Celtic have been handed a major injury boost ahead of their upcoming Premiership clash.
What’s the latest?
That’s according to a claim made by Kieran Devlin, with The Athletic journalist revealing in a recent Q&A that, after missing the draw with Hibernian on Sunday, Ange Postecoglou confirmed that Giorgos Giakoumakis was absent due to illness, but suggested the 27-year-old could be available for the visit of St. Mirren on Wednesday.
In response to a question asking why the centre-forward was not involved against Hibs, Devlin replied: “He’s ill, Postecoglou hopes he’s back for Wednesday.”
Fans will be buzzing
While life at Parkhead got off to something of a slow start for Giakoumakis – with the Greek international scoring just one goal over his first nine outings for the Bhoys – the striker has come alive in recent weeks.
Indeed, the £1.8m-rated hitman proved to be the difference in the Hoops’ close-fought encounter with Dundee FC two weekends ago, bagging all three of Celtic’s goals in an unconvincing 3-2 win over the bottom of the table side.
Considering just how much the Bhoys struggled to break Hibs down without the services of the £8.2k-per-week forward on Sunday, with Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada being particularly below-par at Easter Park, it is clear for all to see that the return of Giakoumakis will undoubtedly come as a major boost to Celtic’s chances of securing all three points against St. Mirren.
Indeed, with the Premiership title race being an extremely close-run contest this season, Postecoglou’s will be well aware that his side simply cannot afford any more slip-ups if they are to give themselves the best possible chance of reclaiming their Scottish crown come May.
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As such, the news that Giakoumakis could be set for a return to the starting XI on Wednesday is sure to have left Postecoglou, as well as the Celtic Park faithful, buzzing.
In other news: “I believe…”: Kieran Devlin drops worrying Celtic update, Ange will be sweating
Celtic took advantage in the title race again on Sunday afternoon as the Hoops managed to put their poor recent record at Almondvale to bed.
The Hoops are now three points clear of their fierce rivals in the race to win the Premiership and it came about courtesy of a 3-1 win over Livingston.
The scoreline reflects that of a comfortable victory for Ange Postecoglou’s side but it could have gone very differently if they hadn’t responded to an early penalty miss.
They were perhaps fortunate to have been awarded one for an apparent handball and Livi may well have felt justice was served when Callum McGregor struck the post and the ball bounced to safety.
It was a poor penalty and not even Sky Sports’ excuse that his mask may have got in the way was viable here.
Indeed, it may be somewhat offputting for the Celtic skipper but beyond the penalty miss, he also let his teammates and manager down in other areas too, missing a glorious chance with a header minutes after his missed spot-kick as well.
Usually so comfortable and calm in possession of the ball, it was a rare off day in that department for McGregor.
According to SofaScore, he did complete 90% of his passes but at points, he could be found guilty of trying too much.
After all, he gave away the ball on nine occasions, meaning he ceded possession once every five touches. Furthermore, he gave away two fouls and failed with every single one of his dribble and cross attempts during the course of the match.
What made matters worse is that next to Nir Bitton, his physical presence was very limited.
The bullish Scot won just four of his 11 duels – a win percentage of 36% – and as a result, he was hauled off with seven minutes remaining.
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Considering he has the captaincy duties, it feels unlikely that Postecoglou will ever consider axing him from the starting XI.
However, with plenty of options in that area of the pitch now – both Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley were on the bench – he will have to be wary of those behind him in the pecking order.
AND in other news, Sold for £2.1m, now worth 224% more: Celtic may rue call on 26-cap “laughing stock”…
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has left Everton in a precarious position, following sanctions from the UK and EU on the club’s main sponsor Alisher Usmanov, leading to the suspension of the club’s dealings with his businesses.
What’s the news?
While the squad, or the plans for the new stadium, reportedly haven’t been affected by the sanctions of Usmanov, the Daily Mail have reported that clubs could look to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding their financial situation by potentially luring key players Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jordan Pickford for potentially cheaper than what they would usually be worth.
Transfermarkt rate the trio at just under £113m, with Richarlison being valued at £49.5m, Calvert-Lewin at £40.5m and England number one Pickford at £22.5m, but Everton manager Frank Lampard will surely be desperate to not sell any of them on the cheap, if at all.
