Category: Latest Posts

  • Official Document Confirms Jeff Shi’s Wolves Exit as Real Name Revealed

    Official Document Confirms Jeff Shi’s Wolves Exit as Real Name Revealed

    Wolverhampton Wanderers have officially moved on from Jeff Shi, with Nathan Shi—who is not related—now taking his place at Molineux.

    Fosun’s ownership remains a major talking point among Wolves fans, but largely for the wrong reasons.


    Jeff Shi’s Rise and Fall at Molineux

    Jeff Shi joined Wolves in July 2016 as part of Fosun’s takeover, initially serving as a board member before becoming Executive Chairman in July 2017.

    While his early tenure was widely seen as successful, things gradually declined. The current campaign brought heavy criticism of Shi’s strategy and perceived lack of ambition.

    Matters worsened after a BBC interview in which he told fans that relegation was “not that serious”. The Billy Wright Stand protest soon followed and appeared to mark a turning point.


    Companies House Filing Confirms Exit

    Any lingering doubts about Shi’s involvement behind the scenes have now been dismissed.

    An official Companies House document for Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club (1986) Limited confirms the termination of Mr Yu Shi (Jeff Shi).

    • Termination date: 19 December

    • Public confirmation: Only recently surfaced

    This officially ends Jeff Shi’s time at Wolves.


    Who Is Nathan Shi?

    Not much is currently known about Nathan Shi.

    He arrives with no previous football experience, but has impressed some supporters with his tone and communication in his limited interviews so far.

    Nathan has spoken about rebuilding trust through actions, a clear contrast to the Jeff Shi era, where words often rang hollow—most notably when Jeff was caught out over stadium-related claims involving the council.


    What Happens Next?

    Nathan Shi is not viewed as a long-term replacement, and questions remain over how long he will remain in the role.

    For now, Wolves fans will be watching closely to see whether this change signals a genuine shift in direction—or simply another short-term fix.

  • 26-year-old could be Leeds United’s next cash-in amid PSR pressure

    26-year-old could be Leeds United’s next cash-in amid PSR pressure

    Leeds United striker Joel Piroe has been increasingly linked with a potential exit in recent months as the club looks to ease financial strain.

    According to a report from The Guardian (via MOT Leeds News), Leeds United are facing mounting pressure to offload players in order to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). The club has until June 30 to generate funds through player sales, and Piroe could be one of the assets they choose to cash in on during this window.

    Leeds signed the 26-year-old Dutch forward in 2023 for a fee believed to be around £10 million. However, it appears unlikely they will be able to recover that amount if he departs. Instead, the club may be forced to accept a financial loss to facilitate his exit.

    Much will depend on whether Leeds can negotiate a sensible fee for the striker. Any sale must bring in a meaningful sum to have a positive impact on their PSR position; otherwise, the move would offer limited financial relief.

    From the player’s perspective, Piroe will be keen to join a competitive side where regular game time is guaranteed. He has previously demonstrated his ability in the Championship, and a return to the second tier of English football could suit him well.

    In addition, Leeds United may also consider selling Illan Meslier. The goalkeeper has found regular Premier League minutes hard to come by, and remaining on the bench does little for his development. A move away could benefit both player and club, while also helping Leeds reduce squad costs and improve their financial standing

  • Celtic’s First Transfer Call Under Wilfried Nancy Feels Like a Kick in the Teeth for Colby Donovan

    Celtic’s First Transfer Call Under Wilfried Nancy Feels Like a Kick in the Teeth for Colby Donovan

    January Window Opens Amid Pressure on Nancy

    The January transfer window is now open, and Celtic are expected to be active. With Wilfried Nancy under serious pressure, many are questioning how much backing he will actually receive — especially with doubts over whether he will still be in the job by Saturday evening.

    Celtic have already lost five matches under Nancy, and now face the small matter of a Glasgow derby against Rangers this weekend. The stakes could hardly be higher.

    Araujo Arrival Raises Fresh Questions

    Amid all the noise and concern, Celtic have completed their first piece of business under Nancy by signing Julian Araujo on loan from Bournemouth.

