All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham boss David Moyes is facing a challenging decision as his side head to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the Carabao Cup this evening.

The 58-year-old is blessed with a fully fit squad to choose from and now has Michail Antonio back from suspension after he received his marching orders late on in their 0-0 draw with Southampton over a week ago.

He did not feature against the Red Devils on Sunday afternoon and the Irons were pretty much punished for it as they desperately missed his explosive pace, tireless work rate and lethal finishing.

Of course, the result could have gone very differently had Mark Noble slotted home that last-gasp penalty but even so, Moyes and co could have done with the presence of the 31-year-old talisman.

But with games coming thick and fast before the second international break of the 2021/22 season, can the Scotsman afford to risk Antonio here tonight?

It’ll come down to whether or not the EFL Cup is in his priorities this campaign, because it could represent the perfect opportunity to rotate and rest several key stars.

Players like Tomas Soucek badly need a break, with Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon before their second Europa League group game against Rapid Wien in a week’s time.

Antonio has suffered from injury problems over the course of his career in east London, failing to start more than 24 games in any of the last four top-flight campaigns.

Starting him in a game that could be perceived as a dead-rubber would certainly be a risk from Moyes, so if he feels as if he can continue the Hammers’ fine form in other competitions, then he should be bold and keep Antonio fresh by not starting him tonight.

The £13m-rated forward, who earns a reported £70k-per-week at the London Stadium, has already found the net five times from five appearances, as well as providing three assists, via Transfermarkt, so there’s no denying that he’s a crucial, crucial part of this team.

Often described as “unplayable” by journalists aplenty, Antonio must not feature against United this evening and as huge a call that is, it’ll be for the greater good in the long run.

AND in other news, Moyes must ruthlessly axe “impressive” West Ham dynamo tonight, he’s holding them back…

West Ham United have finally completed the signing of Chelsea central defender Kurt Zouma in a transfer worth around £29.8 million [Sky Sports].

Enjoying a productive 2020/21 campaign, the 26-year-old registered five goals in 36 appearances as he helped his side win the UEFA Champions League [Transfermarkt].

Now, he has finalised his move across London after a long-drawn-out negotiation process and medical.

West Ham were known to be attracted to his situation as far back as the start of August. However, it has taken until the final weekend of the window for David Moyes to get his man.

Zouma will link up with the Irons on a four-year-deal, and one would presume he is arriving to be a sure-fire starter given the price tag.

In light of this news, no wonder loads of West Ham United diehards took to social media to celebrate the news.

West Ham United fans react:

Replying to the official West Ham United Twitter account, here is what the supporters had to say about what one fan called a ‘phenomenal’ transfer:

“Phenomenal signing Welcome to the mighty Hammers @KurtZouma”

Credit: @hashman88″YESSSSSS”Credit: @WestHam_Way

“WE SIGNED SOMEONE”

Credit: @westhamtransfer”Loving this Bloke already @KurtZoumaWill fit right in in the @WestHam Dressing Room!! Get Jesse back & the Band is Back on the Road!!!”Credit: @SXHammer”Welcome to the west ham family zouma. Hope you have a great season with for us COYIS”Credit: @49whufc_smh”Brilliant Signing”Credit: @Max_DinnellIn other news, West Ham United fans react to their Europa League fixtures conformation. Find out who they play first here.

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a fresh setback ahead of their return to Premier League action this weekend…

What’s the latest?

Spurs’ versatile wide man Ryan Sessegnon has been forced to withdraw from international duty this week in what has been described as a “frustrating injury.”

The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick relayed the key information from the Three Lions’ official Twitter account, and said:

“Another frustrating injury for Sessegnon who picked up a knock in Eng U21 training & returns to Spurs.”

Frustrating

The 21-year-old, signed for a whopping £25m in the summer of 2019, has found game time hard to come by in north London but the appointment of Nuno Santo should’ve given him renewed hope of making it at the club.

This latest development is another kick in the teeth for a player that, on his day, could be a valuable option in a multitude of positions – notably at left-wing and left-back, where he can back up the likes of Heung-min Son and Sergio Reguilon.

