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Although the Scottish Premiership title is far from sealed, Celtic have reportedly already turned their attention towards the summer transfer window and finding a replacement for the retiring Joe Hart.

Celtic transfer news

On paper, a player of Caoimhin Kelleher's calibre is the type that Celtic should be looking at to replace a Premier League winner in Joe Hart. But after such a fantastic season at Liverpool, it remains to be seen whether the Bhoys can tempt the goalkeeper away from Anfield. It wasn't so long ago that replacing Hart would have seemed like a simple task, but after reviving his career in Scotland, the shot-stopper will be chalked down as a frustrating miss for Brendan Rodgers.

Now, those in Glasgow have been left with the task of finding a replacement. For Rodgers, the ideal scenario will be to land a long-term option who has the quality to hold down the number one role for years to come whilst gaining more experience, and that could make Viljami Sinisalo the perfect option this summer.

European giants eyeing move for "intelligent" Celtic star in summer blow

He also attracted interest in January.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 1, 2024

According to The Sun, Celtic are eyeing a move to sign Sinisalo from Aston Villa in a move that will reportedly cost around £3m in the coming months. The shot-stopper has spent the season on loan from Villa at Exeter City, where he has impressed many to earn links to the likes of Celtic and those further up the EFL.

Just 22 years old, Sinisalo has plenty of room to improve even further in the coming years, whilst also representing a player with Premier League potential. For just £3m, he could quickly prove to be the ultimate summer bargain for those at Celtic Park. The Villa loanee is the third goalkeeper to be linked with the Bhoys to replace Hart, after Kelleher and Patrick Pentz of Bayer Leverkusen, but may yet emerge as the most ideal option.

"Incredible" Sinisalo can fill Hart void

Not only would Celtic be landing a far cheaper alternative to Kelleher this summer by signing Sinisalo, but they'd also be welcoming a shot-stopper capable of filling the void left behind by Hart. Keeping 14 clean sheets this season, which is just one less than Hart, the Villa man could yet be tasked with stepping up from League One all the way to the Scottish Premiership.

Exeter manager Gary Caldwell will be among those full of faith that the goalkeeper can make the step up, having previously been full of praise for Sinisalo. He told BBC Radio Devon via BBC Sport: "I think it's brilliant that a loan player can come and connect with the club like he has.

"He turned up at half five at a gym at Newton Abbot and he was the first one there, after cancelling his holiday. I think that tells you everything you need to know about Vil, and I'm sure he'll go on to have an incredible career."

Arsenal might only be top of the Premier League table due to Manchester City's game in hand, but the Gunners are flying.

Mikel Arteta's side have recovered from their slight stumble against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and Aston Villa with three wins on the bounce, including back-to-back London derbies, which is always a great way to get fans back on the side.

The north Londoners are the league's top scorers, with 85 goals to their name. Yet following their festive period dry patch – in which they scored one goal in 63 shots – the common opinion is that they need to add a lethal striker to their ranks in the summer.

One of the names often touted for a move to the Emirates has been Newcastle United's Swedish sensation Alexander Isak, but based on recent reports, Edu Gaspar and Co could have their eyes set on someone else entirely, someone who has won favourable comparisons to Arsenal icon Thierry Henry.

Arsenal transfer news

According to recent reports from Italy – as per InterLive.it – Arsenal are interested in Inter Milan's incredibly talented striker Marcus Thuram and could potentially offer the Serie A champions a swap deal, which would see Gabriel Jesus make his way to Milan.

The report has revealed that if the Gunners did send their Brazilian star to the San Siro, they would expect to pay just €30m – £26m – for the Frenchman's signature, which could represent excellent value for Arteta's side.

The report has revealed that the Nerazzurri would be understandably reluctant to agree to this deal, but if the north Londoners can turn the 26-year-old's head and offer him a substantially higher wage than the £127k-per-week he's on now, they may find it challenging to keep him.

While spending £26m and losing Jesus in the process would represent a hefty investment from Edu and Co, it would pale compared to the supposed £100m they would have to spend to sign Isak.

How Thuram compares to Isak

It's clear that from a financial point of view, signing Thuram for £26m and losing Jesus' wages in one swoop would be a better deal for Arsenal than splashing £100m on Isak, but would that be the best footballing decision?

