All posts by z3u9t.icu

Josh King has accused Carlo Ancelotti of lying to him in a revealing account of his brief spell at Everton.

The 29-year-old joined from Championship side Bournemouth on a short-term deal in January but he was limited to a meagre 138 minutes before the end of the season, registering zero starts and 11 substitute appearances in the Premier League (via WhoScored).

The Norwegian is looking for a new club this summer after being released at the end of his contract, and Ancelotti has also departed Goodison Park, sealing a return to Real Madrid at the start of June.

What did former Everton striker King have to say?

King claims he was ‘promised’ starting opportunities and that he ‘trusted’ Ancelotti (via Dagbladet). As it transpired, the Italian had deceived him, ‘but there are not many honest people who work in football’.

The 29-year-old insisted that he doesn’t regret making the move and says he would have understood being left on the bench if he had been given the chance and not performed.

Fan feed The Toffee Blues relayed King’s comments, and here’s how supporters reacted, with many critical of Ancelotti for his purported treatment of the Norwegian.

Ancelotti under fire for treatment of Josh King

“I think King could have made a difference to us. His pace and directness were qualities we were crying out for in the last couple of months of the season. Bizarre to get him in and then not play him. Don’t blame him for being bitter.”

Credit: @jimefc81

“This is common with Carlo, I’ve heard it from other fans. He doesn’t like to give new/young players chances. I wondered why people like Nkounkou and Gordon didn’t get more game time, its just cause Carlo sticks to the same 15-16 players for the entire season.”

Credit: @woahpandas1

“It confuses me how deceptive Ancelotti has shown himself to be when we’ve only ever heard good stuff about his man management.”

Credit: @cal_ycfc_efc

“Absolutely right. What the hell was he supposed to prove with 10 mins at the end of each game? Not exactly like DCL and Richy were wearing out the keepers’ gloves in those last 3 months.”

Credit: @BlueDino38

“We could never work it out…… now we know why”

Credit: @steviemac2010

“At least the truth is coming out now he’s gone. Very weird he didn’t get a sniff considering the poor form of others. Player’s careers can take a nose dive because of poor management like this. Wish Josh well.”

Credit: @JulieHob1878

In other news, Everton are eyeing this Italian defender.  

Newcastle United are reportedly now pushing to sign Matthias Ginter in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Centre-back targeted

As previously reported by Craig Hope, Ginter is among three central defenders that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium are now targeting next month, along with Tottenham Hotspur’s Joe Rodon and Lille’s Sven Botman.

As his current deal at Borussia Monchengladbach expires in the summer, it is possible that the St. James’ Park faithful can sign him on a cut-price deal in January, given the risk for the Bundesliga club of losing him on a free transfer otherwise.

Nonetheless, it is clear that the Tyneside outfit now want to bolster a defence that has shipped no fewer than 30 goals in the Premier League so far this season, one of the worst records in the division.

The Latest: Ginter pushed

As per Calciomercato, the North East club are now aggressively making their move to sign Ginter in January after a development ‘in the last few hours’.

However, they are likely to face competition from Inter Milan for his signature.

The Verdict: No-brainer

If the new owners can get Ginter in next month, potentially on the cheap, it would surely be a no-brainer for them.

A centre-back who plays like current PSG player and footballing legend Sergio Ramos, given his leadership qualities, he also possesses the same winning mentality as the Spaniard, given that he has won many trophies on the big stage, including the FIFA World Cup with Germany back in 2014.

A monster at the back, he is averaging more tackles (1.2) in the Bundesliga than all of Eddie Howe’s centre-half options are in the top flight so far this term (WhoScored), and so would really elevate the quality in the team.

The really exciting thing is that Ginter is still only 27 years of age, and so is just about to enter his prime years as a footballer.

Nonetheless, January represents the perfect time for the Magpies to snap him up.

In other news, find out which ‘incredible talent’ Steve Nickson has had a meeting over signing here!

Graeme Jones’ first match in charge of Newcastle United ended in disappointment as their winless start to the Premier League season continued against Crystal Palace with a 1-1 draw.

Christian Benteke fired the hosts in front on 56 minutes before Callum Wilson rescued a draw shortly afterwards with a sensational overhead kick into the top corner. The Magpies remain 19th in the Premier League table and are three points off safety, whilst they are only two points ahead of bottom side Norwich.

One player in particular who let Jones down with his display against the Eagles was Allan Saint-Maximin.

The French winger, who is usually the bright spark for the Magpies, was disappointing throughout the game before being taken off for Joelinton in the second half. Saint-Maximin is used to being the star of the show with his tricky, brilliant performances and has so often been a game-changer for the club, but he was unable to showcase his best qualities in the first match after Steve Bruce’s dismissal.

