All posts by h716a5.icu

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou dived into the Asian transfer market during the previous summer and winter transfer windows by bringing in four new Japanese players.

In the 2021 summer transfer window, the Hoops signed Kyogo Furuhashi from Vissel Kobe before bringing in the trio of Reo Hatate, Daizen Maede and Yosuke Ideguchi in January.

This summer window saw the Hoops linked with another Japanese talent as reports emerged claiming the club were looking to sign Manchester City defender Ko Itakura.

However, earlier this month, it was revealed that the centre-back had joined Borussia Monchengladbach on a permanent deal, putting to bed Celtic’s chances of signing him.

Looking ahead to the remainder of the window, the Bhoys may now have the chance to secure a deal for their own version of the Japanese defender.

Back in May, it was claimed by the agent of KAA Gent defender, Joseph Okumu, that Celtic had shown an interest in signing the player.

The Hoops were linked with a £3.4m move for the player last summer as well.

With 41 appearances under his belt for the Belgian club, the 25-year-old showed during his previous league season how much of a capable defender he is.

For example, with 27 league games to his name, the Kenyan ended the campaign with the third-highest number of interceptions (49) and successful tackles (41) at Gent.

Praised for his “tremendous” performances in the past for AFC Ann Arbor by Dan Egner, Okumu certainly has the defensive credentials to be a solid addition to Celtic’s ranks this summer.

In terms of being the Parkhead club’s own version of Itakura, the former City defender is included on a list of similar players to the Gent figure according to Football Transfers.

In addition to that, the fact the new Monchengladbach recruit racked up 38 interceptions and 30 successful tackles for Schalke last season also shows how similar the two players are.

If an opportunity to sign Okumu arises before the window closes, Celtic should absolutely do all they can to bring the centre-back to Parkhead and help strengthen Postecoglou’s defensive force.

AND in other news: “I’m looking to..”: Ange drops exciting transfer update Celtic supporters will love

Nottingham Forest are believed to be edging close to a seventh summer signing, in what is proving a hugely impressive transfer window thus far.

What’s the word?

According to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, the newly-promoted side are set to bring Burnley stopper Wayne Hennessey to the City Ground this summer, with the Welshman likely to provide cover to recent loan arrival, Dean Henderson.

Writing on Twitter about the Midlands side’s interest, the transfer insider stated: “Told Wayne Hennessey to #NFFC is close to being completed.”

Despite having already brought in the aforementioned Henderson, further depth is needed in the goalkeeping ranks having seen Brice Samba and Ethan Horvath depart for Lens and Luton Town, respectively.

World-class addition

Although the expectation is that Hennessey will simply provide adequate cover as an understudy to the on-loan Manchester United man, the 35-year-old is undoubtedly a top-drawer goalkeeper in his own right, having continually performed for his country in recent times.

Despite having made just five Premier League appearances in total across the last three seasons – during his time at Turf Moor and former club Crystal Palace – the 6 foot 6 giant has remained the go-to man at international level, notably playing his part as Robert Page’s side recently secured World Cup qualification for the first time since 1958.

The Bangor-born gem was particularly influential in the crucial play-off clash with Ukraine last month, making nine saves in a truly world-class display as Wales ran out 1-0 winners, while also recording a remarkable 9.3 match rating for his stunning display, as per SofaScore.

That standout showing unsurprisingly led to a glowing assessment from teammate Gareth Bale, with the new LAFC man stating that the performance was the “best I have ever seen to date from a goalkeeper”.

Equally, the one-time Wolverhampton Wanderers man was also dubbed “world-class” by manager Page for that sensational outing, with Forest seemingly set to have more than just a safe pair hands in reserve who can apply pressure on the younger Henderson.

Should the latter man fail to perform, manager Steve Cooper should seemingly have little concern about turning to Hennessey to take on the starting role, with the experienced gem likely to prove a clever piece of business for the club.

AND in other news – Imagine him & Awoniyi: Cooper can form deadly duo by signing “stunning” £10m sta

Tottenham Hotspur reporter Charlie Eccleshare has now made a very intriguing behind-the-scenes claim after defender Djed Spence’s confirmed arrival from Middlesbrough.

The Lowdown: Spurs finally seal Spence deal…

Following what seemed like weeks upon weeks of talks, chairman Daniel Levy and Boro counterpart Steve Gibson reached a compromise over the signing of Spence.

Spurs confirmed his capture on Tuesday morning as manager Antonio Conte, at long last, gets an exciting and capable right-wing-back option through the door at Hotspur Way.

