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In our Transfers that shook the club feature, Football Transfer Tavern takes a look at deals that had many may not have seen coming and the impact that they had during their time by using statistical data and pundit remarks.

Brighton and Newcastle have both had moderately successful seasons as they prepare to face each other at the Amex Stadium on Monday night, although both sets of supporters might not be able to help looking back at a manager who did great things for both clubs.

Chris Hughton took the Magpies straight back up to the Premier League in 2010 and had them in 11th place in the top flight when he was shockingly sacked near the end of that calendar year. Following spells at Birmingham and Norwich, the former Republic of Ireland international was appointed as Brighton boss on New Year’s Eve 2014, taking the reins after the brief and unsuccessful reign of Sami Hyypia.

The Seagulls were a lowly 21st in the Championship at the time of his appointment and, while they finished the campaign only one position higher, three wins from his first four games at least steadied the ship. Once he had a full pre-season to work with the Brighton squad, the Seagulls really took flight.

Hughton’s first full season in charge ended with them finishing third, missing out on automatic promotion by virtue of a goal difference only two worse than Middlesbrough despite losing just one of their final 20 league games. Unfortunately, they came up short against Sheffield Wednesday in the play-offs, but the progress that he made in less than 18 months was enormous.

Hughton would come up against his former club Newcastle in the Championship the following season and, while he wasn’t able to prevent them from topping the division, he made sure there would be no play-off heartache this time around by getting the Seagulls mathematically promoted with three matches still to play. Premier League football was coming to the Amex for the first time.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Brighton had to survive some uncomfortable moments in their first season at top flight level since 1983, but there were some memorable victories along the way. Just after Hughton was named as Premier League Manager of the Month in February 2018, his team defeated Arsenal at home. Two months later, victory over Manchester United confirmed a second successive season in the top tier, with Brighton taking down the Red Devils again at the start of the following campaign.

They also reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 2018/19 but it would be Hughton’s most difficult year at the Amex. Chastening home defeats to Bournemouth and Cardiff in a four-day spell in mid-April left them in serious danger of relegation but some good draws against the likes of Wolves and Arsenal eventually got them out of trouble.

It wasn’t enough to keep Hughton in a job, through, as he was sacked less than 24 hours after the final game of the season. It was a decision which angered some journalists and pundits, with Chris Hatherall calling him “one of the most reliable and yet under-rated coaches in the top flight” and John Barnes labelling the decision as “ridiculous”.

Hughton, who has recently been linked with the vacant manager’s position at Bristol City, has been out of football for 14 months, which seems staggering given what a tremendous job he performed at the Amex. He took over a Brighton team under threat of relegation to League One, got them promoted and kept them in the Premier League for two seasons, duly establishing them in the top flight.

His 215 matches in charge of the Seagulls yielded 89 wins and 56 draws, the equivalent of 323 league points, which in turn works out at 1.5 points per game (as per TransferMarkt). There is no questioning that Hughton left Brighton in a far better state upon exiting than entering.

Brighton fans, is Hughton the best manager that the club has had in the modern era? Comment below with your views!

Sheffield Wednesday were given a twelve point deduction for the 2020/21 campaign by the EFL for breaking spending rules, however it seems like the Owls are not taking this decision lightly and many fans of the club are reacting as the club have released a statement on the matter.

In their statement, Wednesday revealed that they will appeal the decision made by the EFL following them publishing written reasons why they received the deduction.

They also believe that the hearing of the appeal will be taking place in ‘Autumn 2020’. The rules they breached were around their sale of the Hillsborough stadium to owner Dejphon Chansiri and their decision to include it in the financial year covering the 2017-18 campaign.

In the statement following the written reasons being published, Wednesday said: ‘The Club was disappointed with some of the decisions of the Disciplinary Commission and respectfully disagrees with both the finding that it was in breach of the P&S rules for the 2017/18 season and the sanction of a 12-point deduction to be applied in the 2020/21 season.”

It now leaves fans of the club again unsure as to how they will start next season and whether they will still have the point deduction or not.

Here is what fans said following the news:

Owls fans, what are your thoughts on this news? Let us know down below!

