All posts by h716a5.icu

Leeds United definitely made some mistakes on their road to returning to England’s top-flight. One of these was the sale of goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and former boss Simon Grayson has emphasised his frustration at the club for letting the Danish star leave back in 2011.

Simon Grayson slams the club for Schmeichel sale

Speaking to Rob Tanner of The Athletic, Grayson said: “Kasper was sold by people above me. I’m not surprised by his success”

Tanner tweeted that: ‘He (Grayson) didn’t want to sell and it was a bad deal.’

The goalkeeper’s success emphasises how big a mistake the sale was

The goalkeeper was sold to Leicester City for only £1million back in 2011, and he has thrived in England ever since. His career at the Foxes has definitely been very special as he has made 389 appearances and kept 125 clean sheets (Transfermarkt). He was crucial in their promotion efforts and, of course, their amazing Premier League title win back in 2015/16.

He has received a lot of praise during his career, including from his current manager Brendan Rodgers, who called him a “world-class goalkeeper.”

His career definitely highlights how big a mistake it was for Leeds to sell the now £7.20 million-valued goalkeeper, especially for as cheap as the £1million they got for him

In other Leeds-related news, Phillips has given a possible update on when he could return from injury. Have a read on when it could be here!

West Brom’s return to the Premier League couldn’t have gotten off to a worse start as they find themselves winless after seven matches.

The Baggies sit third from bottom on just three points – and with basement boys Burnley holding a game in hand, it could be ever so much worse.

It’s thought that the pressure is now on Slaven Bilic and his position as manager of the Midlands outfit, perhaps quite unfairly given it’s Spurs before the international break, and then Manchester United after it.

You’d imagine the benchmark for those two matches would be two points, even if they had been unbeaten thus far.

As we have already mentioned here at Football FanCast, the Croatian really needs to deploy his star man, Matheus Pereira, through the middle. After all, he provided five goals and 13 assists playing in the number ten role during their promotion-winning campaign.

To enable this to happen, Bilic needs to find a viable option to play on the right flank and he can take his pick from Kyle Edwards, Matty Phillips, Callum Robinson and Kamil Grosicki.

There are serious doubts over the first two names and their suitability to this level of football whilst Robinson, who joined permanently this summer, is primarily a left-sided option that can also play up front.

That leaves an interesting question mark next to Poland’s recent hat-trick hero, Grosicki. Indeed, the 32-year-old was on the verge of leaving the club on the domestic deadline but his loan move to Nottingham Forest fell through.

Although it was a switch that the veteran winger didn’t really want to make as he wanted to stay and fight for his place, as revealed in an interview with Sportowefakty. That’s what Bilic needs, fighters.

He’s since been linked with a January move to Championship rivals Middlesbrough (per the Sunday Mirror (02/11, page 65) – but let’s try him out in the Premier League first, Bilic.

Grosicki has only ever played 15 times in the English top-flight and that was during Hull City’s relegation campaign. He still managed to deliver five assists, which is a pretty decent return.

His form for the Yorkshire outfit newcomers, delivering 26 goals and 22 assists from two-and-a-half Championship seasons, was enough to convince Luke Dowling to strike in January.

Former Tigers teammate Jackson Irvine once dubbed the Poland star “unplayable” and claimed that “you can’t afford to give him that much pace to run in behind” whilst ex-boss Nigel Adkins described him as a “massive threat to anyone.”

Whilst Grosicki is still at the Hawthorns, Bilic ought to utilise him, starting this weekend.

AND in other news, Guochuan Lai on verge of a cowardly move that would eclipse Hegazi sale…

Following Joe Gomez’s injury in England training on Wednesday, Jurgen Klopp is now desperately short of defensive options in his squad, so signing Bayern Munich centre-back David Alaba should be a necessity in the January transfer window.

The Reds have been linked with a move for the Austrian international recently, although it was suggested that they may have to wait until his contract expires at the end of the season in order to sign him.

Whilst it might make financial sense to wait until then, to try and sign him as a free agent, Klopp currently has just Joel Matip available as an experienced centre-back in his side, so they urgently need to add reinforcements or they risk throwing away their chances of retaining the Premier League trophy.

Alaba would be a superb addition to the Reds’ squad and even when the likes of Gomez and Virgil van Dijk return from injury, his versatility means that he could continue to feature in the first-team, potentially as a left-back or central-midfielder, as he has played in both of those positions regularly in his career thus far.

