Gylfi Sigurdsson was one of Ronald Koeman’s buys during his splurge in last summer’s transfer window at Everton.
The midfielder arrived at the club with plenty of promise, and even though he has been able to put in some decent performances for the Toffees, the team as a whole have struggled.
Koeman was sacked in October with the club plunging towards the relegation zone, and eventually the Dutchman was replaced with Sam Allardyce.
However, the experienced coach’s long-term future at Goodison Park remains uncertain, and fans have already begun assessing his potential successors.
This season, Sigurdsson has made 32 appearances in all competitions, netting five goals and creating four assists for the Toffees.
Earlier this month, the former Swansea City star suffered a blow when he picked up a knee injury during Everton’s 2-0 win over Brighton.
Since then, the 28-year-old has been working on his recovery, and he has now claimed that it was possibly the worst time for him to get injured.
While speaking to the club’s official website, Sigurdsson said:
“I felt I was getting towards it [my best football]. I felt fit and really good. My confidence was coming back and for the team as well, with two wins in a row, it was a bad time to drop out. It is a frustrating time but it is just one of those things and you have to get on with it.”
Everton have won their last two Premier League games and currently sit ninth in the table on 40 points.
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All good things must come to an end, and Darren Fletcher’s career Manchester United is no different.
The midfielder is out of contract this summer, and it is has been widely reported that West Ham are hoping to bring the 30-year-old in on loan until the end of the season.
Fletcher would be a great signing for a West Ham side pushing for European competition this season and would gain from the opportunity to be playing every week. United do understandably still value Fletcher, primarily for his professionalism and positive influence on the squad, with his being made vice-captain at the start of this season evidence of this.
The Scotsman has had a brilliant decade at Manchester United, but it would be a shame for that legacy to be tarnished by his career their petering out. He faces intense competition in centre-midfield from Marouane Fellaini, Daley Blind, Ander Herrera and Michael Carrick; and Louis van Gaal may look to strengthen even further in his position.
When called upon this season, Fletcher has failed to match his previous levels, starting rarely and losing the vice-captaincy. He was particularly disappointing against Aston Villa, but must be remembered primarily for his fantastic contributions to United’s success.
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Given the great affinity Fletcher has developed with United and their fans, their bias might lead to an ignorance of the fact that it is time for a change for both parties This is not a criticism of Fletcher – there is no shame in being not good enough for Manchester United’s midfield at 30. Add in a remarkable recovery from ulcerative colitis, which he was diagnosed with in 2011, and he deserves great credit for even playing football again.
Fletcher has won the League and FA Cup once, whilst claiming five Premier league titles across a decade. The midfielder unfortunately missed the 2009 Champions League final after being sent-off in the semi-final stages, to the despair of United fans due to his importance to the team at that year.
Typically for Fletcher, he came back fighting, making the Premier League team of the year the following season – and his extensive contributions to United under Ferguson should not be forgotten. At 30, and with this superb CV and consistent glowing references for his character and professionalism, Fletcher has plenty to offer Premier League suitors.
His title-winning experience alone is outstanding, and as a free transfer Fletcher would represent good value, particularly in the ever-inflating modern market. At West Ham, Fletcher would be a great asset as a leader of men but arguably he is capable of playing regularly for a club seeking a top six finish in the Premier League.
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Others might say Fletcher’s time is fading and this would be enough of a challenge but ultimately, the Scotsman has spent his entire career defying the odds. One would not bet against him managing this one last time, even if it is not at Manchester United.
With Arsenal desperate to navigate out of this period of uncertainty — one which has seen big name after big name leave the club and the chance to play Champions League football set to be a real battle for next season — the last thing the club need to do is get rid of another established player in the squad.
There is some sense to Arsenal’s thinking behind reportedly offering Bacary Sagna only a one-year extension to his contract; the player has had two serious injuries in 2012 and it’s unclear how far into the future it will hinder his performances.
The problem is, Arsenal are not in a position to be picky about who they retain or who they can go into the market to pick up as a suitable replacement. The club’s best have streamed out the exit door, while it’s been increasingly difficult to shift the deadwood due to their wages. But Sagna has been an extremely good performer for the club since arriving from Auxerre in 2007, forcing Emmanuel Eboue out of the right-back spot and making it his own for the past five seasons.
