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Southampton’s decision to send Yan Valery out on loan during the winter transfer window was met with a lot of confusion by Saints fans, especially with the lack of a real back-up option to Kyle Walker-Peters on the right-hand side.

The South Coast club were unable to bring in a full-back during January after seeing loan moves for the likes of Brandon Williams, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Japhet Tanganga and Neco Williams all collapse.

Therefore, it was strange to see Valery join Championship strugglers Birmingham City, as it left Ralph Hasenhuttl without any real squad depth in defence.

Since then, Walker-Peters has picked up an injury that ruled him out for much of February, forcing the Austrian manager to play centre-back Jan Bednarek out of position at right-back.

Whilst the Polish international is solid defensively, he offers nowhere near the attacking threat of Walker-Peters, who would provide the Saints midfielders an out ball with his forward runs.

This has been a key factor in Southampton’s recent dreadful form, which has seen them pick up just one point from their last eight matches, including heavy defeats against Leeds United and Manchester United.

Saints fans would have been hoping that Valery would get regular game time with Aitor Karanka’s side in the Championship, but that has simply not been the case, which makes the decision to send him out on loan even more baffling.

The 21-year-old has made just one start for his new club so far and whilst he impressed in that game, earning a 7.65/10 rating from WhoScored, the rest of his appearances have all come from the bench.

Considering the French defender has made 37 appearances in the Premier League in his career thus far, and was a regular under both Mark Hughes and Hasenhuttl in the 2018/19 season, it was perhaps expected that he would get regular game time with the side currently hovering just above the relegation spots in the second tier.

However, the move clearly hasn’t worked out for the young defender so far and considering Walker-Peters’ injury concerns and the Saints’ recent form, it seems crazy that he was allowed to leave in the first place.

And, in other news… Forget Jankewitz: Southampton may already have Romeu replacement in 18 y/o gem

After being called into the starting line up against Everton just minutes before kick-off, after usual number one choice Lukasz Fabianski had suffered an injury in the warm-up, stand-in shot-stopper Darren Randolph has opened up over his first Premier League appearance of the season (West Ham United). 

Randolph, who put in a solid display as West Ham snatched a 1-0 victory at Goodison Park, with Tomas Soucek clinching a late winner for the Irons, was inserted at the very last second as David Moyes called upon the barely-seen ace when Fabianski was injured warming up.

Despite his lack of match action, Randolph looked assured with little sign of rustiness – explaining to the club’s official website that he was ready to answer when he was surprisingly called upon.

Brought in as a reinforcement last season from Middlesbrough, re-signing for the Hammers in a £4 million deal, many supporters have hailed the ‘very smart signing’ after his showing against Everton.

Flocking to his message, here’s what Irons had to say.

West Ham fans praise Randolph

“Fantastic keeper. If we’d have never let him go, last season would have gone very very differently.”

Credit: @LocksmithDuude

“Very smart signing”

Credit: @StephenTJourno

“You did a great job mate”

Credit: @SESmotorsport

“Loved seeing him in goal again.”

Credit: @JOSHLOVESAYS

“Love this guy. A reliable back up who never complains”

Credit: @mattggibbons

“Darren Randolph is a more than abled understudy to Fabianski- would be number one choice at majority of other teams in the league. Seems to be the model professional – never complains about game time and when called upon very rarely lets West Ham down. Solid clean sheet yesterday.”

Credit: @WestHamJoshV

In other news: West Ham fans want GSB to swoop for this ‘class signing’, find out more here.

علق نيلو فينجاد المدير الفني لاتحاد الكرة، على تضارب مواعيد بطولتي كأس الأمم الإفريقية ومونديال الأندية بسبب مشاركة منتخب مصر والأهلي في المسابقتين خلال الفترة المقبلة.

ومن المقرر أن تنطلق كأس أمم إفريقيا 2021 في 9 يناير وستنتهي في 6 فبراير وبالتالي إذا وصل منتخب مصر إلى نصف النهائي الذي سيقام يومي 2 و3 فبراير سيفقد الأهلي أي لاعب متواجد في الكاميرون، بينما يخوض الأهلي أولى مواجهاته في مونديال الأندية يوم 5 فبراير المقبل.

وقال فينجادا في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر فضائية “etc”: “فيفا يمكنه إقامة بطولة كأس العالم للأندية في وقتها المحدد وفي نفس الوقت إقامة كأس أمم إفريقيا في نفس التوقيت ومصر قادرة على الوصول للنهائيات”.

