All posts by z3u9t.icu

Kevin Campbell believes Luke Ayling’s lengthy injury absence is a huge blow for Leeds United, after news emerged that the defender required surgery.

The Lowdown: Ayling missing for Leeds

The 30-year-old hasn’t featured for the Whites since the 1-1 draw away to Newcastle United last month, having picked a knee issue.

Ayling is to be missing for a considerable period after the news broke last week that he needed surgery, with an absence of around six weeks expected, meaning it will be well into the hectic winter fixture schedule before he returns.

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The Latest: Pundit bemoans absence

Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell, a regular on Sky Sports, highlighted Ayling’s importance to Leeds, outlining why he will be such a big loss in the coming period:

“He’ll be a big miss if he’s out for that long. Leeds have some crucial fixtures coming up after the internationals.

“Ayling is Mr. Reliable and you will only ever see him out of the side if he’s got a bad injury. He’s been brilliant for them over the past couple of seasons and has been virtually ever-present.

“Injuries happen to everybody though. It is so important to have a player who can plug the gap until he is back.

“Shackleton has been very good but I still think they will really miss Ayling. He is a fantastic player who can chip in with a goal or two as well. He’s so consistent at right-back and consistency is the key. He gives you a seven or eight out of 10 every week.”

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The Verdict: Huge loss for Whites

Ayling has been a fantastic servant for Leeds and there is no denying that they lose a lot when he isn’t in the team.

The 30-year-old possesses a big character and leadership from right-back, but he also brings so much energy and quality, both in an attacking and defensive sense.

Ayling’s screamer at Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season showed what he is capable of ability-wise, but he has averaged 2.2 tackles and 1.2 clearances per game in the Premier League this season, too, which is really where he shines.

In other news, a pundit has been critical of one Leeds player. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa will again make a decision over his future at the end of the season, according to journalist David Anderson.

The Lowdown: Bielsa out of contract

The Argentine has been a game-changing figure at Elland Road since arriving in 2018, transforming the club’s fortunes and guiding them back into the Premier League after a 16-year absence, not to mention being hailed as a ‘genius’ by Mauricio Pochettino.

However, Bielsa has only been signing one-year deals in order to avoiding committing his long-term future to the club, so his current contract expires at the end of the season.

It remains to be seen if the 66-year-old will continue at the Yorkshire club, but Anderson has been discussing the matter.

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The Latest: Journalist expects Bielsa wait

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the journalist claimed that Bielsa will again wait until the summer to make a decision, having been in contact with people at Leeds. He outlined:

“I was chatting to people at the club saying, ‘What’s your feeling?’ (about Bielsa’s future). The thing about Bielsa is they do this cycle every year where, as you know, he operates on a 12-month rolling contract.

“He gets to the end of the season, and he says, ‘I don’t want to talk about the future until we get to the end of the season,’ then he’ll decide if he wants to stay, and usually by then you know if he wants to stay on.”

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The Verdict: Will he stay on?

The current campaign has been a struggle for Bielsa, with injuries affecting Leeds’ form and poor results coming their way, such as the 1-0 defeat at home to Newcastle United on Saturday, so it remains to be seen what his decision will be come the season’s end.

He may feel that he has taken the Whites as far as he can, running out of steam slightly after a consistently upward trajectory until now and potentially losing either Kalvin Phillips or Raphinha, or both for that matter.

On the flip side, another 12-month deal could be signed, which is sure to be the preferred choice of most Leeds fans, even if 2021/22 has been far from ideal.

In other news, a journalist is unsure over Leeds’ potential move for one player. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged on Portsmouth target Miguel Azeez this week…

What’s the word?

According to Football League World, Pompey are one of a number of clubs keeping tabs on the young Arsenal midfielder.

The report claims that there is some interest from the Championship in his signature, whilst Pompey are considering a loan deal for the teenager.

Get it done

Danny Cowley must seal a deal for Azeez this month to bolster his squad as it could be an exciting addition to add competition to the midfield areas.

Portsmouth have not given any minutes to a teenager in an outfield position so far this season and that suggests that there could be a place for an injection of youth in the side. At the age of 18, Azeez may not come in expecting to start every week and that means that Cowley can use him as and when he is needed, giving the youngster vital experience in the professional game.

Therefore, he could be a risk-free signing with a high upside. If it doesn’t work, it’s only a loan and he can be sent back to Arsenal, but his pedigree suggests that he has the potential to flourish.

He has already made his senior debut for Arsenal, in the Europa League, and has been tipped for the top by Gunners captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Speaking to Arsenal’s Matchday Programme (via ANS), Aubameyang claimed that Azeez is going to become a great player in the future. He said:

“We saw a few more young players in our last European game, and we also have them joining in with training quite a lot lately.

