Tag Futebol

YouTuber Conor McGilligan slammed the Leeds United board's recruitment as the Tyler Adams injury may leave them short of quality.

What's the latest on Tyler Adams and his Leeds injury?

It sounds as though the club's midfielder is set to miss a notable chunk, if not the entirety, of the remained of the Premier League season.

Indeed, with just 11 games to go and caught in the midst of a relegation battle, the USMNT star has been forced to undergo surgery on a hamstring injury (via The Athletic).

As a result, this could propel someone like Adam Forshaw back into first-team action when he hasn't played under new coach Javi Gracia so far.

While reacting to it all on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan slammed the board was not "recruiting" well enough in past transfer windows.

He said: “It stinks of, once again, Leeds not recruiting the right profiles to combat something like this.

"And this is what we're discussing at the start of the season. Leeds United do not have the profiles to replace someone like Patrick Bamford. They don't have the profile to replace someone like Tyler Adams.

"The closest player you get to Tyler Adams is Adam Forshaw, and what does that say? Forshaw is never fit.

"Is he good enough? That's a question for you guys to answer. I have my own opinion on that. But overall, this is a big blow for Leeds United."

Who will play for Leeds with Tyler Adams injured?

Adams – who earns a reported £55,000-per-week wage – has been fairly vital to Leeds so far this term, starting every (24) league games possible when fit.

The same cannot be said of Forshaw. Indeed the 31-year-old is yet to play in 2023 having featured just five times in the division this term – for a total of 157 minutes.

Gracia does have a few alternatives, though. Indeed, both Weston McKennie and Marc Roca can play in the middle of the park. However, it could be argued Leeds are otherwise short of natural replacements in that part of the pitch, with the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Sam Greenwood and even Robin Koch possible options.

And McGilligan clearly feels as though Forshaw is the "closest player" player to Adams and so if they don't want to mix things up too much, perhaps the forgotten man will come back into the picture – although he's not expected to be fit to play this weekend against Arsenal, anyway.

With Antonio Conte looking increasingly likely to be moving on from Tottenham Hotspur in the coming days, chairman Daniel Levy will now be tasked with plotting a possible successor to the experienced Italian, with the Lilywhites once again needing to start from scratch following what has been a disappointing campaign on the whole.

The name on everybody's lips at present is that of Mauricio Pochettino, with the 51-year-old – who has been out of a job since leaving Paris Saint-Germain last summer – having been earmarked for a return to his former club after just under four years away from N17.

As The Telegraph recently reported, there are said to be doubts among the 'key decision makers' in north London as to whether it is wise to re-hire the Argentine, with the club also looking at possible alternatives for the role, including the likes of Ange Postecoglou and Roberto De Zerbi.

Journalist Shaun Custis recently echoed that opinion after telling talkSPORT that "Levy seems very reluctant to admit he made a mistake in the first place" by re-appointing Pochettino, having sacked the one-time Southampton boss back in November 2019.

While it is somewhat understandable for Levy to have reservations about bringing the beloved figure back into the fold, Pochettino himself is said to be "pushing like mad" to be named as Conte's successor, according to Custis, with Sky Sports revealing that he has even been in contact with some of the Spurs squad.

Although the Tottenham hierarchy may see their pride damaged by reverting back to a man whom they have previously let go, it would surely see the club strike gold if they could get a deal agreed in the near future.

Should Spurs re-hire Pochettino?

As The Telegraph report noted, there are said to be doubts surrounding the one-time Espanyol coach as his sole managerial stint since leaving England was at PSG, with Pochettino having been sacked in July 2022 after just 18 months at the helm, having crashed out in the last-16 of the Champions League last season.

That rather underwhelming stint at the Parc des Princes should well be no reflection on the 20-cap international's quality as a manager, however, with a string of coaches having found it difficult to enjoy success at the Ligue 1 giants, including the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Unai Emery and Carlo Ancelotti.

Levy and co should, instead, remind themselves of the brilliant work that their former boss did during his time in charge of the Lilywhites, having notably guided the club to the Champions League final back in 2019, all while playing "attractive, winning football" – as noted by journalist Rob Blanchette.

