All posts by n8rngtd.top

Cristiano Ronaldo is making a move into MMA, with the Portugal icon announcing a new job in a link-up with UFC legend Ilia Topuria. At 40 years of age, and with his glittering football career entering its final chapters, Ronaldo has made one of the clearest statements yet about life after football. The Al-Nassr star says the new project "represents values I truly believe in – discipline, respect, resilience."

• WOW FC’s rapid rise aligns with Ronaldo’s global influence

  Founded with modest ambition, WOW FC has exploded into one of Europe’s fastest-growing MMA promotions. Over the past year, attendance has surged by over 400 per cent. The events have consistently sold more than 5,000 tickets, and live broadcasts now reach 170+ countries. The arrival of Ronaldo is expected to accelerate WOW’s push into Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. His involvement will also extend beyond sport, with WOW aiming to intersect culture, fashion, entertainment, and education.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  What did Ronaldo & Topuria say

  In a statement, Ronaldo said: "MMA represents values I truly believe in – discipline, respect, resilience, and the constant pursuit of excellence. WOW FC is building something unique and powerful, and I’m proud to join this project to help elevate the sport and inspire the next generation."

  Meanwhile, in a tweet, he further added: "I’m excited to share some big news: I will become a shareholder of @wowfcmma! We share values I truly believe in – discipline, respect, resilience, and the constant pursuit of excellence. WOW FC is building something unique and powerful, and I’m proud to join this project to help elevate the sport and inspire the next generation."

  Topuria welcomed Ronaldo with enthusiasm: "Having Cristiano Ronaldo join WOW FC is a powerful moment for the sport. He represents the highest standards of professionalism, hard work, and global excellence. Together, we will push MMA to new heights and inspire athletes and fans around the world to believe that anything is possible."

• From rivalry to partnership: Ronaldo and Topuria’s surprising alliance

  The partnership marks a remarkable shift in the relationship between Ronaldo and Topuria, who exchanged barbs just a year ago. Before UFC 308 in October 2024, Ronaldo publicly backed Max Holloway to dethrone Topuria, claiming the Spaniard "spoke too much" and had not beaten "the top guys."

  Topuria fired back sharply at the time: "The one I'm going to personally invite there [in Miami] is [Lionel] Messi because he lives there, so screw Cristiano as long as Messi exists. I didn't understand it, to be honest. I saw the clip that came out talking about me talking too much. If Cristiano says it, something doesn't add up to me. Cristiano always talks."

  Alongside his MMA venture, Ronaldo has quietly been building an extensive portfolio outside football. The latest addition is the Vega Private Members Club, set to open in Madrid before the end of the year. According to Spanish outlet , the project is being developed with entrepreneur Inigo Onieva and the hospitality group Mabel, co-owned by Ronaldo and businessman Manuel Campos Guallar. The ultra-exclusive club, located on the Golden Mile, will cover 1,000 square metres, feature a mobile-phone ban, private offices, co-working areas, and even a podcast studio by day. By night, it will transform into a private dining and cocktail hub.

  When asked about retirement, he said in an interview with Piers Morgan earlier this month, "Soon. I think I will be prepared. It will be tough, of course. Will be difficult, yes. Probably I will cry, yes… It will be very, very difficult but I've prepared my future since [I was] 25, 26, 27 years old. So I think I will be capable to support that pressure."

  He added: "Nothing will compare to the adrenaline we have for football to score a goal. But I have other passions. [When I retire] I'm going to have more time for me, have more time for my family, to raise my kids. I want to be more a family person, more present. Also, to have my own hobbies. I like to see UFC, the fights. I like padel. I like and I want to learn more about my companies. I'll never be a [full-time] YouTuber, of course, but I want to be there. I'm going to spend more time on that to learn. I think I'm going to do funny things and things I'm not used to doing before. Because I live football 24 hours [each day] to do the right things and perform."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  What comes next for Ronaldo?

  Ronaldo has a contract with Al-Nassr that runs until 2027 and is expected to lead Portugal to global glory during the World Cup in 2026. However, before that, he remains determined to inspire Al-Nassr to the Saudi Pro League title that has remained elusive since he moved to the Middle East. They are currently at the top of the league standings with 27 points from nine matchdays and will return to action against Al-Najma on December 21. 

Tottenham’s unbeaten Champions League run came to a dramatic end at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night against PSG, but there were positives to take from the thrilling encounter.