“One player who I think looks really good is Miguel Azeez. Miguel is going to be a great player in the future.

“He’s really calm and mature so I’m sure he’s got what you need to be a success and have a big career.”

Whilst there is little evidence, at senior level, to prove that he will be an excellent player in League One, these comments from Aubameyang suggest that he has the potential to be.

Furthermore, another onlooker in CBS Sports journalist James Benge once dubbed the 18-year-old sensation as “phenomenal” back in 2020

Therefore, Portsmouth should take a gamble and bring him to the club to see if he has the ability to make it in the third tier of English football, so get it done Cowley.

AND in other news, Forget Marquis: £3.7k-p/w Portsmouth dynamo who won 14 duels was Cowley’s unsung hero…

Football Insider pundit Noel Whelan has been sharing his thoughts after news emerged of Celtic’s interest in Solihull Moors forward Kyle Hudlin. 

The Lowdown: Hudlin links

The Hoops have been keeping tabs on Hudlin recently, with the 6 foot 9 striker emerging as a January target.

Should his situation remain the same with the National League side, Hudlin will be available to discuss pre-contract terms with Celtic due to his deal expiring next summer.

Celtic scout Andy Thorne has watched Hudlin on a number of occasions, and former striker Whelan has been sharing his opinion on a possible cut-price move.

The Latest: Whelan’s comments

Whelan was talking to Football Insider about Celtic’s interest in Hudlin in a story on Tuesday morning.

The 46-year-old labelled Hudlin as a ‘brilliant asset’ and appeared to give his backing over a transfer.

“Celtic are looking for a different dimension.

“You can see that they want a focal point. I completely get that. Wyke is one of those players who has a stature about him.

“You can play long balls up to him and play off him. He holds the ball up so well and that’s what Celtic want.

“They have a lot of technical players in and around that one centre forward Postecoglou would love to have.

“A player like that can draw out defenders which then frees up space for the players in behind.

“I can see why Celtic want to do that. Also, look at when they concede, they aren’t the tallest team in the world.

“Adding a brilliant asset who can attack and defend at corners makes sense.”

The Verdict: Worth the risk?

Even though Hudlin has been plying his trade in the fifth tier of English football, a cut-price move could be worth a gamble.

Manchester City have been linked with the striker, so he clearly has the talent to go alongside his record-breaking height.

He could add a different dimension to Ange Postecoglou’s attacking options, so Dominic McKay may make his move in the New Year, should Thorne provide a glowing scouting report.

In other news: Ange handed another injury blow with Wednesday news on ‘excellent’ ace emerging.

West Bromwich Albion have spent the last five years yo-yo-ing between the Premier League and the Championship, with two relegations and one promotion since 2017/18.

There have been several factors behind their inability to remain a consistent force in the top-flight of English football, but arguably the most pivotal aspect is their poor record in the transfer market.

Many players have been brought into the Hawthorns for relatively large fees before failing to live up to expectations in recent years, heavily contributing to the club’s struggles at the elite level.

And one of those who has arguably flopped for the Midlands outfit is Karlan Grant. The 24-year-old striker was brought to West Brom in a £15m deal back in October 2020, making him one of their most expensive purchases.

During his unveiling, technical director Luke Dowling lauded the youngster’s ability to put the ball in the back of the net, claiming he was ready for the step-up that the Premier League would undoubtedly provide.

“We are confident we have signed a young player who has proved he is ready for the challenges of the Premier League,” said Dowling. “He has scored goals throughout his career, including the few months he had with Huddersfield at this level two years ago.”

However, things have not gone to plan for Grant. The former England U18 international scored just a single goal as West Brom finished 19th last term, immediately returning to the Championship as a result.

His underwhelming performances upfront saw him fall out of favour when Sam Allardyce took over from Slaven Bilic halfway through the season, with his last league start coming at the beginning of February.

Although Grant has started the current campaign well, bagging four goals and providing two assists in 11 Championship outings, his inability to produce at the highest level has seen his market value plummet to just £7.2m, less than half the total that West Brom paid for his services just last year.

While the £30,000-per-week dud may yet come good for the Baggies, it appears the club’s hierarchy made a big mistake in placing their trust in a striker unproven in the Premier League, contributing heavily to their eventual relegation.

And, in other news…Signed for £8m, now worth £1.8m: Ismael must wield axe on 27 y/o West Brom liability 

Many West Ham United fans have been angered on Twitter, following a post from The Athletic writer Roshane Thomas detailing some of David Moyes’ comments on transfer activities at the London Stadium this summer.