Glasgow Rangers are keen on signing Leicester City youngster Dennis Gyamfi this summer, that is according to a report from Football Insider.

However, they are not the only ones in the race for the 18-year-old starlet.

According to the report, the Gers would like to land the right-back, but they aren’t the club in the driving seat to sign him.

Indeed, Football Insider recently revealed that Premier League giants Arsenal are also interested in signing Gyamfi, as are their rivals Manchester United.

Whilst Brendan Rodgers has tried to highlight a potential future for the player at the King Power Stadium by promoting him to first team training of late, there are question marks surrounding him with his scholarship contract set to expire on 1 July.

There is no doubt that Gyamfi is a player with plenty of potential. Indeed, as per the report, Rodgers has been very impressed with him since training resumed recently following an enforced break due to the pandemic.

Added to that, he has also represented the Netherlands under-19 side and played nine times in the U18 Premier League this term, even contributing with an assist (Transfermarkt).

It is therefore easy to see why Steven Gerrard and Ross Wilson would be keen on taking him to Ibrox, as they look to build a squad capable of closing the gap between themselves and Celtic in the coming years.

Added to that, they also need a new right-back to compete with James Tavernier, after Jon Flanagan was released recently. Gyamfi could come in and initially back-up the club captain and given he is 10 years younger, he could even be his long-term replacement in the team and nail down the position for years to come.

They may not be confident of getting a deal done, but the Gers should do all they can to try and lure him north of the border ahead of the 20/21 campaign, particularly as he would be a free transfer, thus allowing them to utilise their budget elsewhere.

Rangers fans, would you like to see Gyamfi join? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…

Key information about Oakwell Stadium

Oakwell Stadium was built in 1888 and is now the home of Barnsley FC who are playing their football in the Championship. The ground is located along Grove Street in South Yorkshire and apart from being a football pitch first and foremost, it is also a multi-purpose sports development in the city of Barnsley.

Its current capacity is 24,009 with a 100m x 68m pitch that has a grass surface with no undersoil heating and no running track surrounding it.

The record attendance was tallied in 1936 when 40,255 spectators watched the clash between Barnsley and Stoke City.

A history of Oakwell Stadium

Interestingly enough, the Oakwell Stadium was built the same year when Barnsley FC were founded, albeit it didn’t officially open until a year after, in 1888. The name of the stadium does primarily refer to the pitch where the football is being played, but it is also the name for several neighbouring venues that form the facilities of Barnsley FC.

The stadium was mostly owned by the club itself but over the years, especially going into the new millennium, they experienced some financial difficulties, falling into administration and forcing them to yield the ground to Barnsley Council who purchased the stadium but not the surrounding facilities.

Even though it was far from ideal, it did give them enough financial backing to pay off their creditors while also remaining in the Football League. Still, the stadium was changed over the years with the majority of the biggest refurbishments being done in the 1990s and only the original main stand from the early 20th century is left of the old structures.

Oakwell Stadium got a brand new East Stand in 1993, and that was then quickly followed by a new South Stand in 1995. The North Stand – the stand mostly used for the away fans – was next in line and got finished in 1999 before the club’s aforementioned financial difficulties. Interestingly, once the East Stand was completed, Barnsley FC became the first football club in Yorkshire to incorporate ‘executive boxes’ into their ground, which was a huge step towards modernisation.

It is also quite interesting to note that apart from Barnsley FC obviously using the ground, it is also used by their reserve team, which is not exactly a common thing in the world of football.

Tickets to watch Barnsley FC at Oakwell Stadium

All tickets to watch Barnsley FC at Oakwell Stadium can be found on the club’s official website. The most expensive tickets for adults cost £36 and will give you an opportunity to be seated in category A. It has to be noted, however, that the cost rises by £2 if the tickets are purchased on the day of the game.

The club also offers memberships and season tickets which come with all sorts of financial benefits for the supporters. More information can also be found on their official website.

Related links

https://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/ – Official website of Barnsley FC

Liverpool are reportedly eyeing Paris Saint-Germain full-back Layvin Kurzawa, who is also attracting interest from Arsenal and other European clubs.

What’s the word?

Jurgen Klopp does not currently have a natural backup for Andrew Robertson at his disposal but a recent report suggests that could be subject to change this summer.