Would Arteta's team be improved more by signing Newcastle's number 14 or the striker Arsène Wenger described as a "very talented player" and as someone who reminded him of the great Henry?

Well, when looking at the pair's pure output this season, there is little to separate them. For example, the Frenchman's 14 goals and 13 assists in 43 games gives him an average of a goal involvement every 1.5 games, the same average the Toon ace has with his 23 goals and one assist in 36 appearances.

So what about their underlying numbers, then? Can the talented forwards be separated by what's going on under the hood? Well, it's much of the same here, as while the Swedish star slightly edges things, he's by no means clear.

For example, according to FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues, the former Real Sociedad star ranks in the top 10% of forwards for progressive carries, the top 11% for successful take-ons, the top 14% for progressive passes and the top 15% for non-penalty expected goals and pass completion, all per 90.

In comparison, Inter's "physical phenomenon", as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, sits in the top 15% of forwards for assists, the top 16% for progressive carries, the top 19% for successful take-ons, the top 21% for non-penalty expected goals, and the top 22% for touches in the opposition's box, all per 90.

The one area in which there is a clear distinction between the pair is their injury record. Despite being two years younger, Isak has missed 54 games for club and country in his career. In contrast, his potential competitor has only missed 30 games and had a single season in which he missed more than ten games.

Arsenal could land the ideal Jesus upgrade in £51m ace who wants the move

The Gunners are reportedly the talented forward’s ‘preferred destination.’

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 2, 2024

Ultimately, with not much separating the two strikers regarding their ability, the fact that Thuram is less injury-prone and represents a far better financial option suggests that Arsenal are probably better off signing him over the Newcastle ace, and the fact that he has Wenger's seal of approval can only be a good thing.

Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric has detailed when he plans to finally call time on his career and hang up his boots.

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• Modric has just turned 39
• Signed a new contract at Real Madrid in summer
• Says he will know when the time is right to quit

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Modric celebrated his 39th birthday this week by scoring for Croatia in a 1-0 win over Poland in the Nations League. The Real Madrid superstar, who won his 180th cap during the game, has shown few signs of slowing down and signed a contract extension at the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer that runs until 2025.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Modric has had to accept a reduced role at Real Madrid with the likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham around but isn't quite ready to follow former team-mate Toni Kroos into retirement. The Croatia star revealed after the win over Poland how he will know when it's time to call it a day.

• WHAT MODRIC SAID

  He told reporters: "With me you never know. We have to take it game by game. I can't think about the future. When I no longer feel the fire in me, I will retire. Only I can feel that fire and make the decision. I am happy to continue here to help the team achieve new victories. At my age it is difficult to predict. I won't need anyone to tell me. Until then, I am still here.

  "I'm happy to have scored from a free kick after such a long time. I'm proud and happy to have reached 180 appearances for the national team. I never dreamed of reaching that level. The first time is a dream and 180 is something really wonderful. I'm happy to be here and help."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MODRIC

  Modric will now return to Real Madrid and will hope to add to his trophy collection this season with Los Blancos. Carlo Ancelotti's side are back in action on La Liga on Saturday at Real Sociedad.

The reigning MLS champions take on the holding Liga MX title winners in a continental clash

The Columbus Crew host Club America at Lower.Com Field Wednesday night in the Campeones Cup, a contest that pits the league champions of both MLS and LIGA MX against each other.

The competition has been held annually since 2018, with the lone exception in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. MLS has claimed victory in three of the five matches, with Liga MX winning the inaugural edition against Toronto FC and then again in 2023, against LAFC. The Crew were the 2021 victors.

This time around, it's a battle between two serial winners. America are back-to-back league champions and the Crew are in their third Cup final of the calendar year. It's a match between North America's two best teams at the moment, a night in which excellence will take center stage as two elite programs go head-to-head in the chase for glory.

"In every game, especially in these finals," Crew forward Christian Ramirez said, "you have to learn to suffer and get through those moments and still be able to impose yourself and your style of play."

Ramirez, goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, and America's Alex Zendejas sat down with GOAL to discuss the match, and how focus and mentality will play a key role in each side achieving their goal.

