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How gambling sponsors came into the Premier League

Today almost every team of the Premier League has a betting partner as a sponsor, and you’ll see betting ads both before, after, and during the games of the Premier League. But how did these sponsorships come into the Premier League?

With all the world’s attention focused on the Premier League, different sponsors of the world have a huge potential to advertise their products to all the world. Especially the billion-pound industry of gambling has found a huge potential in placing their names in the world’s biggest football league.

Weirdly enough, the history of the partnership between betting companies and football clubs is relatively short. The first Premier League club to get a sponsorship deal with a gambling company was West London club Fulham. In the 2002/03 season Fulham signed a deal with Betfair, who became the club’s shirt sponsor.

Promoted to all of Europe

Fulham and Betfair’s agreement only lasted one season, but now the door was open. In 2006 Bwin became the shirt sponsor of one of the finest clubs in Europe, AC Milan. When AC Milan won the Champions League final in the 2006/07 season, Bwin was on the shirts of star players like Paolo Maldini, Filippo Inzaghi, Alessandro Nesta, Andrea Pirlo, and Kaká. It served as great international branding for the gambling company, which wanted to promote itself internationally.

Not all countries allowed gambling advertisements, but by being on the shirts of the Champions League winners, Bwin would be advertised all over the world.

International sponsorship deals

The same logic follows today when gambling companies have become one of football’s main sponsors. Especially Asian gambling companies have made their way into the shirts of the Premier League players. It’s a great sign of how international the TV audience has become in the Premier League, when you see shirt sponsors from Dubai, Malta, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thailand, Abu Dhabi, and Curaçao.

The result has been of great interest to both parties. The online gambling industry is a booming market. Today there are plenty of opportunities for online casino games that would allow football fans to relax after a stressful match. With a huge variety of different spinning casino games. The booming industry has been giving the football clubs new potential for massive sponsorships which has been to the benefit of clubs.

They have gained bigger sponsorships to attract better players in the international battle between the clubs. For instance, Derby County was able to attract the English star striker Wayne Rooney. He was playing with number 32 – simply because the club’s shirt sponsor was the gambling company 32Red. In that way, the company saw a great potential to promote the company with one of the games’ most famous players.

Everton set to sign Patterson from Rangers

An update has emerged on Everton’s pursuit of Rangers right-back Nathan Patterson…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Alan Myers has delivered a major claim on the club’s attempts to sign the Scotland international this month from the Glasgow giants.

He Tweeted: “Everton are set to complete a deal worth up to £16m to sign right-back Nathan Patterson from Rangers. (12M initial fee) @SkySportsNews.”

Fabrizio Romano has since revealed that a medical is due to take place later this week before an official unveiling happens.

The reporter added: “Deal set to be completed for Nathan Patterson to Everton, permanent move. Understand medical + contract signing are expected this week, then it will be announced. #EFC Correct fee Rangers will receive is £12m (and not Euros) plus bonuses. It’s gonna be club-record fee.”

Delight

Everton fans will surely be delighted with this news as the club are in desperate need of strengthening in the full-back positions. Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey have both, at times, been tasked with playing on the flanks due to injuries and Jonjoe Kenny was drafted in at right-back with Seamus Coleman playing out of position at left-back against Brighton.

This highlights the issue facing Rafa Benitez, with the strength-in-depth of his options at full-back leaving a lot to be desired. The signing of left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko strengthened the left-back position and the club now appear set to resolve their issues on the opposite side by signing Patterson.

Jonjoe Kenny has shown that he is not good enough to be relied upon as a regular starter at Premier League level for the Toffees. Although he registered an assist against Brighton, his overall performances in the past 18 months have been poor.

He has averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.51 in the top-flight this term, after managing a dismal score of 6.04 last season, showing that he has not been able to catch the eye with his displays – leading to the potential arrival of Patterson from Rangers.

