All posts by h716a5.icu

Everton were right to sell Davy Klaassen to Werder Bremen for a significant loss in 2018, despite Ruud Gullit now claiming that his compatriot was wasted at Goodison Park.

Klaassen moved to Merseyside from AFC Ajax four years ago in £23.6m deal as the priority signing of then-manager Ronald Koeman amid doubts over Ross Barkley’s future, but he would only last the one season in royal blue.

The Dutchman struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League during a turbulent campaign for the Toffees, making just 16 appearances in all competitions before leaving for only £12m.

The season had begun with a run of just two wins in nine league games to pave the way for Koeman’s sacking, and the appointment of Sam Allardyce brought with it a style of football unsuited to Klaassen’s talents.

The physicality of the English game also proved an issue for the player named as the 2016 Dutch Footballer of the Year, and saw that he only started three of his seven Premier League outings and never scored for the Toffees before moving to Werder Bremen.

Now back at Ajax, Klaassen is again firing on the front foot and scored his fifth international goal as the Netherlands lost to Turkey in a World Cup qualifier earlier this week. Afterwards, Gullit explained how Everton had failed to get the most from the 28-year-old.

“He’s a [No.] 10. He’s a midfielder who goes all the time in the box. Ajax always played with plenty of people around the box, so it was easy for him,” the Dutch icon said, via quotes shared by the Liverpool Echo.

“There are numerous players from Ajax who went abroad then all of a sudden are in an environment which doesn’t play like that. That is the worst part of it.

“Klaassen went to Everton and found that problem. He came from Ajax, goes to Everton, who don’t play like that. All of a sudden, he’s lost, he doesn’t know what to do, where to come, because he’s not good at the ball and doesn’t do all kinds of tricks, he doesn’t have that.

“Klaassen then went to Germany, played a different role and played well. Now he’s back to Amsterdam and played the same role as he did before and he’s an outstanding player in the national team again and everyone says ‘Ooof!’.”

While Gullit suggests that Everton wasted Klaassen during his year at Goodison Park, the 58-year-old also explained why the Toffees were right to sell the midfielder, even if doing so meant owner Farhad Moshiri had to sanction a £11.6m loss.

Everton wasted a total of £15.6m with the signing and subsequent failure of Klaassen, having awarded him a £70,000-per-week contract which earned the Dutchman £4m in wages over his 58 weeks on Merseyside.

For that money, the Toffees only saw one assist, no goals and 10 starts from 16 appearances in all competitions, while being omitted from 29 matchday squads due to his inability to adapt to either the demands of Koeman and Allardyce or the demands of the English game.

It would have been unsustainable for Moshiri to continue paying Klaassen so lucratively for that return, knowing that a second season at the same level – or worse – would have meant his market value decreasing more than the near 50% it already had.

Everton simply had to bite the bullet with Klaassen when they did and accept that he may go on to rediscover his form in a system more to his suiting, as – like Gullit claims – the Premier League and the tactics used at Goodison Park were not set up for him to excel.

AND in other news, Everton dodged a £13m bullet in a “remarkable” talent as the hype falls silent…

Lee Ryder has confirmed that Newcastle United are interested in signing Matthew Bondswell on a free transfer.

However, as per a tweet from The Chronicle journalist, the proposed deal has not quite been completed yet, and the St. James’ Park faithful face competition from other teams in the Premier League.

Ryder also confirmed that the North East club have been in talks with both the player and his representatives in order to try and get the deal over the line.

Bondswell one for the future

The signing of Bondswell is certainly one for the future for the Tyneside club. The 18-year-old has played at youth level for German giants RB Leipzig and has played in no fewer than 12 games in total for England for the U16, U17 and U18 sides.

Bondswell has also played in senior men’s football already despite his young age, with six matches played in so far for FC Dordrecht in the 2020/21 term in the Dutch second division, where the left-back has won 3.7 of his duels a game and also averaged one interception per appearance, helping his side keep two clean sheets in the process (Sofascore).

He is certainly a talent that Steve Bruce’s team can nurture and grow into a real top player, and on a free transfer, there is very little risk involved in getting the deal done.

In other news, find out what former Bellagraph Nova Group figure has dropped a big claim on the potential Saudi takeover here!

Many Liverpool fans flocked to claims that manager Jurgen Klopp is keen to see Georginio Wijnaldum stay at Anfield.

The 30-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Merseyside for some time, with Barcelona one of the sides that are hugely interested in his services.

But the Daily Mail revealed that Klopp wants the Dutchman to remain at Liverpool and would like to see him sign a new contract.

Wijnaldum’s current deal expires at the end of the season and he can already speak to other clubs on pre-contractual negotiations – and can even come to an agreement before the transfer window opens.