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  Historic first meeting

  The two sides met for the first time just over 12 months ago during the inaugural edition of the Leagues Cup, when America visited Lower.Com Field on the road. Heavy favorites to win the entire tournament, the Liga MX side were stunned by Wilfried Nancy's crew, 4-1. A brace from Cucho Hernandez paved the way, and two more late goals handed them the knockout-round victory – thus eliminating America from the competition.

  "For us at that moment to be able to play Club America, losing Lucas (Zelarayan) that day (transfer away from the club) and seeing that Club America was a favorite that year going into Leagues Cup, to be able to put that performance on really gave us a groundwork of like, 'We can compete against anyone in this region,' " Schulte told GOAL. "It was a great day for us to be able to test ourselves against a top side, a historic side. So now I think we're in a different place. We're excited to be in front of our fans again and to be able to be in a situation to host the final."

  Since that match, America were crowned Apertura and Clausura champions in Mexico, while the Crew were named MLS Cup champions, were finalists in the 2024 Champions Cup and claimed the 2024 Leagues Cup title.

  Still, Columbus are level-headed going into the fixture.

  "The mentality doesn't change," Schulte said. "The kind of preparation, everything doesn't change. We try to stick to the same kind of routine, same kind of schedule, and not try and overdo it. Especially against a team like Club America, they have a lot of talent, a really good team.

  "But at the end of the day, it's what we put out on the field … and it's for a trophy."

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  CF America out to make a statement

  Club America remember their 2024 result against the Crew and hold it to heart, but at the same time, they recognize they are a different team now. And ultimately, they're more prepared for the task ahead.

  “I can say that we've changed a good amount from that time," Zendejas, the U.S. international and America winger, told GOAL. "It's been a year now, but that was when our coach now first took charge. So I guess I don't want to make excuses, but every time a new coach gets to a new team, you have to get used to his style of play, what he wants for me, what he asks.

  "I feel like now we're in a good moment. We definitely know what the coach wants, what he expects from us. So, just learn from every mistake that we did a year ago and just put it into practice, and don't let it happen again tomorrow. Focus on ourselves, what we can do on the field and get the result we need."

  They have a clear desire to make it three trophies in as many final appearances, and they're not shying away from the Crew's form of late. Nor are they accepting intimidation by the home fans.

  "It has to be a winning mentality," Zendejas said. "This team (Columbus) is used to being up there in the top of the league, winning trophies every time they can get the chance to. Luckily, we've been on a roll. I guess you could say that we've been winning.

  "We were lucky enough to win back to back (LIGA MX titles) … it's gonna be an interesting game. Gonna be for a trophy. So we got to leave it all out there and just keep on demonstrating what this team is made of."

  The USMNT forward shared that he is itching to take the pitch after suffering a leg injury earlier this summer that put him in a boot for six weeks. He's been cleared by medical staff to participate, just returning to the pitch in an appearance off the bench in a match against Atlas, and then earning a start on Saturday in a 1-1 draw with Necaxa.

  "I feel like I'm ready to get some minutes," he said, "and hopefully everything goes well."

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  Cup excellence

  Zendejas will be key for the Mexican side, as he is coming off a whirlwind of a season prior to injury. He recorded seven goal-contributions en route to their Clausura title, and during America's own Champions Cup run – where they made it to the semifinals – he had a brilliant stretch of eight matches in which he bagged five goals and notched two assists. Now, healthy again, he's looking to lead them to their third-straight title.

  "I feel like this little three-peat would be a crazy experience, especially because of what club America generates, since we have a big fan base, I'd say pretty much everywhere we go internationally," Zendejas said.

  The Crew, meanwhile, are also making their third appearance in a Cup Final this season. Early in the campaign, they went on a brilliant run into the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, only to fall on the road in Mexico to CF Monterrey.

  They followed it with a phenomenal performance in the 2024 Leagues Cup, defeating Luis Suarez and Inter Miami en route to a trophy over Olivier Giroud and LAFC in the final – their first Cup victory in 2024.

  "It's obviously a big game," Schulte said. "So it's just allowing the work that we've done in the past to just kind of take over at this point and just kind of make sure that we're the sharpest and freshest that we can be with such a busy schedule that we've had.

  "So. just mentality, it's sticking to the same routine, making sure we're fresh … we're ready to go and we're ready to fight and play for our trophy."

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• Preparing for history

  Describing their past performances through Cup finals in 2024 as teaching opportunities, Ramirez claimed the Crew have "learned to suffer" through the results – both positive and negative.

