Tag Futebol

West Bromwich Albion have been dealt yet another blow in their bid to appoint a new manager at The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett, who revealed in a post on Twitter that Michael Appleton has informed the Baggies hierarchy that he does not wish to take on the vacant role at The Hawthorns.

According to Dorsett, the 45-year-old Lincoln City manager wants to remain with his current side in order to see through his ongoing project with the Imps, who narrowly missed out on promotion to the Championship under the former West Brom U23 coach last season.

Silver lining

It’s been rather challenging to keep up with all the managers who have reportedly turned down the offer of becoming Sam Allardyce’s successor at The Hawthorns this summer, with Appleton being the latest addition to a list that includes the likes of Roy Hodgson, Frank Lampard and David Wagner.

In addition to this glut of rejection, the club’s owner, Guochuan Lai, and the Baggies chief executive, Xu Ke, now appear to be conducting the search for their next manager on their own, following the recent departure of the club’s sporting and technical director Luke Dowling.

However, when looking for a positive in all this mess, one thing that stands out is the rapidly reducing size of Lai’s shortlist, with the businessman ruling out the likes of Swansea City’s Steve Cooper and Barnsley’s Valerien Ismael due to the fact he would have to pay compensation to bring them to the club.

As such, one of the only viable candidates left remaining is the former Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder, a candidate whom the West Brom owner had originally vetoed the Championship side making a move for.

However, the possibility of Lai making a u-turn on his decision regarding the 53-year-old could well be put to the test in the coming days, and likely depends on how firmly against paying a fee to bring in the club’s next manager the owner really is.

If he sticks to his guns, in addition to all of the other available managers rejecting the club’s advances, Lai may not have a choice to appoint Wilder at The Hawthorns, something that would very much appear to be a considerable silver lining to Appleton’s rejection.

In other news: Lai could have just made his biggest West Brom mistake to date, fans are rightly livid

Former Everton star Michael Ball says that the next manager has to get along with Marcel Brands if he is to be a success at Goodison Park.

The Toffees are on the hunt for a new boss since the departure of Carlo Ancelotti, who shockingly left his job to join Real Madrid after Zinedine Zidane left his role at the Santiago Bernabeu.

It is unclear who will be chosen to come in and replace the Italian but ex-Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo appeared to be the frontrunner prior to developments seeing him touted as the top target for Crystal Palace, though there is also said to be interest in David Moyes, who is under contract at West Ham United.

Brands is staying at Goodison Park as the club’s Director of Football, and he is leading the chase for Ancelotti’s successor.

As a result, Ball believes that whoever comes into the club must agree to work alongside the Dutchman, and give him the power to strengthen the squad, instead of disagreeing over pursuits of players et al.

He also believes that owner Farhad Moshiri cannot be at the forefront of the chase for a new boss, given his track record of mistakes in the market.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Ball said: “It’s a huge decision for Moshiri and he’s got it wrong quite a few times. He’s spent a lot of money so I understand why he wants his input but you’re paying a guy there, Marcel Brands, to have a relationship with the manager, you want them to be on the same page.

“You don’t want them to be hammer and tongs, you know, ‘this is my player, this is my player’ and have two or three people on recruitment, which we have in the past, and it hasn’t worked.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Depois de estrear com vitória na Primeira Liga, 3 a 2 sobre o Criciúma, o elenco do Fluminense agora vive a expectativa pelo jogo inicial do Campeonato Carioca: clássico contra o Vasco, domingo às 17h, no Estádio Nilton Santos.

O atacante Wellington é um dos poucos atletas que manteve a condição de titular de 2016 para 2017. Repatriado pelo Tricolor na última temporada, o camisa 11 volta a disputar um clássico com o Vasco esperando jogo duro.

– Vai ser um jogo difícil, como todos os outros que teremos pela frente. O segredo é continuar trabalhando. O grupo está de parabéns pela estreia contra o Criciúma, mas temos que focar em ajustar o que não deu certo, fazer melhor o que tivemos de positivo para continuarmos nessa sequência boa – projetou Wellington Silva, que aproveitou ainda para analisar a atuação da equipe diante do Criciúma, na terça-feira:

– Foi o primeiro jogo, tudo é mais difícil. Mas tivemos três semanas de preparação muito boas e deu pra colocar em práticas algumas coisas. O time do Criciúma complicou bastante, principalmente no primeiro tempo. No segundo, o time desenvolveu melhor e conseguimos fazer os gols. Mas é continuar trabalhando, porque domingo já tem clássico.

Na preparação para o clássico, o técnico Abel Braga comanda uma atividade nesta sexta-feira, às 16h, no CT Pedro Antonio. No sábado, o treino será pela manhã e fechado à imprensa. Todos jogadores estão à disposição do treinador.