Despite this, supporters have lost patience with the Holland international and want him to leave the club, as one fan described it as an “absolute travesty” that Klopp is hoping to keep the midfielder.

Only time will tell what Wijnaldum’s future holds, but these fans have made their feelings pretty clear…

No love lost with Wijnaldum and these fans

“Please no”

Credit: @freestriv

“I don’t. Let him go”

Credit: @yuta_adi

“back pass merchant”

Credit: @gfhdjdjssjj

“An absolute travesty”

Credit: @Rele_Lethale

“He’s your Man but let him go.”

Credit: @iconicGer_

“Gini exit presents perfect opportunity to upgrade the quality of our midfield!”

Credit: @svosve_26

In other news, James Pearce stunned by ‘poor’ Jurgen Klopp decision during Chelsea defeat.

This season has been a torrid and arduous one for Celtic. They secured the Scottish Cup in December but beyond that, there has been little to write home about.

Heading into this weekend the Bhoys were 23 points behind Rangers with any chance of winning a tenth title in a row surely all but done.

Neil Lennon has been feeling the heat but amazingly, the Hoops hierarchy are sticking with him. For Celtic’s high standards, it’s baffling that he’s still in the job.

It’s not often the Bhoys will be this far off the pace, especially to their rivals, so you can forgive supporters for protesting outside Parkhead a few months ago.

Though, as well as worrying about the future of Lennon, they should have major concerns over the playing squad. That’s because if everything goes against them, as many as 12 players could walk through the exit door in the summer.

We’ll break things down into three segments for you, beginning with those whose loans will be expiring; Mo Elyounoussi, Shane Duffy, Diego Laxalt and Jonjoe Kenny.

Secondly, we’ll look at the players out of contract; Scott Brown, Cameron Harper and Karamoko Dembele.

Finally, there are a host of players all being linked with exits; Odsonne Edouard, Kristoffer Ajer, Ryan Christie and Tom Rogic. You also need to bring into the equation that Olivier Ntcham has an agreement to join Marseille permanently.

Fears surrounding Edouard and Ajer have been there for a while. The former keeps attracting interest from the Premier League while AC Milan have shown a willingness to sign Ajer. Christie has been linked with Arsenal and Leeds while Rogic could move to Asia according to The Athletic.

With that many players potentially leaving, it would leave Celtic with plenty of recruitment to do.

For starters, this is the team Lennon could be left with.

As you can see, it’s an incredibly patched together XI. We’d tip Albian Ajeti and Leigh Griffiths to continue scoring goals while the midfield still looks indomitable.

Ismaila Soro has been a breath of fresh air to this Celtic team and has only been on the losing team twice in the SPFL. With that in mind, losing Brown wouldn’t be disastrous.

However, it’s in defence where there should be real worries. With Ajer potentially leaving in a few months time it leaves them vulnerable. Jeremie Frimpong is already out the door and Laxalt is presumably heading back to Milan which means defensive recruitment will surely be of utmost importance.

That should especially be the case at right-back. Kenny is only on loan which would leave the lesser spotted Anthony Ralston and Hatem Elhamed as their only right-backs. Stephen Welsh would undoubtedly benefit though. The 21-year-old has only played eight times for the Hoops which goes to show the limit of their exposure at the back.

Whether it’s Lennon or a new manager in charge come the summer, they will have a huge rebuilding job on their hands.

AND in other news, £7m Celtic brute could become a real star if Desmond hires “very demanding” 62 y/o…

Many Sunderland fans were left to slam the display of Lynden Gooch despite their 2-0 win over Fleetwood Town in the EFL League One on Tuesday evening.

Aiden O’Brien and Max Power scored the goals in the second half that gave all three points to Lee Johnson’s men at the Stadium of Light after what was a very frustrating first half.

Although their were some great performances in a red-and-white-striped shirt, Gooch’s display flattered to deceive a lot of SAFC supporters.

The 25-year-old lost out on five of his duels in the game, and also failed to record a single accurate cross or long ball (Sofascore).

He also lost possession no fewer than 18 times in the match, the third-most out of any of his teammates, earning him a quite measly 6.6 overall rating on Sofascore.

Sunderland fan reaction to Gooch display

These Black Cats slammed his performance on Twitter, with one fan even going as far as to say that the winger was ‘terrible’:

“Really poor over run in the middle. Gooch and O’Brien giving the ball away again. No crossers and through ball isn’t there”

Credit: @Downsy102

“Gooch been very wasteful, movement been non-existent . Don’t remember Wyke touching the ball”

Credit: @deano733

“Gooch has been terrible along with O’Brien. McGeady not his usual self. Fleetwood defending well”

Credit: @S_Garraghan

“Can someone let Gooch know that it’s ok to pass the ball? Cheers.”

