All posts by z3u9t.icu

Some Everton fans have been left fuming over some news that has emerged from Phil Kirkbride.

Writing in his latest piece for The Liverpool Echo, Kirkbride has now revealed that the Goodison Park faithful are set to appoint Joel Waldron as their new Head of Academy Recruitment.

He has been working as the Merseyside club’s Academy Chief Operating Officer, but is now ready to take over from Chris Perkins, who left to join Tottenham Hotspur in a similar role.

Joel is the son of former Head of Academy Recruitment Martin Waldron, which has not gone down well with some Toffees supporters, as they feel as if he has not earned the role on merit and instead has only been appointed because of who his father is.

Everton fans on Kirkbride news

These Blues fumed as the news was shared on Twitter, with one EFC fan even going as far as to claim that it is just ‘weird’:

“And people wonder why the Academy has been a complete waste of space since it was built?”

Credit: @TormentedToffee

“Lazy appointment by Everton once again.”

Credit: @Warren_Evans

““The son of former Head of Academy Recruitment Martin Waldron” kind of rings alarm bells, doesn’t it?”

Credit: @UpperGwladysBlu

“Sounds a bit weird when the dad got sacked by EFC”

Credit: @abbot551

“The jobs for the boys merry-go-round”

Credit: @EvertonAllSorts

“Nothing like jobs for the Boyz at Everton”

Credit: @holroyd_ryan

In other news, find out what club news has Evertonians buzzing here!

Wolves’ Premier League clash with Chelsea this weekend is still going ahead ‘as things stand’, according to reliable journalist Tim Spiers, but it’s ‘definitely not nailed on’.

The Lowdown: Wolves take on Chelsea

Wanderers picked up an important 1-0 victory away to Brighton in midweek, with Romain Saiss’ goal earning them all three points.

Next up for Wolves is Sunday’s visit of Chelsea, with the Blues’ form dropping in recent weeks, having looked like title favourites at one point.

It is a chance for Bruno Lage’s side to record a significant victory, as they look to show they can finish in the European places season.

The latest: Spiers gives key update

Taking to Twitter on Friday, Spiers said Sunday’s game is still going ahead currently, but warned the fixture is not set in stone due to the issues within the Blues’ squad:

“Nope definitely not nailed on, as things stand Wolves are fine but Chelsea have a number of cases so it depends how bad their situation is today/tomorrow.”

Spiers’ update went under the radar somewhat – just one of his nearly 60,000 followers saw and liked the tweet.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375704”]

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

The weekend clash is an exciting one on paper and a chance for Wolves to clinch a huge scalp, so the hope is of course that it still goes ahead.

Lage’s men are arguably facing Chelsea at an ideal time, with Thomas Tuchel’s side only winning two of their last five Premier League games, while they will want to avoid a fixture pile-up further down the line.

That being said, it is still a huge challenge for Wolves, who will be desperate to go one better and improve on their narrow 1-0 defeat to Liverpool and Manchester City.

In other news, Luke Hatfield wants Wolves to make a move for one player. Find out who it is here.

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool outfit may have another Ibrahima Konate in their academy ranks.

The Reds have had a plethora of talent emerge over the last few seasons, with Billy Koumetio looking as though he could be one of the next big prospects.

The 19-year-old has been a regular feature for the Liverpool U23s, starting 88% of their Premier League 2 games this season.

Koumetio, like Konate, progressed through the youth system in their native country France, though the former made the switch to England at U19 level to continue his development before playing senior football.

On the topic of senior football, Koumetio was given the chance to feature for the first team, lining up as a left centre-back in a partnership with Joe Gomez against Leicester City in the EFL Cup back in November.

Ironically, Koumetio was substituted at half-time for Ibrahima Konate, with the switch taking place purely for tactical reasons.

It is easy to see why Klopp backed the youngster against a strong Leicester City side, who were narrowly defeated 8-7 on penalties, after pushing the Anfield side all the way in what was an entertaining 3-3 draw.

Though, it was the £450k-rated starlet’s performance against Atletico Madrid in a U19 UEFA Youth League game that had U23 manager Marc Bridge-Wilkinson waxing lyrical over his talent.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo after the Reds’ 2-0 victory over Fernando Torres’ side, the youth manager said:

“I thought Billy was outstanding. He was shown a yellow card midway through the first half and that was always going to be tricky, but I thought he dealt with it and played a really mature game.”

