Following in Simon King’s footsteps, Jon Walters articulates the Stoke City identity.
As Jon Walters revealed Stoke City’s plans for a new £12 million training ground facility to local and national media, the word “identity” kept coming […]
CHAMPIONSHIP.
5 Reading FC supporters that you might run into at a 2024–2025 match
Well-known Reading FC supporters Reading FC hopes that when they return to the Championship in May of the following year, their supporters will be ecstatic […]
QPR might sign a Nottingham Forest player to replace Chris Willock.
Josh Bowler began his football journey at Rangers, and a transfer to Loftus Road this summer might aid him in overcoming a challenging period at […]
Sunderland should sign Kieffer Moore and then follow it up with these 2 deals
Following a challenging season, Sunderland is now turning its focus to the transfer market to strengthen their squad for the 2024/25 campaign. The club’s 16th place finish in the league has necessitated significant changes, with numerous player futures under review. Stability is crucial, as the club seeks a new manager who can effectively lead and develop their young squad.
One key target for Sunderland should be Welsh international striker Kieffer Moore. Despite last season’s signings only managing a combined total of three goals, Moore’s proven track record in the Championship—scoring 54 goals in 173 appearances—makes him an ideal candidate to bolster Sunderland’s attack. His experience and goal-scoring prowess could be transformative, potentially elevating the team from mid-table to top-six contenders. With Moore’s future at Bournemouth uncertain, Sunderland could secure him for a favorable fee, making his acquisition a strategic priority for the upcoming season.
Stoke City starting XI for next season as Steven Schumacher gets early business done
Stoke City has bid farewell to five key players from their starting lineup, determined to promptly fill these gaps. Goalkeeper Daniel Iversen, right-back Ki-Jana Hoever, center-half Luke McNally, and attacking midfielder Luke Cundle have all returned to their parent clubs after their loan spells, while striker Tyrese Campbell departs at the end of his contract.
Junior Tchamadeu is set to replace Hoever, with Lynden Gooch providing competition. Seventeen-year-old Sol Sidibe, recently called up to England’s under-18 team, is expected to be a major part of the first team squad during pre-season, potentially sharing minutes with midfielders Jordan Thompson, Wouter Burger, Josh Laurent, Ben Pearson, and Lewis Baker. Viktor Johansson has joined as the new number one goalkeeper from Rotherham United.
In defense, Ben Gibson joins Michael Rose and Ben Wilmot. Left-back Enda Stevens has extended his contract, but given his injury history, additional cover may be sought. The center-forward position remains a top priority, with Ryan Mmaee and Niall Ennis eager to prove themselves, and youngsters Emre Tezgel and Nathan Lowe aiming to catch the coach’s attention.
The transfer window remains open, and Stoke City expects further player movements, both in and out, marking a proactive shift from the previous year’s unsettled pre-season.
Ex-Chelsea and Everton man addresses job speculation after Sunderland, Burnley and Rangers links
Frank Lampard, the former England, Derby County, Chelsea, and Everton player, has been linked with numerous managerial roles. Recently, he revealed that he has turned down several job offers, although he is keen to return to full-time management. Lampard, who managed Chelsea and Everton, was rumored to be a contender for the Sunderland head coach position following Tony Mowbray’s dismissal last season. While bookmakers frequently list him as a potential candidate for Sunderland’s next head coach, Lampard has chosen to wait for the right opportunity. Reflecting on this, he mentioned that although some opportunities did not feel right, he now feels ready to resume his career. “I’m certainly ready to work. I love doing what I do, so we will see,” he said.
The 45-year-old, who also managed Derby County, has enjoyed his break from football, noting that the intense nature of management often overshadows personal life. During his hiatus, he valued the time spent with his young family. Since his stint as Chelsea’s caretaker manager in 2023, Lampard has been linked to various roles, including positions at Canada, Rangers, Burnley, and Birmingham City. On air, he shared that while he appreciates the importance of working, the year off allowed him to focus on his family life, which includes his four children, two of whom are very young. He mentioned that this time away has also provided him the opportunity to reflect, watch games, and continue his professional development.
Ipswich Town: Neil Warnock discusses Kieran McKenna and Sam Morsy
Neil Warnock has called on Ipswich Town to give full support to manager Kieran McKenna, who has declined offers from other Premier League clubs. The […]
Pundit raises Leeds United worry amid Coventry City’s pursuit of £1m striker.
Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday are already gearing up for the upcoming season in the Championship, as transfer activities intensify across the league. With numerous […]
Russell Martin transfer U-turn could be what Southampton actually need for one key reason
Southampton face a critical summer as they prepare their squad for the Premier League. Having secured promotion via the play-offs, Russell Martin’s team has had slightly less time to plan their summer activities compared to other Premier League clubs. As part of their promotion deal, Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ season-long loan from Manchester City became permanent. Southampton are also striving to sign fellow loanees Flynn Downes and Ryan Fraser.
Three senior players’ contracts are set to expire this summer. Stuart Armstrong, one of these players, has been confirmed to leave the club, while the futures of Che Adams and Alex McCarthy remain uncertain. Adams played a significant role in their promotion, scoring 15 Championship goals, and McCarthy stepped in for the injured Gavin Bazunu during the last eight games. Despite this, Southampton’s retained list announced Armstrong’s departure and noted ongoing discussions regarding potential new deals for McCarthy and Adams.
Sunderland should look to beat Norwich City to bargain QPR deal: View
Sunderland’s potential as serious promotion contenders next season hinges significantly on their performance in the upcoming summer transfer window. Despite enduring a challenging season marked by managerial changes and inconsistency, there remains undeniable potential within their squad. The team flirted with play-off contention for a while but ultimately fell to a disappointing 16th-place finish. Now, the club is in search of a new manager, a process that has taken time but is crucial for their future success. The incoming manager will need to navigate their first transfer window astutely to bolster the squad’s chances. Retaining key talents like Jobe Bellingham and Jack Clarke, who are attracting considerable interest, would be a significant boost.
The squad’s youthful nature suggests that adding experienced players could be vital for their campaign next season. One player Sunderland should closely monitor is Chris Willock, a standout performer in the Championship. Willock, who has been instrumental for QPR, contributing 20 goals and 22 assists over 144 games, appears to be on the move as his contract with the club expires this summer. His skills, versatility, and creativity have been invaluable to QPR, but with his departure seemingly imminent, Sunderland could seize the opportunity for a bargain acquisition.