Leeds United’s season ended last Wednesday with a crushing 4-3 aggregate defeat against Derby County in the play-offs.
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Pontus Jansson has established himself as a fan favourite after taking both the city and the club into his heart.
This latest post shows a lot of emotion and clearly illuminates his commitment to the club.
Marcelo Bielsa has made vast improvements to individuals within the Leeds squad this season, including Jansson.
The 28-year-old had a solid season for Bielsa’s men, making 39 appearances in the league and chipping in with three goals.
The Swedish international has a reputation for picking up cards but Bielsa seems to have calmed him down – this season he only got six yellow cards and one red, though that sending-off was for two bookings.
Compare that with the two seasons before where he got 14 bookings.
Bielsa has focused his natural aggression into his defending and the number of bookings have dropped, whilst he and Liam Cooper formed a great partnership.
If Leeds are to get promoted next season they need players like Jansson to stick around.
Judging by this post, he looks to be in for the long haul.
Jermaine Pennant, the man who quite frankly never deserved to slip on the famous red shirt.
It’s a tell-tale sign of your ability (or lack of) as a player when fans remember more about the madness of your personal life than your on-field escapades. Jermaine Pennant was one such character.
To this day, bad boy winger Pennant remains the only footballer to wear an ankle bracelet while playing in a Premier League match for former club Birmingham City, which is pretty impressive when you think about it (in all the wrong ways, of course). Quite how that little nugget enticed the Liverpool boardroom remains to be seen.
So what exactly is there to say about the maverick? Well, as you can probably imagine, nothing particularly good. A decent goal against Chelsea was about as good as it got for the Englishman, as well as – believe it or not – a decent performance in a Champions League final when Liverpool came up against AC Milan.
Yes, that’s right: the man who might have just ended his career with sixth-tier side Billericay Town and an appearance on ITV’s recently axed Jeremy Kyle once turned up in the biggest game European football has to offer.
Generally speaking, other than the aforementioned, of course, there really wasn’t much going for Pennant. His attitude stank and fell well behind what was expected from a Liverpool star, and his playing ability was, well, painfully average at the best of times.
Season both these fundamental flaws in character with the fact that he cost Liverpool an estimated £6.7million (per BBC Sport) when he joined on a four-year deal from Birmingham City in 2006 and you’ve got yourself a full-fledged flop on your hands.
Liverpool fans, what are your standout memories of Jermaine Pennant? Are you feeling like we’re being a little harsh? Let us know in the comments below…
This summer is going to be a tough one for Sunderland fans. The Mackems thought that they’d be preparing for life in the Championship at this stage, but after falling 2-1 to Charlton in the play-off final they’re again preparing for a season in England’s third tier, and Jack Ross definitely has work to do.
One issue that almost certainly needs to be addressed is the defence. Tom Flanagan is more than good enough to lead and marshal the Black Cats defensively, but he needs a worthy partner, and in Oldham’s George Edmundson he could find one. The League Two defender is highly sought-after and Jack Ross will need to act very quickly if he’s to sign the defender as he could be on the move very shortly.
According to The Herald Scotland, with Edmundson handing in a transfer request, he could be on the move in the next couple of weeks, as the likes of Rangers, Derby, Portsmouth, Stoke and Wigan have all shown an interest in swooping for the youngster. Rangers have also supposedly had offers of £450,000 and £500,000 knocked back by the Boundary Park board, so the time to move is now.
Jack Ross’ side conceded 47 goals last season and drew 19 games, but if they could cut down on both of those figures the automatic promotion shouldn’t be too far away. For that to happen, Tom Flanagan needs a partner, and with Edmundson on the move, it would make perfect sense for Jack Ross to offer him a step up to League One where he can again show what he’s got, as opposed to risking a move too far up the ladder and failing spectacularly.
Sunderland fans, would you like to sign George Edmundson? Comment below and let us know!
Southampton fans on Twitter have been summing up the debut season of right-back Yan Valery after the club asked them to rate it using an emoji in a Tweet.
