All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United have seemingly identified the man who could be their first big acquisition under Daniel Farke's new leadership…

Is Glen Kamara leaving Rangers?

Despite reportedly closing in on a swoop for Scottish youngster Lewis Pirie, it is unlikely that the promising 16-year-old will have an immediate impact on the Whites' goal to earn an instant Championship promotion.

However, someone who certainly could is Glen Kamara, who has starred in recent years for Rangers, but could now be set for pastures new.

Transfer insider Dean Jones is the latest to tout his potential exit, as he told GIVEMESPORT:

"Glen Kamara has been a topic of talk for some time, but it does look like he will finally leave. Leeds and Southampton are looking at him, and for clubs like that, in the Championship, he would probably be a great signing. He has offers from abroad too though, so it’ll be interesting to see what he decides to do."

The Scottish outfit are thought to be demanding around £5m for his signature this summer, according to The Herald.

How many goals has Glen Kamara scored?

Having bounced around numerous clubs, his 193 appearances for the Gers suggest the Finland international has at last found some stability in a career that once promised much.

His former boss Steven Gerrard had still outlined a bright future for the 27-year-old during his stint at Ibrox, detailing:

“He’s a terrific footballer in possession, always playing with his head up and looking to connect defence and attack. But what pleased me most is what I spoke about when we signed him in terms of how he’ll be out of possession. Will he hunt the ball back, be aggressive, work hard for the team and be a monster in the middle of the park.

"He showed signs of that against Kilmarnock and potentially he can become a top midfielder."

With an all-action play style that blends a touch of quality with defensive steel, all the attributes are in place for this experienced stalwart to emulate the success Kalvin Phillips enjoyed during his time in Yorkshire.

Although his exit was somewhat unceremonious, fans still remember the powerful performances in the engine room under Marcelo Bielsa that finally propelled them back into the Premier League.

Averaging a 7.28 rating across that 2019/20 league campaign, he would maintain an 82% pass accuracy with 1.4 interceptions, 2.6 tackles and 1.8 key passes per game, via Sofascore.

Whilst it would be near-impossible to replicate these stellar numbers, Kamara did showcase signs during the 2021/22 Scottish Premiership season that suggests he could emulate the 27-year-old treble-winner.

After all, his 7.01 average rating gave way to six goal contributions, a 91% pass accuracy, 1.3 key passes and one tackle per game, via Sofascore.

He could prove to be a dictating presence in a key area for the Whites, seeking that metronome to conduct their return to the top flight.

Even lacking a goalscoring touch, with just nine goals and 11 assists during those games for Rangers, is not enough to downplay his influence.

Although Tyler Adams seemed set to replace that energy in midfield, having maintained 3.7 tackles per game last term in the Premier League, recent links touting his exit suggest they might need someone new to finally fulfil such a role.

In Kamara, who clearly has all the attributes necessary to thrive in the Championship and be a creative threat from deep, Farke could find just that as he looks to find someone to emulate the success of Phillips in the Elland Road engine room next season.

Liverpool could be set to sanction the exit of Thiago Alcantara from Anfield this summer, reports suggesting that Galatasaray have held talks over a move for the player.

Is Thiago leaving Liverpool?

The 32-year-old has been with the Reds for three seasons now, but having begun life at the club as a fairly frequent option for them in the Premier League, his game time has since tailed off. His initial campaign at Anfield after joining from Bayren Munich led to 24 games in total, as he bagged one goal and the club finished third. However, in 2022/23, the Spaniard started only 14 games and had slightly less in terms of his amounts of 90 minutes.

With the midfielder no longer a frequent option for Liverpool, it means that he could be on the move this summer as the Reds look to sort out their squad. They've already added Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton who can feature in a number of midfield roles, and they added to that business by bringing in Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig, who can also play there.

It doesn't appear as if their transfer business in that area is done yet either, with the Reds still being linked to other midfielders such as Romeo Lavia from Southampton. No deal has been agreed, but it looks as though the Reds remain keen to try and get a deal done for the Belgian. It means that Thiago could find himself even further down the pecking order – and that could lead to a transfer away from the English outfit this transfer window.

Are Galatasaray signing Thiago?

There is already interest in signing the 32-year-old – and talks have seemingly been held. That's because according to a report from Fanatik via The Daily Mail, Galatasaray are eager to try and seal a deal for Thiago and have already held talks over a potential transfer for the Spaniard. It appears that the European giants have even tabled an offer for the midfielder already – one that is thought to be "good" – and that they have sent one of their key figures to visit Liverpool in order to try and push through a move.

