Alfredo Morelos is a liability and needs to be sold this summer. It’d be annoying for the club and fans to see his talent wasted, but his hefty transfer fee would allow Rangers to strengthen in so many areas.
The Colombian hot-head has racked up three red cards and nine yellows so far this season. He’s let the team down on too many occasions and his talent won’t make up for that. 17 goals and eight assists in the Scottish Premiership is impressive, but he just can’t be trusted.
Gerrard needs discipline in his squad and that’s been lacking at times this season. The old-firm derby proved that for millions to see. He also needs to add quality all over the pitch and the sale of Morelos could solve both those issues.
Despite being rated at just £2.7m on Transfermarkt, the fact he signed a new contract in March means it’d take a large fee for any club to take him off Rangers’ hands. They could spread that money across the squad and improve it significantly. Indeed, Eldesmarque believe Real Betis are interested in the 22-year-old.
If they want to challenge Celtic for the league and cups next season it won’t be good enough to sign a couple of cheap, young players and hope they develop into stars. They’ve tried that this season. It worked to a degree, but it ultimately failed to secure them a trophy.
The sale of Morelos would give them a chance to deepen their squad and fill it with players who don’t have the childish mentality Morelos has proved he’s got. It’d be a tough decision for director of football Mark Allen to sell him, but it’d be the right one.
Rangers fans, who would you bring in if Mark Allen sold Alfredo Morelos? Join the discussion by commenting below…
Having achieved the unthinkable last month by securing promotion to the Premier League with his boyhood club Sheffield United, Chris Wilder now faces arguably the biggest summer of his managerial career.
With the Blades needing to bolster their squad in order to give themselves the best chance of competing in the top-flight, it is of little surprise that they have already been linked with a move for an exciting international star.
According to Peruvian news outlet El Bocon, United are reportedly interested in signing Tigres UANL full-back Luis Advincula when the transfer window opens in July. Currently on loan at La Liga side Rayo Vallecano, the 29-year-old is expected to return to Mexico when his deal expires next month after suffering relegation to the Segunda Division with the Spanish side this season.
Despite suffering collective disappointment with Los Franjirrojos, Advincula showed plenty of attacking intent during the 2018/19 campaign which suggests that he could be a great fit for Wilder’s 3-5-2 system.
If the Blades do indeed swoop for the full-back, it could lead to intense competition between the £2.7m-rated ace (via Transfermarkt) and George Baldock for this particular position.
Although the former Milton Keynes Dons defender has been utterly exceptional since moving to Bramall Lane in 2017, the fact that Advincula has earned 75 caps for Peru during his career suggests that he may be more suited to top-flight football due to his wealth of experience.
With the Tigres star also holding the advantage of being able to play as a winger, it would not be at all surprising if he forces Baldock to watch on from the sidelines next season.
What do you think Blades fans? Could signing Advincula have a negative impact on Baldock’s United career? How important is it that Wilder gets his recruitment right in the summer? Let us know below.
It looks as though Wolves are showing no signs of slowing down in their ambitions to take the club as far as possible with major development plans being unveiled for Molineux.
An artist’s impression of what the stadium will look like after it’s been redeveloped were first shown during the club’s awards night on Tuesday evening.
The image shows new Steve Bull and Billy Wright stands whilst a massive single-tier South Bank is also on display.
Reacting to the news on Twitter, fans were absolutely loving what their ground could look like in the future.
One supporter claimed that the stadium looked like heaven, whilst a further fan said it was unbelievable.
It was quite the reaction from the Molineux faithful as another individual was delighted that it would be keeping its identity despite the change.
Wolves’ ground was initially first built in 1889 and has undergone various revamps throughout the years. The latest renovation came in the 2011/12 season.
This is a clear statement from the Midlands club who are obviously eager to stamp their authority in the Premier League after a fabulous first season following promotion.
Here’s what Wolves fans have been saying about the latest update.
Liverpool’s summer is set to be a big one, with a lot riding on the Champions League final in a few weeks time.
While the Reds missed out on the Premier League title despite a superb season, the failure to land the European Cup could well be a nail in the coffin which means some of the Reds’ top stars start to look elsewhere in terms of their futures.
One of the key men for Liverpool in the last two season has of course been Mo Salah, who has been in fine form for Jurgen Klopp’s men, finishing this season as the joint golden boot winner alongside Sadio Mane and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
However, this weekend has seen talk of a move by Real Madrid to land the Egyptian, with the Spanish giants keen to test the resolve of Liverpool in regards to keeping their star player.
We here in the Tavern though feel that Liverpool can only be greeting the Madrid giants with one answer, and that has to be a firm no.
Salah has been integral to everything Liverpool have achieved in the last few seasons, and losing him this summer would be a bitter blow that the club would struggle to overcome.
Of course, Salah would cost a fair few pennies for Madrid if they were to tempt Liverpool into a sale, but even with masses of money in the coffers, it would be no easy feat to go out and find a replacement for a player who has been so brilliantly consistent at Anfield.
Liverpool are well within their rights to be turning down those sorts of offers too, and Salah should be the main man for Liverpool going forward as they look to continue their success under Jurgen Klopp.
