All posts by h716a5.icu

It seems like a lifetime ago from that Champions League final that made Loris Karius the laughing stock of the footballing world.

The Liverpool ‘keeper, who had been in good form going into the final against Real Madrid, infamously made two massive errors to allow Los Blancos to win 3-1 and subsequently end his career as the Reds number one shot-stopper for the foreseeable future.

As Jurgen Klopp went on to drop multi-millions on Alisson, Karius was sent on a two-year loan-spell to Besiktas, and despite a rough start in the Turkish capital the German ‘keeper has managed to shrug off the mental block suffered during the Champions League and overturned his fortunes to become one of the top shot-stoppers in the country.

With Besiktas obligated to buy the keeper for £7.2 million in 2020 after paying up to £2 million in loan-fees for Karius, it’s starting to prove to be a good deal for both parties, and according to Turkish outlet Fanatik, the Istanbul-based side are more than happy to fill out their end of the bargain.

Karius has been a success in Turkey, and as well as finding form at one of the biggest teams in the country, his parent club Liverpool are set to benefit financially from the move.

Klopp signed Karius from Mainz for a reported fee of £4.7 million, meaning the club are set to yet again make a profit on a player, and Liverpool fans will be more than happy to see the back of the German ‘keeper when he leaves the team for good in 2020.

Liverpool fans, is selling Karius good business for the Reds? Let us know!

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West Bromwich Albion appeared to be in control of the play-off semi-final on Saturday afternoon, but a late salvo from Aston Villa saw the game turn on its head in the blinking of an eye.

Villa turned the screw once they levelled things up at 1-1, but Kieran Gibbs gave them a helping hand with a rash challenge on Jack Grealish inside the penalty area.

The referee pointed to the spot and Tammy Abraham converted to give Villa the advantage heading into the second leg.

And Gibbs, a player familiar to supporters of the Premier League and the Championship, was slated on social media for diving in on Grealish inside the area and for his performance throughout the game.

Indeed, fans of various allegiances, including Arsenal and West Brom, of course, were incredibly underwhelmed by his display and his lack of composure at a pivotal moment in the game.

One supporter claimed that the vastly experienced full-back is stealing a living at this level, and one Arsenal fan delivered a scathing assessment by labelling him a ‘poor man’s Mustafi’. They really don’t cut much deeper than that in north London.

Here’s what the Baggies faithful had to say about Gibbs’ performance vs Villa…

Sunderland fans have become used to seeing Jimmy Dunne star at the heart of their defence as of late, but come next season they’re going to need a new defender to fill his shoes as the 21-year-old will be returning to his parent club. That’s where Deji Oshilaja comes in, the classy Wimbledon centre-back who HITC Sport claim could be Sunderland-bound.

The 25-year-old centre-back has been key to the Dons’ miraculous escape this season. The League One club looked destined for relegation but have fought back against the odds to stay up, and their captain has been key to that. However, with his contract expiring next month it could be time for the defender to move on, and Sunderland would be a brilliant next step for him.

Jimmy Dunne will almost certainly be missed, that much is guaranteed, but the fact that the Black Cats could be set to replace him with Oshilaja will make the blow of Dunne returning to his parent club much easier to take. It also makes sense for Jack Ross to be targetting players on permanent deals instead of relying on an influx of loanees every summer.

The next few weeks will be key for the Mackems. Promotion still hangs in the balance and after they overcame Portsmouth 1-0 at the Stadium of Light anything is possible as they prepare themselves for what promises to be a nail-biting second leg at Fratton Park. The last thing that the Wearside club needs is another season in League One, although either way Oshilaja will be welcomed with open arms.

The challenges of the Championship will be tough, as the Wearsiders found out last season, but if they are able to beat off Pompey and then either Doncaster or Charlton then the recruitment will need to start immediately as they aim for a strong return season in the second-tier. Jimmy Dunne will be a distant memory by then, and hopefully bringing in Oshilaja from Wimbledon won’t be the only move they make.

Sunderland fans, do you want to sign Deji Oshilaja? Let us know!

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According to Wolves Bite, Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Ivan Cavaleiro has emerged as a target for Fulham this summer, and Wolves fans have been quick to have their say on the story on Twitter.

The Birmingham Mail reported earlier this month that Nuno Santo is willing to listen to offers for the 25-year-old, but he wants north of £12m for him.

