LFC fans react to club’s £46m losses

Some Liverpool fans have been reacting to the news that the Reds have lost a significant amount of money in the past year, with lots of negativity on show.

It has been an extremely tough year around the world, with the virus affecting day-to-day life to a level rarely seen in modern history.

Football, like nearly every other industry, has taken a major financial hit in that time, with fans largely not allowed inside stadiums and clubs losing huge amounts of matchday revenue.

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Liverpool have struggled both on and off the pitch since clinching their maiden Premier League title, missing having supporters inside Anfield and seeing the defence of their crown fizzle out in miserable fashion.

On Tuesday, the club announced their financial results over the past 12 months, with The Athletic’s James Pearce confirming a pre-tax loss of £46million.

Liverpool fans frustrated by £46m losses

It is no great surprise, considering the impact the virus has had, but that hasn’t stopped a number of Liverpool supporters voicing their frustration.

Here are some of the best reactions on Twitter.

“30 year old Thiago for £25m and £200k p/w, someone who is good at the economics please help me budget this. My football club is dying”

Credit: @NoSwearingHere7

“We are not signing anyone this summer lads”

Credit: @Gbemiga_A

“This is just letting everyone know we’re not signing a single player this summer”

Credit: @rinangelz

“Lost £46m already and that’s only 3 months of the pandemic”

Credit: @archielfc

“There goes our summer budget”

Credit: @RebelYelliex

“Well the success was fun for 3 years. No chance FSG will dip into their own pocket and fund anything this summer”

Credit: @JamieRamsey_

In other news, some Liverpool fans are desperate for the Reds to sign one exciting attacker this summer. Find out who it is here.

Ajeti and Urhoghide could leave in January

Celtic duo Albian Ajeti and Osaze Urhoghide could leave Parkhead in January to make room for winter transfer window additions, The Daily Record have reported.

The Lowdown: Out of favour…

Neither of those has made the impact they may have hoped for under Ange Postecoglou.

The Hoops brought in four attacking additions over the summer in Kyogo Furuhashi, Liel Abada, Jota and Giorgos Giakoumakis, which has resulted in Ajeti starting just five games all season when options have been limited.

The 24-year-old cost the Hoops £4.5m from West Ham, but he last started a league game back in September.

Urhoghide, who was a beast for former employers Sheffield Wednesday, was Celtic’s first signing under Postecoglou, but he is yet to kick a competitive ball for the Hoops’ first team, and it seems as if the pair could depart in the New Year.

The Latest: A busy January?

The Daily Record shared a story on Saturday, looking at six players who could be in line to leave the club to make room for new additions that Postecoglou has promised.

Two of those were Ajeti and Urhoghide, with The Daily Record claiming that the Hoops are ready to cut their losses when it comes to the Swiss forward.

Meanwhile, they suggested that the young defender, labelled as ‘quick’ by Postecoglou when he signed in the summer, could be shipped out on loan after struggling in his early months at Lennoxtown.

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The Verdict: Correct calls?

With no director of football or head of recruitment in place, you’d expect that interim CEO Michael Nicholson will be the man in charge of incomings and outgoings in January.

It appears to be a wise move on both players, especially with Ajeti, who is picking up £18,000-a-week in Scotland and hardly contributing. Celtic are thought to be in for Japanese forward Daizen Maeda, so moving on the Switzerland international, even if it is for less than £4.5m, would seem to be a smart call.

Loaning out Urhoghide, who was playing regular first-team football in the English Championship last season, could also be a shrewd move.

If a temporary move materialises, hopefully it could benefit the centre-back as it would afford him the opportunity to play senior football on a regular basis, which could then give him a better chance of featuring at Celtic Park next season.

In other news: Hart and Juranovic delighted as Celtic announce more official contract news

Lage can save Fosun millions with Sanderson

While Wolverhampton Wanderers very much appear to be a side on the up under the leadership of Bruno Lage, having picked up 13 points from a possible 18 over their last six Premier League fixtures, there are nevertheless a number of issues facing the 45-year-old manager that will be causing him something of a headache.

One such problem is at centre-back, with the Portuguese boss currently only having Conor Coady, Willy Boly, Romain Saiss and Max Kilman available for selection to fill out his three-man defence, with summer signing Yerson Mosquera ruled out until 2022 due to a hamstring injury.

And, with both Boly and Saiss looking likely to miss a number of Wolves’ fixtures in January as a result of their potential participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, Lage is facing the very real possibility of having only two centre-backs available during one of the busiest periods of the Premier League season.

However, in an apparent attempt to soften this blow, it was recently reported that the 45-year-old is considering the option of bringing one of the club’s brightest defensive talents back to Molineux in the winter market, in the shape of Dion Sanderson.

And, considering the sheer amount of potential the 21-year-old quite clearly possesses, this would indeed appear to be a very wise move for Lage to make.

Sanderson could save Wolves millions

Having highly impressed during a loan spell with League One side Sunderland last season, with the centre-back picking up the club’s Supporters Young Player of the Year award, Sanderson was subsequently awarded a new four-year contract at Wolves upon his return to the club this summer, before once again being sent out on loan for the 2021/22 campaign – this time to Birmingham City.

And, over his eight Championship appearances for Lee Bowyer’s side, predominantly playing on the right of a back-three, the £135k-rated man has once again turned heads, helping the Blues keep three clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, 4.5 clearances and winning 4.1 duels per game.

Not only have these returns seen the youngster average a SofaScore match rating of 6.84, ranking him as Birmingham’s joint 10th-best performer in the league, they have also drawn the 21-year-old a considerable amount of praise, none less so than from his current manager.

Speaking about Sanderson’s potential, Bowyer said: “He is a young lad, and he will improve. He needs to improve on certain things which is why he is here. He is another good lad and wants to improve as a player. He will go as far as he wants to go.”

The centre-back has also been the recipient of kind words from former Sunderland centre-forward Stephen Elliot, who said: “Dion Sanderson has a huge future in the game. [He’s the] best on loan player I’ve seen at [Sunderland] since Johnny Evans. Wise beyond his years on the pitch.”

As such, considering his ability, his suitability to Wolves’ system and Lage’s chronic shortage of options at the back, to say it would be a no brainer for the 45-year-old to recall Sanderson this winter would be something of an understatement.

It is clear for all to see that the defender is more than ready to make the step up to Premier League football, as well as bringing the added bonus of saving Fosun millions of pounds in January transfer fees.

In other news: Lage drops exciting January transfer claim which is sure to have Wolves fans buzzing

West Ham tipped to sign striker in January

West Ham are likely to spend big on a new striker in the January transfer window, according to former England striker Kevin Phillips.

The Lowdown: Slight dip for Hammers

David Moyes’ side have enjoyed a superb start to the season, sitting fourth in the Premier League and reaching the last 16 of the Europa League. However, the Hammers have lost back-to-back league games since the international break, suffering defeats away to Wolves and Manchester City.

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This mini-slump needs to come to an end at home to Brighton on Wednesday if the Irons are to avoid slipping out of the top four and scuppering their chances of bettering last season’s sixth-placed finish.

The Latest: Phillips tips new striker to come in

It could be that fresh blood is required to take the team forward in January, as the fixtures come thick and fast and squad depth is tested, especially with European commitments in the early months of 2022 as well.

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips tipped West Ham to sign a big-money striker in order to ease the burden on sole centre-forward Michail Antonio. He said:

“They need to invest in a striker in January. I know there will be plenty of people who argue they don’t need to because they have done very well considering but they haven’t got any backup for [Michail] Antonio.

“When it gets to the second part of the season, the weather changes and the games come thick and fast. Players pick up knows after playing so many games.

“It would be sensible to look at that area to bring someone in. Sign someone who will push and cover for Antonio.

“I know Kretinsky has said there won’t be lots of spending but I’m sure there will be money available. If David Moyes goes and says, ‘I’ve identified a player who can come in and challenge in that area.’ Then the club will back him.

“Why wouldn’t they considering what he has done and where they are? They could potentially finish in the Champions League spots.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if they went out and splashed £20-25million to bring in competition for that area.”

The Verdict: Would be a wise decision

It could be a grave error if another striker doesn’t come in at West Ham during the January window, potentially costing the Hammers dearly both domestically and in Europe.

As Phillips has said, it is unfair to rely too much on Antonio, who has had injury problems in the past and is now 31 years of age. The Jamaican’s form has also tailed off significantly since a sublime start to the season.

Basel striker Arthur Cabral is someone who has been linked with a move to east London and he could be perfect, offering Moyes an extra option who’s young and in red-hot form, having scored 14 Swiss Super League goals already this season.

In other news, West Ham have been linked with signing a Premier League player in January. Find out who it is here.

Wednesday: Fans react to Urhoghide update

Many Sheffield Wednesday fans are reacting to the latest news provided by Dom Howson on Osaze Urhoghide, whose future has looked uncertain.

The 20-year-old defender started to emerge from the academy at the end of last season and has featured 12 times for the club since making his debut in January 2020 (Transfermarkt). Ten of these appearances have been in the Championship.

According to Howson, Wednesday have offered a new contract to Urhoghide, tweeting that he understands ‘talks are ongoing’. Meanwhile, the arrival of Darren Moore as manager is expected to accelerate things over the coming weeks.

This is very exciting news for fans of the club, especially since they are losing fellow academy star Liam Shaw, with the young striker heading to Scottish giants Celtic at the end of the campaign. One Owls fan even called it a “cracking” update about Urhoghide.

With the arrival of a new manager and a young player looking likely to commit his future to the club, it looks like things are starting to turn around at Hillsborough.

Here is how fans reacted to the news:

“I hope so he deserves a deal. Long way from the finished article but definitely showing big potential”

Credit: @Wednesdayite4

“Alexa play Saturday Night”

Credit: @willfowler1867

“The messiah”

Credit: @LewisNixon06

“Cracking news”

Credit: @75HagueSWFC

“Well he’s a better talent then Liam shaw”

Credit: @CameronWraith

“I’m sure it’s up to DM to access his squad first before offering contracts , Chansiri seems to over ride his own managers”

Credit: @OwlSheffield

In other news, these Sheffield Wednesday fans have reacted to Chansiri’s latest comments!

West Ham’s Nathan Trott set for loan exit

West Ham United prospect Nathan Trott risks setting his career back years by sealing a late deal to join Norwegian outfit Tromso Idrettslag on loan.

What’s the word?

According to ExWHUemployee, while speaking on The West Ham Way podcast, Trott is set to sign for Tromso IL once he obtains a work permit.

The Norwegian transfer market remains open until April 1st ahead of the 2021 Eliteserien campaign starting at the beginning of next month.

Trott has long been earmarked as West Ham’s future number one but has only played seven minutes of first-team football with the Irons, after David Moyes awarded the Bermudian his debut as a substitute in January’s FA Cup win over League One side Doncaster Rovers.

The 22-year-old has been named as an unused substitute in five additional fixtures across all competitions this season, following three inclusions in the 2017/18 campaign before a loan spell with AFC Wimbledon.

He kept four clean sheets in 23 third-tier appearances for the Dons, conceding 32 goals, and impressed with his efforts but failed to kick on following his return to east London.

West Ham weighed up approaches from home and abroad to send Trott out on loan for the 2020/21 season last summer, but rejected Coventry City’s approach as the Sky Blues’ initially intended on naming the shot-stopper as their number two, per the Daily Mail.

Interest from Derby County, Doncaster and Shrewsbury Town was also noted, as the Irons sought to secure regular first-team football for the 6 ft 2 ‘keeper signed in 2016 on the recommendation of their Bermudan former striker Clyde Best.

Should West Ham send Trott to Tromso?

Trott certainly needs to secure regular first-team football if he is to kick on and fulfil West Ham’s expectations, but a move to Tromso may not be the best decision he can make.

Tromso were relegated from the Eliteserien during the 2019 season as the 15th ranked side from 16, having lost 16 of their 30 league fixtures.

They bounced back the following campaign to secure an immediate return to Norway’s top-flight, but have not finished inside the top half of the table since 2012, with two 13th placed finishes and another relegation in 2013.

Trott would need to use his time in Norway as a springboard to secure another loan move in the summer, when he can join a League One-level club and be their starting goalkeeper from the off.

He seemingly has the talent to do so, with former Irons shot-stopper Shaka Hislop – now a pundit for ESPN – a huge advocate of Trott’s potential, noting after West Ham’s FA Cup win versus Doncaster how the 22-year-old has “all the attributes” needed.

Whether Trott can show that to Moyes while at Tromso would certainly remain to be seen, much more so when he is currently in the first-team picture at the London Stadium while the Hammers boss seemingly looks to strengthen the goalkeeper position.

West Ham have been linked with moves for Manchester United’s Dean Henderson and Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale, two young options at 23 and 22 years, as they weigh up potential options with Lukasz Fabianski a free agent in the summer after he turns 36.

If Trott really is West Ham’s future, he may be better off staying at the Irons and not joining Tromso, so that he can prove his potential right under Moyes’ nose rather than push that chance a few years further down the road by moving to an obscure league.

AND in other news, West Ham have been slapped with a £20m asking price to sign an “outstanding” talent this summer

Newcastle must sign Lucas Paqueta

Eddie Howe enjoyed a fantastic January transfer window with Newcastle United as he brought in a number of quality additions to his side.

Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Chris Wood and Bruno Guimaraes all came through the door and have played a part in the club’s sensational form since the turn of the year.

Since the 1st of January, Liverpool are the only team with more Premier League points than the Magpies and this highlights the phenomenal impact their work in the market has had on the team – along with Howe’s coaching on the training pitch.

With survival almost secured, as they sit 15 points clear of the drop with five games left, focus can start to turn to next season and what the head coach will want to do in the next window.

One player the club have already been linked with a swoop for is Lyon’s central midfielder Lucas Paqueta, as the Toon are reportedly set to battle Arsenal for his signature.

Imagine him & Bruno

PIF and Howe must ensure that they can get this deal over the line as they can seal a terrifying midfield duo by reuniting Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes.

The pair have played together 47 times for Lyon and Brazil in their careers to date and this shows that they would already have a relationship on the pitch. They would not need time to adjust to each other’s style of play and would be able to instantly connect at the start of 2022/23, which will allow them to hit the ground running as a first-choice pairing for Howe.

Paqueta’s form in Ligue 1 this season suggests that he will be able to make a huge impact on the team. Talent scout Jacek Kulig went as far as to describe him as a “pure joy to watch” earlier this year and his statistics back that up as he has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.12 in Ligue 1 – scoring eight goals and providing five assists from midfield.

Meanwhile, Magpies fans already know what a joy Guimaraes is to watch as he has been in fantastic form since arriving in England. He has averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.16 in the Premier League as he has produced three goals and one assist in six starts for Howe.

Now, imagine both of them consistently turning in exciting, brilliant, displays in the middle of the park together as they score and assist goals! It is a mouth-watering prospect for the Toon faithful and a terrifying one for any opposition team…

AND in other news: Howe can unearth his own Ginola in Newcastle’s rarely-seen 19 y/o “bright talent”

Leeds: Radrizzani must move for free agent Danny Rose next summer

Kevin Phillips has tipped newly-promoted Leeds United to bring exiled Spurs left-back, Danny Rose, back to Elland Road.

The England international is approaching the final six months of his contract in north London and after slipping drastically down the pecking order, this summer will call time on his 13-year era with the Lilywhites.

It’s a tough pill to swallow for Rose who has only had two permanent clubs in his professional career.

He joined Spurs from Leeds back in 2007 and he now finds himself being shown the door by Daniel Levy.

The 30-year-old hasn’t made a single appearance for Tottenham this season and has been demoted to the reserve league, which is a huge slap in the face.

Why Leeds should sign Danny Rose

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips thinks that snapping up Rose next summer would be a “no brainer” for Andrea Radrizzani.

“I imagine Leeds would look at Danny Rose. It will not be about money for him at this stage,” the ex-striker said. “He will want to play football and I am sure he would love to play in a Marcelo Bielsa side. A specialised, experience left-back who is good on the ball. He could slot in quite nicely.”

Indeed, with things turning extremely sour down in London, Rose will likely take a wage cut in order to secure regular playing time. With no transfer fee to pay next year, it’s an extremely attractive bit of business for Leeds.

Bielsa is also struggling with an injury-stricken squad at the moment, with both Robin Koch and Diego Llorente on the sidelines.

This has forced Luke Ayling to cover the centre-back position, with Stuart Dallas moving to right-back. Whilst it’s a testament to these players’ versatility, it’s alarming that Leeds have such little depth when it comes to their defensive options.

Rose would be a huge boost in this department and would likely get regular minutes with Dallas now taking on a new midfield role.

Re-signing the 30-year-old dynamo in the summer should be an option that Radrizzani is already considering, as it would benefit all parties involved in the move.

In other news, Andrea Radrizzani update could spell huge news for the Whites…

Spurs make Jannik Vestergaard inquiry

According to a report by Sky Sports, Tottenham Hotspur have made an inquiry to sign Southampton powerhouse Jannik Vestergaard – with Daniel Levy’s transfer priority said to be finding a new centre-half this summer. 

Spurs make Vestergaard inquiry

Indeed, as per this update, the search for new defenders who can bolster Spurs’ backline has already begun as the club make inquiries for Vestergaard as well as out-of-contract Bayern Munich star Jerome Boateng.

The Saints defender and Boateng are admired by Spurs among many others, according to Sky, and it is said that Levy and co will ultimately prioritise a new centre-half and new striker over any other position.

Depending on outgoings, with the club needing to adopt a sell-to-buy policy, they may also look to strengthen midfield, the right-back area, among the forward positions and between the sticks.

However, due to the financial impact of coronavirus, centre-half and the striker role are apparently set to be prioritised this summer.

Transfer Tavern take

Tottenham’s emerged inquiry for Vestergaard comes as especially enticing given his role for the Saints this season under Ralph Hasenhuttl.

The 28-year-old has been a formidable presence for Southampton over 2020/2021 and has averaged the most Premier League clearances per 90 out of their entire squad (WhoScored).

Standing at an imposing 6 foot 5, he also blew away former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood – with the 52-year-old calling him ‘outstanding’ on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (30/01/21 at 1:10 pm) for his form earlier this season (via Anfield Watch).

Valued at a measly £16.2 million by Transfermarkt, he could come as a real coup for Spurs if the inquiry leads to more formal negotiations this summer.

In other news: Tottenham told to appoint this ‘demon’ boss who Guardiola loves, find out more here.

Pundit claims Ward-Prowse will be wanted

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Paul Stewart, who made 529 appearances during his career, has claimed that James Ward-Prowse will be wanted by several clubs this summer after a great season.

Ward-Prowse has been tipped to replace Georginio Wijnaldum at Liverpool by Garth Crooks with the 30-year old midfielder expected to leave at the end of the season.

Southampton’s captain signed a new contract last year but this season has been his best for the Saints having scored eight goals and earned himself several England call ups ahead of the European Championships this summer.

Speaking on how Ward-Prowse has been one of the best midfielders this season and if he could replace Wijnaldum, Stewart exclusively told FFC:

“I think they are two different types of players, but I like Ward-Prowse and I’ve seen his stats that show he covers the second most amount of ground during games, only behind Soucek.

“If you combine that with the ability to put a ball on a sixpence then it makes him a highly sought-after player. So, yeah, I could definitely see him there.”

With Gareth Southgate now able to take 26 players to the Euros instead of the usual 23, Ward-Prowse appears to have a great chance of making the final squad.

Under Mauricio Pellegrino, the 26-year old found regular starts a lot less guaranteed, however since Ralph Hasenhuttl came in he has been the main man and been handed the captain’s armband.

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