2023-24 season

Stoke City Poised to Reap Rewards from Brighton’s Bold Transfer Gamble

24/10/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City’s pursuit of Andrew Moran was not a new development this summer. TeamTalk had previously reported that they were leading contenders to secure his loan for the 2023/24 season, despite competition from Blackburn Rovers. However, Blackburn seemed to gain the upper hand, and Moran ended up joining the Ewood Park club in the final week of the transfer window.

During his loan spell at Blackburn, Moran made a strong impression, particularly in the first four months, although his form did decline in the latter half of the season. As a result, it wasn’t surprising that Brighton were willing to allow him to go out on loan again this summer. Multiple Championship clubs showed interest in securing his services, but reports indicated that Stoke and recent rivals Bristol City were leading the chase for the midfielder.

In mid-August, Stoke successfully acquired Moran after he signed a new long-term contract with Brighton. The Potters must be pleased to have convinced the Seagulls that the bet365 Stadium was the ideal environment for him to continue his development. So far, it appears to be a wise decision, as the 21-year-old is settling in well in the Potteries and is likely on the verge of receiving a second senior international call-up soon.

Season Review 2023-24 and Looking Forward to 2024-25 Part Three

05/08/2024 Raymond 0

**Pre-season Hopes:**

Chris Griffin (CG) reflected on his initial hopes before the 2023/24 season began. “The term ‘hopes’ accurately captures my feelings. My primary hope was for promotion or at least reaching the playoffs, although I didn’t think automatic promotion was likely. I was wrong about that.”

Stuart Dawkins (SD) added, “I aimed for stability. With a new coach bringing different ideas, I expected an inconsistent start, hopefully stabilizing into a playoff spot, similar to Southampton’s performance.”

**Key Moments During the Season:**

CG shared his thoughts on pivotal games. “Despite a home loss to Hull in September, I felt optimistic after winning away against Southampton and Norwich. The Southampton match, in particular, was encouraging against a strong side.”

SD expressed his fluctuating confidence. “By March, I expected promotion, but as results fluctuated, I doubted it. The season’s end was unpredictable, with the top four teams alternately failing, making promotion uncertain until it was finally secured.”

**Team Improvements from 2022/23:**

CG noted significant team improvements. “We created and capitalized on more chances, scoring 89 goals. The team maintained fitness and energy throughout games, effectively using the full width of the pitch, especially when Fatawu and Mavididi were established. Despite mixed fan reactions to Maresca’s tactics, the players seemed comfortable, and Hermansen filled the gap left by Schmeichel’s departure as a skilled goalkeeper and shot-stopper.”

SD added, “The team played with a clear plan and strong cohesion, unlike during Rodgers’ final year. They often turned draws into wins and losses into draws, a key trait of a successful team.”

**Season Success Rating:**

CG gave his assessment of the season’s success. “Winning the Championship with 97 points, one more than Ipswich, seven more than Leeds, and ten more than Southampton, earns a 10/10 for me.”

SD concurred, “Finishing top of the league makes it a 10/10. Avoiding financial issues would have improved it, but that was a pre-season challenge.”

Move over Mendy: Sunderland could reignite interest in exciting attacker

23/07/2024 Raymond 0

According to football journalist Darren Witcoop, many EFL teams are eyeing Fulham’s promising talent Jay Stansfield during this transfer window, following his impressive stint with Birmingham City last season. Birmingham City, with their substantial financial resources, seem to have an edge in the competition for Stansfield, having already entered negotiations for his return to St. Andrew’s despite his hefty price tag of over £5 million. While Sunderland has shown interest in the 21-year-old, Fulham’s high asking price might deter them. However, if Sunderland wants to make a strong statement after a disappointing 2023/24 season, they might consider going all in for Stansfield, who could be a significant upgrade over their current target.