The European champions were rocked by Thomas Frank’s plucky Spurs side, who gave Luis Enrique a real nightmare, with PSG mounting two separate comebacks to secure a pulsating 5-3 victory.

Midfielder Vitinha claimed a memorable hat-trick, with PSG having to rely on moments of sheer quality just to overcome the north Londoners in France.

Frank’s men stunned the home side by taking a deserved lead on 35 minutes through Richarlison, who headed home from close range after brilliant build-up play involving youngsters Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray. The Brazilian’s opener looked set to give Spurs a halftime advantage, but Vitinha crashed in a spectacular 25-yard equaliser via the crossbar just before the break.

Tottenham regained their lead five minutes into the second period when Randal Kolo Muani fired home against his parent club, converting the rebound after Gray’s effort was cleared off the line. However, PSG responded immediately with a devastating 13-minute blitz that turned the contest decisively in their favour.

Tottenham plan record-shattering January transfer swoop after "clear" Frank message

Spurs want to back their under-fire manager.

By
Emilio Galantini

Nov 26, 2025

Vitinha curled home his second goal after being afforded excessive space to cut inside, before Fabian Ruiz completed the turnaround six minutes later following a costly turnover from Pape Matar Sarr outside his own penalty area. William Pacho then extended PSG’s advantage to 4-2 after Tottenham failed to clear Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s corner adequately.

Kolo Muani bundled his way through to drill home his second goal with 18 minutes remaining, briefly offering Spurs hope of salvaging something from the match. Those aspirations were dampened moments later, when Cristian Romero’s handball gifted PSG a penalty, which Vitinha confidently converted to complete his hat-trick and seal all three points.

The loss was Tottenham’s first in nine Champions League matches and leaves them sitting 15th in the league phase standings. Despite showing attacking intent and twice taking the lead, Frank’s young side were ultimately undone by defensive lapses during crucial moments in the second half.

Kolo Muani’s man of the match display against PSG, a club he’s still under contract with, gave Spurs major hope that they could have the answer to their striking problems after all.

The Frenchman, who’s suffered repeated injury setbacks since joining on loan, bagged his first goals for the Lilywhites and proved a real mence against one of the continent’s top sides.

However, Kolo Muani wasn’t Tottenham’s only bright spark on the night.

Thomas Frank praises "very impressive" Archie Gray in Tottenham loss to PSG

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Frank reserved special praise for Gray, who linked up with Bergvall for Spurs’ opening goal of the contest and provided real energy in midfield.

The 19-year-old has spent most of this season out with a calf injury so far, and before that, found it hard to get consistent first-team minutes with Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr and Bergvall all ahead of him in the pecking order.

Much like last season, Gray responded with a solid performance when called upon last night, and it could be time for the Englishman to earn Frank’s starting nod much more often.

The former Leeds United sensation was given a baptism of fire under Ange Postecoglou last season when asked to play multiple unfamiliar roles during Spurs’ 24/25 injury crisis, and he’s done arguably done enough to earn the club’s favour.

With the 2026 World Cup just round the corner, Gray will be hoping that he can potentially stake his claim in Thomas Tuchel’s squad, but he’ll need Frank’s faith with more game time.

History will show that, on May 4, 2025, Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet got his first assist of the season against the Minnesota Twins.

That will not do the play justice.

With nobody out in the top of the fourth inning Sunday, Crochet faced Twins shortstop Carlos Correa. Correa hit a comebacker straight toward Crochet, and it struck the pitcher on the nose. Second baseman Kristian Campbell picked up the ball and threw Correa out.

The thoroughly strange play was scored 1-4-3, with Crochet getting credit for an assist because he touched the ball—albeit nasally. The pitcher's nose bled a bit, and he was checked by the trainer before play resumed.

A close-up of the play revealed how close Crochet was to a possible serious injury.

Crochet's eight assists last season with the Chicago White Sox were a career high, but it's a near certainty that none of them were quite as painful as this one.

Lamine Yamal is racing against time as Barcelona build a detailed recovery plan to get him ready for the upcoming Champions League showdown against Chelsea. The 18-year-old has been sidelined by a painful pubalgia issue, forcing him out of Spain duty and limiting his training load. Barca insist they won’t rush him, but optimism is growing after he partially returned to group training this week.

• Yamal targets Chelsea return amid ‘tricky’ injury setback

  According to , Barcelona have set a clear objective for Yamal to recover fully from pubalgia and return in time for the high-stakes Champions League meeting with Chelsea. The 18-year-old winger has been managing significant groin discomfort for weeks, an issue the club describes as “annoying rather than serious,” but one that demanded a complete stop to his activity. His condition forced him to withdraw from Spain’s World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Turkey, and Barca medical staff feared the injury could worsen if not treated aggressively.