Credit: @Jaydenhanlon7

“Gooch is incredibly frustrating to watch at times.”

Credit: @WestSussexSAFC

“O’Brien, Gooch and McFadzean v poor”Credit: @harryeddowesIn other news, find out whose display was slammed against Burton Albion here!

Speaking exclusively with Football FanCast, former England international Rob Lee has claimed that Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard is the exact sort of player Newcastle United need.

Steve Bruce’s side is said to be one of a handful of Premier League clubs eying a January loan for Lingard, with reports by the Daily Mail citing Newcastle, West Brom and Sheffield United as potential destinations for the 24-cap England international.

West Ham are also in talks with Manchester United over a deal for Lingard, per The Guardian, with a move to the London Stadium likely to hinge on whether the two sides can agree on a loan fee due to the clubs being apart in their valuations.

Lingard has been pushing for a route out of Old Trafford this month as the £75,000-per-week ace is desperate to secure regular game time, having been cast into the wilderness by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season.

The 28-year-old is yet to play a single minute in the Premier League and has only been named on the bench in four of the Red Devil’s top-flight fixtures, with Lingard’s start in the FA Cup versus Watford earlier this month his first piece of action since September.

But when asked if Lingard would be a good signing for Newcastle, Lee told FFC:

“He’s better than what we’ve got. I think we need someone from midfield that’s going to score goals and get forward.

“Jesse had a great season probably a season or so ago, hasn’t played at all this season, for whatever reason. Sometimes, it’s not the player’s fault.

“So, even for him to come into the Newcastle team and make a big difference will be a big challenge. But he’s the sort of player you need as you need someone to break forward.”

Lingard enjoyed his best Premier League campaign in front of the net during the 2017/18 season after scoring eight goals in 33 matches and providing six assists, but has gradually faced less and less game time since the arrival of Solskjaer.

The one-time Europa League winner struck a brace and provided two assists in his first two appearances following Solskjaer’s appointment, yet played fewer minutes (931) in the 19/20 season over more appearances (22) than he achieved in just the second-half of the 18/19 term.

He is now completely frozen out at Old Trafford but has a track record for scoring and assisting for club and country, while Bruce has seen Jeff Hendrick and Miguel Almiron provide Newcastle’s second-most goals in the Premier League with two each to date.

AND in other news, Newcastle have landed a huge boost in their pursuit of a £4m-rated beast…

According to a report by Football Insider, Tottenham talent and ‘rising star’ Marqes Muir is nearing a permanent move away to AZ Alkmaar – coming as a ‘blow’ to Daniel Levy and co as their reported offer to tie down the starlet looks set to be rejected. 

Indeed, the Daily Telegraph claimed very recently that the club offered a professional deal for the teenager who is apparently turning many heads – with Levy seemingly eager to keep him in north London.

However, as per this development, Tottenham now appear in danger of losing him in what has been described by Football Insider as a ‘blow’ to the club, due to their history of utilising the talent in their academy.

Muir set for exit

Muir has been a regular for the academy Under-18s and has shone through the ranks, apparently impressing club hierarchy with the mature nature of his performances.

As a result, AZ Alkmaar have come calling, and the Dutch outfit are ‘closing in’ on Muir and hope to reach an agreement by the end of next week.

Levy’s reported offer of a professional deal, coming as his scholarship contract runs out in the summer, now looks set to be rejected – with Muir apparently nearing a north London exit.

Transfer Tavern take

Football Insider describe it as a ‘blow’ for Spurs if they lose him, but it remains to be seen whether he does fulfil his potential either in England or elsewhere.

Finance guru Kieran Maguire recently heralded the Lilywhites’ ability to nurture young stars in a bid to save money, but judging by this report, Muir doesn’t look like he’ll be one of them.

In other news: Tottenham are eyeing a ‘ridiculous’ swoop, find out more here.

David Sullivan must be careful as West Ham United risk missing out on signing Silkeborg defender Frederik Alves Ibsen in January due to Brexit.

What’s the word?

According to TuttoMercatoWEB, the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union on January 1, 2021 could see West Ham struggle to obtain a work permit for Alves.

The Denmark U21 defender has been widely linked with a move to the London Stadium after holding talks with the Irons ahead of a winter deal, thought to be worth around £1.2million.

Alves was photographed with his agent Christian Bysted in the English capital earlier this year following a rumoured medical, and was expected to put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

The Irons’ negotiations appeared to have seen Sullivan fight off rival approaches from Leeds United, Russian outfit Rostov and Serie A side Torino.

One hurdle still to overcome was in Alves obtaining permission to play in England having never represented his country at a senior level, which Silkeborg director Kent Madsen recently confirmed had delayed an official announcement.