  "I think that's been something that we've continued to evolve and do well at," he said, "be able to suffer in these moments, but then dictate the game on our terms when we need to for large parts of the game. No matter who our opponent is, I think we've shown that we try to impose ourselves. So hopefully that bodes well for us.

  "We know how much of a possession-based side they are as well. So it'll be a fun matchup for the neutral eye and for the fans."

  Now, Columbus are looking to become the first MLS side to hoist the Cup twice in its brief existence. Although their squad – and touchline – may look very different from the team that claimed it four years ago, the mentality of the club hasn't changed. They are only interested in winning.

  "We take every game, one game at a time, as cliché as that sounds and may come off," Ramirez said. "If you don't do it in that fashion, we wouldn't be able to be in this position to be able to compete for this trophy, then still be within reach and distance of the Supporters' Shield, and continue to try and climb up that ranking.

  "So we know it takes everyone on the roster, it takes everyone on the staff to compete for the Campeones Cup, for everything."

  With five matches left in the MLS campaign, the Crew sit second in the Eastern Conference and are mathematically alive in the race for the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield. However, as Ramirez notes, it's game-by-game for MLS' reigning champion, and Wednesday's match against Club America is the next obstacle in their path.

Tottenham have reached an agreement to sign a young attacker for manager Ange Postecoglou, with a deal done and Spurs even beating multiple Premier League rivals in the race for his signature.

Postecoglou pleads for "drastic" change at Spurs

The Lilywhites head coach, over the course of his debut campaign in the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium dugout, has been vocal about his aim to transform the club during his tenure.

BBC pundit says once-£100 million forward would prefer to join Tottenham

He’s been scoring a “barrel load” at his club.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 14, 2024

Most recently, Postecoglou has pleaded for "drastic" change as we approach the summer transfer window, which opens on June 14. The Australian suggested a few squad members could be to make way, with his Spurs project not for everyone.

"We need change. Change has to happen," Postecoglou said. "You can’t want to alter your course and expect the same people are going to be on that. It’s just not going to happen.

"We’ve had two windows and we’ve had some development of players, for sure, but when I say we’ve still got a long way to go, that’s what I’m talking about. It’s impossible to say you’re going to have drastic change and yet expect everyone to be on that journey."

Away from the senior eleven, Postecoglou also admitted to his dream of making Tottenham a preferred destination for some of Europe's most exciting young talents.

“We’re giving young players an opportunity," said Postecoglou on Tottenham's appeal to rising stars. "Destiny, Pape and Micky, all guys in their early 20s who have already played significant roles.

“We’re building a team. From our perspective, it’s pleasing and hopefully we become a club which is a preferred destination for talented young players. There aren’t too many hidden gems around — everyone knows who the talents are. Hopefully our point of difference, I’ve always felt your football is your biggest selling point, beyond anything else."

Tottenham sealed a deal to sign Swedish sensation Lucas Bergvall in January, adding to their exciting young squad, with Spurs also signing Croatian wonderkid Luka Vuskovic at the start of the season.

Reports suggest technical director Johan Lange and chairman Daniel Levy are looking to bring in even more promising young talent, with news emerging this week that another starlet is set to join the likes of Bergvall and Vuskovic.

Tottenham reach agreement to sign George Feeney for Postecoglou

According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O'Rourke, Tottenham have agreed a deal to sign young Glentoran striker George Feeney.

The 16-year-old, who was being chased by "multiple" Premier League sides alongside Spurs, appears set to make a move to north London as Postecoglou's side win the race for his signature.

O'Rourke writes that Feeney, who broke into Glentoran's first team this season with one goal in 10 appearances, will complete a Tottenham transfer as Levy and co are successful in luring the Northern Irishman to N17.

The Red Devils dominated the first decade of the new millennium, only to lose their way – but who have been their best performers?

Manchester United began the 21st century on the beaches of Brazil. They were there to compete in the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup and arrived as the official best team in the world after beating Palmeiras in the Inter-Continental Cup. In order to participate, they took the seismic decision to withdraw from the FA Cup, the competition they were the holders of.

A quarter of a century on, and United have restored their reputation in the FA Cup, which they won in May. The Club World Cup, however, is no longer their domain, and they were not even close to qualifying for FIFA's rebranded competition, which takes place next year.

