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Liverpool have enjoyed ‘incredible growth’ under owners FSG after some key figures emerged, according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire.

The Lowdown: FSG divisive owners

Since taking over in 2010, there is no doubt that FSG have divided opinion at Anfield, with some praising their ownership and others struggling to warm to them.

They have funded plenty of top-class new signings and have expanded Anfield impressively but they have also made some bad missteps along the way.

The Americans were in favour of the European Super League and were also forced to reverse their decision to furlough staff when the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020 after fierce backlash.

The Latest: Maguire hails growth

Speaking to Football Insider, however, Maguire has lauded FSG in a financial sense, claiming the pre-pandemic £348m improvement in revenue is ‘incredible’:

“You only need to take a look at the numbers. If we look at the first decade of FSG ownership, which takes us up to just before the pandemic, revenue went from £185m to £533m.

“That’s incredible growth. FSG have done their sums. They’ve doubled matchday income. They have tripled commercial income as well. Broadcast income has risen on the back of finishing higher on a regular basis in the Premier League and their success in Europe.

“All of those factors signal that FSG is a smart bunch of cookies.”

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The Verdict: Undoubted praise needed

The main thing FSG merit praise for is the stability they have brought to Liverpool, often working within their means and ensuring the club is one of the best-run in the country.

Financially, the Reds have never been stronger and that is partly down to their naturally cautious approach, never overspending on individual players and keeping tight wage structure, something which has been in the spotlight recently due to Mohamed Salah.

As is the case with most football-related things, there is a middle ground with FSG in terms of how they should be viewed, but we feel the positives far outweigh the negatives overall.

In other news, Jurgen Klopp reportedly wants to sign an England international this summer. Read more here.

The departure of Celtic midfielder Ben Doak has all but been confirmed after the 16-year-old agreed a deal in principle with Liverpool.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that sources close to the Reds have revealed that the teenager has now come to an agreement with the Premier League side ahead of his well-reported switch from Parkhead to Anfield.

The report goes on to state that Jurgen Klopp’s side will pay Celtic around £600k in compensation for the attack-minded midfielder, who made his first-team debut for the Bhoys against Dundee United earlier this year.

Bad news for Celtic

Considering how high the hopes for Doak were in Glasgow, the news that the Scotland U17 international looks as if his departure will be confirmed in the near future is undoubtedly bad news for Ange Postecoglou and his Celtic side.

Speaking about the youngster’s move south of the border, finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley recently explained to Football Insider that, due to FIFA regulations, the Bhoys are always at risk of losing their most promising talents to English sides.

Plumley said: “It’s largely because of FIFA regulations. England and Scotland are classed as different countries and they can settle on a compensation fee that is far lower than a transfer fee.

“Celtic do this in reverse as well, so you have to be mindful of it in this model. The player has a choice to stay at Celtic and develop into a £20m-plus player or move on and do the same at another club.

“Celtic have to be aware that big clubs will be looking at their players and are well placed to capitalise. For every [Kieran] Tierney you manage to keep and sell for a big fee, you might have a few of these along the way.”

Indeed, Doak very much looked to be heading down the same path Tierney was on back in 2015 – when the left-back made his Celtic debut as a 17-year-old against Dundee FC, with the defender bursting onto the scene before eventually sealing a £25m move to Arsenal four years later.

However, while Doak – who Bhoys Analytics dubbed a “generational talent” – did make his Celtic bow earlier this year, it now looks as if the midfielder will make his switch to the Premier League a great deal sooner than his predecessor as the Hoops’ next big thing.

As such, it is clear for all to see why the 16-year-old’s departure is bad news for the Premiership leaders, as not only will Celtic miss out on a potentially huge transfer fee further down the line, but also the services of an exceptionally talented young playmaker during his development.

AND in other news: Sold at £1.8m, now worth £25m: Celtic had a nightmare on “imposing” £48k-p/w machine

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Football Fancast is embarking on a new series, in which we take a look at some of the hottest young prospects currently playing in the Championship…

This time around, we’ll be taking a look at Queens Park Rangers hotshot Eberechi Eze, whose performances in England’s second tier have been eye-catching to say the least.

The Greenwich-born attacker is reminiscent of a young Wilfried Zaha – his ability to beat a man and deliver a cross into the box is currently second to none in the Championship.

Having said that, one thing that the 20-year-old could perhaps be criticised for is his end product, similar to the way in which Zaha used to be by Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer.

Both are mercurial talents who are worth the admission fee alone at times, but Eze would be wise to track the Ivorian’s career progression and learn how he turned his flicks, tricks and skills into goals and assists.

Anyway, back to Eze. The R’s starlet has notched four goals this season, as well as recording three assists, proving why he was handed the No.10 shirt back in the summer and showing why he has been compared to former Loftus Road entertainer Adel Taarabt.

