All posts by z3u9t.icu

Everton have been the epitome of frustration as far as a football club is concerned for a number of years now.

While many supporters would love to have the financial backing that the Goodison Park side have received in recent years, none would wish for their hierarchy to flutter away such vast sums so frivolously.

The likes of Morgan Schneiderlin, Davy Klaassen and Alex Iwobi have all arrived on Merseyside in big-money deals but ultimately failed to live up to expectations.

However, arguably none of the Toffees recent flops have left a bigger sense of frustration and disappointment lingering around Merseyside as Yannick Bolasie.

The Democratic Republic of Congo international joined Everton from fellow Premier League rivals Crystal Palace for a whopping £26m during the summer of 2016 after showing flashes of brilliance for the capital club.

During 2014/15, the tricky winger scored four goals and provided a hugely impressive 11 top-flight assists for a mediocre Palace side, highlighting his top-class potential.

Nevertheless, his purchase still represented a substantial risk for the Everton chiefs. While Bolasie clearly had the talent to become a more efficient forward, he had only scored 13 goals in 144 appearances for Palace prior to his sale.

The now 32-year-old made a fast start to life in his new surroundings, though, scoring one goal and laying on four assists for his teammates in his first 15 outings for the Blues in all competitions.

But then he suffered a devastating cruciate ligament injury which heavily impacted the future fortunes of his career. Bolasie only scored once more for Everton before embarking on a series of loan spells with varying degrees of success.

Short-term stints at the likes of Sporting Lisbon, Middlesbrough and Anderlecht failed to reignite his career, and he’s now plying his trade with Turkish outfit Caykur Rizespor.

Bolasie’s dramatic drop-off in form and fitness struggles saw him finally released on a free transfer this summer after a nightmarish five-year spell at the club. Sadly, both Everton and the player will be left wondering ‘what if’ for many years to come.

And, in other news…Fabrizio Romano drops exciting Everton transfer update that’ll have fans buzzing 

Southampton fans were far from happy as their B side lost 3-2 to Birmingham City on Monday despite being 2-0 up.

For the Saints’ senior side, it has not been the best start to the season at all. Eight games in, they have won just one match during 90 minutes, an 8-0 victory over Newport County in the League Cup, and they are without a victory after six Premier League matches (Sky Sports).

Things are not going to better for the club’s development side, either. They were without a win in five matches in their top flight, and were well in with a chance of changing that form against Birmingham. However, despite a two-goal lead, they were unable to hold on, and eventually lost 3-2. As a result, they remain rooted to the bottom of the table.

Southampton’s official Twitter account shared the result, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform below.

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

“Some serious questions need to be asked about our academy…”

Credit: @TheSaintCentre

“What a joke”

Credit: @Conor_SFC

“We trudge on.”

Credit: @PixelKicker

“Rotten top to bottom”

Credit: @griffryan

“Losing philosophy throughout this club at the moment. Needs curing”

Credit: @liamd543

“Delete this club ASAP”

Credit: @WillWray10

In other news, Southampton fans slammed this man against Wolves.

Many Crystal Palace fans have been left buzzing on Twitter after popular Eagles account HLTCO posted pictures of their players sporting the new home kit in their 3-1 friendly win over Watford on Saturday.

Bringing their pre-season preparations to a successful close, Patrick Vieira’s side comfortably swept aside divisional rivals Watford in an entertaining encounter which saw Wilfried Zaha bag a brace prior to a late strike from Christian Benteke, who had earlier deflected Troy Deeney’s strike into the Eagles’ net. [Mail Online]

Palace will now turn their attention towards the start of their Premier League season, which sees them make the trip to fellow London club Chelsea on Saturday, with a 3pm kick-off.

Aside from the weekend’s win over Watford, many Eagles diehards took to Twitter to discuss their opinions on the new home shirt, which features the traditional red and blue stripes in a diagonal sash pattern.

Crystal Palace FC fans react:

Replying to popular Crystal Palace page HLTCO on Twitter after they described the kit as a ‘belter’, here is what some supporters had to say about the images of the shirt, which one fan described as “really nice”:

“In about 2 days I went from hating it to loving seeing it in person at Watford (what a game that was as well)”

Credit: @AdamAdimi123

“Wasn’t keen until I realised it was the sash on steroids.”