    While the move adds experience and depth, it immediately raises questions about the future of one of Celtic’s brightest young prospects — Colby Donovan.

    Donovan One of Few Bright Spots This Season

    Not many Celtic players can hold their heads high after what has been a chaotic first half of the campaign. Donovan, however, is one of the exceptions.

    The 19-year-old academy graduate has enjoyed a breakthrough season despite the turmoil both on and off the pitch. That is a credit to his mentality, development, and resilience, and it has given supporters genuine hope that he has a bright future at the club.

    Game Time Set to Be Squeezed

    The concern is what happens next.

    With Araujo likely to feature at right wing-back or even as the right-sided centre-back in Nancy’s system, Donovan’s pathway to regular minutes suddenly looks far less clear.

    That is a worrying development for a young player’s progression — particularly as Donovan has yet to start a match under Nancy, despite showing promise under Brendan Rodgers and Martin O’Neill earlier in the season.

    Johnston’s Return Complicates Matters Further

    Celtic fans will naturally hope Araujo excels, and if he does, it could strengthen the case for a permanent move in the summer.

    However, with Alistair Johnston also due to return from injury, the long-term picture becomes even murkier for Donovan — regardless of who is in charge next season.

    Academy Pathway Once Again in Doubt

    Opportunities for academy players at Celtic are becoming increasingly rare. When one finally appears to be knocking the door down, it feels counterproductive to then limit his chances almost immediately.

    Donovan has shown enough to suggest he deserves consistent opportunities. Whether Celtic can balance short-term pressure with long-term development remains to be seen — but this first transfer decision under Wilfried Nancy already feels like a setback for one of the club’s most promising young talents.

  • Leeds United Plot Move for Highly-Rated Brazilian Teen Forward

    Leeds United Plot Move for Highly-Rated Brazilian Teen Forward

    Daniel Farke showed exactly why Leeds United need another striker before a ball was even kicked in the 0-0 draw at Anfield.

    Despite scoring seven goals in six games, the electric Dominic Calvert-Lewin was surprisingly left on the bench against Liverpool. Farke later explained the decision was made to protect his No.9, given the England international’s recent injury history.

    With Lukas Nmecha also prone to fitness issues, Leeds are keen to ease the workload on both strikers — and that has pushed recruitment plans into focus.


    Leeds United Competing With Newcastle for Raykkonen

    According to Brazilian outlet Lance, Leeds are now interested in signing 17-year-old forward Raykkonen this winter.

    Named after Formula 1 legend Kimi Räikkönen, the teenager is currently impressing on loan at Internacional from Goiás, performances that have put him firmly on Leeds’ radar.

    Highly respected platform Football Talent Scout has even compared Raykkonen to Alexander Isak — a comparison that underlines his potential and style of play.

    However, the deal won’t be straightforward. Lance report that Internacional have the option to make the move permanent this month, while Raykkonen himself is keen to stay and continue his development in Brazil.

    Still, Premier League clubs boast far greater financial power than Brazilian sides. If Leeds — backed by the 49ers — decide to push, they are likely to have a genuine chance.


    Why Raykkonen Fits Leeds’ Striker Needs

    Finding a backup striker won’t be easy. Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha are senior, experienced forwards who expect to start regularly, meaning any new arrival would likely begin as a rotational option.

    That reality could deter established names — such as Troy Parrott, who Leeds are known to admire.

    A young prospect like Raykkonen, however, may be far more open to that role. Learning behind an England international and a Germany international in a Premier League environment could be an ideal pathway, without the immediate pressure to deliver week in, week out.

    In that sense, Raykkonen looks like exactly the right profile Leeds need.

  • An Absolute Disgrace’ – Leeds United Fans United in Anger Over Controversial Ethan Ampadu Suspension

    An Absolute Disgrace’ – Leeds United Fans United in Anger Over Controversial Ethan Ampadu Suspension

    Leeds United picked up their third straight away draw on New Year’s Day after battling to a hard-earned 0–0 stalemate against Liverpool at Anfield.

    When Daniel Farke named his starting XI, it was clear the Leeds boss had set his side up to frustrate, and the plan worked perfectly. The Whites restricted the reigning Premier League champions to very few clear-cut chances over the 90 minutes.