Too valuable to the club
Brazil international Richarlison, who is interesting the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, has had a direct involvement in seven Premier League goals this season, having played just 17 games. He has also been thoroughly impressive with his work rate on the pressing side of his game, ranking in the top 3% among forwards for pressures per 90 (21.96) across Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions.
Meanwhile, England striker Calvert-Lewin – who is reportedly catching the eyes of Newcastle United and Manchester United – is a unique talent, standing at 6 foot 2 but possessing superb athleticism with a phenomenal jumping reach. That is evident in the fact that he ranks in the top 11% for aerial duels won per 90 with 4.9, as well as ranking in the top 19% for expected goals per 90, with 0.56.
Finally, Pickford – who has been a transfer target for Tottenham recently – is among the top 18% for saves per 90 with 3.3. The 27-year-old has kept 47 Premier League clean sheets since joining the Toffees from Sunderland back in 2017 for £25m.
The trio are not just Everton’s three most valuable players according to TransferMarkt, they are also among their best performers of the season according to WhoScored. Indeed, Calvert-Lewin leads the performance rankings as per the website’s metrics, a strong indicator of his importance at Goodison Park.
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Should Lampard need to sell them in the summer for potentially far less than he feels they are worth due to the issues surrounding Usmanov, the 43-year-old could be headed for his first big disaster in charge of Everton, given how chastening it could be to lose such a crucial trio for cut-price fees.
In other news – Forget Richarlison: “Inspirational” star with 29 key passes has been Everton’s hero this season
As some Tottenham Hotspur injury news emerges before their clash with Manchester United today, it appears manager Antonio Conte will be without another player alongside Oliver Skipp and Ryan Sessegnon.
The Lowdown: Conte dealt blows…
The Italian, looking to guide Spurs to a top four finish by the end of 2021/2022, has overseen a topsy-turvy run of form in north London with a very mixed set of results.
Brilliant wins against the likes of Manchester City, Leeds United and Everton have been somewhat marred by defeats to Burnley, Southampton, Wolves and Middlesbrough in the FA Cup (Transfermarkt).
It remains to be seen which Tottenham turn up this evening, but what is certain is Conte will be without both Oliver Skipp and the recently rejuvenated Ryan Sessegnon through injury.
Alongside these men, in an absence which has gone under the radar somewhat, defender Japhet Tanganga is also set to be missing.
The Latest: Conte without Tanganga…
Indeed, as well as both Sessegnon and Skipp, Conte will be without a full-back/central defensive alternative in Tanganga with the Englishman still not returning from his own injury.
The Lilywhites boss, speaking to football.london, has confirmed that the 22-year-old is ‘not ready’ for today and supporters will ‘have to wait’ longer for Tanganga’s return.
The Verdict: Setback for Conte…
Tottenham’s homegrown ace has proven on occasion this season that he can be a real asset, especially in big games.
Tanganga’s opening day performance against Premier League champions Man City attracted plenty of praise and he could have been a capable alternative/back up to Matt Doherty amid Emerson Royal’s bad run of form.
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The ‘ferocious and vicious’ Spurs player has also been called a ‘breath of fresh air’ for the club when fit and available – as explained by former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Not having Tanganga as an option still could come as a setback for Conte, not just for today, but thereafter depending on his eventual timeline.
In other news: ‘I understand…’ – Tottenham officials sent to club as Conte now eyes ‘exciting’ forward, says insider…find out more here.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Aston Villa are in talks with Douglas Luiz over a new contract, as per GiveMeSport.
The Lowdown: January interest in Luiz
Labelled a ‘fantastic player’ by Gregg Evans, the Brazil international has been a regular under both Dean Smith and Steven Gerrard this season. The 23-year-old has started 24 Premier League games and recently netted his first goal of the campaign against Southampton.
The Brazilian was a wanted man late in the January transfer window, with Villa rejecting three bids in the final week of thew winter market. Villa have been hoping to extend the player’s contract since then, and O’Rourke has now made a claim on the midfielder.