Credit: @Sarf_London

“It looks 100 times better on the pitch than it did in the studio. Really grown on me”

Credit: @BenH11TON”Love it”Credit: @nialljclark”Actually really nice. The freak out for it was for no reason”Credit: @Bunds_”I agree 100%. Looks great on the pitch!”Credit: @TonyCpfc”If the shorts were red I think it would be top tier”Credit: @RussellMoleIn other news, Crystal Palace are set to miss out on a reported transfer target.

Crystal Palace’s positive start to the season means that they’re unlikely to ‘go all out’ in January, according to Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge.

The lowdown

Back-to-back victories over Manchester City and Wolves saw Palace climb into the top half of the Premier League table prior to the international break. Patrick Vieira has lost only two of his first 11 league matches in charge, and those were away to Chelsea and Liverpool, both of whom currently reside in the top four.

The start of the Vieira era was greeted with a £66m summer spend, and Palace didn’t sell any players to fund that spree (via Transfermarkt).

There have been some rumours of further activity in January, with Transfer Market Web reporting that £10.2m-valued Eddie Nketiah is a target for the Eagles. The Arsenal striker is England under-21s’ all-time record goalscorer with 16 in just 17 caps at that level.

The latest

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Bridge suggested that Palace chairman Steve Parish would be far more likely to invest if the club were nervously looking over their shoulder in the Premier League table.

He said: “Knowing Steve Parish like I do, I don’t think he will go all out in January when things have gone well.

“It’s usually when they’re a bit worried and looking behind them that they would spend but I don’t think they’re looking behind at the moment. They’re looking at what’s in front of them in a positive sense.”

The verdict

This is an entirely understandable stance from Parish if true. Palace’s current squad are motoring quite nicely and you wonder if they might try to keep some cash in reserve so that they can make a bid to sign Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher permanently.

The 21-year-old, who has scored four goals and set up two more, is comfortably Palace’s top-rated player for 2021/22 on WhoScored with an average of 7.5/10. However, based on those displays, his value is rising all the time, so it may become increasingly difficult for the Eagles to keep hold of him beyond the end of the current campaign.

It seems that if Palace don’t plan to spend in January, that’s a good sign as it suggests that their trajectory is very positive.

In other news, Palace have taken a keen interest in this rising talent

A number of Liverpool supporters have been reacting negatively to Gini Wijnaldum’s comments regarding some Reds fans’ treatment of him.

The 30-year-old’s time at Anfield has come to an end, following five memorable seasons on Merseyside.

Wijnaldum proved to be a vital player for Liverpool during a hugely successful period in the club’s history, with both Champions League and Premier League glory achieved.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

Despite being adored by many supporters, Wijnaldum has opened up about his treatment from others on social media, telling The Times that some people singled him out if the Reds lost a game.

While he doesn’t use this as the reason for his exit, it could be argued that it played a part in him not extending his stay beyond this summer.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/the-latest-liverpool-transfer-news-8/” title=”The latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

Liverpool fans react to Wijnaldum’s remarks

The response to Wijnaldum’s comments has been mixed, but these Liverpool fans took to Twitter to criticise the midfielder, suggesting he is no different to any other player and that left because he wanted more money.

“Absolutely not true. He was loved here at Liverpool, no idea what this is all about”

Credit: @CiaranM88

“Embarrassing himself here. Fans that went the game loved him. And he knew. We sang his song at the ground. His move wasn’t about a lack of feeling loved”

Credit: @PaulSmithJnr

“I’m sorry but for a professional footballer to concentrate so much on what people say online is ridiculous. I love Gini, respect him to the highest level as a Liverpool player. But seriously, get over yourself”

Credit: @matips_men

“I’m sorry, but he was nearly putting pen to paper on a deal with Barcelona whose fans were outspoken about not wanting him”

Credit: @chattingwham

“Such a cry baby”

Credit: @frizzyfroze

“Rather just say he went for the money”

Credit: @BillyCarney85

In other news, Liverpool have reportedly received an inquiry regarding one player – find out who it is here.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for AS Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, the Anfield outfit have already lodged a £25.8 million bid to sign the 24-year-old this summer.

The report goes on to claim that Pellegrini wants to remain at his boyhood over the coming months. However, a separate story in The Mirror revealed that new Roma boss Jose Mourinho intends to bring his own midfielders to the Stadio Olimpico and that the club captain is yet to agree to terms on a new deal.

Edwards must swoop

Gini Wijnaldum’s exit after five successful years at Liverpool leaves the need for a direct replacement in Jurgen Klopp’s first-team squad.

