All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic’s official Twitter account has wished one of their players a Happy Birthday, much to the amusement of some fans, who were left questioning who he even was.

Ismaila Soro turned 22 on Thursday yet no one appears to know who the young midfielder even is.

He only joined the Glasgow giants back in January from Israeli Premier League outfit Bnei Yehuda, signing a four-and-a-half-year deal but is yet to feature for Neil Lennon’s first-team squad in any competitive fixture.

In fact, he’s only been named on the bench once and that was for their Scottish Cup tie with Clyde in February when Celtic ran out 3-0 victors.

Only real Celtic fans will get 100% on the Ultimate Hoops quiz. Test your knowledge below…

Prior to his move to Celtic Park, Soro had made 24 appearances this term playing in a defensive midfield role per Transfermarkt’s recorded matches, including a run of matches in Europa League qualifying where his former side were knocked out by Malmo.

Here’s how supporters have been reacting to the club’s post…

AND in other news, Celtic fans debate Tom Rogic future…

Santiago Solari didn’t really have the best of times while coaching the Spanish giants that are Real Madrid.

The now 43-year-old manager was at the helm of the Galacticos for two periods, one as a caretaker and then one as the main coach.

Watch Spanish Football Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

But his spell was not really as successful and he only lasted for 28 games before getting sacked and replaced.

And now, months after his initial departure, Solari seems to be making a grand return to Real Madrid but this time, not as a coach anymore.

According to Cadena SER, he will now assume the role of an ambassador of the club and upon seeing this piece of news, many Madridistas were actually pretty happy about it.

Solari seems to be someone who they still like despite his failed spell at the club all those months ago.

Many of them stated how happy they are to have him back in the family and some even said that he would always be one of them.

You can see some of their reactions and comments down in the collection of tweets below:

In the words of Rafiki from The Lion King, “The King has returned”.

OK, perhaps ‘king’ is a little too dramatic a term to use, but when someone this important is set to make a comeback this weekend, I think we can afford ourselves a little bit of leeway on the matter.

Nottingham Forest boss Sabri Lamouchi confirmed yesterday during his press conference that club captain Michael Dawson is back in contention to face fierce rivals Derby County on Saturday.

Dawson has been out injured with a calf problem since the Stoke City game in September and it has forced Lamouchi to try players like Chema and Tobias Figueiredo in the centre of defence. Whilst they did win a few games, they did lose a few too, and there just hasn’t been the same chemistry that Worrall and Dawson were enjoying beforehand.

Whilst he did say that he was ‘in contention’ to start rather than guaranteeing a place for the 35-year-old, that didn’t stop Forest fans from taking to social media to express their delight that the club captain could be back for such an important game.

Whilst those fans seem happy, we at FFC would rather he take the extra days rest rather than rushing him back.

Newcastle United are planning to make a move for a £40m-rated forward in the January transfer window because manager Eddie Howe is a massive fan of the player, according to reports.

Newcastle eyeing free agents

With the summer window now shut, Howe will have to make do with what he has, although there is still an opportunity for him to snap up free agents who are currently without clubs, as Paul Mitchell ponders whether to entice them to St James' Park.

One such figure is Adrien Rabiot, who at 29 years of age is now a hugely experienced player who has represented some of the biggest clubs in European football, most notably Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus. The Frenchman left the latter in the summer, however, following the expiration of his contract, and he is now on the lookout for a new team.

Newcastle have emerged as strong suitors for the midfielder, with Howe potentially considering him a player who can add that extra quality in the middle of the park, linking up with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali in what would be an extremely talented unit. Manchester United are also keen, though, with both clubs contemplating making offers.

Yusuf Yazici has also been linked with a move to St James', with the 27-year-old bringing an end to a five-year stint at Ligue 1 side Lille earlier in the summer, although there are a whole host of clubs in contact with his agents.

Newcastle planning move for "outstanding" £40m maverick

According to a fresh update from Caught Offside, Newcastle are keen on signing Manchester United winger Antony once the January window rolls around, in a move which would divide opinion on Tyneside given the Brazilian's struggles in England so far.