That says a lot about how United have fallen as the century has progressed. The Red Devils won eight out of the first 14 league titles of the new millennium, but ever since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, they have been on a downward curve. They have finished outside of the top four more times than they have made it in and won just five major trophies. In the first half of the new century, they lifted 13.

It should be no real surprise, then, that a list of the best United players from the first 25 years of the 21st century draws heavily on the Ferguson era. Only performances since January 2000 count, so the likes of Denis Irwin, Jaap Stam and Teddy Sheringham fall short, even though they straddled both centuries.

But who has made it in, and who has failed to make the cut?

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  25Antonio Valencia

  When United sold Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a then world-record fee of £80 million ($104m), not many fans expected that the club would look to Wigan Athletic for his replacement. Antonio Valencia sure was no Ronaldo, but he proved to be a solid and versatile club stalwart.

  The Ecuadorian spent 10 years at Old Trafford, beginning as a right winger before switching to right-back. For years he spoke almost no English, but by the end of his career with United he was one of the most experienced players in the squad, captaining the team in the Europa League final and in his final season.

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  24Darren Fletcher

  When Ferguson learned that Darren Fletcher, aged 15 at the time, was considering leaving United for Newcastle, he launched a furious tirade at him down the phone, angering the player's mother, and then drove straight to Edinburgh to convince him to stay. Fletcher knew never to risk Ferguson's wrath again and stayed at United for the next 13 years.

  He was the ultimate squad player but grew into an undisputable starter in the 2008-09 season, cruelly missing the Champions League final through suspension after diving into a tackle against Arsenal late in the semi-final despite the victory long-being secured. That moment epitomised Fletcher's selfless attitude.

  A worse struggle came when he battled a debilitating stomach illness for around two years. The Scotland international kept fighting, as was his way, and was able to eventually continue his career. He has remained loyal to United since retiring, working as a technical director and assistant coach, while his twin sons currently play for the club's Under-18s.

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  23Louis Saha

  How good could Louis Saha have been were it not for the injuries? The Frenchman had a stunning debut for United against Southampton following a £12m ($15m) move from Fulham in January 2004, and scored seven goals in his first 10 starts.

  Injuries interrupted his next season and he only scored twice, but once he returned to full fitness he showed his true value, notching 28 goals and 13 assists in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 campaigns combined.

  Saha fired United to League Cup glory in 2006 with six goals in five games and played a big part in the Premier League success the following season. But more injuries meant he could not finish the campaign and severely disrupted his progress the following season, when he also had to compete with Carlos Tevez. Despite the constant setbacks, he averaged a goal every three games.

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  22Dimitar Berbatov

  Ferguson was so determined to make sure Manchester City did not sign Berbatov that he picked him up from the airport on transfer deadline day in 2008 and drove him straight to Old Trafford to complete the transfer from Tottenham. And the Bulgarian was an utter joy to watch.

  He often seemed to play at walking pace and at times looked on a whole different level of class to his peers. As an example, early into his United career, Berbatov had the whole of Old Trafford eating out of his hand after an insane piece of skill against West Ham's hapless James Collins.

  Berbatov had impressed without tearing up any trees in his first two seasons with United, but he really found his feet in his third, finishing as top scorer in the Premier League while leading the Red Devils to the 2010-11 title with 20 goals. However, he inexplicably did not even make the substitutes' bench for the Champions League final against Barcelona.

It's fair to say that it was a mixed bag of a debut season in charge at Chelsea for Mauricio Pochettino, with the former Tottenham Hotspur boss leading the club to European qualification after a dazzling end to the campaign that saw them rack up five straight wins.

However, there also had some low points, as the Blues notably slipped up in the Carabao Cup final to a youthful Liverpool side, were hit for five by rivals Arsenal and were even held to draws by the likes of Sheffield United and Burnley, amid a litany of disappointing results.

But there had been reason for encouragement in 2024 for those at Stamford Bridge – not least due to Cole Palmer's 22-goal haul in the Premier League – with statement wins over the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

Unfortunately, this was not enough for the Chelsea hierarchy, with Pochettino departing by mutual consent following the end of the season.