While Pochettino's five-year stint did end without silverware, the Murphy-born genius had managed to transform the club into top-four regulars and potential title contenders on occasion, notably going close in 2016, only to lose out to surprise package, Leicester City.

The hope would be that the manager's return could also aid in Tottenham's bid to keep Harry Kane at the club, with the striking sensation – who has just a year left on his contract – having previously hailed the "fantastic job" that Pochettino did during his time in the capital.

Although there is no guarantee that a reunion would prove fruitful for all concerned – with going back not always the best course of action – it does seem as if the chance to rekindle an old flame is simply too good to pass up.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy ‘will consider’ Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou to succeed current head coach Antonio Conte.

The Lowdown: Spurs manager list growing…

As per recent reports, Spurs’ managerial shortlist to succeed Conte appears to be growing larger and larger.

Indeed, Mauricio Pochettino, Luis Enrique, Thomas Tuchel, Marco Silva, Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Frank have all been mentioned as targets by reliable sources.

Conte has also been linked with a move back to Italy, where Serie A giants Inter Milan are lurking.

The 53-year-old’s future seems far away from Spurs after this season, with journalist Matt Law now sharing another candidate in the frame.

The Latest: Levy will consider Ange…

According to Law, writing in a piece for The Telegraph, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy ‘will consider’ appointing Postecoglou alongside other ‘alternative’ candidates to Pochettino.

It is also believed that Levy will take the suggestions of Fabio Paratici into account with Postecoglou now sitting on the shortlist with De Zerbi and Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-4/” title=”Tottenham latest news” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/cropped-tottenham-fans.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Good choice?

While there are some arguments to be made that the 57-year-old has enjoyed success in a less competitive division than the Premier League with Celtic, Postecoglou has still seriously made waves in the SPFL.

The Australian has endeared himself to Parkhead’s faithful and re-established the Hoops as Scotland’s dominant number one side.

He is currently on course to win a second-successive league title, with pundits like Owen Hargreaves praising his ‘beautiful’ attacking football.

The Australian has totalled six league titles in his career overall, clinching first division medals with South Melbourne FC (2), Brisbane Roar (2), Yokohoma F. Marinos and Celtic (Transfermarkt).

While he isn’t a prestigious name like Pochettino or Thomas Tuchel, for instance, nobody can argue he has impressed during his career.

He could be a more left-field choice but there is little surprise the 57 year-old has made his way into Tottenham’s thinking.

Leeds United journalist Conor McGilligan is far from happy with the performance of English winger Jack Harrison.

The Lowdown: Edged out at Stamford Bridge

The Whites failed to climb further away from the relegation zone as Javi Gracia’s men were on the receiving end of a 1-0 loss against Chelsea.

Despite the result, there were moments of promise from Crysencio Summerville in particular in the first-half. However, Wesley Fofana’s goal in the 53rd minute was enough as Leeds showed a lack of quality in front of goal, with just two of their 11 shots on target.

The Latest: Harrison in the firing line

On a day where Leeds really needed a result, with Wolves managing to pull themselves away from the relegation zone and Leicester playing Southampton, Gracia could have done with Harrison on top form.

But, it’s clear this certainly wasn’t the case in the eyes of Conor McGilligan, as he took to Twitter to slate the winger.

He said: “Get Harrison off the pitch, every single week. Senior player he kills half of our momentum going forward. Gnonto exasperated with him inside about 5 minutes of coming on.”

The Verdict: Stats don’t lie…

The stats certainly support McGilligan’s feeling as the Englishman had just 43 touches, a pass success percentage of 73, lost the ball 14 times, failed to complete a dribble and lost six duels (Sofascore).

Harrison hasn’t managed to score in the Premier League since all the way back in August, though he has created a number of goals. But, with Leeds in desperate need of goals, fans will be hoping that he can rediscover his form from last season.

It really is desperate times for Leeds with Wolves and Nottingham Forest coming up in the next four games.

Transfer expert Dean Jones has now told GIVEMESPORT that he would be ‘very surprised’ if Leeds United hired Ange Postecoglou or Kjetil Knutsen as their new manager.

The Lowdown: Marsch dismissed

Jesse Marsch was dismissed from his post earlier this week, with the American leaving the club locked in a relegation battle, currently sitting just one point clear of the Premier League relegation zone.