Whilst the 28-year-old is currently valued at £58.5 million by Transfermarkt, you would imagine that if Liverpool were to come in with a suitable offer in January, the Bundesliga giants would be tempted to sell, rather than potentially losing him on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge certainly seems to rate the Austrian, as he was quoted saying:

“He has everything a world-class player needs: great talent, passion, the ambition to get even better, and lots of experience, which is incredible for his age.” (per Manchester Evening News)

Therefore, it can certainly be argued that he would be an excellent addition to the Anfield outfit’s squad and he can perhaps go some way towards filling the huge void left following the injury to Van Dijk.

As a left-footed centre-back, the Austrian could also add a bit of balance to Liverpool’s back-line, and could also fill in for Andy Robertson if the Scottish international gets injured, so we feel that this transfer would make a lot of sense for the Reds in their current predicament and that Michael Edwards should do everything he can to try and sign the Bayern Munich man in the upcoming transfer window.

Speaking in a press conference as his side prepare to take on LASK in the Europa League, Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has confirmed the late return of Davinson Sanchez who ‘will play’ this evening – coming after he was left out in favour of Joe Rodon against Chelsea.

Sanchez, whose return to the squad could come as a boost for Spurs given Rodon is ineligible to play in the Europa League, will replace the recovering Toby Alderweireld, who won’t be fit in time for this encounter.

Sanchez return confirmed

Indeed, as the Belgian made a surprise return to training yesterday, Mourinho has explained the match tonight comes too soon for him to make a return – admitting there is a ‘chance’ he could feature against Arsenal in the north London derby.

For now, Mourinho has confirmed the boost of Sanchez’ return as his centre-back options potentially grow thin – with Rodon ineligible and Alderweireld still working to get back to 100% fitness.

The Colombian, valued at £40.5 million by Transfermarkt, is coming in to potentially provide cover at centre-half as he, Eric Dier and Japhet Tanganga remain as Mourinho’s only available centre-back options.

Transfer Tavern take

Spurs only need a point tonight to qualify for the knockout stages as Mourinho aims to guide his side to potential European glory in a competition he has already won twice before, one with Porto in 2003 and once win Manchester United in 2017.

Described as a ‘beast’ by ex-manager and former fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino, the Lilywhites could do with Sanchez’ return tonight as they aim to secure a place in the Round of 32.

In other news: Jose Mourinho is ‘excited’ after this ‘incredible’ Spurs development, find out more here.

According to reports, Wolves are being linked with a move for Famalicao prodigy, Gustavo Assuncao.

What’s the story?

The 20-year-old is already captain of the Liga NOS side out in Portugal, and is seemingly already attracting interest from several clubs across Europe.

As per Spanish publication AS, they claim that along with Wolves, the likes of Manchester United, Everton, Nice and Sevilla are all keeping tabs on his situation and development ahead of a potential move for the midfielder.

Hilariously obscure Premier League players – Can you name them all?

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

It’s added that Famalicao rate the starlet so highly, that they have placed a hefty price tag of €25m (£22.5m) on his head to deter any potential clubs from coming in for him.

Potential Moutinho successor

Aged just 20, Assuncao has already established himself as a cornerstone of Famalicao’s side so early in his career, even earning himself the captain’s armband.

This season has seen him play the full 90 minutes in every single one of the Portuguese side’s games, and the midfielder is already showing signs of how he could potentially be Wolves’ dream Joao Moutinho successor.

Averaging an impressive 1.9 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game in the league this campaign, Assuncao also has a superb feel for things in the middle of the park, just like Moutinho.

He’s averaged 45.7 passes per game at an astounding accuracy of 88%, and is someone who can switch the play from deep too, completing almost 70% of his attempted long balls.

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo may also be familiar with Assuncao for a very distinct reason as well. The Brazilian’s father, Paulo, played with the Molineux side’s manager back in their days at Porto, and that could well prove to be the kind of determining factor that swings the transfer in their way.

Meanwhile, Wolves must surely swoop for this La Liga striker.

Tottenham Hotspur are back in Premier League action this afternoon as they welcome Leicester City to north London for another top-of-the-table tussle.

Jose Mourinho’s side will be looking for a reaction after suffering their first league defeat since the opening day as defending champions, Liverpool, ran out 2-1 victors in midweek.

The Foxes are just one point behind Spurs in fourth place, so it could be a crucial result heading into a hectic festive period.

But will the Portuguese mastermind make any changes to his starting XI? Here’s what we are predicting…

In terms of injuries, there are no fresh problems for Mourinho to deal with, whilst Gareth Bale returned to training during the week. This game may be too early for him to start.

It also means that neither Erik Lamela nor Japhet Tanganga are expected to be involved in any form.