The Scotland international is untested in England but has been impressive for his country. He has averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.78 in World Cup qualifiers, producing one goal and one assist in four matches from full-back for his side.

At the age of 20, he also has plenty of time left to develop and he could be the long-term successor to Coleman that Everton have been looking for. This is why fans will be delighted with this news as the signing of the Gers defender, coupled with the arrival of Mykolenko, could solve all of Benitez’s issues in the full-back department.

AND in other news, EFC offered chance to sign “phenomenal” £16.2m-rated gem this month, fans would fume…

Spurs: Partici plotting Ginter swoop

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Matthias Ginter to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Sky Sports News (via the Daily Mail), who claim that Fabio Paratici is set to battle it out with Juventus, West Ham United and Aston Villa for the signing of the Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back – who is set to become a free agent upon the expiry of his contract at Borussia-Park at the end of the season.

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Conte can axe Sanchez with Ginter

While Antonio Conte and Paratici have reportedly made a left-sided centre-half their priority target this summer, considering just how impressive the right-sided Ginter has been for Gladbach this season, in addition to the fact that Davinson Sanchez does not look to have much of a future in north London under the 52-year-old manager, it is easy to see why Spurs would be interested in a move for the 28-year-old.

Indeed, over his 25 Bundesliga appearances in the current campaign, the £21.6m-rated defender has been imperious in the heart of Adi Hutter’s backline, helping his side keep four clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 1.4 tackles, three clearances and winning 5.6 duels – at a success rate of 67% – per game.

The Germany international has also impressed in an attacking capacity, scoring one goal and creating four big chances for his teammates, in addition to making 56.2 passes, 3.2 long balls and taking 1.2 shots per fixture.

These returns have seen the £50k-per-week player who Joachim Low dubbed “underrated” average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.98, ranking him as Gladbach’s best defender and fourth-best player overall in the German top flight this season.

The 46-time capped World Cup winner has also earned praise from legendary German centre-back Lothar Matthaus, who went as far as to compare the Ginter to Paris Saint-German defender and former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos.

Matthaus said: “Ginter has become a leader at the back, similar to Ramos at Real. He doesn’t just give instructions to his teammates, but leads them as well. That’s what Ginter is doing really well at the moment. He reminds me of Ramos.”

As such, considering the fact that the £42m Sanchez has not featured in seven of Tottenham’s last eight Premier League fixtures, as well as the £67k-per-week centre-back who Paul Robinson dubbed “inexcusable” having been linked with a move away from north London in the January transfer window, it would indeed appear as if the Colombia international could be on his way out of the club this summer.

And, if Sanchez does depart, signing Ginter on a free to replace the 25-year-old would undoubtedly be a fantastic piece of business for Paratici to get over the line – as the German would be a huge upgrade upon the former Ajax starlet.

AND in other news: “I wouldn’t be surprised…”: Gold drops teasing Spurs claim that supporters will love

Romano gives key update on LFC target Gavi

Rumoured Liverpool transfer target Gavi looks set to commit his long-term future to Barcelona, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Gavi linked with Reds move

The 17-year-old has burst onto the scene and looks like the next great player to have emerged from Barca’s ranks, making his Spain debut already and winning three caps.

Liverpool were linked with a move for Gavi last month in what was an exciting rumour, considering the potential that the midfielder appears to have.

With Blaugrana legend Xavi taking charge at the Nou Camp, however, the situation surrounding the teenager’s future now looks more clear.

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The Latest: Romano shuts down transfer

According to Romano on Twitter, a long-term contract offer is on the table for Gavi, with the player himself wanting to stay put at Barcelona. The journalist posted:

“Barcelona are prepared to enter in the final stages of Gavi’s new contract negotiation. The long-term proposal [salary increasing from year to year] will be on the table soon… and Gavi wants to stay.

“Xavi also approved Barça board plan to keep Gavi for the next years.”