The Dutch international featured in all 38 Premier League games last season, and the Reds require someone of similar quality and reliability to succeed him.

Several names, such as Saul Niguez and Florian Neuhaus, have been linked with doing just that, but perhaps the most realistic prospect is Pellegrini.

Mourinho’s arrival in the Italian capital is expected to bring mass changes to the Giallorossi, with Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka heavily linked with a move to the Serie A giants.

And his arrival could spell the end for Pellegrini, who is set to enter the final 12 months of his current contract.

The Italy international made 47 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring 11 goals and providing a further nine assists, and his impressive displays have earned high praise from club legend Francesco Totti in the past.

“I am not surprised by the development of Pellegrini. As I always know, Lorenzo is a phenomenal player. Now, everything depends on him to continue to be at this level,” said Totti.

His departure from Rome could be a big loss for Mourinho. Pellegrini recorded the joint-second highest amount of assists in the Italian top-flight in 2020/21 amongst his teammates, 1.9 key passes per game, more than any other Roma player, and an impressive 7.23 WhoScored rating, a figure only bettered by Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Wijnaldum’s exit will undoubtedly come as a blow to Liverpool’s chances of regaining the Premier League title next season, but bringing in Pellegrini would certainly ease the pain, and director of football Michael Edwards must swoop for the young star.

And, in other news…Edwards masterstroke: LFC could seal their next Coutinho in “exceptional” £17.5m gem 

A number of Liverpool supporters are delighted for Harvey Elliott after the Reds youngster received his first call-up to England’s Under-21 squad.

The 18-year-old has made a hugely impressive start to the season, having returned from his loan spell at Blackburn Rovers.

Elliott produced an excellent performance in Liverpool’s 2-0 win at home to Burnley last Saturday, in what was his first Premier League start for the club, suggesting he could be a regular throughout the campaign.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

The midfielder’s performances have been rewarded with a call-up for England’s Under-21s, receiving the honour for the first time in his career. Curtis Jones is also included in the squad.

It further suggests that Elliott has a massive future ahead of him, with a place in the senior side surely only a formality in the future, such is his talent.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Liverpool fans happy for Elliott

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to heap praise on the ‘excellent news’ for the teenager, following the latest positive step for him.

“OMGGG YEAAA”

Credit: @necosbff

“Starboy”

Credit: @DublinOriginals

“Yes Harvey lad. Won’t be long before it’s full international”

Credit: @80_zach

“He’ll be in the seniors by the end of the season”

Credit: @pjs2021

“Yeeeess, excellent news for the lads”

Credit: @oskar_ftbl

“Harveyyyyyyy”

Credit: @semmutalindwa

In other news, some Liverpool fans are fuming after a key development emerged. Read more here.

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a cut-price move for Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves as the summer transfer window enters its final few days.

What’s the story?

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old maestro in recent weeks as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to add further reinforcements to his first team squad.

According to The Express, United remain keen to secure Neves’ signature but will need a reduction on the £40m fee that Wolves have previously quoted for their prized asset.

Bruno Lage has previously opened the door to his compatriot’s exit, saying: “Ruben is happy here, and we are happy with him. We are not thinking to let anyone leave, but every player has a price.”

Manchester United fans will be excited

After arriving on English shores four years ago, Neves has played a key part in Wolves’ recent success, scoring 20 goals and providing 10 assists in  178 appearances for the club.

He has helped the club claim the Championship title, record two consecutive seventh-placed finishes in the Premier League and reach the FA Cup semi-finals and Europa League quarter-finals since his arrival.

Neves has established a reputation for scoring the odd spectacular goal, while also showcasing an impressive array of passing throughout his career, earning praise from several pundits.

“It’s a magnificent pass; he’s a terrific player,” Jamie Redknapp said on Sky Sports (as per Daily Mail) in July 2020.

“I’m such a fan of Neves and the way he can just control the midfield. He can defend, he can attack, he’s so talented. He can do it at Wolves, but I think he’s going right to the top of the game; it’s effortless for him.”

Therefore, his prospective arrival at Old Trafford would surely excite plenty of United supporters who are keen to see midfield reinforcements arrive during the current window.

Whether Neves is a better option than those already available to Solskjaer is up to debate, but he’s an elegant player with a sizeable reputation in English football, something which should appeal to much of the Red Devils’ fanbase.