Sessegnon started both of the Lilywhites’ two UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying legs against Pacos de Ferreira, playing in both the aforementioned roles, though that has only taken his total number of appearances for Spurs to 29, per Transfermarkt.

The £16.2m-rated dynamo, who was once lauded as a “big. big talent” by ex-Fulham teammate Stefan Johansen and compared to Spurs legend Gareth Bale, may well struggle to put up a case of being involved in Nuno’s squad should this knock rule him out for the next few weeks and beyond.

He already has Son, Lucas Moura, Steven Bergwijn and Bryan Gil vying for a starting spot, so this injury will do him no favours. Furthermore, the Portuguese head coach may feel a little gutted himself as the youngster is clearly a player with bags of potential.

Nuno was brought in to oversee the development of the club’s emerging prospects and you could argue that Sessegnon falls under this bracket despite appearances in Europe over the last few seasons.

The Spurs faithful aren’t impressed by this update either. Some were claiming that the Englishman was ‘worse than Erik Lamela’ due to his injuries, whilst others pleaded for the club to offload him at the next opportunity, as relayed by Sportslens.

A little unfair, perhaps, but you certainly want to see a better return from a £25m investment. Hopefully, Sessegnon can shake off this setback and respond if selected.

AND in other news, Nuno could have a future Spurs star in 19 y/o “livewire” who’s got “plenty of talent”…

Celtic goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas could be edging closer to a Parkhead exit, following an intriguing update from Greek journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos on Twitter.

The Lowdown: Ange Postecoglou continues his Parkhead rebuild

Starting to make a positive impact in Glasgow after two consecutive wins as manager, Ange Postecoglou will be keen to prioritise the continued restructuring of his side between now and the end of the summer transfer window.

One particular area of concern for the Hoops for the past 12 months has been the goalkeeping role, and further change could be set to engulf the position following recent reports.

The Latest: Barkas could be set for Celtic exit

According to Sportime editor Chorianopoulos, Barkas could be on his way out of Celtic, with the journalist claiming on Twitter: “Barkas was out of Celtic squad yesterday v Dundee. 1-2 clubs are on the verge to make enquiries for Greece international GK”.

Interest in the 27-year-old from Italy has previously been mooted as he seeks to get his career back on track, while PAOK and his former club AEK Athens are also rumoured to be keen on his services. [Sportime, via Daily Record].

The 1.96m (6 foot 4) goalkeeper has fallen behind Joe Hart and Scott Bain in the Hoops pecking order in recent weeks.

The Verdict: Right time for player and club to part ways

Unlikely to get another bite of the cherry at Celtic following Joe Hart’s arrival, moving on to pastures new might be the best-case scenario for the much-maligned Hoops stopper.

Struggling to hold down the number one jersey, he has been dropped on multiple occasions in Glasgow due to his inability to inspire confidence in his defence, even if he did keep 11 clean sheets from 22 appearances in all competitions last term [Transfermarkt].

Once labelled as ‘excellent’ by former Hoops manager Neil Lennon [67 Hail Hail], leaving Parkhead may provide the 27-year-old with a platform to prove his worth once again.

In other news, Celtic have re-opened talks with this midfield ace.

Paul Stewart has played down Liverpool’s chances of signing PSG star Kylian Mbappe this summer – with his wages a potential stumbling block.

The French World Cup winner, who’s entered the final 12 months of his deal in the French capital, has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield, with the Reds enquiring about the 22-year-old’s availability, according to Marca.

Following the general disappoint of last season, plus seeing their Premier League title rivals make some massive signings, Jurgen Klopp could do with a statement of his own.

However, with just under four weeks remaining until the window closes, Liverpool have added only defender Ibrahima Konate from Leipzig for £35m.

But with the likes of Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez now fit and available, the Merseyside giants are in good shape heading into the new season.

However, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have arguably lost their spark since Liverpool won the title in 2020, and therefore a marquee attacking signing is badly needed for Klopp.

Stewart exclusively told Football FanCast that doesn’t expect it to be Mbappe, who’s valued at £160m by Transfermarkt:

“Liverpool wouldn’t pay what he’d want in terms of wages, even though they would pay an awful lot. PSG would double his wages rather than see him go.”