The youngster who was released by Millwall and told he was ‘too small’ by Arsenal has been a key man for Steve McClaren this season, so much so that Premier League clubs were swarming to Loftus Road like sharks to blood in September.

That being said, Zaha had hit eight goals and recorded nine assists for Palace at the same age as Eze, on his way to earning a £15m move to Manchester United and helping them to promotion via the play-offs.

This stat is not meant to besmirch the obviously talented England Under-20 international, but Eze must realise that football is a results industry in which goals and assists are of the upmost importance, and whilst dazzling skills attract the fans, ruthless efficiency brings the top clubs to your door.

Aston Villa have joined Leeds in the race to sign Ajax’s Noussair Mazraoui ahead of the teams’ clash in the Premier League on Wednesday.

The Lowdown: Mazraoui profiled

Mazraoui is 24 years of age and is primarily a right-back who can also provide cover in central midfield.

A Morocco international, he has been on the senior books with the Dutch giants since 2018 and is out of contract at the end of the current campaign.

Valued at a career-high £18m by Transfermarkt, Mazraoui has made 126 appearances for Ajax and has been a regular during the current campaign.

The Latest: Villa keen on Mazraoui

Leeds were name-checked with an interest in Mazraoui just last month, and it seems as if they may now face competition from Villa.

According to Fichajes, the Premier League is ‘knocking loudly’ on Mazraoui’s door, with Villa, Everton and Leicester City linked with a move for the in-demand Moroccan.

The Verdict: Shrewd target?

Mazraoui has recently stated that there is just a 5% chance he will remain an Ajax player ahead of the 2022/23 season, and he appears to be a shrewd target for Villa.

That’s because Atletico Madrid are showing a strong interest in right-back Matty Cash ahead of the summer window and started contacts over a possible move in January.

Even if Cash remains in the Midlands, Mazraoui could still be a smart signing on a free transfer due to Steven Gerrard’s lack of options in that area. The Ajax defender has ample experience at the highest level for both club and country and can also provide cover in midfield.

Johan Lange can actually tie up a pre-contract agreement right now due to the player’s contract situation, so it could be one to keep a close eye upon in the future.

In other news: BBC Radio 5 Live man applauds Villa for pulling off this ‘total shock’

Osaze Urhoghide could now be heading for a return to Parkhead at the end of the current campaign.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with Belgian media outlet HLN, KV Oostende’s sporting director, Gauthier Ganaye, revealed that, despite the Jupiler Pro League side possessing an option to buy the loanee defender, he may not be able to afford the cost of the 21-year-old – something which could well see Urhoghide return to Celtic Park this summer.

Speaking about the possibility of signing the versatile centre-back, Ganaye said: “We also want to finalise the rented Urhoghide, although [his] price tag is higher. But we want to find a solution. He is a kind of theatre: explosive, aggressive and forward-thinking.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how much potential Urhoghide quite clearly possesses, the news that Oostende could struggle to complete the signing of the youngster this summer is sure to have left the Parkhead faithful buzzing.

Indeed, the decision to include a purchase option in the defender’s loan deal appeared a strange one in the first place, with Celtic supporters making it abundantly clear in a poll ran on Football FanCast that they felt it was a mistake for the club to do so.

It is not difficult to understand why they hold this belief, as the £450k-rated starlet has already proven over his seven Jupiler Pro League outings that he is an exceptionally talented player, so far helping his side keep two clean sheets, as well as making an average of 2.9 interceptions – the most of any player in the league – 2.1 tackles, 1.7 clearances and winning 5.3 duels – at a success rate of 54% – per game.

Furthermore, Ange Postecoglou was also clearly very excited at the prospect of working with the former Sheffield Wednesday talent upon his arrival at Celtic last summer, stating of the 21-year-old:

“He’s just beginning his football career but he shows all the attributes on and off the field to want to become a top player, so it’s great to get him here. He can play a couple of positions at the back and, most importantly, he’s really keen to learn and develop and I think this will be a great environment for him.

“He’s a modern defender. He’s good athletically, he’s mobile, he’s quick and he wants to get on the ball. He can play a couple of different positions, and from our perspective, and the way we want to play our football, there are certain things I look for in players irrespective of age, and he’s got some really good attributes to be a top defender.”

As such, the news that the £7k-per-week Urhoghide could be set for a return to Glasgow this summer is undoubtedly good news for everyone involved with the Hoops – as it is clear to see that the youngster who Ben Gotting dubbed a “monster” could well go on to have an extremely successful career at Parkhead.

AND in other news: “There’s no problem”: Huge behind-scenes rumour now quashed, it’s good news for Celtic

Glasgow Rangers dropped what could be two vital points in the race for the Scottish Premiership title at Saturday lunchtime ahead of the Old Firm derby.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team were pegged back deep into injury time by Matthew Wright, after twice taking the lead through debutant Amad Diallo and later Connor Goldson.

