Brendan Rodgers’ departure for Leicester City’s rattled Celtic’s comfortable season, as they’ve been left hanging heading into the Scottish Premiership finale.
While former boss Neil Lennon’s been reappointed to steady the ship, Rangers could be the biggest beneficiary from Rodgers’ untimely move.
With eight games still left, Rangers are quite far off their rivals, being eight points adrift of the top spot. That being said, the departure of such an influential manager’s certain to have an adverse effect on the players. They’ll now have to change their style to suit Lennon’s philosophy and this awkward change could affect key results ahead.
The Bhoys’ next fixtures include a tricky trip to Heart of Midlothian and against Aberdeen. If they’re to drop points in those games, Rangers could climb back to turn up the heat behind them. The Old firm derby’s scheduled to take place at the end of March, and the last time Rangers defeated the Celts at Celtic Park was way back in 2010.
However, The Gers are a rejuvenated unit under Steven Gerrard, who has instilled heart and soul into their gameplay, which allowed them to stun Celtic earlier this season. If Neil Lennon doesn’t get up and running quickly, the pressure could end up crumbling Celtic’s comfortable momentum.
The chances might be low, but Rangers will be eying the title after this untimely roadblock in Celtic’s campaign. The Gers need to win all their games themselves and hope Celtic slip-up, allowing them to create history under Gerrard.
[ad_pod ]According to talkSPORT, Leeds United are interested in signing QPR playmaker Luke Freeman in the approaching summer transfer window.
What’s the story?
The Whites are apparently keen on the 26-year-old, whilst they’re also monitoring Loftus Road youngster Ebere Eze too.
Are fans being priced out of the Championship as well as the Premier League? The angry Bolton fan in the video below certainly believes so…
Freeman would certainly be the more high-profile arrival of the two though, and would arrive at Elland Road expecting to become a regular starter under Marcelo Bielsa.
The midfielder has been in fine form this season for the Rs, and has racked up eight goals and four assists in the Championship, as per Transfermarkt’s stats.
The Arsenal academy product would certainly be an interesting target for Leeds to pursue. Considering the Yorkshire club are currently in the thick of a title race, they may well be identifying transfer options with promotion on the cards, in which case, they would be looking to Freeman to make the step up to the Premier League with them.
The next Saiz?
Whether or not they go up, Leeds will still need a new playmaker this summer to replace Samu Saiz, who joined Spanish side Getafe on loan in January, and according to trusted journalist Phil Hay, has no interest in returning to Elland Road.
The 28-year-old Spaniard was a key player for the Whites. He brought a great deal of flair and creativity to the side, and his influence is something Bielsa must find a way to adequately replace ahead of the new campaign.
It could well be that Freeman has been earmarked as the man to take up Saiz’s berth.
Loads of Tottenham fans have been reacting to a transfer report from Italy, which claims the north Londoners could target Juventus winger Douglas Costa this summer.
According to Calciomercato, Tottenham are keen to land Costa this summer.
Spurs have been linked with a move for the Brazilian international before, so this could be a player that Daniel Levy and Mauricio Pochettino are strongly interested in.
CheekySport’s Joel claims Spurs badly need to invest in January after not having “the balls” to beat Arsenal. Check out his uncensored opinion in the video below…
However, the report also claims that Juventus sporting director Fabio Paritici will try to sign Christian Eriksen as part of the deal if Spurs come calling for Costa.
Eriksen is of course yet to show any signs of penning a new long-term deal in north London, and the Danish international will be out of contract in 2020.
This means that every top club in Europe will be sniffing around for his signature both this summer and next January, providing the club doesn’t commit to a bumper new contract before then.
Plenty of fans have been giving their verdict on a possible move for Costa, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…
According to notable transfer expert Duncan Castles, this summer’s transfer window is likely to be a ‘depressed’ one compared to previous years amid the current suspension to football, largely around the world. With that in mind and the fact there’s nothing to give us a footballing fix, the Transfer Tavern are doing their best to remind their readers how some of their club’s fans reacted to the biggest signings of this season in order to focus on what’s been before us, rather than the uncertainty ahead.