Gabriel Agbonlahor has made an interesting claim in regards to Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips… 

What’s the talk?

Former Premier League forward Gabriel Agbonlahor has claimed that Liverpool are looking at Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips. The ex-Villa attacker has stated that he will be on everyone’s radar and labelled the England international as “outstanding”. 

He told Football Insider:

“It’s not just Liverpool, I think he’ll be on everybody’s radar.

“He’s an outstanding player and was one of England’s stand-out performers at the Euros. Every team in the Premier League and teams in Europe will be looking at him and will definitely try to sign him.

“It’s going to be a bit of a headache for Leeds to try and keep hold of him because he’s been outstanding.

“I’m sure Liverpool are definitely looking at him. But the price tag will be high to get him out of there.”

Bielsa needs him

Victor Orta must avoid making a huge howler this summer by rejecting any interest in Phillips. He must ensure that the local lad is still at the club come the start of September as he is a crucial player for Marcelo Bielsa and should only be sold if a ridiculous amount of money was thrown at him, which could then allow the Argentine coach to bolster his squad.

Only three outfield players averaged higher WhoScored ratings for Leeds than Phillips last season in the Premier League. Patrick Bamford, Raphinha and Liam Cooper were the only players who could better the midfield’s score of 7.01, whilst Phillips also topped the midfield ranks for tackles and interceptions per game to emphasise his dominance in the middle of the park.

This shows how important he is to Bielsa as he is the best defensive midfielder at the club and has proven that he can perform consistently, to a high level, in the top-flight. He also proved his worth at the European Championships for England, starting seven times on their way to a penalty shoot-out loss to Italy in the final at Wembley. The 25-year-old averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.82, showing that he can compete at the very highest level.

The £35k-per-week beast is, therefore, still needed by Bielsa at Leeds and Orta must work hard to keep him at the club next season. If Leeds harbour any ambitions of pushing on and challenging for Europe they will need to keep hold of their top players and Phillips’ statistics certainly suggest that he falls into that category, meaning that selling him would be a nightmare for the club.

And, given his ties to the club, selling him to a fellow Premier League club would have fans absolutely fuming.

AND in other news, Get rid: Leeds must finally axe £70k-p/w “massive flop” who’s rinsing Radrizzani dry…

Southampton were regularly linked with a move for Olivier Ntcham in the past and now that he has been released, Ralph Hasenhuttl should consider bringing him in.

What’s the word?

Southampton were linked with a move for the French midfielder last November but he ended up remaining at Celtic, before joining Marseille on loan in the winter transfer window.

Strangely, his transfer there led to Andre-Villas Boas resigning as manager and the French club did not exercise their option to buy the 25-year-old after he made just four Ligue 1 appearances in total last season.

It was confirmed yesterday that the midfielder had left Celtic, meaning that he is now available to sign on a free transfer.

Should Southampton sign Ntcham?

Although he may have struggled to impress in Marseille, Ntcham’s performances at Celtic in prior seasons suggest that he could be an excellent addition to Hasenhuttl’s side at Southampton this summer.

The Frenchman made 147 appearances for the Hoops in total, contributing 24 goals and 13 assists, helping Celtic win three Premiership titles during his time at the club.

Southampton have a good history in signing players from Celtic too, with Virgil van Dijk, Victor Wanyama and Stuart Armstrong three players who proved to be bargain additions at St Mary’s, so there is no reason why Ntcham couldn’t also be a success, especially on a free transfer.

The former Manchester City youngster predominantly features in central midfield, a position which Hasenhuttl has suggested that Southampton will look to strengthen in this summer, so his signing would make a lot of sense.

He has featured across the midfield and the attack in his career thus far which suggests that he is very versatile, which is another quality Hasenhuttl likes his players to have.

[freshpress-quiz id=“594431”]

The 25-year-old, who was dubbed a “powerhouse” earlier in his career, would be a very low-risk transfer for Southampton this summer and could fill the hole left by Mario Lemina’s departure, so Martin Semmens should definitely consider bringing him to St Mary’s on a free transfer.

And, in other news… Tom Leach shares update on “outstanding” Saints star that will delight fans

Moise Kean is eager for a return to Paris Saint-Germain to be tied up, according to French reporter Saber Desfarges. 