Club captain Hugo Lloris will surely keep his place between the sticks with there only being one change to the backline that leaked two goals against the Reds.

That being Sergio Reguilon coming in for Ben Davies at left-back as Eric Dier and Toby Alderweireld continuing their partnership in the middle with Serge Aurier on the right.

Having not featured at Anfield, Tanguy Ndombele may return to play alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Giovani Lo Celso. Let’s be honest, that’s the trio we all want to see at Spurs sooner rather than later.

It means Moussa Sissoko makes way, joining the likes of Harry Winks and Dele Alli on the substitutes bench.

The third and final change could come on the flank as £25m winger Lucas Moura returns to the starting lineup in the Premier League for the first time since a 1-0 win over Burnley in October.

He replaces Steven Bergwijn. Mourinho will be hoping he can replicate his training ground antics on the pitch – Dier claimed earlier this month: “There’s no-one worse to train against than Lucas Moura. He’s a nightmare. He’s so fast, so sharp.”

Prolific duo Heung-min Son and Harry Kane are the first two names on the teamsheet and will undoubtedly remain in Spurs’ attack.

AND in other news, Exclusive: Spurs tipped to secure “unbelievable” £30m star…

When West Brom owner Lai Guochuan took the decision to sack Slaven Bilic, and appoint Sam Allardyce in his place, there was only one thing the Baggies had in mind: Premier League survival.

And following confirmation of that move, sporting director, Luke Dowling, wasted no time in letting the world know why the club had turned their attentions towards one of the top-flight’s veteran bosses.

He said: “In Sam we have a man who has a proven Premier League pedigree with a track record of improving every club he has managed.

“We believe and, more importantly Sam believes, we have a group of players that have the quality needed to give the club its best chance of Premier League survival.”

And on late Sunday afternoon, it became that much clearer why the Baggies took the decision to name Allardyce their new manager.

Away to Premier League champions Liverpool, West Brom fans would have been forgiven for accepting a potential defeat even before the game had started.

And when Sadio Mane struck after less than a quarter of an hour, the writing was seemingly on the wall for them. The entire first-half saw West Brom camped well inside their own half, with no outlet whatsoever, and apparently quite happy to just walk away with their dignity in tact.

But then, the second-half saw a slightly more adventurous Baggies side come to the party, and when Semi Ajayi scored with less than ten minutes remaining, it just smacked of one of those old-school, Allardyce masterclasses.

As per Sofascore, they had just 22% possession over the course of the game, but staggeringly, finished with more shots on target than the Reds – three to two.

Described as being a “phenomenal” man-manager by one of his former players, Stephen Warnock, the West Brom boss came up with a blueprint that worked to perfection at Anfield.

If Lai was hoping that a mid-season change could inspire a turn in fortunes, then he seems to have got exactly that. The early signs are very promising for West Brom’s chances of staying up this season, and that’s in no small part to Allardyce being a potential game-changer.

Wolves have a timely distraction from their inconsistent Premier League run on Friday.

They enter the FA Cup and will take on Crystal Palace under the lights at Molineux.

On the chalkboard

Wolves endured a crazy match against Brighton last time out. Nuno Santo’s men scored three times and in most circumstances, that should be enough to guarantee you a win.

However, the Seagulls had other ideas as they drew 3-3 at the Amex in an encounter that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.

With three goals being shipped, the criticism will rightly fall on the defence and one of the worst performers was stand-in full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri.

The French defender is an impressive young player but he struggled all day against Graham Potter’s men.

Wolves reporter Liam Keen gave Ait-Nouri the following review at full-time: “The youngster seemed to be holding back when on the attack and in defence he never looked secure.”

Indeed, it was a disastrous night for the 19-year-old who let Leandro Trossard cross for the first goal too easily and then performed a weak header late in the game that nearly allowed Brighton to score again. Fortunately for Ait-Nouri, it was disallowed.

During the course of the game, he lost 12 duels and also surrendered possession 16 times. This was not his finest hour.

The solution

The obvious way of handling this situation would be to remove him from the firing line. However, with Marcal still out of action, Nuno will have to consider other alternatives.

Of course, the FA Cup means less to Wolves than the Premier League and as a result, the Portuguese could choose to experiment.

So far this season we’ve seen Romain Saiss unorthodoxly operated at left-back while Max Kilman started his career on the left-hand side before moving inside to play as a centre-half.

With Ait-Nouri in the firing line for his performance against Brighton, choosing between one of those two players could be a viable option for the Wolves boss.

They may lose a degree of attacking flair with the teenager axed from the side, but after shipping three, they need to focus on how they can improve defensively.

