All posts by z3u9t.icu

Farhad Moshiri was the driving force behind the signing of Alex Iwobi, not Marcel Brands. 

That’s according to Phil Kirkbride, Everton correspondent for The Liverpool Echo.

Brands was apparently ‘certain’ that the idea of signing Iwobi from Arsenal would ‘die down’.

But majority shareholder Moshiri ‘pressed on’ with the deal, which was confirmed on 8 August 2019.

This will have added to Brands’ feeling that he wasn’t in ‘complete control’, Kirkbride writes.

The revelation comes after Brands left his post as director of football by mutual consent.

Everton’s Iwobi deal a mistake?

At £27.36million, the Nigerian ranks as the fourth most-expensive signing in Everton’s history.

He’s gone on to make 78 appearances for the Blues to date, but only managed to deliver six goals and five assists.

One Everton podcaster said following the 5-2 defeat to Watford in October that Iwobi has ‘done nothing for two years since he’s been here’.

Twitter fan feed The Toffee Blues relayed Kirkbride’s insight, and here’s what supporters made of it.

These Everton fans slam Moshiri after Iwobi reveal

“Whoever signed Iwobi needs to leave with him on a one-way ticket to anywhere.”

Credit: @sports_draw

“Don’t say that, we’re all supposed to be blaming Brands remember?!?!”

Credit: @BornABlue1986

“Of course it was. Wasn’t the overpaying his former club Arsenal the giveaway? Brands is the fall guy here, Moshiri is the main problem.”

Credit: @Therealafb13

“That’s enough to never let moshiri make another footballing decision again. Just because he has got dough doesn’t mean his footballing decisions aren’t the worst in the country”

Credit: @BlueSnowy1878

“Who’s the next scapegoat now?”

Credit: @ScouseGamerLad

“A kopite couldn’t kill this club as effectively as Moshiri currently is”

Credit: @BC_Bryson

In other news, fans fumed over this manager news.

Speaking to club media, as shared by The Peterborough Telegraph, Director of Football Barry Fry of Peterborough United has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of defender Benjamin Mensah.

The Lowdown: Spurs make enquiry…

First breaking the news, Sky Sports (13 Jan, 12:46) claimed that Spurs had made an enquiry to sign the 19-year-old amid manager Antonio Conte’s hunt for a right-wing back.

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Alasdair Gold says that the search for a player in that position is among the Italian’s and transfer chief Fabio Paratici top priorities for January with Mensah now attracting interest.

It is believed that the young ace would go straight into Tottenham’s Under-23s set up as the club seemingly look at RWB options for the future also, with Mensah capable of slotting in there as well as in a traditional back four.

The Latest: Fry confirms talks with Spurs…

As per club chief Fry, Spurs do indeed hold an interest and have ‘suggested one or two things’, with the Peterborough chief revealing he has in fact ‘talked to Tottenham’.

“I have talked to Tottenham and they have suggested one or two things to me,” he explained.

“Which I told the manager and the chairman about but they were adamant it was a no. Tottenham are still monitoring the situation.”

The Verdict: Interesting development…

It’s not everyday club officials come out to confirm transfer rumours, so this comes as an interesting development.

In terms of Mensah, he could be a brilliant option for the future with Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson already raving over the teenager after he signed his first professional contract.

The former Manchester United player called his youngster ‘aggressive’ and ‘excellent’ in one-vs-one situations with the English-born Ghanian ace seemingly one to watch out for.

If Tottenham can get him over the line and reach an agreement with The Posh, it’ll be fascinating to see his development at N17.

In other news: ‘This will excite Tottenham fans…’ – Sky Sports drop major live TV transfer claim, find out more here.

Everton have launched a scathing attack on the European Super League on Tuesday morning.

The Premier League’s ‘big six’ clubs announced on Sunday that they agreed in principle to become founding members of the new continental competition, for which they would automatically qualify. However, they have been threatened with a ban from the English top flight if they go through with it.

What did Everton’s Super League statement say?

Everton, who could move to within three points of the Champions League places if they win their game in hand, released a statement accusing the six clubs of ‘tarnishing the reputation of our league and game’.

“The self-proclaimed Super Six appear intent on disenfranchising supporters across the game – including their own – by putting the very structure that underpins the game we love under threat,” raged the statement from the Goodison Park club, which also called for the proposals to be ‘immediately withdrawn’.

Moshiri: Super League ‘against the very idea of British football’

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri then appeared on talkSPORT to denounce the plans. Asked if the club would ever consider joining the competition if given the opportunity, he said: “Never, never.”

