Aberdeen to Japan, to Aberdeen to Osaka
Aberdeen flop Kusini Yengi has finalised a move to Japan to join Cerezo Osaka on loan after a disappointing spell in Scotland. The Australian striker had many other options but has opted to open up a new chapter in Japan with Cerezo Osaka and Australian boss, Arthur Papas looking to join up with Yengi with the pair knowing each other from their A-League days. Yengi joined Aberdeen from EFL side, Portsmouth in the summer and has failed to make any impact in the Granite City with the striker now being far down the pecking order at Pittodrie. Yengi is hopeful of getting a spot on the plane with Australia to the 2026 World Cup in America as he searches for some much needed game time. The former Portsmouth man has only scored once for the Dons’ since joining from England with the only goal coming in the Scottish League Cup in a 3-0 away win at Greenock Morton. Kusini hasn’t featured for Aberdeen since the 11th of December after coming off the bench in a 1-0 defeat to French outfit, Strasbourg. The Aussie forward was last on the team sheet on the 18th of December but didn’t feature in a 3-0 defeat at Sparta Prague. The last full start for Yengi was when in August in that 3-0 win in Greenock. Despite his form at Aberdeen, he has netted on six occasions for the Australian National Team in eight outings so far this season. Yengi started off at Adelaide United in Australia where spent 3 years at but failing to get going ahead of a switch to Western Sydney Wanderers where he featured 19 times scoring just four goals. Yengi then moved to English League One side, Portsmouth netting 13 times in 31 helping Portsmouth get to the Championship but no goals in 14 as the striker struggled in the Championship. A move to Pittodrie was up next but hasn’t been able to get the Aberdeen support excited with just 1 goal in 10 outings as he aims for vital game in in Japan.
Stranraer kicked out of the Scottish Cup
Stranraer have this evening been kicked out of the year’s Scottish Cup after fielding an ineligible player in their penalty shootout win over Queens Park meaning Queens Park will now face Rangers. Stranraer defeated the Championship side on penalties following a 1-1 draw at Stair Park in their second attempt following the original date being postponed following a waterlogged pitch. A hearing took place following the situation with the League Two side and after conclusion, the SFA confirmed Stranraer were to be dismissed in the seasons competition giving the Spiders’ a lifeline. 17-year-old keeper Lyndon Tas was the player at fault with the Hearts teenager being unregistered ahead of their Scottish Cup showdown. Tas was the man of the moment as he saved a vital penalty from Carlo Pignatiello to advance the hosts into the fifth round. Stranraer signed up the young keeper as Hamilton keeper Josh Lane was recalled days before but as the rule states, when a match is either postponed or abandoned which is being played or replayed, only those who were eligible on the original date can be listed. Lane was the keeper eligible on the date meaning the Hearts academy man wouldn’t have been eligible which meant Stranraer cup run was over with Queens Park being given a second chance and Stranraer have been denied a dream tie at Ibrox. Queens Park will now travel to Ibrox on the 8th of February in the Scottish Cup. Rangers fans won’t want reminded of what happened this round last season as Queens Park stunned the Ibrox crowd with a 1-0 win thanks to Seb Drozd. Rangers will be out for revenge but can the spiders do a repeat this year?