James Tavernier had equalised for the visitors after Jordan White and Regan Charles-Cook answered Diallo’s opener with two quick goals before half-time, in what was a really poor defensive display in particular from the Light Blues.

The Transfer Tavern have now used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for the Gers on the day, and they may now be looking over their shoulder regarding their place in the XI against Celtic…

Cedric Itten

Itten ranks third to last as he was given a 6.7 overall rating by SofaScore.

The Switzerland international was hauled off just before the hour mark for Kemar Roofe with the score still level, emphasising the lack of impact he made on the game.

He lost six of his seven duels, and failed with both of his shots on goal, while he also could not manage a single dribble, and lost the ball a total of 10 times.

Itten was the only Gers starter to have recorded fewer touches than his own goalkeeper Allan McGregor, and fans were particularly critical of his display above others in the team.

Calvin Bassey

Bassey had a poor match by his standards, making a silly mistake that led to the second goal being conceded, and justifiably was only given a 5.9 rating.

The central defender lost out on two of his duels, and also failed to block any shots or make any interceptions, while he was guilty of giving the ball away on seven separate occasions.

Allan McGregor

Unsurprising, McGregor was given the lowest rating (4.6) after his two bad errors which both led to goals.

The Scotsman was simply not himself, recording just a 76% pass accuracy, one of the lowest out of his teammates, while he also lost possession six times in total, and only managed to make one save.

In other news, find out what contract update has Gers gushing here!

Everton will host Leicester at Goodison Park this evening in an important clash that could push Frank Lampard’s side further into safety from the relegation zone if they can take all three points from the game.

In terms of injury news, despite having an almost fully fit squad when Lampard spoke yesterday in his press conference to confirm the return of Yerry Mina and Donny Van de Beek, there has now been a new injury worry in the team that could see a starting player out for the game ahead.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been named as a doubt for selection following a rumoured injury problem according to journalist Chris Beesley from the Liverpool Echo. However, there is no clarity yet on whether he will play against Leicester City and will likely come down to the game itself for official confirmation of the striker’s condition.

With that being said, this is how Football FanCast expects Everton to line up against Brendan Rodgers’ side…

We expect to see three changes in the team that beat Manchester United, with a 4-2-3-1 formation deployed.

The first change we expect to see is Yerry Mina’s instant inclusion in the selection following his long-term injury problems that have kept him sidelined since the beginning of February when he picked up a high-grade quadriceps tendon injury during the game against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

The Toffees boss confirmed that the 6 foot 3 defender hailed a “monster” by Michael Ball, will “feature” in today’s team, and we predict he will replace Michael Keane to play alongside Ben Godfrey, which will be a huge boost in the back-line.

The second change that we think we will see in tonight’s game is the return of van de Beek but placed in a more attacking role, allowing the Man United loanee to have more freedom to be creative and play a part in troubling the Foxes defence, his attacking attributes are something he is well known for from his time at Ajax.

The third and final change we predict is Demarai Gray coming in on the left wing to replace Richarlison, who will take the centre-forward role in Calvert-Lewin’s absence.

If the rumours are true that the striker is injured again, Lampard will not be wanting to take any chances on his fitness and will likely either bench the forward or remove him from the squad completely ahead of the Merseyside Derby this weekend.

Everton can go six points clear of 18th place Burnley if they can secure their second win in a row against Leicester tonight, and Lampard will surely be hoping his team can carry their confidence from their surprise win over Man United into the game, especially with the added quality re-joining the side in the likes of Yerry Mina.

AND in other news: Lampard must unleash “unselfish” £22.5m-rated Everton star, he’ll terrify Leicester

A big Newcastle United transfer claim has been made, regarding the club’s attempts to land Diego Carlos last month.

What’s the talk?

Sevilla sporting director Monchi has revealed that the Toon made a great effort to sign the Brazilian during the January transfer window.

Speaking to La Colina de Nervion, via Sport Witness, he said the Magpies “really went for it” and then went on to say: “But the club had an idea, a scenario, and they didn’t budge from that.

“Their offer was important, respectful, and even Diego has had his mental comings and goings, but he has ended up satisfied.”

Delight

Eddie Howe will surely be left delighted by this claim as it shows that PIF certainly mean business. The owners clearly put a lot of effort into trying to seal a deal for the defender, with Monchi’s comments highlighting how strong their offer for the central defender was.

It was not a case of Newcastle failing to put a good enough bid in or waiting too long to strike an agreement with the Spanish club, which will please the manager as it offers a glimpse of what could be to come in the summer providing they stay in the division.