So who could Todd Boehly turn to as the Argentinian's successor? Here are 11 candidates who have been linked with assuming the ever-changing hot seat, including two men who have previously held the fort in west London…

1

Enzo Maresca

Leicester City

Enzo Maresca led Leicester City to the Championship title this past season, and is the new heavy favourite for the job. Reports emerged at the weekend suggesting that the Italian had held talks with Chelsea, with the Foxes boss left "encouraged" by negotiations.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has since claimed that these talks are now "advancing", with the east Midlands outfit set to receive a compensation fee of around £10m for his services.

2

Roberto De Zerbi

Free agent (Last job: Brighton)

Chelsea's fondness for poaching key figures from the Amex has almost become something of a running joke in recent times, having notably plucked the likes of Graham Potter, Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella from the Seagulls – as well as making notable appointments behind the scenes.

It is then no surprise that Potter's successor on the south coast, Roberto De Zerbi, is also tipped to follow in the Englishman's footsteps following his departure from the Seagulls last weekend, having notably helped to guide Brighton to Europa League qualification in 2022/23.

Lauded as "one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years" by an admiring Pep Guardiola, the Italian tactician looks destined for a big move sooner rather than later, although since parting ways with Brighton, he did state that he may not immediately return to football.

3

Thomas Frank

Brentford

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has been linked with a departure from west London this summer, as the Dane has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea and Bayern Munich respectively.

He may not have to move too far – if at all – should the Blues come calling, but despite his odds shortening recently, it looks as if Chelsea may have found their man in Enzo Maresca. That said, he looks set to be a potential Plan B should anything fall through.

4

Jose Mourinho

Free agent (Last job: AS Roma)

From the 'next Mourinho' to the main man himself, could the Chelsea/Jose love story be set for a third act?

With three Premier League titles, three League Cups and an FA Cup to show for his efforts during his first two spells at the club, the 61-year-old certainly knows a thing or two about securing silverware – even guiding AS Roma to the Europa Conference League in his most recent post.

Turning to the enigmatic genius would certainly be a popular decision among the Stamford Bridge faithful, yet after enduring a mixed time of it since his previous stint in west London, is the Portuguese still a managerial marvel, or merely a busted flush?

5

Ruben Amorim

Sporting CP

Ruben Amorim appears to be keen to be the subject of a high-profile appointment in the near future after securing a second Primeira Liga title triumph this season with Sporting CP.

An exciting, youthful manager arriving after success in Portugal – sound familiar? – could work a treat yet again for those at Stamford Bridge, albeit with competition set to be fierce – the likes of West Ham United and Liverpool are just two of the clubs to have previously kept a close watch on the emerging talent – Amorim may have the luxury of waiting for the perfect next step.

6

Kieran McKenna

Ipswich Town

After guiding Ipswich Town back to the promised land that is the Premier League following back-to-back promotions, Kieran McKenna is another bright young manager destined for big things, having thrived since leaving the Manchester United coaching set-up in 2021.

Previously part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's backroom staff, the Irishman is no stranger to working at an elite club, although it would undoubtedly a sizeable gamble if Boehly was to look his way in the near future.

McKenna had looked a favourite for the Blues hot seat, though it was claimed that the club were no longer pursuing him. This came amid rumours that he could prioritise the Manchester United job if he is asked to replace the under-fire Erik ten Hag despite their recent FA Cup win.

Next Man Utd manager: Who could replace Erik ten Hag?

Erik ten Hag has been sacked by Manchester United – so who could take over the reins at Old Trafford?

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By
Stephan Georgiou

Oct 28, 2024

7

Thomas Tuchel

Bayern Munich

It is not just Mourinho who could be on his way back to Stamford Bridge, with Thomas Tuchel also likely to be a popular appointment, after guiding the club to Champions League glory in 2021.

Whether Boehly – who removed the German from his post in September 2022 – would be willing to re-hire the Bayern Munich boss is another matter altogether, yet having coached at the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund, his record at the elite level speaks for itself.

8

Xavi

Free agent (last job: Barcelona)

Xavi was recently let go as Barcelona boss just a year after leading them to the La Liga title. The chaos of that club would suggest that Chelsea is the last place he'd want to continue his managerial career, but crazier things have happened.

He has nevertheless seen his odds shorten following his exit from the European giants, but this, among several others on this list, feels like a huge longshot.