The Red Devils reportedly value the Brazilian at £40m, even though they spent £86m on him to sign him from Ajax, with his time at Old Trafford not proving to be too successful but Howe still "highly appreciative" of his abilities and perhaps believing he can perform a similar transformation to what he has done with Anthony Gordon's end product.

A lack of end product has always been cited as an issue for the 24-year-old, much like current Magpies man Miguel Almiron, with only 11 goals and five assists coming his way in 83 appearances, which is an extremely poor return for a wide attack playing at one of the world's biggest clubs.

That being said, there are still those who rate Antony, with former Red Devils defender Phil Bardsley describing him as "outstanding" last season, having put in an impressive defensive performance in a goalless draw away to Liverpool in the Premier League.

At 24, the United man is still a young player who could improve further, and he does possess a nice left foot with the ability to produce some magic, but Newcastle would be taking a huge risk on him.

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Granted, Antony could thrive and be an upgrade on the likes of Almiron and Jacob Murphy, but it is also easy to envisage him continuing to be the frustrating player he is at Old Trafford, producing nowhere near enough substance in the final third.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may not be able to call upon a "warrior" in his squad for the rest of the 2024/2025 Premier League season, with a decision on the matter seemingly looming.

Arsenal prepare for Tottenham after 1-1 draw with Brighton

The north Londoners have two vital Premier League games awaiting them right after the international break, with trips to both north London neighbours Tottenham and title rivals Man City on the horizon.

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Arsenal will also be looking to put their first dropped points of the season behind them, following their disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Brighton last weekend, when they also lost star midfielder Declan Rice to suspension.

Rice picked up two yellow cards during the encounter, and was perhaps harshly sent off, after his second bookable offence for kicking the ball away. The England star will therefore miss Arsenal's all-important clash against Tottenham, dealing a big blow to Arteta who must now cope without such a crucial player in his starting eleven.

Tottenham (away)

September 15

Man City (away)

September 22

Leicester City (home)

September 28

Southampton (home)

October 5

Bournemouth (away)

October 19

As well as Rice, Arsenal will be without summer signing Mikel Merino for nearly two months, after the Spaniard fractured his shoulder in his first ever training session at London Colney – not exactly the ideal start to life in London for him.

Arteta now has to decide how they will cope without both Rice and Merino. Some reports suggest that Arsenal are planning to slot Havertz into midfield with Sterling as a false nine, and as Arteta contemplates this tactical tweak, he must also decide on his final squad for the season.

Kieran Tierney could be ineligible for the rest of Arsenal's season

The deadline for each club to submit their full and final Premier League squad is September 13, and left-back Kieran Tierney will be a point of much debate within the club in this regard.

While the former Celtic star has now been included in their Champions League squad, which was seen as a shock choice considering he hasn't played for them for a year, Arteta still has some thinking to do in regard to Tierney as a domestic choice.

As relayed by London World, Tierney may not be included in Arsenal's final Premier League squad, and that would make him ineligible for the rest of this Premier League season domestically.

While the £120,000-per-week ace could return from his hamstring injury after the international break, and could be available for Spurs, it is a point of contention whether Tierney will even be selected in Arteta's final Premier League draft.

If Arsenal opt to leave the Scotland international in Premier League limbo, they must inform him soon, so he could potentially decide to chase up a move to Greece or Turkey if he doesn't want to solely be a squad player for Europe.

The Turkish and Greek windows remain open until the end of next week, so a loan move abroad would be a solution for the 27-year-old who's suffered from a plague of fitness issues in recent years – despite some praise.

"He has been solid," Ashley Cole told Sky Sports in 2021 (via The Metro). "I think he would have liked to see more game time, he’s had a few injuries that hampered his season. When he’s in the team, they are a different team, he’s willing to defend, he’s that kind of leader and warrior they need in this team.

"There were those questions marks over him and his ability to come from Scottish fooball and adapt to the Premier League. But I think he’s adapted very well.