وتابع: “ستكون هناك أزمة بسبب لاعبي الأهلي في مونديال الأندية وعدم قدرتهم على التواجد مع الفريق بسبب منتخب مصر ومشاركته في كأس الأمم”.

وأضاف: “لكن كأس العالم للأندية ليست البطولة الأقوى فهناك دوري أبطال أوروبا أقوى بكثير من حيث بطولات الأندية، وأرى أن الأمر صعب والموقف الحالي معقد ولا أعرف كيف يمكن إقامة البطولتين في نفس الوقت”.

طالع | كاف يعلن بدء العد التنازلي لانطلاق كأس أمم إفريقيا.. ويبرز مشاركة صلاح ولاعب الأهلي

وعن مسيرة مواطنه كيروش في قيادة منتخب مصر، أوضح: “علاقتي قوية بكيروش ولا يمكنني تقديم النصيحة له فهو مدرب كبير وصاحب شخصية وخبرة كبيرة في كرة القدم وهو يعرف أن مصر تلعب من أجل الفوز في كل بطولة”.

وأكمل: “بكل صراحة هناك أمور تذكر في الإعلام ولا أريد الرد عليها لكن عندما يتم الزج باسمي فيها فيجب علي الرد من واقع منصبي”.

واختتم: “لكن دوري هو عدم الرد في تلك الأشياء والتركيز على التخطيط للكرة المصرية ومتابعة المنتخبات، ولا يمكنني السيطرة على تلك الأقاويل فأنا رجل مسؤول وأعرف كيفية التعامل مع مثل هذه الأمور”.

Leeds United have been linked with Yunus Musah in the past. There is now a fresh update on the player which might not be what the English side would have wanted to hear.

Yunus Musah update

Leeds Live report that the Valencia midfielder has signed a new deal with the La Liga outfit. Arsenal, Wolves and Everton had also been linked with the 18-year-old, but the Spanish side have now moved to secure the signature of the highly-rated American teenager.

He has now signed a new six-year deal, which will run until the end of the 2025-26 season. This deal has a reported €100million release clause, according to CBS Sports.

This is a big blow for Leeds

The 18 year-old is clearly seen as a player who has a lot of potential to succeed at a world class level, this is highlighted by the reported release clause he has.

He is clearly impressing his coach at Valencia as he has featured nine times in La Liga this season. Musah has shown his quality t0o, managing 1.1 tackles and one interception a game (WhoScored).

A midfielder who helps the defensive line out, his stats show that he is someone who puts a lot of work in on the pitch, and with Marcelo Bielsa’s style, a move too Leeds would have made perfect sense for the Yorkshire club.

However, that reported release clause is now an issue as the most they have spent on a player is Rodrigo, who they bought for £26 million this summer.

It will be interesting to see if the club continues to monitor the player or see him as one they simply cannot look to pursue given that he’s just been tied down to a very long contract.

In other news, Phil Hay has provided an update on the future of this defender.

After promising Manchester City striker Liam Delap bagged a screamer for the Elite Development Squad on Saturday in a 4-1 win at home to Arsenal, many Sky Blues have implored manager Pep Guardiola to restore him to the first team squad. 

Delap, who got on the scoresheet with a stunning finish as the EDS ran riot against Arsenal, scoring in the 84th minute with a sumptuous curling shot from just outside the area, wasn’t included in the first team squad for City’s away trip to West Ham.

The youngster had been turning Guardiola’s head for his performances in the academy setup, prompting a few squad inclusions and even a start in the Carabao Cup against Bournemouth last month.

Delap scored the opener in that game with a brilliant effort past Cherries keeper Mark Travers and many Citizens now want him back in Guardiola’s squad to make up for another injury to star striker Sergio Aguero.

These Man City fans have backed the youngster, with one even saying that he is “better than Sterling”, who has nonetheless scored four goals in eight games so far this term.

Man City fans plead for Delap to get senior call-up

In other news: City fans are desperate for another Sky Blue figure to return, find out who here and don’t forget to comment below. 

After taking his time to settle into life on Tyneside, Salomon Rondon quickly became a real fans favourite at Newcastle.

The Venezuela international took six games to get off the mark at St James’ Park, but ended up managing 12 goals and seven assists in his 33 games for the club.