9

Brendan Rodgers

Celtic

Another man with Chelsea connections, Brendan Rodgers previously worked in the academy set-up with the club, before taking on the role of reserve team manager – prior to eventually departing for Watford in 2008.

Previously so close to steering Liverpool to the league title in 2014, the Northern Irishman has since won a host of major honours across two spells at Celtic, while also overseeing Leicester City's first FA Cup triumph in 2021 – beating Tuchel's side in the final.

With a wealth of Premier League experience, Rodgers certainly wouldn't be the worst appointment, although whether he would spark excitement among the fanbase is another matter entirely.

10

Julian Nagelsmann

Germany

The man who will lead host nation, Germany, at this summer's European Championships, Julian Nagelsmann has been among the most sought-after young managers of recent years, amid his work at Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Bayern.

Still remarkably just 36, the German could well be a figure to build around for the long-term at Stamford Bridge, while also boasting the necessary credentials after notably winning the Bundesliga during his time in Munich in 2021/22.

Spurs are just one of many Premier League clubs to have been linked with the in-demand coach in recent times, with a move to England likely to be in the pipeline before too long.

Rumours of Wrexham being offered a possible route into Europe continue to rage, with a Welsh League Cup revamp potentially working in their favour.

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• Ambitious Hollywood co-owners
• Intend to reach the Premier League
• Could re-enter Welsh League Cup

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  It has been suggested that Welsh clubs currently plying their trade in the English Football League may be invited back into domestic knockout competition across the country that they call home. Wrexham, Cardiff City, Swansea City and Newport County all turn out in the EFL at present.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  If those sides were to form part of proposals – which would need a green light from the Football Associations of England and Wales as well as UEFA – then a path that leads towards Conference League qualification would open up.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  According to , those pushing for change would like to see a “go-ahead before the end of this calendar year”, which would see Wrexham and Co enter the Welsh League Cup next season and possibly earn tickets to the Conference League party for 2026-27.

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  A more likely outcome is that the new League Cup format will slot in alongside a major relaunch of the Cymru Premier in 2026-27. Said proposal would give those involved more time in which to secure the European qualification spot that is currently not on offer in the Welsh League Cup.

Unai Emery can surely be very happy with Aston Villa’s 2023/24 season, as the campaign slowly draws to a halt, with just the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund left to play.

The Spaniard’s side came fourth in the Premier League, although it was a narrow gap between the Villans and fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur. Ange Postecoglou’s side came just two points behind Villa, and had they won their game in hand against Manchester City, would have finished fifth.

In cup competitions, Villa did not quite manage to get their hands on any silverware, although they did come close. Domestically, they struggled, losing in the Carabao Cup third round against Everton, and the fourth round against Chelsea, in a replay.

In Europe, however, they reached the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League but disappointingly crashed out. A 4-2 home defeat and 2-0 away defeat in the return leg against Greek side Olympiacos sent Emery’s side home in devastating fashion.

However, it was an overall impressive campaign for the Villans, who now have Champions League football to look forward to next season. The 2024 summer transfer window will be an important time for them to bolster their squad, and they have already been linked with one incoming.

Villa looking to sign La Liga winger

The player in question here is the former Leeds United winger Raphinha, who now plays for Barcelona. He has been linked with a move away from the Spanish giants for some time, and Villa could offer a destination for him this summer.

According to a report in Spain, Villa are one of two Premier League clubs chasing the 27-year-old Brazil international, alongside Londoners Chelsea and Manchester United.

Gonzalez explains that last January, Barca rejected an offer for Raphinha from an unnamed Premier League side, potentially Villa, worth £51m, with additional clauses potentially seeing a raise in the fee.

The journalist goes on to explain that new Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, winner of an incredible sextuple with Bayern Munich in 2020, wants to keep Raphinha at the club. However, this is only “until he knows which players can be signed”.

Barca are still in deep financial strife, and are set to have restrictions on their summer transfer window once again, thus meaning they cannot sign all of their targets, and must settle for keeping large portions of their squad.

With that being said, if a bid for Raphinha is “a figure that would help the Catalans to be able to go to the summer transfer window with certain guarantees” then they could sell him to purchase their main targets.

