All posts by z3u9t.icu

Everton fans are getting excited at the recent news regarding the club’s plans for the new stadium.

The idea to move from Goodison Park to build a new arena for Everton has been in the pipeline for some time and it appears that the dream is starting to translate into something more tangible.

Reports back in 2017 stated how plans for the new ground would cost around £300m, and now it seems the fans finally have some exciting news on the subject.

Everton have reported that 98% of respondents were in favour of the Bramley-Moore Dock waterfront stadium design. The club also told how 96% of voters were in favour of the new stadium and a community-led legacy project over at Goodison Park.

This now means that the club are in a very positive position to submit planning for the new stadium by the end of 2019. As a result, it seems as if the fans have finally heard some good news during this torrid season. One fan suggested “this is one thing Everton are getting very right”, whilst another follower said this is an “unreal Christmas present”.

With such a high number of positive responses for the new stadium, it looks like most fans are on board with the idea of leaving Goodison Park behind. The current home of the Toffees is England’s first major football ground, however, fans are seemingly happy to move on.

Here’s what some have had to say…

Aston Villa are among a handful of teams that interested in signing a promising young star, according to a recent report. The Villans have made another impressive start to a campaign, but they will be disappointed to have thrown away three points on Sunday, as Ipswich Town came back to claim a 2-2 draw. But it continues an impressive start, and they will be looking to build on that as they prepare to face Bayern Munich and Manchester United this week.

Aston Villa now want to sign £50m midfield ace Emery knows well in January

He would be a major statement of intent for the Villans.

ByBen Browning Sep 30, 2024 Aston Villa transfer news

The Midlands side were very busy during the summer months, as Unai Emery was keen to put together a squad that is able to compete on multiple fronts. But despite the many comings and goings, it seems that the Premier League side are already putting plans in place for January, when the transfer window opens once again.

According to a recent report, Aston Villa are interested in a deal for Alex Baena, who plays for Villareal, a team that Emery used to manage. The 23-year-old broke into the first team during Emery’s reign, and he hasn’t looked back since, impressing a lot this season, so much so that Emery is keen to bring him to England.

As well as looking to sign Baena, Villa are also interested in signing Castello Lukeba from RB Leipzig in 2025. Real Madrid are also keen on signing the defender, but Monchi is positioning Villa ahead of the Spanish giants in a deal that could cost £60 million. And while Villa look at potential deals for first team additions like Baena and Lukeba, they are also keeping an eye on a younger talent, who could be one for years to come.

Aston Villa tracking Kofi Shaw from Bristol Rovers

According to journalist Alan Nixon, relayed by Birmingham World, Aston Villa are among the teams keeping an eye on Kofi Shaw of Bristol Rovers. Shaw, who is only 17, has burst onto the scene for the Gas this season, featuring a handful of times for them in various competitions.

The right winger’s performances have caught the attention of teams from higher up the football pyramid, with Leeds United and Southampton also keen on the player, as well as Villa, who will have an advantage due to NSWE’s previous dealings with his club.

Villa already have a relationship with Rovers, as they sent Lino Sousa to the Memorial Stadium in the summer, and while they may keep their eye on his development, they could also be taking in performances of Shaw in the coming weeks and months. Villa also sent Lamare Bogarde to Rovers to develop and he recently played in the club’s opening Champions League game against Young Boys.

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Bristol Rovers boss Matt Taylor spoke last month about Shaw and stated that they are still aware of his age and taking their time with him. Taylor said: “We are still conscious that he is still only 17, so you do have to manage him a little bit, and he’s running as hard as he possibly can. Now we want to keep him in and around the first team.”

Nottingham Forest face a daunting trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on Saturday, and ahead of that game they are being linked with a move for an exciting European player, according to a recent report. It has been a good start to the Premier League season for the Reds as they are unbeaten in their first three league games, with their 11 new signings strengthening the squad significantly.