Spence’s arrival not only adds that degree of quality, but it also goes some way to balancing the books when it comes to the Lilywhites’ homegrown quota – which has been a real point talking point over this window.

Interestingly, as explained by The Athletic’s Eccleshare, this transfer has been a real possibility since the winter window.

The Latest: Eccleshare makes intriguing Spence claim…

According to his sources, it is believed that the 21-year-old has had his eye on a move to north London ‘as early as January’ – even telling Nottingham Forest teammates that was his intention all along.

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Eccleshare explained:

“As early as January, Djed Spence told his Forest team-mates that he would be heading to #THFC. Yesterday he finally made the move.”

The journalist also goes on to call the Englishman a ‘very exciting’ signing, even if it does carry a degree of risk.

“Anyway a very exciting signing but as ever with buying a player from the Championship a bit of risk.

Jack Clarke and Joe Rodon haven’t been massive hits, but there are plenty that have been in the PL.

And I guess any signing carries degree of risk. Let’s see.”

The Verdict: Big boost…

Lauded as the ‘perfect player’ for Conte by members of the media, Spence’s real desire to join Tottenham really sums up just how far they’ve come under the Italian boss.

Their pull is far stronger than this time last year under ex-boss Nuno Espirito Santo and the fact Spence has wanted to join since January of course means it isn’t all about Champions League football either.

Conte may be building something special at Spurs and the 2022/2023 Premier League season will certainly be very interesting.

Reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared his verdict on the quest for additional attacking signings at Arsenal this summer, suggesting we could see a surprise signing in north London.

The lowdown: All change in N7

It’s been a busy window so far for technical director Edu as the Brazilian attempts to suitably reinforce Mikel Arteta’s squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, having missed out on qualification for the UEFA Champions League last term.

The Gunners have bolstered the ranks with the additions of Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Marquinhos and Matt Turner, whilst Matteo Guendouzi, Alexandre Lacazette, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Auston Trusty have all left the Emirates Stadium in some capacity.

After the north Londoners missed out on Raphinha to Barcelona, Manchester City defender Oleksandr Zinchenko is expected to be the next through the door and links to the likes of Lucas Paqueta remain ongoing, leading to the belief another attacking option could yet be forthcoming…

The latest: ‘Happy to jump’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, renowned transfer guru Romano suggested that Arsenal could yet strike for a new target we don’t even know about yet if a perfect opportunity arises.

He said: “I think it’s a possibility but Arsenal will go with their strategy as always. As they did in January when they wanted Dusan Vlahovic and were not able to sign him, they decided to wait and sign a player like Gabriel Jesus.

“I think it will be the same. If they can find an opportunity for a player who could be Arsenal, the right player for Mikel Arteta and Edu, they will be happy to jump into it.”

The verdict: Fingers crossed

Albeit the business so far should be commended, the quick-fire double departure of previously talismanic duo Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Lacazette puts huge pressure on Jesus to hit the ground running.

Whilst wide options such as Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and young centre-forward Eddie Nketiah have all proven to be capable of finding the net in the Premier League, ultimately the Gunners missed out on a top four finish with eight fewer goals scored than north London rivals Tottenham – a key reason behind the fifth place finish.

Plus, with UEFA Europa League football back on the table and big money flop Nicolas Pepe reportedly courted by Leicester City, adding sufficient depth in the attacking department will be imperative and as such, Edu must remain attentive to all potential opportunities.

Aston Villa made a surprise announcement on Wednesday afternoon and no, it wasn’t their sixth signing of the summer transfer window.

The Midlands outfit confirmed that manager Steven Gerrard has named midfielder John McGinn as their new captain, taking over from Tyrone Mings.

“John has demonstrated that he is ready to take on the captaincy through his performances on the pitch combined with his attitude and application in training,” the head coach revealed. “He is a popular member of the dressing room who sets high standards and expectations of himself.”

Now, it could be time for sporting director Johan Lange to deliver on the transfer front, and with Villa thought to be interested in PSV Eindhoven star Ibrahim Sangare, McGinn could get the perfect midfield partner for the new campaign.

Earlier this week, Birmingham Mail reporter Ashley Preece revealed that the Ivory Coast international was “one that has been mentioned in circles at Villa” and that there was “a lot of interest in him.”

Imagine him and John McGinn

Primarily a defensively-minded powerhouse, the presence of the 24-year-old could allow McGinn more freedom to lead from the front as he looks to provide goals and assists from the engine room.

