All posts by z3u9t.icu

Taking to Twitter, these Nottingham Forest fans were less than impressed with the performance of midfielder Philip Zinckernagel as their side snatched a last gasp 2-1 victory away to Bristol City last night.

Looking to gather momentum under new boss Steve Cooper, Forest took on City yesterday evening in what ended up being a thrilling encounter.

The Reds sealed a last second victory to keep some pace with the Championship play-off chasers and it is super substitute Lyle Taylor who deserves the acclaim.

Coming on for Lewis Grabban with just under 10 minutes remaining, the 31-year-old international buried a brace in added time to nick all three points after Forest spent much of the game trying to breakthrough.

Before this dramatic finish, one man who certainly didn’t help Cooper’s side on the night was Zinckernagel – and it is clear to see why some fans were less than impressed.

According to SofaScore, before he was hauled off with under 15 minutes to go, the attacker completed just two out of six take-ons, lost the overwhelming majority of his ground duels and gave possession away a massive 26 times in total.

Taking this into account, Forest fans voiced their criticism on social media – find all of their verdicts down below.

Forest fans slam Zinckernagel…

“Someone tell Zinckernagel to put some effort into his corner”

Credit: @Jaffaca22393862

“put mighten on zinck thinks he’s messi today”

Credit: @NFFCRadfordinho

“Zinckernagel’s been greedy so far”

Credit: @OliverAdkin

“I’d love to see abit of Mighten. Zinckernagel looks off it tonight.”

Credit: @ConorCrossland_

“Right sub there, probably Zinckernagel’s worst game for us.”

Credit: @NiallSav98

“Zinckernagel has been absolutely woeful”

Credit: @BrummieTricky

Noel Whelan has given his reaction to some Everton injury news that has now emerged involving Yerry Mina.

The Lowdown: Stepping up recovery

As per medical expert Ben Dinnery, Mina will now step up his recovery from injury at Finch Farm this week, after last featuring for the Goodison Park faithful in early February.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-news-3/” title=”Everton news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

They are next due to play West Ham United away from home in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, and while Mina is unlikely to be ready by then, he will be desperate to return to the squad for the remaining games of the season, with Dinnery’s website tracking the middle of April as a likely return date.

The Latest: Whelan reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, who has worked as a pundit for BBC Radio Leeds, has since reacted to the news, claiming that it is ‘huge’ for the Merseyside club:

“It’s huge.

“Yerry Mina has been a bit like Marmite in recent years, you either love him or you hate him.

“But what he does give you is that real defensive presence and Everton need that. We know he carries a real threat from set pieces as well.

“He’s so experienced and he’s been at the club for a very long time. When you’re down at the bottom of the table, you need options.

“With the poor form of Michael Keane, Frank Lampard has had nowhere to turn to in order to replace him. He will have that option again when Mina comes back.

“He’s a player who is going to be very important in the run-in. He’s inconsistent, but on his day he can really dominate a game.”

The Verdict: Lampard needs him

The Toffees have been shipping far too many goals of late, with no fewer than 11 conceded in total in their last four matches over all competitions, and so Frank Lampard needs Mina back in order to steady the backline.

Standing at a mammoth six-foot-five-inches tall, the Colombia international is certainly an imposing central defender, emphasised by him winning 2.6 of his aerial duels per game on average in the top flight, only bettered by Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Michael Keane for the Blues.

Four of their seven wins in the division have come when he is playing, suggesting that they are a better team with him in it, and so Lampard will no doubt want him back available as soon as possible.

In other news, find out which EFC player is now in talks over a new deal here!

Liverpool’s summer clearout is set to continue in the final few days of the transfer window, with Divock Origi, Nat Phillips, Lorius Karius and Sheyi Ojo all reportedly available for moves away.

What’s the story?

According to The Athletic’s Liverpool reporter James Pearce (as relayed by Anfield Watch on Twitter), the Reds could part ways with up to four more fringe players before the August 31 deadline.

They tweeted: “NEW: Liverpool are open to offers for Divock Origi. Nat Phillips could also depart, while Liverpool are looking to off-load Loris Karius and Sheyi Ojo. #awlive [@JamesPearceLFC]”.

Liverpool fans should be delighted

Liverpool have already brought in around £30m this summer by sanctioning the sales of Taiwo Awoniyi, Harry Wilson and Mark Grujic.

Switzerland international Xherdan Shaqiri is set to follow that trio out of the Anfield exit door after Lyon had a bid accepted for the diminutive forward, but the exodus is not expected to end there.

Due to the huge financial impact of the ongoing pandemic added to the fact that they have a large squad, the 19-time English champions have been working with very limited funds in recent weeks.