As such, sporting director Victor Orta has started the process of finding a replacement for the American, with Bodo/Glimt manager Knutsen understood to be interested in the position, while Celtic boss Postecoglou has also been linked.

The Latest: Both unlikely

In an interview with GIVEMESPORT, Jones provided an update on the likelihood of Leeds moving for either manager, saying: “I just can’t see it at this moment in time; I’d be very surprised if they got either of those two. I do think we’re getting to the stage where they have to start looking for managers not in a job.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates-copy-2/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates (Copy)” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Missed out?

Knutsen has enjoyed a great deal of success with Bodo/Glimt, leading the club to two league titles, however he is unproven outside of Norway, and it would be a real risk to bring him in, given the Whites’ current league position.

As for Postecoglou, he has done very well at Celtic, averaging 2.28 points per match in charge of the Hoops, but there are still alternative options available for Leeds.

Orta is now weighing up whether to make a second approach for up and coming Rayo Vallecano boss Andoni Iraola, while Steven Gerrard is said to be ‘very keen’ on the job, and the task will now be to bring someone in before what could be a crucial match against relegation-threatened Everton next weekend.

Everton suffered in the January transfer market as they scrambled to secure the elusive striker that Farhad Moshiri promised.

It was a position that everyone could see needed bolstering, with the Toffees having scored only 15 goals in the Premier League before this weekend, yet it seemingly took until deadline day to spark them into action, ultimately to no avail.

Sean Dyche was left without any additions of his own, burdened with a relegation-threatened squad desperately lacking confidence.

Despite that, yesterday saw him mark his return to management with a famous win at Goodison Park over league leaders Arsenal. His team were resolute and disciplined, with James Tarkowski’s powerful header the difference between the two sides.

He may instil a tireless attitude and some much-needed defensive security, but again Everton require a consistent finisher if they are to comfortably pull away from the relegation mire.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s 62nd-minute substitution was indicative that he is not yet truly fit following a spate of injuries, and with Dyche’s preferred 4-4-2 formation, the 25-year-old will need a reliable partner should he even remain available.

Neal Maupay somewhat lacks the physical assets needed for Dyche’s system, ranking in the bottom 21% of strikers in Europe’s five main leagues for aerial duels won. Meanwhile, Ellis Simms is expected to play an improved role, but it does leave the Toffees without a viable backup at centre-forward.

It seemed like they had one in Tom Cannon, who had hit a vein of unstoppable goalscoring form for the youth team before being sent out on loan to Preston North End last month.

To recall him and offer him some well-earned senior experience could be the answer to Everton’s transfer howler, which has left them light in a position of huge importance.

Even with yesterday’s win, the Toffees have still scored just 16 goals in 21 top-flight games, while the 20-year-old alone boasted seven goals in just 11 Premier League 2 matches, and he seemed poised to demolish his eight-goal tally from the 2021/22 season before his loan exit to Deepdale.

Cannon’s youth coach Paul Tait had predicted where his career might be heading early in the new year, praising the prolific forward and outlining what he could offer teams by saying: “I think the next part of his journey and pathway will probably be a loan, I would imagine. He certainly didn’t do himself any harm showing his finishing power with that strike.”

Clearly drawing the attention of numerous Championship clubs, Preston was elected as his chosen destination. He may well thrive at Deepdale, but he could also have done so at Goodison Park to quell Everton’s toothless form.

Dyche may have come in too late to prevent the club from making a howler in January by loaning Cannon out, but the 51-year-old can put that to rights by unleashing the youngster properly on Merseyside later this year.

Liverpool are pushing for a move for Jude Bellingham this year, seemingly narrowing all avenues down to a singular channel in order to complete an acquisition that could represent a watershed moment for the club’s trajectory, and must now ensure the maestro’s name is secured.

In a saga that threatens to dominate the paper talk for the remainder of the campaign, Borussia Dortmund’s Bellingham has been heavily touted with a move away from the Bundesliga this season, with Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid all vying for his signature alongside Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.

However, recent reports claim that Liverpool are indeed the frontrunners to land the gem, with Sky Sports Germany correspondent Florian Plettenberg tweeting to offer an update on the Merseyside outfit’s stance.

