All posts by h79snht.top

Manchester City interested in Noah Okafor

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing RB Salzburg striker Noah Okafor. 

The Lowdown: City’s recent attacking signings

The summer transfer window saw two new attacking players join Pep Guardiola’s squad in the shape of Erling Haaland, who arrived from Borussia Dortmund, and Julian Alvarez, who eventually made the move to Manchester having initially been signed and loaned back to River Plate during the January transfer window.

Since the start of the season, these two players have netted 30 goals between them across all competitions, with Alvarez scoring seven and Haaland 23.

It now appears that the Cityzens have their eye on signing another young attacking talent who’s making a name for himself abroad. 

The Latest: Man City eyeing Okafor

Sky journalist Florian Plettenberg recently took to Twitter to share an update regarding Okafor and City.

He tweeted: “X News #Okafor: Transfer in winter is possible! No negotiations now but there’s is an interest from clubs like #MCFC, #LFC & AC Milan. Been told that United is not in. World Cup very important now. Price tag could be around €35-40m. Top season with Salzburg so far.”

The Verdict: Useful for squad depth

Across the 22-year-old’s 14 Austrian Bundesliga games this season, he has scored seven goals, making him Salzburg’s joint-top scorer.

Having also racked up the third-highest number of shots at goal (26) and shots on target (12) at the club, Okafor currently has the second-highest rate of goals per shot on target (0.58) at Salzburg. This highlights how clinical he can be in front of goal and why the likes of City, Liverpool and Milan have their eyes on him.

Bearing in mind how Guardiola’s side have scored more goals in the Premier League this season (40) than anyone else, a move for the Salzburg star may not be totally necessary, but it would certainly add some extra strength and depth to that area of the squad.

With the attacker set to feature for Switzerland in the upcoming World Cup in Qatar, this will give City a good chance to look at the player and assess whether or not a move for him in January is something they want to pursue.

Celtic should rue not signing Hincapie

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Since Celtic hired Ange Postecoglou as their manager last summer, a great deal of work has gone into revitalising the team at Parkhead.

Many of the Australian’s new signings have come up trumps, a fact rubberstamped by their rampant title win in 2021/22.

Faces like Kyogo Furuhashi, Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers has been superb since penning on the dotted line, with the latter two, in particular, shining so much that they were brought back permanently following their respective loan moves.

However, it hasn’t all been sunshine and rainbows from a recruitment perspective, with Postecoglou now surely ruing his inability to bring a specific centre-back to Paradise last summer.

That happens to be Piero Hincapie, with the Ecuadorian linked with a move to Glasgow last summer.

He was just 19 years of age at the time but had the likes of Bayern Munich, Newcastle, Atletico Madrid and PSG all after him.

Hincapie would later join Bayer Leverkusen but after some sublime displays, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Europe’s elite come calling again.

Now 20, the defender is still incredibly young but his performances have seen his transfer value rise to an astronomical £34.5m.

Celtic’s chance to sign the youngster has been and gone but had they landed him, they may well be staring at a juicy payday.

Hincapie’s name has come into the limelight again courtesy of his dominating performance against the Netherlands on Friday evening at the World Cup.

Playing as the left centre-back in a three-man defence, he was exceptional. Indeed, his ability to play on that side of the backline is a rare commodity, with his left-footedness only adding an extra few million onto his already eye-watering price tag.

In order to balance play, many a manager now seeks a left-footed centre-back with that fact ringing true to Postecoglou who has just acquired Yuki Kobayashi for a similar role.

The Japanese may well be a success in Parkhead but there will surely be an element of what if when it comes to Hincapie.

He was hailed in a number of circles following a display that saw him make a mighty four tackles, five clearances and win two aerial duels.

Even if the game did end in a 1-1 draw, the young Leverkusen defender was a pillar of solidity as he helped to largely stifle a country whose starting XI is valued at €325m (£280m) via Transfermarkt.

One reporter, Victor Hernandez Molina, labelled him “colossal” while Rodrigo Coutinho noted that he was going to “build a very cool career in the Ecuadorian national team” after a “competitive” and “firm” display at the back versus the Netherlands.

Jorge Gomez, meanwhile, commented that he is “the best player” in his team, noting that his influence on the game even in an attacking capacity was so great that Virgil van Dijk was charged with marking him at set plays.

Clearly a vital asset for his nation, there will be some at Celtic who no doubt look back upon the summer window of 2021 wondering what could have been.

It feels like Hincapie is truly destined to become an elite defender.

Liverpool eye Vlahovic transfer

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Liverpool will head into the post-Christmas break needing to greatly improve on their 2022/23 campaign so far.