As a result, Jurgen Klopp has only been able to bring former RB Leipzig centre-back Ibrahima Konate to the club following their disappointing third-place finish this term.

However, if director of football Michael Edwards can pull off another masterclass in the market by offloading any, or all, of the four aforementioned flops, Klopp could have the required resources, and space in his squad, available to land another one of his transfer targets.

Therefore, this latest revelation will surely have the Liverpool supporters feeling delighted. They’ve seen their main domestic rivals significantly strengthen ahead of 2021/22, while key midfielder Gini Wijnaldum has joined Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

And while the Reds may not be able to compete financially with the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United under their current structure, selling unwanted fringe players in lucrative deals is a smart way to level the playing field.

Phillips is arguably the only first-team member up for sale whose exit could split opinion amongst the club’s fanbase, but with the returns of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip to full-fitness, coupled with Konate’s arrival, his game time would be very limited.

Whether Edwards can get any of the quartet out the door in time to bring in just a second major signing remains to be seen, although his past heroics will give Liverpool fans hope there a still a few deals that can be pulled off.

And, in other news…Sky Sports reveal exciting Liverpool transfer update that’ll have fans buzzing 

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips is attracting a significant amount of transfer interest from the reigning Premier League champions.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish media outlet Fichajes (via Leeds Live), who claimed that Pep Guardiola is lining up a move for the England international as a long-term successor to Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho.

The report added that the 25-year-old would be available to sign for as little as €30m (£25.5m), and he is seen as a perfect option for the Spaniard following his development under Marcelo Bielsa.

However, Leeds Live claimed that, due to the player’s contract situation at Elland Road – with his current deal running until 2024 – as well as his happiness at the club, the figure that Fichajes claim would be enough to sign the midfielder appears extremely low.

Orta’s biggest mistake

While it would appear an extremely unlikely scenario that Victor Orta would be willing to part with a player as important to Leeds as Phillips for £10.5m less than his current Transfermarkt valuation of £36m, it would undoubtedly be the director of football’s biggest mistake since his appointment at the club if he were to sanction the sale of the England midfielder..

Since Bielsa’s arrival at Leeds back in 2018, Phillips has been transformed into one of the best defensive midfielders in the English game, consistently turning in highly impressive performances for the Whites during their ascent back to the Premier League.

Indeed, over the £35k-per-week man’s 42 Championship appearances back in 2018/19, the midfielder averaged a SofaScore match rating of 6.91, ranking him as the club’s joint eighth-best performer that season.

The 25-year-old improved on these returns in Leeds’ promotion-winning campaign the following year, averaging a match rating of 7.28 over 37 second-tier fixtures, ranking him as the Whites’ second-best player in the league.

Phillips subsequently took the step up to the Premier League comfortably in his stride, averaging a rather remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.21 over his 29 top-flight appearances last season, ranking him as Bielsa’s best performer in his debut campaign in the top tier of English football.

As such, it is unsurprising to learn of Manchester City’s interest in the midfielder, as it is clear that Phillips boasts the ability to improve the majority of teams in the country. That is exactly why Orta must resist the urge to cash in on the England star, and why Bielsa would be livid with the Leeds director of football should he indeed sell the 25-year-old.

In other news: Huge blow: Phil Hay reveals details on Leeds setback, fans will be very worried

A number of Manchester City fans have been reacting to reports that the Citizens could allow Bernardo Silva to leave on loan until the end of the season.

So far this term, the 27-year-old has featured heavily, making nine appearances in all competitions under Pep Guardiola (Transfermarkt). He made the switch to the Etihad Stadium in 2017 and has already played 210 games for the Cityzens, scoring 36 goals and providing 44 assists.

However, it seems that he could be out the door in January. As per Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), Juventus are interested in capturing the £63m-valued Portuguese international (Transfermarkt), and City would be open to an “interest loan”. However, the Turin club would first need to offload players to be able to intensify negotiations with the Premier League champions.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from Man City supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts on the transfer rumours, and it is fair to say they were not best pleased with the notion of loaning out Silva. Indeed, one even said that club executives Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano should be sacked if they sanction any such move.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Silva news

“Txixi and Soriano out if this happens”

Credit: @ThomasSowell90

“NO! I want to retire at City, he loves this club”

Credit: @mcfcrr

“What? Why would we do that when he is one of our best players so far”

Credit: @RealSlimFoden

“If we do this then Txiki needs deporting to North Korea”

Credit: @TeacherOfBall

“Simple, if Bernardo left permanently or on loan it would be one of the biggest mistakes that the club had ever made regarding transfers, madness”

Credit: @BowdenJoniebee

“Yes let’s loan him for a year making maybe a couple mil, then discuss a straight loan to run down his contract and let them sign him for free or peanuts. Who comes up with this… surely they’re writing this laughing knowing it’s a complete joke”

Credit: @ManCitizen06

In other news, lots of Man City fans were gutted with this news on one of Bernardo’s team-mates

Judging by Twitter, it’s safe to say that many Southampton fans weren’t impressed with the performance of winger Theo Walcott as their side succumbed to opening day defeat.

