Please be right: Leeds fans praying Phil Hay hasn’t got Bielsa update wrong

[ad_pod ]

Leeds United fans on Twitter are praying that Phil Hay’s most recent update on Marcelo Bielsa’s future at the club is accurate.

Speculation has been rampant in the period since Leeds were knocked out of the playoffs, with many experts and fans growing in concern that the Argentine won’t be at Elland Road next season.

The Whites have been completely transformed under Bielsa, and it looked like their 15-year wait to return to the Premier League would finally be over before they fell at the final hurdle.

Of course, promotion to the top flight remains the main goal for the Yorkshire club, and fans are still confident that the 63-year-old is the man to take them up.

The Yorkshire Evening Post writer gave an encouraging update for the fanbase on Friday morning, posting: “My understanding from people in Argentina is that Bielsa is minded to stay put give it another go at Leeds next season. But as ever, you’d be loath to second guess him.”

This update sparked a huge reaction from the fanbase with almost every Whites supporter hoping that Hay was right in what he was saying.

Here’s what the Elland Road faithful have been saying on Twitter…

The Chalkboard: Costa can bring help bring the best out of Douglas

[ad_pod ]

According to reports from both Football Insider and the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United want to loan Helder Costa from Wolves.

This wouldn’t be the first time the Whites have done business with Nuno Espirito’s side in the past 12 months. Barry Douglas swapped Molineux for Elland Road this time last year.

The Scot endured quite a difficult first 12 months in Yorkshire as injuries hampered his development and he had to share a lot of game time with Ezgjan Alioski.

On the chalkboard

Douglas arrived at Leeds in summer 2018 with a high amount of expectation. He had been the best left-back in the Championship the season prior, and he was set to strengthen a position that Leeds had often lacked in.

He created an astonishing 14 assists for Wolves in 2017/18, and the Whites looked to have secured themselves an absolute bargain.

But his assist tally dropped to just five last season, and he didn’t demonstrate the same qualities that saw him earn promotion the year before.

Costa can help

Leeds would be pulling off somewhat of a double whammy if they signed Costa on loan.

Not only would they be securing the services of one of the best wingers in the division, but they would get the most out of Douglas.

When the pair played together at Wolves, the left-back would often play long switches across the pitch to find Costa making a run in behind. This season that element of the Scot’s game was taken away from him as Pablo Hernandez operated much in a much deeper role on the right side.

If Douglas is allowed to rekindle the connection that he and Costa had at Wolves, then his game will undoubtedly improve.

Costa’s movement at the back post also aided the full-back on his way to 14 assists in 2017/18. Although Douglas only assisted the right winger once, his ability to create gaps in the defence opened up a lot of space for the left-back to deliver a cross that would then be finished by one of Wolves’ other talented attacking options.

Leeds United: Whites must steer clear of signing Michael Frey this summer

Having suffered an incredibly disappointing end to the 2018/19 campaign, Leeds United’s future suddenly looks very unclear.

With Marcelo Bielsa yet to commit to a new deal at Elland Road, it would not be at all surprising if the Whites end up having to recruit a new manager this summer.

However, when you consider that the Argentine is immensely popular amongst Leeds’ supporters, they will be hoping that chairman Andrea Radrizzani can offer the necessary incentives required to keep him at the club.

Yet regardless of who is in charge at Elland Road next season, in order to launch a sustained push for promotion the Whites must get their recruitment spot on over the coming months.

Although the club need to bring in a forward to challenge the likes of Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford, they should steer clear of signing Michael Frey when the transfer window opens in July.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, the 24-year-old is reportedly on Leeds’ radar despite experiencing a difficult year with Turkish side Fenerbahce.

Having scored just three goals in 14 league appearances for the Istanbul-based side, it would be a huge risk for Leeds to take if they were to bring him in, especially when you consider that is extremely injury-prone.

During the last six months alone, the £2.25m-rated ace (via Transfermarkt) has been sidelined on four different occasions with his inability to stay fit clearly hampering his development as a player.

Instead of wasting their money on Frey, the Whites should focus instead on targeting a marksman who has a track-record of firing in the goals in English football.

What do you think Leeds fans? Would signing Frey this summer be a mistake? Who do you want your side to sign in the transfer window? Let us know below.

جوارديولا: قدمنا أداءً رائعًا أمام بورتو.. وفودين يصنع الفارق مع مانشستر سيتي

أكد المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي مانشستر سيتي، بيب جوارديولا، أن الفوز كان هدفه في مباراة الأمس، الثلاثاء، أمام بورتو في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وانتهت المباراة التي أقيمت في ملعب “دراجاو”، بالتعادل السلبي بين الفريقين، إذ صعدا معًا لدور الـ16، مانشستر سيتي في المركز الأول وبورتو في المركز الثاني قبل الجولة الأخيرة من دور المجموعات بالأسبوع المقبل.