In other news… Fewer touches than De Gea: £40.5m-rated MUFC dud who lost 60% duels cost Ole on Sunday 

How Wolves go about welcoming new players to Molineux this summer will seemingly depend on who leaves the club.

Reports this week dictate that if the Old Gold want to spend big, they’ll have to sell some of their best players first.

Ruben Neves is one of the stars of this team and could be sold but there remain doubts over the future of Adama Traore too.

It’s a complex time for the Wolves board who lost Nuno Santo as a result of their proposed transfer plans this summer.

He was left unhappy with the lack of resources he was going to be given so, understandably, he took his leave.

One manager the club have been linked with is Bruno Lage. A deal has been moving forward in the last few days and it would appear that he is at the top of their shortlist.

He and his team were dubbed “spectacular” for the way they won the Portuguese top-flight with Benfica while Lage’s progressive style of management and the way he can take young players forward is admirable.

Lage could also be highly beneficial in landing one of Wolves’ long-standing targets; Carlos Vinicius.

The Benfica striker spent the campaign on loan at Tottenham where he played just nine times in the Premier League.

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

Spurs had an option to buy the Brazilian this summer but it’s unlikely they’ll take up that opportunity.

Wolves are queuing up for his signature and could finally sign him this summer. They had a bid rejected last January and were knocked back again before he joined the Lilywhites.

It’s now thought he could cost the Midlands outfit around €25m to €30m (£21m-£26m).

If that goes through then he could form a simply magical partnership with Lage. The duo worked together at Benfica and it’s under the Portuguese manager that Vinicius thrived.

In 2019/20, the striker played 41 times with Lage at the helm, scoring 22 goals and providing a further 12 assists for his teammates.

It was a marvellous campaign for a player who seemed to love playing under the Wolves-linked head coach.

Thus, if the pair link up in the Midlands next season, they should hit the ground running. Vinicius knows how Lage works and the manager knows how to get the best from him.

With Willian Jose heading back to Real Sociedad, signing another forward certainly makes sense.

Speaking last year, Jose Gomes, his former manager at Rio Ave, said: “He’s a powerful player, and very intelligent. He is someone who always gets himself into goalscoring positions.”

That’s already an improvement on Jose who only scored one goal in the Midlands, very rarely getting himself into areas he could score from.

Vinicius and Lage is a mouth-watering combination for Jeff Shi to consider.

AND in other news, Wolves could be set for huge blow after crushing Tim Spiers reveal, fans surely gutted…

Mohamed Salah wants more top players to join Liverpool in order to stay put at the club this summer, according to former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie, after he heard a recent claim from the forward.

The Lowdown: Salah’s future still unknown

The 29-year-old’s future has been one of football’s biggest talking points recently, with the Reds superstar seemingly no closer to signing a new deal.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-29/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Salah has matured into arguably the world’s best player this season, tallying up a remarkable goal haul and getting into double-figures in terms of Premier League assists.

His current contract runs out at the end of the 2022/23 campaign, however, meaning there is a risk that they lose him for free next summer or he looks to leave before then.

The Latest: McAvennie reacts to Salah claim…

Speaking to Football Insider, reacting to the Egypt international’s recent message that it’s not all about the money when speaking on his contract, McAvennie claimed that Salah wants Liverpool to show ambition in the transfer market in order to stay:

“If it’s not money, then, my god, what is it? Maybe he wants a sign that more big signings are coming in to help Liverpool challenge.

“But they signed Diaz in January and by all accounts, he is brilliant, Jota too. Liverpool have one of the best squads in the world. The defence is ridiculous.

“Maybe Salah just wants to know they aren’t going to fall behind Man City and really, Liverpool should be making these signings anyway.

“Man City will spend and to keep up with them, Liverpool will have to spend. You just hope something can be agreed with Salah because he is unbelievable.”

The Verdict: A matter of time?

There is undoubted truth in McAvennie’s remarks – Salah is a born winner with high standards – but in fairness to Liverpool, they are already providing him with top-class teammates.

Luis Diaz’s arrival from Porto in January is proof of that and it seems highly likely that yet more renowned players will head to Anfield in the summer window.

We still feel as though Salah will end up signing a new contract but it would be handy if it could be sorted sooner rather than later, due to it acting as a distraction to Liverpool’s quadruple charge. The thought of him leaving is a grim one, considering the legendary Reds career he has forged.

In other news, Liverpool have been linked with a shock move for one player. Find out who it is here.