He said on Sunday: “LFC: As reported and now confirmed via #Klopp: Nothing will happen in this transfer window. Gakpo in January. Now full focus on top target Bellingham for summer!”

A leaf from Newcastle’s book…

The 19-year-old Bellingham , who is valued at €150m (£132m) by the Yellow Wall, according to Sky Sports Germany, has indeed emerged as a “generational talent” over the past few years – as hailed by Raphael Honigstein – having made 114 appearances and won the DFB Pokal for his outfit since arriving from boyhood club Birmingham City for £25m at just 17-years-old.

Roy Keane, a former pro who knows a thing or two about flourishing as an all-embracing midfielder at the zenith of the Premier League, remarked over Bellingham’s burgeoning rise.

“ He’s going to be a superstar that kid. We keep using the word but maturity, he plays like he’s played 100 times for England.

“I’ve not seen a young midfielder perform like that for years. His maturity, his decision making, which is huge for a midfielder, the kid has everything.”

And as per FBref, the “scary” talent, as once dubbed by Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, ranks among the top 4% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for rate of goals and the top 12% for rate of assists.

Also within the top 3% for dribbles completed and 13% for progressive passes, it illustrates his transitional nature that would fortify the Anfield ranks and replenish a midfield devoid of energy and inspiration.

Liverpool’s pursuit of the £49k-per-week dynamo offers shades of Newcastle United’s acquisition of Bruno Guimaraes, who arrived at St. James’ Park for £40m in January 2021 to transcend the club’s fortunes and serve as the catalyst for a new, prosperous era.

Newcastle, who were facing the peril of relegation from the Premier League when the opulent owners took the reins, swiftly moved into action and secured the Brazilian engine to charge the resurgence, indeed to emphatic success.

His average match rating of 7.25 – as per Sofascore – over the latter stage of the campaign, was paramount to the shifting of momentum, threading the team together with five goals, an 86% pass success rate, 0.7 key passes and 2.3 tackles per game.

His dynamic level of brilliance is a perfect representation of Bellingham’s own arsenal, and among the abundant quality that lays dormant within Anfield at present, the 22-cap English virtuoso holds the key to unlocking the door.

Liverpool appear to be heaping emphasis on a transfer market manoeuvre for one of the global game’s most coveted young stars, and by completing a deal to spearhead the charge and provide a sheen unseen at the club, much like at Newcastle with Guimaraes, stability could not only be reinstated, but surpassed to new heights.

Leeds United are ‘very keen’ to get the deal for Diogo Monteiro over the line according to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs. 

According to The Athletic, Jesse Marsch’s side was lining up a bid in an attempt to bring the Portuguese defender to the Premier League, who currently plays for Swiss outfit Servette FC.

The defender has played three times in Switzerland’s Super League, with one of those appearances being a start and he’s averaged 48 minutes on the pitch so far this season.

Monteiro’s last match in the Swiss League came in a 0-0 draw against Young Boys, behind goalkeeper Jeremy Frick he had the second-highest rating on Sofascore along with former Premier League left-back Gael Clichy.

The Latest: Leeds want to wrap up Monteiro deal

Speaking on Joe Wainman’s YouTube channel, Jacobs claimed that the club are keen to get the deal done for the player. He also raved about the abilities that Monteiro possesses, stating he’s one for the future.

He said (35:02), “Leeds at least the last time I checked, we’re still lining up a bid but they’re very keen on getting this one done.

“He’s a Portuguese centre-back, very promising, very modern defender, good movement off the ball in a back four, can play in a back three as well.

“And he will only actually turn 18 I think towards the end of the window, in the last few days. So he adds a lot for the future and not only that, but he’s quite a mature player.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates-13/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: A potential future star

We believe that Leeds could have a real talent on their hands in the form of Monteiro, he’s already achieved a lot for an 18-year-old.

The defender has already played a number of international games at youth level, for Portugal’s under-15s all the way through to the under-19s Monteiro has picked up a combined total of 36 caps for his nation.

With a strong performance against now top-of-the-table Young Boys, we can see why Marsch wants to bring the player to Elland Road and see if he can develop him to the next level.