Indeed, according to Spanish media outlet Sport, the Reds are one of a number of clubs who are interested in signing Kurzawa.

The 27-year-old’s contract is due to expire in the summer and that makes him an attractive proposition, with Inter Milan, Napoli, Liverpool and Arsenal all interested in securing a deal.

And the same report claims that his services have already been offered to Barcelona.

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Bargain deal

While Kurzawa has never been tested outside of Ligue 1, this is a bargain deal for the Premier League leaders.

Since he signed for the capital outfit from Monaco £22.5m in 2015, the France international has won a multitude of trophies.

All in all he has claimed three Ligue 1 titles, three French Cups, three French League Cups, and four French Super Cups.

PSG are clearly the dominant force in French football, and Kurzawa’s experience will undoubtedly have installed the winning mentality Klopp needs in each and every one of his players to ensure his side continue on their upward trajectory when football eventually returns.

Michael Edwards is unlikely to come across a player of Kurzawa’s pedigree and experience at such an appealing price, and it’s no surprise that the current Champions League holders are eyeing a free transfer.

This mooted deal has all the makings of another Edwards masterstroke.

In other Liverpool news, plenty of fans have reacted to links with the “next Hazard”…

Despite spending big-money on bringing Harry Maguire to reinforce their back-line last summer, it seems Manchester United are keen to make another addition to their defence this summer.

According to French publication Le10 Sport, the Red Devils have made contact with the representatives of RB Leipzig starlet Ibrahima Konate ahead of a potential move.

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The 20-year-old has barely featured this season, making just eight appearances for the first-team after suffering a torn muscle fibre. Prior to the injury, he had started and completed the full 90 minutes in Leipzig’s first five games in the German top-flight.

And after hearing about their links to Konate, United fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts about their latest transfer target.

A couple of United fans insisted that Konate is “better than” his Leipzig teammate Dayot Upamecano.

At just 20, Konate would represent both an investment for the here and now, and also for the future too.

But the one thing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must do this summer if he is intent on bringing Konate to the club, then he should be looking to get rid of the fringe players – the likes of Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling.

United have an abundance of centre-back options already and it simply wouldn’t make any sense at all to bring in another – however talented – without first selling a few.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Gabriel Jesus has told The National that Mohamed Salah is “quality”.

What did he say?

The Brazil international was speaking to the UAE outlet ahead of Brazil’s friendly in Abu Dhabi against South Korea.

The 22-year-old was quizzed on a number of subjects, including what he thought of forwards Salah and Riyad Mahrez. Talking about the former, he said:

“Salah has showed his quality in the last two seasons, he has scored a lot. I don’t train with him, but I know he is quality.”

Game recognises Game

Salah has been in fantastic form ever since he moved to Anfield from AS Roma in 2017. In each of the two full seasons he has been in Merseyside, he has finished as the Premier League’s top scorer. He bagged 32 goals in his first campaign, before scoring 22 last year.

So far, Jesus has had to make do with a rotation role in Manchester City’s squad. In just under three years, the former Palmeiras striker has started just 68 matches in all competitions for the Citizens, but has still managed to score 50 goals and provide 19 assists during that time.

He has been a regular goalscorer, and his record of 18 in 38 games for the Selecao again shows just how much quality he has up front.

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His guaranteed starting spot is currently blocked by Sergio Aguero. The Argentina international has started eight Premier League games so far this term, scoring nine goals during that time. But at 31 years of age and with less than two years left on his contract, he probably doesn’t have too many terms left with Pep Guardiola’s side.

When he eventually does depart, £63m-valued Jesus will surely be primed to take his place.

When he does, Salah and Jesus could start off a rivalry for the top tier’s Golden Boot. The Egypt international is currently contracted until 2023 and, with a Transfermarkt market value of £135m, many clubs could be put off by the potentially huge fee they would need to pay to purchase him.

As such, his future looks to be secure at Liverpool, and he has proven he will be the man to beat as the number one marksmen. Jesus’ record so far, though, shows he has what it takes. Time will tell whether he can actually do it.

A recent report from the Daily Mirror has revealed some key information regarding the long term future of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

What’s the word?