Sangare, in the past, has been likened to two Premier League greats in Yaya Toure and Michael Essien.

“Physically, he’s like Yaya Toure but he reminds me of Michael Essien,” African journalist Alpha Balde claimed (via GOAL). “I saw Essien at the start of his career and they had the same physical strength at an equal age. Sangare is also passionate.”

The PSV monster also led the squad for tackles (3.3 per game) and interceptions (2.6 per game), and continued that form in the Europa League, where he recorded 3.5 tackles and 1.8 interceptions, proving that he can do it on the big stage as well as in the Eredivisie.

Also lauded as a “complete player” by former Toulouse boss Alain Casanova, it’s evident that Sangare’s defensive intelligence could allow someone like McGinn, who will be buoyed by the captain’s armband, to thrive up the pitch.

Meanwhile, scout Jacek Kulig has previously dubbed him a “top talent”, so that should set pulses racing around Birmingham, with Villa thought to be keen on the PSV sensation.

As such, Lange must now look to complete a move for the 6 foot 3 titan, who has a reported release clause of just €35m (£30m).

AND in other news, Journo backs Aston Villa chief Johan Lange to seal striker swoop…

Everton are reportedly now eyeing up a move for Armando Broja after Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s latest injury setback.

The Lowdown: Calvert-Lewin injury

As per Football Insider, Calvert-Lewin is now facing up to three months out with a knee injury that he picked up in training.

Scans have shown that it is as worse as originally feared, with the striker allegedly having torn his lateral collateral ligament.

The Latest: Broja interest

Co-writing in his latest piece for The Athletic, journalist Patrick Boyland has now revealed that the Goodison Park outfit still hold an interest in Broja, and have continued to explore the possibility of either a loan move or a permanent deal.

However, Chelsea are yet to decide whether they would be willing to let him go or keep him for next season.

The Verdict: Get it done!

With the news of Calvert-Lewin’s injury, it leaves the Merseyside club dangerously short up top.

Richarlison has been sold to Tottenham Hotspur, while Salomon Rondon is suspended for their opening Premier League game at home to Chelsea.

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Hailed as ‘devastating‘ by Albania assistant coach Sergio Porrini, 20-year-old Broja already boasts four senior goals in 14 caps for his country, on top of the nine that he managed while on loan at Southampton from Chelsea last season (Transfermarkt).

Given the top-flight experience that he gained, the six-foot-three colossus would be ideal to come into Frank Lampard’s team straight away, and could even line up against his parent club if he left on a permanent deal.

Leeds United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Watford striker Joao Pedro, according to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb.

The lowdown: Rising star

Signed from Fluminense in January 2020, Pedro took to life in England with impressive ease despite only making 28 senior outings prior to making the switch.

The 20-year-old Brazilian attacker scored nine times and provided four assists in 40 appearances for the Hornets in 2020/21 as Watford earned promotion back to the top flight before suffering relegation last term.

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Now, it seems as though Leeds are set to make an attempt to bring Pedro back to the Premier League…

The latest: Loan move

As per Tuttomercatoweb, Leeds are ‘one step away’ from signing the talented frontman and have been very ‘active in the last few hours’.

It’s claimed that Victor Orta is closing in on a double swoop from Watford, with Ismaila Sarr potentially arriving at Elland Road on a permanent deal.

The report states that Pedro – who was described as an ‘exciting player’ by ex-Hornets boss Xisco Munoz – would ‘arrive on loan’ with no mention of a potential option to buy.

The verdict: Options required

Even without the possibility of a long-term deal for Pedro on the table, signing the languid 6-foot-tall Brazilian would be a smart move from the Leeds hierarchy in order to strengthen Jesse Marsch’s immediate attacking options.

Despite the Hornets’ difficult campaign, last season, the £12.6million valued starlet scored four times and registered one assist in 29 appearances across all competitions, operating as a centre-forward, left-winger and right-winger in the process.

Sharing similar stylistic traits to the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Raul Jimenez and Ivan Toney (FBref), Pedro – who has already found the net in the Championship this term – certainly has the potential and the physicality to succeed at the elite level.

Leeds are yet to bolster the striker department following an injury-hit season for Patrick Bamford and therefore this is a low-risk deal that would make an abundance of sense.

Arsenal are ‘genuinely looking’ to sign a new winger before deadline day on September 1, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Yet to find their man

Edu has already been busy this window, digging deep in his pockets to secure five new additions, including Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from Premier League rivals Manchester City, but the transfer guru isn’t finished there.

