final of the Europa League.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side gave their all in Seville as they took it all the way to spot-kicks after a 1-1 draw in 120 minutes.

The Glasgow outfit took the lead in the second half as Joe Aribo capitalised on a mistake at the back and raced through to slot the ball past Kevin Trapp with a composed finish.

Their lead did not last for long, though, as Rafael Borre pounced on a cross after Connor Goldson failed to cut it out at the front post.

Both sides had chances to win it in extra time and the best chance fell to Ryan Kent as he saw a close-range effort saved by Trapp from point-blank range.

It then came down to penalties and Aaron Ramsey’s poor spot-kick was comfortably saved by the Frankfurt stopper, with every other penalty in the shootout being expertly dispatched – sealing the win for the German outfit.

Whilst Aribo scored the goal for the Gers, the real standout, in what was a superb performance in spite of the defeat, was central defender Calvin Bassey. After the match, BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves dubbed his performance as “astonishing” and that sums it up perfectly.

Defensively, he was absolutely outstanding. As per SofaScore, he won seven of his 11 individual duels, won two tackles and made four clearances, two blocks and three interceptions over the course of the 120 minutes on the pitch.

The defender, who had 93 touches in total, was a menace to the Frankfurt attackers as he towered above them to win the ball time and time again – winning 80% of his aerial battles as he dominated the match.

During the BT Sport commentary, Alex Rae claimed that the Nigeria international “eats up ground” when running back to track runs in behind. He showcased his recovery speed, making nine recoveries in total, as he stopped the Bundesliga side from exposing the space between the backline and Allan McGregor.

These statistics and quotes on his display illustrate his exceptional showing in the final. He was incredibly unlucky to end the night on the losing side and van Bronckhorst will now be hoping that this display does not catch any eyes heading into the summer transfer window…

AND in other news, Gvb must finally unleash “powerful” 19 y/o Rangers gem who “took his chance” in 2022…

Newcastle United are reportedly now eyeing up a shock triple raid of Leeds United.

The Lowdown: Last-day survival

The Whites managed to stay up by the skin of their teeth on Sunday as they beat Brentford 2-1 on the last day of the Premier League season.

The Magpies actually did them a favour by beating relegation rivals Burnley 2-1, which ended up sending the Clarets down instead.

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The Latest: Newcastle’s Elland Road raid

Writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that Newcastle are now eyeing up potential moves for Leeds trio Raphinha, Kalvin Phillips and Jack Harrison this summer.

They have had ‘conversations’ over Phillips in particular, while they have ‘followed’ the Brazilian’s situation and are also ‘considering’ a move for fellow winger Harrison.

The Verdict: Exciting

While they may not sign all three, Newcastle’s pursuit of this trio is certainly exciting for the Toon Army.

They all ranked in Leeds’ top 10 performers in the Premier League this term, while Raphinha and Harrison ended as their top two scorers with 11 and eight goals respectively. The three Magpies targets also managed five assists between them (WhoScored).

The Tynesiders already know of their qualities having watched them play in the top flight, and if the trio can perform so effectively for a relegation-threatened Leeds side, then they will surely thrive in Eddie Howe’s team as they aim to push into the top half and beyond from next season.

In other news, Howe is considering a bid for another Premier League gem

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Giorgi Mamardashvili to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication Marca, who claim that Fabio Paratici has now joined the race to sign the Valencia goalkeeper, with Manchester United having already made contact with the LaLiga side regarding a deal for the 21-year-old.

The report goes on to state that, with Los Che needing to raise around €70m (£60m) from player sales in order to balance their books, Jose Bordalas’ side would be open to the sale of the Georgia international this summer – with the shot-stopper reported to have a €20m (£17m) release clause written into his contract at The Mestalla.

The next Jan Oblak

Considering the sheer amount of potential Mamardashvili undoubtedly possesses, it is easy to see why Paratici would be interested in a deal to bring the ‘keeper to north London this summer – especially for a figure of just £17m.

Indeed, the £4.5m-rated talent highly impressed over his 18 LaLiga appearances this season, keeping eight clean sheets and making an average of 3.1 saves per game – the joint fifth-most in the league.