Right now, no medical is booked and no official deal has been agreed. However, it does look as though things could be progressing in terms of sending the central player to Turkey and allowing him to leave Liverpool on a deal this summer window.

Thiago is still a very good option in the centre of midfield, with current boss Jurgen Klopp only last year hailing the ability of the player. The German stated that his midfielder is "outstanding" and has a "sensational overview" of a game when he features in it.

If he did leave, then it could prove to be a blow for Liverpool, as he is capable of brilliance. However, with the Reds undergoing a rebuild in the middle of the pitch, it could be the right time for the 32-year-old to leave Anfield, making this one to watch over the coming days and weeks.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to continue their unrelenting summer window, despite having already welcomed two new faces as of early July.

Despite having tempted James Maddison to vastly improve Ange Postecoglou's midfield, there could be a suggestion that this alone might not be enough to promote the vast upturn that the Australian will crave

Having watched the Lilywhites slump to an eighth-placed Premier League finish last term, the future will likely consist of a revitalised Chelsea and Liverpool, an ever-improving Arsenal and Manchester United, and a Newcastle United team that will be desperate to retain their place in the top four.

That is even without mentioning the gatecrashers, as Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion now both have a taste of European football, too. Further reinforcement is needed to re-establish their place amongst the elite.

Given the all-action attacking philosophy of their new boss, which often consists of two aggressive No 8s, perhaps the addition of another offensive-minded midfielder could provide the perfect partner for their £40m man as the spearhead of a frightening engine room.

Given what reports in Spain have noted in recent months, that man could be Crystal Palace's £19m-rated star, Eberechi Eze.

Would Ebere Eze improve Tottenham Hotspur?

The England international starred last campaign for the Eagles, as a catalyst for their comfortable finish way clear of the relegation zone, with which they flirted for some time.

As a skilful attacking midfielder, the versatility of this trickster will likely be of huge value to someone as tactically astute as Postecoglou. He will see the 25-year-old as someone to underpin his system, able to morph to aid its progression and switch intelligently mid-game.

Not to mention he is just naturally a very talented footballer, as outlined in his ten goals and four assists last season posted in the league. This earned him his 7.12 average rating, which was further bolstered through 1.5 key passes, 1.1 tackles and 1.9 successful dribbles per game, via Sofascore.

To add the elegant ace alongside another the imperious Maddison would mark an instant injection of creativity from deep that they have been sorely lacking.

Last season, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg combined for a total of just nine league goals between them. Both Eze and the former Leicester City man surpassed that on their own.

When compared to other central midfielders across Europe, where Roy Hodgson and Patrick Vieira often deployed him, the former QPR wizard ranks in the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90.

To imagine him striding out with the ball at his feet, forging space for his hypothetical teammate to then provide that deadly finishing touch, seems like a match made in heaven. It is no wonder he was branded a "magician" by Micah Richards, with his consistently spellbinding performances earning him a potential big move.

This pairing of Eze and Maddison could lead the press, create from anywhere and wreak havoc on opposition defences, yet they retain the mindset that makes them hard workers, too. As a couple of roaming 8s within the same team, they could cause carnage for the rest of the division.

Fulham are expected to open talks over the signing of versatile Fenerbache defender Ferdi Kadioglu, according to reports out of Turkey.

Who will join Fulham this summer?

As per recent rumours, the Whites and manager Marco Silva are getting busy in identifying transfer targets ahead of what will be a crucial 2023/2024 season.

Fulham comfortably avoided relegation last time round and even contended for Europe following a first full campaign back in the Premier League.

Silva’s side wish to upgrade key areas of the squad, defensively, in midfield and further forward, with Man United midfielder Fred, Leicester City defender Timothy Castagne, Coventry City’s Viktor Gyokeres and Norwich full-back Max Aarons.

Fulham star Joao Palhinha, after his own exceptional debut season in England, is said to be a man in demand as well with Man United, Liverpool and West Ham all eyeing up a move for the £90 million man.

It appears there could be a flurry of both incomings and outgoings at Craven Cottage this summer window, and according to Turkish-Football sources, they have their eyes on Kadioglu of Fenerbache.

The 23-year-old, who has been capped for Turkey’s national team, is a player attracting serious interest from Silva and co with Fulham scouts running the rule over him recently.

Most interestingly, club chiefs have been impressed with some of his performances, and it is expected that formal Fulham talks to sign the player will take place.

This is after Fenerbache were contacted by the west London side, and if they can find middle ground on price, it is believed they will commence negotiations.

Who is Ferdi Kadioglu?