Nottingham Forest player suffers international duty injury; he's had tests

Nuno Espirito Santo and Nottingham Forest have suffered a blow during the international break.

ByBrett Worthington Sep 11, 2024 Nottingham Forest injury news

Saturday’s game against Liverpool represents a difficult afternoon for Forest, as they face a side who have won all three of their league games so far and look to be in very good form, not even conceding a goal. Nuno Espirito Santo will want his players to be at their very best and will hope he has as much of his squad available as possible.

However, the Premier League side didn’t manage to get through the international break without receiving bad news. Defender Willy Boly suffered a calf injury while on international duty with the Ivory Coast, as confirmed by his international manager. Boly didn’t feature in his country’s first game against Zambia, and Emerse Fae has revealed since that the player has suffered a calf injury in training.

Fae told reporters: “Regarding the absence of Willy Boly, I will simply explain to you: he was unfortunately injured in training just before our match against Chad. Examinations revealed a calf injury, and he is therefore unavailable. He returned to the club to recover.”

It is unclear how long the 33-year-old will be out for, but it appears as though he will be unavailable for the Liverpool match and possibly some of the games that follow. While all eyes for Nuno are on Anfield however, it appears the club's recruiting department are getting a head start on their 2025 business.

Nottingham Forest ready to pay £13 million release clause for 19 y/o

According to El Periodico, relayed by Nottingham Forest News, Forest want to sign young forward Adrian Liso in January and are ready to pay the £13 million release clause. His club, Real Zaragoza, would even give in and welcome the approach, seemingly hoping to turn some profit from a promising academy talent.

Forest are keen on striking a deal in the upcoming January transfer window and it is claimed that Zaragoza are “buzzing” about the are interest, although they also face competition from La Liga side Getafe so Zaragoza may be wishing for a bidding war.

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The 19-year-old winger came through the academy at the Spanish side and, so far, he has played more games for the academy than he has for the first team. Liso, who can operate on the left or up front, has scored three goals in 26 appearances for Zaragoza’s second team. He would of course be a risky signing for Forest, as he is only 19 and has yet to establish himself at senior level, but the scouting department are clearly impressed by what they've seen so far.

Fabrizio Romano says one Chelsea forward is expected to leave, even after the summer transfer deadline day cut-off at 11pm on Friday, meaning supporters can expect even more activity in the coming days.

Chelsea spend £271 million on 13 new summer signings in busy window

BlueCo, as ever, splashed the cash on an array of signings at Chelsea, with their busyness in transfer windows becoming largely commonplace, and ever since Clearlake Capital's takeover of the club in 2022.

£62 million Chelsea star now battling for his future under Enzo Maresca

He needs to start impressing his new head coach.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 31, 2024

Joao Felix, Mike Penders, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Marc Guiu, Renato Veiga, Estevao Willian, Filip Jorgensen, Tosin Adarabioyo, Aaron Anselmino, Caleb Wiley, Omari Kellyman, Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho all put pen to paper on moves to Stamford Bridge, with new head coach Enzo Maresca fiercely backed ahead of his debut campaign in the Chelsea dugout.

In total, including their reported £51 million acquisition of Brazilian starlet Estevao Willian, who'll join Chelsea in 2025, the west Londoners spent around £271 million in a serious shake-up of the squad.

Chelsea also attempted a late bid for Napoli star Victor Osimhen, but despite being in talks with his club and the player's representatives throughout Friday, the Blues couldn't get a deal for him over the line in time.

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A host of big names also left Chelsea for pastures new, including a pretty blockbuster exit to Arsenal for Raheem Sterling, which dominated the headlines on deadline day.

Alongside Sterling, other players to seal a last-gasp move away from Chelsea come in the form of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Romelu Lukaku, Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah, with the quartet leaving either on loan or permanently.

Chelsea will be especially overjoyed to get Lukaku's previous £325,000-per-week wages off the books as they seriously trim their salary bill, and the Belgian could be granted a new lease of life under Antonio Conte in Serie A.