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These returns saw the £13k-per-week shot-stopper who Xisco Munoz claimed can have “brutal growth” and Jacek Kulig dubbed Jan “Oblak-esque” average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 6.98, ranking him as Bordalas’ fourth-best performer in the Spanish top flight.

Furthermore, according to FBref data, the 21-year-old also ranks in the top 8% of goalkeepers in Europe’s big five leagues for saves made per 90, as well as the top 4% for clean sheets, the top 23% for goals conceded, the top 9% for goal-kick distance, the top 24% for crosses stopped and the top 29% for defensive actions outside of the penalty area over the last 365 days.

As such, with the 35-year-old Hugo Lloris being no spring chicken, and Mamardashvili clearly being an exceptionally talented young goalkeeper, it would appear highly advisable for Paratici to do everything he can to land the Georgian ahead of Manchester United this summer.

Indeed, should the Valencia starlet continue his extraordinary rate of development following a £17m switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Italian sporting director could well have sealed a player who could go on to become the next Oblak – the Atletico Madrid number one who had a £70m asking price last year – for Spurs.

AND in other news: “Understood to be keen”: Gold drops big Spurs transfer claim that supporters will love

West Bromwich Albion got the ball rolling with regards to the potential summer overhaul that Steve Bruce addressed some weeks ago as the Baggies announced they had secured the signing of midfielder John Swift on a free transfer from Reading.

Now that the move has been confirmed, it seems as though a claim has emerged over the potential transfer of another Championship midfielder with whom the Midlands club have been linked recently.

What’s the news?

During a recent online Q&A for The Athletic, Baggies reporter Steve Madeley was asked what the chances are of West Brom securing the signing of Joe Rothwell from Blackburn Rovers.

In response, the journalist said: “Rothwell is a player West Brom are aware of but I haven’t heard any suggestion that West Brom have made a move for him.”

Earlier this month, journalist John Percy tweeted that West Brom are one of the clubs interested in signing the midfielder on a free transfer once his current deal at Ewood Park runs out at the end of next month.

While the Rovers ace still has a few weeks left before he officially becomes a free agent, it would still be bad news for Baggies fans to hear that there has not yet been an inkling over a potential move for him to The Hawthorns.

After working his way through Manchester United’s youth ranks, the midfielder found himself at Blackburn in the summer of 2018 after a two-year spell with Oxford United.

During his time with Rovers, the 27-year-old made 161 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals and delivering 18 assists along the way.

In what has turned out to be his final season at Ewood Park, Rothwell found the net three times and supplied 10 assists in 41 league appearances.

To highlight his attacking and creative prowess on the pitch, he not only ended the season with far more crosses (141) to his name than any other Blackburn player, he also posted a higher average of key passes per game (1.7) than any of his team-mates.

With the Baggies failing to score in 18 of their 46 Championship matches this season, having a creative midfielder like Rothwell could be just what Bruce needs to make his side a much deadlier force going forward.

Therefore, Madeley’s downplaying of Albion’s links with the 27-year-old will come as bad news for the club’s supporters.

In other news: Bruce heading for big transfer calamity as West Brom eye move for £1.7m dud

Calvin Bassey established himself as a key player for Rangers in the most recent season and it has been no surprise to Gers fans to see him linked with a move away from Ibrox in recent weeks.

What’s the word?

Journalist Ryan Taylor recently spoke to GIVEMESPORT about Bassey’s future at Ibrox.

It comes with Aston Villa heavily linked with the 22-year-old defender, with former Gers manager Steven Gerrard clearly keen on bringing him to Villa Park.

Taylor said: “Bassey is clearly highly rated by Villa. I think that deal will happen; I can see it happening. Obviously, [Diego] Carlos coming in might change the picture, but it’s clear Villa rate him highly, and for me, it’s just a no-brainer.

“The way he played in the Europa League, he looks like a player that’s just naturally ready to step up and perform.”

Supporters will be gutted

The former Leicester City man won a lot of plaudits for his performances in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side last season, with his switch to centre-back an inspired decision by the Dutch manager which brought out sensational performances, most notably in the Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt.

BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves was particularly impressed by the youngster following that game, as he said: “Calvin Bassey, my word, what a performance. That was astonishing, the energy and effort. Everything about his game was fantastic.