RelacionadasFluminenseNovo capitão, Henrique orienta jovens e não se ilude com braçadeiraFluminense26/01/2017Futebol NacionalQue fase! Luz do Maracanã é cortada por conta de dívida de R$ 3 milhõesFutebol Nacional26/01/2017FluminenseMarquinho quer chance após boa atuação mas afirma: ‘Abel é justo’Fluminense26/01/2017

Leeds must look to land Liverpool star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer amid Carlton Palmer’s transfer claim.

What’s the story?

The England international has struggled to really make his presence felt at Anfield, with injuries once again taking their toll on him just like they did at former club Arsenal – he has managed just 103 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side since joining four years ago.

Palmer has now suggested that the Whites should potentially throw their name into the ring for him, feeling that the £18m-rated man could be the kind of player who could take Marcelo Bielsa’s team to the next level.

Speaking to Football FanCast’s sister site This is Futbol, he said: “Alex could be a good fit for any team. I think he’s a very good player; I think he’s just been unfortunate with injuries. I don’t know why Liverpool would want to sell him – maybe he wants to play more regular football.

“I mean, why not? Leeds have done fantastically well and this is what I’m talking about going to the next level. You know, the likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain could take you to the next level, and it’s a big club as well.”

Bielsa would love him

When signing for Liverpool, Anfield Index Pro podcaster Dan Kennett hailed the midfielder as a “physical monster” with “pace, power and endurance.”

Speaking in October 2019 after Oxlade-Chamberlain’s goalscoring display against Genk in the Champions League, Rio Ferdinand said: “You can tell Klopp loves him and he’s desperate to get him in the team somehow. He offers something totally different to the likes of Milner, Wijnaldum, Fabinho and Henderson. He can dribble past people which is hard for a midfielder. It’s great to see him get back in. I like the way that he gets into those positions.

“Once he gets into those pockets in behind the opposition’s midfield he can dribble and shoot. He’s a fantastic footballer and it’s all about decision making there. He offers something totally different in the midfield for Liverpool.”

That ability to take on players is something that Aaron Ramsey, his former teammate at Arsenal, lauded a couple of years ago when saying: “He’s very explosive and quick off the mark, he can go past players with ease and his final ball in has been very good”.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Leeds transfer rumours and news!”]

Given his versatility, and his ability to bring some power and pace to the middle of the park like Ferdinand says, that makes Oxlade-Chamberlain the kind of player who Bielsa would surely love to add to Leeds’ engine room.

Meanwhile, Leeds United could form a “mouth-watering” attack by signing this star…

MatériaMais Notícias

O templo do Santos sempre foi a Vila Belmiro, mas, nos últimos anos, pode-se dizer que o Pacaembu virou a segunda casa do Alvinegro Praiano. Com melhores público e renda no estádio municipal, a diretoria do Peixe já avisou que neste ano mandará mais jogos na capital paulista. São 15 jogos de invencibilidade no estádio desde a derrota para o Ituano por 1 a 0, na final do Campeonato Paulista de 2014.

A estratégia do presidente Modesto Roma é consequência de uma simples matemática. Em 2016, o melhor público registrado pelo clube foi justamente quando atuou no Pacaembu e conseguiu levar 24.586 torcedores. O confronto foi contra o Santa Cruz, na vitória por 3 a 2, válido pelo Brasileirão.

Como se não bastasse o prejuízo que teve em alguns jogos na Vila, o Santos tem praticamente o dobro de público quando joga na capital: média de 8.909 contra 16.935 no Pacaembu.

– Pretendemos mandar diversos jogos nesse ano no Pacaembu. Agora, o Santos assumir um custo, tudo o que é preciso fazer, é muito difícil. É preciso construir banheiros, melhorar acomodações, melhorar tudo. E não temos nenhuma resposta. Não pode fazer show, eventos fora futebol, não há estacionamento e camarote porque são da prefeitura. Já disse ao (João) Doria isso – declarou Modesto Roma.

O novo prefeito de São Paulo, João Doria (PSDB), é santista e já afirmou que pretende entregar a administração do Pacaembu à iniciativa privada por dez ou 15 anos. O Santos, porém, não pretende se candidatar ao posto.

– Privatização e concessão, não. Não temos condição de assumir os custos do Pacaembu. Somos locatários, usuários eventuais – esclareceu o mandatário santista.

No próximo dia 29, o Santos utilizará o Pacaembu para um amistoso contra o Kenitra, do Marrocos. Depois, o time estreia no Paulistão, no dia 5 de fevereiro, contra o Linense, na Vila Belmiro.

Arena santista será apresentada ao conselho

O projeto que visa a dar ao Santos uma arena multiuso ainda está em discussão. A expectativa do clube era que as obras começassem ainda no início deste ano, mas elas ainda dependem da aprovação do Conselho Deliberativo.

