Eros Grezda has not played a single minute of first-team football for Rangers in 2019.
Indeed, the 23-year-old’s last appearance for the Scottish giants came against St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership in the latter stages of December.
Grezda has not even made the squad since Boxing Day, but used his social media on Thursday to announce his return to the training field.
Since arriving at Rangers from NK Osijek in August 2018, the nine-time Albania international has made just 14 appearances for the Gers.
It would be fair to say that the club’s fans are yet to really see what the 5 foot 11 winger has to offer, although he did score twice in the early stages of the campaign.
The Rangers supporters are seemingly behind the attacker, however, with many taking to social media to respond positively to Grezda’s tweet.
A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Scottish outfit’s fans can be seen below:
Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United all but secured Premier League survival on Saturday afternoon, with the Whites running out 3-0 winners over relegation rivals Watford at Vicarage Road.
Indeed, from the moment that Raphinha gave the visitors the lead in the 21st minute, Leeds never looked in danger of giving away their advantage, with Rodrigo and Jack Harrison sealing all three points with second-half goals.
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Despite the positives, there were nevertheless a couple of players in the Whites’ starting XI who turned in below-par performances on Saturday afternoon, with central midfield pairing Mateusz Klich and Robin Koch both having games to forget against the Hornets.
It was perhaps the Germany international who was the most disappointing of the duo, with the 25-year-old turning in the sort of display which could have many Leeds supporters questioning whether he may have just played his last game for the club, following recent reports suggesting that Marsch would be willing to cash in on the versatile defender this summer.
Lost 12 duels
Indeed, over the course of his 90 minutes on the pitch, the £13m signing was a passenger in the middle of the park. He had 59 touches of the ball, completed just 25 of his 43 attempted passes (a success rate of just 58%), failed to find a team-mate with any of his six attempted long balls and was unsuccessful with his one attempted dribble.
The £46k-per-week German also lost 12 of his 20 duels, committed one foul, was beaten by an opponent on five occasions and lost possession 22 times, meaning he gave the ball away with every 2.7 touches.
These returns saw the £15.3m-rated man earn a rather disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.3, ranking him as Leeds’ second-worst player to feature today.
Furthermore, Leeds Live’s Beren Cross also awarded Koch a five in his own player ratings, stating of the 25-year-old’s display: “Just doesn’t fit this role. Passing range or composure was not there to build anything for Leeds through the middle. Got turned time and time again by the Watford attacks through the centre.”
It is undeniable that the player who Danny Mills claimed looks like a “fish out of water” boasts a decent amount of potential, but should Marsch indeed be considering the sale of the eight-cap international this summer, it would not be surprising if Koch’s disasterclass against Watford was his last game for the Whites.
AND in other news: Orta can now axe “awful” £55k-p/w flop as Leeds eye “underrated” £12.5m-rated “threat”
Leeds United are monitoring Belgium sensation Charles de Ketelaere ahead of the summer transfer window.
What’s the story?
The 21-year-old – who will surely be keeping an eye on the World Cup draw on Friday afternoon – has been lighting up the Belgian top flight since his breakthrough into the first team at Club Brugge.
TEAMtalk have claimed that, along with Leeds, the likes of fellow Premier League sides Wolves, Newcastle and Brighton have all watched him in action in recent months, while there is also European interest from the likes of Milan and Lyon.
Shades of De Bruyne
Standing at an imposing 6 foot 3, De Ketelaere is extremely unlike what a typical player of his size and height is.
Indeed, with his incredible versatility – he has played in a whopping seven different positions for Brugge this season – and ability to both score and set up goals, there have been some understandable comparisons with one of his Belgium teammates in Kevin De Bruyne.
In a piece done earlier this season for BBC Sport, De Krant van West-Vlaanderen journalist Frans Buyse noted that De Ketelaere has a very similar passing range and ability to dribble than that of the Manchester City star.
He said: “De Ketelaere’s style is reminiscent of De Bruyne. He is intelligent and possesses great vision and a superb passing range. His dribbling is similar to De Bruyne’s too. Eventually, he should take his place for Belgium.”
