All posts by z3u9t.icu

Many Everton fans have had plenty to say on social media following a transfer update on Joao Virginia.

As per the official website of the Goodison Park faithful, the goalkeeper has signed for Sporting Clube de Portugal on a loan deal for the rest of the 2021/22 season.

With the Toffees bringing in both Asmir Begovic and Andy Lonergan in the summer window, and Jordan Pickford already at the Merseyside club, one would question how much game time Virginia would get if he stayed.

However, he did play in a total of ‘unbelievable’ back in January of last year.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/everton-updates-5/” title=”Everton updates! (5)” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Everton fans on Virginia transfer update

These Toffees supporters gave fairly mixed reactions as the news was confirmed on Twitter, as some did not want to see him go, while others think a loan move will suit him so that he can come back a better player:

“Great keeper, sad to see him go”

Credit: @dannymonnox

“Nooooooo”

Credit: @jayefc_

“Don’t get this, Tyler gets injured so we sign on loan another keeper 4 cover 2 Picks, & then we loan out Virginia. Does anyone at our club know what they’re doing? OK he’s young, so give him his chance. Why did we sign Bego then? Wasted money again @Everton. We’ll never learn”

Credit: @77fenrir

“He’s going to be a top keeper. Hope it doesn’t end up permanent”

Credit: @Tay196

“Good luck Joao, hopefully you’ll get some minutes in Portugal! Come back stronger.”

Credit: @Andy_Forsyth

“Good luck, your time will come mate, top keeper”

Credit: @NeilCla37309856

In other news, find out which ‘quality’ ace EFC are backed to sign here!

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to move Serge Aurier on before tonight’s deadline…

What’s the word?

According to the Sky Sports Transfer Centre (30th August, 15:37), the north London outfit are trying to find the 66-cap Ivory Coast right-back a new home so that they can sign Emerson Royal from Barcelona.

Italian outfit Genoa are the latest side to become interested in the 28-year-old, whilst Lille and the aforementioned La Liga side have also been mooted in the report.

It remains to be seen if Aurier will depart the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium today – and for how much – with Transfermarkt currently valuing him at £18m, some four years on (to the day) from a £23m move from Paris Saint-Germain.

Paratici masterclass

This is a move that should have new sporting director Fabio Paratici absolutely lauded from the hilltops and it is one that will undoubtedly leave many buzzing in north London.

The Italian has only been at the Lilywhites for a couple of months now but he’s already identified Spurs’ problems and has looked to rectify them – out has gone several of the club’s long-serving players that have frequently let them down, such as the injury-prone Erik Lamela and the regressing Moussa Sissoko, among others.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs team and injury news, transfer rumours, gossip and much, much more!”]

Aurier would be the next obvious candidate to face the chopping block and so he should after his revelation earlier in the window.

He told French publication L’Equipe of his intentions to leave Spurs this window, claiming: “Everyone knows that if I wanted to extend my contract at Tottenham, I’d have already done so. I’m not going to do that in six months’ time. I’ve experienced the Premier League and a Champions League final. I’ve reached the end of a cycle and it’s time to look elsewhere.”

On that evidence, it’s clear that Aurier does not want to be at the club, which is perhaps the reason why he is yet to feature for Nuno Santo this season.

Not that he warrants a place in the starting XI anymore, with Japhet Tanganga impressing in the role in recent matches.

Furthermore, the Mauricio Pochettino signing has regularly been lambasted for his performances on the pitch – for example, after defeat to Man City in the Carabao Cup final, Jamie Carragher described him as “one of the biggest liabilities in Premier League football.”

Indeed, it’s not the first time that the full-back has come in for criticism over his calamitous ways – former Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara once brandished him “an absolute liability” on Twitter.

Spurs have since defeated the defending champions in his absence and whilst that may only be a coincidence, it’s a struggle to think he would’ve helped Nuno’s side at all.

Therefore, if Paratici can move him on before tonight’s deadline, then it’ll be a great move for all parties. This update from Sky Sports should leave many in north London thrilled.

AND in other news, Paratici dealt Spurs transfer blow over £22.5m-rated “young Pogba”, fans surely gutted…

Tottenham Hotspur had to come from behind to salvage a draw in their UEFA Europa Conference League group opener in France on Thursday night.

Nuno Santo’s side opened the scoring early in the first half when Lucas Moura’s cross was turned into his own net by Rennes defender Loic Bade before Flavien Tait curled an effort past Pierluigi Gollini before halftime.

The Ligue 1 outfit then took the lead with less than 20 minutes to go after Gaetan Laborde slotted home from close range but it was surprisingly Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg who saved the day as he snuck in a bobbling ball just five minutes later.

