All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic waved goodbye to veteran midfielder Tom Rogic after nine years of service following the end of their recent title winning SPFL season.

Since arriving at the Parkhead club back in the 2013 January transfer window from Central Coast Mariners, the midfielder has gone on to make 272 appearances for the Hoops across all competitions.

In those appearances, the 29-year-old scored 46 goals, delivered 49 assists and won numerous trophies along the way.

Taking into account what he’s done for the club over such a significant period of time, it will be a big job for the Bhoys to find a suitable replacement for the Australian.

However, one figure that Celtic already have in their ranks that Ange Postecoglou could possibly unearth as the next version of Rogic is Luca Connell.

Signed from Bolton Wanderers’ U18 side back in the 2019 summer transfer window, the midfielder has only made three appearances for Celtic’s youth team and is yet to make a senior appearance for the Bhoys.

The 21-year-old has spent two loan spells with Scottish League One side Queen’s Park, making a total of 42 appearances in the process.

In those appearances, the youngster has found the net ten times and delivered 11 assists, showing that he certainly has a knack for scoring and creating goals, in a similar way to Rogic.

Having also played in numerous midfield positions throughout his career, Connell’s versatility could make him a very useful squad figure for Postecoglou moving forward.

Described as having a “wand of a left foot” after scoring a goal against Edinburgh City back in April last year, Connell could well have what it takes to make the step up to playing regular senior football should he manage to impress the Celtic boss in pre-season.

While the SPFL champions are reportedly looking to add a handful of new players to their ranks during the upcoming summer transfer window, turning to Connell for his first taste of senior football with his side could be a gamble worth taking for the club.

If this were to happen and the youngster is able to make the most of any opportunities he gets to play, he could then go on to have a very fruitful career at Parkhead and potentially follow in Rogic’s footsteps.

In other news: Worth £293k in 2020, now worth £4.05m: Celtic hit the jackpot on Ange’s “superstar”

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ star midfielder Ruben Neves has “got to move” according to Journalist Josh Holland.

What’s the word?

That is via quotes from GIVEMESPORT, which claims that Old Gold boss Bruno Lage could find himself in a “predicament” over Neves’ future at Molineux, after failing to qualify for Europe.

Wolves’ 1-1 draw with Norwich City last time out means that with just one game to go, they cannot finish higher than eighth in the Premier League. 

Meanwhile, with Neves’ on-going links to Barcelona, his future at Molineux looks doubtful, though Holland believes that the Portugal star has “got to move” from the West Midlands.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said:

“If you lose Neves with no European football, Bruno Lage could be in a bit of a predicament because if they sell Neves with no European football, are they going to get back?

“I know we spoke about players last year and the ambition of it, but I think he’s got to move.

“I think I saw his agent was at lunch with people from Barcelona.”

Bad news for Wolves

Holland’s latest claim over seeing Mendes entertaining lunch with Barcelona representatives does not bode well for his Molineux future. In fact, amidst Wolves’ lack of European football, it suggests that Neves is entirely ready to move on from the side that he been at since 2017.

Wolves face a big decision as to what kind of player they will look to replace Neves with.

If Lage sticks with the 3-4-3 system, he should look for a central midfielder who can cover both parts of the game.

On the other hand, if he looks to shift into a four-at the back set up or continue with the 3-5-2 system that has been deployed in recent weeks, he should look for an out-and-out defensive midfielder like Wolves target Joao Palhinha – whose primary focus is to hold the midfield together and win the ball back in the mid third of the pitch.

Neves can do both aspects, which is why he has been so instrumental to Wolves over the last five seasons, scoring 24 goals in the process, the majority of which have been long-range screamers.

He has been capable of producing moments of magic and thus, if he does head for the departure lounge, supporters will be gutted.

Unfortunately, with no European football and sitting at the age of 25, a move to Barcelona is surely too tempting.

In other news: Wolves can finally wave farewell to Neves by signing 22y/o “rare bright spark”

Crystal Palace are believed to be nearing a contract agreement with forward Michael Olise, according to journalist David Ornstein.

What’s the word?

The respected insider revealed via Twitter that the two parties are “close” to agreeing a new deal, writing of the situation that:

“Crystal Palace in talks with Michael Olise over new contract. Agreement close. Extra year likely but no salary increase. Aim is to raise release clause (£35m) to ensure future sale breaks #CPFC record (£50m) & that would benefit all.”

