All posts by z3u9t.icu

Gini Wijnaldum has completed his move from Liverpool to Paris St Germain, following an official confirmation on Thursday [Liverpool FC Official].

Spending five successful years on Merseyside, the Netherlands international made 237 appearances in front of the Kop faithful, registering 22 goals and 16 assists [Transfermarkt].

Within that timeframe, he helped the club win the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup [Transfermarkt], so it is no surprise to see quite an emotional reaction from fans after his departure was confirmed.

Initially expected to sign for Spanish giants Barcelona, he has now opted to move to Paris, penning a lucrative three year contract until the summer of 2024 [The Athletic].

Now seeking a replacement midfielder, the Reds have been linked with moves for Porto midfielder Fabio Vieira alongside Barcelona starlet Pedri.

In light of the announcement of the deal, loads of Liverpool diehards took to Twitter to voice their opinion on the matter.

Reds fans react:

Replying to Liverpool FC’s Official Twitter account, this is how some Liverpool fans summarized their thoughts on the news:

“Thank you Gini Wijnaldum for bringing out the best in Liverpool. I hope you do well in your new club.”

Credit: @EristiawanR”All the best Gini wijnaldum Legend”Credit: @KivurugeL’Thanks for the past 5 years Gini! And good luck with PSG!’Credit: @jimbo888″Done immense things for us but he said Barca was the dream move, or was it about money all along….?”Credit: @26McMahon”Sad that we let him go, especially when Klopp wanted to keep him but yeah… Let’s hope we get a good replacement in (Tielemens, Bissouma?) “Credit: @01mJulian”Thanks & good luck Gini. It was memorable.”Credit: @The_Paul_Winn”‘nobody can take our memories from us'”Credit: @Cousama_O3″Should have kept him, if he was at another club on a free we would all want him, stupid decision”Credit: @johnpeatIn other news, Liverpool fans flock to a Rafael Benitez update.

Celtic are thought to be monitoring MK Dons youngster Matthew Sorinola ahead of a possible cut-price move.

The Lowdown: Sorinola’s breakthrough season

Sorinola, 20, has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign under Russell Martin this season.

Predominantly a left-back, capable of playing centre-back, Sorinola has made 43 senior appearances during the 2020/21 campaign, scoring twice and registering six assists in all competitions.

Plenty of his outings have actually come as a left midfielder, too, with manager Martin describing the versatile youngster as ‘brilliant’ back in January.

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The Latest: Hoops not the only side interested

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Sorinola has rejected the chance to extend his stay with The Dons, and Celtic are one of a number of sides name-checked with an interest.

Rangers are also thought to be keen, whereas sides from Belgium, France and Spain have made approaches for the youngster.

Should the Hoops seal a deal, they would only have to pay a minimal compensation fee.

The Verdict: A possible long-term Laxalt replacement?

Sorinola could be brought in to provide competition for Greg Taylor, with Diego Laxalt set to return to AC Milan over the coming weeks.

The Uruguayan hasn’t exactly made the starting left-back spot his own over Taylor this season, so it may make sense to stay clear of a permanent deal for the pricey £57,000-a-week international.

Sorinola would also give the new Celtic manager an option further forward, as he has showcased this season.

He appears to fit one of two Celtic transfer policies of being a UK-based prospect with high potential available for a nominal fee – now all the Hoops have to do is pip clubs from all over Europe to his services.

In other news: ‘Told from very reliable sources’ – Bournemouth reporter drops huge Eddie Howe to Celtic claim, find out more here. 

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is heading for a major transfer howler as a fresh update emerges on their pursuit of Brest’s Romain Perraud.

What’s the story?

According to previous reports from The Athletic’s Phil Hay, the Whites were eyeing a summer transfer move for the left-back.

However, The Mirror’s David Anderson has now claimed that Bielsa’s side have actually moved on from their chase of Perraud, saying that he’s hearing the Yorkshire club are “no longer trying to sign” him.

Bielsa howler

In Perraud, not only would they be getting a solid defender, but also someone who really comes into his own going forward and providing his team with a vital attacking outlet. This season alone has seen him manage an impressive seven assists in Ligue 1 alone, with only three Leeds players managing more (Raphinha with nine, Patrick Bamford and Jack Harrison with eight each).