Back in August of 2019, Arsenal splashed out £72m on winger Nicolas Pepe. It proved to be a surprise even for supporters of the north London club as Champions League winners Liverpool had been linked with him. One fan thanked Raul Sanllehi.
While outlets such as the Sun suggested he was a ‘flop’, his actual numbers hint at an important role in the side. In just 32 games across all competitions, the Ivory Coast international has scored six goals and assisted a further eight (via Transfermarkt). Considering the Gunners are sat in ninth place in the Premier League and were knocked out of the Europa League by Olympiacos, these are brilliant stats for someone who is playing in a squad with ‘uncoachable’ players, according to Sky Sports’ Gary Neville (via football.london).
As well as his contributions in the final-third, Pepe seems to be a man who strikes fear in opposition defenders, averaging 2.7 dribbles per league game, as per WhoScored. His quality has been highlighted by Sky Sports’ Graeme Souness, who claimed the winger can emulate club legend, Thierry Henry, surely the highest praise any Gunners player can receive.
Whatever happens, when the top-flight season resumes, Pepe has shown his quality and that he can make an impact on this side. With that in mind, the money invested in him is slowly starting to look worth it.
Arsenal fans, do you think Pepe has performed up to standard this season? Let us know your thoughts below!
Timo Werner has been linked with Liverpool for quite a while.
The big fat Liverpool quiz of 2019 – how much do you remember about the last year at Anfield?
The first reports emerged back in October, and there have been updates about him ever since. The latest one comes from Simon Johnson of The Athletic.
The journalist has said that the Germany international will not consider a move to Anfield when his €50million (£42.6m) comes into play. This is due to the fact that he believes there is no place for him to feature with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino already the regulars up front.
The club’s supporters have been reacting in their droves to this news, and many have slammed the RB Leipzig striker’s attitude.
In all fairness, you can’t really disagree with that point of view. Mane, Firmino and Salah have already scored 35 goals between them this term, with just under half of the season remaining. Given that the Reds are top of the Premier League by 13 points, it would be a hard side to break into.
Others, though, believe there could be a spot for the former Stuttgart man were he to make the move.
With 23 goals in 25 matches already this season, the German is having a fantastic campaign, and on that kind of form, Klopp would surely be able to make some space for him in the team.
If this news is true, though, we will never know if he would have become a star at Anfield.
Elsewhere, Liverpool are interested in this youngster “worth €300m”.
Aston Villa played out a 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion in the Championship on Friday night.
Anwar El Ghazi scored twice for Villa, who led into second-half stoppage time.
A controversial goal from Jay Rodriguez, which came off the forward’s head, levelled the scores though as West Brom snatched a late point.
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Tammy Abraham, who is on loan at Villa from Chelsea, entered the match off the back of scoring seven times in his last four Championship matches, but the striker failed to make his mark against the Baggies.
Abraham had opportunities to put the match beyond West Brom, but the two-time England international could not find the back of the net.
There were a number of Villa fans who took to social media after the match to criticise the centre-forward. However, there were also plenty who defended the 21-year-old.
A selection of the mixed Twitter reaction from the Villa supporters can be seen below:
Liverpool certainly have a history of Samba stars. Indeed, having broken a world record earlier this summer to bring Alisson to the club, the Reds have definitely put an awful lot of trust in Brazilian players, with the former Roma custodian joining Roberto Firmino in the starting XI at Anfield.
Firmino, Fabinho and Alisson aren’t the only Selecao stars to have thrilled supporters on Merseyside. Philippe Coutinho, who left for Barcelona little under a year ago, was one of the club’s best players in the Premier League, while Lucas Leiva made himself a cult hero during his stint at the club.
So, looking ahead to the January window, who else could follow suit? Though Jurgen Klopp’s side are in with a great shout of winning the title this season, some clever January signings could put the final touch on a sustained challenge of Manchester City.
Keeping with the Brazilian theme, here’s a look at who might be a good addition in the New Year sales.