The 65-year-old added: “Every fact of it is against the very idea of British football. Football clubs are community assets, they belong to the fans and to the communities. This takes much of the romance of football away. It is something which makes the game a money game, it’s not football anymore.”

Moshiri then went on to argue that the six clubs should be handed points deductions as punishment for their actions. Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville also led demands for such a penalty to be imposed during a televised tirade on Sunday.

Transfer Tavern verdict

It’s hard to disagree with Moshiri’s declaration that ‘it’s not football anymore’ given the anti-competitive principles of the Super League, but the points deduction call is more controversial. The reality is that the Premier League’s approach will have to be more conciliatory.

However, that can accompany a stern warning that any future plots will be met with severe reprisals. At least Everton have shown the initiative to put on the record their opposition to the concept.

In other news, a family member of an Everton player has made a prediction about his future.

Leeds United are back on the road again on Monday night with a showdown against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Heading into this clash off the back of a 3-0 win against Watford, Jesse Marsch’s side have the chance to secure another victory and move away from the relegation zone.

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In terms of what the travelling squad could look like for Monday’s match, it seems as though an early clue has been dropped over the possible inclusion of two players in particular.

What’s the news?

In response to the announcement of the Leeds U23 starting XI for their league clash against Manchester City on Friday evening, journalist Phil Hay had this to say about the absence of attacking duo Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood.

He said: “Marsch hinted that certain players might be missing tonight ahead of Palace away on Monday. Cresswell and Summerville start but Gelhardt and Greenwood not involved.”

This suggests that rather than be involved with the U23s on Friday, the attacking pair could be in the senior squad to take on the Eagles at Selhurst Park.

Fans will be delighted

Taking into account how Leeds have striker Patrick Bamford out with an injury, having the option to rely on Gelhardt and Greenwood if needed will be the best way forward for Marsch.

Should the young duo find themselves in the squad on Monday, as they were for the win over Watford, this would surely delight a lot of Leeds fans, especially if they manage to get any minutes on the pitch or even grab a goal or assist.

As this is what Greenwood managed to do when he provided the assist for Jack Harrison’s goal at Vicarage Road after replacing Dan James, Marsch could give him a chance to shine once again this time around as he is evidently improving game by game.

Gelhardt, meanwhile, has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign where he’s become a fan favourite in Yorkshire. He has found the back of the net twice and provided three assists in 14 league appearances this season, showing that he is also capable of being an attacking threat for the side.

As a result of their youthful exuberance and newfound importance to Marsch’s charges, supporters will be delighted that they’ll be rested and fully fit to play on Monday evening.

Moving forward, with Leeds needing to rack up as many points as possible to make sure they don’t end up back in the Championship, the 48-year-old could be relying on the young duo for the remaining games of the season.

In other news: 150% hike: Leeds United hit the jackpot on “real technician”, he’s a “proper talent”

Manchester City produced a professional display to see off Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage on Saturday evening, with Pep Guardiola springing a lot of surprises with his team selection.

The Spanish manager set his team up in a 3-4-3 formation, with Gabriel Jesus featuring on the left-wing, whilst Raheem Sterling was omitted from the squad completely.

The former Liverpool man was also left out against Southampton in midweek following his poor performance in the 2-0 defeat against Manchester United, and after Jesus’ impressive display in East London last night, he may well struggle to force his way back into the team.

As per SofaScore, the Brazilian forward would earn an impressive 7.7 rating for his display, with only Joao Cancelo rated higher of any player on the pitch.

Jesus scored the second goal of the evening by capitalising on a Fulham mistake and rounding Alphonse Areola, before firing into the net, showing the sort of composure that he has often lacked in front of goal.

When playing up front, the 23-year-old is sometimes left isolated, but he was supported by Sergio Aguero and Ferran Torres in attacking roles, which allowed him to get much more involved in the build-up play, whilst also causing problems for the Fulham defence with his runs in behind.

During the game, the former Palmeiras man would impressively complete 6/7 of his dribbles, whilst 25/30 of his passes were accurate, resulting in an 83% accuracy rate.

He also contributed impressively when it came to winning duels, as he was successful in 9/13 of his ground duels during the game, which emphasises that he is more than willing to get stuck in and defend from the front, something which Sterling struggles with.

In his appearance against United, the winger would fail to win a single duel or complete a single dribble, so it is easy to see why he hasn’t featured in the last two games, as he was very disappointing.