In his Athletic column on Monday, Ornstein went into further detail about the situation, insisting that the 20-year-old ‘wishes to stay’ at Selhurst Park and will agree to a new one-year extension on his existing deal, with the main aim of the new agreement seemingly to raise his current release clause (£35m) to ward off any potential interest.

This news follows reports earlier this week that suggested clubs were interested in taking advantage of that clause to strike a deal this summer, although any suitor will now likely have to stump up more than the £50m that the club received for the sale of Aaron Wan-Bissaka to Manchester United in 2019.

Supporters delighted

There will be many of a Palace persuasion breathing a hefty sigh of relief at present, with it looking as if the Eagles have been able to swiftly curtail any notion of a departure by striking a new deal.

The London-born France U21 international has become such an integral asset following a stunning debut campaign in the Premier League, having been snapped up for a bargain fee of just £8m from Championship outfit Reading last summer.

After a slow start to life under manager Patrick Vieira due to injury, the £19.8m-rated starlet has come alive since the turn of the year, chipping in with four goals and eight assists in all competitions thus far this season.

The left-footed speedster has dazzled as a focal point of Vieira’s exciting young side, notably earning praise from pundit Ian Wright, who suggested that “he is going to be somebody that is going to do unbelievable things.”

Dubbed “fearless” by former teammate Sam Baldock, Olise has not looked overawed by the move to the higher level and has showcased his willingness to make an impact in the attacking third, ranking in the top 6% for progressive carries and in the top 11% for progressive passes among players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues.

A young talent with a bright future, it looks as if it’ll be in south London where he continues to develop.

AND in other news: Vieira may finally axe “inevitable” 142-goal Palace dynamo as twist emerges

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp must ruthlessly axe “influential” club captain Jordan Henderson as he is the weakness in their midfield and a better replacement is needed in the summer.

On the chalkboard

Liverpool are fighting on all fronts at the moment and are hunting down an unprecedented quadruple. But they face stiff competition from Real Madrid in the Champions League and Manchester City in the Premier League, and they veered slightly off course in the title race when failing to beat Tottenham Hotspur yesterday.

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Henderson was one the players who failed to shine in the game at Anfield and was substituted after 65 minutes being replaced by Diogo Jota. He failed to make a single tackle in the whole time he was on the pitch and barely contributed. Furthermore, he gave up possession of the ball every five minutes which will have been a key factor in the team dropping points.

Whilst his leadership and strong voice in the dressing room might go unmatched, there’s only so many times you can use that as a reason to be playing him.

Henderson has been a vital part of Liverpool’s success in recent years but there is a feeling that his qualities are slightly diminishing, with Roy Keane describing him as a “cheerleader” and questioning why he was in the England squad during Euro 2020.

The 31-year old moved to Merseyside from his boyhood club Sunderland in 2011 and is currently the longest-serving player at the club. He is, and always will be considered a legend in the eyes of the fans, and he has rightly earnt that status. However, he is no longer a player who is capable starting every week for one of the best teams in Europe.

Liverpool have to accept that and Klopp has to make it his priority to bring in a third world class midfielder to sit alongside Fabinho and Thiago next season.

If you compare Henderson to them both he doesn’t produce performances that are close to what they consistently produce. Both players have a higher pass completion percentage that the Englishman and have successfully completed more dribbles.

Henderson’s time at Anfield isn’t necessarily over, but the club need to rely on him less if they are to keep competing at the highest level. He still has a major role to play in the squad as a leader and captain, just not as a player who is a key starter.

IN other news: “Won’t accept less than…”: Romano drops big transfer update, Liverpool must now move…

Sheffield Wednesday are reportedly in ‘talks’ with teenage striker Bailey Cadamarteri about the possibility of signing his first-ever professional deal with the club, according to The Star journalist Joe Crann.

The Lowdown: Gradual progress

The 16-year-old has worked his way up through the ranks at Middlewood Road, having initially displayed his talents in the Owls’ U18s side. More recently, his development has meant that he has stepped up to the U23s and has occasionally been training alongside the first team.

It has previously been reported that the youngster’s impressive progress has caught the eye of Premier League clubs Manchester City and West Ham, but despite having interest from the top-flight, it’s thought that Cadamarteri is very much keen to remain in Yorkshire and fight for his place in the blue and white stripes.

