All articles by: Ieuan Ivett

Summer Transfer Rumours – Ben Gibson

June 15, 2017 by Ieuan Ivett·Comments Off

English centre-back, Ben Gibson, was one of the only shining stars to come out of Middlesbrough’s poor 2016/17 campaign. The defender showcased his leadership skills and brute force in a tackle throughout the season and led a defensive line that wasn’t easy to crack down. Middlesbrough’s number six has attracted a lot of attention and even got his first national call-up last season due to his impressive form at club level.

New Middlesbrough manager, Garry Monk, will struggle to keep a hold of the centre-back, who is yet to commit his future to the EFL Championship side. With a lot of pressure now on the shoulders of the 24-year-old, it will be interesting to see where he ends up. With all the speculation, here are some of the odds that SkyBet are offering for Ben Gibson’s future come September 3^rd 2017:

To Stay at Middlesbrough- 5/4

Gibson has been at Middlesbrough since 2005, starting his youth career in Tyneside. He broke into the first team in 2010, however was loaned out to an aray of Football League clubs and then became a regular first team player in 2014. It’s clear Gibson has a strong emotional connection to the club, a factor that could see the Englishman be loyal to his boyhood side. However, with attraction from top Premier League clubs and keeping in mind Middlesbrough’s recent relegation from the same league, it could be the right decision for his career to progress if he was to leave. Only time will tell.

Chelsea- 7/2

With the departure of John Terry and possibly Frenchman, Kurt Zouma, in defence, Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, will be searching for replacements. Gibson impressed last season and has caught the eye of the scouts at Stamford Bridge. The move to the Premier League champions is tempting for any player, but could see Gibson spend a lot of time on the bench; something that is vital for him to avoid whilst he is still improving as a player.

Liverpool- 6/1

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp has hinted that Ben Gibson may be top of his wish list following the downfall of the Virgil Van Dijk talks. Liverpool have failed to mould a strong defensive line for a few seasons now; being constantly haunted with defensive blunders that cost them dearly. A signing such as Ben Gibson could be a breath of fresh air at Anfield; with his future being tipped as a regular international. Champions League football could also be an enticing factor for Gibson as well as working with a character such as Jurgen Klopp.

SkyBet are also offering odds on Gibson to move to:

Manchester City- 25/1

Newcastle- 25/1

Manchester United- 33/1

Summer Transfer Rumours – James Rodriguez

June 14, 2017 by Ieuan Ivett·Comments Off

Colombian attacking midfielder, James Rodriguez, is likely to leave Real Madrid this summer after sitting on the bench for most of last season. His relationship with manager and ex-Real Madrid legend, Zinedine Zidane, has turned sour and is a big reason for his likely departure; the latest incident being an awkward viral video of Rodriguez not acknowledging Zidane amongst their recent Champions League victory celebrations.

Rodriguez signed for Real Madrid in the summer of 2014 after an astounding World Cup campaign with Columbia, stealing the spotlight with fantastic creativity and flair as well as grabbing goal of the tournament. Rodriguez is a hot item on the transfer market, with many big clubs linked with the Colombian. Here are some of the odds SkyBet are offering on the 25-year-old’s future come September 3rd:

Chelsea- 3/1

Antonio Conte will be looking to strengthen his already impeccable squad list with players of Rodriguez’ calibre. Whether James is top of his list is questionable- with recent rumours suggesting Chelsea are not willing to meet the £70 million price tag. But rumours are just that, rumours. Rodriguez could be a possible target if Belgian winger, Eden Hazard, was to leave Stamford Bridge with Rodriguez’ club, Real Madrid, apparently showing interest in Hazard. Chelsea fans would love to see Rodriguez join their squad, but plenty of other big clubs are in pursuit of the Colombian.