Most of the supporters simply used an emoji as requested by the Saints, with the 100/100, star, heart eyes, fire and mind blown emojis and more flying around the Twittersphere.
However, others used the post as an opportunity to say some words about the French youngster, waxing lyrical about his promise and excellent dribbling skills.
Valery used the 2018/2019 campaign to properly break into the south coast side’s senior side for the first time, impressing highly with his prowess going forward – including goals against Manchester United and Tottenham.
The Saints academy product who joined from Rennes as a young prospect managed to grab himself an assist in the Premier League as well – potentially the first of many based on his early displays in the Saints first team.
Why should Southampton be more like Dortmund? Find out in the video below…
Here’s the best reactive Tweets praising the Frenchman…
It’s a rumour that has been in floating around for some time, but now it is looking likely that Daniel James will finally complete his move to Manchester United.
The Swansea youngster was a breakout star in the Championship this season, scoring five goals and assisting 10 as the now Wales international put his name on the map.
His form has seemingly won over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with John Percy of the Telegraph reporting that United are close to signing James.
Is the winger worth the hype and the money? Here’s what those in the know think.
Graham Potter – Former Swansea manager
“It’s just clear at a football level,” was what former Swansea manager Graham Potter had to say via BBC Sport when asked if James can go all the way to the top in the game.
The prospect was electric under Potter for the Swans, particularly in the second half of the season.
James impressed in both the Championship and FA Cup, and the now Brighton manager believes that James doesn’t look a beat out of place alongside some of the world’s best.
“He plays alongside Gareth Bale (for Wales) and doesn’t look out of place. You look at his attributes and how he influences games at Championship level. He causes teams real, real problems.”
Joe Allen – Stoke City and Wales midfielder
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Winning praise from your peers is also a positive in sport, especially when it’s from those who play for a rival team. And Joe Allen wasn’t afraid to praise his international teammate when speaking to the Daily Mail.
The Stoke City midfielder claimed James’ performance against the Potters was one of the best he had ever seen as Swansea cruised to a 3-1 win back in April.
Allen said: “There, that was the day that probably sealed the potential Man United move. He scored and got two men sent off and caused carnage all game. It was one of the best individual performances I have ever seen as a fellow player.”
Ryan Giggs – Wales manager
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One figure in the game who has been full of praise for James in recent weeks is Wales manager Ryan Giggs, who has been giddy with excitement on the prospect of seeing how the Swansea star’s career pans out.
The United legend believes that the 21-year-old is ready for the step-up to the Premier League but it’s not paramount for him to make the switch this summer.
Giggs said via the Manchester Evening News: “He was fantastic in the last six months for Swansea, putting in devastating performances and I think he can play at any level.
“He could play in the Premier League, but if he stays at Swansea for another year or two years I’d be equally as happy because he’s done so well there.”
[ad_pod ]Watford agreed a deal to sign Joao Pedro from Fluminense in October 2018 with the youngster enjoying some wonderful performances in the top flight of Brazilian football.
Who is he?
Pedro’s full name is Joao Pedro Junqueira de Jesus. He was born in Ribeirao Preto in Brazil on September 26, 2001 and has only ever played his football with Fluminense.
He’s just 17 years of age, but that’s not stopped him making his mark in the Brazilian league. In fact he’s been so impressive that Premier League scouts touted the youngster before he agreed his move to Hertfordshire.
Similarly to Richarlison, Pedro will join Watford as a rising young Brazilian star hoping the Premier League club will provide the perfect opportunity to get game-time at one of the toughest leagues in the world.
“I’m very happy all these things are happening to me. It has been bringing a lot of happiness to me, my family and friends that have been helping me since I’m a kid, when I was in Ribeirao Preto,” Pedro told Fox Sports Brasil (via Sky Sports News).
“I think every kid of my age wants big things, to play for big clubs in Europe, in the Champions League, become world champions with Brazilian side, win the Ballon d’Or. Keep working to see if I can reach all my goals.â€
How does he play?