Whilst both Sterling and Jesus have been guilty of missing big chances in recent seasonsm if the Brazilian is given more opportunities to impress in a new role on the left-wing, then you could definitely argue that the £99m-rated England international’s place in Guardiola’s side could be under serious threat.

And, in other news… Forget Haaland: Txiki could sign City’s next Aguero in “outstanding” £90m-rated gem

Speaking to Football Insider, pundit and BBC regular Noel Whelan has been left wowed by James Tarkowski and says he has ‘no doubt’ the defender would be a success at West Ham United.

The Lowdown: Tarkowski saga returns…

Last year, the Hammers made a series of failed summer bids to try and prise the centre-back away from Turf Moor and down to east London. Indeed, Sky Sports said that GSB even lodged a third £31m offer for the 28-year-old but Burnley refused to budge.

Football Insider have now claimed that the centre-back is ‘very keen’ on a move to the English capital and would fully grasp a move to West Ham with both hands.

The Latest: Whelan reacts…

Reacting to this development, Whelan told Football Insider that Tarkowski would strengthen West Ham no end, calling him ‘aggressive’ and a ‘leader’ at the back.

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“Yeah, absolutely,” the pundit explained when asked if Tarkowski would reinforce David Moyes’ side.

“It’s not the first time they have been interested in him. He’s a very good defender. He’s so experienced and aggressive at the back. One of those leaders every team needs.

“I have no doubt he’ll be a success. Once again Moyes is going British. Most of the players he’s brought in have been British. He’s building a solid foundation at West Ham and he wants Tarkowski to be part of that.

“It’s an ideal signing to make if West Ham want to push on and keep challenging.”

The Verdict: Do it Moyesey…

It is reported that West Ham want to invest in three main areas this summer transfer window. Claret & Hugh believe that the Irons want to seal a permanent deal for Jesse Lingard, sign a new forward and bring in a solid centre-half option.

Tarkowski would certainly be the perfect acquisition for the latter task, and a possible West Ham swoop may be more realistic going by his precarious situation at Burnley and contract length, with just one year remaining on his current deal. With all that in mind, the Irons need to take advantage and get it done.

In other news: ‘Have started negotiations’…Journalist drops exciting West Ham transfer claim, find out more here.

West Brom have approached Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael over the vacant manager’s job at the Hawthorns, according to John Percy.

The Lowdown: Manager search goes on

The Baggies were unable to stay in the Premier League last season, suffering relegation back to the Championship, following a forgettable campaign.

Sam Allardyce left his role as manager after the final day and West Brom have been on the lookout for a new boss ever since, with a host of names linked, including Chris Wilder.

The Latest: Percy provides major update

According to the Telegraph’s Percy on Twitter, the Baggies have ‘moved’ for Ismael, with ‘talks ongoing’ and the club prepared to pay Barnsley the seven-figure fee to bring him to the Hawthorns.

“WBA have moved for Valérien Ismaël and want him as their new head coach. Talks ongoing with Barnsley. West Brom are prepared to pay the £2m buyout,” Percy revealed on Friday morning.

The 45-year-old took charge at Oakwell last October, guiding the Tykes into the Championship playoffs at the first attempt.

The Verdict: Ideal candidate?

Ismael looks an exciting potential appointment for West Brom, considering the strides he made in the space of just one year with Barnsley.

The Frenchman has become renowned for playing a rich brand of high-energy, direct football, which could appeal to Baggies supporters.

Ismael looks a bold appointment, should it happen, rather than going for another ageing British manager in the mould of Allardyce.

In other news, West Brom have been linked with a move for a forward this summer. Find out who it is here.  

Fans of Aston Villa have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which the club confirmed the appointment of Mile Jedinak as a part of Dean Smith’s backroom staff at Bodymoor Heath.

In a short statement on the Villa website, the club confirmed that Jedinak – who made 80 appearances for the club as a player over a three-year spell at Villa Park, playing an important role in the club’s 2018/19 promotion-winning campaign – will be taking up the role of Loan Player Development Coach at the club.

In addition to confirming Jedinak’s return, Villa also revealed that Adam Henshall has been appointed as the club’s new Head of Emerging Talents & Loans.

And, after Aston Villa relayed news of these appointments on Twitter, fans of the club flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing delighted at the prospect of Jedinak being a part of the Villa setup once again.

So, what exactly did these Aston Villa fans have to say in reaction to Mile Jedinak’s appointment?

“Oh yes.”

@avfc_jf

“More key work behind the scenes looking after our future.”

@StephenArnold78

“Fantastic to see Mile still involved in the club.”