Imagine (yes, again) the damage Everton could do with a reliable, out-and-out goalscorer next season…
Indeed, it’s all well and good having the quality of Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson within their ranks but the Toffees are really missing a trick not having a quality striker alongside them as well. Well, not missing a trick perse in that literally everyone knows this is a big issue for the club, but seemingly ignoring it. Weird.
Clearly, ever since Romelu Lukaku left, Everton have been unable to find an adequate replacement, someone who would even get near his goal-tally. And now that Marco Silva and his side have shown real signs of progression in the last few months, he should be given the chance to make a top striker his, this summer.
Although he certainly isn’t in that calibre yet, more so potential, Everton should seriously consider reviving their interest (cited by the Daily Mail back in March) in Lille forward Rafael Leao.
Leao, (who is valued at £10.8 million on Transfermarkt) was a player Everton seemingly struck up a firm interest in a matter of months ago now. Having joined Lille in the summer, the Portuguese concluded his debut campaign out in France with eight goals in 24 appearances.
Considering that he is 19-years-old and was a stranger to first-team football before the start of the season, a goal every three appearances is a good way to introduce yourself. Everton know full-well how much they need another striker at least this summer and who is to say that young Rafael Leao isn’t the answer?
While there are obviously a few problems with the make-up of the squad over at Goodison Park, the main strength of the playing staff is the youthful core throughout the team and adding such a sprinkling of stardust would help Silva create one of the most dynamic sides outside the top tier of European football.
Exactly what the club need to be doing at this stage of their project.
Indeed, Rafael Leao and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are players for the future but when the two reach their peak, it will be a very potent attack that Everton have at their disposal.
Everton fans, would you like to see Rafael Leao brought in this summer? Join the discussion and let us know down below!
Manchester United fans on Twitter have been left confused by reports linking the club to want-away Atletico Madrid star Antione Griezmann as an alternative to Jadon Sancho.
United had been strongly linked to the Borussia Dortmund attacker in the build-up to the summer transfer window, but a lack of Champions League football and Sancho’s mammoth price tag could scupper any deal at this time.
Instead, according to The Mirror, United are now targetting Griezmann who has already declared his desire to leave the Wanda Metropolitano this summer.
A move to Barcelona was anticipated for the French World Cup winner, but the Catalan club appear to be wavering on a move, leaving Griezmann available for interested parties with deep pockets.
The 28-year old Atletico forward scored 15 goals and added eight assists in La Liga this season, but did so playing as a striker or just behind the striker, whereas Sancho notched 12 goals and 17 assists in the Bundesliga from a traditional right-wing role.
Despite Griezmann’s clear quality, many United fans are sceptical of reports linking him as an alternative option to Sancho due to the not so subtle differences between the two players.
Check out the best of the reaction below!
Pl>ymaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…
It may have come as a huge shock to Reds fans, but next season it seems that Anfield will still play home to Adam Lallana as he’s confirmed via Sky Sports News that he intends to stay on Merseyside. The Kopites might not be best pleased, but Jurgen Klopp has shown that anything can happen at the club.
We’ve seen it with the likes of Divock Origi, Dejan Lovren, Georginio Wijnaldum and even Jordan Henderson at Anfield, as players who looked like their Liverpool careers were petering out have pulled it back and shone. Under Jurgen Klopp, it looks like everyone is worth a second chance.
It might be tough for Lallana to work his way back into contention in this Champions League winning Liverpool side, but the midfield three at the club is far from settled, so should the former Southampton captain get back to fitness and find form then he has every right to stay.
On the Chalkboard
It may be a frustrating one for Liverpool fans who would much rather see a fresh-faced foreign import come in whilst Lallana leaves, but it shouldn’t be forgotten that he was a key player during the early days of Klopp’s reign, a crucial cog in the high press and excelling in a fluid, forward-thinking midfield role.
In the 2016/17 season, that role saw him bag eight goals and seven assists in the Premier League – if he can revive that output, there’s no reason why he can’t become a regular on Merseyside again.
After all, Liverpool do still lack that style of central midfielder – a true creative who can quickly unlock defences with cute reverse passes, changing the angles of attacks. Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are more dynamic, while Xherdan Shaqiri has struggled to escape the peripheries of the squad since arriving from Stoke.
This time next season, Liverpool fans could well be glad Lallana’s shown the determination to stay at the club if he stays fit enough to bring that different dimension to the engine room, and Klopp could have another player on his hands who’s gone from zero to hero.
Liverpool have been one of the most adventurous teams in the summer transfer market in recent years, but it is looking likely that this time around Jurgen Klopp will be slowing things down.
With a Champions League triumph in the bag and another mount for the Premier League expected for next season, it could be a quiet summer for Liverpool, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see any activity.
The Reds have an abundance of fringe players who will need their futures decided this summer. So out of everyone in the Liverpool squad that has made 15 first-team starts or less in the league, who should be shown the exit door this transfer window?