“He is sold with what I would call a very small reservation,” Madsen told Midtjyllands Avis. “He must be able to obtain a residence and work permit in the country he is going to. We consider it a formality, but I can say that [the delay] is due to Brexit. That is why we have not announced the buying club.”

But, as Silkeborg were relegated to the Danish second-tier last season, the club now sit in what will be Band 6 for the UK’s work permit applications post-Brexit and, as such, Alves will not receive sufficient points.

Sullivan beware

As well as needing work permits for players signed from abroad post-Brexit, Premier League clubs will be limited to three U21 signings each window and will not be able to acquire any players under the age of 18.

The regulations were designed between the Football Association, Premier League, the EFL and the government to safeguard the future of the England national side, but come at the detriment of foreign players competing in low-ranking FIFA nations.

A player arriving from a side ranked lowly by FIFA would have had to play almost all senior international fixtures over the past two years to score enough points, with 15 points needed.

Exceptions can be made via the Exceptions Panel based on if the player in question is deemed to be of “the highest quality”, which Alves may struggle to be classified as.

The 21-year-old has featured just five-times for Denmark’s U21s, while an injury has restricted his involvement in this season’s NordicBet Liga to eight appearances.

It remains to be seen if West Ham can convince the Exceptions Panel to award Alves a work permit to join and unite with David Moyes’ squad in east London, though could look to complete the defender’s transfer before securing a loan deal for him to gain further minutes elsewhere this winter.

AND in other news, David Sullivan can right a summer blunder by swooping for a “great talent” West Ham previously courted.

Writing on Twitter, Sky Sports transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has shared an exciting update involving Christian Eriksen – with Giuseppe Marotta confirming that the Dane has been transfer listed after Tottenham Hotspur were linked with a potential return. 

Eriksen, who left Spurs for the San Siro back in January to the tune of £16.9 million, could now be on the way out in January as the Serie A giants appeal to potential suitors.

Eriksen stance confirmed

Indeed, speaking candidly over his future, Nerrazzuri CEO Marotta has confirmed that the club are actively pursuing a sale mid-season – coming after Tottenham reportedly eye a return to bring their former hero back to north London.

Romano recently tipped that Spurs are ‘still thinking to’ Eriksen, with Football Insider also reporting that Tottenham have the chance to re-sign him in the winter window.

Charlie Eccleshare, writing for The Athletic, also revealed that the 28-year-old is a creative ‘option’ as January looms – and this update from Marotta, as relayed by Romano, could be a boost if Spurs do in fact wish to re-sign him.

“Yes, I can confirm that Christian Eriksen is on the transfer list,” explained the CEO to Sky via Romano.

“He’s gonna leave in January. He’s not functional to our plans and he had difficulty here at Inter. I think it’s right that Christian goes away to find more space”.

Transfer Tavern take

Much has been made of Spurs’ past difficulty to replace the international’s creative influence, but Jose Mourinho has arguably done a fine job of it this season.

Both Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele have thrived in the number 10 role this season, with it potentially being a gamble to throw in an unstable chemical like Eriksen who could disrupt the harmony of this squad.

Time will tell whether Spurs do lodge a pursuit, but it’s unclear whether this could be a good idea after all.

In other news: Tottenham have been dealt a potential Son Heung-min setback, find out more here.

According to 90min, Newcastle are among a host of Premier League clubs following Mexico international Orbelin Pineda.

What’s the word?

With the Magpies enjoying a successful transfer window over the summer and getting a number of Premier League proven players in, it appears the Tyneside club are still casting their net far and wide.

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90min claim that Steve Bruce’s side are one of a number of teams scouting Pineda, with the versatile midfielder keen on finally making the move away from his native Mexico and playing in Europe.

Another Miguel Almiron

When you look at Pineda’s style of play – he’s quick, energetic and able to play across the midfield and out wide – you can’t help but feel that the Magpies would just be getting another Miguel Almiron.

Writing in a “Ones to Watch” article on ESPN, Mexico correspondent, Tom Marshall said: “Technically sharp, skillful and with a turn of pace to burst past opponents, he has an appetite for big games. He appears as relaxed in front of 80,000 people at the Estadio Azteca as he would be back in Guerrero having a kick around with his friends.

“The fact he has already taken on and succeeded following the crucial move to Chivas — a big club even by European standards — also bodes well.”

Despite playing in more advanced areas of the field, the 24-cap international has a very questionable goals to game ratio in his time in Mexico. He managed a paltry 10 goals in 128 games at Guadalajara, before netting just eight times in 68 games at current club Cruz Azul.

The fact that Almiron has managed nine goals in 61 games, and that too in the Premier League, makes it all the more confusing why the club would want to take a punt on a player who may need time to adapt.