"He’s got those leadership qualities which are needed along with the younger players in there. When he doesn’t play they miss him on he left. for me, he can defend which is a plus."

Whilst it looked as though Arsenal were going to settle for Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino, they're now reportedly ready to table a last-gasp offer to sign an attacking reinforcement in a repeat of their 2023 deal for Leandro Trossard.

Arsenal transfer news

Arsenal have once again operated with plenty of intelligence in the summer transfer window in what would have been a pleasant surprise for many fans not so long ago. The Gunners kicked off their window by signing Calafiori off the back of an excellent season with Bologna, helping the Italian club earn shock Champions League qualification, and now look set to add Merino to their ranks.

Strengthening both Mikel Arteta's midfield and backline, those in North London still have time to welcome an attacking addition to complete the perfect summer at The Emirates, with one Premier League star potentially arriving.

According to Football Transfers, Arsenal are now ready to make a last-gasp offer to sign Evan Ferguson from Brighton & Hove Albion alongside interest from title rivals Manchester City. However, the Gunners would reportedly prefer a loan deal, before a permanent switch next summer amid the forward's £70m price tag.

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Just 19 years old, Ferguson is one who would take time to reach his best under Arteta, likely replacing the outgoing Eddie Nketiah rather than Gabriel Jesus, but the potential is there for all to see.

Of course, Arsenal have already benefitted from signing Brighton stars in the past, welcoming Trossard in January 2023 and watching the winger thrive under Arteta at The Emirates ever since, including when he bagged the opening goal in the 2-0 win at Aston Villa on Saturday.

"Incredible" Ferguson can finally solve Arteta's remaining problem

If you look around this current Arsenal side, it's easy to admire just how ready they are to go head-to-head with Pep Guardiola's winning machine for a third-consecutive campaign, but one problem remains.

Whilst Jesus is an excellent player, what he is not is an out-and-out goalscorer, as proved last season and as will likely become apparent in the current campaign. It's the one remaining criticism of Arteta's side and the one issue that Ferguson could arrive to solve for years to come.

A player who's already got a Premier League hat-trick to his name at 19 years old, the Irishman earned the praise of former Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi in May 2023. The manager said via The Irish Mirror: "Ferguson’s improvement has been incredible. He’s playing like an old player but he is only 18. There is a good dressing room with the mentality to help all our younger players.”

It's the type of improvement that would only keep coming at Arsenal too, as we've seen with players like Trossard, William Saliba and Kai Havertz. That said, with just a matter of days left until the summer transfer window slams shut, it remains to be seen whether the Gunners can strike a deal with Brighton.

Another day, another new left-back target for Newcastle United as they look to bring in a replacement for Dan Burn.

The defender was steady if not spectacular when moved out wide last season, but it is clear that Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is looking to bring in a new player for that position ahead of the 2023-24 Premier League season.

Having been linked with Arsenal's Kieran Trippier and more recently Federico Dimarco of Inter Milan, Newcastle may now switch their focus to a younger alternative.

NUFC Blog reports that Chelsea's Lewis Hall is on Newcastle's radar, and it could be an exciting transfer for the Magpies should they push ahead with their interest.

Is Lewis Hall good enough for Newcastle United?

After catching the eye at both U18 and U23 level, Hall was handed his Chelsea debut in January 2022 when becoming the youngest player to feature in an FA Cup tie for the club against Chesterfield.

The 18-year-old assisted Romelu Lukaku's goal in Chelsea's 5-1 win, but he had to wait until November to make his full senior debut against, of all teams, Newcastle in a 1-0 Premier League loss.

On that occasion, however, it was Miguel Almiron who came out on top, with the Paraguayan's two key passes and the 66% duels he won down Chelsea's left-hand side much better than the mere 43% won by Hall, as per Sofascore. Indeed, as remarked by 90min's Henry Burt, it was a 'tough' outing having been 'targeted' by the Magpies.