With the Premier League set to kick-off for the Hammers this Saturday away to Newcastle United, the Londoners go into the tie having made just two signings in the form of Craig Dawson and Alphonse Areola [Transfermarkt].

Now, West Ham fans have been thrust into further anxiety over recruitment activity after input from the manager, who stated the following (via Thomas’ Twitter account): “We’ve got offers in but not everything is coming to fruition.”

As you can imagine, loads of West Ham United diehards took to social media to vent their fury at the recent communication, with the transfer window due to shut in a matter of weeks.

West Ham United fans react:

Replying to Thomas’ Twitter page, here is what some Irons fans had to say about recent developments:

“Nothing is coming to fruition! And it’s not good enough”

Credit: @cheersthough

“I predict last minute loan deals will form the basis of our summer ‘activity’”

Credit: @teepee61

“Moyes Out”

Credit: @whufctom_

“This guy is an embarrassment”

Credit: @JayWHU

 “Fake bids, 3 weeks on one bid and player still hasn’t signed, no intentions to sign, publicity stunts #EnoughIsEnough #GSBOUT”

Credit: @ChrisBetts82″Moyes Out”Credit: @whufctom_In other news, West Ham fans react to a transfer update.

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham fans have erupted over an injury update from ExWHUemployee regarding Aaron Cresswell, with many shocked at the severity of the injury he has sustained.

The 32-year-old has proven to be a critical component of David Moyes’ side this season, having started all 13 games in which he has appeared. However, in the Hammers’ 2-1 loss to Manchester City a month ago, the left-back was substituted on the hour mark after slamming his back into the goalpost.

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It has not been made clear just how severe the injury is, with Moyes originally claiming that Cresswell was a doubt for the Irons’ following game, refusing to provide a return date. West Ham have won just one of the seven matches they have played in all competitions since that fateful afternoon at the Etihad Stadium.

Hammers fans react to Cresswell’s injury news

ExWHUemployee took to Twitter to provide fans with an injury update on the defender. He claimed that the player has chipped a bone in his back which is causing him a lot of pain, and that no recovery date has been given by either Cresswell himself or the club.

These Irons fans took to the replies on that tweet to provide the 32-year-old with their sympathies, as many were left gutted by the “horrific” news on the injury.

It leaves Arthur Masuaku as the squad’s only recognised left-back and comes at a time when some other defenders are also sidelined.

“Ouchie !!! Poor Cress”

Credit: @Els_ie

“Wow, didn’t expect it to be that bad.”

Credit: @AlexThomsonWHU

“that sounds pretty horrific”

Credit: @BoogersWestHam

“Hope he recovers well. Just sums up our luck. Best 4 defenders we’ve had in years all out for months at some point this year. Cress, Zouma, Ogbonna and Vlad”

Credit: @camwestham

“Yikes, that’s Cresswell out for the season then”

Credit: @Bielsalmighty

“This is such a blow. A new LB is massively needed, Masuaku can’t be our LB in a flat back four”

Credit: @antoni_dad

In other news – ‘I think’: Journalist drops claim on ‘special’ West Ham target tipped to become ‘world-class’

West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Mainz defender Moussa Niakhate this summer as David Moyes looks to bolster his defensive options.

What’s the latest?

According to The Telegraph, the Hammers could lure the 26-year-old to east London for just £8m, with Transfermarkt valuing the Frenchman at £16.2m.

The commanding central defender can also play at left-back and has featured in 24 of Mainz’s 28 Bundesliga matches this term, scoring three goals and keeping eight clean sheets.

Currently, the Irons have Kurt Zouma, Craig Dawson, Angelo Ogbonna and Issa Diop at centre-back, although the Italian has spent the majority of the season on the sidelines with an ACL injury, while Diop could depart this summer amid reported interest from Ligue 1 outfit Lyon.

Therefore, it’s vital that Moyes adds to his defensive arsenal in the upcoming transfer window.

West Ham must swoop for Niakhate

Zouma has done well to establish himself as the clear first-choice centre-back in his first season at West Ham following last summer’s £29.8m move from Chelsea. However, the Frenchman needs a regular partner, with the likes of Dawson, Ogbonna and Diop all taking turns this season to partner the 27-year-old.

Moreover, left-back is also an area which needs addressing, with Aaron Cresswell now 32 years of age. In fact, the Hammers squad is the second oldest in the Premier League, with an average age of 28.8.

With Niakhate, these issues can be solved.

The Mainz captain stands at 6 foot 3 and averages 1.4 tackles, 1.9 interceptions and 2.1 clearances per league game. For context, Zouma averages a lower tally of 0.6 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per match but also makes a whopping 5.6 clearances.

In Niakhate, West Ham can find their new Rio Ferdinand in colossus of a defender on whom they can later make a profit, particularly if £8m is the German club’s asking price.