And after that thumping header in a 2-1 win over Manchester City back in early 2019, there was no questioning that he was the kind of profile of striker that the Magpies had lacked for a long time.

After watching him deliver a fine goal-scoring performance against Watford, Alan Shearer wasted no time in praising the towering centre-forward, saying: “He’s got a presence because you know he can do that. You know that he can get on the end of things and he brings people into the game. You know he can hold up the play and you can start your build-up with him.

“They’re a better team with him in there because he gives them options. It was another good performance from him.”

Rondon himself made it clear that he was happy on Tyneside, insisting: “They know what I want and what my family want. I have spoken with them and made it clear. If there is an opportunity for me to be here – I’ll stay here 100%.”

But despite Rafa Benitez lobbying for Rondon’s loan deal to be turned into a permanent one, Newcastle opted to go in a different direction, and watched the pair of them head to the Chinese Super League, whilst they spent £40m on Joelinton.

And everyone knows how that signing has ended up. The Magpies had a goal-scoring striker who offered them a bit of everything, and whilst there are no guarantees in football, his loan spell showed he could be a worthy number nine for them.

Instead, they made a bold, and ultimately, foolish call, to avoid spending big money on him, only for it to blow up in their faces with their Joelinton disaster.

According to an update by BILD football chief Christian Falk, via onefootball, Spurs are monitoring the situation of Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng alongside north London rivals Arsenal – with Daniel Levy and co still on the hunt for a new centre-half. 

Boateng, who has enjoyed a decorated career at the Allianz Arena, will be out of contract at Bayern next summer – with the player and club still yet to agree terms on a potential new deal.

Boateng on the move?

As the January transfer window looms, if Boateng does not put pen to paper, he could sign a deal to leave as a free agent in the summer with no profit going towards the Bavarian giants.

Bearing this in mind, selling the 32-year-old could be an ideal course of action, with both Spurs and Arsenal having a better chance than ever to finally secure him.

Tottenham have monitored the defender since 2017, and now Levy could sign the 6 foot 4 colossus who is valued at a bargain £10.8 million by Transfermarkt. 

Transfer Tavern take

Jose Mourinho failed to sign a top-class centre-half over the summer window, with talks breaking down over a deal for Milan Skriniar, and Joe Rodon is largely seen as one for the future.

Spurs could have a stable quick fix in Boateng despite him reaching the twilight stages of his career, and he dropped a huge hint over potentially moving clubs.

As reported by the Guardian, Boateng claimed he ‘would not say no’ to a Premier League move – with Tottenham among those who could snap him up after that declaration.

If Mourinho manages to land this ‘excellent’ ace, it’s safe to say he would provide some much-needed solidarity and experience.

In other news: Spurs fans reacted to Mourinho’s strange comments, find out more here. 

Last season resulted in success for Aston Villa – after gaining promotion back to the Premier League via the playoffs, Dean Smith and his side managed to retain their Premier League status by avoiding the drop by one point on the last day of the season. As well as securing safety, the club even made the Carabao Cup final, eventually losing to Manchester City.

All-in-all, it was a good season for the club, and there are no doubts now that Smith and the board will be looking to invest further in the team to try and climb their way back up the Premier League table. Rumours fly around all the time in the football world, and links between clubs and players differ every day no matter the circumstances.

After recent reports that the Villa owners were setting a £100million budget for Smith to add ‘three or four quality additions’ – who would be the most realistic signings for the club to make, to really try and cement themselves as a Premier League club once again?

Ollie Watkins

Ollie Watkins enjoyed his best season at Brentford last campaign, scoring 26 goals in the Championship, and has been valued at £25 million by the club.

Recent reports from Sky Sports have stated that Villa are preparing an opening bid for Watkins, but will face competition from other clubs also looking to secure the 24-year-olds signature – however, Villa may find themselves in pole positions as Watkins is said to be keen to reunite with his former boss Dean Smith at the club.

It is certain that Watkins would provide great competition for Villa’s current strikers in Wesley, Samatta, and Davis – and Smith would have a task on his hands when choosing who to play upfront.

Milot Rashica

The Kosovan winger has had a tough season with German outfit Werder Bremen – the club recently saw themselves finish in 18th place in the Bundesliga, and scraped a 2-2- draw against Bundesliga 2 club FC Heidenheim in the second leg of the relegation playoff, meaning Bremen had done just enough to stay in the Bundesliga thanks to the away goal rule.