That starts against Palace tonight.

AND in other news, Wolves can land huge Silva upgrade in 9-goal beast, he’s on his “way to the top”…

Marcel Brands revealed earlier this week that Everton do not “expect” to make any signings during the January transfer window, as he instead works on offloading some of those players who ate currently frozen out.

In his efforts, the Blues’ Director of Football must strive to include Beni Baningime in those who depart Goodison Park, after seeing the midfielder prove to be an outcast of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.

Bernard, Cenk Tosun and Jonjoe Kenny are among those said to be available for transfers this month, while the Blues are also hoping to see interest emerge in Yannick Bolasie and Mo Besic after neither secured moves away in the previous window.

Baningime has been a mainstay of Everton’s Under 23s side this season having started all 11 of their Premier League 2 fixtures to date, yet he has been overlooked for a senior call-up in all competitions despite captaining David Unsworth’s squad on six occasions.

The 22-year-old has not been fielded in the first-team at Goodison Park since Sam Allardyce stood at the helm in the 2017/18 season, with the one-game England boss handing Baningime eight of his 12 career senior outings.

Ancelotti briefly looked fondly upon the Everton product toward the end of last term when the DR Congo talent was listed on the bench for all bar one of the Blues’ fixtures during project restart, only for the manager to look the other way following the arrivals of Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure in the summer.

Baningime is fast heading toward the point of no return on Merseyside with his contract due to expire in 18-months’ time, and with his market value slowly plummeting as TransferMarkt now value the midfielder at less than half of his career-high £2.7m achieved in 2018.

Ancelotti clearly does not feel Baningime is fit for the holding midfield role in his Everton side, given that we have seen Tom Davies enjoy a consistent run of matches following Allan’s hamstring injury.

Sam Allardyce had backed Baningime to continue his promising form seen during his tenure, that led supporters to laud his tenacious and tough-tackling style.

“He does seem, at such a young age, to be capable of playing at this level,” Allardyce said, via quotes by the Liverpool Echo. “If you want a hugely successful career in the Premier League and at Everton Football Club, whatever you are achieving now, you can only move your career on by achieving more.

“If you stand still, you will fall away – so the young lads have a lot of work to do if they are to get even better than they are now. Beni is showing the appetite to do that work.”

But the chance to progress has fallen away since Allardyce departed, and Everton may yet be able to use their former head coach in efforts to offload Baningime this month.

Former Premier League midfielder Michael Brown has tipped Allardyce to raid Goodison Park in the January transfer window as he strives to improve his West Bromwich Albion squad, and the offer of a Baningime reunion may appeal.

“Is there going to be a big sale at Everton? It’s a difficult market,” Brown told Football Insider. “You heard Sam Allardyce on Thursday, he’d been told yes to three or four and then they just haven’t materialised for him.

“At the top end of the market, where Everton are going to be looking at, I think it’s a different market when you talk about a West Brom, who I think will be looking at Everton to try and trim some of their squad.”

Selling Baningime this month would see Everton end the midfielder’s 14-year association with the club, with him having first joined the Toffees aged eight after moving to England from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

AND in other news, Everton are monitoring a £9m defensive titan ahead of a potential January transfer.

Many Liverpool fans were relieved to discover that their club did not pursue former Arsenal defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos.

Before his move to Olympiakos was officially announced, The Athletic journalist David Ornstein revealed that Jurgen Klopp’s side made initial contact regarding the 32-year-old’s services – but never got back in touch after that.

Sokratis has not featured in any competitive action since August but the possibility of the Greece international reuniting with his former manager from Borussia Dortmund may have been an option, had Liverpool progressed the conversation further.

Before leaving the Emirates, Sokratis scored six goals and provided two assists from 69 appearances in all competitions (TransferMarkt), and averaged 1.3 tackles per game from 19 Premier League starts last season (Whoscored).

With this in mind, supporters were relieved about not signing Sokratis and flocked to @AnfieldWatch to share their views on the matter.

Fans breathe sigh of relief

“Rather have Ben Nugent hahahahah”

Credit: @stojsaurus

“FSG see what u have reduced us to …..Sokra what?”

Credit: @kayflix_

“I would rather watch Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips over him. We don’t need another Lovren in this team.”

Credit: @KloppTheKaiser

“Thank god. You had me worried there for a minute”

Credit: @pxyoe3

“Better than Williams. But luckily he is going back to Greece”

Credit: @mattbauer_5

“Good”

Credit: @Shanghai_kid902

In other news, James Pearce provided silver lining regarding Jordan Henderson’s latest setback.