Writing a profile piece for The Athletic, Hay noted: “Perraud, 23, played for France up to under-20s level and his performance data — taken from smarterscout, which gives detailed analytics on players all over the world and gives ratings between zero and 99 across a series of metrics — shows characteristics which would meet Bielsa requirements: a creative edge and a high number of dribbles and shots for a player at his position, combined with a very active role in pressing defensively.”

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As per WhoScored, Perraud outshines Gjanni Alioski in numerous key categories both offensively and defensively, averaging more interceptions, key passes, shots, dribbles and crosses, while also being dribbled past only half as often as the Leeds defender.

With Alioski looking set to leave Elland Road, the £7.2m-rated Perraud appears to be the ideal fit for Bielsa as Hay suggests, and his stats certainly prove as such.

For Leeds and Bielsa to seemingly move on from him comes across as a major and baffling transfer oversight. It’s a decision which could leave the fans very unhappy indeed.

Meanwhile, Leeds United are plotting a fresh move for this star…

Many Glasgow Rangers fans were disappointed with the performance of Joe Aribo during their Old Firm victory on Sunday.

The Gers won at Ibrox to extend their unbeaten run in the Premiership (BBC). Kemar Roofe gave the 55-time Scottish champions the lead before Odsonne Edouard equalised, but Alfredo Morelos restored his side’s lead and then Roofe grabbed his second after the interval. Although the league title is long since wrapped up, the Gers will be delighted to have beaten their rivals once again this season.

However, the display of £3.15m-valued Aribo (Transfermarkt) disappointed some of the Gers supporters. He failed to have a real impact on the game in the middle of the park and he shirked his defensive duties on the few occasions that 10-man Celtic did try to attack. He was sloppy in possession and came out second best in many of his duels. That, in particular, will not have pleased Steven Gerrard on the touchline.

These Gers fans were far from happy with what they saw from the 24-year-old, and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Aribo

“Scared to foul him Aribo”

Credit: @RampantRyanJack

“Aribo and Kamara watching people run through our midfield”

Credit: @ShankillBear

“How lazy is Aribo”

Credit: @KennyConway9

“Aribo is a man short in midfield”

Credit: @bluediamond62

“Aribo’s defensive qualities are non existent.”

Credit: @cozy1872

“Aribo walking around doing nothing. Just got turned why isn’t he getting goal side of him. Useless”

Credit: @glenman82

In other news, Ally McCoist slams this man’s comments.

West Ham are set to be handed a major boost ahead of this weekend’s crucial Premier League encounter against Everton…

What’s the latest?

According to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee on Twitter, Angelo Ogbonna “should be back” as they welcome the Toffees to the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The 32-year-old was a surprise absentee on Monday night for their win over Burnley, missing the clash with a hamstring problem, but it is not thought to be serious.

Ogbonna had missed more than two months of the season with ankle problems, only returning against Newcastle United three weeks ago, and is in line to feature against Everton barring any late complications.

Big boost

This comes as a massive boost for David Moyes, who will undoubtedly be desperate to see the Italian back in action as soon as possible given that he has played an important role in the Irons’ campaign so far. Ogbonna has started 25 league matches for the Irons in 2020/21, winning 2.3 headers (fourth-best in current squad) and making 4.2 clearances per game (second-best).

West Ham are firmly in the face for a top four finish but could be six points adrift of Chelsea if they manage to pull off a victory over runaway league leaders and Champions League final opponents Manchester City this evening.

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A win over Carlo Ancelotti’s side would keep the pressure on their London rivals heading into the final three matches of the season, and having Ogbonna available will certainly aid their chances substantially.

His presence will be needed against a player of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s calibre. He has found the net 20 times in all competitions, including one against Aston Villa last time out.

However, the England international failed to score against the Hammers in their league battle earlier this campaign, and Ogbonna was partnering Craig Dawson that day.

Moyes will surely want more of the same, so he will be encouraged by the fact that he can slot the 32-year-old colossus straight back into the team, most likely in place of Issa Diop.