Leeds have had success coaching their youth talent in the past including David Seaman, Gary Speed and James Milner. They’ve not had so much success when it comes to progressing players from outside of English-speaking nations, but there’ll be optimism around Monteiro should he make the switch later this month.

Newcastle United head to Hillsborough this evening to take on Sheffield Wednesday in their FA Cup third-round clash, and a new update has emerged on the potential of Alexander Isak’s return.

What’s the latest?

Eddie Howe took to his pre-match press conference to reveal that a late decision will be made on the Newcastle striker’s inclusion in the visit to Yorkshire.

When asked about Isak’s potential return to the matchday squad, the Magpies boss told the media: “Let’s get through training today. I’m not clear – I just don’t want to put pressure on him and we want to introduce him at the right time.

“He’s getting closer all the time and he has trained. Let’s wait and see.”

It may be good news for Newcastle

There is no doubt that Howe will want his team to progress into the next stage of the FA Cup this weekend, as his side’s phenomenal form could offer a golden opportunity to deliver the first major domestic trophy since 1955.

The Magpies are currently third in the Premier League table and strongly in contention for a Champions League qualifying place if they can maintain their form over the remainder of the season. However, a trophy at St James’ Park would be the cherry on top of an incredible first full season on Tyneside for the former Bournemouth boss.

A return for Isak this evening could give Newcastle a huge boost in front of goal, as although the Swedish striker has been rarely seen for the Tyneside club since his move last August due to injury, he is a proven goalscorer with a lot of star quality.

The 23-year-old has scored 84 goals and delivered 19 assists in 217 appearances over his senior and youth career so far with a goal contribution every 134 minutes, proving that he is a consistent and reliable threat who can add real value to Newcastle not only against Sheffield Wednesday but throughout the second half of the season.

With that being said, progression in the FA Cup would be a great step forward for Newcastle in their pursuit to bring tangible success to the club, and Isak’s potential return to action could be the key to securing the Magpies’ place in the next round of the competition.

West Bromwich Albion continued their resurgence last night with a fine victory over Sunderland, propelling them ever further away from the dreaded relegation zone that they sat in under Steve Bruce.

Things are looking bright under the new leadership of Carlos Corberan, and now that significant pressure has been alleviated perhaps, he could look towards January to further bolster his squad.

They do only sit a wholly surmountable eight points off the playoff spots with a game in hand.

Finances were strict in the summer, with Bruce having to mastermind free transfers to plug the necessary gaps.

To his credit, he managed to add seven new faces whilst only spending £1.1m, and his team are now reaping the benefits of a new system.

What has underpinned their recent success is a solid defence, with 23-year-old Dara O’Shea at the heart of it.

Now, reports are suggesting that it could be further reinforced with a move for Hibernian defender Ryan Porteous.

Alongside the Irishman, the two could hold down the back line for many years to come, with Corberan hoping to repeat the successes that nurtured their young defender into the mature competitor he is.

The 23-year-old has impressed in his homeland, but manager Lee Johnson is now resigned to losing his star man after he rejected “the best contract we could offer”.

Former Hibs boss Jim Duffy has since touted the defender at an achievable £500k price tag.

That has put many Championship clubs on red alert, with the Baggies set to battle with at least five other clubs in their division for his signature.

There is a reason why he is so sought-after, with Johnson putting it rather succinctly when he claimed: “If I was a manager in the Championship, and I have been in the past, he is the exact type of player I would be looking at.”

This season the centre-back has boasted a 7.29 average rating, whilst maintaining 1.3 tackles and 3.6 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

However, what makes him a valuable asset for this level is his distribution, as the 6 foot 2 colossus averages an 80% pass accuracy alongside 1.2 key passes per game.

Craig Gordon is clearly in awe of his stature and ability for someone so young, as he claimed: “He was really composed on the ball, he threw his body in when he had to.

“Not only was he a great defender, but he was good on the ball for us. He brought the ball out and what a real composed, confident first game for him.”

Alongside O’Shea, who too averages 2.0 interceptions, 1.0 tackles and 3.4 clearances per game, there could be an insurmountable defensive pairing brewing at the Hawthorns.

Having conceded once in their last four Championship games, snatching this deal in January could be imperative in their aspirational promotion push.