In the eight games prior to today, he had produced two goals and three assists. This shows that he has the ability to provide quality in the final third, which is why he let Jones down this afternoon with his dreadful showing against Palace.

As per SofaScore, Saint-Maximin lost five of his nine duels, including five of his seven ground duels. He also failed to make a single tackle as he was dribbled past once, with zero clearances or blocks, whilst making just one interception for his team. This shows that he was a lightweight in his defensive duties, allowing Palace to get past him too easily.

On the ball, he was not his usual self either. As per SofaScore, he had a dribble success rate of 0% and only completed five of his 12 attempted passes (42%). The 24-year-old also failed to complete a single cross or long ball and lost possession a whopping 19 times from 31 touches.

Along with his lack of defensive nous, Saint-Maximin was unable to effectively use his dribbling skills to create chances for himself and others. Normally so lively in the final third, he was far from his best today and ended up letting Jones down at Selhurst Park.

AND in other news, Ba 2.0: PIF could land goalscoring sensation with NUFC swoop for “incredible” beast…

Leeds head coach Jesse Marsch will surely be starting to think about what he wants to do with his squad heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

If the Lillywhites can successfully avoid relegation to the Championship in the final month or so of Premier League action then they will be able to reset and go again next term with the aim of competing higher up in the table.

They are nine points clear of the bottom three as it stands and Marsch can start to plan ahead knowing that it is likely they will be in the top-flight for another year.

Imagine him & Joffy

Part of his planning should include what he wants to do with the talented young players at the club and one player he must have big ideas for is young striker Sam Greenwood.

The 20-year-old forward is a bright young prospect and the American coach must pair him with fellow youngster Joe Gelhardt to form a deadly duo at the top end of the pitch.

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Joffy recently commented on their relationship, saying: 

“We’ve got a really good relationship off the field.

“We’re always together and when we’re walking down people will say ‘ooo friends’ and take the mick out of us. We just get on well together and on the pitch, we’re always looking for each other and passing to each other and helping each other out and trying to score goals together, really.”

This shows that they already have a good link-up on and off the pitch, which should help them to form an exciting duo alongside each other in the first team for years to come.

Greenwood has shown flashes of being able to make the step up to the senior squad. He has two assists in three Premier League matches this season, after managing eight goals and five assists in 17 Premier League 2 outings for the U23s.

He has been lavished with praise by former Leeds player Noel Whelan, with the retired forward previously saying: 

“Another player (Greenwood) who possesses an immense amount of ability. To have a weapon like that in your side is great.

“You can see the ability he has but the free-kicks are about the hard work he puts in on the training ground and for that he deserves to be praised.”

These comments show that he also provides a set-piece threat for Leeds, to go along with his goals and assists from open play. Couple that with Gelhardt’s two goals and one assist in two Premier League starts and you have a promising duo to look foward to watching on the pitch…

AND in other news, Orta can form “incredible” duo as Leeds eye £10m sensation who “does everything right”…

Leeds United have been handed a major boost over Joe Gelhardt ahead of their Premier League clash against Watford.

What’s the story?

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has revealed that the Whites starlet is all set to feature at Vicarage Road despite limping out of the under-23s’ victory over Crystal Palace last Monday, handing Jesse Marsch a late boost for the clash against the relegation battlers.

On Thursday, the journalist tweeted: “Gelhardt is yet to train this week but he’s due to train tomorrow and is expected to be available for the Watford game. Marsch says he felt Gelhardt needed game time in the 23s, which is why he played on Monday.”

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Great news for Leeds

Having seen Patrick Bamford go down with injury against Wolves, Marsch had the big decision to make as to who would lead the line against Southampton last time out.

The Whites earned a 1-1 draw against the Saints, but it really showcased why Gelhardt should really be in contention to start up front.

Dan James showed why his lack of natural striking instincts can let him down, with Leeds Live’s Beren Cross giving him a six in his post-match player ratings and saying: “Ran the channels and with the space Leeds had in the first half, James had the pace to get sights of goal. Fraser Forster equal to the lot though. Lacking that composure and close control around the box to keep chances alive for the team. Easily smothered by defenders.”

On the other hand, Gelhardt’s introduction as a substitute gave Leeds a bit more threat and impetus, with Cross noting of the teenager: “Again showed immediately why he’s a natural at the head of the attack. Knows where to place himself, draws fouls, carries the ball, goes past people and gets in the box.”