Why Raphinha would be a good signing

Should Villa sign Raphinha this summer, he would bolster an already impressive attack which includes the likes of Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers and Leon Bailey. Watkins was one of the players of the season in the 2023/24 Premier League, scoring 19 and assisting 13 in 37 games.

In fact, Raphinha himself had a productive season in a Barca side that finished second, ten points behind champions Real Madrid.

He scored six goals and registered nine assists in 28 La Liga games, as well as having an impressive seven goal involvements in seven Champions League games. He is a very creative winger, who enjoys operating in the half-spaces and looking to create for the likes of Robert Lewandowski ahead of him.

Interestingly, according to Fbref, there are some similarities creatively between Raphinha and Premier League and England stars Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka. Per 90 minutes, Raphinha averages 0.59 assists, compared to Saka’s 0.28 and Palmer’s 0.38.

Raphinha also averages more key passes per 90 minutes than Palmer, with 2.70 compared to the Chelsea winger’s 2.47. Saka, however, averages more than both, although only slightly, with 2.81 key passes. Evidently they're all particularly creative right wingers, notably possessing that amazing ability to cut inside onto their devastating left foot.

There is also nothing much to split the trio when it comes to passes into the penalty box per 90 minutes. Palmer leads the way, with 2.37, but Saka averages 2.25 and Raphinha closely follows, with 2.11.

The minimal difference between the three players shows the sheer quality that Villa would be adding to their squad if they bring Raphinha in this summer. Although the £51m fee is expensive, it certainly represents good business for Emery’s side.

It remains to be seen at this stage if a deal will get done, yet Villa fans may well be excited about the potential arrival of “one of the best players in the world”, as Raphinha’s former manager Xavi described him.

Aston Villa targeting Watkins' dream transfer in £30m star

He has 14 goals and assists in Serie A this season.

By
Joe Nuttall

May 29, 2024

Liverpool and many other Premier League sides saw the financial power of the Saudi Pro League in full flow last summer and could now see it in action once again to result in another frustrating Anfield exit.

Liverpool transfer news

A new era will naturally mean some fresh faces, but Arne Slot and Michael Edwards will hope to keep hold of the majority of the current Liverpool stars, given that Jurgen Klopp left behind a side who found themselves in a title race for the majority of the season alongside winning the Carabao Cup.

It could be a long summer on that front, however, with the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher already linked with a move away in pursuit of a number one role. The shot-stopper didn't exactly put those rumours to bed recently either, telling The Athletic: "I’ve had such an amazing time at Liverpool.

"It’s been a crazy journey for me and one that I’ve absolutely loved. I love the club, I love the fans and I have a great relationship with the players and the staff. Whether it’s here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I do feel the next step for me is to be a No 1.”

Liverpool join the race to sign "magnificent" £160,000-a-week star for Slot

Liverpool fans would be delighted with this signing…

By
Tom Cunningham

May 30, 2024

That said, it's not just the Irishman that the Reds have got to worry about. According to the Daily Mail, Saudi Pro League clubs are interested in signing Joe Gomez this summer, with doubts creeping in over the defender's desire to stay put at Anfield in the last few weeks. The England international proved to be an invaluable part of Klopp's final season, playing all across the backline and even in midfield to prove his worth once and for all.

Now, however, he could repeat Jordan Henderson's move by swapping Liverpool for Saudi Arabia to deal Slot an early blow in his Liverpool tenure.

Liverpool need "lifesaver" Gomez next season

Whilst it may not be too long ago that some would have been happy to show Gomez the door at Anfield, he has quickly proven any doubters wrong to become an important part of the current Liverpool side. Now, he is a player that the Reds must keep hold of. Simply put, Liverpool will struggle to find a player who can play left-back, right-back, centre-back and even central midfield all in fairly equal measure. Gomez instantly solves several issues in Slot's squad.

Klopp was well aware of Gomez's importance throughout his final campaign too, saying via This Is Anfield: “[He] played exceptional today again. He’s a real defender and he comes inside, he’s doing that really well. He is a lifesaver, to be honest, that he was here, that he could play.

“People forget how important Joey was in the best years we had. I don’t know how many games he played in the year when we became champions and how many games he played when we won the Champions League – a lot and rightly so because he’s a top-class player.”

More than earning his reported £85k-a-week wage, Liverpool should reject any interest from Saudi Arabia in Gomez this summer.