All posts by z3u9t.icu

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2018/19 was a fantastic season for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool as they lifted the Champions League title, and they will be hoping that the next campaign will be just as good, if not even better. Today’s Reds transfer roundup includes a move for a Portugal international, interest in a Championship midfielder and the potential exit of a Champions League hero.

Late Fernandes push

According to journalist Pietro Balzano Prota, Liverpool have made a late move for Sporting Lisbon’s Bruno Fernandes. Manchester United had reportedly been close to sealing a deal, but the Anfield outfit have now interfered with those talks.

Interest in Baggies midfelder

Liverpool are interested in West Bromwich Albion midfielder Rekeem Harper according to the Mirror. The 19-year-old is out of contract this month and has failed to agree a new deal with the Midlands outfit and will, therefore, be available for a compensation fee. Tottenham and Juventus are also interested.

Origi on Betis radar

Divock Origi is a target for Real Betis according to Estadio Deportivo. The Belgian, who scored in both the semi-final and the final of the Champions League this year, has just one year left on his contract, which may force Liverpool to consider good offers for his services.

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England Ladies progressed to the World Cup semi-final on Thursday and they did it in style.

The Lionesses demolished Norway three-nil in their quarter-final match and booked a ticket for the last four.

Of course, such a huge achievement attracted the interest of many of football’s superstars around the globe, but especially those of English origin.

One of those who loved the ladies’ feat was David Beckham, Manchester United legend, who attended the game with his daughter and after the glorious triumph, was quick to post an Instagram story of the whole journey they had shared that day.

Beckham thanked the England team for inspiring his daughter as well as the whole next generation of Lionesses, as women’s football is generating tremendous pace, and deservingly so.

The main question posed now is whether they can ride this momentum and go all the way. England’s next opponent will be by far the toughest yet as they have to face either France, the hosts, or the USA, widely seen as one of the best if not the best women’s team out there.

One way or the other, the Women’s World Cup is looking to have one fiery finish.

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Lots of Liverpool fans on Twitter have called on the club to sign Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus after the 5ft 9 ace hit it off with Roberto Firmino in Brazil’s 2-0 Copa America semi-final win over Argentina.

The former Palmeiras striker scored a goal and recorded an assist for Firmino, who returned the favour with an assist for Jesus’ strike himself.

The pair were certainly crucial in getting their country to the final with their efficiency at the top of the pitch.

Jesus also stood up for the Liverpool No.9 when an on-field scuffle sparked after Firmino cheekily nut-megged Lautaro Martinez, pushing an Argentina player away when they tried to confront the former Hoffenheim man.

As a result, lots of Liverpool fans seem to have taken a shine to the City forward and would apparently love to bring him to Anfield judging by their responses to the incident on Twitter.

Let’s see what loads of Reds supporters have been saying…

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to The Times, Wolves are interested in signing Brentford’s Ezri Konsa this summer.

What’s the word?

It seems as though Wolves will be in the market for a central defender this summer after Wolves Bite claimed that was an area they’d target.

The Midlands outfit have regularly preferred a back three under Nuno Santo, which has predominantly been made up of Conor Coady, Willy Boly and Ryan Bennett.

However, that area of the pitch will need more depth next season after they were forced to field Romain Saiss there on occasion.

And Konsa looks like he could be the answer to Wolves’ problems.

He has been the subject of interest from the club per The Times who suggest they are set to pay £12m to bring him to Molineux.

Watch Wolverhampton Wanderers Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Hause replacement

Earlier in the window, Wolves lost talented defender Kortney Hause to Aston Villa. The centre-back was impressive during his loan spell with the Villains in the back end of 2018/19, winning a colossal 4.7 aerial duels per game.

At the age of 23, he was one of Wolves’ rising defenders, although he never got a chance to prove himself in the Premier League, failing to make an appearance.

Ahead of what could be an arduous season for Nuno and his side, he arguably could still have played a part.

Yet, they may already have his replacement lined up.

Like Hause, Konsa was brilliant in the Championship last season and at 21 years of age, is another hugely promising central defender.

As a result, he could quite comfortably fill the void left behind by the departing Hause, although if he joins for £12m, one would expect him to start more regularly.

Gareth Bale to Wolves? Wolves Fan TV discuss how ambitious Nuno Espirito Santo will be this summer in the video below…

In 2018/19, the Brentford centre-back played 42 times in the second tier whilst he also made a solitary substitute appearance at the recent European U21 Championships for England.

Strong in the tackle, he made 1.2 successful challenges a game whilst he displayed his strong composure on the ball, completing 87.7% of his passes.