Gassama and Chermiti held onto as Rangers look to push for the title
Rangers have rejected two bids worth to be a total of £23 million for recent summer signings Djeidi Gassama and Youssef Chermiti. Rangers have made it clear that both Djeidi Gassama and Youssef Chermiti are not up for sale this January, as they look to outrun Hearts and Celtic to the title come May. Chermiti, who was purchased for £8 million by ex-Sporting Director Kevin Thelwell, was potentially on his way to Turkey as giants Fenerbahçe laid down a deal worth to be worth £13 million for the Portuguese striker. The Gers striker has struggled at times so far this season, and with lots of criticism from support earlier on in the season, it looked like it may be a no brainer to accept the deal placed by Fenerbahçe. But with two goals at Celtic Park recently, he looks to have gained some sort of confidence and has made himself Danny Rohl’s first choice number nine. For Djeidi Gassama, he came to Scotland in a deal worth around £2.5 million and with relatively high expectations from a struggling Sheffield Wednesday side. With a great start in Champions League Qualifiers, achieving four goals in six games, the Frenchman’s domestic stats haven’t been as pleasing to the eye. Five goal contributions in 23 games in the league and with many inconsistent performances, some Rangers supporters would have taken the £10 million deal from Monaco in a heartbeat. However, on his day with confidence, Gassama can be a very exciting player to watch, and with Rangers on a roll at the moment, would it have resulted in being a bad decision to get rid of him? That’s not the only speculation in the last 24 hours, recent reports suggest Emmanuel Fernandez is being watched by top scouts across Europe, both Bayern Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund scouts are keeping a close eye on the 6’4 defender who has been progressing game after game for Rangers. It shows how deep Rangers are in this title race, and with Rohl adamant on keeping his difference making players, can Rangers go on to win this thrilling title race?
Arsenal vs Man United – Match Preview
Arsenal return to Premier League action on Sunday where they will face Michael Carrick’s Manchester United. The last meeting between these sides ended 1-0 to Arsenal at Old Trafford. Italian defender Calafiori got the goal. The Emirates has not been a happy hunting ground in the league for Manchester United, with their last league win against The Gunners coming back in December 2017. Antonio Valencia scored and Jesse Lingard scored a brace. Arsenal come into this fixture off the back of a 3-1 win against Serie A leaders Inter Milan. Jesus scored a brace and Gyökeres scored late on to put the win beyond doubt. In their last Premier League outing, Mikel Arteta’s side drew 0-0 against Nottingham Forest at The City Ground. Despite dropping points, Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the table to 7 points, following Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford and Aston Villa’s 1-0 defeat at home to Everton. In continuation, since their last defeat, Arsenal have gone on an unbeaten run of 12 games, winning 9 and drawing 3, with 1 of those draws coming against Crystal Palace in the League Cup, where they won on penalties. Manchester United come into this fixture off the back of a 2-0 win at Old Trafford in the Manchester Derby. Mbuemo and Dorgu got the goals. The Red Devils now sit in 5th place, 1 point below rivals Liverpool in 4th. Arsenal have been handed a boost going into Sunday’s clash in N5. Defenders Calafiori and Hincapie have returned to full training with the first-team squad, which means Mikel Arteta has a fully fit squad at his disposal for the first time this season. Earlier in the week, Manchester United confirmed that veteran midfielder Casemiro will depart in the summer. The Brazilian joined The Red Devils in 2022/23, and has so far featured in 146 games, scoring 21 goals. Mikel Arteta ahead of Sunday: “Well, obviously, Michael coming in will bring new ideas. Always, the intensity rises up. You could see that in the Manchester derby, the kind of behaviours and the game that they played, so we will expect a really tough match and we’ll adapt to that for sure. But we are at home and we know how important that game is for us. You guys sell it so well, especially in Spain, because you could see the tension and the rivalry and those individual battles that were there as well that make the game really, really special. So, obviously, two massive clubs that have been fighting at the highest level for so many years and we want to try to have the best possible game to win it.” Michael Carrick on Arsenal: “We have got our ideas on what needs to be done and how we need to get there. Credit to Arsenal, they are in a really strong place for building a squad and recruitment. Mikel takes credit for that, he has done a fantastic job. We have our own ideas on what we need to do and what it is going to take get there and that is what we are working towards. “I am looking forward to the game. It’s a big challenge. They are a very good team. It is pretty obvious to say that, they have so many strong points to their game. It is a big challenge. They are where they are for a reason in the Champions League, we are fully aware of that and not taking that lightly at all. We feel we are in a good place and we go there looking forward to the game. It is where we want to be, we want to be positive with that energy and enthusiasm but we know it is not going to be easy.”