Now Wolves Bite say that the Cottagers are keen on the Portuguese striker, who scored five goals and provided a further two assists in 29 appearances in all competitions this term.

He certainly hasn’t had as much of an impact as he would have liked following an impressive campaign in the Championship, helping the west Midlands outfit win promotion to the Premier League.

The attacker has found first-team minutes hard to come by, with the likes of Raul Jimenez and Diogo Jota establishing themselves as key starters under Santo.

Are Watford the most likely club to break the top 7 next season? The fans in the video below certainly agree the ‘W’ part in the statement is correct…

Wolves supporters certainly seem split on the potential of Cavaleiro leaving, and while said there is “no room for sentiment”, another disagreed and said it would “be a shame to see him go”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

With the news of Matthijs de Ligt not longer being on Liverpool’s radar for the summer, fans might be in for an underwhelming transfer window, but that isn’t a bad thing.

The Reds have been one of the largest players in the past two transfer windows in Europe, signing the likes of Mohamed Salah, Naby Keita and Alisson for big fees and subsequently transforming Liverpool into one of the best teams on the continent, and this summer is likely to see no big names come to Anfield.

Following a season where the Reds came within touching distance of the Premier League title, it’s hard to see where Liverpool can improve upon in their starting XI, meaning quality backup players seem to be on the agenda for Jurgen Klopp, and one name will bring exactly that for the club.

According to Sport 1, Liverpool are interested in Werder Bremen striker Max Kruse, who recently announced he is leaving the German club this summer after three years at the club, and the attacker would be a great addition to the club.

At 31, Kruse brings experience to a relatively young Liverpool team that will surely again look to evolve, and as well as a wise head the German international has shown he is a proven goalscorer in one of Europe’s top leagues, scoring 11 and assisting nine alone this season.

Kruse would be a reliable backup for Roberto Firmino in the team that will benefit the club both on and off the pitch, and as a free transfer, the German will be a welcome addition to Klopp’s side.

Liverpool fans, will Kruse be a welcome addition this summer? Let us know!

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Loads of Leeds fans have been discussing some potential bargain signings, after The Yorkshire Evening Post published a list of Premier League free agents.

Leeds missed out on a long-awaited return to the top flight by the narrowest of margins, finishing six points off automatic promotion and falling in the play-off semi-final to Derby County.

There’s no question the Whites will challenge again next year providing they keep Marcelo Bielsa at the helm, but they certainly need some reinforcements.

However, after owner and chairman Andrea Radrizzani said the club faces a “difficult” summer, could free signings be the way forward?

The Yorkshire Evening Post have compiled a complete list of Premier League players who will be out of contract this summer, and a few of the older players may well see the Championship as their path back to first team football.

Phil Jagielka and Gary Cahill have both excelled in the second tier earlier in their careers, and the defensive duo, together with Newcastle’s Mo Diame, seem to be at the top of fans’ shopping lists.

All of these players will officially become free agents on July 1, and the Twitter reactions down below are making their picks…

After such a dominant season in League One, it is understandable that Luton Town’s stars have attracted some interest heading into the summer.

The likes of James Collins and Jack Stacey are expected to lure in some big offers as the transfer window gets underway, but one name so far has stood above the rest as the market opens for business, defender James Justin.

The Luton fullback has been sensational this season, scoring three and assisting eight as the 21-year-old guided the side to the League One title, and now with the transfer window open, Justin has already been at the centre of interest from Premier League clubs.

Leicester City (per the Daily Mail) are reportedly interested in Justin with the club looking for £5 million for the prized defensive asset, and although Luton will be trying all they can to hold onto their fullback, the youngster’s future could be better off at the Foxes.

Brendan Rodgers’ side are one of the most exciting in the Premier League with a fantastic mix of youth and experience that make Leicester a team to keep an eye out for in the not too distant future, and it is the perfect environment for Justin to improve his game as well as have a genuine shot at first-team football.

Being able to play at both left and right-back makes Justin a valuable commodity to have, and with Ben Chilwell, the subject of interest this summer, the defender could be seen as a replacement to the England international by Leicester, and that is an opportunity the Luton prospect can’t turn down.

At 21, Justin has firmly established himself as a promising player for the future who could easily make it in the Premier League one day, and after such a solid season in League One with the best team in the division, the defender has earned his chance for a step up into the big leagues.