The Saints returned to Premier League action this afternoon at Goodison Park as they faced off against Everton, with an interesting season up ahead as they cope without big names from 2020/21.

In recent weeks, former star striker Danny Ings sealed a move to Aston Villa, while defender Jannik Vestergaard signed for Leicester City on Friday evening.

However, that isn’t to say Southampton haven’t made their own moves in an attempt to reinforce Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad, with summer signing Adam Armstrong #getting on the scoresheet in their 3-1 loss to the Toffees today.

One player with whom many Saints fans didn’t seem impressed, though, was fellow attacker Walcott, who seemed largely ‘anonymous’ in the eyes of some supporters.

According to SofaScore, the Englishman made no successful crosses, had zero attempts on goal and was among the lowest-rated players for Southampton with a subdued 6.3. He also lost possession of the ball on nine occasions.

Taking this into account, it’s little wonder his performance frustrated a fair few Saints supporters – check out a flavour of their verdicts from Twitter below.

Southampton fans slam Walcott

“We deserve that for giving Walcott 75 minutes, the guy is dreadful idc”

Credit: @KieranKellyyy_

“How is Walcott still on the pitch”

Credit: @sfc_susan

“Walcott can’t continue as a starter”

Credit: @Afromeror

“For Walcott, obviously, who has been largely anonymous.”

Credit: @OWTSaintspod

“Stu needs to come on for Walcott immediately”

Credit: @SaintMatt7

“Adam Armstrong and Che Adams is already looking like an extremely exciting and dangerous partnership, but I can’t help but wish we had Tella and Stu Armstrong behind them both rather than Djenepo and Walcott. Both soooo unbelievably average and predictable.”

Credit: @JackKnutsen_

“Get Walcott off for KWP and move Livramento up. Absolutely non-existent.”

Credit: @HQSoton

In other news: ‘Can’t wait’, ‘I’m excited’, ‘Fantastic’ – Many Saints fans flock to official news, find out more here.

Celtic are interested in a deal to bring Zinedine Ferhat to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Foot Mercato (via Daily Record), who claimed that Ange Postecoglou has identified the Nimes playmaker as a potential target in the winter market, with the 28-year-old believed to be available on a cut-price deal due to his contract with the Ligue 2 side expiring at the end of the current campaign.

The report added that, as a result of his contract situation, the forward is expected to move onto pastures new in the January transfer window, with French duo Montpellier and Saint-Etienne also reported to be interested in the wide midfielder.

He loves to “turn on the style”

While Ferhat has not been in the best of form so far this season, having failed to score a goal or register an assist over his seven Ligue 2 appearances, it is undeniable that, should Postecoglou manage to seal a deal for the Algeria international this month, it would still be something of a major coup for the Bhoys.

Indeed, over his 33 Ligue 1 appearances in Nimes’ 2020/21 campaign, the £4.05m-rated man scored six goals, registered a whopping 10 assists and created nine big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 1.9 shots and making 1.6 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £13k-per-week winger who he himself claimed loves to “turn on the style” earn a rather astonishing seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.07, ranking him by far and away as his side’s best performer in the top flight of French football.

As such, it is clear to see that the Algerian forward would make a fantastic addition to Celtic’s current options out wide, leading us to believe that Postecoglou must do all he can to seal a swoop for Ferhat in the January transfer window.

In other news: Celtic confirm major transfer update which will leave Bhoys fans buzzing

Ibrahima Konate will be left out of Liverpool’s starting lineup to face Manchester City this weekend, according to reliable journalist James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Konate impresses despite error

The Frenchman started alongside Virgil van Dijk at Benfica in midweek, as the Reds won 3-1 in their Champions League quarter-final first leg clash.

Konate may have made an error for Darwin Nunez’s goal, air-kicking an attempted clearance, but he produced a superb overall performance in Portugal, drawing praise from Alisson for his display.

The 22-year-old made two tackles and one interception on the night, as well as the small matter of opening the scoring with a well-taken header – his first-ever goal for Liverpool.

The Latest: Pearce makes key claim

Despite this, Pearce believes Joel Matip will come in for Konate for Sunday’s huge trip to City, taking to Twitter to provide his thoughts:

“Some big decisions for Klopp v City. Matip back in for Konate pretty clear.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-27/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Correct decision

While Konate undoubtedly impressed against Benfica, bringing Matip back in for him is still the right call, should Jurgen Klopp do that.