It’s not always fair to continuously draw comparisons between two young players, just because they happen to share similar positions and nationality, but in this case there are serious parallels between Richarlison and Joao Pedro to point out – especially when understanding what type of player the young Brazilian is.
Pedro plays as a forward with the ability to play out wide as well, making him incredibly versatile and able to fit into any formation Javi Gracia will want to adopt going forward.
Soccer Football – FA Cup Semi Final – Watford v Wolverhampton Wanderers – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – April 7, 2019 Watford manager Javi Gracia REUTERS/Ian Walton
He’s skilful and direct – not a ditherer on the ball – he’s all about running towards goal, taking players on and fashioning chances for himself and his teammates. He naturally pulls out wide to receive the ball making him very difficult to mark for centre-backs, and this trait will really suit Watford captain Troy Deeney whose movement tends to be more central, using his physique to keep the ball for his side.
Pedro will be able to use his movement to play off the Watford forward and provide width when players like Will Hughes and Roberto Pereyra drive inside.
2018-19 in numbers
Joao Pedro’s numbers are based off few appearances, but they’re incredibly impressive nonetheless.
The youngster made himself known for his incredible goal contribution from the minute he was handed his first-team debut, so it’s no surprise scouts from England came to watch one of the next big things in Brazil.
According to WhoScored, the Vicarage Road-bound forward has played 10 games this season, scoring eight times in that run. The youngster boasts a 77.3% pass completion rate as well, which won’t be surprising considering the nature of his style of play.
Are Watford the most likely club to break the top 7 next season? The fans in the video below certainly agree the ‘W’ part in the statement is correct…
Anyone else enjoyed a similar path?
Kenedy. The Brazilian moved from Fluminense to Chelsea in 2015 and despite originally struggling in English football he’s gone on to impress at Newcastle United during two loan spells, making 28 appearances in all competitions last term. He enjoyed time on loan at Watford himself as well, the club where Pedro will soon end up.
When will we see him?
Pedro won’t join Watford until January 2020 when the Brazilian Serie A season ends, similar to Gabriel Jesus’ agreed move to Manchester City. He’ll be 18 when he arrives, so it will be interesting to see whether he’ll be exposed to first-team action immediately upon his arrival, or whether he’ll be bedded into the club in the months before the Premier League recommences once again in August 2020.
West Ham fans are seriously concerned about the club’s transfer policy after they were linked with former Spurs striker Fernando Llorente by trusted insider ExWHUemployee on Twitter.
Llorente is set to leave Tottenham this month as his contract is coming to an end after two seasons with the north London club.
Spurs did have the option to extend the 34-year old’s contract an extra year, but according to The Evening Standard, that deadline passed last month, meaning they would have to offer new terms to keep the Spaniard.
And Hammers fans are now mortified at the idea of signing the veteran striker despite the fact that he played an important part in Spurs’ end to the season, including scoring the winner in their Champions League quarter-final tie against Manchester City.
But the major reservations West Ham fans will have with Llorente is both his age and his lack of goals – he netted 13 in 66 games for Spurs.
Tottenham Hotspur run the risk of losing out on Fulham star Ryan Sessegnon this summer after Love Sport Radio reported that Crystal Palace had opened talks with the club over signing the 19-year-old.
Spurs have been heavily linked with a potential move for the teenager, with Mauricio Pochettino looking to refresh his squad after finishing fourth in the Premier League and reaching the Champions League final.
A full-back who can also play as a winger, Sessegnon is an England Under-21 international.
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He played a key role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League in the 2017/18 season and then made 38 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring two goals and registering six assists.
Love Sport Radio report that Spurs have yet to actually formalise their interest this summer, while Palace have entered into negotiations with the club.
Is Spurs’ negotiating tactic correct, though, with chairman Daniel Levy seemingly trying to secure a deal for the lowest possible fee?
Football FanCast’s writers give their verdicts below!