Under Jurgen Klopp, we have been used to heavy metal football, with the Reds playing with a relentless press, a swashbuckling offensive line and a rock-solid defence.

However this season, it has been all change. The German’s side are now a shadow of their former selves. The defence looks as though it’ll concede first in every game and without Sadio Mane, the attack has lacked an element of spice.

That’s not to suggest those up top have performed badly, though. In fact, they have still performed well with Mo Salah, Darwin Nunez and Roberto Firmino scoring 32 times between.

Yet, the table doesn’t lie and at the moment Liverpool sit in sixth place, 15 points behind league leaders Arsenal.

Strengthening in January, therefore, is of utmost importance. Firstly, adding a body of real quality in the middle of the park will be key but despite their wealth of options in the final third, it’s a striker who is being linked.

Reports in Italy suggest that Klopp is willing to do anything he can to bring Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic to Merseyside next year.

The Serb was the subject of an intense transfer saga last January with Arsenal keen on bringing him to English football, only for him to make the move to Turin instead after leaving Florence and Fiorentina behind.

Vlahovic, who could cost in the region of a whopping £87m, would be a fine signing and one that could make the club forget about a certain Cody Gakpo, another player linked with the Reds in recent times.

The Dutch star is very much the talk of the town this season and has followed up a remarkable haul of 13 goals and 17 assists for PSV with three further strikes at the World Cup in Qatar.

Gakpo has been the breakout star of the tournament and as such, is likely to command quite the bidding war in the January window.

Thus, Liverpool might well be wise to turn their attentions elsewhere to Vlahovic, a man who has also impressed on the biggest of stages in the last fortnight.

The 22-year-old didn’t start all of Serbia’s games but came up trumps when his nation needed him most, with the dominant 6 foot 3 attacker finding the net against Switzerland in their final group game.

His country didn’t end up going through but big goals seem to follow Vlahovic, a trait Klopp would only be too delighted to have in his armoury.

Perhaps the best appraisal you can give the Juventus ace is that he is like the Premier League’s top scorer.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Dean Jones once stated that he is “a bit like Haaland” with that comparison having seemingly followed him around since he burst onto the scene.

Nenad Bjekovic, the president of the Serbian FA, went one step further. He said: “Vlahovic is better and more complete than Haaland.

“The Norwegian has devastating power, but Dusan is not inferior: there is also very little difference in their height.

“But the Juventus forward’s variety and styles of play is better.”

That is quite the statement and although suggesting he’s better than Haaland might be pushing it, there are certainly comparisons.

Both possess great pace, have lethal left feet and more importantly, are ruthless goalscorers.

Indeed, Vlahovic has found the net on seven occasions in 15 outings for his club this term, a tally that adds to the red-hot tally of 29 in 45 outings last season.

At such a young age, his form in a big league is inspiring and Liverpool would be wise to bring him to Anfield over a certain Gakpo.

Rangers eye James Wilson transfer deal

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Rangers have reportedly made a move to sign Hearts youngster James Wilson. 

The Lowdown: Wilson’s current situation

Still just 15, the striker can only sign a professional contract when he turns 16, which will be next month.

With that in mind, it seems that the youngster could have a big decision on his hands in the coming weeks in regards to his future.

Despite his minimal experience, it appears that the centre-forward has already attracted some heavy interest.

The Latest: Rangers eyeing Wilson move

The Gers are heavily linked with moves for Josh Onomah and Ryan Porteous, and it looks like a third signing could follow the pair through the door in January.

According to a recent report from The Daily Record, Rangers are set to open talks with the player, who is also attracting interest from the English Premier League.

 

The report also adds that Ross Wilson and co have “written a letter to Hearts instructing them of their intent to talk to the highly-rated striker over an Ibrox move”.

Compensation rules mean that Hearts are powerless to stop Rangers if the player green lights talks, although they have also given permission for the deal

The Verdict: Long-term investment

The Gers have a track record when it comes to giving their youth players a chance to shine in the senior team, such as Leon King, Robbie Ure and Nathan Patterson among others.

And given how young Wilson is, it’s clear that Rangers see him as one of those long-term investments for the club rather than someone who can immediately slot into Michael Beale’s side.

Their interest in the Hearts teenager also suggests that Rangers are keen on strengthening their youth ranks and building a real succession plan under Beale, rather than just focusing on the here and now.

Given the interest in the youngster from down south, this looks like a deal that could end up paying off massively down the line.

Man Utd target Felix could leave in January

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Manchester United transfer target Joao Felix is increasingly likely leave Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window, journalist Fabrizio Romano reports.