The pair worked together at Inter and helped to guide the Nerazzurri to an impressive Scudetto triumph in the 2021/22 season.

David Datro Fofana expected to leave Chelsea after deadline day

As per Romano, another forward in Chelsea ace David Datro Fofana could quit the club after Lukaku and Broja – despite the UK transfer window's closure.

Indeed, it is believed Fofana is expected to leave Chelsea after deadline day, with a host of windows still open. Belgian, Turkish, Dutch and Portuguese clubs remain capable of doing business, for the next 48 hours at least, while the Saudis could also offer the 21-year-old an escape route.

The Ivory Coast international spent the second half of last season on loan at Burnley, scoring four league goals and proving he can cut it at the highest level. Fofana could be a great opportunity for clubs abroad, as he doesn't look too likely to feature much for Maresca this term.

Leeds United are thought to be interested in a move for Swansea City forward Joel Piroe, according to Phil Hay.

What’s the latest Leeds transfer news?

The Whites look set for a busy few weeks ahead of the new Championship season under new owners the 49ers Enterprises, with Nick Hammond previously brought in as interim football advisor to oversee the upcoming transfer activity.

New manager Daniel Farke appears to be on the hunt for new signings, with Hay recently stating that a new goalkeeper, left-back, centre-back and midfielder could be on the radar.

Names who have been linked with a move to Elland Road include Newcastle United’s Karl Darlow, Preston North End’s Freddie Woodman, Norwich City’s Angus Gunn, free agent Ryan Manning, Burnley’s Charlie Taylor, Liverpool’s Nat and Coventry City’s Gustavo Hamer.

A new centre-forward also appears to be of interest to those at Elland Road, with Piroe named as a target alongside Nottingham Forest's Sam Surridge. Writing for The Athletic, Hay said:

“Up front, Leeds are one of several clubs on the trail of Swansea’s Joel Piroe, someone they targeted at the very end of last summer’s transfer window and who is into the last 12 months of his deal. Nottingham Forest’s Sam Surridge is an alternative target.”

Who is Joel Piroe?

Piroe is a left-footed centre-forward who can also play on either wing if needed and appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €10m Transfermarkt valuation.

The 23-year-old was on the books of NEC Nijmegen and Feyenoord before progressing through PSV Eindhoven’s academy. The Dutchman was sent out on loan to Sparta Rotterdam and made just 14 senior appearances for PSV before moving to Swansea back in 2021.

Since then, Piroe has gone from strength to strength in England, scoring 22 goals in his first season in the Championship. He then followed it up by netting 19 times last year, with former Swansea boss Russell Martin labelling him as “clinical”.

“If you wanted it to fall to anyone, it is him, he is so clinical with both feet, and he is a great technician.

“But the most important thing he has is the right mentality when he gets around the goal. He shows composure, he is calm, and he just focuses on his technique, something that all top strikers possess.”

He has never played against Leeds but Piroe has proven he can be a top Championship player, so he could be just what Farke and Leeds need heading into the new season.

Piroe could bring more than goals to Elland Road, though. As per FBref, the striker ranks in the top 4% of forwards for pass completion percentage and top 10% for passes completed, showing that his game isn’t just finishing chances.

Currently, Leeds have Rodrigo, Patrick Bamford, Joe Gelhardt and Georginio Rutter as centre-forward options, but with Rodrigo linked with a move away and Farke reportedly seeing Rutter as a wide forward, a move for Piroe could make plenty of sense, and by the looks of things, it is one to keep an eye on.

Chelsea's transfer activity so far this summer has been dominated by players that have either left of are set to leave, but there is plenty of time remaining for new head coach Mauricio Pochettino to bring in one or two players of his own.

The Blues may be well stocked in attack, though the likely departures of Mason Mount and Kai Havertz will still leave a gap to be filled in terms of a creative player.