The Latest: Cadamarteri ready to commit

In a social media post on Twitter, Crann revealed that ahead of the forward turning 17 next week, he is likely to put pen to paper on a professional deal with Wednesday.

He wrote: “I’m told that SWFC are in preliminary talks with the teenage attacker, and it’s thought that he’s keen to commit to the club. He can sign on Monday.”

Expanding in his column for The Star, the journalist claimed that talks have been ‘opened up’, with the club looking to complete the signing ‘as soon as possible’.

The Verdict: ‘Brilliant’

Cadamarteri played a full 90 minutes for the Owls’ U18s in the FA Youth Cup against Southampton earlier this season and managed to get his name on the scoresheet, despite only making two appearances throughout the entire competition.

The Leeds-born prospect has been hailed as a “brilliant” potential signing by Crann himself, and it’s clear to see that he has got bags of potential given the interest from the Premier League’s elite.

If the centre-forward does up committing his future to Darren Moore’s side, we could end up seeing him on display in the senior match-day squad sooner than we think, especially if the boss is unable to guide his side up to the second tier through the play-offs.

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo could be set for a sensational return to Real Madrid, according to a report from The Mirror. 

The lowdown: No fairytale comeback

Signed from Juventus last August for £12.9m (Sky Sports), the 37-year-old superstar has enjoyed a stellar return to Old Trafford on a personal level.

However, with a Premier League top-four finish unlikely and no silverware to play for, overall the return has proven to be a disappointing one for a player who boasts 34 major trophies during an illustrious career.

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As the campaign comes towards its conclusion, attention has already turned to what the future may hold for Ronaldo…

The latest: Madrid return for Ronaldo?

As per The Mirror, Spanish giants Real Madrid are believed to be interested in taking the 186-cap Portugal star back to the club.

The report claims that the newly-crowned La Liga champions are ‘increasingly keen’ on taking the prolific frontman back to the Bernabeu, where he scored 450 times in 438 appearances.

Under contract in Manchester until 2023 (Transfermarkt), the report stated that ‘key figures’ at Los Blancos are considering a summer swoop.

The verdict: Don’t sell

While it remains to be seen whether Erik ten Hag views the Portuguese veteran as part of his plans, Ronaldo’s return of 23 goals and three assists in 36 appearances across all competitions this term makes him an essential part of the Red Devils’ squad.

Despite his advancing years, this season has proven that the Ronaldo remains amongst the upper echelons of footballers in front of goal as team-mates struggle around him, and with adequate support, Ten Hag could still make great use of the 37-year-old’s striking attributes.

Aside from his goals, the talismanic striker – who was described as ‘fantastic’ by Sir Alex Ferguson – has also completed 22.4 accurate passes per game and created seven big chances whilst earning an outstanding average Sofascore rating of 7.26 from 28 Premier League outings.

In other news: Rangnick has set his sights on one of Serie A’s brightest talents…find out more here

Leeds United have now made contact over signing a midfield star who’s been likened to Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard, according to recent reports.

Daniel Farke Leeds "preparing" for January window

There’s no rest for the wicked and Leeds’ clash against Liverpool at Elland Road represents another tough test for Daniel Farke’s side, who have already squared off against Manchester City and Chelsea this week.

On paper, the visit of the reigning champions should be a daunting task, but Liverpool’s crown has been snatched this season and the Reds find themselves in the middle of a disastrous defence. Leeds, meanwhile, just ran Man City close and swept past Chelsea in shocking fashion. Those at Elland Road couldn’t be facing Liverpool at a better time.

Victory over Slot’s side could take the Whites five points clear of the dropzone if results go their way in a crucial step towards survival as the festive fixtures arrive thick and fast.

Meanwhile, as things progress on the pitch, the 49ers are already “planning” ahead for the January transfer window, according to Farke. The Leeds boss told reporters earlier this week: “I have not one second to think about what could happen, it also depends on injuries and how the players deliver in these upcoming games.

“I spoke in the summer about what he might have liked to sign and this has not gone away, in the background we are preparing but now is not the time to speak about it.”

Leeds now prioritising £35m move to sign South American defender ahead of Juventus

He’d be one of their most expensive arrivals.