    The match was not without controversy. Liverpool were denied a penalty after Jaka Bijol appeared to repeatedly pull Hugo Ekitike inside the box, a moment that drew strong criticism from former Reds striker Michael Owen.

    However, it was another refereeing call that truly infuriated Leeds supporters — one involving club captain Ethan Ampadu.

    Leeds fans react to Ethan Ampadu suspension

    Farke himself was unhappy with referee Chris Kavanagh’s performance, admitting after the match that he had to calm himself down.

    One decision that particularly angered the German coach was Kavanagh’s choice to book Ampadu for handball. The yellow card was the midfielder’s fifth of the campaign, meaning he will now miss Sunday’s clash with Manchester United due to suspension.

    Many watching believed Ampadu controlled the ball with his shoulder rather than his arm, but Kavanagh appeared to bow to pressure from the Anfield crowd and produced the booking regardless.

    Leeds fans were quick to vent their frustration on social media. One supporter branded the decision an “absolute disgrace,” insisting the club should be “demanding an explanation and an apology.”

    That view was widely shared. Another fan said:
    “Ampadu’s yellow card was never a yellow. Ridiculous that he misses the Man United game because of an officiating mistake.”

    Others echoed the same sentiment, with one posting:
    “Fuming about Ampadu’s handball booking. Now suspended for Sunday against Man United. That’s costly.”

    Another added:

  • Celtic Transfer Decision Could Ease Wilfried Nancy Pressure as Forgotten Man Earns ‘Outstanding’ Verdict

    Celtic Transfer Decision Could Ease Wilfried Nancy Pressure as Forgotten Man Earns ‘Outstanding’ Verdict

    Nancy Under Early Pressure at Parkhead

    Wilfried Nancy is already feeling the heat at Celtic, with the Frenchman heading into Saturday’s Old Firm clash against Rangers having lost five of his first seven matches in charge.

    One issue that has baffled supporters and pundits alike is the former Columbus Crew manager’s determination to stick with his favoured 3-4-3 system, despite personnel problems in defence.

    Injury Woes Expose Tactical Problems

    With Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alastair Johnston both ruled out long term, Nancy has been forced into makeshift solutions. Natural full-back Anthony Ralston has been deployed on the right side of a back three, while South Korea international Yang — an out-and-out winger — has been used in the unfamiliar role of wing-back.

    The setup has raised eyebrows, particularly as Celtic continue to struggle for defensive stability.

    Stephen Welsh Ruled Out as Recall Option

    Centre-half Stephen Welsh has impressed while on loan at high-flying Motherwell, but Celtic have already informed the Steelmen that the defender will not be recalled during the January window.

    That decision appeared to close off one possible solution — until a new name was raised.

    McAvennie Urges Celtic to Recall Nawrocki

    According to Celtic legend Frank McAvennie, Nancy could solve his defensive headache by recalling a forgotten figure from the squad.

    Former Poland youth international Maik Nawrocki was loaned out to German second-tier side Hannover 96 by Brendan Rodgers last summer after making just 18 appearances across two seasons at Parkhead.

    Despite his limited game time, Nawrocki clearly made an impression.

    Speaking on his Let Me Be Frank podcast, McAvennie said:

    “You know what I think of Nawrocki. I would bring him back. I would bring him back and say, ‘Look, come back. Clean sheet.’

    He played seven games in a row, and he was outstanding. He got Man of the Match four times. I just like him. He is no-nonsense. He reminds me of big Johan Mjallby.

    He would just go, and when he won the ball, he could pass it. I just think he is a proper defender. It’s something we need.”

    Mulgrew Backs Fresh Start Under Nancy

    Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew also believes Nawrocki deserves another chance under the new manager.

    Speaking on Go Radio, Mulgrew said:

    “That’s a good shout (on Nawrocki returning to Celtic in January), him or (Stephen) Welsh. I totally forgot about Nawrocki. That’s not a bad shout.”

    A Simple January Fix?