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The Verdict: Always unlikely

While the idea of Gavi trading Barca for Liverpool was an exciting one, there was always a feeling that he would end up remaining at the club where he has come through the ranks.

At 17, it would have been a shock if the Spaniard had upped sticks and moved on so soon. However, should the Catalan giants continue to struggle as they have been this season, his mindset could change eventually.

Football legend Lionel Messi has hailed Gavi as ‘very good’, which speaks volumes about the teenager’s potential, and it will be intriguing to see if the Reds keep an eye on his progress.

In other news, Liverpool are believed to be lining up a move for one player in January. Find out who it is here.

Insider makes worrying Rice claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist and ‘transfer insider’ Dean Jones has made a claim on Wednesday night, sharing a worry for West Ham United involving star man Declan Rice.

The Lowdown: Rice concerns at Rush Green…

Recent reports indicate that West Ham and manager David Moyes could be concerned about Rice.

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Indeed, as explained by The Telegraph, the England international star is attracting major interest from top clubs in the Premier League – including the likes of Man United, Man City and London rivals Chelsea.

A lot could depend on where the Hammers finish at the end of 2021/2022, and if they can’t seal a place in Europe next year, Rice may well grow more and more open to leaving.

There have already been murmurs of the 23-year-old being ‘ready to leave this year’ with Old Trafford being his preferred destination, at least according to 90min reporter Scott Saunders.

The Latest: Jones makes worrying Rice claim…

Speaking to GMS, reporter Jones has now backed that Rice could be edging closer to a Rush Green departure, stating the midfielder is ‘more open than ever’ to leaving.

He explained: “I think that any buying club might be helped by the fact that Declan Rice, from what I’m hearing, does seem more open than ever about the idea of leaving West Ham. That could be interesting.”

The Verdict: Big blow?

The player’s stance on leaving comes as a blow given in-house tension could disrupt the harmony of Moyes’ squad.

However, one glimmer of hope is the one-year extension option currently in Rice’s deal, so if the Three Lions ace does attempt to leave, GSB are in a strong position to command huge transfer fees.

That being said, his influence would be sorely missed, with the West Ham mainstay averaging more interceptions per 90 than anyone in Moyes’ squad and their second-highest Premier League match rating per 90 (WhoScored).

In other news: Sky Sports: West Ham eyeing £21.6m-rated star for Moyes, he’s set to move! Find out more here.

Leeds journalist makes big Phillips claim

Speaking in a Leeds Live Q&A session, journalist Beren Cross has shared what he knows on star midfielder Kalvin Phillips and a possible new deal.

The Lowdown: Phillips exit rumours…

Due to his stellar performances at club and international level last season, the Leeds favourite has been linked with a move away from Elland Road all summer until now.

Indeed, the Englishman has attracted interest from Manchester United amid their search for central midfield alternatives in what could be a future worry for manager Marcelo Bielsa.

Now, in an update, Cross has shared what he believes involving Phillips and his future at the club.

The Latest: Cross makes Phillips claim…

Speaking in the Q&A, Leeds reporter Cross refuses to rule out an exit for the 25-year-old in future but has made an exciting contract claim – and one which could ensure the Whites get the ‘best deal possible’.

When asked about the Phillips situation, he replied: “There would need to be some eye-watering bids for Leeds to even contemplate selling Raphinha or Phillips in January, especially if they’re still in the bottom quarter of the table at that time.

“Next summer is a more realistic time for those bids to come in and Leeds cannot stop other clubs bidding for their players. Sporting directors would not be doing their jobs properly if they did not take a look at talents like those two who, currently, do not play European football with their club.

“Leeds may not want to sell next summer, but they will surely be realistic enough to know every player has their price. Do not be surprised to see Phillips sign a new contract in the near future.

“That will boost his transfer value even higher and as Bielsa said recently, if and when he decides to go, he will ensure Leeds get the best deal possible from it.”

