Football FanCast - First Impressions

Spurs dud eyed up trophies when he joined, then became worse than Sanchez

Angus Sinclair — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 07:20:24 GMT

Tottenham Hotspur were embroiled in a pretty dire situation last season, but that hardly matters now that the London club is really firing on all cylinders under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou.

Man Utd “special” talent was tipped to be Van Nistelrooy 2.0, now he’s in League One

Kelan Sarson — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 21:15:25 GMT

Unfortunately, not every young and hungry talent that finds themselves on the cusp of making it at Manchester United capitalises on their brief moment in the sun.

Everton: "Blistering" talent hoped to be the next Dele Alli, but he was soon binned

Rosie Tudball — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 05:51:22 GMT

Everton have seen a host of talent grace the pitch at Goodison Park over the years, with some fond memories looking far away as the club continue to struggle along the path of relegation.

Aston Villa: "Menacing" signing was meant to replace Benteke, but he was soon binned

Rosie Tudball — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 11:50:22 GMT

Aston Villa enjoyed a well-orchestrated summer of business ahead of their first full season with Unai Emery at the helm.

Everton: £25m flop was compared to Yaya, now he's Moshiri's "worst signing"

Kelan Sarson — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 16:41:46 GMT

Everton have had their fair share of failed signings over the years, hyped-up individuals joining Goodison Park and flopping when the pressure of the Premier League presents itself.

Liverpool: £100k-p/w Luiz Suarez replacement flopped hard at Anfield

Rosie Tudball — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 11:41:36 GMT

Liverpool have had the pleasure of seeing an abundance of talent grace the pitch at Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp’s current crop of superstars adding to the mix of heroes on Merseyside.

Chelsea: £32m star was billed as the next Drogba but now he's struggling

Tom Griffin — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 05:41:37 GMT

Chelsea are a club synonymous with transfer failures and several misguided decisions have racked up overtime, draining the club of its resources without having the success to show for it.

Man Utd: £31m dud was dubbed the next CR7 after signing, but he became a huge flop

Callum Davies — Sun, 15 Oct 2023 17:40:31 GMT

Manchester United are a club that have seemingly tried everything in an attempt to return to the top, having been so absent from the pinnacle of English football ever since Sir Alex Ferguson's 2013 retirement.

Newcastle: £120k-p/w star was compared to Cabaye after signing, how he's struggling

Max Bradfield — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 19:11:34 GMT

Watching Newcastle United's eventual Saudi takeover via social media was strange. It didn't quite feel real. You can imagine that sensation transferred to the fans too; as more money, pull, and steady progress under Eddie Howe has been rewarded with an already-dramatic Champions League journey.

Wolves: £27.5m flop was compared to Jota after signing, now he's exiled

Max Bradfield — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 16:10:33 GMT

Wolverhampton Wanderers have enjoyed signing nearly a whole Portuguese diaspora of players in the last several years.

Liverpool: Once dubbed the next Sterling, Reds flop is now worse than Woodburn

Angus Sinclair — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 06:10:33 GMT

Liverpool have suffered their fair share of talented youth players tantalising a glimpse of Steven Gerrard-esque potential with a prodigious introduction to life on the senior stage, only to fall utterly flat.

Arsenal: Emery's £60m signing went from Henry comparisons to leaving a villain

Rosie Tudball — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 05:10:33 GMT

Arsenal have seen an array of world-class talent make north London their home over the years, with some living up to expectation and some not so much.

Wolves: "Exciting" dud was meant to be Neto 2.0, then he cost £4m per goal

Rosie Tudball — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 06:36:33 GMT

Wolverhampton Wanderers have seen an abundance of talent grace the pitch at Molineux over the years, with the common demographic of talent being from Portugal.

Everton: £15m flop was compared to Cahill after signing, now he's not at the club

Max Bradfield — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 05:40:32 GMT

With a sparkling Premier League career that spanned 226 games and returned 56 (mainly emphatic) goals - Tim Cahill is rightfully one of Everton's most revered players.

Spurs: Lilywhites dud was the next Eto'o when he signed, now he's a Turkey flop

Callum Davies — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 19:45:02 GMT

Tottenham Hotspur are a club famed for its recent failures, with Daniel Levy's relentless pursuit of silverware culminating in a sharp shift in the club's mindset.

Wolves: Nuno's teen signing had "potential" when he arrived, now he's worth £50m

Rosie Tudball — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:40:33 GMT

Wolverhampton Wanderers endured a difficult start to the 2023/24 campaign after weathering the storm of the transfer window, however things are beginning to look up for the Old Gold.

Man Utd: Red Devils flop was dubbed the next Vidic, now he's "the worst signing"

Callum Davies — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:15:33 GMT

Manchester United are a club synonymous with transfer failures, with their desperation to return to the top often leading to misguided decisions in the market that have racked up over time.

Aston Villa: £75k-p/w star was "as important as Grealish" but now he's flopped

Rosie Tudball — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 17:10:33 GMT

Aston Villa’s progression took a turning point when Unai Emery was appointed in October 2022, with the Spaniard unearthing a bolstered trajectory for his squad to follow.