Kadioglu is described as a versatile right-back option, who can play on either flank, at wing back and even the winger positions.

Only Attila Szalai played more top flight minutes than the young defender last season, showcasing what an indispensable asset he is for Fenerbache.

During that time, Kadioglu chipped in with three goals and four assists, completing the 22/23 campaign as one of Fenerbache’s best-performing players per 90 according to WhoScored.

The Turk also averaged their joint-highest rate of tackles per 90 at the back, with Emre Sarigul, founder of Turkish-football.com, tipping him to a success way back in 2020.

Arsenal are now on the verge of completing a move for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Is Jurrien Timber joining Arsenal?

According to a report from The Mirror, Timber believes he has an agreement in place with Ajax that will allow him to make the switch to the Emirates Stadium, having turned his back on a move to Manchester United last summer.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has recently revealed Arsenal are set to make another offer for the Ajax star, having already had one bid knocked back, as the player himself considers the project "perfect" for his aspirations.

Mikel Arteta is said to view the 22-year-old as a "priority target for this window", and the Gunners boss is now very close to completing a deal, according to a new update from Plettenberg.

Taking to Twitter, the Sky Sports reporter claimed the defender is on the "verge" of completing a switch to north London, as he "wants to join" and the verbal agreement is now "done."

Finalising the move now all comes down to the second official offer, and an "agreement is expected" for a fee of around €40m – €45m (£34m – £39m) plus bonus payments, which Plettenberg believes would be a "good deal for all parties."

"Jurrien Timber, on verge to join Arsenal! Bayern is not involved at this stage. The player wants to join Arsenal. Verbal agreement is done. All depends on the second official offer now. Agreement expected between €40-45m transfer fee + bonus payments. Would be a good deal for all parties."

What position does Jurrien Timber play?

The 5 foot 10 defender has most commonly been deployed at centre-back throughout his career so far, however, he is versatile and has made 49 appearances at right-back, another area in which Arteta is reportedly keen to strengthen.

Football Scout Jacek Kulig has hailed the Ajax academy graduate as "exceptional", as he makes up for his lack of height with his "understanding of the game, anticipation, pace and ball skills."

Last season, he averaged 1.2 interceptions per game in the Eredivisie, the joint-second highest figure in the squad, which indicates that Kulig is correct in his assessment about the Utrecht-born defender being able to read the game very well.

Over the past year, the Utrecht-born defender has also showcased his passing ability, ranking in the 99th percentile for passes attempted and his pass completion rate per 90, when compared to his positional peers playing at a similar level. Timber has proven that he is more than capable of making the step up to the Premier League, and it is exciting news that the deal now appears to be very close to completion.

Jonathan Lewis could be a bargain signing for Leicester City as they look to find a replacement for Harvey Barnes.

What's the latest Leicester City transfer news?

Following their relegation from the Premier League, the Foxes face a wild summer as the club looks to revamp their side ahead of their first Championship campaign in almost a decade.

With figures such as James Maddison likely headed for the door, and Youri Tielemans already having departed for Aston Villa, the Midlands club has a lot of work to do as they build a squad ready to pursue promotion at the first time of asking.

Barnes is another name who is reportedly on his way out of Leicester, but it seems they've already found a replacement for the Englishman and one that looks like a bargain at that.

Playing in Major League Soccer (MLS) for Colorado Rapids, Lewis has caught the attention of a number of clubs this season, including newly-promoted Burnley, and with reports suggesting he'd cost just £500k, a move for the 26-year-old would be quite the bargain Barnes replacement for Leicester.

Would Jonathan Lewis be a good Harvey Barnes replacement for Leicester?

Symbolically playing for the Rapids, Lewis is regarded as one of the fastest players in the MLS and suits the bill of a like-for-like Barnes replacement nicely.

Predominantly playing on the left, similarly to the England winger, the 26-year-old dynamo also has the ability to feature on the right or in a central forward position, offering flexibility that Leicester would benefit from in a long Championship season.

With four goals and an assist in 19 appearances this season, Lewis hasn't been firing on all cylinders, but if last year's 10 goal contributions are anything to go by, the winger is capable of contributing significantly to the team's offensive output.

His goal contributions might not reach the heights of Barnes', but Lewis successfully completed 1.1 dribbles a game, while the Leicester man completed 0.8, so Lewis is actually outperforming the Leicester man in terms of their ball-carrying skills and the Englishman was actually dispossessed significantly more often a game (2.2) than the MLS star (0.6) too.