The Verdict: Smart move…

If Bielsa and Leeds do have to surrender one of their best players in future, the least they can do is recuperate as much money as possible from any deal.

Lauded as an ‘unbelievable’ player by pundit Kevin Phillips, the tenacious midfielder should have no trouble attracting big bids considering his age, form, performances and the fact he is homegrown.

Adding a new contract on top of that would only better Leeds’ chances to really make a profit.

Leeds linked with Daniel Jebbison move

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing exciting Sheffield United forward Daniel Jebbison in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Jebbison breaks record

The Blades may have had a season to forget last time around, suffering relegation from the Premier League, but Jebbison produced a moment to treasure.

The 18-year-old became the youngest-ever player to score on his full debut in the competition – he was 17 years and 309 days old at the time – bagging the only goal in a 1-0 win at Everton.

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The Latest: Leeds linked with move

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are eyeing up a move for the forward this summer, with the report claiming they ‘have an interest’ in him.

Aston Villa and Brentford are also mentioned as potential suitors, with Jebbison making five appearances for the Blades to date.

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The Verdict: One for the future

The Canadian looks a hot prospect with a bright career ahead of him, so it would be exciting to see him trade Bramall Lane for Elland Road.

He has been hailed as ‘fantastic’ by Micah Richards in the past and could perhaps be viewed as a long-term replacement for Patrick Bamford.

Jebbison likely wouldn’t be considered an immediate first-team option if he did join Leeds, but it is important that Marcelo Bielsa looks towards the future, as well as the present, with the Whites having already made additions to their youth set-up this summer.

In other news, Phil Hay has claimed that one player will join Leeds this summer. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool fans react to Gerrard comments

Steven Gerrard’s return to Liverpool as Aston Villa manager ended in a 1-0 defeat on Saturday. 

Mohamed Salah’s 67th-minute penalty proved to be all that separated the title-chasing Reds and mid-table Villa at Anfield.

Gerrard sits third on Liverpool’s all-time appearance list on 710, with only Jamie Carragher (737) and Ian Callaghan (857) ahead of him. He won 11 trophies with the Reds during his playing career, including the Champions League in 2005.

Jurgen Klopp said in his pre-match press conference on Friday that the former Liverpool midfielder would ‘definitely’ be managing the club himself one day, ‘and that is good for everybody’.

What did Gerrard say after the game?

When Gerrard emerged from the tunnel ahead of the match, he was greeted by applause from the Liverpool supporters at Anfield.

Asked about the reception from Kopites after the game, the 41-year-old insisted that his ‘priority is the support from the Aston Villa fans’.

Fan feed Anfield Edition relayed his comments, and here’s how a selection of Reds responded, with one branding the Villa manager’s words as “weird”.

Liverpool fans critical of Gerrard

“Stupid answer to be honest. He didn’t have to do that, no Villa fan would have been angry if he thanked the fans for their support. He’s putting up too much of an act it’s unnecessary. Maybe it’s a British thing, this is what Rodgers would do.”

Credit: @lfc_eddie

“He goes overboard to look professional like Carra.”

Credit: @sonofanfield1

“I know he has to be professional but he’s just being so weird”

Credit: @jurgeners

“Trying too hard, literally just say it was nice to hear and move on.”

Credit: @VigoGJ

“Trying so hard to be liked by Villa fans. Doesn’t need to hide the fact he loves Liverpool”

Credit: @Mike_Hampson10

“Wow, he’s really trying his best to be disliked by Liverpool fans.”

Credit: @AlexdelPaso

In other news, Liverpool have been backed to land this Barcelona star

Newcastle eye double Burnley swoop

Newcastle United are keen on Burnley’s Ben Mee in addition to his centre-back partner James Tarkowski, according to The Mirror’s James Nursey. 

The lowdown

Back in October, it was reported that Tarkowski was one of the first targets of the new regime (via The Telegraph), but it has now emerged that Mee, whose contract is also up at the end of the season, is attracting the Magpies’ interest as well.