It was no surprise that Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has been hugely impressed in what limited game-time the 19-year-old has had so far at Elland Road, saying: “He’s like a human wrecking ball. I like him, he’s really exciting. He’s fast, he’s aggressive, he gets on the ball, he takes people on. Once he gets into the box, he loves it. That’s where he can do most of his damage.”

The news that Gelhardt is expected to be available for the game against Watford is sure to have fans buzzing.

AND in other news – Signed for £5m, now worth 700% more: Orta struck dream Leeds deal with “quality” 22-year-old

Crystal Palace confirmed on Monday that stock for the 2021/22 Eagles home shirt will be arriving this week.

And a number of Selhurst Park supporters were quick to flock to the official news on social media.

Palace wore their home strip against Leicester City on Sunday, coming from two goals down to take a point thanks to second-half goals from Michael Olise and Jeffrey Schlupp.

There appears to have been a shortage of stock for fans to pick up a home shirt, with Palace providing an update in September regarding the delay.

However, that is now set to be resolved. Palace revealed on their official Twitter page that stock is arriving in-store this week and presumably sent out in the post for fans who pre-ordered the kit before October 3.

Palace fans react

This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply to the official post, with many happy and one labelling it as ‘great news’.

“Finally I’ve been waiting months to get the home kit!”

Credit: @alex_westry

“Anyone excited”

Credit: @JoWillis28215

“Whayyyy finally”

Credit: @bradhcpfc

“Nice”

Credit: @englund_elias

“great news”

Credit: @busboy67

“Finally! Only ordered it at the start of august!!”

Credit: @JoeThompson95

In other news: ‘I was told’ – Sky Sports journalist makes huge claim about £18m-rated Crystal Palace gem. 

Manchester City will be forced into selling some first-team players this summer if they are to afford Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane, and Bernardo Silva should be the first to go.

What’s the word?

City have already cashed in on fringe players such as Lukas Nmecha, Jack Harrison and Angelino in order to fund a move for Jack Grealish this summer and Guardiola has suggested that if they are to sign Kane before the window shuts, then some first-team players will have to leave.

The Spanish manager also confirmed that the Portugual winger is keen on a move away from the Etihad, whilst he has been linked with the likes of Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Arsenal so far this summer.

After a disappointing couple of seasons, it is no surprise that the 26-year-old is being touted with an exit, as the addition of Grealish suggests that he will struggle for regular first-team football in Guardiola’s side this season.

Should Bernardo be sold?

Last season saw Silva manage just two goals and six assists in 26 Premier League appearances, averaging a solid 7.07 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

The winger has declined from the 2018/19 season, when he was one of the star performers in Guardiola’s side as they won the title, contributing seven goals and seven assists in 36 top-flight appearances, averaging an impressive 7.26 rating from WhoScored.

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His performances that season earned him some high praise from Guardiola, who said:

“Bernardo is having an incredible season, incredible. In the second half, he played like a holding midfielder.

“A holding midfielder…Bernardo. It doesn’t matter, he fought with Paul Pogba and everyone. It’s not just against United, it’s not just his goal, it’s all the season, it was a masterclass, a masterpiece every single game. It was incredible.”

Unfortunately, the former Monaco man has struggled to stamp his authority on games as much in the past two seasons and his lack of goals and assists mean that Guardiola has better, more consistent options in his squad.

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Therefore, considering he is currently valued at £63m by Transfermarkt, Guardiola should definitely look to sell Silva this summer, as his fee could go a long way towards securing a deal for a world-class striker such as Kane.

And, in other news… Guardiola could be set for huge Man City boost with star, he will “die for the badge”

Wolverhampton Wanderers are looking to continue their dominance in the Premier League this season and in doing so, Bruno Lage has made it clear he is working on who he wants to add in January to refresh the team and add depth to key areas that are spreading thin.

Bruno Lage spoke recently about his communication with club chairman, Jeff Shi, on the plans for the transfer window:

“When the transfer window closed we talked about it then and he knows what I want, but in the same way I need to understand just not the sport, but also the financial things.

“But he knows what I want and it was good for me when he did that interview and he said ‘I’m happy because Bruno has a big ambition.”

“I’m here to try to do good things and continue the work they started four years ago.”

Although many experienced and successful players are linked with the side, there has been one name that has been talked about, that could replicate their Willian Jose nightmare.

Jose was a huge flop for Wolves after he moved to the Molineux on loan at the start of 2021, in the January transfer window.

The Brazilian forward only registered one goal and zero assists in 17 appearances under Nuno Santo for Wolves last term, which is not something you want to see from a forward you bring in as an impact signing to boost goal-scoring opportunities mid-season.