Charles Jones
“I don’t think Palace’s link with Sessegnon should affect anything that Tottenham are doing in regards to that move. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium seems to be the youngster’s preferred destination, and he has enough loyalty to Fulham to not make the move to Palace. Daniel Levy has proven himself time and time again to be a tough negotiator and rushing into things isn’t his style at all. He is absolutely right to bide his time with this one as it may help Spurs get a better deal for the teenager. Unless another top-six team shows a significant interest in the youngster then they shouldn’t change their plans surrounding this transfer.”
James Beavis
“Tottenham are completely right to bide their time on this one, as they know they are in pole position for Ryan Sessegnon’s signature.
“Crystal Palace may have made a move for the Fulham man, but it has already been widely reported in the media that the teenager wants to join Spurs.
“With the youngster’s desire to want to link up with Mauricio Pochettino, it is now up to the north London outfit to agree a fee with their neighbours from the capital.
“Palace may be ready to launch their own bid for Sessegnon, but it shouldn’t be one that Tottenham are unable to match themselves if that time comes.
“Daniel Levy can do nothing more with this one right now.”
Ben Goodwin
“Personally, I think Spurs will be making a massive mistake if they allow Sessegnon the chance to go elsewhere this summer. Danny Rose won’t be around forever, Ben Davies is simply not good enough, evidenced by his measly 20 league starts in 18/19, and where else will you find a 19-year-old with Premier League experience, speed, versatility and goal threat? All that with just one year left on his contract making him reasonably priced; this move should be a no brainer really.”
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…
According to The Telegraph, Manchester United are contemplating whether to make a move for Lyon’s 15-year-old starlet Mathis Rayan Cherki this summer.
What’s the word?
The report claims Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are very interested in the teenager, who can operate as an attacking midfielder or striker.
Who would win out of Man Utd’s treble winners and Man City today? Fans discuss in the video below…
It adds that with Cherki available for a move within the European Union on his 16th birthday on August 17, United are keen on beating off competition from the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus to his signature.
A statement of intent
The Red Devils’ transfer strategy in recent seasons has been notoriously clear-cut. The best of the best at whatever the price. As The Telegraph asserts, United have steered clear of getting involved in bidding wars for scholarship-aged players across the continent and instead focused on trying to scout British youth talent.
The last star United signed comparable to Cherki’s profile was Tahith Chong; the floppy-haired 19-year-old Dutchman who signed three seasons ago from Feyernoord. Since his arrival at Old Trafford though, Chong has made just the four first-team appearances. Cherki on the other hand could be on course for a quicker path to first-team action.
Despite being 15, the Frenchman already plays for Lyon’s U19s. In September of last year, he became the youngest goalscorer in the UEFA Youth League – the academy equivalent of the Champions League – when he scored against Manchester City.
At international level, Cherki has been capped twice by the France U16s and at such a tender age is exactly the kind of profile United should be targeting. Young with bags of potential and likely to cost a minimal fee.
Indeed, in just 260 minutes of UEFA Youth League football, Cherki showed an eye for goal with 14 attempts and was seemingly dangerous enough for him to be fouled seven times; an evident sign of a forward-thinking midfielder wanting to be proactive with his work on the ball.
Signing the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Paul Pogba might well have done well on the merchandise stands but on the pitch it has barely come to fruition. Muscling out competition from teams like Madrid and Barcelona to the signing of a 15-year-old might just be the statement United need in this new era.
Rio Ferdinand has remained a very busy man even after hanging up the boots and stepping away from his career as a professional football player.
The Manchester United legend has now shared a new
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The likes of Roberto Carlos and Manchester United cult hero Park Ji-sung were seen answering the question, but were not nearly the only ones to feature in this short preview video.
Of course, laughs were shared and serious discussions were held as the ex-stars listed their three all-time favourite players. Naturally, the names of the Brazilian Ronaldo and Cristiano Ronaldo were thrown around a lot but Ferdinand also got a shout or two, although that was mostly in jest, no offence Rio.
The 40-year-old ex-defender has been retired since 2015 and accumulated a total of 455 games for the Red Devils during his stay at Old Trafford, scoring eight and assisting nine goals in the process.