A construção do novo estádio será no terreno da Associação Atlética dos Portuários e terá a capacidade para 27.286 torcedores. O investimento, que contaria com o auxílio de uma iniciativa privada, é de R$ 400 milhões.

De acordo com o presidente Modesto Roma, o projeto ainda inclui a modernização da Vila Belmiro com a aplicação de R$ 25 milhões, além da manutenção do estádio – que hoje gira em torno de R$ 300 mil – custeada pelo fundo de investimentos americano.

Números do Peixe na Vila x Pacaembu, em 2016:
Média de público no Pacaembu: 16.935 torcedores
média de renda no Pacaembu: R$ 587.296
Média de público na Vila Belmiro: 8.909 torcedores
Média de renda na Vila Belmiro: R$ 300.745

RelacionadasSantosApós desistência do Santos, atacante Hernán Barcos acerta retorno à LDUSantos14/01/2017SantosDonizete assina com o Santos e promete: ‘Vou marcar forte!’Santos13/01/2017Futebol NacionalFPF divulga datas e horários de rodadas iniciais do PaulistãoFutebol Nacional13/01/2017

Some Everton fans have been left to buzz following a transfer update on Goncalo Guedes that has since been shared by @TheEvertonEnd on Twitter.

As per Plaza Radio (via Plaza Deportiva), the Goodison Park faithful have reportedly joined the race to sign the Valencia ace.

His contract at the La Liga club runs out on 2024, and they are demanding a transfer fee of at least €25m (£21.6m) for anyone to sign him once the summer window opens.

Guedes scored a respectable seven goals and made a further seven assists in 34 games in total over all competitions in the 2020/21 term (Transfermarkt), and at 24 years of age, he has certainly not reached his footballing peak yet.

Nonetheless, with Carlo Ancelotti looking to strengthen his attacking options for next season, the winger could well be the answer to his prayers.

Everton fans on Guedes transfer update

These Toffees buzzed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one Blues supporter even going as far as to claim that he would be a ‘brilliant’ signing:

“Yes please go on Marcel get it done mate would be brilliant signing for us I’m sure of it”

Credit: @Jackbluenose1

“This would be a good signing”

Credit: @efcsam_

“Yessssssss”

Credit: @2k21hypocrite

“Oh go on then”

Credit: @rhysdav43668344

“Buy this man now”

Credit: @BBydays

“This is the signing of the summer if we get him”

Credit: @Djeczo

In other news, find out what transfer update has left EFC fans raging here!

Daniel Levy could be about to make a massive mistake at Tottenham Hotspur…

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, Spurs are planning to sell midfielder Dele Alli despite him featuring in the final five matches of the 2020/21 Premier League season.

A source told the website that the North London outfit will still listen to offers for the £26m-rated star this summer.

Ex-manager Jose Mourinho wanted to sell the 25-year-0ld in the last transfer window but a reunion with Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain was blocked by Levy – now he appears to have changed his stance.

Huge mistake

A lot is likely to happen at Spurs this summer, not at least because they need to find their next manager, first and foremost. He should then probably be the one to make the decision on Alli, not Levy or anyone else in the club’s hierarchy.

Alli showed glimpses of life in these final few matches and that should not result in him being put in the shop window.

Given the situation surrounding his teammate Harry Kane, he’s likely to be very much needed next season as Spurs cannot afford to lose all of their top talents.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-managerial-updates-transfer-news-rumours-gossip-and-more-levy-kane-enic” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, managerial gossip, transfer rumours and more!”]

It’s thought that the 27-year-old is pushing to leave the club after another season ended without silverware, with both Manchester clubs – who are in each of the European finals – mooted with interest, as per Sky Sports.

Without their leading talisman, Spurs are a far weaker prospect and are less attractive to any new manager – take out Alli, who still is nowhere near reaching his peak, then there aren’t many pegs to build a team around.

He was once lauded as a “freak of a talent” having pocketed a second successive Young PFA Player of the Year award and scored a whopping 18 goals from midfield during the 2016/17 season.

And interim head coach Ryan Mason found a way to reintegrate him after Mourinho left him as an outcast for the majority of the season.

Alli started their last five games for the very first time this season and even provided an assist. He had only started twice before that, as per Transfermarkt.

You can’t help but feel that Kane’s future is out of Levy’s hands right now, so he really needs to be keeping around players like Alli for the new manager.

To sell a player before the new manager has had a chance to look at him and speak with him would be a disastrous decision by Levy and is one that he should not make.

AND in other news, Fresh twist emerges in Spurs manager hunt, Levy can right big mistake…

Some Liverpool supporters are excited at the prospect of the Reds signing Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma in the summer transfer window.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have suffered a painful 2020/21 season, with their Premier League title defence swiftly evaporating after Christmas.