The lowdown

Everton loaned Kean to PSG for the 2020/21 season after a disappointing debut campaign on Merseyside yielded just two goals.

The 21-year-old rediscovered his form in France, scoring 13 times in just 22 Ligue 1 starts. Kean also helped PSG reach the semifinals of the Champions League with three goals, one of which came in the memorable 4-1 victory at the Camp Nou.

Champions League-winning manager Thomas Tuchel, who took charge of Kean until December, hailed him as a ‘courageous’ player.

According to Fabrizio Romano, PSG have been working on a fresh loan agreement for ‘months’ but are still ‘waiting’ on a decision from Everton and Rafael Benitez.

The latest

Desfarges was asked to provide the latest on Kean’s uncertain future by a PSG fan.

He replied that the Italian international is ‘impatient’ amid the prospect of ‘returning to Paris’.

The verdict

It looks as if Kean isn’t viewing the change of manager at Goodison Park as an opportunity to turn his Everton career around. Instead, his heart seems to be set on PSG.

The Blues’ best bet is probably to sanction another loan, but this time to include an obligation to buy at the end of it, ensuring this saga does not repeat all over again next summer.

They may still be able to turn a fairly handsome profit on the youthful forward, which would be a victory given his struggles in England and clear desire to leave Merseyside.

In other news, this Everton target’s price-tag has been described as ‘stupid’.  

Dean Windass doesn’t think that Patrick Bamford would turn down the chance to sign for Liverpool.

The striker enjoyed an outstanding first season in the Premier League, scoring 17 goals despite a slow end to the campaign.

However, according to The Athletic, the former Chelsea youngster is ‘admired’ by the Reds, with his form last year not going unnoticed from those at Anfield.

Bamford’s first goal of the campaign came at Liverpool in Leeds’ 4-3 defeat on the opening day in, which allowed him to end up with 17 in total – more than both Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, whilst only five behind Mohamed Salah.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp even picked the frontman out for individual praise following the return fixture at Elland Road back in April.

He said: “What a player, Bamford! I can remember, I’m pretty sure before the season I heard on talkSPORT, people saying that Leeds need a proper goalscorer, Bamford is not good enough, stuff like this. I’m so happy that he could prove them all wrong!”

Meanwhile, whilst Bamford is widely expected to sign a new contract, he’s entered the final 12 months of his current deal – which could potentially see Liverpool sign him for a cut-price fee.

Should they push for his signature, Windass exclusively told The Transfer Tavern that Bamford would find it hard to stay loyal to Leeds:

“He’s a hard-working kid, he’s an honest lad, a good finisher, but if Liverpool come calling, I don’t think anyone would turn it down.

“Would he score goals for Liverpool? Yes. No disrespect to Leeds’ front-three, but Liverpool’s is better. So, if he got an opportunity to go to Anfield, he wouldn’t turn it down.”

Crystal Palace unveiled their away kit for the 2021/22 season on Saturday morning and, as to be expected, a number of Eagles supporters were quick to give their thoughts on the jersey on social media.

Palace have decided to go back to yellow for away trips this season, with a red and blue stripe down the left side as they enter a fourth year with Puma as their kit manufacturer.

A faded Eagle is also visible if you look closely, with Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jairo Riedewald and Tyrick Mitchell showing off the top alongside Leigh Nicol from Palace’s women’s team.

Palace still need more players to turn out in their new away kit next season, with 11 senior players  becoming free agents on July 1. As it stands, the club now have just 15 senior players on the books who were with them during the previous campaign.

Palace fans react

Palace posted their new away kit on the club’s official Twitter page. These Eagles fans loved it, with one describing the kit as ‘saucy’.

“I’ve waited for this”Credit: @lovelocklily”Oh my.”Credit: @PGxHachi”black 3rd kit and we are cooking”Credit: @mattjohnson18_”Saucy”Credit: @joelcpfc_”Excellent, well done. Love the ‘hidden’ eagle.”Credit: @ChugChugPickle”Very nice”Credit: @jackstacpfc

In other news: ‘Surely not’ – Many CPFC fans stunned as ‘hilarious’ news emerges, find out what it’s about here.