Plenty of names have been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge, including the likes of Jonathan David and Wilfried Zaha, but another candidate has emerged that may just be an ideal fit in West London.

It could be argued that Chelsea have never truly replaced Eden Hazard since he joined Real Madrid in 2019, but versatile Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus could be just that man.

According to Chelsea football writer Simon Phillips, via his Substack page, the Blues have a serious interest in signing Kudus and have made him their priority option in terms of a number 10.

What can Ajax forward Mohammed Kudus bring to Chelsea?

Kudus can indeed play as a number 10, but as pointed out by Phillips, the left-footed speedster can play out on the right – where he is given licence to cut inside – and through the middle, whether as a centre-forward or playing just off one.

Indeed, that is much the same as Hazard, who showed across seven years at Chelsea that he was comfortable playing in an array of positions, namely out on the left and also through the middle.

It is not just positionally the pair are alike, though. Indeed, the comparisons grow stronger when looking at their dribbling stats. Taking the figures from Hazard's final Premier League season at Chelsea in 2018-19, he was successful with 67.32% of his take-ons, as per Squawka.

That is a staggeringly similar number to Kudus with Ajax in Eredivisie last season at 67.91%, with the 22-year-old unsuccessful from 2.1 take-on attempts per game, compared to 2.2 for Hazard.

They also have similar passing accuracies across those respective seasons (84.33% for Hazard, 87.6% for Kudus) and got away similar numbers of shots on target (1.4 v 1.5).

The comparisons do not stop there, either, as Hazard scored 0.5 goals per game from outside the box – the exact same figure as Kudus, though the latter preferred to use his left foot and the Belgian his right.

As highlighted by Independent writer Karl Matchett, Kudus is a "sensational" and "magical" player who, beyond being one of the best dribblers around, is also tactically aware, has an eye for goal and is aggressive in winning the ball back.

It is that last part that sets Kudus apart from Hazard. The Ghana international averaged 5.5 ball recoveries per game last season, whereas Hazard's figure was down at 3.2 in the 2018-19 season.

Many attackers have arrived at Stamford Bridge over the past four years with the promise of becoming the next Hazard, but in Kudus – expected to be available for around £40m – they may have finally found just that.

If Chelsea are looking for a big-name signing to truly kick-start Mauricio Pochettino's tenure as head coach, they do not come much bigger than Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar.

According to The Athletic, that is a possibility as PSG are open to getting the big-earning forward – on wages of £933k a week at the Parc des Princes, according to Capology – off their books this summer.

Is PSG superstar Neymar a realistic target for Chelsea?

Six years on from becoming the most expensive footballer in history when joining from Barcelona for a fee of €222m (£198m), Neymar's time in the French capital may finally be up.

The report suggests Chelsea hold an interest in the Brazil international, and the transfer is now a lot more feasible due to the Blues getting a number of their own big earners off the books early in the transfer window.

PSG would ideally still like to recoup some of the mammoth fee they splashed out on Neymar, but with the forward having two years of his contract to run, it is suggested removing his reported £48.5m annual salary off their books is also appealing.

Can Neymar still do a job in the Premier League?

This is not the first time Neymar has been linked with a move to the Premier League – or indeed Chelsea – with Manchester United said to also be showing an interest this summer.

There is no doubt that the samba star is not as highly regarded as he once was, not helped by a period of stagnation at PSG despite an influx of the world's greatest players, including Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.

However, on the basis of last season, the £49m-rated Neymar is still as good as any player in the world in a number of areas. Indeed, he ranks in the top 1% of all forwards across Europe's top five leagues last season for chances created, as per The Analyst, while nobody can better him for touches of the ball.

Neymar is also in the top 5% for goals scored, netting 13 of them last season and assisting 11 more in 20 Ligue 1 outings. Many will point to the quality of the French top flight, but Neymar has scored regularly now in both LaLiga and Ligue 1.