“Anyone watching that will be thinking: ‘That’s the kind of player I want in my team.”

With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise that per SofaScore ratings, he ranks as the club’s fourth-best defender in 2021/22. That perhaps doesn’t do his performances justice with the youngster now one of the best up and coming talents in Scotland.

Since joining from the Foxes in 2020, the Nigeria international has gone on to make 64 appearances for the Teddy Bears, contributing one goal and six assists.

Having become first-choice last season, Rangers fans will surely want to keep the youngster around next season as they aim to reclaim the Scottish Premiership and target another run in Europe.

However, from what Taylor suggests, it seems unlikely that he will still be at Ibrox when the 2022/23 campaign begins, an eventuality that will no doubt leave supporters gutted.

And in other news… After Goldson: Rangers fans can expect more good news according to journo

Manchester United are interested in signing Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij, according to a report from Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown: De Vrij’s career so far

A vastly experienced operator, the 30-year-old Dutchman started out at Eredivisie club Feyenoord before moving to Lazio in 2014, where he made 118 outings and lifted the Italian Super Cup.

Signed on a free transfer by Serie A rivals Inter in 2018 (Sky Sports), the powerful centre-back has amassed 165 appearances for the Nerazzurri, playing a huge role in the team which lifted the Italian top-flight title in 2020/21 as he started 30 matches in that triumphant campaign.

As compatriot Erik ten Hag now attempts to begin a new era in charge at Old Trafford, De Vrij is seemingly among those being targeted to spearhead the transformation…

The latest: United keen on De Vrij

As per Gazzetta dello Sport, translated by Sport Witness, United are watching the 57-cap defender’s situation with intent.

It’s claimed that the developments will be ‘monitored in the coming days’ as Inter line up a replacement for the man who was hailed as a ‘brilliant player’ by team-mate Milan Skriniar upon signing for the San Siro giants.

Fast approaching the final 12 months of a contract and valued at £25.2m (Transfermarkt), the Red Devils could be given further encouragement in their pursuit over the coming weeks.

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The verdict: Make it happen

De Vrij continued to have an impact at the very highest level in 2021/22 as he earned an impressive 6.88 Sofascore rating whilst winning 3.9 duels and making 1.7 clearances, 1.3 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game in Serie A, showcasing a prominent defensive mindset.

Standing at 6 foot 3 and boasting 436 senior outings overall, the powerful defender would bring further experience and a presence to a United team which often lacked assertiveness throughout the 2021/22 campaign, conceding a pitiful 57 league goals (the same number as they scored).

While signing the 30-year-old wouldn’t necessarily represent the start of the next generation in Manchester, the Dutch centre-back’s nous, quality and ability to lead a defence would make him a superb addition to the Old Trafford ranks as Ten Hag looks to fix the issues in that department.

In other news – Fabrizio Romano: Man Utd and Ten Hag are now in ‘new’ talks for ‘huge talent’ as well as De Jong

Liverpool have been heavily linked with Gavi during the summer transfer window, and a fresh new update has emerged on the youngster’s future amid contract negotiations with his current club Barcelona.

What’s the latest?

According to reports in Spain, while it was believed that a deal was close to being signed, there are still many differences to be ironed out between the player and the club.

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As per the report, Gavi and Barcelona were reported to be almost completely in agreement on extending his contract and securing his future with the La Liga giants, but this is now not thought to be true.

It is suggested that Barcelona do not believe Gavi is a fully-fledged footballer as of yet, although the young midfielder believes he has earned enough experience to be paid on a par with his more senior team-mates at the club.

FSG must act now

With the news that Barcelona are not as close as anticipated to securing a deal for Gavi to remain at the club, FSG must act now and take their opportunity to hijack the deal and offer the youngster a future at Anfield.

Liverpool have a relatively ageing squad in terms of their midfield options, with Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson and James Milner all now well into their 30s. Therefore,  injecting some youth into their team could be a good step forward for the Reds as they continue their pursuit for dominance and trophies on all fronts.

Darwin’s a Red! Get your special edition Darwin Nunez tee here.