On the then-18-year-old’s potential, Bridge-Wilkinson added: “He’s doing really well. We know the potential he has got and he really showcased that against Atletico.”

The former Lyon youth prospect has also received plaudits from Klopp himself – when the German was asked about his side’s injury situation last year, he told Sky Sports:

“The injury situation we’ve had has been… pfffff. But it has helped them get more minutes. Rhys Williams? From the moment he trained with us, I could see he was a proper talent. Billy Koumetio? Incredible…”

With Koumetio sharing a similar height, position, nationality and playing style, it is clear to see that Liverpool could have another Konate-type figure within their ranks – something that will surely excite the Liverpool faithful who may well be seeing more of the starlet next season.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals big transfer development, it’s great news for Liverpool

According to reliable reporter Jack Rosser of The Evening Standard, West Ham United manager David Moyes already has his transfer plan for January as he also now eyes Blackburn Rovers star Ben Brereton Diaz.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyeing January moves…

It is believed that the Scotsman has a number of goals for West Ham’s winter window as he eyes new additions across his team in an effort to keep them at the top level.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-updates/” title=”West Ham latest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Fighting in the Europa League last 16, FA Cup and pushing for a top four finish in the Premier League, the Irons are weak in a number of areas both going forward and defensively.

Injuries to central defensive duo Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna have prompted Moyes to search for new centre-back signings whilst the lack of cover or competition for striker Michail Antonio could also push them to bid for a forward this month.

Sharing an update on Moyes’ transfer plans, Rosser has made an interesting claim.

The Latest: Rosser reveals Moyes plan, makes Diaz claim…

According to the reliable journalist, Moyes is targeting a striker, Manchester United ace Jesse Lingard, a left-footed central defender and a left-back to cover for the injured Aaron Cresswell.

As well as this, it is believed West Ham are now eyeing Blackburn Rovers star Brereton Diaz amid his phenomenal season in the Championship with the 22-year-old now on Moyes’ radar.

The Verdict: Right call?

A swoop for the Chile international could be a shrewd option to bolster West Ham’s striking options given his blistering form in England’s second tier.

The forward has notched an incredible 20 goals in just 25 Championship appearances over 2021/2022 so far, clearly highlighting why Moyes and West Ham are considering a January move.

Called a ‘beast’ by his manager Tony Mowbray, the Ewood Park sensation comes as an exciting transfer option but it looks as if Rovers won’t be selling on the cheap this winter.

According to TEAMtalk, the Lancashire outfit could demand around £30 million for the player, a price pretty big considering he has no experience in the Premier League or a top flight European division.

In other news: West Ham set for imminent move to sign ‘phenomenal’ powerhouse as reporter drops Twitter message, find out more here.

Wolves are reportedly ‘very interested’ in signing Barcelona youngster Riqui Puig, having also been keen on acquiring his signature last summer.

The Lowdown: Puig struggling for minutes

The 22-year-old has never managed to be a key figure at Camp Nou and he has found minutes hard to come by this season under both Ronald Koeman and Xavi.

Puig has only managed one start in La Liga this season, also making nine substitute appearances, and there is no sign of that changing any time soon.

With Wolves looking at possible signings in the January transfer window, the midfielder is reportedly on their radar.

The Latest: Wolves keen on move for Puig

That’s according to Sport [via Sport Witness], who claimed that Wanderers are ‘very interested’ in making a deal happen, having looked at a loan move with an option to buy last summer.

A temporary move is again being considered, although it isn’t specified whether it could happen this month or wait until the summer.

The Verdict: Exciting potential signing

Puig appears to be a hugely talented young player, with his manager Xavi once claiming that the 22-year-old ‘breathes talent’, so he could be an excellent addition to Wolves’ midfield if they can entice him to Molineux.

The young Spaniard has enjoyed an incredible 93.9% pass completion rate in La Liga this season, highlighting how comfortable he is in possession, much like Wolves duo Joao Moutinho (87.4%) and Ruben Neves (83.2%).

He would provide Bruno Lage with an extra midfield option, allowing for greater rotation, and an impressive loan spell could suggest that he is a long-term replacement for the 35-year-old Moutinho in the Black Country.

In other news, Tim Spiers has claimed that Wolves are ‘set to sign’ one player. Find out who it is here.

[ad_pod ]

According to Calciomercato, Rome rivals Lazio and Roma are both keen on signing Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes, who is currently on loan with Everton.