Inter Milan- 7/2

Inter Milan recently joined the extensive list of clubs hunting down Rodriguez. A move to the Italian league may not be in the best interest of the 25-year-old, who has attracted attention from larger, more competitive clubs and leagues. There’s no doubt he’d fit in at Milan, playing with Mauro Icardi, Ivan Perisic and Eder could conjure up a very potent attack for Inter however Rodriguez is a world-class player. Do world-class players still transfer to a club like Inter Milan? They used to but not anymore.

Manchester United- 7/2

The club that has been stealing the James Rodriguez headlines is Manchester United. Jose Mourinho isn’t a shy figure when it comes to transfers and will surely flex his financial muscle yet again this summer. With Zlatan Ibrahimovic and possibly Wayne Rooney out the door this window, a creative, young, vibrant attacker like James Rodriguez would fit in like a glove. A lot of fans are seeing Old Trafford as the most likely destination for the Colombian this summer.

SkyBet are also offering odds for Rodriguez to move to:

PSG- 4/1

To Stay at Real Madrid- 7/1

Bayern Munich- 12/1

AC Milan- 16/1

Arsenal- 18/1

Liverpool- 20/1

Any Chinese Club- 25/1

Manchester City- 33/1

Summer Transfer Rumours – Gylfi Sigurdsson

June 14, 2017 by Ieuan Ivett·Comments Off

Dead-ball specialist, Gylfi Sigurdsson, is amidst plenty of rumours suggesting he will leave Premier League club, Swansea City. The Icelandic is currently partaking his second spell in South Wales having spent a season on loan from 1899 Hoffenheim in 2012. The 27-year-old caught the eye of a dazzling aray of clubs however, Tottenham Hotspur got his signature. In 2014, Sigurdsson left Spurs to return to Swansea and has propelled his status for club and country ever since.

In the 2016/17 Premier League campaign, Gylfi Sigurdsson went from strength to strength and was the main catalyst in Swansea’s impressive survival. Sigurdsson ended the season with nine goals and 13 assists in the League, some impressive stats that have turned a lot of heads. He’s arguably the best player in the league from a dead-ball scenario, a trait that has only boosted his value both on and off the pitch. Swansea City will have a tough time keeping hold of the Icelandic playmaker for another season.

Here are some odd the odds SkyBet are offering on Sigurdsson’s future come September 3rd:

Everton- 4/6

It isn’t the first transfer window that Everton have pursued Gylfi Sigurdsson. Most transfer windows they are sniffing around his feet, and now with their almost imminent departures of Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku, ‘The Toffees’ are in desperate need of probable replacements. Sigurdsson’s ability to create opportunities from nothing and his constant threat over a free-kick or corner is a desirable trait to a club like Everton; who have pacey wingers who profit from through-balls and physical, tall players inside the box. This would be a good move for the Icelandic playmaker, however some believe he can play for a better side than Everton.

To Stay at Swansea City- 11/4

Keeping Gylfi Sigurdsson at Swansea City is priority number one for manager, Paul Clement. His sheer work-rate and quality on the ball has been vital to Swansea’s survival in the Premier League and the fans adore the player. Sigurdsson feels at home in South Wales however nobody could blame him if a bigger club came knocking for him. The general consensus is that he is better than Swansea City, but whether he decides to stay and help Swansea reach a higher standard and league finish is only for him to know. This would be a huge boost for the club and fans.

Leicester City- 4/1

The 2015/16 Premier League champions would love a player of Gylfi Sigurdsson’s ability amongst their ranks. Leicester City manager, Craig Shakespeare, is expected to have a busy window, looking for an assortment of fresh legs to spice up the squad. Leicester fans have made their feeling known on Sigurdsson, expressing their desire to attain the midfielder, however it is questionable whether Leicester City is enough of a step up. ‘The Foxes’ odds have shortened massively in the past week, could the bookies know something we don’t?

SkyBet are also offering odds for Sigurdsson to move to:

Tottenham- 14/1

Southampton-16/1

West Ham- 18/1

Liverpool- 20/1

Newcastle- 22/1

Chelsea- 33/1