Leeds United offered £5m+ by Real Betis in new Diego Llorente transfer development

30/06/2024 Raymond 0

Leeds United has received a bid of approximately £5 million from Real Betis for defender Diego Llorente, according to Il Messaggero. The Italian newspaper reported that Betis is eager to secure the former Real Madrid player’s services on a permanent basis, offering €6 million (£5.1 million) for Llorente, who spent the 2023-24 season on loan with Roma. If this transfer goes through, Llorente would join his former teammate Marc Roca, who recently completed a move to Manuel Pellegrini’s squad after a loan spell. Leeds is facing a busy transfer period, especially with the potential £40 million transfer of their young star Archie Gray to Brentford. Selling Llorente could be beneficial for Leeds, as he has been away on loan for 18 months, and the £5 million fee would help the club address financial concerns and reinvest in the team.

Stoke City transfer latest: Eric Bocat deal, Timothy Fayulu linked, Hibernian star eyed

21/06/2024 Raymond 0

Stoke City is reportedly close to signing Sint-Truiden defender Eric Junior Bocat, according to TeamTalk and StokeOnTrentLive. The 24-year-old Frenchman, who has previously played for Lille and Mouscron, joined STVV in 2022 and was a target for Leicester City earlier this summer. However, he now looks set to finalize a move to the Potters. Bocat, primarily a left-wing-back, is expected to compete as a left-back under Steven Schumacher’s system, providing competition for 33-year-old Enda Stevens, who………………….

Juventus really wanted Weston McKennie gone last summer. History may be repeating itself.

20/06/2024 Raymond 0

Weston McKennie has opened up about his challenging experience at Juventus last summer, revealing how the club ostracized him after his return from a loan spell at Leeds. The U.S. national team midfielder faced a tough period at Elland Road in the latter half of the 2022-23 season and came back to Turin to find himself marginalized.

Despite Juventus initially wanting to offload him, McKennie worked his way back into former manager Max Allegri’s plans and became a key player in the 2023-24 season. However, in an interview with The Athletic, he expressed frustration at the club’s harsh treatment. McKennie recounted being without a locker, a room in the hotel, or a parking space, and even having to change with academy players. He resolved to prove his worth on the field in response to this treatment.

Though McKennie was effective last season, Juventus seems ready to part ways with him again. With his contract expiring soon and extension talks stalled, the club is prepared to sell. Rumors of a move to Aston Villa fell through, leaving McKennie in a difficult spot with new manager Thiago Motta reportedly not including him in future plans.

Sheffield Wednesday Face International Competition For £6 Million-Rated Prodigy

29/05/2024 Raymond 0

Following a dramatic turnaround in fortunes coinciding with the appointment of manager Danny Rohl, there is considerable optimism for Sheffield Wednesday ahead of the upcoming season. Once seemingly doomed, the Owls managed a remarkable escape by going unbeaten in their final eight games and winning their last three, finishing 20th in the Championship. A pivotal win on the final day ensured their survival by just three points. With Rohl extending his tenure last week by signing a three-year contract, there is plenty for Owls fans to be excited about. The club has transitioned from facing potential relegation to League One to becoming an ambitious project under Rohl’s leadership.

Recently, they have been linked with young and promising striker Mika Biereth from Arsenal, further showcasing their ambition. Biereth, valued at £6 million by Transfermarkt, spent the second half of the season on loan with Sturm Graz, impressing with nine goals and four assists in 22 appearances. His performance has garnered significant attention, but Sheffield Wednesday now faces a challenging task in securing his services. According to The Standard, Sturm Graz wants to sign Biereth permanently and will hold talks this week.

Southampton targeting Matt O’Riley at Celtic

29/05/2024 Raymond 0

An emerging report from GIVEMESPORT indicates that Southampton has now shifted their attention to Matt O’Riley at Celtic. The central midfielder, who previously played under Saints boss Martin at MK Dons, has thrived at Celtic since his transfer during the 2021/22 season. In the 2023/24 season, O’Riley scored 18 goals and assisted 13 in 37 Scottish Premiership matches, contributing significantly to Celtic’s league title win. Southampton is prepared to make a summer move for O’Riley, who Celtic reportedly value at £30 million. This development could suggest that Southampton’s interest in Dan Neil might be short-lived, or that the club may not be able to afford both O’Riley and Neil in the upcoming summer transfer window.