That said, with 12 senior appearances now to his name, the youngster is not quite established as such but is clearly on the right path to the top. Indeed, Frank Lampard blocked Hall from joining up with England for the U20 World Cup towards the end of last season as he felt he needed the youngster.

"He is a very good player, a really talented player," Lampard said. "He needs to come out of himself a bit more. I have been really impressed and he is in the running for the last four games."

Hall has played enough minutes to give a good indication of what he is all about. According to FBref's player comparison model, the teenager ranks very similarly to two of his Chelsea team-mates in Ben Chilwell and Reece James.

The Chelsea academy product is particularly alike Chilwell in terms of passes completed (47.1 per 90 minutes, compared to 48.5 for the latter), touches (73.2 v 72), carries (43.8 v 42.3) and aerial duels won (58.3% v 53.8%).

Chilwell does make his presence felt in the final third more, highlighted by his two goals and two assists last season, but it must be remembered he was a £50m signing for Chelsea three years ago, and indeed the final product tells.

Hall, by comparison, is a player on a weekly wage of £7k – as per Capology – and one who will only get better as he plays more regularly.

Even at such a young age, on the basis of the past 12 months he ranks in the top 4% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues for shots attempted per 90 minutes (1.51).

In fact, he finds the target from 53.8% of his attempts, which compares to just 18.2% for Chilwell, suggesting the goals will soon arrive.

While he may not necessarily be the highest-profile left-back Newcastle are linked with this summer, Hall has the hallmarks to become a huge name in his own right – whether at Chelsea or indeed at St James' Park.

Aston Villa are still reflecting on a hugely impressive campaign in which Unai Emery guided them from the threat of relegation and into Europe in his first five months at the helm.

The Villans cannot afford to stand still as they embark on a season of Premier League and Europa Conference League football, though, with strength in depth key if they are to compete on multiple fronts.

One attainable target Villa have been linked with is Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams, with Football Insider reporting that Emery's side are in the mix to sign the American this summer, with a fee of around £35m having been mooted.

Leeds paid a reported £20m to land the United States midfielder from RB Leipzig last year, so a slightly higher offer from Villa – should it indeed arrive – may well be enough to prise him away from Elland Road on the back of the Whites' recent relegation to the Championship.

However, Villa are not alone in showing an interest in Adams after his impressive maiden campaign in English football, with Manchester United also said to retain an interest.

What can Tyler Adams provide Aston Villa?

Leeds may have suffered a disappointing campaign last time out, but Adams is one of those who came out of the season with some credit.

Adams was given a seasonal rating of 6.73 by WhoScored, which was the most of any Leeds player – Jack Harrison being the next highest with 6.72.

The 24-year-old also caught the eye at the World Cup midway through the season, earning praise from writer Wes Rucker for being a "machine" as the United States made it to the knockout rounds.

Indeed, Adams' numbers in the Premier League last season were similar to those of Declan Rice, who is wanted by a number of elite clubs this summer, Bayern Munich and Arsenal among them.

Adams completed 82.5 passes per 90 minutes in the Premier League last season, as per FBref, whereas Rice completed 86.5. Adams averaged 67.8 touches per 90 minutes, meanwhile – an almost identical figure to Rice with 68.

There was also very little between the pair in terms of aerial duels won (1.04 for Adams and 1.02 for Rice) and carries (34.1 compared to 39.9 respectively).

With Rice potentially attracting a fee in excess of £90m, Adams should be considered a steal at that aforementioned figure in the region of £35m – though that is not to say Leeds will not play hardball.

Emery will no doubt be excited by the prospect of having Adams in his engine room next season, which would only get even more out of other talented players in his squad, not least the more advanced Jacob Ramsey.

Academy product Ramsey scored six goals and assisted seven more in 35 Premier League appearances last season – figures that could grow even higher with Adams in the side to provide greater defensive cover.

In what is an exciting summer for Villa supporters, Adams may just be the marquee signing ahead of what may well be a season to remember.

LAFC midfielder Jose Cifuentes could turn down Premier League interest in favour of a move to Glasgow Rangers, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

What's the latest on Cifuentes and Rangers?