The Northern Echo’s Scott Wilson has previously written that Newcastle’s new owners would focus heavily on players in the final months of their deals.

It should be noted that, in the case of Mee, who is valued at £5.4m by Transfermarkt, there is the option for a further year. He has been described as a ‘true leader’ and an ‘underrated’ defender by TV pundit Micah Richards.

The latest

According to The Mirror, Eddie Howe is ‘desperate’ to bring in a new centre-back and likes both players. His former club Burnley are unlikely to let both of them leave, but importantly, Newcastle are in a position to double their wages.

Mee and Tarkowski are the top two earners at Turf Moor, taking home £55,000 and £50,000 per week respectively.

The verdict

As noted by Nursey, there is an added advantage to targeting Burnley players – weakening a likely relegation rival.

Newcastle are shipping an average of two goals per game this season, and the hope would be that Mee and/or Tarkowski could give them a more secure platform for their survival bid. This was a duo which helped Burnley to keep 15 clean sheets in the 2019/20 season – a record bettered only by Manchester City.

Compared to positional peers in the top five leagues, Mee ranks in the 99th percentile for aerial duels won and the 97th for clearances. Based on those figures, he could help Newcastle immeasurably when their backs are against the wall.

In other news, Newcastle are also interested in this ‘incredible talent’

Newcastle offered Mariano Diaz

An update has emerged on Real Madrid attacker Mariano Diaz and it involves Newcastle United.

What’s the talk?

According to Jeunes Footeux, via TeamTalk, Real Madrid have offered Newcastle the chance to sign Mariano Diaz this summer.

The Magpies are said to be weighing up a swoop for the attacker, who has fallen out of favour at the Spanish club and as such, is now seeking a new club.

Imagine him and Wilson

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce must seal a deal for the forward this summer and take up the opportunity Real are giving them.

Goals were hard to come by in the Premier League last season and bringing in extra firepower could help to alleviate that particular issue.

Out of the players currently in the squad, Callum Wilson is the only one who managed more than four goals in the league. The ex-Bournemouth star was terrific as he plundered 12, with Joelinton’s four the next-highest after loanee Joe Willock’s eight, but the Arsenal man remains at The Emirates, for now at least.

Bruce lined up with a 4-4-2 on occasions last term with Joelinton and Wilson as a front two. However, four goals in 31 appearances (23 starts) is not an impressive return from the former.

This is why Mariano could come in and take his place in the side. Lyon assistant boss Gerald Baticle once labelled him as a real goalscorer, claiming that his first intention is always to shoot.

He told EuroSport, via GOAL:

“He’s a real goalscorer.”

“When others might want to make a pass, his first idea is to find an angle to shoot towards goal. All his play is in the centre towards goal.

“Of course, with his first touch, he has to raise his head more often to take in more information and make better choices. But in individual raids, he’s good because he’s capable of piercing the lines.”

His game time has been extremely limited at Real Madrid in recent seasons, but his goal-to-start ratio is excellent with six goals in nine starts across La Liga and the Champions League.

In his last season of playing regular football, he scored 18 goals in 30 Ligue 1 starts for Lyon, averaging a terrific WhoScored rating of 7.15.

This suggests that he could have the potential to arrive at St. James’ Park and score goals in the Premier League, as he has shown he can do it in Ligue 1 – another top league in Europe. It is difficult to say he is proven in La Liga and the Champions League, as the evidence is sparse, but the signs are there that he could have scored more goals if he had been given more chances from the start.

Therefore, bringing in Diaz could complete Newcastle’s attack and hand Wilson a competent partner at the top end of the pitch.

The Real Madrid man will just need to show that he can rediscover his Lyon form because his statistics for the French side dwarf anything Joelinton has been able to do in England.

AND in other news, Telegraph drop update on “terrific” £22m gem, that will leave NUFC fans on cloud nine…

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