The majority of Wolves’ central defenders are all relatively experienced so it would be of great benefit for the club to sign another younger prospect after Hause left.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Wolves haven’t been very active in the transfer market so far but earlier in the summer, Jeff Shi declared that they wanted to produce a good youth academy.

For a club who only used 21 players in the Premier League last term, it’s a method which could provide them with a number of refreshing players to pump into the first team to add depth.

Raul Jimenez’s extended rest means the likes of Niall Ennis and Bright Enobakhare could get their chance in attack over pre-season.

However, there’s another young individual in defence who is also set to receive game time.

Watch Wolverhampton Wanderers Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

On the chalkboard

Among Wolves’ travelling party to China for the Premier League Asia Trophy will be Max Kilman, who according to Wolves Bite is assured of his seat on the plane.

The 22-year-old made his name as a left-back, featuring for Maidenhead on loan in that position during the 2017/18 campaign.

He started last season’s Premier League 2 Division 2 campaign in the same position but also featured at centre-back. That was an area of the pitch he played a solitary minute in after making his first team debut towards the end of 2018/19.

Yet, you sense there could be somewhat of an opening on the left-hand side of the pitch.

Ruben Vinagre kept Jonny on his toes at wing-back last season, but as Wolves gear up for a return to continental competition squad depth will be key.

As a result there could be opportunities for some role changes within the squad.

Jonny has previously played at right wing-back but it would still be a relatively new role to him at Wolves. However, considering Matt Doherty is the only credible option in that area, it might make sense if they were rotated in the Europa League.

Vinagre and Kilman could be left to vie for that remaining left spot, thus enabling Jonny to switch sides.

Gareth Bale to Wolves? Wolves Fan TV discuss how ambitious Nuno Espirito Santo will be this summer in the video below…

Speaking recently, Kilman said: “I feel like I’m getting much stronger and more used to the tactical side of the game so it’s helping a lot. I think it’s taken quite a bit of time but I’m slowly starting to get better and understanding the role more, understanding what I’ve got to do.”

And it’s that adaptation that should stand him in good stead as he prepares for their tour of China.

Of course, he could still make his name as a centre-back, but boasting the versatility he does should certainly help.

Having played international football for the England futsal team, Kilman has certainly had an intriguing journey, but this could be the start of a breakthrough campaign.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Speaking to Sky Sports, Liverpool legend Ray Clemence has insisted that Jurgen Klopp’s side will be boosted next season by their failure to win the Premier League title in 2018/19.

What did he say?

Despite winning the Champions League for a sixth time, the Reds narrowly fell short of winning the league as they were pipped by Manchester City on the final day.

However, Clemence has revealed that the potential disappointment of missing out could help propel them next term, as they will already know what it takes to compete with Pep Guardiola’s men.

He said: “It helps, having got so close. If you look back three or four years, they were finishing 20 points off the league champions. Now they’ve got 97 points, lost one game all year, and it still hasn’t been good enough. In any other league, that would win you the title.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

“But they’ve got the confidence from knowing they can compete with Manchester City, and next year they need to make sure some of the points they dropped in draws, which they shouldn’t have, they win. That’s been the difference.

“But also you have to realise that in the following season, everyone is after your head. You are the European champions. Whether that’s in the Premier League or Europe, every other team will want to beat you.”

Motivated by failure

There are often two different ways to get inspired; tasting success and wanting to experience that feeling even more, or experiencing failure and never wanting to relive it again. For Liverpool, their inability to clinch the title with an unbelievable amount of points will surely rankle and leave a bitter taste in the mouth.

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But that could be exactly what the Reds need. When Klopp’s side open the Premier League campaign up against Norwich, there will no doubt be reminders as to how heartbroken they must have felt when they missed out on the final day last season. It will drive them to get through the inevitable tough periods of a season and could be the burning fire they need inside themselves to push them that extra little step.

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Unlike the Premier League, the Bundesliga has over a month of the transfer window left before it closes on September 2nd, meaning they can afford to be slightly more patient as they look to conclude their business. However, for the good of their preparations, they would be better off wrapping everything up sooner rather than later. Today’s Bundesliga transfer roundup features comments from Maximilian Philipp’s agent, Borussia Dortmund’s interest in Harry Wilson and Eintracht Frankfurt’s eyes on Frank Ribery.

Philipp’s agent denies Dynamo interest

Report: Maximilian Philipp’s agent Gordon Stiplich has told Russian outlet Sport24 that he knows nothing of the reports linking his client to Dynamo Moscow. He said, “There is interest from German, Italian, Spanish and English clubs. Very soon the decision will be made, a lot of negotiations are underway, but for the first time I hear about Dynamo.”