It is thought that a deal taking the 25-year-old to Italy won’t be done until the summer, but interest from those Serie A giants could make it very hard for the Toffees to make Gomes’ switch to Goodison Park a permanent one, as the The Guardian have reported is Marco Silva’s desire.

In case Silva doesn’t get his wish though, the Portuguese coach ought to already be putting a plan in place for life without Gomes.

Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…

Place faith in Tom Davies

Davies is yet to really cement himself as a regular starter on Merseyside, but to have amassed almost 70 career appearances for the club by the age of 20 is impressive. Clearly, the England under-21 international is a player with huge potential.

He is still somewhat raw, and needs to improve his end product, but if Silva is bold and invests his faith in Davies as the heir to Gomes’ place in the side, then he could be handsomely rewarded for it when the Everton academy product flourishes.

Drop Sigurdsson deeper

Sigurdsson is certainly at his best in the No. 10 position, but as he approaches 30, his experience could perhaps be put to better use in a deeper role. 

Gomes is currently tasked with operating as Everton’s deep-lying playmaker, initiating and orchestrating attacking moves from the heart of the pitch. Sigurdsson has the technical ability, composure and creativity to pull this off. However, defensive deficiencies could hold him back.

Steel over silk

With Morgan Schneiderlin far from the required quality to be a trusted regular in Everton’s starting XI, Idrissa Gueye is the only reliable defensive midfielder at Silva’s disposal. However, this often leaves the 29-year-old with far too much to do, as he has to offset the limitations in Gomes’ game.

On occasion, this overburdening of Gueye has led to Everton being overrun in midfield. With that in mind, finding a like-for-like replacement for Gomes may not be the wisest move. Instead, Silva ought to leave the attacking responsibility to his forwards, and focus on adding to some extra steel and resilience to his midfield contingent.

Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has been urged to turn down any advances from Newcastle and only consider offers from ‘clubs like Manchester City or Manchester United’. 

The lowdown

The Northern Echo’s Chief Sports Writer Scott Wilson reported over the weekend that the Magpies had sounded out the possibility of appointing the 51-year-old, as well as his sporting director Marc Overmars.

Ten Hag, who has previously turned down Tottenham Hotspur, is still under contract at the Johann Cruyff ArenA for another two years, so Newcastle would need to pay a compensation package if they are to entice him to Tyneside.

The 51-year-old led Ajax to the semi-finals of the 2018/19 Champions League, claiming the scalps of Juventus and Real Madrid along the way. He has also steered the team to two Eredivisie titles and twice been named the Dutch league’s manager of the year (via Transfermarkt).

The latest

Speaking on Studio Voetbal, Dutch journalist Arno Vermeulen admitted that he was baffled by the links and feels that the ‘much smarter’ move for Ten Had would be to wait for an offer from a club which has already ‘established’ itself at the top level.

“Why in God’s name would he go to Newcastle, I wonder?” he said, as quoted by Ajax Showtime. “He’s really smart. He started working at Ajax in the top of the Netherlands.”

Vermeulen later added: “Wouldn’t it be much smarter to wait for clubs like Manchester City or Manchester United? Clubs that are established. If you win prizes with that for a few years, that is very valuable.”

The verdict

The attraction of Newcastle is clear. It’s a transformative project being bankrolled by immensely wealthy owners, and while they may not be ‘established’ now, they may well have the means to be challenging for the top prizes by the end of the decade.

Will Ten Hag be interested in the job? It’s almost surprising that he’s still at Ajax more than two years on from that incredible Champions League run, but this might be the opportunity which tempts him away from Amsterdam. His CV certainly makes for good reading.

In other news, read this major update on an another managerial candidate

Everton have been handed yet another significant injury setback ahead of their Premier League clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this evening.

What’s the word?

Injuries have severely hampered the Toffees’ progress in recent weeks, with Abdoulaye Doucoure, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Tom Davies all facing extensive spells on the sidelines.

Rafael Benitez was able to welcome back Yerry Mina into the starting line-up last time out against Arsenal, but the  centre-back only lasted 31 minutes before leaving the field of play with a fitness complaint.

In his pre-match press conference, the Toffees manager provided an update on the 27-year-old’s situation, confirming that he won’t be available for the trip to south London, before revealing that Salomon Rondon and Allan are progressing well.