The Gunners have been linked with a number of wide players in recent weeks from the likes of Raphinha, who has now joined Barcelona, to Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven, though progress on that front is yet to surface.

The Latest: Arsenal’s winger search

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones revealed that Arsenal are indeed plotting to bring in a new winger ahead of the window closing, but said that they won’t force a deal.

“Arsenal are genuinely looking at options here, but it has to be the right fit. They can’t get this one wrong because they’ve already got a good set of attackers and they’ve got to complement them rather than rock the boat.”

The Verdict: Diaby is the perfect candidate

It yet remains to be seen whether Arsenal have any particular targets in mind, but one individual whose name has cropped up most recently is Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby.

The Frenchman was in fine form for the Bundesliga giants last season, clocking up a remarkable 17 goals and 14 assists in all competitions, via Transfermarkt, and can play down both flanks.

These kinds of figures and versatility will be very appealing to Mikel Arteta, and if he was to put pen to paper, the Frenchman could prove to be a revelation at the Emirates.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke says Newcastle United supporters should be ‘really excited’ by a move for Lyon playmaker Lucas Paqueta.

The Lowdown: Paqueta move on?

It has been recently reported that Dan Ashworth is ‘ready to push ahead’ with a move for Paqueta, as his price tag fits ‘well’ into the St James’ Park transfer budget.

The attacking midfielder of course used to play with fellow Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes at Lyon, and the pair could be reunited in the North East if the Tynesiders decide to sign him.

The Latest: A ‘real coup’

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke has claimed that signing Paqueta would ‘be a real coup’ for Eddie Howe’s team, adding that the Toon Army should get ‘really excited’ about the prospect of him linking up with Bruno again:

“Paqueta is a top player, a Brazil international also being monitored by Arsenal as well. So if Newcastle could lure him to St. James’ Park, it would be a real coup, and something for the Newcastle fans to get really excited about with that midfield partnership possibly with Bruno Guimaraes again.”

The Verdict: No-brainer

The prospect of reuniting Paqueta with Bruno in the middle of the park is surely a no-brainer for the Magpies.

He scored an impressive 11 goals and made a further seven assists from midfield for Lyon last season (Transfermarkt), and could complete a mouth-watering Brazilian trio in the centre of the pitch with Bruno and Joelinton.

Nonetheless, with Arsenal lurking as well, who unlike NUFC can offer him European football this term, they need to try and get this deal wrapped up as soon as possible, before other big clubs start sniffing around as well.

Nottingham Forest have made a whopping 16 signings his summer, and despite that, they are showing no signs of slowing down in the remaining days of the transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to French news outlet RMC Sport, Nottingham Forest are interested in signing out-of-contract right-back Serge Aurier this summer after he left Villarreal at the end of last term.

French clubs Reims and Nantes are also appealed by the idea of signing the full-back but he would favour a move to Spain, England or Italy.

It could be Cooper’s first error

There is no doubt that Steve Cooper and the powers at The City Ground have wasted no time or resources in building a team that can compete in the Premier League, but the Forest boss could be heading for his first transfer error if the club acquired the services of Aurier.

It is no secret that the 29-year-old had a tumultuous time when he was last in the Premier League at Tottenham Hotspur, with countless errors that cost his team on numerous occasions.

Branded an “absolute liability” by talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara,  Aurier was renowned for his slip-ups in the Spurs back-line and displayed a poor attitude in a number of incidents of misconduct investigated by his former club.

One of his most notable fall-outs came from a clash with Jose Mourinho after being subbed at half-time against Liverpool, when the player then stormed out of the stadium before the second half commenced.

Aurier is no stranger to getting booked, with two red cards and 11 yellow cards for Spurs, and 18 cautions accompanied by one red at Paris Saint-Germain.

It doesn’t seem like Aurier has learnt his lesson either, as back in March he was sent off in the first half of a friendly for Ivory Coast against England at Wembley, earning a red card for dissent in his first appearance back on English soil since having his contract terminated at Spurs.

The last thing that Cooper needs right now in his dressing room is a player who could cause an unwanted atmosphere or cost the side vital points in their quest to retain their Premier League status at the end of the season.

With that being said, Marinakis must avoid the signing of Aurier and identify other potential targets to add depth to the position. Given the player’s previous attitude and problems with discipline, he could be more of a hindrance than a help over the season ahead.