Soccer Football – Premier League – Liverpool v Wolverhampton Wanderers – Anfield, Liverpool, Britain – May 12, 2019 Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp reacts during the match REUTERS/Phil Noble EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further de
Caoimhin Kelleher – Loan him: With Simon Mignolet the second-choice at Liverpool, Caoimhin Kelleher should spend a year away from Liverpool getting his first taste of professional football.
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Soccer Football – FA Cup Third Round – Wolverhampton Wanderers v Liverpool – Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, Britain – January 7, 2019 Liverpool’s Ki-Jana Hoever speaks with Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp before he is substituted on Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine
Ki-Jana Hoever: Keep him – The Dutch centre-back became the third youngest player to ever play for Liverpool last season, and at just 17 Ki-Jana Hoever could benefit with another season in the youth sides and learning his craft before stepping out in the big wide world.
Adam Lewis: Keep him – Liverpool found a gem in Trent Alexander-Arnold, and the same can be said for Adam Lewis, who should become second-choice left-back for next season. One goal and seven assists in 28 youth appearances last season will get supporters excited about a new fullback sensation.
Nathaniel Phillips: Sell him – At 22, the Bolton-born defender is yet to get a minute in the Liverpool first-team. For the betterment of his career, the centre-back must move on this summer.
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Allan – Sell him: The Brazilian midfielder joined the Reds in 2015 and is yet to have any shot of first-team football. Allan has been out on loan at five different teams, and this summer should be moved on for good.
Rafael Camacho – Sell him: There is no question that Camacho is one of the most talented youngsters at Liverpool, but a lack of first-team football has seen the Portuguese youngster been linked with a move away from Anfield via the Express and Star, and Klopp should look to cash in.
Pedro Chirivella – Sell him: Just like Allan, Pedro Chirivella joined the club to much excitement but has since in four years on Merseyside been unable to make any progress in making it into the first-team. The Spaniard should be looking for a permanent move.
Ovie Ejaria – Loan him: A more than underwhelming season on loan at Reading should see Ejaria head out of Anfield for another season. The 21-year-old has the potential to be a starter at Liverpool, and regular first-team football will help his cause.
Marko Grujic – Keep him: With James Milner getting no younger, Marko Grujic can be a player that saves Liverpool millions in eventually replacing the Englishman after a fantastic season out on loan at Hertha Berlin. Liverpool fans have wanted to see him in red for a while, and next season can be his chance.
Curtis Jones – Keep him: There’s always a hint of excitement when a promising central-midfielder comes through at Liverpool, and Curtis Jones is the latest one. The 18-year-old playmaker made his debut last season and could be in line for more minutes in the upcoming campaign.
Herbie Kane – Loan him: Another central midfielder who has caused excitement on Merseyside is Herbie Kane, who just like last season should be shipped out on loan for another year to gain more first-team minutes.
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Soccer Football – Carabao Cup – Third Round – Manchester United v Derby County – Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain – September 25, 2018 Derby County’s Harry Wilson celebrates scoring their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please
Taiwo Awoniyi – Sell him: Being signed by Liverpool and immediately being shipped out on loan seems to be a theme with some of these players, and Awoniyi is no different. The Nigerian striker has not seen a minute of first-team football on Merseyside and has been out on loan for four seasons. The attacker needs to go for good this summer.
Rhian Brewster – Keep him: Injuries kept Brewster out of football for the majority of the season, but his appearance on the Liverpool bench in the Champions League final could indicate the striker is part of Klopp’s plans for next season.
Ryan Kent – Sell him: After a breakthrough season at Rangers, Kent has put himself on the radar of some big clubs and with Sadio Mane well ahead of the 22-year-old in the pecking order at Liverpool, a permanent move will be beneficial for the attacker.
Sheyi Ojo – Loan him: With Liverpool wingers having such a successful time out on loan, Ojo could be the next attacker to impress away from Anfield. The 21-year-old struggled with Stade Rennais last season, but a move closer to home could help the England U-21 international find his feet.
Harry Wilson – Sell him: Just like Kent, Wilson enjoyed an incredible year at Derby and has also attracted interest from some good clubs, and just like his English counterpart, the Wales international should be looking for a move away from Liverpool for the good of his career.
Ben Woodburn – Loan him: Woodburn has long been tipped to be a future superstar at Liverpool, but a disastrous loan at Sheffield United pegged that prediction back a few years, and next season the Welsh winger must be given a second chance to impress away from Anfield.
The U-21 European Championship is underway and the Young Lions have unfortunately opened the tournament with a defeat to France.
Still, their 22-year-old goalie Dean Henderson was heavily praised for his performance despite the two goals allowed. Henderson saved a penalty in addition to having an overall great game, landing him the man of the match award. But alas it wasn’t enough to avoid defeat.
Still, he was showered with praise on social media after his latest
Among the sea of fans coming to his support, there were also fellow teammates, rivals and friends who simply had to congratulate him on a truly heroic performance.
In games like these, however, you often need the whole team to function as one and as much as he was a one-man army, he couldn’t really do it by himself.
Henderson’s fantastic opener in the tournament already had the press wonder whether he could be the one to replace David de Gea as the youngster is already showing some real skill and is also gathering valuable experience on the way.