Luton will be doing all they can do convince Justin to stay for another season, but for the defender, a move to the Premier League seems to be a sensible career move for the fullback, who could be playing in the top-flight next season.

Luton fans, what do you think the future holds for Justin this summer? Let us know!

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According to reports from London Football News, Leeds United are interested in signing QPR attacking midfielder Luke Freeman.

Freeman has been due a move to a bigger club for years after impressing for the London club season after season, and this could be his opportunity to compete at the top end of the Championship.

Impressed

Leeds were quite clearly impressed by what they saw from Freeman when they travelled to Loftus Road earlier this season.

The midfielder ran the show as QPR won 1-0, with the 27-year-old netting the only goal of the game.

Steve McClaren somewhat prophetically predicted the Whites to show an interest in Freeman after that game saying: “He showed his real quality and infectious enthusiasm that he gives to the team.

“When you’re looking for leadership and looking for people to have courage and take the ball, he’s got all that.

“He was our talisman tonight. There were a lot of heroic performances but his was incredible.

“He’s someone who can play at the top of the Championship, could play in that Leeds team and could play in the Premier League, so we’re delighted to have him here.”

Samu Saiz replacement

All of McClaren’s praises of Freeman that night were thoroughly deserved. The midfielder is one of the most creative players in the Championship, and despite being in a struggling QPR team, he is often a joy to watch.

Seven goals and six assists last season tells you all you need to know about the 5 ft 8 maestro. There haven’t been many players to grace the Championship in recent years who can play the way he can in attacking midfield.

The closest Leeds have gotten to a player of Freeman’s talents is Samu Saiz, and with the Spaniard looking likely to leave Elland Road on a permanent deal this summer, the QPR man is the perfect replacement.

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According to Football Insider, Wolves want to use Leeds’ interest in Helder Costa as a way to bring Kalvin Phillips to Molineux.

The 23-year-old has been the subject of interest from Aston Villa, Bournemouth and Norwich this summer, but now Wolves have shown an interest, and they may be set to make a very interesting proposition to Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

What’s the story?

It’s been no secret that Leeds are interested in Helder Costa as Bielsa has prioritised strengthening the wide areas heading into next season.

A loan deal was initially rumoured, and a move could be on the cards with Phillips moving in the other direction.

Football Insider have reported that the Midlands club are willing to let Costa join Leeds in order to bring the defensive midfielder to the club, but it is currently unknown whether that would be on a season-long loan or on a permanent basis.

Better offer than Villa

This report was published just hours before it was revealed that Aston Villa were readying a £14m offer for the Englishman.

If both clubs come in with their reported offers, then the Whites will have a lot to think about, but allowing Phillips to join Nuno Santo’s side would be the better option for the Whites if they get Costa in return on a permanent deal.

They would be getting a top class Championship player in the shape of the 25-year-old, and his value could skyrocket under the tutelage of Leeds’ manager.

Whereas Costa has proven that he is of top Championship quality during both seasons he spent in the division, Phillips has only had one term where he has excelled. And if the influence of Bielsa is taken away from him, then he might revert back to the player he was before the Argentine arrived in Yorkshire.

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Rangers will be willing to listen to offers for Eros Grezda this summer, as reported by website Football Insider.

What’s the story?

Grezda signed up at Ibrox last year as one of Steven Gerrard’s big initial signings but has failed to make any sort of lasting impact in the first-team as fitness issues and poor form made his debut season a dud.

The website say that Gerrard and his coaching staff believe the player to be the “biggest disappointment” in the playing squad last season and that the club are ready to cut ties with the player during the transfer window.

Despite his difficult season, the report states that the club do not to expect to make a loss on the £2m fee it took to sign him from NK Osijek.

Watch how to cross the road like a boss with freestyler Ben Nuttall in the video below…

Should he be written off?

When a player has so many injury problems it’s hard to come to too harsh a judgement when analysing his season.

It’s undeniable though that Grezda did not offer anything close to the quality expected of Rangers wingers, registering just two goals and an assist in 17 appearances.

The player may well have ability but Football Insider also report there are concerns within Ibrox about the player having the mental fortitude to cope with playing for a club as big as Rangers.

If that’s the case then it really is time for him to go and try to pursue a career elsewhere.

That’s especially true if a club is willing to pay the kind of fee that Rangers stumped up for him last year.

It seems he’s had such a bad season that Gerrard has had enough and there’s little evidence to suggest the Ibrox boss is wrong.