The Lowdown: Felix linked with United move

The Portuguese has arguably been considered one of Europe’s brightest young players for a while now, possessing great attacking quality and shining for both club and country.

Felix’s time at Atletico has become increasingly frustrating, however, not helped by their defensive style, and a new challenge feels likely in the coming transfer windows after Atletico’s CEO, Miguel Angel Gil Marin , admitted they are open to offers.

United are one of the clubs who have been linked with a move for Felix, as Erik ten Hag eyes up more attacking firepower.

The Latest: January exit possible

Taking to Twitter, Romano claimed that a January departure from Atletico is on the cards and agent Jorge Mendes is ‘discussing with many clubs’:

“Joao Felix, prepared to leave Atletico Madrid in 2023. He’s open to a new experience and so there are concrete chances to make the move in January.

“Atletico try to ask more than €100m for João. Mendes, discussing with many clubs.”

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The Verdict: Sign him up

Felix hasn’t always delivered consistently in recent times, only starting five La Liga matches this season, but it simply feels as though things have grown stagnant at Atletico.

He would surely jump at the chance of playing for a more attack-minded team at United – one who play passing football and get more out of their attacking players.

There is sure to be strong interest in Felix from many top clubs but he could be a major coup of the Red Devils got him, especially as he is still only 23 years of age and should only get better.

Everton join the race to sign George Hall

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Everton could look to the January transfer window to strengthen their squad and now a new potential transfer target has emerged.

What’s the latest?

According to Football Insider, Everton have joined the race to sign Birmingham City midfielder George Hall next month.

As per the report, the Toffees are joined by bitter rivals Liverpool and Leeds United in their interest of the Championship talent, however, his current club are not keen to part ways with the player.

Doucoure replacement

Frank Lampard would have likely been spending the World Cup break desperately searching for ways to improve the poor performances that Everton have been displaying recently.

Despite a promising start in the Premier League, the Toffees have fallen into 17th and look to face another relegation scrap if they don’t pick up crucial points when they return to action against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day.

There is no doubt that the Everton boss will be looking to the January transfer window to provide some solutions to improving the performances at Goodison Park and to bolster the depth of the squad in key areas.

As a result, the signing of young midfield talent Hall could be the perfect opportunity for Lampard to add a fresh perspective in the centre of the pitch.

After getting rid of Dele Alli, Andre Gomes, Allan and Fabian Delph in the summer, there is definitely room for more midfield depth, especially now that James Garner is set to be out for a while with a back injury.

Not only that, Abdoulaye Doucoure has been linked with a potential move away from the Merseyside club in January and even if Everton don’t find a buyer for the midfielder, he will be out of contract – as it stands – in the summer of 2023, so the signing of Hall could be essential.

The youngster has been rising through the ranks in Birmingham City’s U18 and U21 teams, finally earning his senior debut in January 2022 and has been making regular appearances ever since.

Over 18 Championship appearances, the 18-year-old ace – who was dubbed “explosive” by Martin Olorenshaw, his coach at U18 level – has scored one goal, registered one assist and created two big chances despite only averaging 32 minutes per game.

With that being said, the signing of Hall could be a great prospect for the future of the midfield at Goodison Park and could give Lampard an opportunity to develop a young talent who can make a huge difference in the team.

Big Fat Rangers Quiz of 2022

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Glasgow Rangers won 3-2 in Michael Beale’s first match in charge of the Ibrox side as they head into a new era under the Englishman.

It hasn’t exactly been the finest of seasons for the Light Blues, with the club trailing their Glasgow arch-rivals in the chase for the Premiership title, while crashing out of the Champions League at the group stage with the worst-ever record in the competition.

This eventually led to the sacking of Giovanni van Bronckhorst in November, although the Dutchman did lead the team to some wonderful results last season.

The Scottish Cup was claimed after a 2-0 victory against Hearts at Hampden Park, and who can forget the superb run to the Europa League final, which unfortunately ended in defeat on penalties against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Beale has a lot of work to do to get Rangers back to the summit of Scottish football, and while he works on things at Ibrox, why not take the Football FanCast bumper Rangers quiz of 2022 – we bet you can’t get 100%…

West Brom: Rogic disappointed vs Preston

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

West Bromwich Albion continued their fine recent form as they earned an impressive 2-0 win over playoff hopefuls Preston North End at the Hawthorns.

A double from Okay Yokuslu sealed the three points for Carlos Corberan’s side, with the Baggies earning yet another clean sheet after being defensively transformed under the Spanish manager.

The result leaves the Midlands outfit just one point outside the playoff positions in the second tier, with concerns over a relegation battle under Steve Bruce now a distant memory thanks to the resurgence under Corberan.