The Ecuador international is reportedly close to joining Rangers, as LAFC are willing to sell for a minimal fee with his contract coming to an end.

The 24-year-old could be one of many signings at Ibrox this summer as Michael Beale aims to revolutionise the Rangers squad, and this could represent something of a coup given the other interest in him.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano revealed that Beale's project at Rangers has appealed to Cifuentes, and that talks are progressing.

"I think this could be a smart move for Rangers because Premier League clubs also wanted him, but Rangers are offering an interesting project. So, the conversation is going well," he stated.

What next for Rangers?

It is certainly a good sign for Beale that players the club are targeting view his project as one worth joining, and he will be hoping that Rangers can land as many of his first-choice targets as possible.

Cifuentes will help bring a fresher, younger presence to the squad alongside Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell, who joined in January, and Beale seems keen to freshen up the squad with talent with potential and resale value.

The club are currently overseeing an exodus of players who have been instrumental to Rangers over the last few seasons, as Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield, Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos are all departing on free transfers, and perhaps this has provided a lesson for the club when it comes to operating in the market.

The squad is in desperate need of a revamp following a disappointing campaign, and players have been hoarded for years, which allowed them to run down their contracts whilst their performance levels dipped.

Kent and Morelos for example, could have attracted significant transfer fees if they were sold earlier, but both are now leaving with Rangers failing to earn anything from their exits, and despite the excellent service both provided for years, neither performed well this season.

Targeting low cost signings like Cifuentes and Cantwell around the age of 24 is a smarter way to operate. They can arrive with points to prove, and if they perform well, then they can help bring success to Rangers whilst potentially attracting big transfer fees.

CIfuentes appeared for Ecuador at the World Cup, and has provided 33 goal and assist contributions in 111 games from central midfield in the MLS. His arrival can help pad the squad depth, and if he performs well, will be a good example of efficient scouting from Rangers.

Leeds United look likely to be unaffected in seeing the club being taken over by 49ers Enterprises despite their relegation from the Premier League, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest news involving 49ers Enterprises and Leeds United?

According to Sky Sports News, Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani is involved in 'advanced' talks to sell the club to 49ers Enterprises on a revised deal due to their relegation to the Sky Bet Championship.

The report states that Radrizzani is still expected to sanction the sale of Leeds United before being in place to oversee a 'transition' period alongside chief executive Angus Kinnear.

Leeds United will also see some movement in the dugout this summer as they look to find a replacement for Sam Allardyce, who has left the club following an unsuccessful four-match spell in charge, as per BBC Sport.

As per The Guardian, Brendan Rodgers and Graham Potter are internally admired by Whites' chiefs while West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberán and Lorient’s Regis Le Bris could also emerge as candidates to replace Allardyce.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs thinks that 49ers Enterprises will still want to complete a takeover despite Leeds United dropping into the second tier of the English pyramid.

Jacobs told FFC: "It is a little bit uncertain at this point. But the long-term game plan and roadmap has always been for 49ers Enterprises to come in and even with the prospect of relegation, they don't appear to be put off by taking over the football club."

What next for Leeds United?

Now, the long road to the start of next term begins for Leeds United and plenty of incomings and outgoings will be expected at the club across the duration of the transfer window.

Plenty of players will be expected to leave Leeds United in the off-season, with one of them being Wilfried Gnonto, who has attracted interest from Manchester City, Arsenal and Roma, as per Calciomercato via The Daily Mail.

talkSPORT also claim that Jack Harrison is in the sights of West Ham United and Aston Villa this summer and could be available for a cut-price fee due to a relegation release clause inserted into his contract.

In terms of incomings, Manchester City starlet Shea Charles is a target at Elland Road, though Leeds United will face competition from the likes of Brentford and Borussia Dortmund for his signature, as per The Guardian.

Football Insider reported earlier this year that out-of-contract Rangers winger Ryan Kent is also someone Leeds United are monitoring; however, rumours are few and far between at present due to the club being in the middle of a takeover process and also hunting for a new manager.