@BobBobb70447781

“Wow!!! Planning, that’s a novelty…”

@onmyshoe

“Love to see it.”

@liamhaddon1

“Great news.”

@BoysieBaldock

“Mile omds.”

@jlancaster0

In other news: Loads of Aston Villa fans called for this £42k p/w ace’s summer exit – find out more here!

A mass exodus at Celtic could engulf Parkhead this summer with a number of their top players linked with the exit door.

Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer both scored on Wednesday evening in their 4-0 romp but that could well have been their last outings at Paradise.

Both have been touted with moves to the Premier League this summer and if that does happen, incoming Celtic manager Eddie Howe will have a tough job on his hands to replace them.

On the chalkboard

Another player who could see no action under Howe is Boli Bolingoli.

The left-back departed the Bhoys on loan last summer under a cloud of controversy and following events this season, he will be fortunate to ever play for the club again.

Bolingoli decided to go on an unsanctioned trip to Spain during the height of the pandemic and failed to quarantine once he’d returned home.

Neil Lennon had no idea of the trip and even played him in a match against Kilmarnock just days after he’d returned to Glasgow.

It was a foolish move from the defender, one that not only put the whole staff at Celtic in danger but also the workforce at Killie.

He was subsequently loaned to Istanbul Basaksehir in Turkey where he was fortunate enough to enjoy a Champions League campaign.

His chances of playing for the Bhoys again will have taken a boost the moment Lennon left.

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After all, he described Bolingoli as “stupid” following his moment of madness at the start of the season.

“I think it is one of the worst behaviours from an individual I have come across,” Lennon said.

“Everything has been tight and everything has been strict. He had been warned previously about travelling and he blatantly disregarded my instructions and the club’s instructions. It is a complete act of selfishness,” he added.

Bolingoli is due back in Scotland this summer but following the emergence of Adam Montgomery, the 5 foot 11 defender should be heading for the departure lounge again.

When he left last summer, a player of Montgomery’s stature would never have been a concern.

However, the 18-year-old has developed at a rapid rate this term. He has been transformed from a striker to a defender and earned his first-team debut against St Johnstone on Wednesday evening.

The teenager featured at left-back and didn’t look out of place while stepping in for Greg Taylor and Diego Laxalt.

Montgomery lasted just over an hour before he was substituted by John Kennedy having won three tackles and completed 90% of his passes.

Celtic’s reserve side may have been granted permission to compete in the Lowland League next term but his future should be in the first-team ahead of Bolingoli.

Dominic McKay must ensure 25-year-old is among the club’s exodus.

AND in other news, Forget Turnbull: Celtic liability who took 126 touches was their unsung hero yesterday…

Tottenham Hotspur have been jolted in their pursuit of Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, with one of their London rivals locked in talks to sign the 22-year-old, as relayed by David Ornstein on Twitter.

The Lowdown: ‘Dependable’ Tomiyasu has excelled in Italy

Producing an impressive level of consistency since moving to his current club in 2019, Tomiyasu has shown a dependability in both centre-back and right-back positions.

Adept at mopping up sticky situations at the back, the Japan international obtained a commendable average of 3.3 clearances per Serie A game last season [WhoScored].

Earning adulation for his performances, he was labelled a “very, very dependable player” by Italian football expert Conor Clancy earlier this month [Football FanCast].

The Latest: Late twist in the tale as Arsenal look to strike

Tomiyasu’s form has seen Tottenham Hotspur register serious interest in his services this summer, even having a £15.5m bid rejected for the Japan international in early July [Sky Sports].

However, there could now be a sting in the tail. According to The Athletic journalist Ornstein on Twitter, Arsenal are said to be working on a deal to sign Tomiyasu before tonight’s transfer deadline.

In a surprise turn of events, the Gunners reportedly have ‘talks underway’ to sign the 6 foot 2 ace, although any movement may be dependent on positional departures at the club [The Athletic].

The Verdict: Royal arrival could soften Tomiyasu blow

Losing out on Tomiyasu may come as a source of frustration for Tottenham, but the seemingly imminent arrival of Emerson Royal will help to soften the blow for Nuno Espirito Santo.

A regular for Bologna in 2020/21, the former Sint-Truiden defender featured 33 times in all competitions, scoring twice [Transfermarkt].

Following that up with a strong showing at the Olympic Games with his native Japan, helping them to reach the semi-finals [Eurosport], it is clear to see why Spurs wanted to secure his signature.

Nevertheless, with three senior right-backs on the books in N17, any notion of Tomiyasu pitching up at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this window has probably run its course.

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt another transfer blow. Find out more here.