  The club began a two-phase treatment plan beginning November 10, when Yamal underwent invasive radiofrequency therapy. He was instructed to rest between 48 and 72 hours before starting a meticulous rehabilitation schedule with two of Barcelona’s physiotherapists. That programme has already produced visible progress, and Yamal returned to partial group training on Wednesday at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, a key step after days of exclusively individual work.

  Inside Barca, the priority is simple, have Yamal match-ready for the Chelsea clash, a fixture that could define the club’s Champions League trajectory. While Saturday’s league meeting with Athletic Club has not been ruled out, any involvement would be minimal. His comeback timeline remains tight, but the club believes seven to ten days is realistic if his recovery continues without setbacks.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Doctors warn of months out as external specialist oversees care

  Barcelona’s medical team has been clear with Yamal that this injury is delicate, and mishandling it could lead to months on the sidelines. The pain returned sharply after his recent performance against Celta Vigo, where he scored and assisted but finished the match feeling a familiar discomfort. According to report, the teenager was “worried about the extent of the injury,” prompting Barca to bring in renowned Belgian specialist for an additional evaluation.

  The doctors have reportedly since approved the rehabilitation plan and will return to Barca in the coming days to reassess the winger. Surgery was never considered an option, neither Yamal nor his entourage were willing to entertain it, but both sides agreed that external expertise was essential to managing a condition known for its tendency to linger.

  Describing the injury as “tricky,” club doctors stressed that any shortcut could jeopardise the rest of his season. Their instruction to the player has been blunt to take the rehabilitation seriously, avoid unnecessary media and physical strain, and allow the treatment cycle to stabilise the groin area. Yamal has responded with full commitment, reducing public appearances and focusing exclusively on recovery work.

• Reduced exposure, personal changes & renewed focus

  The physical pain hasn’t been the only challenge for the sensation. The report reveal that the injury lay atop a complex emotional stretch. After El Clasico, the teenager opted to drastically reduce his media presence. His next planned video, he reportedly told his inner circle, “will only be released” if he plays against Chelsea. This shift is part of a broader effort to declutter his environment and cut back distractions during a crucial recovery phase.

  A personal chapter that had introduced moments of tension in recent weeks, has also reportedly been ended. Barcelona believe this renewed focus will benefit him, especially given his relentless ambition. The winger has installed a physiotherapy zone and water-recovery systems in his new home, determined to refine every detail of his professional routine. Those around him insist his drive “to be number one” remains unchanged.

  Even during the painful months since September’s international break, Yamal continued delivering decisive moments. He scored in league victories over Elche and Celta Vigo and had a goal and an assist in the Champions League draw against Club Brugge.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Barca’s UCL stakes and why Chelsea is the priority

  Barcelona’s urgency stems from the club’s precarious Champions League position. With only two wins from four league-phase matches, the Catalans sit 11th, behind clubs like Tottenham and Galatasaray, and are fighting to secure a top-eight finish needed for a direct round of 16 berth. The tie against Chelsea has therefore become vital, both for points and momentum.

  For Hansi Flick Yamal’s presence could be decisive, particularly with the team still adjusting to the reopened Camp Nou atmosphere after two and a half years away. While a cameo against Athletic Bilbao remains possible, Flick’s staff have made clear that no risk will be taken if any discomfort persists.

  Barca want Yamal at full throttle for Chelsea, and Yamal is expected to continue alternating between individual work and controlled group sessions over the next four days as Barcelona monitor his response to load increases.

  For Barcelona, the next week is critical and as they return to Camp Nou against Athletic Club before travelling to London for a match that may shape their European future.

Whilst long throws, set pieces and teams centred around physicality are back in fashion, a lot has changed in the Premier League since 1992. It’s now the richest league in the world, featuring some of the best players and managers in world football. It is the ultimate destination. But, how much has the table changed in that time?

FootballBlog has released a full ranking of the Premier League table from its very first season in 1992 up until the beginning of the recent November international break. The table includes deductions issued by the Premier League and has tallied the wins, draws and losses by teams over the last 33 years. A total of 51 teams have featured in the top flight over the last three decades, but only 20 can make the all-time standings.

Premier League table by transfer spend per point 2025/26

The top flight would look very different.