    With Celtic short of defensive options and Nancy under mounting pressure, recalling Nawrocki could offer a straightforward solution — adding a natural centre-back to a system crying out for defensive balance.

    Whether the Celtic boss acts on that advice in January could prove decisive in the weeks ahead, starting with a pivotal Old Firm showdown.

  • Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest: Preview and Prediction

    Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest: Preview and Prediction

    Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest will both be desperate to get back to winning ways when they meet at Villa Park on Saturday. The Premier League schedule remains relentless, and Gameweek 20 gets underway this weekend as the second half of the season begins.

    Both sides enter this fixture looking to bounce back after disappointing recent results. Aston Villa’s impressive winning run came to a halt earlier this week following a heavy 4-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. There had already been a growing feeling that their remarkable form masked some underlying issues, and talk of a genuine title push may have been premature. Still, Unai Emery will be keen for his side to respond immediately and reignite their momentum, especially with Villa now six points adrift of Arsenal.

    Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, continue to struggle for consistency. The Tricky Trees suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Everton in midweek, extending their losing streak to three Premier League matches. With West Ham United closing the gap to just four points after their draw against Brighton & Hove Albion, Forest are beginning to glance nervously over their shoulders and will know the importance of picking up results soon.

    Last season’s corresponding fixture at Villa Park ended in a 2-1 victory for Aston Villa, with Jota Silva’s late strike proving insufficient to spark a Forest comeback. With another tightly contested encounter expected, here is a closer look at the upcoming clash.


    Team News & Tactics

    Aston Villa

    Unai Emery has received mixed news on the injury front ahead of Saturday’s match. Aston Villa could be without up to five first-team players when Nottingham Forest visit Villa Park.

    There is good news, however, as Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara return after serving suspensions against Arsenal. Emery remains concerned about Amadou Onana, who was forced off with a tight hamstring in North London. Tyrone Mings (thigh), Pau Torres (calf), and Ross Barkley (knee) remain sidelined, while Evann Guessand is away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

    Emiliano Martinez is expected to start in goal, with Villa likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The defensive unit should include Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Victor Lindelof, and Ian Maatsen.

    In midfield, Kamara is set to partner Youri Tielemans in the double pivot if Onana is unavailable. Morgan Rogers will operate in the attacking midfield role, flanked by Donyell Malen and John McGinn on the wings. Ollie Watkins will lead the line.

    Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):
    Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Maatsen; Kamara, Tielemans; McGinn, Rogers, Malen; Watkins


    Nottingham Forest

    Sean Dyche has also received some encouraging updates ahead of the trip to the Midlands, although he will still be without several key players.

    Ola Aina has recovered from a hamstring injury and is available for selection. Dan Ndoye is nearing a return from a calf problem and will face a late fitness test. However, Ryan Yates (thigh) and Chris Wood (knee) remain unavailable, while Ibrahim Sangare and Willy Boly are away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast.

    Forest are expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 system, with John Victor continuing between the posts. The defensive line should consist of Nicolo Savona, Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo, and Neco Williams.

    In midfield, Nicolas Dominguez is likely to partner Elliot Anderson in the double pivot. Morgan Gibbs-White will operate as the playmaker, supported out wide by Omari Hutchinson and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Igor Jesus is expected to start up front.

    Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):
    John Victor; Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Neco Williams; Dominguez, Anderson; Hutchinson, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus


    Key Stats

    • Aston Villa are unbeaten in their last six Premier League home matches against Nottingham Forest, winning the most recent five at Villa Park. Their last home defeat to Forest came in October 1994.

    • Nottingham Forest have won two of their last four league meetings with Aston Villa, matching the number of victories they recorded across the previous 18 encounters.

    • Aston Villa won their first Premier League match of 2025, beating Leicester City 2-1. They have not won their opening league game in consecutive calendar years since 2008 and 2009.

    • Nottingham Forest have won their first league match in five of the last seven calendar years, including a 3-0 victory over Wolves in 2025.

    • Aston Villa have won ten consecutive home games in all competitions, their longest such run since late 1989.

    • Nottingham Forest have failed to score in ten Premier League matches this season — more than any other side. Only Wolves have scored fewer league goals than Forest.