اقرأ أيضًا.. موندو: برشلونة ينتظر تحرك جارسيا قبل التفاوض مع مانشستر سيتي

وتحدث جوارديولا عن مجريات المباراة في تصريحات لشبكة “BT Sport” البريطانية، وقال: “لقد حسمنا المركز الأول، وكنا نلعب من أجل الفوز أمام بورتو”.

وتابع: “لم تكن هناك أي خطورة من جانب المنافس، لم نتلق ركلة ركنية ولم نتلق أي هدف ولعبنا بشكل رائع أمام أحد أفضل الفرق في البرتغال مع بنفيكا”.

وأضاف: “للأسف، لم نتمكن من التسجيل ولكن كانت لدينا فرص خطيرة خاصة الكرات الثابتة، وبالنسبة لي، أرى أن جميع اللاعبين قدموا ما لديهم من أول حراسة المرمى وحتى الهجوم”.”.

وعن فودين: “يا له من لاعب رائع، دائمًا ما يصنع الفارق ويقدم أداءً مميزًا معنا في مانشستر سيتي، لذلك فأنا سعيد جدًا بأدائه المميز”.

شاهد ملخص مباراة مانشستر سيتي وبورتو

Leicester’s potential £40m move for Lewis Dunk fails to make much sense

[ad_pod ]

According to TeamTalk, Leicester are eyeing up Lewis Dunk as a replacement for Harry Maguire should he leave this summer.

What’s the word?

Harry Maguire has had no shortage of potential suitors in recent times, attracting the interest of Jose Mourinho when he was at Manchester United last summer whilst also taking the eye of Manchester City.

Maguire has been a rock for Leicester, quickly establishing himself as one of the leading defenders in the Premier League, but it appears as though the Foxes could be willing to let him leave.

That’s according to TeamTalk who state Leicester won’t get in his way if a club meets their £85m valuation.

The same report suggests that they see Lewis Dunk as his replacement in a deal which may cost £40m.

Questionable transfer on the cards

If Leicester were to spend £40m on Dunk this summer it would be incredibly suspect.

When it’s come to transfer dealings since the club won the league they’ve done some remarkably poor business, particularly in signing the likes of Islam Slimani and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Bringing in the Brighton man as a replacement for Maguire makes sense but spending that sum of money does not.

If the club were put off by a £40m valuation of Youri Tielemans then signing a defender for the same price would surely anger Leicester supporters.

The Belgian was an instant hit at the King Power and it would be foolish to spend the money they could use in a deal for him elsewhere.

The millions the club can potentially make from Maguire would be significant but if it was spent on replacing the former Hull man, rather than simply promoting Filip Benkovic, the Foxes would have to be called into question.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

Dunk impressed for Brighton but he doesn’t warrant the same sort of fee that Tielemans is worth, especially considering it’s a deal that would smash their transfer record by £11m.

The Foxes need to learn from their mistakes in previous windows by avoiding a hefty transfer for the 27-year-old.

Everton Transfer Roundup: Gomes agreement, Defrel on radar, no sale of youngster

[ad_pod ]

The summer’s transfer window is in full swing and each of the 20 Premier League clubs are looking to ready their squads for next season. Marco Silva’s Everton are in the same boat, and the Portuguese may already be making waves. Today’s Everton transfer roundup includes an agreement for a classy midfielder, interest in a Serie A striker and an update on the future of an on-loan winger.

Gomes agreement

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s André Gomes has reached an agreement with Everton ahead of a potential permanent move to Goodison Park. Gomes spent last season on loan with the Toffees, scoring once in 27 appearances for the side.

Defrel interest

Everton are interested in AS Roma’s Grégoire Defrel according to Corriere Dello Sporto via Sports Witness. The French striker, who scored 11 times on loan at Sampdoria last season, is also attracting attention from Watford and other clubs in Italy.

Terim desperate for Onyekuru return

Galatasaray boss Fatih Terim is so eager to bring Henry Onyekuru back to Turkey that he is willing to strike a deal that does not include a purchase option according to Hurriyet. Onyekuru spent last season on loan at Gala and impressed but, whilst Everton will let him spend another year away, they are not willing to sell him.

Pay the money: Leicester fans praying that Tielemans signs this summer

[ad_pod ]

Youri Tielemans was exceptional for Leicester after arriving on loan from Monaco in January and after returning to the Monegasque club the rumour mill has been in full swing.

Brendan Rodgers initially admitted that the Foxes would do everything they can to sign the player but they have since been put off by the £40m valuation slapped on his head.