Aberdeen sign Olusanya on loan from MLS side Houston Dynamo
Aberdeen have captured the loan signing of former St Mirren star, Toyosi Olusanya on loan until the end of the season Olusanya has made the move back to Scotland following time in America in Houston. Olusanya will boost the Aberdeen attacking options as the Pittodrie side have struggled in the final third this campaign. The English striker began his youth days at Reading before making the move into the Middlesbrough academy. AFC Wimbledon then snapped up the striker on loan but Toyosi failed to make an impact in London where he made the switch to non-league Billericay Town for a second loan spell scoring just once in eight game in the Covid season. The striker then made the move to Paisley joining St Mirren where the 28-year-old got off to a slow start for the Buddies. A move to Arbroath on loan came along struggling to make any impact at Gayfield. Upon his return to St Mirren, that’s where the Englishman kicked on scoring 7 in 42 games being a key player in Paisley. The following season, Olusanya netted 12 times in 38 games in which he made a big move to the MLS joining Houston Dynamo but has failed to find the net in 11 appearances. Toyosi spent the first half of this campaign on loan to English League One side, Doncaster Rovers featuring 11 times but leaving with 0 goals to his name. Olusanya has proven to enjoy a goal against Aberdeen during his days in Paisley netting on 4 occasions in 5 games against the Pittodrie side.
Jesper Karlsson has his loan cut short at Pittodrie
Jesper Karlsson who joined on loan from Bologna has departed Scotland following the departure of Jimmy Thelin Jesper Karlsson joined Aberdeen in the summer on loan from Italian side, Bologna and to play under his former boss Jimmy Thelin once again. Karlsson came in with big expectations with once being linked with a big money move to Manchester United a few years ago. Jesper joined the Italian side from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar for £10million but has failed to get going in Italy. The signing was made on the last day of the summer window as the Swede looked to be an impressive signing but has failed to live up to what was hyped. The winger is currently the Dons top goal scorer with 6 goals to his name in 26 appearances but his season long loan looks to be cut short with the Swedish International set to join Dutch outfit Utrecht on loan for the remainder of the season. Karlsson didn’t feature for Bologna this campaign meaning a move to the Netherlands would be allowed according to reports in Sweden. Ex-Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin believed many of the players had issues with their egos as he said in his final interview as Aberdeen boss following a 1-0 defeat at Falkirk stating the players must “drop egos” with Karlsson being one of the players who seemed to have an ego issue with many fans also suggesting his ego was too high at Pittodrie.
St Johnstone vs Dunfermline Athletic – Match Preview
The league leaders St Johnstone host Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Championship. In their last outing, St Johnstone defeated Ross County 2-0 at home in the Challenge Cup. McPake and Lloyd got the goals. In their last league outing, the Perth outfit beat Arbroath 1-0 at home. Striker Sidibeh’s goal was the difference. As a result, St Johnstone sit 5 points clear at the top of the Championship, ahead of Partick Thistle, who were defeated by Ross County, who sit at the foot of the table. Simo Valakari’s side have been a formidable force at McDiarmid Park so far this league campaign. The Saints have played 11 and are yet to lose, winning 7 and drawing 4, and have scored 24 goals. Dunfermline Athletic come into this fixture off the back of a famous victory against Premiership opposition Hibernian to progress into the 5th round of the Scottish Cup, where they will face League One outfit Kelty Hearts at home. The Pars’ last league outing was back on December 27th, where they defeated Raith Rovers 2-1 away from home in the Fife Derby. Tod and Stewart got the goals for Dunfermline to secure the 3 points. Before winning in the Fife Derby, Neil Lennon’s side only had 1 win in 6 games, including a 4-3 defeat to Queen of the South in the Challenge Cup, who are in the league below. The Pars sit 5th in the Championship, 3 points behind Ayr United in 4th, who play Partick Thistle at home this weekend. The Fife outfit have had mixed results on the road so far this league season, winning 4, drawing 2 and losing 4. The previous meeting between these sides came in November in a 2-2 draw. Stewart opened the scoring to give