Overall, it was another frustrating performance from Spurs and certainly another deject outing in Europe.

Just like the weekend, when the Lilywhites lost their first game of the season 3-0 at Crystal Palace, the opposition not only managed more attempts on goal but also created more chances, per SofaScore.

After keeping three straight clean sheets to kickstart the 2021/22 season, there were also defensive frailties once again and one usual candidate struggled to have much influence on the game.

Matt Doherty underwhelmed during Spurs’ qualifying clash with Pacos de Ferreira, leading to much of the Hotspur faithful slamming his performance – “utterly terrible” and “absolutely useless” were two phrases used to describe him, as relayed by This is Futbol.

If they were watching this game, then those feelings may well be the same.

Starting at right-back over summer signing Emerson Royal, the Northern Irishman failed to repay the faith his former Wolves boss had in him.

As per SofaScore, he was graded at a mediocre 6.7 rating. He was also one of the three most influential players on the ball, recording 81 touches but he did very little in return.

Doherty failed to provide a single accurate cross from three attempts on the right flank, whilst he lost possession 13 times – once every six touches – and failed to record a key pass or dribble.

He also won just three duels throughout his 90 minutes on the pitch, which is rather disappointing.

The £14.4m-rated star, who earns a reported £65k-per-week at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, was also rated poorly by football.london’s Alasdair Gold, who handed him a 5/10 and wrote:

‘The service in from the Irishman was so poor throughout but as luck would have it, it was his cross that was deflected into Hojbjerg’s path for the leveller. 5.’

On the above evidence, Doherty would be a very lucky man to feature in Nuno’s starting XI again anytime soon.

AND in other news, Forget Skipp: Spurs could finally replace Dembele with “devastating” £36m-rated beast…

Championship side Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in signing Sheffield Wednesday defender Liam Palmer, which comes as a potential blow for the Owls.

The Lowdown: Palmer a great servant for Owls

The eight-cap Scotland international has been an excellent servant for Wednesday, making 302 appearances to date in all competitions.

Palmer has been at Hillsborough since his youth team days and he helped the Owls clinch promotion to the Championship back in 2011/12.

The Latest: Nottingham Forest keen on move

According to The Sheffield Star, Forest manager Chris Hughton is interested in taking the 29-year-old to the City Ground this summer.

Palmer only has one year remaining on his current £12,000-a-week deal, meaning that Wednesday could lose him for free next summer if no extension is agreed.

The Verdict: Potential big loss for Wednesday

The Scot has been such a dependable figure for the Yorkshire club, displaying his versatility by shining at both right-back and left-back – he played in the latter position against Huddersfield and Charlton recently.

His experience could be key to Wednesday’s prospects of returning to the Championship, so losing him would be an undoubted blow.

The lure of playing in a higher division could turn Palmer’s head, which is a worry, but the hope is that he stays loyal to the Owls.

In other news, Sheff Wed have been linked with a move for one player – find out who it is here.

The Athletic’s Rangers correspondent Jordan Campbell has made a claim on Connor Goldson’s future at Ibrox which will surely delight Rangers fans.

What’s the word?

After a superb campaign in which Goldson was a key part of a Rangers defence which conceded just 13 goals in 38 league fixtures, there was always likely to be Premier League interest in the centre-back this summer.

West Ham United were one club said to be keen on the 28-year-old, but Campbell has dismissed any rumours that the defender could depart this summer in a recent article for The Athletic, writing:

“Rangers remain in a healthy position with most of their top talents but Connor Goldson’s contract remains the one with question marks over his future. The 28-year-old is one of Gerrard’s most trusted players and, as an ever-present at the heart of a record-breaking defence last season, is a big presence in the dressing room.

“He is entering the final year of his deal but no extension has been agreed yet, unlike captain James Tavernier who has signed a deal until 2024.

“From the outside, this lack of certainty may look like it has the potential to be unsettling but the club are said to be relaxed about the situation.

“Although they are keen to tie Goldson down, it is understood their position is that he signs a new deal or sees out the remainder of his contract and moves for free next summer after four years at the club. His contribution is felt to be worth more than any value they would gain from cashing in on him for a reduced fee in this window.”

Will Goldson remain at Ibrox?

From what Campbell suggests, Goldson will remain at Ibrox for the 2021/22 campaign, even if it means losing him for nothing next summer when his current contract expires.

Considering that the defender was ranked as the fourth-best performer in Steven Gerrard’s squad last season, averaging a superb 7.38 rating from WhoScored, it is easy to see why those at Rangers want to keep him around as they aim to retain their Premiership title next year.