Verdict: Philipp joined Borussia Dortmund in 2017 surrounded by plenty of optimism, with many tipping him to be a future star. He impressed at Freiburg in the 2.Bundesliga, before performing well in his first campaign in Germany’s top flight in 2016/17, which was enough to convince BVB to sign him. The 25-year-old’s first season was respectable, as he scored nine goals in the league, but last year he was reduced to a spot as a benchwarmer for the most part. He started just nine Bundesliga games for Die Schwarzgelben, and managed only one goal, with Paco Alcacer and Mario Götze preferred in the striker/false nine role. It seems unlikely that much will change this coming term, which is why a move would make sense for all involved. With all due respect to Dynamo Moscow, the former Germany U21 international can do better than the Russian league at this point in his career, especially considering the interest that Stiplich mentioned.

How likely is the deal? 5/10

BVB want Wilson

Report: According to Football Insider, Borussia Dortmund have made an approach for Liverpool’s Harry Wilson. Lucien Favre and co are eager to test the Reds’ resolve and have made it clear that they would like to sign the Wales international permanently.

Verdict: Wilson has received a lot of attention this summer, and deservedly so. The 22-year-old scored 16 goals in all competitions whilst on loan at Derby County last season as the Rams came agonisingly close to promotion to the Premier League. He is an up-and-coming talent, of that there is no doubt, but do BVB need him? They have already brought in two fresh attacking talents in Julian Brandt and Thorgan Hazard, who play in similar positions and are further along in their development. As such, it is hard to see the winger nailing down a starting spot should he move to the Ruhr, which would be a waste of his ability. On the other hand, one could have said the same of Jadon Sancho when he joined in 2017, and he has since set the Bundesliga alight.

How likely is the deal? 5/10

Frankfurt make Ribery approach

Report: Bild is reporting that Eintracht Frankfurt have approached Franck Ribery’s agent to see whether the former Bayern Munich man would be interested in a performance-based one-year contract with the club. The Europa League semi-finalists have stated that they are “not engaging in communications” for the former France international.

Verdict: It has so far been a difficult summer for Frankfurt. They have already lost two of their main stars from last season in Luka Jovic and Sebastien Haller, and speculation continues to surround the future of Ante Rebic as well. Therefore, some new talent wouldn’t go amiss, and Ribery is an interesting proposition. His best years may be behind him, but he still managed to chip in with some important goals to help Bayern win their seventh Bundesliga title in a row last campaign. Now a free agent, Eintracht would not need to pay a transfer fee, but his wages would still be an issue. It would also be hard to envisage him adapting well to Adi Hutter’s counter-attacking style at his current age of 36. As a squad player who could be introduced when a game needs to be seen out, he would be more than useful, though.

How likely is the deal? 2/10

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Liverpool’s 2019 summer pre-season fixtures are now behind them as they gear up for the start of the new Premier League campaign.

But the Reds have one final challenge before they face off against Norwich in the new campaign opener.

On 4 August, Jurgen Klopp’s troops will head to Wembley where they will clash with last year’s champions of England Manchester City in the Community Shield match.

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And if their latest game is any indication at all, Liverpool are ready to face their big rivals.

The English team played against Olympique Lyon in their last friendly match and they won 3-1.

Their youngster Rhian Brewster also played a part in the clash and has now quickly taken to Instagram to share a post-match snap.

Soon enough, some other youngsters replied to his photo.

Tariq Uwakwe, Chelsea’s young player, told Brewster it is now “go time” and Harvey Elliott, the Reds’ newest signing, called him his “brother”.

There were also some other players and friends who commented below the snap and from the looks of it, Brewster seems to be quite a popular figure among the younger crop of players.

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The following article is a special report; all information presented has been gleaned from Football FanCast sources unless otherwise stated.

West Ham United’s board have told Manuel Pellegrini that they expect the club to qualify for Europe in the 2018/19 season, sources have confirmed to Football FanCast.

The Hammers have spent big in the summer transfer window, acquiring Sebastian Haller and Pablo Fornals from Eintracht Frankfurt and Villarreal respectively.

The deal for Haller was a club-record transfer that cost the Irons an initial £45m and could rise to £50m if certain performance-related bonuses are triggered.

Haller arrived for a fee of £24m and, when added to last summer’s business, the Hammers have spent £168m on incoming players across two windows. Per Sky Sports, the Irons splashed £99m last summer.