Dunfermline the lead. St Johnstone responded in the 30th minute through McAlear and went ahead in the 60th through Smith, but Neil Lennon’s side found the net in stoppage time to rescue a point. Back in September, The Saints beat The Pars at McDiarmid Park. MacLeod put the visitors in front just before the interval, but second half goals from Fotheringham and McPake gave St Johnstone all 3 points. St Johnstone forward Louis Lloyd after scoring his first goal for The Saints: “I am buzzing. The gaffer showed confidence in me to put me in from the start. I was determined to put myself out there and get myself a goal. “I had a few chances in the first half that I maybe should have been on the end of. In the second half, the game opened up a bit more and Smithy (Liam Smith) has put one on a plate for me. “The feeling was just delight. As soon as I saw the ball coming in, I thought ‘there is your moment’. I was just buzzing to celebrate with the fans and the boys as well. “Hopefully I can keep adding more minutes and keep contributing with goals and assists. We’ll now make sure we’re straight back on it and focused for the rest of the season.” Neil Lennon’s reaction to his side’s win against Hibernian: “I said to my coaches with half an hour to go, ‘I think this is a 1-0 game, so it could go either way.’ Thankfully for us, it went our way. “I thought our shape was good but I didn’t think we played as well as we could have done in the first half. We said to them, ‘Come on, play with a bit more positivity in the final third, a bit more belief.’ “Kieran probably should have done better with the initial header but we’ll take that all day long. We’ve taken a big scalp here today, and it should give the players a lot more belief in themselves.”
Liam Morrison joins Aberdeen on-loan until the end of the season
Aberdeen have completed the signing of QPR defender, Liam Morrison on loan until the end of the campaign Liam Morrison makes a return to Scotland, joining Aberdeen as he eyes up a spot in Steve Clarke’s World Cup squad in America with the 22-year-old hoping for some minutes elsewhere. Morrison began his youth career at Ibrox before he made the move across the city to rivals, Celtic. Liam impressed within the Celtic academy at a young age which earnt the defender a move to German giants, Bayern Munich. The former Celtic man failed to make it into the Bayern Munich first-team, only making it as far as the Bayern Munich second team. Morrison went on loan to English League One side Wigan Athletic where the Scottish centre-back featured 30 for Wigan netting the one time also before completing a move to English Championship outfit, QPR making 31 appearances with 0 goals to his name. Liam has been at the end of a muscle injury of late and has only started to get back going again. Morrison hasn’t featured for the London side since the 29th of December in a 2-1 defeat against West Brom and was also an unused substitute against Norwich on New Years Day. The move to Pittodrie should gain the Ex-Bayern Munich youngster some valuable game time as the defender eyes up a spot on the plane to the USA this summer.
Dundee United 2-0 Ayr United – Dundee United leave it late to ensure they don’t suffer any upset
Dundee United host in-form Ayr United to Tannadice in the Scottish Cup Fourth Round as Jim Goodwin’s side aim to avoid any upset. A frustrating opening period with no chances at all with both sides showing struggles of keeping the ball, losing possession on many occasions. Dowds had a fantastic chance after 8 minutes, a strike from distance but Richards with a brilliant diving save to deny the Ayr striker an opener. The hosts had a chance of their own, a corner in from Fatah which was punched away by Russell in goals but only as far as Will Ferry who volleyed it from just inside the box but fired just high of goal. Sapsford a minute on had a chance from distance but well stopped by the Ayr shot-stopper. Ayr had a great chance after 18 minutes. A brilliant ball by Finney into Holt where the former Dundee United man whipped the ball across goal but couldn’t find anyone lurking to tap it in. A horrible mistake at the back by Ayr allowed Fatah to have a run at goal but outstanding play by Holt to get back and prevent any danger. Ayr with a wasted chance, an outstanding ball by Dempsey who fed the ball into Jamie Murphy who should’ve unleashed his strike earlier but took far to long and was too late as the hosts were back in position to deny Ayr firing ahead. Stephenson with an unreal attempt from range after 37 minutes but his strike fired just inches wide of goal to ensure the game remains goalless. Into the second 45, substitute