While it was another dominant performance from the Baggies on Thursday, not every player was up to standard at the Hawthorns.

After an assist from the bench against Bristol City last time out, Tom Rogic was handed a start against Ryan Lowe’s side but he struggled to leave much impression on the game.

As per Sofascore, the former Celtic man would earn a disappointing 6.3 rating for his performance, which was comfortably the worst of any West Brom player to feature in the game.

The Australian would manage just 22 touches of the ball in his 55 minutes on the pitch, which was even fewer than goalkeeper Alex Palmer (30), which emphasises just how little he was involved.

He would manage just 13 successful passes, which is only just more than the 12.5 he has averaged in the Championship this season, despite most of his appearances coming from the bench rather than from the start as he did on Thursday.

On the few occasions Rogic did see the ball, he was extremely wasteful with it, as he failed with both of his dribble attempts, while he also failed to contribute a single key pass or shot during his time on the pitch.

To round off a woeful performance, the 30-year-old lost 100% of the duels he was involved in and lost possession on seven occasions, so it was no surprise that Corberan axed him before the hour mark.

While he was once described as a “little Messi” by former Celtic teammate Josip Juranovic, he failed to perform anywhere near the Argentine World Cup winner against Preston, and he will have to do far better if he wants to keep his place ahead of John Swift in the future.

Firpo’s Leeds future now unclear - Phil Hay

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Phil Hay has insisted that there are now big questions over Junior Firpo’s Leeds United future.

The Lowdown: Firpo’s future up in the air

Firpo was hugely backed over the summer by Jesse Marsch as they opted against signing a replacement despite him picking up a hamstring injury. However, he’s been unable to repay that faith.

The former Barcelona man has only started two games across all competitions this season due to fitness issues, and that has led to Leeds bringing in Maximilian Wober in from RB Salzburg.

Therefore, Firpo’s future looks very unclear, with Wober now seemingly the number-one choice at left back, while Pascal Struijk has shown he can perform in that position if required.

The Latest: Hay not expecting Firpo to leave

Despite having an unclear future at Leeds, Hay has admitted on The Phil Hay Show that he would be surprised to see Firpo leave this month.

He said: “I don’t think you’ll see Firpo leave, I don’t think Firpo will go. But it does make you question more again whether or not Firpo is going to find a way to settle into that position and to make it his.

“It’s been a combination of things with him, but between fitness and form, you really can’t think to yourself of a period where you’ve watched Firpo play there and felt as if he was properly, properly settling in.”

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The Verdict: Firpo destined for an exit

Since joining the club for £13m back in the summer of 2021, Firpo – who has been slammed as a ‘liability’ – has only been able to make 20 league starts due to form and fitness woes, so a clean break could be best for everyone involved.

However, given he has a contract until 2025 and his performances have not been great for Leeds, it could well be difficult for the Whites to move him on without taking a significant hit on the investment they made.

It’s been a pretty drastic fall from grace for Firpo, who arrived as an exciting former Barcelona player and was once labelled the ‘driving force’ behind Leeds after his display against Brighton in the league by Matt Kilgallon on BBC Radio Leeds (via The Boot Room) and is now seemingly edging closer to the exit door.

Newcastle receive Isak injury boost

by h79snht.top Uncategorized

Newcastle United have been boosted by the news that striker Alexander Isak will return from injury for the FA Cup clash at Sheffield Wednesday.

The Lowdown: Isak a long-term absentee

The Swede arrived at St James’ Park last summer as a hugely exciting signing – one who could take them to the next level and become a new hero on Tyneside.

Frustratingly, Isak has been limited to just three appearances for Newcastle to date, with a hamstring problem keeping him sidelined since way back in September.

The striker has been making positive progress in his injury return, however, and it now looks as though his comeback is almost upon us.

The Latest: Striker set for weekend return

According to The Telegraph‘s Luke Edwards, Isak is back in full training and ‘could play’ for Newcastle in their FA Cup third round clash with Wednesday at Hillsborough on Saturday evening.

Eddie Howie is thought to be weighing up the idea of ‘throwing him’ straight back into the team, as he looks to get some precious minutes and match fitness into his legs.

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The Verdict: Major boost for Newcastle

This is a huge boost for Newcastle, with Isak looking like a massive talent in those first three games, scoring against both Liverpool and Bournemouth.

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While Callum Wilson continues to do a good job for the Magpies, his fitness is still not entirely reliable and Isak could help spearhead their top-four charge from here, having been hailed as ‘exceptional’ by Gary Lineker.

In many ways, Isak could feel like a new January signing, coming back into the side and adding a major goal threat as the matches become more important in the coming months.