Indeed, Pellegrini personally requested the acquisitions of both Haller and Fornals. One source at the time of negotiations with Haller told FFC: “What Pellegrini wants, Pellegrini gets.”

They have, of course, sold the likes of Marko Arnautovic – again at Pellegrini’s behest – and Pedro Obiang but they have banked just £31.5m from the two departures.

As a result, a source within the club has told FFC that the club “haven’t spent the money to go from 10th to 8th”.

Indeed, having spent big-money on the likes of Felipe Anderson, Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena last summer, the Irons endured an inconsistent season as they finished 10th in 2018/19. They lost 16 games and won 15 in the top-flight.

This time around, however, the club hope to crash the top-six party, that has been established as being made up of Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.

Watch West Ham United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

The six clubs have significant financial muscle and greater reserves of wealth than the Hammers but there is a belief at the London Stadium that their business has been shrewd enough that the club can make significant strides this season.

One feels that Pellegrini may face an uphill battle – West Ham finished 14 points behind United last season – but the board expects results.

Indeed, there is no expectation at the club that they will slip into the bottom-half of the table, though clubs around them are spending heavily.

Leicester City, Everton and Wolves all finished above the Irons last season and have spent a combined £154m this summer alone, prior to the Toffees’ reported £29m acquisition of Moise Kean from Juventus. Leicester could also receive £90m for Harry Maguire if he joins United.

Sources have remained guarded when asked what fate could befall Pellegrini if he fails to qualify for Europe but one feels that the outcome would not be a contract extension; perhaps quite the opposite.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s One to Watch series, which focuses on those players we think are particularly worth keeping an eagle-eye on as the 2019/20 season unfolds.

Sofiane Boufal is Southampton’s one to watch this season as the Saints prepare for their first full season under Ralph Hasenhuttl.

The story so far

Boufal could be looking to rediscover his best form for Southampton and live up to the expectations that arose in tandem with his 2016 arrival.

The winger signed from Lille in 2016 for £16m after an impressive final campaign in Ligue 1 which saw him net 11 goals and grab four assists in 29 league games. Having played a key part in Lille’s 5th place finish, he earned his move to the Premier League.

His first season in England was relatively underwhelming. He made 24 Premier League appearances, 12 of which were starts, but he only contributed one goal in that time.

In his second season Boufal played 26 league games, scoring two goals and registering two assists, but one goal stood out in particular.

Against West Brom, the Moroccan winger picked up the ball inside his own half, turned past Allan Nyom and began running at the defence. He skipped past another 3 players en route to the 18-yard-box, leaving players so dumbfounded that they actually collided with one another, before curling a sumptuous effort into the bottom right corner.

It was a moment to remind all why exactly why Boufal was signed, and though we haven’t seen that level of flair regularly enough, there’s certainly evidence that there is a talent waiting to be fully unearthed.

The winger spent last season on loan at Celta Vigo, where he played 35 games, scoring three goals and assisting four in 25 La Liga starts.

It was hardly groundbreaking but there was enough end product to suggest that the change of leadership that has served a handful of Southampton players so well could ultimately benefit Boufal this season.

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What’s in store for Boufal this season?

Southampton have improved significantly since the appointment of Hasenhuttl and one man in particular who’s particularly transformed is Nathan Redmond.

The winger had failed to score or provide an assist before the new managerial appointment, but he finished the season on six goals and four assists in the league and managed a further three goals in the FA Cup as well.

With one winger already improved under the new boss, there’s reason to suggest Boufal could follow the same path.

Southampton have brought in Moussa Djenepo but they are hardly blessed with a surplus of options in wide positions, so the Moroccan may fancy his chances of playing his way back into the starting XI this season.

The Austrian, however, may yet decide to play with a back-three and wing-backs to provide the width, in which case he could be in direct competition with Redmond for a starting berth in a more central role.

Those outside the club may not be expecting much from Boufal this season but murmurs from those working closely alongside him have painted a different picture.

Jan Bednarek, who grew into the 2018/19 campaign and established himself as an important player, said on Boufal, per Daily Echo: “You need to be ready because he can do anything that he wants. You need to keep your legs shut so that you don’t get nutmegged.

“Sofiane is a very good player. I think it’s really difficult to defend against him and I think he could cause a lot of problems for Premier League defenders.”

What would constitute a good season for Boufal?

Boufal needs to force his way into the starting XI this season.

This probably represents his last chance at proving himself on the south coast, and failure to do so could be terminal for his Premier League ambitions.

He should target (all competitions)

Appearances: 35

Starts: 22

Goals: 5

Assists: 7

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