Gavi has been impressing over the last season, with Jamie Redknapp lauding praise on the 17-year-old, who he called “talented” and a “phenomenon” in an interview on Sky Sports

The former Liverpool midfielder gushed (via SPORT): “I want to see Gavi’s birth certificate… You can’t be that good at 17! He is a phenomenon, very talented. I’m amazed, I loved watching him play, it’s a pleasure to see him. Gavi is going to be a superstar if he continues on this path. He has it all, I loved watching him play tonight.”

The Spanish talent – who has a €100m (£85.6m) release clause – scored two goals, delivered five assists and created eight big chances during the 2021/22 season, making 1.1 tackles and winning 5.6 duels per game. Also, he was successful with the majority of his dribbles (62%) in his 34 La Liga appearances, suggesting that his potential has no ceiling.

With that being said, FSG must not pass up on their opportunity to turn Gavi’s head with an attractive offer which could tempt him away from securing his future with Barcelona this summer, instead joining Jurgen Klopp’s talented squad in their pursuit for a second Premier League title and beyond.

AND in other news – “Liverpool have..”: Sky Sports reporter drops exciting update that’ll delight supporters

There is a growing confidence that Ruben Neves will remain a Wolves player by the end of this summer, according to The Athletic.

What’s the word?

Despite the Portuguese midfielder seemingly hinting that his time at Molineux was up last season, there has been little progress on a move away from the Black Country in recent weeks.

Bruno Lage confirmed that Wolves value him at £100m, and as it stands, it seems unlikely that any club will be willing to pay that fee for the 25-year-old.

The Athletic writers Steve Madeley and Maram AlBaharna have now provided the latest on Neves’ situation in arecent article.

They wrote: “There was an expectation that clubs interested in Neves would have made their move by now but, as it stands, there has been a slew of rumours (with Barcelona the most frequently mentioned club) but no formal move for the 25-year-old.

“That does not mean that Neves will stay at Wolves next season. But with no movement in the market for the Portugal star, that outcome has increased in likelihood since the transfer window opened.”

Supporters will be buzzing

While Wolves fans might have consigned themselves to losing their talismanic midfielder, this update suggests that he could be lining up in Old Gold again next season.

Considering his superb performances since joining from Porto in 2017, supporters will surely be delighted to hear that the 25-year-old could remain at Molineux.

In 212 appearances for the club, Neves has contributed 24 goals and 12 assists, with many of his goals coming in the form of screamers from outside the penalty box.

Of the Wolves players to make more than 10 appearances last season, Neves was the fourth-best performer in Lage’s side according to WhoScored, so it would undoubtedly be beneficial to the club if they could keep him around for at least another year.

Journalist Tim Spiers was full of praise for the Portuguese star after an impressive performance in the 1-0 win against Everton last season, saying: “Ruben Neves was outstanding. Ran the show. What a guy.”

Therefore, Wolves supporters will surely be encouraged by this latest update from The Athletic and will be hoping that Neves can be convinced to remain at Molineux for the foreseeable future.

In other news… Lage could seal dream Nunes partner with Wolves bid for “very talented” starlet

Newcastle United are reportedly now eyeing up a potential move to sign Gabriel Barbosa.

The Lowdown: ‘Gabigol’

Nicknamed ‘Gabigol’ for his ability to find the back of the net, Barbosa has scored a total of 151 times for club and country combined over the course of his senior career so far.

The Brazil international is still only 25 years of age, so those numbers really are impressive and worthy of his nickname, although only two of his club goals have come in Europe – one for Inter and one for Benfica.

The Latest: Newcastle interest

Writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed that the St. James’ Park outfit are now ‘keeping tabs’ on Barbosa’s situation at Flamengo.

They targeted a move for him in the January transfer window, but a deal never materialised, and so they could come back in for him this summer.

However, the North East club may face competition from West Ham United, Wolves and Aston Villa for his signature.

The Verdict: Ekitike alternative?

It has been widely reported that the Tyneside outfit are pursuing a move for Hugo Ekitike, but a deal is not guaranteed for the Reims striker.

Thus, Barbosa could be seen as a decent alternative, given his goal record and the fact he is a lot more experienced at 25 compared to the 19-year-old Frenchman.

Nonetheless, the Brazilian would surely be licking his lips at the prospect of being fed chances by his fellow countrymen Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, and so this is certainly one to keep an eye on as the window progresses.