Carl Jenkinson has made noticeable improvements to his game this season, looking perfectly adept at handling the pressure of Premier League games with such little experience in the top-flight. However, it’s still far too early to throw him into the mix as the team’s first-choice.
What then happens if the club do go on and replace Sagna via the transfer market, most likely with a player from abroad? It will take another period of adaptation to English football, possibly forcing Jenkinson to take up more playing time and in bigger matches throughout the season. Arsene Wenger will naturally go for a younger player to replace Sagna, but as always, the manager seems to neglect the importance of experienced members of the squad and their value to players still learning their trade.
Bacary Sagna has been well off form over the past few games, possibly giving evidence that he is unhappy with his treatment from the club and the offer of only a short extension rather than something substantial. But it’s really the first noticeable dip in the player’s time at Arsenal. There was talk of him taking the captain’s armband when Robin van Persie departed due to his experience and time in north London, while he’s also consistently been one of the Premier League’s best full-backs over the years.
You simply can’t buy that level of consistency and value, especially with Arsenal’s prudent approach to the transfer market. It only takes a noticeable drop in quality in one area of the pitch for the whole team to feel the effects, so at this stage it seems maddening that the club would consider letting Sagna go.
With his age, he’s the perfect bridge between now and the time when Jenkinson is good enough to become the team’s first-choice. As mentioned, he’s hardly put a foot wrong and Wenger has spoken out about the player’s love for the club.
Above all, Arsenal need to be looking at quality and continuity in their squad. It’s of little use to anyone when the manager has to tear up his plans each summer and start from scratch because an important name has been moved on.
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Sagna would continue to offer the club plenty going forward, and if he remains injury free for the remainder of the season, it should be beyond question that he receives at least a two-year extension to his contract. Even with those two injuries, Sagna is still far too good to be discarded without much thought.
Feyenoord striker Nicolai Jorgensen has spoken about his failed moved to Newcastle, and it certainly sounds like he’d be open to a move in the future.
Newcastle looked all set to sign Jorgensen in January after tabling a £15million bid for the goalscoring machine. The bid was rejected, which was “a little annoying” according to the 27 year-old striker.
Jorgensen was supposed to come in and provide the goals that Rafa Benitez’s side has been lacking. Dwight Gayle is a fan favourite but hasn’t really proved himself at the top level yet, and Joselu has not had the required impact since his move to Tyneside.
Benitez and Newcastle eventually settled for a loan move for Islam Slimani, who is yet to kick a ball for the club. Jorgensen says he was a disappointed because it is a dream to play in the Premier League.
“It was a little annoying. Of course it is always nice to know that there is a club that will pay so much money for one, so of course it gave me confidence, but at the same time a little bit of sigh,” the 27 year-old told Tips Bladet.
“It is of course a big dream for me to end up in such a league.”
A player publicly speaking so positively about a failed transfer can only mean good things if Newcastle want to pursue him again. Jorgensen only has eight Eredivisie goals this season, but managed 21 in 32 starts last season.
Jorgensen definitely sounds interested in a move to Newcastle if they keep their Premier League status, but says he is focused on his job with Feyenoord.
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“It is okay. I’m really happy to be in the club so there is nothing there. The only reason I was a little down was because it was a dream like all football players.”
Newcastle fans, would you like to re-visit the Jorgensen deal this summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…
As the 2014-2015 season enters its second leg, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger will have the opportunity to make a few January changes to his squad.
Apart from looking to other leagues to bring in more reinforcements, Wenger can try making moves for players in the same league as some big name players are tipped to be on the move.
So, here are five Premier League players the Gunners should look to if they will want to regain their form and fight for a top four finish again…
Winston Reid
Name: Winston Reid
Age: 26
Position: Centre-Back
Nationality: New Zealand
Club: West Ham United
Price: £20million (asking price)
Arsenal have more than once shown that they are struggling to defend week in week out and with their added injury concerns in the back, another centre-back sure tops Arsene Wenger’s January shopping list.
Winston Reid has been in great form helping West Ham United achieve a great first half of the season as he is also being linked with moves to Liverpool and Manchester United. However, his huge asking price is still a factor in his purchase with Wenger not willing to spend such a high fee for his services.
Morgan Schneiderlin
Name: Morgan Schneiderlin
Age: 25
Position: Centre Midfield
Nationality: France
Club: Southampton
Price: £20-£25million
Apart from needing to buy a centre-back, Arsenal are also in desperate need of a central midfielder capable of slotting in right in front of the back four. Attack-wise, Arsene Wenger has a huge selection of players while both Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini have been on the recieving end of quite a bit of criticism.