Meanwhile, iconic Club Brugge midfielder Gert Verheyen said: “His versatility is a huge asset. He is complete, with a mix of physical and technical qualities.”
Along with those De Bruyne comparisons, the towering Belgian has even been likened to Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino, which underlines his both his hard work off the ball and his tendency for the spectacular.
However, what could most excite Leeds fans is seeing the 21-year-old potentially become their own De Bruyne at Elland Road, especially given the kind of success the City man has enjoyed in his time in Manchester.
With 17 goals and nine assists in 41 games across all competitions this season, De Ketelaere is getting a real footballing education with Brugge, especially with his regular game-time and appearances in the Champions League earlier in the campaign as well.
Leeds could be getting an absolute diamond this summer if they can pull off a deal for the Belgian.
AND in other news – Leeds could unleash Thorp Arch’s breakout star in “fiery” 18 y/o who’s “got an edge”
Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been buzzing over some transfer news on Mateusz Zukowski.
As per the Ibrox club’s official website, they have now officially confirmed the signing of the Poland youth international from Lechia Gdansk for an undisclosed fee, so long as he can get international clearance.
He has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract at the club and should now be available to potentially feature in the Old Firm derby in midweek.
Zukowski will provide sufficient cover for James Tavernier at right-back, following the departure of Nathan Patterson to Everton earlier in the January transfer window.
Despite being just 20 years of age, he has already played 81 times at club level, scoring an impressive seven goals from defence (Transfermarkt); and he has been capped many times for Poland atvarious youth levels, further highlighting his experience.
Nonetheless, supporters always love a Deadline Day signing, and this one is no different.
Rangers fans on Zukowski transfer news
These Rangers fans buzzed as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one Light Blues supporter going as far as to claim that Zukowski is an ‘exciting’ signing:
“Yessssss welcome to Rangers”
Credit: @R55Loyal
“GET IN”
Credit: @gers_fan55
“Brilliant”
Credit: @Lemonheid
“SUIIIIII”
Credit: @stevonevo1
“Exciting signing”
Credit: @mentalitygiant1
“What a day to be alive”
Credit: @CammyWills
In other news, find out what interesting Aaron Ramsey transfer update has emerged
Journalist Keith Jackson has suggested that Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst could deploy Joe Aribo as a false nine on Thursday.
The lowdown
Rangers are due to travel to Germany for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final this week, where they will take on RB Leipzig.
They already knew they would be without top scorer Alfredo Morelos, who is ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing thigh surgery, but now second-top scorer Kemar Roofe has picked up a knee injury which will also sideline him against the Bundesliga outfit.
With those two missing, Fashion Sakala led the line for Gers on Saturday as they won 3-1 at Motherwell.
Aribo is predominantly a central midfielder who is also capable of operating on the right but, according to Transfermarkt, he has never played as a centre-forward or a second striker in his senior career.
Jackson said in The Daily Record’s Monday Jury that Van Bronckhorst has his ‘work cut out’ to deliver a ‘tactical solution’ to Rangers’ centre-forward problem.
The journalist has pondered if Aribo could ‘operate as a false nine’ and said that, in the circumstances, it would be a ‘huge’ achievement if the Gers leave the Red Bull Arena with ‘the semifinal still alive’.
The verdict
This is certainly a bold call from Jackson, given that Aribo has no experience in the position, although you could argue that it’s exactly the kind of thing which could catch Leipzig out, as Domenico Tedesco’s side probably won’t be prepared for it.
Aribo is certainly a goalscoring midfielder, having bagged eight over the course of the season. Incidentally, that is more than Sakala (seven), although the Nigerian has played 10 more matches.
If Rangers are to take this gamble, then it’s important that Van Bronckhorst trains the revised shape all week so that his players are able to adjust as best they can ahead of Thursday night.
In other news, Ally McCoist tears into one ‘really poor’ Rangers player
Leeds United correspondent Graham Smyth has revealed that the Whites are ‘considering’ a third bid for key transfer target Brenden Aaronson.
The Lowdown: Two offers so far
Aaronson, who was described as a ‘half-winger’ by Joe Donnohue, is the club’s top winter target and holds a Transfermarkt valuation of £10.8m.