Numerous Liverpool players have performed below their usual level, while injuries to key men have also hampered their chances of a top-four finish.

[freshpress-quiz id=“350790”]

In truth, the Reds’ midfield has been the least of Klopp’s worries, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be looking at potential reinforcements there this summer.

Gini Wijnaldum looks increasingly likely to join Barcelona at the end of the season, while the likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Thiago aren’t getting any younger, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain hasn’t looked the same player after all his injury troubles.

According to the Telegraph, Liverpool are eyeing up Brighton star Bissouma as a Wijnaldum replacement, following an impressive season for the Seagulls.

Liverpool fans excited by Bissouma link

These Reds fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the situation, calling for the midfielder to arrive at Anfield in the coming months.

“Want this to happen so badly. Yves is a powerhouse. Technically gifted midfielder”

Credit: @BaksoCamara8

“Pls pls pls he’s been class all season”

Credit: @JonathanRFP

“Yes I’m begging. Get Gini gone.”

Credit: @Jcreamz96

“Be a boss signing tha”

Credit: @sol_j2

“I would be very happy with this”

Credit: @jonner6

“Oh yes”

Credit: @Matt_Sheppard25

In other news, a star man from a fellow British club has reportedly turned down a move to Liverpool. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur may have to be a little smart with their transfer business this summer and it appears they already have their sights set on an absolute bargain.

According to the Daily Mail, the Premier League outfit are monitoring Celtic midfielder Ismaila Soro ahead of a potential swoop in the upcoming window.

Spurs are still in the face for a top-four finish but given their fortunes since the turn of the year and the sacking of Jose Mourinho, it would be some feat to pass either Chelsea, West Ham or Liverpool to that final spot.

Another season in the Europa League could beckon, or even worse, the north Londoners could be left without those midweek European matches.

It means Daniel Levy has a tricky task of negotiating the transfer window with likely few funds at the new manager’s disposal, so a move for Soro, who cost the Scottish giants just £2.7m could become more and more likely.

The 22-year-old powerhouse has been likened to N’Golo Kante and that should provide some encouragement over his credentials.

Speaking to The Scottish Sun, the Ivorian’s former coach at Israeli side Bnei Yehuda, Ori Guttman, made the lofty comparison.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/spurs-latest-managerial-update-transfer-rumours-levy-mourinho-sacked-gossip” title= “Read the latest Spurs manager updates, transfer news, gossip and more!”]

When I saw Soro I was immediately excited. From the first second I noticed his explosive power,” revealed Guttman.

“Now he reminds me of N’Golo Kante at Chelsea. Kante maybe doesn’t look like he’s strong, but he is. He wins most duels and tackles. Soro does the same and wins the battles too. Both are good at dribbling with the ball. Neither of them score a lot of goals. They need creative guys alongside them in midfield, so they are alike in that way.”

Spurs should not be apprehensive about signing players from north of the border, either. After all, Victor Wanyama was a hit for several years in north London and in Soro, they could actually unearth another Mousa Dembele – his long-standing partner in the engine room.

The Belgian beast was renowned for being a brute force in the heart of the pitch, one that was ‘big, powerful and technically gifted.’

Soro is cut from the same cloth – in the SPFL this term, he’s averaged three tackles and 2.1 interceptions every 90 minutes, proving to be that anchorman-like rock in front of the backline, whilst 1.3 dribbles per 90 shows he likes to drift forward too.

And in one Europa League clash with Lille, he made a whopping ten tackles alone.

Very much in a similar vein to that of Dembele.

It remains to be seen how much the young 5 foot 8 midfielder would cost Spurs this summer but they could well land themselves a bargain whatever the price. If he becomes half the player of a Kante or a Dembele, then they’ll have one hell of a beast at their disposal.

AND in other news, Forget Nagelsmann: “Unbelievable” Premier League guru could rejuvenate Spurs…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Barry Fry, who is Director of Football at Peterborough United, has claimed that Celtic would still love to have Eddie Howe amid potential reports he may be having second thoughts.

Howe has been heavily tipped to be Neil Lennon’s successor at Celtic and despite reports last week saying he was to be appointed in the coming days, it appears Howe is now unsure over a move.

The 41-year old has been out of a job since leaving Bournemouth by mutual consent after he failed to keep them in the Premier League during the 2019/20 season.

Speaking on if Celtic and their fans would want Howe as manager, Fry told FFC:

“I understand they’ve had talks with Eddie and his representatives already and I think Celtic would love to have Eddie and everybody connected with Celtic would love for him to go there.

Celtic missed the opportunity to win a record 10 SPFL titles in a row this season and instead they had to watch on as Rangers won their 55th league title.

The Bhoys will also be without influential captain Scott Brown next season who is joining Aberdeen as a player-coach alongside new manager Stephen Glass