Despite the club’s lack of form in the league, Rashica still managed 8 goals and 5 assists, and helped the club to a strong finish to the season, giving them a place for the relegation playoff that they triumphed in.

Villa will have some persuading to do, however, as it has been reported that Rashica does not want to join a club that may face another relegation battle – with the club also looking at a minimum of €25 million for the winger.

Christian Luyindama

The Congolese defender only played 10 games for Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray this season due to suffering a serious knee injury in November last year, but his defensive numbers from those are impressive.

Luyindama averaged 1.7 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, and 3.8 clearances – as well as 4.4 aerial duels, won per game. The 26-year-old was linked with the Villans back in May, and reports claim that Luyindama is keen on a move to Villa Park, with the Turkish club valuing him at £11 million.

A move for the defender may be dependant on the futures of Villa’s current defensive options, with Tyrone Mings being linked with a move away.

José Campaña

The 27-year-old midfielder enjoyed a great season with Levante in La Liga, helping the club to a 12th place finish. Campaña would add great quality and experience to Villa’s midfield, something that on-loan midfielder Danny Drinkwater failed to do.

After 37 league games, Campaña finished the campaign with 2 goals and 7 assists to his name – as well as an 81.4% pass success rate. It has been reported that Levante value to the player at around £27 million, and other clubs such as Leeds, Everton, Arsenal, Atletico, and Villarreal, with his preference, apparently being Sevilla – the club where he started his career.

If Villa are serious about securing his signature and adding some needed quality and experience to their midfield, then they will need to put a generous offer on the table to sway the player to Villa Park.

Divock Origi

A name that will be known to Villa fans – the Belgian striker has been linked with a move to Villa after six years at Liverpool. Origi could be the perfect option upfront for the club, with a great blend of experience and quality, as well as still being just 25-years-old.

The striker played a big part in the club’s Champions League-winning season, scoring a brace in the second leg of the semi-final against Barcelona, as well as a goal in the final against Tottenham. Liverpool value the player at £25 million, a fee that Villa will comfortably be able to meet should Smith and the club make a serious move for him.

Plenty of Everton fans have been lauding a transfer link to Thomas Lemar as AS have reported that the Atletico Madrid ace is holding out for a move to the Premier League in the summer transfer window.

However, according to the outlet, Carlo Ancelotti’s team may face competition from Wolves to get his signature over the dotted line after he already rejected Portuguese side FC Porto.

The publication also states that he could cost between 25 and 30 million euros, which is the equivalent of between around £22.3 million and £26.7 million.

Indeed, the 24-year old was a key part of the AS Monaco team that beat French giants PSG to the Ligue 1 title in the 2016/17 term, scoring a relatively impressive nine goals and making a further 12 assists in 34 games, as per Transfermarkt.

The winger was also part of the France squad that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, beating Croatia 4-2 in the final (per the website).

These members of the Goodison Park faithful lauded the news on Twitter:

Evertonians, would Lemar be a good signing? Comment below!

With his first season in the Premier League under his belt, Ryan Sessegnon will be hoping to finally make his mark at Tottenham when the new campaign gets underway next week.

The former Fulham starlet played just 12 times across all competitions last season, scoring just once and providing one assist – both of those coming in the Champions League group stages against Bayern Munich and Red Star Belgrade respectively.

Is it Mido or Pedro Mendes? This Spurs quiz will separate the loyal from the fake…

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Jose Mourinho personally intervened when Barcelona made a surprising enquiry to sign Sessegnon on a season-long loan deal, and there is every expectation that the 20-year-old will be given his chance to shine.

And as if to lay down a marker to Mourinho, Sessegnon scored on Friday night as England’s U21s side dismantled Kosovo 6-0, with Spurs fans taking to Twitter to hail his performance.

A couple of Spurs fans seemed to send a message to Mourinho urging him to give Sessegnon some more game-time at the club, with one supporter saying he “needs to play”.

Despite only coming on to play 19 minutes of the game, Sessegnon scored one and made one as he took advantage of a tired back-line.

Whether it’s at left-back or further forward, the 20-year-old will be hoping that Mourinho can give him more opportunities than he did last season, and crucially, he will have to ensure he stays fit.

He missed the opening ten Premier League games of the campaign last year with a hamstring injury, and never seemed to fully recover. His display against Kosovo raises hope that he can hit the ground running this time around.