However, it seems as if Leeds will need to pay more than double that figure following unsuccessful offers of £15m and £20m respectively.
The American was coy when asked about a possible move to Elland Road, and it seems as if Victor Orta hasn’t given up hope of forcing through a late transfer.
The Latest: Smyth’s claim
Smyth took to Twitter on Wednesday, sharing a link to a ‘transfer state of play’ piece from The Yorkshire Evening Post.
He revealed that the Whites were ‘considering’ a third offer for Aaronson, while also addressing a possible exit for Crysencio Summerville amid links of a move to Hamburg.
The Verdict: Orta harming himself?
As Smyth mentions, should Leeds go in with a third offer for Aaronson and fail, that could be the starting point when it comes to a summer fee.
Therefore, a third bid could be a gamble, but with Marcelo Bielsa not having an attacking midfielder at the club, it could be worth the risk.
We’ve seen previously that anything can happen in the final days of the transfer window with Raphinha’s move to Yorkshire in October 2020, but at this moment in time, Orta could actually be increasing Aaronson’s price tag in the summer with another offer.
In other news: ‘People I’ve spoken to’ – Journalist drops Leeds transfer news; Orta busy on more than just Aaronson
Insider ExWHUemployee has revealed that West Ham United goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianskishould be fit to play in the club's next game despite his recent injury.
What’s the latest on Lukasz Fabianski's West Ham injury?
The Polish shot-stopper has been out for the past two Premier League games after having to come off early against Nottingham Forest after taking a knock to the head.
In fact, it was such a bad injury that he ended up suffering a fractured cheekbone and eye socket and so was expected to potentially be on the sidelines for some time.
And while he has been out for a little while, it does sound as though he could be ready to start against Southampton if required, when West Ham are next in action after the international break.
In an update on The West Ham Way podcast, Ex outlined the situation, saying: “Fabianski is back in training with his face mask on now and should be fit for the Southampton game.”
Soccer Football – Premier League – Southampton v West Ham United – St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton, Britain – October 16, 2022 West Ham United’s Lukasz Fabianski in action with Southampton’s Mohamed Elyounoussi REUTERS/Peter Nicholls 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 yo
What has David Moyes said on Lukasz Fabianski's injury?
David Moyes recently spoke to the press about the player's possible return, noting that Fabianski was "desperate to come back" as soon as possible.
However, the club manager explained that he and the medical team remain a bit "unsure" and "worried" about him starting as he could suffer pretty badly if he was to get hit in the face by a ball.
In full, he said: “He is desperate to come back. He feels like he is ready. Medically we are a little bit unsure as they are worried about him getting a ball in the face.”
He also noted some concerns about how his performance could be impacted by wearing a mask, saying: “I have got no problem with that, but I haven’t got a strong enough opinion on it.
“Sometimes anything on your face means you don’t see other things, if you wear a hat or glasses, so a mask like that may not be great for a goalkeeper.”
By the sounds of it, though, the time off for the international break should hopefully allow Fabianski sufficient time to heal and so when Southampton come to visit at the start of next month, it's likely the 37-year-old will be there to face them.
If not, though, Alphonse Areola will be expected to come in instead, having started the last two league games – albeit failing to win any and shipping five goals in that period.
As per allnigeriasoccer.com, a contract claim has come out of Tottenham Hotspur involving yet-to-be-seen starlet Tobi Omole.
The Lowdown: Nuno blown away…
Since the Nigerian-born defender signed for Spurs’ academy from north London rivals Arsenal in 2020, the 22-year-old has been making waves behind the scenes, according to reports.
Football Insider claimed in October that ex-Lilywhites manager Nuno Espirito Santo had been blown away by the centre-back at Hotspur Way, apparently taking a liking to Omole and regarding him as capable of winning a new deal.
New Spurs boss Antonio Conte is yet to hand the player his senior debut after Nuno only selected Omole for the bench against Crystal Palace last September though, so Spurs fans are still waiting to see him in action for the first time.
Regardless, he appears to have now done enough at N17 to earn a new deal.
The Latest: Omole offer made…
As per allnigeriasoccer.com, Omole has now been offered a new contract at the club with Conte selecting him for Spurs’ main Premier League squad over the remainder of 2021/2022.