Gerrard is clearly a huge fan of Goldson, dubbing him an “absolute mountain” last season, and if he can maintain that level of performance again next term, then it will surely prove worthwhile keeping him at Ibrox for another while rather than cashing in this summer.

[freshpress-quiz id=“593776″]

With Rangers fans set to return to Ibrox in the near future, they will be surely be delighted with this news and can look forward to having Goldson at the heart of their defence once again next season.

In other news… Wilson should seal Rangers swoop for “exceptionally good” ace, he won’t cost a penny

The 2021 transfer window is upon us but the big question being asked by soccer fans throughout the world is how will the after effects of the Covid-19 pandemic change things for major football clubs throughout Europe this summer?

Here’s what we do know. According to a recent report by UEFA, the pandemic cost the top football clubs in Europe roughly eight billion Euros which equals approximately $9.78 billion. The main reasons for the loss in revenue was due to cancelled matches, matches played in front of empty stadiums and stadiums that could only have a fraction of a full house, a loss of sponsorship and a loss in broadcast revenues.

While we were still in the grips of the pandemic, major clubs cut spending significantly mostly due to the uncertainty surrounding when play would resume, how many fans would be allowed to attend and how much revenue would eventually be lost due to the disruption in the season.

Statistically, teams reduced spending by approximately 56 percent during the January 2021 transfer window as compared to the previous year. During the summer of 2020 transfer window, spending was down by 39 percent as compared to 2019.

Now, things are returning to something resembling normal as vaccine rollouts spread throughout places like Europe, America, and the rest of the world. We’re even beginning to see signs of life from related industries in the sports realm.  Merchandise and team apparel has seen a spike as well as people’s interest in sportsbook wagering.  There has been a surge of adverts by pub owners and oddsmakers offering incentives like free NFL picks, for the American fans, and unique betting opportunities for football fanatics, including a projected date for a full return to normalcy for European football.

In the short term, however, because revenues are still down and there is still come uncertainty about what lies ahead, it is likely that we will still see reduced spending from major football clubs throughout Europe during this summer’s transfer window.

Still, because this is a competition, it would only take one club that chooses to spend freely to get other organizations to try to keep up and obtain top players to match some of their biggest rivals.

We have already seen some early moves made that indicate that things are starting to pick up again. For example, Liverpool FC has signed former Leipzig star Ibrahima Konate in exchange for a transfer fee of 41.5 million euros.

Bayern Munich also signed Dayot Upamecano away from Leipzig for 42.5 million euros. Again, we see some rather expensive moves being made for star players despite the decrease in revenue this past year throughout the sport.

The most likely outcome is that spending on transfers will increase over last summer but still not quite return to pre-pandemic levels. That means teams will be a little more prudent in their spending. They will still try to acquire the top level players and they are also likely to make some inexpensive moves, but the solid middle class of players will likely be hurt the most by this situation.

In the end, this change is likely to be temporary and if the Covid-19 pandemic continues to wane, things should be back to normal next season. But for now, expect some adjustments by major football clubs across Europe during this summer transfer period.

The £100m release clause in Jack Grealish’s Aston Villa contract was surprising, says Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

Grealish joined Manchester City last week after the Premier League champions had a £100m bid accepted, making him the most expensive player in British football history.

Shortly before, Sky Sports reported that they expected City’s offer to be accepted, and it turns out that Villa had no choice but to sanction a deal, with CEO Christian Purslow later revealing that Grealish had a release clause in his contract.

Having managed to keep it under wraps, it was a revelation that surprised many, including Aston Villa journalist Hatfield.

“It was a little bit of a surprise,” the reporter told FFC. “I think Villa always kind of kept those details very close to their chest. They don’t want knowledge of a release clause touted about left, right and centre just because it makes it much easier for buying clubs.”

It will be interesting to see if it is something Villa do in the future with other players. It is something some fans may not like, knowing that some of their assets, perhaps very important ones, will effectively always be for sale.

However, it may make enticing high calibre players to Villa Park, who can help the team to progress during their time there, an easier task.

Aston Villa have reportedly ended their interest in Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse, which can only be good news for Ralph Hasenhuttl and the Saints faithful.

What’s the word?

Villa were heavily linked with a move for the England international earlier in the summer, although Southampton were always likely to be in a strong position when it came to potentially selling him, as his contract at St Mary’s is set to expire in 2025.

It is likely that the Villa owners were priced out of a move for the 26-year-old, who is currently valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, and Birmingham Live journalist Ashley Preece has now confirmed that any potential deal for the midfielder is off.