Sure, the American isn't as prolific as Barnes, but with the Englishman set to leave Leicester for what's reportedly going to be around £30m, and the Lewis set to be available for just £500k due to his contract expiring next summer, bringing him in to replace the departing star can only be considered a great bit of business for the Foxes as they operate under a tighter budget than years past.

Having once been labelled "very competitive" by his former New York City FC manager Patrick Viera, it's clear that the winger would always give 100%, something the Foxes' squad has been accused of lacking as they were relegated from the Premier League.

Given the low price tag and evidence above, new Foxes boss Enzo Maresca would be well worth a punt this summer transfer window.

Arsenal are keen on West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice this summer, though his current employers 'were quite dismissive' over their opening bid to try and land the England international, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Declan Rice?

According to Sky Sports, Arsenal were rebuffed in their first attempt to try and land Rice and saw a bid of £80 million plus add-ons turned down for the 24-year-old.

The report states that the offer was comprised of several 'slow installments' with 'tough contingencies attached to it' while the Hammers are said to value Rice at around £120 million, though are potentially willing to accept a fee of £100 million if the Gunners pursue a player-plus-cash deal.

As per The Daily Mail, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United have all signaled their own interest in Rice, creating a tug-of-war between four clubs for his services.

West Ham could look to drive the price up by initiating a bidding war for Rice as they look to gain the maximum amount of financial reward for the London-born midfielder.

Capology understand that Rice earns around £60,000 per week on the books at the London Stadium on a contract that runs until June 2024.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has detailed that both the structure of the proposed deal and amount offered from Arsenal led to West Ham United rejecting their initial bid for Rice.

Jacobs told FFC: "West Ham sources were quite dismissive of the opening bid, but this isn't just about Arsenal hitting a British transfer record number. This is about payment terms and this is also about add-ons that are gettable rather than less likely. It's about the number and it's about the structure and at the moment, Arsenal are off the number and off the structure."

Would Declan Rice be a good signing for Arsenal?

Rice has been an extremely efficient presence in West Ham United's midfield over the last few years and looks primed for a tilt at playing for an elite-level club such as Arsenal next term.

In 2022/23, the 24-year-old made 50 appearances in all competitions for West Ham United, registering five goals and four assists, as per Transfermarkt.

As per WhoScored, Rice was West Ham United's most consistent performer over the duration of the campaign, averaging a match rating of 7.01/10 for his exploits.

FBRef also show that he was able to drive his side forward from midfield and successfully carried out 112 shot-creating actions in total.

Arsenal are keen to sign Rice, though now may have to enter into a protracted saga to secure his signature amid significant interest from other Premier League clubs this window.

Chelsea’s midfield is undergoing an exhaustive rebuild.

The long-serving triumvirate of Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, and Mateo Kovacic has seemingly been disbanded.

In January, the Blues began their transition to a new midfield when Enzo Fernandez from Benfica was signed for a record-breaking fee.

Romeo Lavia has been tipped to be the next stage of Mauricio Pochettino’s process.

What’s the latest on Romeo Lavia to Chelsea?

According to football.london, the Blues have opened talks for the Southampton asset, and a fire sale is expected on the south coast following the Saints’ relegation to the Championship.

The 19-year-old only joined from Manchester City last summer for a modest fee of £10m and this outlet reported that Southampton could demand around £50m for his services.

Therefore, the west Londoners are set to reignite their interest in the Belgian, who they made a last-ditch attempt to pinch on deadline day last August.

Who can Romeo Lavia replicate at Chelsea?

The one-cap international has emerged as a combination of a competent ball carrier and a ruthless protector of the backline – as he ranks within the top 25% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for pass completion and successful take-ons per 90, as well as the top 29% for tackles, interceptions, and blocks per 90.

Furthermore, the youngster is one of only three U21 players in this same bracket who have won possession in the midfield third 100+ times (114).

Paul Scholes has heaped praise on the prodigy and said: “I think he is a player with so much potential, and he could potentially go back, but he has settled in so well.

“He has got a pass in his locker, and he is big and strong and likes to defend. He does not want to get forward too much and sits in front of the back four and sets the play in motion from there.

“He is a young player who can do both sides of the game, equally good defensively but also once he is one the ball he has tremendous feet and can pass it.”

Lavia’s profile, his ability to read the game, his importance to his current side, and the way he guards the defence are reminiscent of the role that Claude Makelele adopted at Stamford Bridge.

The Frenchman made 217 appearances for the Blues, notably winning two Premier League titles and an FA Cup. His talents were so widely recognised that the defensive midfielder position has been colloquially labelled as the “Makelele role.”

His combative, energetic style allowed him to constantly break up opposition attacks, anticipate his opponents' movements and effectively time his challenges.