Morgan Schneiderlin has been linked with a move to the Emirates ever since the summer, but Ronald Koeman is doing all he can to retain his services. It is likely that the Gunners will put together one big offer to finally fill the void in their midfield.
Chris Smalling
Name: Chris Smalling
Age: 25
Position: Centre-back
Nationality: England
Club: Manchester United
Price: £10-£15million
Although this is a highly unlikely transfer, Arsene Wenger was linked with a move to try and sign Chris Smalling from rivals Manchester United. With Arsenal only having two actual centre-backs in their squad, signing another one is in the club’s best interest.
Smalling may even be open to a move if Louis van Gaal decides to reshuffle his entire defence given the way they have been playing lately. If United sign one or two centre-backs in January, Wenger may be cleared to make a move for the England defender sometime during the January window.
Moussa Sissoko
Name: Moussa Sissoko
Age: 25
Position: Centre Midfield
Nationality: France
Club: Newcastle United
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Price: £15-£20million
Moussa Sissoko is a player who fits the bill to fill the role Arsene Wenger is looking for and given Newcastle United’s struggle so far this season, he may be interested in a switch to the Emirates. He has featured in 18 out of 20 games for his side and is a constant powerhouse in the middle of the park.
With Alan Pardew about to leave the club, this could be the perfect time for Wenger to make a move as the future of a number of players will be uncertain given a change in management. His defensive capabilities and attacking abilities could be exactly what the Gunners need heading into the final months of the campaign.
Ron Vlaar
Name: Ron Vlaar
Age: 29
Position: Centre-back
Nationality: Netherlands
Club: Aston Villa
Price: £10-£15million
Ron Vlaar is another centre-back that has been attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs, with Liverpool and Manchester United also linked. Arsene Wenger is in desperate need for an experienced defender to either take over from his current ones or serve as back up should someone get injured.
Having been forced to play both Calum Chambers and Mathieu Debuchy in the middle of his defence throughout the season, Wenger should be aiming to secure Vlaar in January so he has enough cover going into the second half of the campaign.
Mikel Arteta scored from the spot to hand Arsenal a third consecutive Premier League victory at the expense of Wigan at the DW Stadium.
The Gunners hadn’t won three games on the spin since March but continued their fine festive run in the North West with Arteta’s penalty moving them up to third in table.
Roberto Martinez’s men find themselves marooned in familiar territory and will spend Christmas in the bottom three for the third season running after losing six of their last eight games.
An injury crisis at the back has left the Latics short of options in recent weeks, Antonio Lopez becoming the fourth centre back to succumb to injury, and Martinez will be cursing the manner of their defeat after a surprisingly solid defensive display.
The visitors began strongly and threatened early on through Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who saw his well struck shot pushed wide by Ali Al-Habsi before Wigan clicked into gear.
Arouna Kone went close twice in quick successtion, firstly striking tamely at Wojciech Szczesny before firing wide after outpacing Per Mertesacker to reach Franco Di Santo’s through pass.
Still, Arsenal were a threat down the flanks and Al-Habsi had to be on guard to thwart Theo Walcott from close ranger after he was set up Oxlade-Chamberlain before half time.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Walcott, playing through the middle once again, as he was starved of service but played an instrumental role in his sides victory, exchanging passes with Santi Cazorla before being felled by Beausejour in the penalty area.
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Arteta stepped up confidently beat Al-Habsi from 12-yards on the hour mark to give the away side a lead to protect as the hosts strived to salvage a point.
However, beating Szczesny was easier said than done with the Polish keeper denying Kone and Maynor Figueroa, while David Jones lashed an effort wide as Wigan’s late efforts proved to be in vain.
According to reports in Spain, Newcastle are one of a number of clubs lining up a summer swoop for Dani Garcia.
What’s the story?
Rafa Benitez has been on the lookout for a central midfielder to partner with Jonjo Shelvey next season and AS reports Dani Garcia is a target for the Magpies.
Garcia, who has made 248 league appearances for his current club Eibar, is out of contract this summer. Newcastle could have competition from within the Premier League, as the report claims Southampton are also interested in the defensive midfielder.
Real Betis, Levante and Athletic Bilbao are all hoping to convince the 27 year-old to stay in Spain.