Klopp has transformed the Reds since he was given the reins in 2015 and that certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed across the footballing world.

The German has established himself as one of the best in his field during his time with both Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, and it seems he could have a chance to cement his legacy at international level.

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Indeed, according to the Daily Mirror, there is growing enthusiasm in Klopp’s homeland to see the 52-year-old succeed Joachim Low as manager of the German national side.

And, intriguingly, Klopp views the opportunity to manage the national side as a natural development in his career.

The same report goes on to reveal Klopp has privately hinted that Liverpool is likely to be his final job in club management.

Ominous Murmurs

While the news does not provide anything concrete to detail a time when Klopp will ideally want to move on to pastures new, the information presented does indeed make for ominous reading.

That Lowe’s contract with the German national side ends in 2022 combined with Klopp’s desire to leave club management at the end of his Liverpool stint suggests everything is in place for all parties – with the likely exception of Liverpool – to get what they want.

With no desire to embark on another role in club management, one can only assume that the Germany job is the one Klopp will be eager to take up when he departs Anfield.

After everything he’s achieved on Merseyside, though, Klopp would surely leave as a true legend of the club – and with the supporters’ blessing – should he decide to leave two years before his contract expires in 2024.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Speaking to The Athletic, Chris Smalling has hailed former Manchester United man Angel Di Maria as “one of the best players I’ve ever seen”.

What did he say?

The 31-year-old arrived in a £59.7m deal from La Liga giants Real Madrid, but failed to deliver on all the hype and expectation that surrounded his move to Old Trafford.

The Argentina international managed four goals and 12 assists across all competitions, but only stayed at the club for the duration of one season. The winger has now revived his career at French side Paris Saint-Germain, and he has registered an impressive 76 goals and 77 assists in 195 appearances in total.

Now, Smalling has opened up on his ex-teammate’s abilities, and admitted a sense of regret that the Argentine couldn’t make a success of it at Old Trafford.

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He said: “This might surprise you but Angel Di Maria was one of the best players I’ve ever seen. It ended sourly, but when he first signed he looked incredible.

“He did it on the field at the start too, he chipped a goal at Leicester and I thought he would take us to the next level. All of us watched him and thought ‘we just need to get him the ball and he’ll do something special’.

“It’s a shame it ended for him so quickly at Old Trafford, that he has been considered a flop because he’s a great player.”

Crying shame

Having been a consistently impressive performer in his time at Real Madrid, seeing Di Maria not carve out a long and successful Old Trafford career is a crying shame. The Argentine played 190 times for Los Blancos and provided an unbelievable 85 assists. As a flying winger, the 31-year-old seemed like the perfect United player.

The indoor football skills in the video below have to be seen to be believed…

He had an internationally recognised reputation, and some of the technical characteristics that the Old Trafford faithful had come to watch and love with the likes of Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo. Di Maria’s searing directness and excellent dribbling abilities – he has an impressive career average of 1.6 dribbles and 2.4 shots per game – is the kind of edge-of-your-seat action that United fans would have loved to have seen on a regular basis.

Instead, they cashed in on the Argentine, when if they had perhaps held their nerve and persuaded him to stay an extra year, may have gotten the peak Di Maria they initially hoped they were getting.

Liverpool fans have taken to Twitter to express their love for one particular moment from their 3-1 win over Manchester City on Sunday.

The Merseysiders put in a top-drawer performance against the back-to-back Premier League champions to take a 2-0 lead into the half-time break, and their win means that they remain unbeaten after 12 league matches.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are now eight points clear of second-place Leicester, but loads of Liverpool supporters on Twitter seem to have enjoyed one moment in particular – Pep Guardiola’s second-half outburst on the touchline.

The Spaniard could be seen holding two fingers up and yelling ‘twice’ following an incident in which the ball was played off Trent Alexander-Arnold’s hand by Raheem Sterling.

Incidentally, the ball also hit Alexander-Arnold’s hand in the first-half just seconds before Fabinho’s long-range strike, so it was those two moments in which Guardiola expressed his frustration over.

The manner in which he did so, however, was quite amusing, and the Liverpool fans on Twitter certainly seemed to find it funny…