His positional awareness and intelligence are two uncoachable traits that Lavia seems to invaluably possess.

Described as “incredible” by Pep Guardiola, Lavia is destined for the top and a move could hugely elevate his career to the next level.

Liverpool have not been shy when it comes to signing teenage talents in recent years with the likes of Harvey Elliott joining and Fabio Carvalho set to arrive.

Now that the next summer transfer window is around the corner, it seems as though the Reds have another young prospect in their sights to potentially add to their ranks.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from The Mirror, Liverpool are the early frontrunners to make a potential summer swoop for Birmingham City’s 16-year-old midfielder Jobe Bellingham.

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Following in the footsteps of his brother Jude, the teenager is a product of Birmingham’s youth academy and made his senior debut for the Championship club back in January this year.

With 26 appearances to his name across the club’s senior, U23 and U18 sides, the midfielder has scored five goals and delivered one assist along the way.

A scary talent inbound?

If Liverpool can secure a move for the 16-year-old this summer then they could well unearth the next version of his older brother.

After making his senior debut for Birmingham, Lee Bowyer reserved fine praise for Jobe, words that sum up why he’d be such an exciting signing at Anfield.

“Young Jobe coming on looked so comfortable. He’s earned that, he’s been training with us for two, three, four weeks now, you can just see him growing and improving every day.

“He played with a confidence and that’s because he’s improving every day and I thought it was the right time and I’d like to think that I was right.”

Should the teenage sensation find himself on the same trajectory as his brother, whose talent has been described as “scary” by Jack Grealish, then securing a move for the Blues starlet this summer should definitely be near the top of Liverpool’s priority list.

Currently valued at a massive £127m according to CIES, the Borussia Dortmund star has scored ten goals and provided 18 assists in 90 appearances for the German club across all competitions since he left Birmingham in the 2020 summer transfer window.

Having also been linked with the 18-year-old, Liverpool could possibly sign the next best thing by acquiring the younger Bellingham brother this summer, someone dubbed a “wonderkid” by TEAMtalk.

Talented footballers clearly run in the family and they could also save plenty of cash by opting for Jobe instead of Jude this summer. Should he progress at a similar rate then his transfer value, stock and potential will only increase as it has done for his elder sibling.

Therefore, if Liverpool are able to bring the Birmingham youth talent to Anfield this summer, they could find themselves with a long-term midfield option for their team and one of England’s top prospects.

In other news: “He’s gonna leave”: Romano drops Liverpool update that’ll have supporters gutted

Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on Antonio Conte’s future and transfer plans at Tottenham Hotspur.

What’s the word?

The Italian journalist revealed that the 52-year-old’s priority is to remain in charge of the north London outfit but he must be given reassurances over Harry Kane’s future and be backed to sign three to four new players in the summer window.

Writing in a column for Caught Offside, he said:

‘Conte wants at least three or four high-level signings in the summer and then definitive clarity on the Spurs project, including keeping Harry Kane at the club. This is his priority to remain Tottenham manager, but the decision will be made in a meeting at the end of the current season.’

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Huge news

This latest claim should leave many around N17 absolutely buzzing about what the future may entail because, despite many inconsistencies on the pitch, the Italian – who won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2017 – wants to stay at the club.

He has got Nuno Santo’s struggling outfit contending for a place in next season’s Champions League, which is no mean feat, so you can only imagine what sort of magic he could do with a full pre-season and backing in the transfer window.

Conte and his coaching team could really make up the ground on some of the division’s current heavyweights, namely defending champions Manchester City, their nearest challengers Liverpool and Champions League holders Chelsea.

Whilst chairman Daniel Levy has never been one to completely splash the cash, he will surely understand that it’s a must this off-season. He’s finally got a world-class manager in the dugout, one capable of bringing that elusive silverware to their 62,850-seater stadium.

Arguably, the Italian is in need of solid backups to both Kane upfront and skipper Hugo Lloris between the sticks, whilst a left-footed central defender will surely be among the priorities with full-back Ben Davies the current first-choice alongside Eric Dier and Cristian Romero.

Making the Argentine’s loan move from Atalanta permanent will be another key deal to keep an eye on, with Conte also on the lookout for a right wing-back, having failed to secure one during the winter.

There may be some doubt over whether or not he will be backed, but the signings of Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kuluseveski on deadline day in January certainly show that the club is prepared to back him.

As such, Levy and co must be absolutely thrilled by Conte’s desire to stay at the helm heading into 2022/23.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops Pau Torres-Spurs transfer update…