Miranda
The signing of Virgil van Dijk in January 2018 certainly had a transformative effect on Liverpool. While the classy Dutchman was hugely expensive, he’s almost single-handily improved Liverpool’s defensive line.
However, the options behind both him and Joe Gomez look a little light. Indeed, though Dejan Lovren may genuinely believe he’s one of the best central defenders in the world, neither he or Joel Matip look overly convincing.
With that in mind, perhaps a move for Inter Milan’s Brazilian lynchpin, Miranda would be a good idea. A no-nonsense defender, the 34-year-old would be a wonderfully experienced option to compliment van Dijk.
Lucas Paqueta
Though Liverpool’s best weapon right now is their thrillingly devastating frontline, the club did miss out on the signing of Nabil Fekir over the course of the summer. So, it’s clear that the Reds wanted another option, an attacking midfielder to feed the likes of Sadio Mane and Mo Salah.
With that in mind, what better way to replace Coutinho, than with a younger Brazilian?
Lucas Paqueta of Flamengo may have some way to go until he can be considered in the same class of Coutinho, though certainly has the talent to be. A gifted technician, perhaps bringing him to Europe in January would be a good idea from those at Anfield.
Former Manchester United midfielder Ray Wilkins has claimed that the club will not sign Arsenal star Mesut Ozil due to the German’s lack of work ethic.
The World Cup winner has often been criticised for going missing in ‘big’ games.
However, in recent fixtures, particularly against Tottenham Hotspur and United, the 29-year-old has performed at a high level.
Ozil’s future at Arsenal has been a talking point for some time given that he is yet to sign a new contract.
Like Alexis Sanchez, the midfielder will come to the end of his current deal, which means that he will be allowed to leave the Gunners for free.
Ozil is also eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club when the transfer window opens in January.
Given that Arsenal’s only chance of pocketing a fee for the ex-Real Madrid star is next month, the club may end up selling mid-season.
However, Wilkins does not believe that United will be the club to sign him.
In an interview with Sporting Bet, the football pundit claimed that the Red Devils could end up bringing in Chelsea’s Willian instead.
“Mesut Ozil won’t go to Old Trafford because he doesn’t have the work ethic that Mourinho looks for in his players. I actually see Willian as being the likely player to head to Old Trafford. Jose is an enormous admirer of Willian and he would be a special signing for United, but I pray that Chelsea don’t let him go.”
According to reports in The Mirror, West Ham United have joined two of the Premier League rivals in the race to sign Montpellier striker Steve Mounie this summer.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Irons manager Slaven Bilic is desperate to bring in at least one new striker – and probably two – this summer and he has been heavily linked with the Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho and Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi.
However, the Croatian boss is weighing up all of his options and is understood to have joined Watford and West Bromwich Albion in taking a closer look at Mounie, who would cost significantly less than the Premier League attackers.
How did Mounie do this season?
The 22-year-old did very well and helped Montpellier avoid the drop by scoring 14 goals and providing a further three assists in 35 Ligue 1 appearances.
What sort of a striker is he?
Football Soccer – Montpellier v Paris St Germain – French Ligue 1 – Mosson stadium, Marseille, France 03/12/2016 – Montpellier’s Steve Mounie reacts after missing a scoring opportunity against Paris St Germain. REUTERS/Jean-Paul Pelissier
Standing at 6’3” tall, the Benin international is certainly more in the mould of Andy Carroll than Diafra Sakho and he won an impressive 282 aerial duels in those 35 Ligue 1 outings this term.
Would he be a good signing for West Ham?
When Carroll is in the side the Irons play a certain way and it is usually effective.
The problem is that the striker doesn’t spend enough time on the pitch because of injury, but Mounie certainly has all of the attributes to play a similar role up top in Carroll’s absence.
He is a strong and physical player that would be able to hold the ball up and bring his teammates into play, which is a trait that may well impress Bilic.
How much would he cost?
The report suggests that he could be available for just £13m this summer, and with his physical attributes and his potential to improve as he is just 22 years of age, it might be a tempting deal for the east London outfit.