“Yerry is not available. Rondon is available and has been training, and Allan has done today half of a training session,” the manager said.

However, Benitez was able to announce some encouraging news regarding Davies and Calvert-Lewin, revealing that the English duo could make their comebacks in the weeks ahead.

He said: “Still we have Davies, maybe next week he will start with the team. Dominic is getting closer, obviously. Every training session that he is doing with the rehabilitation coach, he’s getting better.”

Everton fans will be gutted

News that Mina is once again ruled out of action for the intriguing encounter against Palace will surely leave Everton supporters feeling gutted, given his importance to the team.

The Colombia international has started seven Premier League games this season, losing on just one occasion and winning four times. In his absence, the Toffees have lost four of their five encounters, keeping just one clean sheet in the 0-0 draw against Tottenham, and his underlying numbers indicate why that has been the case.

As per WhoScored, Mina has averaged 1.3 interceptions, 3.4 clearances and 0.6 blocks per top-flight fixture, placing him in the top four amongst his teammates for each metric.

Therefore, the 27-year-old’s latest injury setback will come as a bitter blow to Everton, and Benitez will be hoping that the likes of Mason Holgate and Michael Keane can step up in his absence.

In other news… Benitez can seal big Everton coup by signing “unbeatable” £27m-rated gem, he’s “incredible”

Eddie Howe has now dropped a fresh Newcastle United injury update on Ryan Fraser.

The Lowdown: Hobbled off

Fraser unfortunately had to hobble off in the 13th minute of the North East club’s 1-0 win at home to Wolves in the Premier League on Friday night, and was subsequently replaced by Miguel Almiron.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-5/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

They do not have many wingers in the squad as it is, and so losing Fraser for a prolonged period of time will certainly bring difficulty.

The Latest: Hamstring

As relayed by Magpies journalist Miles Starforth, Eddie Howe now thinks that Fraser has suffered a hamstring injury, and described it as a ‘huge blow’ for his side:

“It looks like a hamstring issue.

“I don’t know how serious it is, but it was enough to bring him off the pitch, which is a huge blow with the form he’s been in.”

The Verdict: Not ideal

Even though the St. James’ Park faithful won the game, losing Fraser to injury was certainly not ideal.

The Scotland international has been a mainstay in the team that seem to have turned their fortunes around by pulling away from relegation, and has contributed two goals and three assists in the top flight (Transfermarkt).

Thus, with the lack of options out wide, Howe will now be hoping that Fraser can recover as soon as possible, so that he can help them guarantee their Premier League status for next season.

It will now be an anxious wait for the Toon Army over how long the injury will keep him out for.

In other news, find out who NUFC’s three worst performers were against Wolves here!

Leeds United have been handed a timely injury boost ahead of their return to Premier League action this weekend…

What’s the latest?

According to Football Insider, left-back Junior Firpo has been given the all-clear to feature against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, handing Marcelo Bielsa a huge boost.

It’s thought that the 25-year-old, who signed for £12.8m from Barcelona in the summer, has fully recovered from muscle injury picked up on the training pitch and is now in contention to start in north London.

He has not featured for the senior side since early October – a 1-0 win over Watford – and has missed their last four league outings, as a result.

Major boost

This will be a major source of encouragement for the Argentine head coach, not least because he’s a huge admirer of the Brazilian.

“When Junior manages to have the rhythm the Premier League imposes on you, he’s going to be a full-back that shines a lot,” he told reporters at the end of September (via LeedsLive). “He has all the physical and technical resources to generate moments of very good football.”

Leeds were already light on options in the left-back role and in his absence, a host of players have had to deputies, the latest of which being towering central defensive colossus Pascal Struijk.

The 6 foot 3 Dutchman was deployed out wide against Leicester City as Stuart Dallas had to cover for Jamie Shackleton, who was also injured, on the other wing.

And even then, the 22-year-old academy graduate is filling in for vice-captain Luke Ayling, who has been on the treatment table since mid-September.

As you can see, Bielsa has had to deal with numerous injury problems, so he will certainly be delighted by the return of Firpo this weekend, even more so as Antonio Conte’s system utilises the wide areas to great effect.

The Yorkshiremen will appear a lot stronger in these positions with a natural full-back available.

Firpo’s return is certainly a major boost and Bielsa will be buzzing to have him back.

AND in other news, Leeds could have their own Virgil Van Dijk in teenage “leader”…