He possesses more experience in such big games and he has been the superior player this season, performing magnificently next to Van Dijk and averaging 3.9 aerial duel wins per game in the league.

It would be a big shock if Konate was now picked, given his rawness, and his pace isn’t needed as much against a City side who are more intricate than fast.

In other news, Pearce has also made an exciting Liverpool transfer claim. Read more here.

Everton have received a potentially significant boost after it was revealed Paris Saint-Germain have ended their pursuit of star forward Richarlison.

What’s the story?

In the final weeks of the summer transfer window, it was revealed that the Ligue 1 giants had identified the highly-rated 24-year-old as a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappe.

However, according to Spanish outlet El Espanol, PSG have now moved their attention to RB Salzburg attacker Karim Adeyemi after his incredible start to the campaign.

The report states that: “On the table was the Brazilian Richarlison, but Everton did not let him out. Now the main candidate is Karim Adeyemi, from Salzburg and sought after throughout Europe after adding 15 in 22 games so far this season.”

Everton fans will be buzzing

News that the Parisians are no longer believed to be interested in acquiring Richarlison’s services will leave Everton fans buzzing with excitement, given his importance to the club.

As per WhoScored, the Brazil international bagged seven goals in his 34 Premier League appearances last term, averaging 2.4 shots per game and 1.8 dribbles, placing him in the top two for each metric amongst his teammates.

In the current campaign, a knee complaint has kept him sidelined for several weeks, but he’s still managed three goal contributions in just seven outings, highlighting his influence over proceedings.

And Richarlison’s integral nature to Everton’s success has only been exaggerated this term.

Key striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is facing a lengthy spell on the treatment table following a setback in his recovery from a quadricep injury while his replacement Salomon Rondon has been hugely underwhelming.

Calvert-Lewin was the Blues’ top scorer last season and Rondon hasn’t come close to replacing the Englishman’s output, failing to find the back of the net in any of his seven outings.

Therefore, the threat of Richarlison departing in January could have ended any realistic hopes Everton had of finishing in a European qualification spot come May, changing the outlet of their season completely.

As a result, this latest revelation will be met with a huge sigh of relief on Mersyside, and everyone associated with the club will be hoping to see Richarlison pull on their famous blue jersey many more times in the years to come.

And, in other news…EFC may repeat Iwobi disaster by signing “lacklustre” £140k-p/w dud, Brands must avoid 

Manchester United are predicted to make huge changes this summer, including the appointment of a new manager and now Fabrizio Romano has made a huge claim on the transfer plans at Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

According to popular transfer insider and journalist Romano, Manchester United are already making plans to sign their next striker, with Richarlison and Darwin Nunez named as two players the club are interested in.

The Italian took to his YouTube channel to make the claim:

“Erik ten Hag knows how important it is to decide who is the perfect striker for Manchester United as soon as possible.

“For example, Darwin Nunez, and Richarlison are already players they have discussed internally.

“The perfect striker will be discussed with ten Hag before jumping into negotiations. Man United will 100% sign a new striker regardless of what happens with Ronaldo.”

Supporters will be excited

Following the shocking 4-0 defeat at Anfield on Tuesday evening, supporters will surely be excited that the wheels are in motion to start making changes and improving the squad with Richarlison and Nunez named as potential candidates.

Richarlison is currently embroiled in a relegation battle at Everton, however, at just 24 years old could be a great signing for Man United to improve the quality in the front three.

The Brazilian striker usually plays on the left wing to accommodate his partnership with Dominic Calvert-Lewin who plays in the centre-forward role at Goodison Park but has proven he can also be effective in his team-mate’s role too following his absence this season through injury.

The Toffees attacker has scored 49 goals in 145 appearances for his current club, but with the right service and guidance could have the potential to become a much more consistent goal threat and would be a good prospect for replacing Marcus Rashford if he was to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, as per reports.

Nunez is a hugely hot prospect for many Premier League clubs with Liverpool and Arsenal also speculated to be interested in securing his signature this summer following a fantastic season so far from the Benfica striker.

The 22-year-old has scored an impressive 33 goals in 38 appearances for his Portuguese club and has caught the eye of several clubs following his Champions League performances scoring six goals in the competition against Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Ajax.

With that being said, if ten Hag does join the club he will have a challenge on his hands to identify the right players to make an instant impact on the struggling Man United side to ensure next season they have the opportunity to compete for trophies, and signing a new strike force is clearly a promising priority.

AND in other news: Ten Hag must brutally axe “terrible” MUFC flop who made just 11 passes v LFC