It is a huge mistake Bruno Lage would be a fool to inherit from his predecessor, but with speculation that the club could make a move for Enner Valencia, it might well happen.

Despite scoring 20 goals for his current club, Fenerbahce, Valencia has a history of nightmares in English football after failing to establish himself at both West Ham and Everton, bagging just 13 goals in 91 matches in England.

The 32-year-old forward struggled to be any kind of presence in east London and Merseyside, being swiftly moved on by both clubs after disappointing performances and failing to make a real impact on the sides he played in.

Wolves will need to identify exciting players that have experience in English football who understand how competitive and driven you have to be to succeed in finishing in the top half of the table. Lage cannot afford to make any mistakes that could see the likes of Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester United catch up with his side.

In other news: Wolves in prime position to snap up Hwang permanently

West Ham are interested in signing Hellas Verona pair Giovanni Simeone and Antonin Barak, in a deal that could be worth up to around €40million (£33.7m).

The Lowdown: West Ham flying

The Hammers are in one of their richest veins of forms in years currently, jumping to third place in the Premier League after their memorable 3-2 win at home to Liverpool.

David Moyes’ side genuinely look like one of the best teams in the division and there is no reason why they can’t keep battling for a top-four finish this season.

While West Ham have an enviable squad these days, that’s not to say new signings aren’t also key, with depth behind star striker Michail Antonio surely the primary area of concern come January.

The Latest: Hammers linked with Hellas Verona pair

According to L’Arena [via Sport Witness], the Hammers are eyeing up moves for both Simeone and Barak, both of whom are attack-minded players.

Twenty-six-year-old Simeone has scored nine goals in just 10 appearances for the Serie A club, also scoring once in five caps for Argentina. Meanwhile, Barak is a 27-cap Czech Republic international who plays in attacking midfield.

It is stated that it would cost West Ham at least €40million (£33.7m) to snap up the duo, although Verona have a €12million (£10.1m) option to sign Simeone from Cagliari, with the striker only on loan at the moment.

The Verdict: Good squad depth

Not a huge amount may be known about Simeone and Barak but they both have international experience and could add attacking depth to the Hammers’ squad.

As the season goes on, there is always the threat that injuries could mount and it is vital that Moyes has options galore in the Champions League battle, especially with Europa League football set to continue into the knock-out stages.

Assuming the deal potentially gets done in January, it would give West Ham an extra boost at a time when the matches come thick and fast – Simeone in particular could be a vital addition given Antonio’s past injury woes, with Genoa Coach Ivan Juric praising his work rate as a youngster during his time at the club.

No player in Europe’s elite leagues has out-performed their expected goals more than Simeone (+6.2), showing how clinical he is – Ballon d’Or candidates Karim Benzema and Mohamed Salah sit second and third in that statistic.

In other news, a pundit has shut down a West Ham transfer rumour. Read more here.

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham fans have erupted over a transfer claim involving Italy international and Sassuolo forward Domenico Berardi.

The Hammers continue their hunt for new attacking signings following their stellar 2020/2021 campaign under manager David Moyes.

Indeed, as they gear up for a new season, where they will be competing in the Europa League group stages, GSB are on the look out for new forwards and have set their sights on bolstering Moyes’ options.

After Euro 2020, some new players have been linked with a move to West Ham following their impressive performances at the major tournament.

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Ukraine international Roman Yaremchuk is a prime example, with Sportitalia transfer journalist Alfredo Pedulla now claiming West Ham have set their sights on another forward who impressed at the Euros.

Indeed, as reported, the Hammers have made an inquiry to sign Berardi in recent weeks with both Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund also chasing the 26-year-old.

In reaction to this interest, there has been no shortage of Hammers opinions in reply to West Ham Central, who shared the news on Twitter.

Find all of their best ones down below.

West Ham fans erupt over Berardi claim

“Wow this would actually be incredible”

Credit: @stephenlott

“Rahhh what”

Credit: @joe_little03

“Yes please.”

Credit: @Hayds_

“Please have truth in this”

Credit: @WHUFC_VIEW

“If we sell Bowen (at least 45-50m) then I’d want to go for Berardi. He’d maybe even cost a bit less”

Credit: @WHUInfo

“A player of supreme quality, however something tells me he wouldn’t hit the ground running, which in the prem, and for big money, you simply must do (Look at Anderson and Yarmolenko)

Disastrous move for both parties. If he wants to leave Sass, why not a Napoli, Milan etc”

Credit: @tomholmesreed

In other news: ‘On my knees’, ‘What a day’…ExWHUemployee’s news has some West Ham fans talking, find out more here.