AND in other news, Moyes can repeat West Ham’s Lingard masterstroke by landing “exciting” £18m-rated gem…

Leicester City could not halt Manchester City’s relentless charge to the Premier League title as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s troops at the King Power Stadium on Saturday evening.

It was not a Foxes’ performance that would have inspired much praise, with Brendan Rodgers’ men struggling to lay a finger on their illustrious visitors.

Particularly, Marc Albrighton endured an extremely frustrating personal performance during Leicester’s defeat.

Started at wing-back, the former Aston Villa man struggled to deal with the threat of Gabriel Jesus and Benjamin Mendy down the Foxes’ right-flank.

According to WhoScored, he could only contribute a single interception throughout the game, whilst also not managing to produce a notable tackle, interception, block or even win an aerial duel.

Albrighton also made it far too easy for opening goalscorer Mendy to find the net, charging out to the French left-back in the box before being side-stepped and seeing the Manchester City man slot home with his right foot.

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Whilst the 31-year-old’s defensive performance wasn’t all too inspiring, Albrighton also found it extremely difficult going forwards.

He completed just 22 passes throughout the game at a 50% success rate. For comparison, this was the worst of players to take to the pitch including goalkeepers Ederson and Kasper Schmeichel.

Defender Daniel Amartey – who is not usually Brendan Rodgers’ first choice – almost doubled that with a 98% accuracy rate of his own. The 26-year-old, playing out of position still graded better than the veteran wide man, as per the Leicester Mercury, too.

Only one of Albrighton’s few passes were key, whilst he also did not have a shot either. Although, that was not uncommon after the Foxes were limited to just five throughout the entire game.

His frustrating evening was brought to an end on the 70th minute as he was replaced by the returning Ricardo Pereira. Overall, it was an absolute disasterclass from the usually-reliable Albrighton.

AND in more news, the Foxes have been linked with both Odsonne Edouard and Raul de Tomas but which striker should they sign?

Peterborough Director of Football Barry Fry has exclusively told Football FanCast that he expects Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford to sign new deals at Leeds, irrespective of Marcelo Bielsa’s future.

The pair have been a key part of the Whites’ successful campaign back in the Premier League, and are set to be rewarded with bumper long-term contracts.

Phillips still has more than three years remaining on his current deal, although the striker’s expires next summer, with Leeds desperate to tie down two of their most important players.

Recent reports believe that the Elland Road outfit are expected to offer the duo fresh terms in the coming weeks, and Fry doesn’t think that uncertainty over manager Bielsa’s future will affect their decision.

Bielsa’s contract in South Yorkshire runs out at the end of this season, and he hasn’t yet decided whether he’ll stay on for a fourth season at Elland Road.

“I have been a great admirer of Leeds from day one, Fry told Football FanCast. Obviously they will want to keep them two players, they’re a big club, huge club and I don’t see a problem with the salary being turned down.

“I don’t think it will matter to them whether the manager stays or not, saying that, they will want the manager to stay because they enjoy the style of football that the manager demands of them.”

Some Liverpool fans have been reacting to a transfer rumour linking them with a move for Wilfred Singo, with positivity the order of the day.

Jurgen Klopp may well be on the lookout for a new centre-back this summer, following a disaster of a season in that area.

Liverpool have had to make do without Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez since the autumn, while Joel Matip also joins them in being out for the rest of the campaign.

With both Gomez and Matip injury-prone figures and Ozan Kabak currently only on loan, it may be that another defender is needed to provide more quality and depth.

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Singo is someone who has been linked with a move to Anfield, having impressed for Serie A side Torino this season, making 21 appearances in the competition. According to Tuttosport, via The Liverpool Echo (07:06), Liverpool have tabled a £17million bid, but it has been rejected.

The 20-year-old Ivorian has actually been predominantly used on the right wing and at right-back, but his versatility means he has also played in central defence.

Liverpool fans talk up Singo move

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on a possible move for Singo, with many seeing him as an exciting addition.

“Singo is destined to be a superstar”

Credit: @Sabista_

“I’ve watched this kid play 7 times…if I was LFC I’d pay the said price . He’d be a bargain soon enough”

Credit: @Cobby_Ing_Jr

“If Paolo Maldini thinks he is a good player that’s good enough for me”

Credit: @shangri_la121

“This boy has pace, strength and good technique. He plays RB well already, can play CB too. I REALLY, REALLY hope this link is legit.”