Spurs: Once compared to Grealish, this £22m flop is now "utterly pointless"

Angus Sinclair — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 19:46:32 GMT

It would be a fair assessment to say that every acquisition Tottenham Hotspur have made this summer, since Ange Postecoglou's appointment, has either been impactful or tantalises a very bright future.

Everton: £22m flop was compared to Arteta after signing, now he can't get a game

Kelan Sarson — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 16:40:34 GMT

Everton have turned a corner after a dreadful start to the new Premier League season, winning two of their last three top-flight matches under manager Sean Dyche.

Leeds: 5ft 8 gem was a "luxury" when he signed, then he became better than Beckford

Robbie Walls — Sun, 08 Oct 2023 06:11:33 GMT

As Leeds United are fully aware, attempting to secure a return to life in the Premier League is no easy task, with the club having notably spent 16 years out of England's top flight following their previous relegation in 2004.

Liverpool: Once disliked by Klopp, he became one of the "greatest ever"

Angus Sinclair — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 20:20:33 GMT

Liverpool have boasted their fair share of attacking talent over the years, but there has not been such a devastating unified strikeforce as the spearhead assembled under Jurgen Klopp's management.

Villa's £17m flop was better than Grealish when he first arrived

Rosie Tudball — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 17:15:32 GMT

Aston Villa’s sale of Jack Grealish back in 2021 subtly marked the start of something special at Villa Park, as the £100m profit obtained for the academy graduate relieved the Villans of anticipated financial concern.

Spurs: £30m flop was meant to be 'more skilled than Bale', now he's been sold

Robbie Walls — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 19:40:32 GMT

With Harry Kane having sealed a £100m move to Germany this summer, the Englishman's exit eclipsed Tottenham Hotspur's previous record departure - ten years on from the sale of Gareth Bale back in 2013.

Leeds: Orta signing was first compared to Augustin but now he's 'top-class'

Dan Emery — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 06:10:32 GMT

There were plenty of reasons for Leeds United supporters to be frustrated over the summer as their side faced relegation back down to the Championship.

Newcastle: Magpies star once failed to outscore Gayle, now he's 'sensational'

Angus Sinclair — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 11:46:31 GMT

Newcastle United boast a crop of players of a far greater collective quality than anything England's north east has witnessed over the past few decades.

Spurs: £13m flop was compared to Mousa Dembele when he signed, now he's an outcast

Callum Davies — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 12:10:33 GMT

Tottenham Hotspur are flying at the moment, with little cause for concern under the positive new leadership of Ange Postecoglou.

Leeds: £1m dud was meant to be the next Rooney, now he's struggling

Robbie Walls — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 06:10:32 GMT

With a new man at the helm at Leeds United in the form of Daniel Farke, that change in the dugout has provided a clean slate for those who were part of last season's dismal relegation, as well as those who had also been cast out by the German's predecessor, Jesse Marsch.

Man United: £36m flop was the 'next Thierry Henry' when he signed, now he's a 'waste'

Robbie Walls — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 19:16:32 GMT

It is fair to say that the heart has so often ruled the head at Manchester United of late, with the powers that be showing far too much sentiment in what is a typically ruthless industry.

Leeds flop was tipped to be "better than" Klich when he signed, now he's already left

Robbie Walls — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 11:40:30 GMT

With Daniel Farke now at the helm at Leeds United, the German tactician has been tasked with trying to clear the mess that was made under the likes of Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia before him, with the Championship side needing some renewed stability if they are to push for promotion this season.

West Ham: Once compared to Payet, this Irons flop was less prolific than Diop

Angus Sinclair — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 11:45:27 GMT

Before David Moyes' second managerial appointment at West Ham United, the club was struggling to cement a position of power in the Premier League, too often falling flat after promising form.

Spurs: £34m flop was tipped for the Ballon d'Or before signing, now he's 'useless'

Callum Davies — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 06:10:27 GMT

Tottenham Hotspur have taken no time at all to adjust to life under Ange Postecoglou, as he further endeared himself to his new fanbase with a battling display away to their arch-rivals.

Leeds: Flop was dubbed Messi 2.0 when he signed, now he's 'surplus to requirements'

Robbie Walls — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 19:40:30 GMT

After just three years in the Premier League, Leeds United now find themselves back in the battle for promotion in England's second tier, with the size of the task ahead for Daniel Farke and co already evident following a mixed start to the new season.

Leeds: £25m flop was compared to Mbappe before signing, now he's a waste of money

Callum Davies — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 06:11:30 GMT

Although it may have taken a few weeks to earn some consistency in their performances, at last Leeds United have found their rhythm under Daniel Farke in the Championship, with their promotion push officially starting now.

Spurs: £25m flop was meant to be the next Bale, now he's a "Championship player"

Robbie Walls — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 12:15:27 GMT

Life without Harry Kane has started brightly as far as Tottenham Hotspur are concerned, with new boss Ange Postecoglou already ensuring that the England skipper is something of a distant memory, following his move to Bayern Munich last month.