    Player to Watch: Ollie Watkins

    Several players could have claimed this spotlight, including Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and in-form Morgan Rogers. However, Ollie Watkins stands out as the key figure to watch.

    The England international is beginning to rediscover his scoring touch, netting three goals in his last two Premier League appearances — the same number he managed in his previous 19 games combined. That said, his recent goals have all come away from home, and he has not scored at Villa Park since September against Fulham. Emery will be hoping Watkins can translate his renewed confidence into a decisive home performance.


    Prediction

    Aston Villa 2-1 Nottingham Forest

    Nottingham Forest’s recent record away at Villa Park offers little encouragement, and Sean Dyche has lost his last two visits there by a combined scoreline of 7-2 after going unbeaten in his first three.

    Forest are likely to compete aggressively and test Villa throughout the match, with John Victor expected to produce a strong display in goal. Callum Hudson-Odoi could trouble Matty Cash and find the net, threatening to halt Forest’s losing run.

    However, Aston Villa’s attacking quality should prove decisive. Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins are tipped to make the difference as Unai Emery’s side grind out a narrow but vital 2-1 victory.


  • West Ham Waste No Time as €25m Forward Deal Nears Completion

    West Ham Waste No Time as €25m Forward Deal Nears Completion

    West Ham United have moved quickly at the start of the January transfer window, reaching an agreement to sign Brazilian striker Pablo in a deal that underlines the club’s urgency to fix their attacking problems.

    With goals in short supply and league position becoming a concern, the move reflects a recruitment strategy driven by immediate needs rather than long-term speculation.

    Deal Agreed as West Ham Act Early

    According to The Telegraph, West Ham have agreed a fee of around €25 million with Portuguese side Gil Vicente for the 21-year-old forward. Pablo is expected to arrive in London shortly to complete the formalities.

    The transfer is set to be one of the first major deals of the January window and signals West Ham’s intention to act decisively rather than wait for market conditions to change.

    January Priority Identified Early

    West Ham’s focus going into the winter window was clear: secure a recognised number nine capable of delivering goals quickly.

    Extensive scouting in Portugal identified Pablo as a standout candidate, with club sources suggesting talks were accelerated due to fixture congestion and a lack of depth in central attacking areas. With domestic options limited and Premier League-proven strikers commanding inflated fees, West Ham turned their attention abroad.

    Pablo’s arrival is also expected to bring an end to West Ham’s pursuit of alternative striking targets, allowing the club to concentrate resources on a single, decisive deal.

    Pablo’s Profile Fits West Ham’s Needs

    Pablo arrives in strong form, having scored 10 goals in 13 league appearances this season — a return that has helped push Gil Vicente into the upper half of the Primeira Liga table.

    West Ham see him as a forward capable of leading the line rather than simply adding depth. He offers physical strength, intelligent movement and the ability to operate both centrally and in wider channels. His work rate, pressing ability and efficiency in front of goal have been highlighted internally as qualities likely to translate well to the Premier League.

    At 21, Pablo also fits the club’s evolving recruitment model, offering immediate impact while retaining long-term resale value.

    Squad Implications Following January Deal

    The signing is expected to reshape West Ham’s attacking hierarchy. Pablo’s arrival should reduce reliance on makeshift forward options that have been used out of necessity during the first half of the season.

    The club are also exploring outgoing deals to streamline the squad, with at least one forward departure anticipated during the window. Loan moves and permanent exits remain under consideration, but securing a goalscorer has been the priority.

    Tactically, Pablo’s presence gives West Ham greater flexibility, allowing for rotation, workload management and varied attacking approaches depending on opposition.

    A Clear Statement of Intent

    Completing a deal of this scale early in January reflects a shift in West Ham’s transfer strategy. Rather than reacting late in the window, the club have chosen to move swiftly and decisively.

    While adaptation to English football will be required, there is confidence that Pablo’s attributes suit the physical and tactical demands of the Premier League. West Ham believe his arrival will not only bring goals, but also improve overall attacking cohesion during a crucial phase of the season.

    As the January window progresses, further business may follow — but the signing of Pablo already stands as a clear statement of intent from West Ham United.