Credit: @GegenPool

“Quality player !!!”

Credit: @nomad56060053

“He’s very solid defensively, pacy and is a decent dribbler But he has been getting injured a lot lately”

Credit: @LFCsSupporter

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been lauding an injury update on one Reds star. Read all about it here.

Darren Bent is unsure if Jordan Pickford has what it takes to be England’s number one with the European Championships on the horizon. 

Bent weighed in on the goalkeeping debate on talkSPORT on Monday evening.

Pickford was ruled out of this week’s World Cup qualifiers after picking up a rib injury. Burnley’s Nick Pope has stepped in and continued his 100% record for clean sheets in an England shirt.

Dean Henderson, who has started Manchester United’s last three Premier League games in the absence of David de Gea, and West Brom’s Sam Johnstone were also called up.

‘You need calm heads at the Euros’

Bent praised Pickford’s distribution but has concerns over his temperament.

“If I had to put them in order, I’d probably go Henderson, Pope, Pickford,” Bent said.

“I do like Pickford but I think he gets a little bit over-emotional. His distribution is second to none though, he can kick the ball far. But I think in situations like the World Cup or the Euros you need calm heads.

“It’s a difficult one because we know he’s never let Gareth Southgate down.”

Pickford has conceded 29 goals in 23 Premier League outings this season (via FB Ref).

Those goals have come from a post-shot xG of 27.3, which means he’s slightly under-delivered.

He was in improved form prior to his injury though, with three well-earned clean sheets in four matches.

Transfer Tavern verdict

Bent acknowledges that Pickford hasn’t yet let Southgate down, but is that suitable justification?

Perhaps the Sunderland-born goalkeeper is effectively a ticking time bomb.

England should view themselves as genuine contenders at the Euros, but it’s hard to believe they’ll go all the way if they place their faith in an erratic goalkeeper.

In other news, fans were excited by Fabrizio Romano’s Everton tweet.

Rangers took one step closer to the title with an important three points on Wednesday evening.

Steven Gerrard’s side were frustrated by David Martindale’s Livingston side for much of the match before Alfredo Morelos popped up with a late winner after Scott Arfield’s shot was blocked.

The result means that should the ‘Gers pick up three points against St Mirren on Saturday at Ibrox and if Celtic drop points the following day against Dundee United, then they will win the title for the first time since the 2010/11 season.

Whilst Morelos will steal the headlines for his late goal, it was perhaps the performance of Connor Goldson that stood out the most at the Almondvale Stadium.

As per SofaScore, the centre-back would earn an impressive 7.6 rating for his display – the best of any player on the pitch from either side.

His defensive partner Filip Helander was the closest in terms of match rating, with the Swedish international earning an excellent 7.5 rating, which emphasises just how solid Gerrard’s side were at the back against Livingston.

During the game, Goldson would superbly win 14/16 of his duels, resulting in a success rate of 88%. So far this season, the 28-year-old has averaged 4.5 aerials won per game in the Scottish Premiership but he managed nine against Livingston, which demonstrates that he was arguably even better than usual.

This total was also more than any other player on the pitch, whilst Livingston striker Scott Robinson, who came on for the injured Gavin Reilly early on, would win just 1/5 of his duels during the game and was limited to just two passes in his 67 minutes on the pitch.

This shows that Goldson and Helander were effectively able to mark Livingston’s attackers out of the game on Wednesday evening.

Earlier in the season, Gerrard was full of praise for his defender, saying:

“I think Connor Goldson has been outstanding this season, showing incredible leadership alongside James on and off the pitch.”

The former Brighton man was also unfortunate that his header in the first half was ruled out for offside, as it was typically brave of the defender to beat Livingston ‘keeper Max Stryjek to the ball and power home, only for a late flag to be raised.

Therefore, whilst Morelos might be the name on a lot of Rangers’ fans lips after his late goal, it was arguably Goldson who stole the show on Wednesday evening.

And, in other news… Get it done: Gerrard should hand £18k-p/w Rangers beast a new contract