The Italian has called him up to countless training sessions with the first team despite not playing him yet with Omole now doing enough to earn possible fresh terms.
The Verdict: Exciting news…
Tottenham insider John Wenham, who regularly breaks news on his Lilywhites Rose account, certainly rates the youngster after what he’s seen.
Speaking to Football Insider, the club source claimed that Omole is on his list of prospects to watch at Spurs and has also called him a ‘top young talent’ at the end of last year.
Among Spurs’ growing crop of talented youngsters coming out of N17, Omole could also be one to keep an eye on.
In other news: Agent offers Tottenham out-of-window chance to sign £220,000-per-weel star! Find out more here.
Sporting CP midfielder Matheus Nunes would be an excellent signing for Wolves, as well as a show of ambition, according to Midlands reporter Josh Holland.
The Lowdown: Nunes linked with Wolves move
Bruno Lage will be looking to bolster his options in the summer transfer window, ensuring his Wanderers side continue to head in the right direction next season.
One player Wolves have been linked with signing is Nunes, who is enjoying an impressive season for Sporting, starting 28 Primeira Liga games and chipping in with two goals and assists apiece.
The 23-year-old’s creative class has shone through in his central midfield role, with an 85.6% pass completion rate and an average of 2.4 dribbles per game.
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The Latest: Journalist talks up signing
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Holland talked up the idea of Nunes joining Wolves in the summer, saying it would be a statement of intent:
“I think it shows ambition and the fans will love that Bruno Lage wants players like that.
“Depending on where they finish, they need to be looking at players that will want to come to Wolves and help them get into the Champions League rather than a player who wants them to be in the Champions League now.”
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The Verdict: Neves replacement?
Nunes looks like a class act who could fit in seamlessly at Molineux, not least because of his Portuguese roots, and he is surely being viewed as a replacement for Ruben Neves.
The Wolves hero looks increasingly likely to move elsewhere at the end of the season and his compatriot could help the sizeable void left by him, considering he is not dissimilar in style, even hailed as ‘one of the best players in the world today’ by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
At 23, Nunes would be considered a long-term replacement who should improve further in the coming years, also making up for the loss of one of the club’s most influential players.
In other news, one player has emerged as a new Wolves transfer target. Find out who it is here.
Reacting to the performance of star midfielder Declan Rice, various figures in the media have been left blown away by West Ham United’s ‘only shining light’ against Manchester United.
The Lowdown: Rice continues to shine…
The England international, following on from his performances for the Hammers last campaign and at the Euros, has been a revelation yet again so far this campaign under manager David Moyes.
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According to WhoScored, the 23-year-old tops West Ham’s charts in terms of tackles and interceptions averaged per 90 – highlighting his real defensive prowess in midfield over 2021/2022.
It’s little wonder many big clubs, including today’s opponents Man United, are apparently interested as figures in the media shower praise on his performance today.
The Latest: Media rave…
Taking to Twitter, Media members were left astonished by Rice’s performance – with journalist Tyrone Marshall of The Manchester Evening News calling him ‘excellent’.
Meanwhile, MUTV and BBC analyst Statman Dave pointed out the player’s impressive first half numbers and lauded West Ham’s ‘main main’ of the afternoon.
Last but not least, YouTube celebrity and United supporter Ryan Haber, who has over 254,000 subscribers on the platform, was in particular awe – branding Rice ‘absolutely fantastic’ and ‘West Ham’s only shining light’.
The Verdict: Keep him at all costs…
Amassing the highest match rating of any West Ham man according to SofaScore, this display is yet more evidence that the Irons and GSB should not sell at any cost as he recorded a frankly ridiculous 97% pass accuracy.
The club are allegedly attempting to tie him down with fresh terms to secure his future, but this outing at Old Trafford will only attract more attention from suitors.
Based off this praise and performances this campaign, West Ham may face a battle to keep him in future seasons. but they simply must if Moyes is to maintain his side’s stay at the highest level.
In other news: Insider: West Ham agreement to sign ‘world class’ £17.1m striker ‘there to be done’, find out more here.