ByTom Cunningham Dec 5, 2025

On that front, names such as Nilson Angulo have emerged as reported targets. The impressive winger has been dubbed one of Europe’s standout wingers this season and would certainly inject some added spark to Farke’s frontline.

The same can be said for Jens Hjerto-Dahl. The midfielder has been likened to fellow Norway star Odegaard and now finds himself on the radar of those at Elland Road.

Leeds make contact over signing Jens Hjerto-Dahl

As reported by TeamTalk, Leeds have now made contact to sign Hjerto-Dahl in 2026, but face competition from Rangers, Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Tromso midfielder has built up an impressive reputation in Norway for his ability as a goalscoring box-crasher – scoring five goals in 35 games in all competitions this season – and could now get the chance to do that in the Premier League.

Described as “powerful” by scout Kai Watson, Hjerto-Dahl was likened to Odegaard when he was linked with a move to Brighton earlier this month and Leeds should go all out to land his signature.

The towering star certainly fits the physical profile of what’s needed in the Premier League these days, but it remains to be seen if clubs act as early as January.

Farke must unleash "wonderkid" who'd be perfect for Nmecha's new Leeds role

Liverpool’s lavish spending this summer has given them one of the best starting elevens in Europe. New signings like Hugo Ekitiké and Alexander Isak have elevated their attack from players like Darwin Núñez and Luis Diaz, who struggled at times last season.

However, even with their big spend, there is still room for them to improve in January and next summer. On deadline day, they secured the signing of Isak but failed to get a deal for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi over the line.

Centre-back is one of the positions where the squad is thinnest, and when Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are out, they only have Joe Gomez and new youngster Giovanni Leoni as naturals in the position. Guehi will be available as a free agent next summer, but Real Madrid are now looking to snatch him up.

Another position that needs some reinforcement is the deeper part of the midfield. Alexis Mac Allister, Dominic Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch are the three most common faces in midfield, but when they’re rotated, options are only really Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo, with the latter often being utilised in a makeshift defensive role.

Due to this, the Premier League champions are looking at bringing in another midfielder so they can compete across the Champions League and the domestic competitions.

Stiller the new name in midfield hunt

A number of midfielders have been linked with the Liverpool midfield role next summer but a new name in contention is Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller. On Liverpool’s 2026 summer transfer business, transfer journalist Graham Bailey said: “In my opinion, Liverpool are going to want another CDM next year, a top-class one.

“Angelo Stiller would do that role, but I do personally wonder whether Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton would be higher up in the pecking order; obviously, they would come with significantly higher price tags. It wouldn’t surprise me if we see Liverpool getting involved in those conversations a bit more.”

Stiller is currently valued at around £40 million, but Wharton and Baleba could both be double that or even more. In the summer, Manchester United decided not to pursue the Brighton midfielder after it was made clear they wouldn’t drop their asking price below £100 million.

Stiller indicates shift in desired profile

The shift in focus from Wharton and Baleba to Stiller is not just a monetary change but a stylistic one. Wharton and Baleba’s strengths lie defensively, whereas Stiller is more of a ball-playing footballer, more in the vein of Pedri, who FBREF rank as a similar profile.

24/25 Season Stats Per 90

Passes

Tackles

Baleba

38.8

2.67

Wharton

37.5

2.33

Stiller

72.8

1.61

Pedri

75.1

1.91

Based on these metrics, it seems that Liverpool is after a different profile midfielder rather than a cheaper one. Slot is clearly looking for a player who can play the ball well and support with ball progression.

This season has demonstrated that even the midfielders who would be expected to be contributing defensively, like Gravenberch, are also expected to contribute in attack. While Slot’s side has conceded a significant amount of goals this season, they are winning games by outscoring teams, and this may be why there has been a shift in target to a midfielder like Stiller.

Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards has lauded an “incredible” Manchester City star for his performance in the 3-0 victory against Manchester United on Sunday.

Man City dominate Man Utd at the Etihad

Man City silenced the doubters with a 3-0 thrashing of rivals Man United on Sunday, with Erling Haaland undoubtedly the star of the show, scoring a brace, although he could’ve easily had a hat-trick, hitting the post after missing a golden opportunity from close range.

Not only was Haaland at his best, but a number of other City players caught the eye, including January signing Abdukodir Khusanov, who completed six clearances, four interceptions and two tackles to keep Ruben Amorim’s side at bay.