Would he be a good signing?
The fact that Benitez is on the lookout for reinforcements is a good sign in itself for Newcastle fans, and Garcia would be a great starting point.
The 27 year-old is not the technically gifted maestro one might expect when signing a midfielder from Spain, but he would bring a great balance to the Newcastle midfield alongside Jonjo Shelvey. Garcia is a classic Spanish defensive midfielder, using his intelligence and reading of the game to sniff out attacks and stop them before they begin.
Valued at £4.41million by Transfermarkt, the midfielder averages 2.7 tackles and 2.5 interceptions per game in Eibar’s midfield, and isn’t afraid to spray the ball around either, averaging 6.2 successful long balls per game (Shelvey averages 4.5).
If Benitez’s plan is to build a strong central midfield that can drop long balls in behind to wingers like Kenedy and Christian Atsu, then Garcia and Shelvey could be the perfect partnership on Tyneside. Add to that the fact that it would be a free signing with his contract running down, and Garcia could be exactly what Benitez is looking for.
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Newcastle fans, do you think Garcia would be a good fit? Let us know in the comments below…
Despite investing in both Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli as ‘quick fixes’ to the loss of Luis Suarez, Liverpool are already considering a move to bring a strike hero back to Anfield. No, it’s not ‘El Pistolero’, but instead another summer signing, Divock Origi.
The Belgian forward truly announced himself as one of Europe’s top emerging talents at the World Cup over the summer with a neat goal against Russia, and was promptly snapped up by the Merseysiders in a deal worth around £10m. A part of the arrangement with Lille saw the 19-year-old head straight from Melwood back to France for a season-long loan, but reports are now suggesting that Liverpool are working on a deal with the Ligue 1 side to cut the spell short.
So, could it be a good idea to get Origi back? We at FFC Towers thinK so, and here are FIVE reasons to back it up…
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CLICK ON ORIGI TO REVEAL THE FIVE
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Goals, goals, goals
While Mario Balotelli, Daniel Sturridge, Fabio Borini and Rickie Lambert have notched just two goals between them this term, Origi already has five in all competitions for his club.
The teenage forward has been in great form for Lille so far this season demonstrating his skills and composure in both domestic and European action to further build on his burgeoning reputation. Here’s his most recent effort for Belgium…
And here are all of his Lille goals prior to 2014/15…
//www.youtube.com/embed/mM55i3Ye60M
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Lambert’s struggles
Football – West Ham United v Liverpool – Barclays Premier League – Upton Park – 20/9/14Liverpool’s Rickie Lambert looks dejected at full timeMandatory Credit: Action Images / Tony O’BrienLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for furthe
As mentioned on the previous slide, Lambert has really struggled since making his dream summer move back to Liverpool – who released him as a teenager. The 32-year-old was snapped up after fighting through the Football League with Southampton, with many fans and experts at the time predicting that he would prove to be an astute signing.
However, the experienced hit-man’s lack of speed and mobility have been ruthlessly exposed so far in the red shirt, with his bulky frame appearing out of place alongside the Merseysiders’ wealth of tricky individuals in attacking positions.
As the stats show, he’s appeared laboured and out of sync during his 137 minutes of action so far, contributing very little aside from a bundled consolation effort against Manchester City. This is a far cry from the Lambert we saw on the South Coast:
Added Depth
Football – Liverpool Training – St.Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland – 30/9/14Liverpool’s Fabio Borini (R) and Mario Balotelli during trainingMandatory Credit: Action Images / Matthew ChildsLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Daniel Sturridge’s much-publicised England injury really exposed the lack of quality options at Brendan Rodgers’ disposal. Without his second top scorer from last term, the Northern Irishman was forced to rely on an adjusting Balotelli, and seemingly past it Lambert and Borini – whom he openly wanted to sell over the summer.
With Sturridge’s tendency to pick up knocks, it’s likely that the same situation may occur again over the course of the season, so having Origi in reserve could be useful. The youngster will, likely, be content with a back-up position and could use his hunger to impress when handed opportunities.
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Versatility
While Origi is most comfortable as a striker, his pace and work rate have seen him used on the flanks at Lille through his fledgling career. This term he has spearheaded the attack on the bulk of occasions, yet he has been shifted to the right wing.