There was undoubtedly some concern amongst Southampton fans that they could lose Ward-Prowse this summer, especially with Villa keen to splash the cash after already signing Emiliano Buendia from Norwich City for £33m, but it seems as if they can rest easy now with the knowledge that he won’t be switching St Mary’s for Villa Park.

A huge boost for Hasenhuttl?

Considering Ward-Prowse has remarkably played every minute of each of Southampton’s last two Premier League campaigns, it would not be an overstatement to suggest that he is the most important player in Hasenhuttl’s side.

Last season saw him register the best goal and assist numbers of his career, as he contributed an impressive eight goals and seven assists from midfield, earning a solid 7.07 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-southampton-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Southampton transfer rumours and news!”]

This was enough to rank him as the top performer at Southampton last season, so it would undoubtedly have been a devastating blow to lose him, as he is clearly a hugely influential player both on and off the pitch.

Although he would end up missing out on England’s squad for the European Championships, manager Gareth Southgate was full of praise for him earlier this year, saying:

“To see him go from being a young player under Mauricio [Pochettino] to a great captain under Ralph [Hasenhuttl], it’s fantastic.”

Therefore, the Austrian manager will surely be relieved that Villa have ended their interest in Ward-Prowse, and he will be hoping that he remains at St Mary’s for the foreseeable future.

And, in other news… Romano confirms news on “excellent” gem that’ll delight Southampton fans

Many Everton fans have been left to fume as a transfer update emerged on Matheus Nunes.

As per Record (via Sport Witness), although the Goodison Park faithful are currently in talks over signing the Sporting Lisbon ace, no deal will be done until they have a new manager.

They describe this as a ‘setback’ due to Tottenham Hotspur approaching Nuno Espirito Santo, who was the Merseyside club’s first choice to replace Carlo Ancelotti.

Playing in 31 matches in the Liga NOS in the 2020/21 season, scoring three goals and making a further two assists (Transfermarkt), Nunes was a key figure in his team’s recent title triumph, and would certainly add another quality option in the centre of midfield.

However, it looks as if the Toffees will have to wait longer before they can make their move, which of course potentially opens the door for other sides to come in and sign him.

Everton fans on Nunes transfer update

These Blues fumed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even going as far as to claim that it was ‘ridiculous’:

“Can’t sign players without a manager. It’s ridiculous.”

Credit: @Jackolaa81

“We are a shambles”

Credit: @b3nCSGO

“I don’t understand why this is being dragged out to this extent!”

Credit: @skjones505

“Don’t know anything about him either but Christ @Everton are amateurs”

Credit: @ctayts

“If it’s true it just highlights how much our Director of Football model isn’t functioning as it should”

Credit: @ScouseJesus

“Nothing straight forward with Everton!”

Credit: @alan4duk

In other news, find out which Euro 2020 beast Everton are among the ‘hottest contenders’ to sign here!

Lazio are looking to sign West Ham United midfielder Felipe Anderson on an initial loan deal with an option to buy, according to journalist Ekrem Konur on Twitter.

The Brazilian is out of contract with the Hammers at the end of the 2021/22 season, and it remains to be seen whether he has a future with the club.

The 28-year-old, who is on £85,000 per week, signed for West Ham back in 2018 and has since gone on to make 73 appearances in total for the Hammers, although he’s found regular game-time hard to come by in recent years. He spent last season on loan with FC Porto but struggled to make a notable impact in his time there as he failed to score in his ten appearances for the club.

Lazio are believed to be keen on re-signing Anderson this summer as they look to build on a sixth-placed finish in Serie A in the 2020/21 campaign. The Daily Mail reported of the Rome club’s interest over the weekend, with Konur adding that the Serie A side want him on loan with a €10m (£8.57m) option to buy and that the player is ready to link up with Maurizio Sarri at the Stadio Olimpico.

Plenty of West Ham supporters took to social media to react to Konur’s update on Anderson’s future, with many being frustrated that he could be loaned out instead of sold permanently this summer.

Take a look at the best of the reaction from Twitter below….

“Just sell him. Every time we loan him out he’s another year older and even less value … 2 years time we will have to pay to get rid of him.”

Credit: @Richardthepro

“Why on loan ? Sell or keep.”

Credit: @zeynbaroni

“His contract is up next summer so loan with an option makes no sense.”

Credit: @hheikk

“Loan with option with 1 year left? Yeah OK.”

Credit: @Lewis_Seddon94

“It’s rubbish. He’s got only a year left.”

Credit: @JamesP52987873

“Comical.”

Credit: @liamions

“Clubs don’t want to pay good money for him – so what ya gonna do?”

Credit: @BigHerbieG

In other news, West Ham discover the asking price for one of their summer transfer targets.