Summer Transfer

Kristjaan Speakman finally breaks his silence as Sunderland confirm first transfer decision

19/06/2024 Raymond 0

Kristjaan Speakman has finally spoken out as Sunderland confirmed their first summer transfer. The sporting director has kept a low profile since the club began searching for a new manager in February. Apart from a statement from owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus earlier this month, communication with fans has been minimal. Louis-Dreyfus mentioned that an appointment would be made “imminently,” but ten days have passed, and the club still appears far from securing a new head coach.

Despite the silence on the managerial front, Sunderland made a significant move yesterday by confirming their first outgoing transfer of the summer. Alex Bass has joined Notts County on a permanent deal after making only two senior appearances since his move to Wearside in 2022. Speakman commented on Bass’ departure, stating on the club’s official website: “Alex had a successful loan last season and is eager to continue playing regular football. After discussing multiple options this summer and considering Alex’s future and the development of our younger goalkeepers, we agreed this move was best for all parties. We wish Alex the best of luck in the next stage of his career.”

The last 10 players linked with Leeds United, including talks for £3.5m-rated Swiss playmaker

10/06/2024 Raymond 0

Leeds United are gearing up for a busy summer, with several new players already being linked to Elland Road. The club needs to replace outgoing players and strengthen key positions, including right-back, number 10, and center-back.

Among the latest ten players linked with Leeds is Swiss 22-year-old Natan Girma from Reggiana, who has been on their radar for months. Eric Smith from St. Pauli is another target, with Leeds competing against West Brom for the Swedish center-back. Versatile Fulham player Bobby Decordova-Reid is also in their sights, particularly as his contract nears expiration.

Karamoko Dembele, formerly of Celtic and now with Brest, impressed on loan at Blackpool last season and is another Leeds target. Additionally, Leeds are eyeing Japan star Ao Tanaka from Dusseldorf, Stuttgart’s DR Congo winger Silas, and Chelsea’s Alfie Gilchrist for a potential loan move.

West Ham’s Ben Johnson, Norwich’s USA striker Josh Sargent, and Nottingham Forest’s Ateef Konate round out the list of players Leeds are considering to bolster their squad for the upcoming season.

Leeds United’s interest in 20-y/o Chelsea ace makes total sense for one reason – View

02/06/2024 Raymond 0

Leeds United have shown interest in signing Chelsea right-back Alfie Gilchrist on loan this summer, joining Preston and Blackburn in the pursuit. After missing out on promotion, Leeds faces another summer of extensive transfer activity, needing to rebuild their squad once more. Journalist Ben Jacobs recently revealed that Leeds is one of three clubs closely monitoring Chelsea’s 20-year-old right-back Alfie Gilchrist. Despite breaking into Chelsea’s senior team this season, Gilchrist is expected to go out on loan this summer to gain more first-team experience.

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.

Sunderland may be in line for player boost as Black Cats wait on £30m Celtic decision

29/05/2024 Raymond 0

Sunderland may have received a significant potential boost regarding Dan Neil’s future at the club. The academy product has had another stellar season in the Championship, scoring four goals and assisting five in 42 league matches. Neil is contracted with Sunderland until the summer of 2026, but the club might consider selling him this summer, along with other talents like Anthony Patterson and Jack Clarke.

Recently promoted Southampton has shown interest in both Clarke and Neil after their victory over Leeds United in the Championship play-off final. The Saints have had their eye on Clarke for a while, and Russell Martin is reportedly a strong admirer of Neil. Despite this, Sunderland may have received a positive development regarding Neil’s future at the Stadium of Light. The question remains: Can Sunderland retain Dan Neil this summer?

There is no doubt about Neil’s quality and importance to Sunderland, as he continues to improve each season. Interest in the 22-year-old midfielder is inevitable, but Sunderland faces a difficult decision on whether to sell or keep him this summer. From the perspective of owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, selling Neil could bring in a substantial transfer fee. With his contract expiring in a couple of years, this summer might be the optimal time to sell.