It is a goalscorer Chelsea desperately crave, and in Neymar they would be signing a player who has scored 359 times in 584 career appearances for Santos, Barcelona and PSG.

As Brazil colleague at the time David Luiz put it previously, Neymar is a "phenomenon" – a status that he continues to justify based on the statistics alone, even if he has his many doubters.

With Christopher Nkunku having already arrived from RB Leipzig this summer, Chelsea could find his ideal partner in Neymar. Nkunku is himself a goalscorer (top 4% in Europe's top five leagues last season), and would surely thrive off the creativity that the Brazilian brings.

While there is no dispelling the fact Neymar struggles in certain defensive metrics, he ranks higher than expected for possession won – in the top 32% of forwards across Europe's elite divisions.

Interestingly, as per The Analyst, the two players most like Nkunku right now are Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who formed one of the Premier League's all-time great attacks alongside Roberto Firmino.

Neymar, meanwhile, is very alike Vinicius Junior in terms of their statistical profiles, and his compatriot did not exactly struggle to form a strong partnership with Karim Benzema at Real Madrid.

For all the talk that Neymar will take balance away from a team, there is just as much evidence to suggest he and Nkunku could tear up the Premier League in a double transfer that would seriously ignite Pochettino's tenure.

Arsenal are "on the verge of agreeing" a deal to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber alongside Kai Havertz, according to journalist Chris Wheatley.

Who will Arsenal sign this summer?

The Gunners currently have many plates spinning in north London, as manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu prepare for what will be a crucial 2022/2023 Premier League season.

Arsenal are trying to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice, but having seen their most recent bids rejected for the player, a third attempt is in the pipeline for a top target.

Meanwhile, Havertz is thought to be joining Arteta's side, as a wide variety of reliable sources have confirmed as much in the last few days – including the likes of Fabrizio Romano.

Arsenal have apparently reached an agreement to sign the German for around £60 million plus £5 million in add-ons, but reporter Wheatley says they're closing in on another deal after him.

Indeed, writing for London World, the journalist claims that they're "on the verge of agreeing" a move to sign Timber alongside Havertz – with both men nearing moves to Arsenal.

Wheatley reports that they have agreed personal terms with the Netherlands international, who is "set to make a £35 million move" from Ajax.

He claims that, although this exact fee is still to be fully negotiated and ironed out, there is real confidence that a deal for Timber will be finalised "in the coming days".

Who is Jurrien Timber?

The 22-year-old has been a mainstay for Ajax under manager Maurice Steijn, playing more Eredivisie minutes last season than any other player in their squad (WhoScored).

Chipping in with two goals and two assists in that time, Timber also averaged a higher pass accuracy than all of his teammates (91.7%), making him a credible candidate for Arteta's fluid, attack-minded system.

Liverpool star and international teammate Virgil van Dijk has seriously endorsed the young defender, calling him a "great player" and "true professional" (via 90min).

“I wasn’t nearly as far along as he is now [at the same age],” Van Dijk said.

“I have nothing but praise for him. He is a great player and a true professional.

“He has so much potential. Hopefully he can develop further. Then it will be all right, I think.”

As Arsenal look to shore up and challenge for another league title, Timber may well be a fantastic addition, if they manage to get it done.

The Romelu Lukaku situation has become laughable. His £97.5m transfer to Stamford Bridge has evolved as arguably one of the worst signings in not just Chelsea history, but Premier League history.

The Belgian has reportedly ruled out a return to the Blues and has his heart set on another season at Inter Milan.

The Blues must find a way to navigate this deal and permanently free themselves from Lukaku.

The best possible outcome for Chelsea is they can secure an exchange deal involving Nicolo Barella.

What’s the latest on Nicolo Barella to Chelsea?

According to Corriere dello Sport, the West Londoners have enquired about bringing Barella to the capital in a package deal that would see Lukaku move in the opposite direction.

Last month, it was revealed that Liverpool are also interested in the 26-year-old, who has been valued at around £61m by his parent club.