The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments on Luiz
Talking to GiveMeSport, the journalist had this to say about Luiz, with Villa’s sporting director Johan Lange and co still working on a new agreement:
“There are still talks ongoing over a new contract at Villa Park.
“It looks like he’s won favour with Steven Gerrard as well, despite doubts that he might be sold in January.”
The Verdict: Key few months
Luiz will be into the final 12 months of his current deal in the summer, so hopefully an agreement can be reached prior to then.
The South American may well be seeking a pay rise after becoming a key player under Gerrard, with his current salary worth £52,000 per week.
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Fellow midfielder Morgan Sanson has made just two league starts all season and is on more money than Luiz, so you couldn’t hold it against Luiz if he is looking to become one of the club’s biggest earners, as his performances have merited such a status.
In other news: ‘Brilliant…’ – Ashley Preece buzzing as Aston Villa announce another ‘long-term deal’
Celtic may well be in line to receive just £150,000 in compensation for the teenager, who now looks set to become the latest youngster to leave Parkhead for elite European destinations in recent years, following on from the likes of Liam Morrison, Barry Hepburn, Josh Adam and Liam Hughes.
The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments
Talking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke claimed that it is ‘hard’ for Celtic to compete financially with the likes of Liverpool. He outlined:
“Unfortunately, I think for Celtic, and a lot of the clubs in Scotland, they just can’t compete financially with what’s on offer in England.
“So, I think it’s hard for these clubs to try and keep hold of their best youngsters because it comes down to finances, and they’re going to move down to England because that’s where the money is compared to the Scottish Premiership.”
The Verdict: Not ideal
Postecoglou is clearly a big fan of Doak, recently labelling him ‘fantastic’, so losing him for a small fee isn’t good news for Celtic.
The Hoops are reportedly planning to revamp their academy by looking at each player’s potential pathway into the first team and communicating with the players so that they feel more involved when it comes to their early Parkhead careers.
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That could help to convince youngsters to remain at the club over the coming years, but it seems as if Doak is heading south and cannot be persuaded to stay by Celtic chiefs.
In other news: Insider claims there is a ‘realistic’ chance that Celtic will smash transfer record this summer; target now ‘keen’
Leeds United are expected to bring in a new centre forward this summer, with a meeting between Jesse Marsch and Victor Orta scheduled in the next seven days, according to journalist Phil Hay.
The Lowdown: Bamford’s injury woes
The Whites have been troubled by injury problems throughout this season, with key players missing important chunks of action.
That particularly applies to Patrick Bamford, who shone last term but has only started seven Premier League matches in 2021/22, with his season now over with a foot problem.
Leeds have felt short in central attacking areas, with too much onus on youngsters such as Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood, and it is an area that needs to be addressed.
[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]
The Latest: New centre forward incoming?
According to Hay on Twitter, that is exactly what is going to happen, with Marsch and Orta expected to agree on bringing in a striker in the summer transfer window:
“Marsch and Orta are due to have a scouting meeting next week to plan ahead. On whether Leeds need more resources at centre forward, Marsch says it’s possible that they’ll look for more attackers and an extra number nine.”
[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-40/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]
The Verdict: Makes complete sense
A lack of depth has been Leeds’ problem this season, especially up front, so it makes perfect sense to spend time looking at potential striking options.
Bamford also turns 29 later this year and will eventually need replacing, too, not to mention a healthy competition for playing time should also bring out the best in him.
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Someone like Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton-Diaz, who is apparently a target, could be an ideal signing, having scored 20 goals in 28 Championship starts in 2021/22 to date, as well as netting four times in 11 caps for Chile.
In other news, a transfer expert has made a key Leeds claim. Read more here.
Barcelona have reportedly offered Leeds United the chance to sign striker Martin Braithwaite in a deal that would take Raphinha to the Nou Camp.
The Lowdown: Braithwaite profiled
Braithwaite, formerly of Middlesbrough, where Tony Pulis described him as ‘exceptional’, has been with Barcelona since 2020.
The Denmark international joined from Leganes and reportedly has a frankly ridiculous £251m release clause in his contract.