Khusanov looks like he is now settling in at the Etihad Stadium, having arguably struggled to make an instant impact, with the Uzbekistan international making just six Premier League appearances in the 2024-25 season after arriving from Ligue 1 side Lens last winter.

However, a different City player has made a flying start to life at the club, according to Richards, who waxed lyrical about summer signing Gianluigi Donnarumma on The Rest Is Football podcast after the Manchester derby.

"Massive fan" – Gerrard has named Man Utd legend among his "favourite players"

Steven Gerrard has made it clear he is a huge admirer of a former Manchester United star.

ByDominic Lund Sep 16, 2025

The former Man City man said: “He’s a man mountain! I feel so sorry for Trafford, I feel sorry for Trafford but that save. £26m, £26m! He’s just won the Champions League, he’s what, 25, 26 years of his age?

“Yes people will talk about playing out from the back, he’s not an Ederson playing out, but in terms of shot-stopping, his record is incredible. What a signing that was, and he had a fantastic game today in the derby.”

Donnarumma may keep Trafford out of the starting XI

It is natural to feel sorry for James Trafford, who has seemingly now fallen behind Donnarumma in the pecking order, despite starting the opening three games of the Premier League campaign.

However, it is clear to see why Pep Guardiola brought the Italian straight into the starting XI, given that he is vastly experienced at the top level, having made 40 Champions League appearances, while also receiving high praise from Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique.

The 26-year-old also got off to a solid start on his City debut, keeping a clean sheet in the derby victory, and making one save from inside the box, alongside three clearances throughout the match.

As such, Trafford will have his work cut out trying to force his way back into Guardiola’s side, and there have now been reports suggesting the Englishman is open to a loan move in the January transfer window.

Crystal Palace have enjoyed a fantastic campaign under Oliver Glasner and now look set to put some of their new-found appeal to use in the transfer market.

Crystal Palace set to build on wonderful campaign

After defying the odds to record a remarkable FA Cup triumph, Crystal Palace now have the feather in their cap of being Europa League participants next term, which is bound to attract prospective recruits.

Glasner has made quite an impact since walking through the doors of Selhurst Park and has re-affirmed his commitment to the Eagles despite his prowess in the dugout not going unnoticed.

He stated: “I have one more year left, and now we are speaking about next season. Everything that happens after July 1 2026 we don’t talk about this at the moment. It is too far away.

“We are talking about this year, and that is why I am 100 per cent committed. I have a contract and I have no other things on my mind.”

With his future at the club secure, Crystal Palace are expected to be active on the market and have identified Strasbourg forward Emanuel Emegha as an ambitious target to strengthen their forward line ahead of next season.

Crystal Palace jostling to sign "complete" midfielder in deal worth £30m

The Eagles could swoop in ahead of rival clubs.

ByTom Cunningham May 24, 2025

Unlikely to be the only arrival in South London, Mainz star Nadiem Amiri is also on the Eagles’ list as they look to the continent for fresh blood to help their European push.

Everyone connected with the club is experiencing an elevated level of excitement about the future. Arguably, Crystal Palace’s appeal has never been greater, and that can help to attract talent from global markets.

That said, Glasner is now reportedly intensifying advances to bring a talented gem to Selhurst Park that could be a star of years to come.

Crystal Palace intensify move for Faveurdi Bongeli

According to Africa Foot, Crystal Palace are stepping up talks to sign Tout-Puissant Mazembe winger Faveurdi Bongeli amid rival interest from Burnley in the 18-year-old.

Capable of playing on either flank, illustrating a degree of versatility, the youngster is also said to be on the radar of Borussia Monchengladbach, Dunkirk, Sint-Truiden and other clubs in England and Germany.

Faveurdi Bongeli’s statistics in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

4

Goals

0

Assists

0

It is unclear whether he would go straight into the senior set-up or spend a period in Crystal Palace’s development squad before making the step-up, should a move occur.

Nevertheless, there is room for another wide player in Glasner’s squad to help complement the likes of Ismaila Sarr moving forward. Depth could be key to staking a claim in the Europa League, and Bongeli appears to be a star in the making with a number of clubs keen.

Now, it remains to be seen if Bongeli can achieve a dream move to England. Crystal Palace are likely to be in the hunt for several additions this summer, so there is plenty to get excited about for supporters.