Trapanovski had a chance of his own doing what he does best, cutting onto his right and unleashing which was a weak effort which didn’t really test Russell in the Ayr’s goal. Unreal work by Trapanosvki again causing mayhem on the left-hand side, twisting and turning but still can’t get his side in front but some excellent work by the North Macedonian international. Youngster, Cleall-Harding took on a strike from the edge of the box but was well palmed away to avoid the hosts firing in front. Great play by Rus for Ayr, an error by youngster Cleall-Harding as he passed it straight to the Ayr forward with a darting run with his strike flashing wide of goal. Poor play in the middle by Dempsey, losing the ball which fell to Sibbald who put it into the path of Fatah with his strike being well tapped away by Russell. Mark McKenzie with a darting run who fed the ball into Dowds but the attacker just couldn’t control it as the ball went out for a goal kick. A flurry of chances for the hosts, firstly an attempt from close range easily tipped away by the Ayr keeper which was whipped back into the box with Moller getting his head to it but the strike goes just wide of goal. Strain with a ball into the box after bodying off Rus which then found Moller in the centre of the box which found the back of the net to give the substitute his first goal for Dundee United. A darting run by Trapanovski once again, he squared it to the substitute Camara who calmly struck it into the back of the net to put the nail in the coffin for Ayr. Not the best of watches but Jim Goodwin won’t care as his side are into the next round in which wasn’t the most entertaining of games but it’s the hosts who progress as Ayr are out. Dundee United: Richards (6), Ferry (6), Keresztes (6), Graham (6), Cleall-Harding (7), Stephenson (7), Naamo (6), Sibbald (6), Fatah (7), Sapsford (6), Watters (6). Substitutes: Trapanovski (7), Strain (6), Stirton (5), Camara (8), Moller (8). Ayr United: Russell (7), Holt (6), Bannigan (7), Dowds (6), Dempsey (7), Murphy (6), King (6), McKenzie (6), Rus (7), McMann (6), Finney (7). Substitutes: Bonnar (6), Main (6), Summers (6), Thomas (6).
Lyall Cameron completes a season-long loan move to Aberdeen
Rangers midfielder Lyall Cameron has tonight completed a season-long loan to Pittodrie as he joins Aberdeen. The former Dundee youth graduate, who featured over 100 times for the Dens Park side, made his Dundee debut in 2019 after coming off the bench against Raith Rovers in the Scottish League Cup. Lyall made his league debut in 2020 against Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Championship. The 23-year-old also had loan spells before joining the Ibrox side, playing with both Montrose and Peterhead in the early stages of his career. “I’m delighted it’s all been sorted out”, Lyall Cameron said. “I wanted to stay in Scotland and to join Aberdeen. This is a good opportunity for me to remind people what I can do in this league, and I believe I can help the team. “My aim is to play as many games as I can, help the team and just play football again. “I can bring energy. I can bring passion and hopefully I can also bring some quality and some goals. I hope I can get the fans off their seats. I like to be positive and get forward with the ball. “There is always a good atmosphere at Pittodrie. I know the fans will be right behind the team on Sunday. I will work as hard as I can during my time here and hopefully, we have a positive end to the season.” Lutz Pfannenstiel also said: “Lyall was clear in his desire to join Aberdeen. He had interest from other clubs both in England and abroad, but he made it clear to Rangers he wanted this move to Pittodrie to happen. “That commitment was hugely attractive to us and played a big part in convincing us to get this deal done. We believe he will have a positive influence on the team in the next few months and help us achieve our objectives between now and May. “Work continues behind the scenes to improve but also reduce the overall squad size, which had grown beyond the optimal size. “We invested significantly last summer, but a number of players who were expected to move on during that window ultimately remained, leaving us with close to 30 senior professionals. “Our intention is to bring that number down during this window, while also looking to add quality in key areas of the pitch to ensure we finish the season strongly in both the league and our efforts to retain the Scottish Cup. “I am expecting a busy couple of weeks.” The on-loan Rangers man goes straight into the squad as Aberdeen prepare to take on Championship outfit, Raith Rovers, in the Scottish Cup.