Arsenal: £30m star was a 'mistake' when he signed, now he's "the best player"

Callum Davies — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 05:50:27 GMT

Whilst it may have taken a few weeks for performances to click into gear, it now seems like Arsenal have refound their rhythm under Mikel Arteta that led them on such a whirlwind title charge last season.

Leeds: £25m flop was compared to Hernandez when he signed, now he's not at the club

Robbie Walls — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 19:45:29 GMT

While it remains to be seen if Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been handed the appropriate tools to be able to steer his new club to promotion this season, the Whites are likely to have benefitted from the mass clearout that occurred during the recent window.

Newcastle: Flop was once the next Sterling, now he's got no club

Angus Sinclair — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 18:15:28 GMT

Newcastle United are a club like any other, they've had their fill of success stories and endured their burden of talented starlets to have failed to kick on after such tantalising early promise.

Man United flop was compared to Roy Keane after signing, now he's already left

Matt Dawson — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 05:10:25 GMT

The pressure put on young players at Manchester United is enormous.

Newcastle: £25m dud was compared to Ameobi after signing, now he's already left

Tom Griffin — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 20:37:40 GMT

Since the PIF completed their takeover of Newcastle United in October 2021, the Magpies have gone from being embroiled in a relegation dogfight to sniffing out European football and silverware after clinching a place in the Champions League last term.

Man United: £35m dud was compared to Scholes when he signed, now he's an outcast

Tom Griffin — Sun, 17 Sep 2023 19:41:27 GMT

Manchester United's ongoing crisis encapsulates the demise that has occurred at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Leeds: Bielsa signing was "better than Alioski", but now he's a "disaster"

Robbie Walls — Sat, 16 Sep 2023 20:16:26 GMT

Looks can be deceiving as far as transfers are concerned, with Leeds United more aware than most that dream additions don't always go on to make their mark once signing on the dotted line.

Newcastle: Once played less than Shelvey, now an "incredible" cog

Angus Sinclair — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 19:40:29 GMT

Newcastle United have been convincingly bolstering the squad since Eddie Howe's appointment and the preceding PIF club takeover.

Wolves ace was tipped to replace Jimenez, now he's an "overpayment"

Rosie Tudball — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 11:50:28 GMT

Wolverhampton Wanderers have survived a challenging summer, as the break in play became far from a time of reflection and more of a time for action for the Old Gold.

Rangers' 2022 signing was lauded upon arrival, but he has been "bullied"

Ross Kilvington — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 11:45:27 GMT

Glasgow Rangers will be hoping to forget the opening few weeks of their season as the Premiership resumes tomorrow following the international break.

Wolves: Old Gold star went from 'one of the best' to sold in a year

Rosie Tudball — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 06:40:28 GMT

Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a challenging year so far, with the club undergoing a tough 2022/23 campaign and an even more difficult summer break.

Aston Villa: £25m signing was more prolific than Grealish, now he's struggling

Rosie Tudball — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 06:35:29 GMT

Aston Villa have been revolutionised by Unai Emery, who joined the club in October 2022 following the dismissal of Steven Gerrard.

Newcastle star was compared to Rondon when he signed, now he's an 'animal'

Angus Sinclair — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 06:11:27 GMT

Next week, Newcastle United will make their long-awaited return to Champions League football, making the exciting trip to the San Siro to face off against prestigious Italian outfit AC Milan.

Man Utd's £73m dud was meant to be Ronaldo 2.0, but he's been a waste of money

Robbie Walls — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 05:10:28 GMT

It has not been the start to the new Premier League season that was hoped for Manchester United, with the Red Devils currently languishing in mid-table after winning just two of the opening four games thus far.

Spurs star was compared to Walker when he signed, now he can't get a game

Robbie Walls — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 20:11:28 GMT

While the likes of Eric Dier, Hugo Lloris and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg remain on the books at Tottenham Hotspur, it proved to be a largely effective summer clearout for manager Ange Postecoglou, with as many as nine first-team assets moving on either permanently or on loan.

Everton flop was compared to Pienaar when he signed, now he's playing third-tier

Freddie Taylor — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 18:40:28 GMT

Over the course of the past few years, Everton have been on a steady decline and have now repeatedly avoided their first-ever relegation from the Premier League by very fine margins.

Everton: £20m flop was compared to Ronaldo, but now he's already been sold

Callum Bishop — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 19:40:26 GMT

In February 2016, it was announced that Farhad Moshiri had bought a majority stake in Everton Football Club.

Arsenal: £50m signing was worse than Holding in 2021, now he's world-class

Matt Dawson — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 05:10:28 GMT

Rob Holding was the proverbial scapegoat at Arsenal, perhaps rather harshly.

Liverpool flop got compared to Gerrard when he signed, now he's a liability

Freddie Taylor — Sat, 09 Sep 2023 20:11:28 GMT

The 2022/23 season was one to forget for Liverpool as they officially missed out on a place in the Champions League for the first time in seven years, resulting in a major summer overhaul for Jurgen Klopp and his team.