However, journalist Kristoff Terreur has now claimed that the Belgian enjoyed his time at the King Power, telling Sky Sports News’ Transfer Talk podcast that there has been interest from Tottenham and Manchester United.

Yet, Leicester fans have reacted with a sense of hope, praying that his enjoyable time in the Midlands will lead to a permanent switch.

One fan claimed the news was music to their ears whilst another said it was really positive.

Further supporters focused on the potential transfer fee, urging the Foxes to pay the money in a desperate attempt to let the club know how they felt about the 22-year-old.

After arriving in the Premier League, Tielemans scored three goals and claimed a further four assists in 13 matches.

Here’s the best of the reaction.

Don’t do it! Man City fans respond to strange transfer report

[ad_pod ]

Manchester City fans have taken to Twitter to respond to a baffling transfer report from The Sun, which suggests that Gabriel Jesus may need to be sold to Atletico Madrid in order to land defensive midfielder Rodri.

The report states that the Spanish midfielder has a £65m release clause in his contract with Atletico, which the Citizens can easily meet and surely wouldn’t need to sell Jesus to raise funds for.

Are Man City better than Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’? Fans discuss in the video below…

Diego Simeone’s side are keen to sign Jesus and armed with funds from the sale of Lucas Hernandez and the departing Antoine Griezmann, but that is irrelevant in City’s pursuit of Rodri – once a release clause is met, the club who own the player is out of the equation and talks will be held with the buying club and the player’s representatives.

Jesus has scored 21 goals and recorded six assists this year despite playing second fiddle to Sergio Aguero, which is very impressive.

City won’t want to lose him, and the fans definitely don’t want to lose the Brazilian international, so they have taken to Twitter to react to the odd transfer report…

Mixed opinions: Tottenham fans disagree on Eriksen future

[ad_pod ]

A number of Tottenham Hotspur fans have mixed views on the latest speculation surrounding attacker Christian Eriksen.

Indeed, according to Football.london, Spurs are willing to offer Eriksen as much as £200,000-a-week in a bid to keep him at the club.

Whilst some of the London club’s supporters are keen for that to happen due to the Denmark international’s importance to the team, others want Mauricio Pochettino’s side to cut their losses this summer.

Eriksen will see his current deal with last season’s Champions League finalists expire at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

The 27-year-old scored 10 times and provided 17 assists during an impressive 2018-19 season. That said, Eriksen did go missing on a number of occasions.

It remains to be seen what happens with the former Ajax youngster.

And a number of Spurs supporters are struggling to agree on what should happen with the attacker – as shown by the tweets below:

Avoid at all costs: Why Arsenal would be wrong to chase this PSG star

[ad_pod ]

Unai Emery is eager to reunite with Thomas Meunier at Arsenal, according to France Football as reported by Get French Football News.

What’s the word?

The Belgian looks set to depart Paris this summer after falling to third-choice behind both Thilo Kehrer and Colin Dagba in Thomas Tuchel’s right-sided defensive options.

Signed by Emery in 2016 Meunier began to establish himself as a regular under the Spaniard, making 46 appearances in two seasons and earning the starting right-back berth for Belgium’s 2018 World Cup run.

Now, however, with opportunities dwindling at the Parc des Princes the 27-year old could be on the move for a price of €30m (£26.51m) and Arsenal are said to be interested.

Disaster in the making

This signing has disaster written all over it and the rumours aren’t even at an advanced stage yet.

With just £40m to spend, should Arsenal miss out on Champions League football, Meunier would simply be an appalling use of those funds.

Considering Stephan Lichtsteiner’s impending departure, right-back depth should be a consideration, but not a priority and certainly not for the prices mentioned around Meunier.

Despite a long-term knee injury, Hector Bellerin is still the Gunners’ right-back for the future and should return early next season. While only time will tell whether the Spaniard can fully recover, there is reasonable hope that at just 24 years of age his best days are still ahead.

In addition, Emery also has Ainsley Maitland-Niles at his disposal. Traditionally a midfielder, the Arsenal youth product filled in at right-back on multiple occasions this season and showed enough to suggest he is a capable player in the position, if not the long-term answer.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals what Lasagne-Gate was really like for Tottenham’s food-poisoned stars – Check out the video below…

Spending £26.5m on a player in a filled position is an unwise move and paying that much for a player of Meunier’s ability is downright ludicrous.

Although the Belgian enjoyed a decent spell under Emery, he is a limited footballer who lacks the defensive discipline to excel in the Premier League. Known for his attacking threat, Meunier’s best football has come with the national team where he has the freedom to venture forward that likely would not be available to him in England.

Simply put, there is a reason that Meunier has become third-choice at PSG and Arsenal would be making a huge mistake to chase the big name that doesn’t fit.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus