⚽ Football Transfers Speculation, Odds and Predictions

[cryptofrka]

Not gonna argue Bilic expertise, he is solid manager but nothing special. For me the drama around his sacking is related to the fact that he managed to get promotion from one of the toughest league, that gets WBA 200 million pounds and they don't buy any new players and expect him to have great results in PL.

Than they hire new manager, he looses all the games except Liverpool one, with big handicaps and just says he can not work with limited team like this and that they need to buy new quality players to avoid relegation. Well no shit Sherlock, that is just the point, Bilic was doing the best possible thing with players he had.

He didn't do great even in the Championship - he did well enough to keep his job but nothing more. If we look at the bookies odds (which is overall the best possible 'average' to take), WBA were 2nd after Leeds to be promoted so them going to PL wasn't an overachievement at all.

I agree that he should have been given some money to spend, but I'll also like to add that statistically, Allardyce and his style of football will bring more points with such a crap team than Bilić and his style would.
Allardyce will play the long ball game and will base his game on set-pieces, whereas Bilić wants to play football - at least tries to.

Bottom line - Klopp and Guardiola combined probably would not be able to save WBA this season. That said - with this team - I'd give more chance to Allardyce surviving than anybody else - although he has 0.5% and others would have 0.3%.

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[Trofo]

Not gonna argue Bilic expertise, he is solid manager but nothing special. For me the drama around his sacking is related to the fact that he managed to get promotion from one of the toughest league, that gets WBA 200 million pounds and they don't buy any new players and expect him to have great results in PL.

Than they hire new manager, he looses all the games except Liverpool one, with big handicaps and just says he can not work with limited team like this and that they need to buy new quality players to avoid relegation. Well no shit Sherlock, that is just the point, Bilic was doing the best possible thing with players he had.

He didn't do great even in the Championship - he did well enough to keep his job but nothing more. If we look at the bookies odds (which is overall the best possible 'average' to take), WBA were 2nd after Leeds to be promoted so them going to PL wasn't an overachievement at all.

I agree that he should have been given some money to spend, but I'll also like to add that statistically, Allardyce and his style of football will bring more points with such a crap team than Bilić and his style would.
Allardyce will play the long ball game and will base his game on set-pieces, whereas Bilić wants to play football - at least tries to.

Bottom line - Klopp and Guardiola combined probably would not be able to save WBA this season. That said - with this team - I'd give more chance to Allardyce surviving than anybody else - although he has 0.5% and others would have 0.3%.

I can agree with most of that but I don't think Allardyce style can be implemented in this WBA side. I must admit I don't know all the players very good but from what I could see their best players are fast winger types and that sort of players are not really suited for long ball tactics.

Do they even have some target man in the squad?

[cryptofrka]

I can agree with most of that but I don't think Allardyce style can be implemented in this WBA side. I must admit I don't know all the players very good but from what I could see their best players are fast winger types and that sort of players are not really suited for long ball tactics.

Do they even have some target man in the squad?

They have Karlan Grant and Charlie Austin - both can be really decent target men in a long-ball team. Robson - Kanu is also tall and can play as a winger as well.

They have height and physicality in the team to try and play it - and that's their only chance of surviving. But as I said, even like that their chances are slim. Fulham is also bad but both Brighton and Burnley look a lot better and already have a good points advantage ahead of WBA.

If I was picking a new coach, I'd pick someone that will already be preparing the team for next year's Championship season.

[masulum]

This is good news for Mesut Ozil fans, because it has been a long time since seeing Mesut Ozil play. Finally Mesut Ozil's future is clear, Fenerbahce
in my opinion is a suitable place for Ozil to bounce back. Moreover, Ozil's wife, Amine Gulse, is indeed a Turkish citizen and lives in Istanbul.
I am sure Mesut Ozil will be happy to play for Fenerbahce, because Ozil's future at Arsenal has ended since Arteta did not register Mesut Ozil
in any competition.

This may be what Arteta expected, leaving Ozil out of the main squad, making Ozil uncomfortable before the contract expires, an advantage for Arsenal to succeed in selling Arteta. Hopefully selling the ozil was the right decision. Because in my opinion Ozil still has the skills to play in the EPL. The last few matches, the strategy seemed effective, they are win in several matches in a row. This is the right time for Ozil to makes Arsenal regretted Ozil departures. 

[TedMosby]

According to ESPN, Manchester City are closely interested in signing Sergio Ramos as a free agent this summer. I know that he is 34 years old but he can still be quite beneficial for big clubs and it could be a nice transfer for Manchester City. It is also a nice opportunity to sign him without paying transfer fee to Real Madrid.

https://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/4279645/man-city-monitoring-ramos-contract-talks-at-real-madrid-sources

wait, I read that Tottenham Hotspur is interested to sign him too before.
Bale and Mourinho would be a plus for him if he joins The Spurs.
But.. his problem with Madrid is about money. If Man City is serious about Ramos, they would be on the front row to print him money.
source: https://tbrfootball.com/tottenham-get-sergio-ramos-boost-with-real-madrid-facing-huge-cuts

[ingiltere]

Mesut Özil goes to turkey!!!

According to the reliable Turkish news agency DHA, the former Germany international has agreed a three-and-a-half-year with Fener. Özil’s basic salary is said to amount to €5 million net per season – which would make him the Turkish Süper Lig’s top earner alongside Galatasaray striker Falcao. Arsenal will reportedly continue pay Özil’s wages for the rest of the season, while Fener will pay him a €2.5 million signing-on fee ahead of the 2021/22 season.

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ozil-leaves-arsenal-and-joins-fenerbahce-gunners-to-pay-salary-until-the-end-of-the-season/view/news/377208

we will see if MÖ will find his old strength again at fenerbahce. i would wish it on him

This is good news for Mesut Ozil fans, because it has been a long time since seeing Mesut Ozil play. Finally Mesut Ozil's future is clear, Fenerbahce
in my opinion is a suitable place for Ozil to bounce back. Moreover, Ozil's wife, Amine Gulse, is indeed a Turkish citizen and lives in Istanbul.
I am sure Mesut Ozil will be happy to play for Fenerbahce, because Ozil's future at Arsenal has ended since Arteta did not register Mesut Ozil
in any competition.

I wonder where do they find money to pay for Mesut and his manager? As I said before, this transfer would be financially very bad for them. Fenerbahçe is already in a crisis as other teams in Turkey are, they don't have any luxury to pay ridiculously high wages.

I won't be surprised if they sign Mesut but I don't really expect it to happen.

[Avirunes]

According to ESPN, Manchester City are closely interested in signing Sergio Ramos as a free agent this summer. I know that he is 34 years old but he can still be quite beneficial for big clubs and it could be a nice transfer for Manchester City. It is also a nice opportunity to sign him without paying transfer fee to Real Madrid.

https://www.espn.co.uk/football/soccer-transfers/story/4279645/man-city-monitoring-ramos-contract-talks-at-real-madrid-sources

It's like Manchester city have no defenders.
they have already 6 center back with unless they get him to play as a striker as he proved himself to be a goalscorer because City now lacks a center forward.
Aguero hasn't been fit all season while gabriel jesus is not going to be relayed on to be the sole striker for the blues so they need to strengthen that position. Sure ramos will be a great addition but it's not a great move for city especially If he asks a lot for weekly wages especially if he is joining on as a free agent. The should renew KDB contract first as he rejected to renew and he is negotiating for a better contract

I agree with you. Manchester City don't really need defenders now. It will be great if they sign a qualified forward now or for the next season. Gabriel Jesus is having problems on scoring and like you said Aguero hasn't played decently for a long time. If they transfer a very good scorer, they can solve the problem on finishing.

Yeah they need to work about Sergio Aguero - I mean whether to extend it a bit further or find a replacement for him. Jesus is a good striker and is always out there in field trying his best but maybe someone with experience on centre forward would be more good for Cityzens. They have Ferran Torres and Foden also played at that position but they are not a natural centre forward. So they can work it out for a bit but given the pocket they have it will be better to spend to bring a new forward player just in case if they don't want Aguero now.

[ILuckyGuyI]

According to The Guardian, Real Madrid and Liverpool are in a race to sign Bayern Munich's centre-back David Alaba who has 6 months left on his contract. I think Liverpool need a defender more than Real Madrid. Ramos is injured at Real Madrid now but there are alternatives for him at least. But at Liverpool, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk are injured and they have not any good alternatives for them. For example on their last match, Henderson and Fabinho played as defenders which is not their natural position. Alaba could be really helpful in this situation.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jan/05/real-madrid-lead-race-to-sign-david-alaba-but-liverpool-interested-too

[Spack17]

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12179942/pep-guardiola-manchester-city-dont-have-many-players-for-manchester-united-cup-tie

Pep Guardiola is so sure about Kevin De Bruyne will continue at Manchester City. He has still 2 more years on his contract. I assume he doesn't want to rush things now. I think De Bruyne is one of the very important players for City and I think he will sign a new deal next season. By the way, he got 3 goals and 12 assists in 18 matches so far.

[kawetsriyanto]

According to The Guardian, Real Madrid and Liverpool are in a race to sign Bayern Munich's centre-back David Alaba who has 6 months left on his contract.

I support Real Madrid to sign David Alaba. I agree with you, he should be more needed in Real Madrid than in Liverpool. Real Madrid needs new strong defenders, especially for CB (Centre-Back). David Alaba also can be placed in other positions, yep he is a player with multi positions. Real Madrid should do their best to sign him and won't miss to bring him to Bernabeu.

[cryptofrka]

According to The Guardian, Real Madrid and Liverpool are in a race to sign Bayern Munich's centre-back David Alaba who has 6 months left on his contract. I think Liverpool need a defender more than Real Madrid. Ramos is injured at Real Madrid now but there are alternatives for him at least. But at Liverpool, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk are injured and they have not any good alternatives for them. For example on their last match, Henderson and Fabinho played as defenders which is not their natural position. Alaba could be really helpful in this situation.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jan/05/real-madrid-lead-race-to-sign-david-alaba-but-liverpool-interested-too

They are both rumored to offer a deal for the summer - so after his Bayern contract expires. Liverpool will by then have both Van Dijk and Gomez fit and ready to play.

I still understand the interest in Alaba, he can become their first CB option alongside Van Dijk, can play at LB too (although he does not want to anymore and we bought Tsimikas) and can also cover in midfield since it's more likely that Wijnaldum will leave.

He'd primarily be a CB but is a versatile player in his prime years that would be a great addition to Liverpool's squad.

[dre1982]

Just read a Dutch interview with Depay. He wants to finish the season at Lyon so probably no winter transfer for him.

But you never know in football, it can be different the other day.

[Lewan]

Fenerbahçe's transfer of Mesut Özil is a great development. Acun Ilıcalı's role in this transfer is great. Fenerbahçe continues to do good work. Galatasaray is one step closer to Diego Costa with this move.

[tokeweed]

According to The Guardian, Real Madrid and Liverpool are in a race to sign Bayern Munich's centre-back David Alaba who has 6 months left on his contract. I think Liverpool need a defender more than Real Madrid. Ramos is injured at Real Madrid now but there are alternatives for him at least. But at Liverpool, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk are injured and they have not any good alternatives for them. For example on their last match, Henderson and Fabinho played as defenders which is not their natural position. Alaba could be really helpful in this situation.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jan/05/real-madrid-lead-race-to-sign-david-alaba-but-liverpool-interested-too

They are both rumored to offer a deal for the summer - so after his Bayern contract expires. Liverpool will by then have both Van Dijk and Gomez fit and ready to play.

I still understand the interest in Alaba, he can become their first CB option alongside Van Dijk, can play at LB too (although he does not want to anymore and we bought Tsimikas) and can also cover in midfield since it's more likely that Wijnaldum will leave.

He'd primarily be a CB but is a versatile player in his prime years that would be a great addition to Liverpool's squad.

Alaba as CB?  As in David Alaba...?  I don’t think he’s strong enough to play that role in the EPL.  Dunno...

But yeah, LFC should be looking for a new CB to compete with VVD for the role and not just to compete for it.  With VVD, it might the beginning of a string of injuries.  He could not be as durable as we think.

[Lewan]

It is said that the duo of Sergio Ramos and Messi may be in Paris. that would be great. Reuniting Neymar and Messi sounds good. It would be a good development for football.

[cygan]

some new transfer rumors...


Sébastien Haller join ajax amsterdam

It would be the most expensive transfer of the winter so far: West Ham striker Sébastien Haller is set to join Ajax according to French sports newspaper L’Équipe.

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/west-ham-forward-haller-to-join-ajax-most-expensive-signing-in-dutch-club-rsquo-s-history/view/news/377280

Patrick Cutrone back to wolves

Patrick Cutrone returns to Wolverhampton ahead of schedule. The loan agreement with Fiorentina, which originally ran until the summer, was terminated on Thursday, as both clubs officially announced. The 23-year-old striker is still under contract with Wolves until 2023.

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/after-gibbs-white-cutrone-returns-to-wolverhampton-ahead-of-schedule-as-well/view/news/377286


Mark McKenzie join krc genk

As first reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer, Belgian club KRC Genk has signed Philadelphia Union defender Mark McKenzie. Both the Philadelphia Union and the Jupiler Pro League club announced the deal today.

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/krc-genk-sign-mark-mckenzie-another-record-fee-for-the-philadelphia-union/view/news/377265

[ILuckyGuyI]

According to Echo, Everton are expecting offers for their centre-forward Moise Kean from PSG. Kean is now on loan at PSG and it seems they are content with him. There is a claim that Everton have declined a £31m offer. Kean played 21 matches at PSG this season. He scored 12 goals and got 1 assist.

https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/moise-kean-everton-psg-transfer-19572269

[cryptofrka]

Alaba as CB?  As in David Alaba...?  I don’t think he’s strong enough to play that role in the EPL.  Dunno...

But yeah, LFC should be looking for a new CB to compete with VVD for the role and not just to compete for it.  With VVD, it might the beginning of a string of injuries.  He could not be as durable as we think.

He played as a CB for Bayern in more than 100 games. They won the CL with him there and he rarely looked out of place. He's great with the ball and would be an ideal partner in high-pressing and high defensive line setups - which we usually play, especially with Gomez.

Neither Gomez nor Matip have proven reliable enough to be guaranteed starters - Matip is too injury prone and Gomez is still prone to silly mistakes. But with Alaba there you have a proven defender that suits your gameplan and can also switch him to midfield or to LB when you're chasing the game.

It looks great to me, from all the angles.

[dre1982]

some new transfer rumors...

Sébastien Haller join ajax amsterdam

It would be the most expensive transfer of the winter so far: West Ham striker Sébastien Haller is set to join Ajax according to French sports newspaper L’Équipe.

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/west-ham-forward-haller-to-join-ajax-most-expensive-signing-in-dutch-club-rsquo-s-history/view/news/377280

Ajax coach Ten Hag worked before with Haller at FC Utrecht.

He will be good enough to replace Huntelaar which retires after this season at an age of 37. Huntelaar came back to Ajax few years ago to wind down for a few years but he didn't do that att all. He still scored a lot of goals and was very eager when he had to play.

[acquafredda]

It is said that the duo of Sergio Ramos and Messi may be in Paris. that would be great. Reuniting Neymar and Messi sounds good. It would be a good development for football.

https://everythingbarca.com/2021/01/06/ramos-paris-saint-germain-lionel-messi/
This can be the most interesting transfer to follow this year. It looks impossible to me that both Barcelona champions would sign for Paris Saint Germain but I hope that Messi will escape his nightmare as quickly as possible. They guy is losing touch and that cannot happen. Go on, PSG, buy Leo!