How can Chelsea line up next season?

The Italian has been in imperious form for the Nerazzurri this term, as he made 52 appearances and recorded 19 goal involvements in all competitions.

He was a crucial component of a side that made the Champions League, secured top four, and won the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana.

The Euro 2020 winner has developed a formidable reputation for his impudent dribbling ability, intricate feet, close control and his athleticism to glide across the pitch.

This is showcased by the fact that he ranks within the highest 22% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for successful take-ons per 90, as well as the best 19% for progressive passes and carries per 90, according to FBref.

His addition could be especially crucial for Mauricio Pochettino, as Chelsea’s midfield only contributed a measly 12 goals between them in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Barella sits within the top 8% for non-penalty goals per 90, to emphatically display his threat in attack.

If Chelsea secured this outlandish coup, then Pochettino could potentially form a dream midfield, if the signing of Moises Caicedo was also completed, with the Londoners currently leading the race.

Brighton are set to demand £120m for the 21-year-old, who ranks within the best 13% for tackles and interceptions per 90.

His former manager Graham Potter described the Ecuadorian sensation as “fantastic” having “all the attributes to play at the very, very highest level.”

The prospect of Caicedo’s wondrous defensive acumen, combined with Barella’s magnificent attacking class is frightening and instantly places Chelsea in a far superior position.

As the 2021 Champions League winners begin the long journey to return to Europe’s most elite competition, Barella, who has been labelled as “top-class” by Jurgen Klopp, could be a key addition to the club’s ambitions.

Aston Villa could add to their summer spree in one of Unai Emery’s former talents, as a La Liga ace has been linked with a move to Villa Park.

Following the signing of Youri Tielemans, who will join the side officially on July 1st at the expiration of his Leicester City contract.

The Spaniard could bolster his attack further by signing the latest player linked to the club, as he aims to strengthen his side ahead of next season.

What’s the latest on Nicolas Jackson to Aston Villa?

As reported by GIVEMESPORT when speaking to Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor, Aston Villa are eyeing Villarreal gem Nicolas Jackson.

The forward is reportedly a player Emery ‘likes’ as per Taylor’s understanding. He almost made the switch to the Premier League in January, had he not failed a medical at Bournemouth.

It was reported by the Southern Daily Echo at the time that the fee was believed to be in the region of £20m.

What could Nicolas Jackson offer Aston Villa?

Hailed as “extraordinary” by manager Quique Setien, the forward has made his mark in La Liga this season after being promoted from the club’s academy by Emery himself.

In 26 league appearances, the Senegalese talent has contributed to a total of 16 goals, scoring 12 himself and assisting four in an explosive individual campaign, via FBref.

The versatile striker, who can play on either flank as well as central, could form a new dangerous partnership at Villa alongside incoming signing Tielemans, who has been lauded as a “phenomenon” for his ability in midfield.

In signing the Belgian, Emery has equipped his side with a new injection of creativity and progressive strengths in the middle of the park, as shown by his statistics in comparison to position rival Emi Buendia.

As per FBref, Tielemans averages 6.95 progressive passes per 90 to the Argentine's 5.15 per 90 over the past year, showing that he can distribute play in a positive light going forward.

This could benefit the likes of Jackson, who is a player that can make a move count in the final third, as shown by him ranking in the top 6% of forwards in Europe in terms of non-penalty goals, averaging a huge 0.68 per 90, via FBref.

Being a player that has strengths in producing key passes as per WhoScored, Tielemans is the ideal player to have playing behind a talent such as Jackson, who is a strong finisher and dribbler.

With an average of 6.59 progressive passes received per 90, the Senegalese ace enjoys getting on the end of through balls, signalling that Emery could get the best out of the young star in his free-flowing system at Villa.

Despite no official contact being reported yet, it’s clear that the Spaniard wants to get business done quickly and with the transfer window fast approaching, only time will tell if the rumours are to be believed.