The 30-year-old has scored ten times in 58 appearances for the Catalan giants but has missed the majority of the current campaign with a knee injury.
The Latest: Talks held
Mundo Deportivo shared an update regarding Raphinha and Barcelona on Saturday morning.
They revealed that conversations have been held between the two clubs, where Barcelona have offered Braithwaite in a deal for the Leeds winger as they look to bring down the cost. Defenders Oscar Mingueza, Sergino Dest and Clement Lenglet were also name-checked in a potential transfer.
The Verdict: Avoid?
Although Leeds could do with adding to their attacking ranks following Patrick Bamford’s injury issues this season, Braithwaite doesn’t appear to be the answer.
He has also had his injury issues of his own this season and is on a whopping £98,000-a-week – only Rodrigo earns more at Elland Road.
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The Barcelona man may well be past his prime and he’ll be 31 in the summer, so it could make sense for Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch to go after a younger attacking target, one with more durability and less wage demands.
In other news: Leeds may now lose another star alongside Raphinha and Phillips; he stunned a club employee.
Glasgow Rangers decided to part ways with sporting director Kevin Thelwell after just one transfer window with the club, after joining from Everton in April.
The English supremo brought in a host of new signings and appointed Russell Martin as the long-term successor to Philippe Clement, but his reign lasted just 17 matches.
He was then involved in the process that led to the arrival of current head coach Danny Rohl, but he was let go before having the opportunity to oversee any signings for the German boss.
Kevin Thelwell's worst two Rangers signings
Taking into account the money involved and the output given on the pitch so far, it is hard to look past Youssef Chermiti as being one of the worst signings made by Thelwell in the summer.
Football FanCast recently suggested that Joe Rothwell was the worst signing made by the sporting director, because he was signed as a 30-year-old with experience who is now set to move on, amid interest from Sheffield United, just six months into his Ibrox career.
After the English flop, though, Chermiti was the second-worst signing of the summer because the Light Blues paid a reported £8m to sign him from Premier League side Everton.
Youssef Chermiti’s goalscoring woes
Team
Games
Goals
Rangers
18
1
Everton
24
0
Sporting
22
3
Sporting B
10
3
Stats via Transfermarkt
That fee made him the club’s most expensive signing since they paid £12m to sign Tore Andre Flo in 2000, yet he has not justified that incredible outlay with strong performances.
Chermiti struggled for goals in Portugal, with Sporting, and failed to score a single competitive goal in two years before Thelwell decided to spend the most money Rangers have spent on a player in 25 years to bring him to Ibrox, where he has scored once in 18 matches.
Whilst Chermiti’s goal return makes him look like a poor piece of business on its own, another thing that emphasises how bad this signing has been is that there is a former Rangers defender who is now an even better striker than the £8m man.
The former Rangers defender who is now a better striker than Chermiti
Former Gers boss Michael Beale sold a full-back in the summer of 2023 on a free transfer, only for him to go on to change positions and excel as an attacker in Germany.
Where Are They Now
Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.
Some Rangers fans may not even remember the name Mateusz Zukowski. The Scottish Premiership giants signed the right-back from Lechia Gdansk in the summer of 2022, and he played one senior match for the club.
Per Transfermarkt, Zukowski started at right-back in a 3-0 win over Annan Athletic in the SFA Cup, whilst he also started two matches at right-back in the Challenge Cup for the B team in the 2022/23 campaign.
However, after just one season at Ibrox, Beale decided that the defender was not in his plans and allowed him to join Slask Wroclaw for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2023.
It was with the Polish side that he started to move further up the pitch after being a bona fide right-back at Ibrox. Per Transfermarkt, Zukowski started ten games at right-back for Wroclaw, but he also started 16 games as a left winger and four games as a striker.
The former Beale flop then signed for German outfit Magdeburg in the summer and has started as a centre-forward in all five of his appearances for the club this season, per Transfermarkt, having started the campaign with a foot injury.