Whether a bidding war could happen with the interest from their Premier League rivals remains to be seen, though.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, while West Ham’s preference would probably be to sign Iheanacho and Batshuayi this summer, if they want a cheaper alternative whose surname is a bit easier to pronounce they should take a punt on Mounie.
Unless there is a minor miracle at Wembley on Friday night, another generation of Scotland players will miss out on playing at the World Cup Finals.
Russia 2018 looks like becoming another distant tournament as 20 years passes without Scotland at the biggest stage of the international game.
The World Cup in France saw Celtic’s biggest ever contingent of players. Fresh from stopping ten-in-a-row Craig Brown relied heavily on the Hoops connection for his squad.
Best pals Simon Donnelly and Jackie McNamara were on duty, midfielders Paul Lambert and Craig Burley were in place, Darren Jackson started in the opening match against Brazil, Tom Boyd scored an own goal with Johnathan Gould a back up keeper after Andy Goram had a change of mind. Tosh McKinlay was also in the squad, despite being understudy to Stephane Mahe at club level
Former Celt’s Derek Whyte and John Collins were also included.
The decline in Scottish international football since 1998 has been sharp, with the list of internationals from Celtic highlighting the issue.
With all respect to the players listed in this article, it’s unlikely that many of them would have been capped in another era. Typically the team is playing in a 4-5-1 formation to dig in for a draw or face saving defeat.
Hold on tight to view the post ’98 Celtic & Scotland XI…
DAVID MARSHALL
It’s 14 years on since his night in the Nou Camp, with the local Bhoy making a great career for himself in England.
He had some unfortunate early international experiences but is now well established as Gordon Strachan’s first choice – holding off the challenge from Craig Gordon and Allan McGregor. Credit to Gordon Strachan for having faith in Marshall after dropping him from at in favour of Artur Boruc.
Marshall is a tried and tested Premier League keeper, he excelled for Cardiff City and is impressing with Hull City as they look to retain their top flight status.
MARK WILSON
Football – Celtic v Motherwell Scottish FA Cup Final – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland – 10/11 – 21/5/11Mark Wilson (C) and Anthony Stokes (L) celebrate after Motherwell’s Stephen Craigan (Not Pictured) scores an own goal and the second for CelticMandatory Credit: Action Images / Lee SmithLivepic
Earned a solitary full cap appearing as a substitute in the short lived Carling Nations Cup against Northern Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in 2011.
Wilson was a regular under-age international but failed to bridge the gap into the full squad. In most circumstances a move to Celtic should have kicked off his international career, but too many injuries got in the way.
Season 2010/11 was the best season of his Celtic career, replacing Phil Bardsley in a 3-0 win shortly before he scored the only goal of the game in a 1-0 Scottish Cup replay against Rangers.
STEPHEN MCMANUS
Football – Dundee United v Celtic – Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League – Tannadice Park – 07/08 – 22/5/08Celtic’s Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (R) celebrates after scoring his sides first goal with team mate Stephen McManusMandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven Paston
A late developer at Celtic, his international debut came a year later when he replaced Robbie Neilson in a match against Georgia.
McManus was a good, steady centre-half at Celtic who took his chance when it finally appeared. However, the chance to play alongside Bobo Balde or Johan Mjallby would have been invaluable.
His club career was heavily linked to Gordon Strachan but his cap days were over by the time Strachan took on the Scotland job. He has 26 caps, scoring two international goals.
GARY CALDWELL
Football – Celtic Press Conference – Landmark Hotel, London, England – 09/10 – 25/8/09Celtic’s Gary Caldwell during the press conference Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Steven PastonLivepic
Was already an international when he joined Celtic on a Bosman deal from Hibs, Berti Vogts gave the defender his first cap in a 5-0 loss away to France in 2002.
Caldwell did get his revenge on the French when he scored the only goal of the game, as a typical bus parking exercise by Walter Smith pulled off a surprise 1-0 win.
He played alongside many different central defensive partners during the worst of international times, picking up 55 caps with a total of two goals scored.