Last season the teen sensation also occupied a slot on the left flank, and such versatility is sure to appeal to Rodgers, who is known to favour a fluid attacking line in which his players drift into new positions.
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Allows for Borini to be sold
Even though Borini and his agent are publically stating that the Italian is going nowhere in January, a move away from Anfield looks to be on the cards. The 23-year-old was Rodgers’ first Liverpool signing back in 2012 as he arrived from Roma in a £10.5m deal, yet the switch hasn’t been a success.
Injury problems cut his first season short before a lack of European football on Merseyside saw him shunted out to Sunderland on loan ahead of a move away from the club during the last window being mooted. Liverpool accepted offers from the Black Cats and QPR and are likely to be presented with loan bids from clubs from Serie A in the new year, which will be tempting if Origi is back on the scene.
Newcastle are still seeking their first away win of the season and came desperately close last time out. Alan Pardew was looking forward to at least gaining a point at Old Trafford on Boxing Day before receiving a “galling” blow as Javier Hernandez struck the back of the net.
Pardew’s side may take heart from that performance but things are not going to get any easier for their trip to the Emirates. Before they postponement of their Boxing day fixture against West Ham Arsenal had been on a great run of form, winning their last three in the Premier League.
Wenger’s men will be well rested and hoping that they can capitalise against a wounded Newcastle and they could again climb to as high as third with a win on Saturday.
The defeat for the Magpies on Wednesday saw them slip close to the drop zone in 15th place and will be concerned that they have lost 7 of their last 9 Premier League outings. They will hope to put some distance between themselves and the bottom three.
It is brave to expect that though with Arsenal hoping to leapfrog their North London rivals Tottenham should things all go according to plan.
The Magpies having won just one of their last 10 Premier League games against the Gunners. They have seen a player sent off in three of their last four matches with the club.
Arsenal will be heavily bolstered by the returns of Olivier Giroud and Tomas Rosicky who have both recovered from illness. Defender Andre Santos (stomach muscle) and midfielder Abou Diaby (thigh) may return to training next week but you can’t guarantee this will be the case.
Alan Pardew on the other hand has an injury headache as he suffers fresh concerns. Cheick Tiote will unavailable due to a one match ban and Vurnon Anita is out with an ankle injury suffered in the 4-3 defeat at Old Trafford.
Mike Williamson misses out too after collecting his fifth booking in the same game. Jonas Gutierrez (knee) is amongst several midfielders out with Yohan Cabaye (groin) and Hatem Ben Arfa (hamstring) as local defender Steven Taylor (also hamstring) on the sidelines, while full-back Ryan Taylor and midfielders Dan Gosling and Haris Vuckic (all knee) are still out for the season it appears.
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Newcastle are 10 points worse off than they were at this point last season. They will be all too aware they need another three points soon but won’t hold their breath here.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle
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According to L’Equipe, Liverpool are interested in signing Southampton midfielder Mario Lemina at the end of the season.
What’s the story?
Liverpool are not exactly strangers to signing players from Southampton. Indeed, it has been an extremely common occurrence in recent years.
Virgil van Dijk was the latest player to switch between the clubs, with the Netherlands international moving to Liverpool for £75m during the January transfer window.
According to L’Equipe, Liverpool want to raid the Saints once again; this time for central midfielder Lemina, who has impressed during his first season in England.
Southampton are expected to fight tooth and nail to keep hold of the player that they only signed from Juventus last summer, but Liverpool have consistently shown that they know it takes to raid St Mary’s, and the situation appears to have cropped up once again.
How good is Lemina?
There is no doubt that the midfielder has made a positive impression in the Premier League since making the move from Juventus.
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It is rarely easy for a foreign player to settle in England, but the 24-year-old has shown that he more than has what it takes to operate at this level of football.
Indeed, the Gabon international has already made 22 appearances for Southampton – 20 of which have been in the Premier League, where he has managed one goal.
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Mauricio Pellegrino’s side have not exactly been flying this term, but Lemina has consistently put in strong performances alongside another big talent Oriol Romeu in the middle of midfield.
Liverpool appear to be losing Emre Can at the end of the season, and Lemina, who is valued at £13.5m by transfermarkt.co.uk, would bring energy and quality to a key area of the field.
It is worth remembering that Naby Keita will also make the move to Anfield this summer, but the Reds are short of numbers, and would surely not have to break the bank to sign Southampton’s highly-rated midfielder ahead of the new campaign.