25/26 season
Zukowski (2. Bundesliga)
Chermiti (Premiership)
Appearances
4
10
Sofascore rating
7.10
6.50
Goals
3
1
Minutes per goal
113
348
Big chances created
2
0
Key passes per game
1.8
0.4
Assists
1
1
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Zukowski currently looks like a much better striker than Chermiti, having scored three times as many goals in less than half as many appearances, whilst playing at a respectable level in Germany, in a league with some big clubs, like Schalke.
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In fact, the Polish striker has scored three times as many goals this season as the Portuguese flop has managed since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, as the Rangers man failed to score a single goal for the Toffees.
Therefore, Zukowski’s impressive start to life in Germany, now playing as a striker, suggests that he was misprofiled at Ibrox and should have been utilised further up the pitch.
His goalscoring form also further illustrates how much of a waste of money Chermiti has been for a whopping £8m, on current evidence, because there is value in the market, as evidenced by the fact that a defender they let go is now an even better striker than him.
Diomande upgrade: Rohl pushing for Rangers to sign £5m "sensation"
Danny Rohl is keen for Glasgow Rangers to sign this young star who could be an upgrade on Mohamed Diomande.
Wolves face an unprecedented crisis as they prepare for the January transfer window from rock bottom of the Premier League table.
Rob Edwards’ side have collected just two points from 18 matches, still yet to pick up their first win of the campaign, whilst enduring 16 defeats.
The Midlands club also trail 19th-placed Burnley by nine points with the gap to safety appearing increasingly insurmountable.
The statistics make grim reading for supporters who have watched their team slip towards what increasingly looks like inevitable relegation.
Supercomputer predictions are suggesting they could finish the campaign with just 19 points. This would leave them perilously close to Derby County’s record low total of 11 points from the 2007/08 season, making them one of the worst teams in Premier League history.
Wolves forced to accept possible cut-price takeover bid after 'surprise' offer rejected
Fosun are attracting major criticism.
ByEmilio Galantini
Edwards inherited this mess following Vitor Pereira’s sacking in early November, with the Portuguese winning just 36.84 percent of his matches during his brief tenure and leaving Wolves anchored to the bottom.
Edwards arrived from Middlesbrough with a reputation for organization and defensive solidity, but he has been unable to halt the alarming slide towards the Championship.
The January window represents a crucial opportunity for Wolves to reshape their squad.
Sky Sports report that the club want to strengthen six different positions, including between the sticks, at right wing-back, central midfield, out wide, in the number ten role and sign a new striker.
The extent of required surgery reflects poorly on the summer recruitment that preceded this disastrous campaign, with several expensive signings failing to justify Wolves’ £100m-plus spend in the last window.
Wolves must also contend with the threat of losing key players during January.
Jorgen Strand Larsen continues to attract interest from the likes of West Ham, and the Norwegian striker represents one of the few sellable assets in Edwards’ squad.
His departure would leave the Wolves boss desperately short of attacking options unless suitable replacements arrive quickly.
The club’s transfer strategy faces a fundamental dilemma. Do they recruit players capable of mounting an unlikely survival bid? Or should they focus on building a squad ready to compete for immediate promotion from the Championship?
Wolves eyeing January move for Nashville star Sam Surridge
Reports now indicate Wolves are considering a move for a striker who finished second only to Lionel Messi in the race for the MLS Golden Boot this year.
Nashville forward Sam Surridge has emerged as a potential January target, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.
The 27-year-old would satisfy the homegrown quota that currently limits Wolves’ transfer flexibility, with Nottingham Forest’s ex-number nine enjoying a stellar 2025 across the Atlantic.
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He scored 31 goals across all competitions, and only Messi managed to net more in the MLS throughout this calendar year.
The forward has scored 51 goals in 87 appearances for Nashville since moving to America, with his prolific form representing exactly the type of attacking threat Wolves desperately lack.
The potential fee and structure of any deal remain unclear at this stage, and Surridge would need convincing about joining a club seemingly destined for relegation.
However, Wolves could offer guaranteed starting opportunities and the platform to showcase his abilities back in English football.
If the club drops into the Championship, having a proven goalscorer leading the line could prove invaluable during a promotion campaign.
Wolves now enter race to sign "superb" defender who could join on free transfer
The Old Gold need some inspiration from somewhere if they are to avoid the drop…