DANNY FOX
Football – Wales v Scotland 2014 World Cup Qualifying European Zone – Group A – Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales – 12/10/12Wales’ Gareth Bale (R) in action with Scotland’s Danny FoxMandatory Credit: Action Images / Andrew CouldridgeLivepic
One of the most bizarre international careers, highlighting a brief and bizarre Celtic career.
Tony Mowbray described Fox’s left foot as a wand when he was signed on a £1.5m deal from Coventry in 2009. He had a disastrous debut away to Wales shortly after joining Celtic but was recalled by Craig Levein three years later for the last of his four caps.
Fox has proven to be a decent Championship level defender but wouldn’t have got close to a Scotland cap in any of the World Cup Finals squads.
PAUL HARTLEY
Football – Stock – 9/9/09Paul Hartley – ScotlandMandatory Credit: Action Images / Ed Sykes
Was a late developer but his international career kicked off under Walter Smith.
A debut away to Italy in the San Siro is quite an introduction to the international scene. Typical of Scotland players, his international career coincided with restricting his attacking instincts and evolving into a holding midfielder.
His Scotland career continued after switching from Hearts to Celtic. In total he picked up 25 international caps.
SCOTT BROWN
Football – Poland v Scotland – International Friendly – National Stadium, Warsaw, Poland – 5/3/14Poland’s Kamil Glik in action against Scotland’s Scott Brown (R)Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Peter CziborraLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Back at the centre of attention, the Hoops captain successfully handled the step up from U21 matches to playing at full international level and the switch from Hibs to Celtic.
Like Caldwell, he has played through a number of failed campaigns in an international career that is now in its twelfth season.
There has been some high spots, some dominating, impressive displays but like many others he hasn’t been able to break out of the cycle of decline.
BARRY ROBSON
Football – Scotland Training – Carton House Hotel Spa & Golf Club, Maynooth Road, Kildare, Co. Kildare – 27/5/11Scotland’s Barry Robson (L) and Kenny Miller arrive for trainingMandatory Credit: Action Images / Peter CziborraLivepic
His career was coming towards a peak when he collected his first Scotland cap as a Dundee United player against South Africa in 2007.
After the dynamic start to his Celtic career, he forced his way into the Scotland side under George Burley and Craig Levein.
Like Hartley, his progression to full international football seemed to coincide with taking on a more physical and defensive aspect to his game and he earned 17 caps in total.
KRIS COMMONS
Football – Celtic v Dundee United – Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership – Celtic Park – 25/10/15Celtic’s Kris Commons celebrates scoring their third goal Action Images via Reuters / Graham StuartLivepicEDITORIAL 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
Was picked up when playing for Derby County, becoming one of a number of English born players who uncovered their Scottish connections well into his club career.
His performances with Scotland earned him a move to Celtic where he was a major force in the side that won five titles.
With a young family and the increasing demands of the international scene, he retired from Scotland duty after collecting 12 caps.
SHAUN MALONEY
Football – Scotland v Nigeria – International Friendly – Craven Cottage, London, England – 28/5/14Scotland’s Shaun MaloneyMandatory Credit: Action Images / Matthew ChildsEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Has enjoyed a strong international career, looking at home on that stage through a fluctuating club career that has criss-crossed Scotland and England and included a brief stint in North America.
Like Stephen McManus, Maloney’s club career really took off under Gordon Strachan but that relationship currently seems to be strained.
During the failed campaign for Euro 16, Maloney was one of Scotland’s top performers. He has picked up 47 caps and scored seven times.
CRAIG BEATTIE
Football – Scotland Training – Parc de Princes – Paris – France – 11/9/07Craig Beattie Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Lee Mills
Yet another of the ‘Strachan gang’ whose Celtic career accelerated when the current Scotland boss took over from Martin O’Neill.
His explosive pace proved to be too explosive with hamstring injuries blighting his career at the worst possible times.
All seven of his caps were came over a two year stint with the highlight being a last minute winner against Georgia at Hampden in the Euro 2008 campaign.