  • Wolves Exit ‘Practically a Done Deal’ as Social Media Post Fuels Return Talk

    Wolves Exit ‘Practically a Done Deal’ as Social Media Post Fuels Return Talk

    Fer López’s time at Wolverhampton Wanderers looks to be nearing an early end, with reports in Spain suggesting a return to Celta Vigo is close.

    Tough Start at Molineux

    The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has struggled to make an impact since joining Wolves from Celta Vigo in June. López has failed to score and has registered just one assist in 10 appearances across all competitions this season.

    Celta Vigo Keep the Door Open

    On December 2, Celta Vigo president Marián Mouriño publicly stated that López would always be welcome back at the club. That sentiment was reinforced later in the month when sporting director Marco Garcés confirmed he was actively trying to bring the player back during the winter transfer window.

    Social Media Hint Sparks Speculation

    According to AS, López is now preparing for an imminent return to La Liga. The Spain U21 international recently posted an Instagram photo of himself wearing a Celta Vigo shirt, accompanied by Kanye West’s Homecoming playing in the background.

    Spanish media view the post as a clear signal of the player’s desire to return to his former club.

    Negotiations Well Underway

    AS report that Celta Vigo opened talks with Wolves several weeks ago and are increasingly confident a deal will be completed. The Spanish outlet claims the move is now “practically a done deal.”

    One Detail Still to Be Finalised

    The final issue to resolve is the structure of the move. Wolves and Celta Vigo must agree whether López will return on a six-month loan or an 18-month deal. A decision on that point is expected soon.

  • One Mistake, One Window — Forest Risk Repeating a Costly January Nightmare

    One Mistake, One Window — Forest Risk Repeating a Costly January Nightmare

    Nottingham Forest already have first-hand experience of how costly a difficult January transfer window can be — and with pressure mounting again, the stakes feel even higher this time around.

    Lessons From Last January

    Twelve months ago, Forest entered the January transfer window from a position of real strength. They were pushing towards the top end of the Premier League table, with Champions League qualification firmly in their sights.

    Under Nuno Espirito Santo, the squad was tight-knit and performing well. However, there was one clear weakness: a lack of depth up front. Forest attempted to address it, but a move for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa was rejected. No major additions followed.

    There was logic behind the club’s restraint, yet it left a lingering sense of what might have been. Would an extra striker have turned a strong season into a historic one? Could Forest have finished in the top five rather than settling for seventh and Europa League football? Those questions remain unanswered.

    A Very Different January, With Bigger Risks

    Fast forward to now, and Forest face another pivotal winter window — but under far more precarious circumstances.

    Sean Dyche, the club’s third head coach of the season, is overseeing his first transfer window at the City Ground. Forest currently sit just above the relegation zone, and mistakes now could carry severe consequences before the February 2 deadline.

    Striker Crisis Deepens

    Once again, the need for attacking reinforcements is obvious — arguably even more urgent than last year.

    • Chris Wood is set for an extended spell out after knee surgery

    • Arnaud Kalimuendo looks likely to move elsewhere

    • Taiwo Awoniyi’s future remains uncertain, with form and minutes both lacking

    That leaves Igor Jesus as Forest’s main attacking outlet. The Brazilian has shown promise since arriving from Botafogo, but has managed just one Premier League goal so far.

    Goals Are the Problem

    Forest’s struggles are clear in the numbers. They have scored once in their last three matches, a run that has coincided with a string of defeats. Goals win games — and right now, Forest are short on both.

    Financial realities and squad availability must be weighed carefully. A panic signing could prove just as damaging as no signing at all.

    Dyche: “It Has to Be the Right Deal”

    Dyche has acknowledged the delicate balance required in January.

    “We’re always assessing. The ownership here will back the club, we know that. You’ve still got to find the people and it’s still got to be the right deal.”

    It’s a cautious message — but one shaped by hard lessons.

    No Room for Regret This Time

    With a relegation fight looming and European commitments adding further strain, Forest cannot afford to reach the summer once again asking what if?

    This January, getting recruitment right is no longer about ambition — it’s about survival.