PIF have now completed one transfer window at the club and could be better prepared for the next one at the end of the season. Crucially, they will also have more than one month to work with to bolster the squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign and the ex-Cherries head coach will surely be excited about what they could do with more time to do business.

Howe will also be buzzing with the calibre of players targeted last month. Carlos is excelling in La Liga for a club competing in Europe, whilst the Magpies are 18th in the Premier League and facing a tough battle against relegation down to the Championship at the end of the season, showing the gap in standard between where they are and where they are aiming to be.

The Brazilian defender has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.13 in Spain for Sevilla, whilst also averaging a scoring of 7.03 in the Champions League. This shows that he is able to perform consistently at the highest level, putting in quality displays week-in-week-out for the Spanish side, which is why he was an ambitious target for PIF to work hard to bring in.

AND in other news, Wood axed, Howe unleashes “exciting talent”: NUFC’s sparkling new XI after Jan window…

West Ham United will target a new centre-forward and centre-back in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Fabrizio Romano, who revealed while speaking on a recent episode of the Que Golazo podcast that, after missing out on the signing of a new striker and central defender in January, David Moyes’ side will prioritise the signing of a new player in each position at the end of the current campaign.

Speaking about West Ham’s summer business, the transfer insider said: “To be honest, they wanted to spend big money in January, but they are always really clear with the strategy they have. They sign the players they want or they save money to spend in the following window.

“They proposed €50m to Benfica on deadline day for Darwin Nunez, but Benfica said no. They wanted way more than that and the deal collapsed after five minutes. At the same time, that means West Ham will 100% go for a striker [this summer].

“So, I’m sure that in the summer they will go for a striker. I’m not sure who it will be because in the summer many clubs will be jumping into the race for Darwin Nunez, so it will be difficult for West Ham. Striker is a priority and centre-back will be another priority.”

Fans will be buzzing

While fans of the club will undoubtedly still be disappointed by the Hammers’ failures in the January transfer window, as long as Romano is proven correct in his claim that West Ham will indeed be making a new centre-forward and central defender their priority signings this summer, the London Stadium faithful will be buzzing.

Indeed, at present, Michail Antonio is the club’s only recognised striker, something which, considering the 31-year-old’s history of injury, as well as involvement with the Jamacia national team, could well leave Moyes extremely short of attacking options over the second half of the current campaign.

Meanwhile, with Angelo Ogbonna being ruled out for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury, Kurt Zouma’s future looking up in the air due to his disgraceful off-field actions and Issa Diop’s terrible form, a new centre-back would also appear very much required for the Irons.

As such, while the lack of incoming signings this winter could well have cost West Ham their best chance at securing Champions League football in recent memory, should the club finally make moves to address their glaring needs this summer, next season could be an extremely exciting one for everyone involved with the club.

In other news: GSBK make fresh transfer “promise” to Moyes, but it’s too little too late for WHU fans

Tottenham Hotspur have suffered a huge injury setback over defender Matt Doherty this week…

What’s the latest?

Spurs manager Antonio Conte has revealed that the full-back will miss the remainder of the campaign due to his injury, despite the club hoping that he will be able to return without going under the knife.

The ex-Wolves man was forced off during the first half of the 4-0 win over Aston Villa last weekend and will now have to wait until 2022/23 to play in a competitive match again.

Charlie Eccleshare Tweeted: “Conte says that a doctor has told Doherty that he can recover without surgery, but #THFC are going to get a second opinion. His season is definitely over.”

The head coach also said: “This is really bad news for us. We know very well the improvement in our team and it is a pity because to lose a player like him for the rest of the season. We have to try and cope in the best possible way until the end of the season.”

Supporters will be infuriated

This confirmation from Conte that Doherty will play no further part this term will surely leave the fans furious as it comes as a major blow to the side.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-martinez-dybala-spence-conte-2” title= “Read the latest Spurs news!”]

The Ireland international averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.06 in the Premier League across 15 outings this term. In those matches, he won 56% of his duels, made 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game and created three ‘big chances’, showing off his consistency and ability at both ends of the pitch.

He managed two goals and three assists in his six appearances leading up to the clash with Villa. This shows that he was getting into his full stride and making a huge impact for Conte’s team playing on the right and the left of the defence when needed.

Therefore, losing him is a major blow as they will now be without his attacking talent from wing-back for the final seven matches of the league season. This has come at a terrible moment for the club as they are in a tight battle to finish in the top four, currently sitting three points clear of Arsenal in fifth – who have a game in hand – and six points ahead of West Ham in fifth in the Premier League table.

Fans will be worried with the timing of the blow and will be praying that other players at the back are able to step up in his absence to ensure that the team can secure Champions League football for next season.

AND in other news, “Paratici is crazy…”: Insider delivers big Spurs transfer claim that’ll excite Conte…