Described as “clever” by Mainz manager Bo Svensson, the £12k-per-week French defender can add much-needed depth and quality to the Irons’ squad, which will be vital if Moyes’ side are to qualify for Europe again for 2022/23.

Having balanced four competitions over the course of the season, the Hammers’ lack of squad depth has been exposed at times, particularly when injuries have stacked up.

The lack of depth makes the upcoming transfer window particularly vital, especially considering that the east Londoners made no signings in January.

With reinforcements needed in essentially every position, Moyes will need to be shrewd in how he spends the transfer kitty provided to him, making a potential £8m deal for Niakhate an undoubted bargain swoop which must be made.

In other news – Fewer touches than Areola: West Ham dud who completed just one pass against Lyon let Moyes down

Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has confirmed that Leeds United loanee Ian Poveda is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up a serious leg injury.

The Lowdown: Poveda on loan at Blackburn

The 21-year-old was sent out on loan to the Championship club during the summer in order to enjoy more regular football, but it has not quite gone to plan.

Poveda, who has been described as ‘incredible’ by Pep Guardiola after his spell at Manchester City, has been limited to just four league starts so far at Ewood Park.

On Saturday, the youngster unfortunately left the field injured in his side’s 1-1 draw away to Bristol City with what looked like a serious issue.

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The Latest: Serious injury confirmed

On Tuesday, Blackburn’s official Twitter channel confirmed the news using quotes from Mowbray, who said that the midfielder looks set for a lengthy spell out of the team. The Rovers boss outlined: “The news isn’t particularly good, he’s broken his fibula and has some ligament damage.”

As per Blackburn’s official website, Mowbray added: “It’s a fracture and it’s not good news for him or us. We’ve been in touch with Leeds United and it looks as if he’ll have an operation to insert a plate. We’ll see what Leeds want to do because he’s their player, but he will be out for a significant period of time.”

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The Verdict: Big blow for Poveda

It is a cruel blow for Poveda, especially as he tries to force his way into Mowbray’s starting line-up more regularly, and he now faces a mental challenge to overcome following such a huge personal setback.

The hope is that the Leeds youngster can make a swift enough recovery to get some more game-time at Blackburn before the season is out, ideally returning to Elland Road more rounded player next summer.

At 21, he still has a long future ahead of him, so this will hopefully be a minor speed bump in his career rather than a prolonged setback like the one suffered by Adam Forshaw.

In other news, Phil Hay has discussed Leeds’ potential January transfer business. Read more here.

A big update has emerged regarding Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos and his future in Glasgow…

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, some people inside Ibrox are concerned that the Colombian will not play a competitive game for the club again, having been ruled out for the rest of the current campaign through injury.

The report claims that there are fears that the 25-year-old will be on his way out of Ibrox in the summer, with one (unnamed) club said to be lining up an offer ahead of the next transfer window.

Rangers are reportedly willing to hold out for a fee in the region of £13m for their top scorer, with Ross Wilson bracing himself for bids to come flying in over the coming months.

Disaster

Wilson must now avoid a big Ibrox disaster this summer, as selling Morelos for that fee would be a huge mistake by the club.

The Gers sold young defender Nathan Patterson to Premier League side Everton for a fee of £16m in the January transfer window. Whilst he has potential for the English club paid a premium, he was not starting regularly for Rangers, whereas Morelos has been a key player in Glasgow.

The Colombian is only 25 and still has potential of his own to fulfill, whilst he has 11 goals and seven assists in 25 Premiership starts this season.

To use a more positionally relevant example, Odsonne Edouard left Celtic to join Palace for £14m after he averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.17 in 2020/21 and was directly involved in 22 goals in 31 games in his last full campaign for the Hoops.

Morelos has averaged a score of 7.32 in the top flight, which suggests that the overall quality of his performances have been higher than the Frenchman’s were prior to his switch to Selhurst Park, whilst they have both proven that they can score and set up goals.

Therefore, it would be a disaster to sell the South American for £13m when Edouard and Patterson both went for more than that. It would also be a huge blow to Gio van Bronckhorst’s side because of what the forward offers to the team.

The Athletic previously spoke to a number of anonymous Premiership defenders to provide an insight into the Colombian forward, with one dubbing him as “non-stop” and another calling him a “nightmare” to handle.

Along with his aforementioned statistics this term, these quotes illustrate how effective Morelos is for the Gers at the top end of the pitch. He is a constant threat to the opposition and losing him this summer, particularly for £13m, would be a disaster because of the huge hole he would leave in the number nine role.

AND in other news, Van Bronckhorst can save millions by unleashing Rangers teen who’s “like Theo Hernandez”…