By
Charlie Smith

Nov 14, 2025

20

West Bromwich Albion: 490 points

They may be languishing outside the top six in the Championship these days, but there was a time when an away trip to face West Bromwich Albion was a day of frustration for any top side. They sit 20th thanks to the fact that they haven’t returned to the top tier since 2021, but it’s hard to forget just how impressive they were at their best – finishing as high as eighth in the 2012/13 season. And who could forget the form of Romelu Lukaku during his time at the Hawthorns?

19

Bolton Wanderers: 575 points

Ever seen a player so good they named him twice? That was Jay-Jay Okocha. The former Bolton Wanderers star formed the most unlikely partnership with Sam Allardyce during the club’s impressive 11-year stay in the Premier League. Their best finish saw them reach as high as sixth in the 2004/05 season and there still exists the famous video of Allardyce attempting his best dance moves with his star midfielder in 2003.

18

Sunderland: 637 points

Sunderland have been back to where they belong this season and are even on course for their highest-ever Premier League finish. The Black Cats have fought their way back from the depths of League One and may yet get the chance to move up the all-time Premier League table by the time that May arrives. A club built on the memories of stunning Jermain Defoe volleys and Kevin Phillips’ goalscoring heroics could now be about to form their most historic campaign yet.

17

Middlesbrough: 661 points

This time next year, we could be welcoming Middlesbrough back to the Premier League for the first time since 2017. It was then that they welcomed the likes of Alvaro Negredo, only to struggle in front of goal when it wasn’t the forward finding the back of the net. It was the third time that they suffered relegation from the Premier League in their history and everyone around Riverside will be desperate to earn redemption almost a decade later.

16

Crystal Palace: 728 points

Whilst there is a running joke that Crystal Palace always end the season sat in 13th, the all-time table has them 16th and their form over the last year suggests that they could be destined for better things. From mid-table mediocrity, the Eagles have soared to become FA Cup winners, Community Shield winners and a side competing in European football. This is without doubt one of, if not the best Crystal Palace side in the club’s history.

15

Fulham: 804 points

Like Palace, Fulham have often been accused of ending their seasons sat in mid-table, but they won’t mind that. The Cottagers have become an established Premier League side once again under Marco Silva and have caused plenty of upsets on their way. Alas, it’s their time under Roy Hodgson that stands out the most, with the veteran manager taking the West London side all the way to the Europa League final in 2010. 15 years later, no one’s forgotten the stunning comeback victory against Juventus at Craven Cottage.

14

Leeds United: 831 points

Like Sunderland, Leeds United are back where they belong in the Premier League. The Whites are full of top flight history and still have their place on the all-time table after the success that they had in the early Premier League years. Their most successful campaign remains a third-place finish under David O’Leary in 2000 to bring Champions League football to Elland Road, as Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka and Alan Smith all starred.

13

Leicester City: 846 points

It’s still absurd, isn’t it? Leicester City: Premier League champions. It remains the most impressive achievement in English football history, as the Foxes took the fight to the big six and somehow came out on top in the 2015/16 campaign. We’re unlikely to see a repeat anytime soon, if ever. Even after they suffered relegation last season, it’s tough to think about the Premier League without picturing Claudio Ranieri’s title winners.

12

Blackburn Rovers: 970 points

It’s been over a decade since Blackburn Rovers were relegated from the Premier League and they remain one of the biggest sides yet to earn promotion back to the top flight. From winning the title in the 1994/95 campaign, Blackburn were relegated in the 1998/99 season and then once more in 2012. History, however, will tell the story of how Sir Kenny Dalglish, with Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton, took his side to glory in 95.

11

Southampton: 1,100 points

For a while, Southampton couldn’t get much wrong in the Premier League. They thrived under Mauricio Pochettino then hired Ronald Koeman to pick up where he left off. The Saints also quickly became Liverpool’s favourite club, with Sadio Mane, Dejan Lovren, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Virgil van Dijk all heading to Anfield for impressive fees. Although some will be quick to remember last season’s disaster, Southampton were once one of the best ball-playing teams outside the top six.

After securing promotion from the Championship at the end of the season, Leeds United will need to make shrewd additions if they are to build on their success.

Daniel Farke has led the side back to the Premier League, but the hard work starts now for the German, given the nature of the task he’s faced with in 2025/26.

The last six teams promoted to England’s top-flight have all suffered an immediate relegation back to the second tier, with the Whites looking to avoid suffering the same fate.

However, despite registering a total of 100 points in this campaign, investment is needed from the hierarchy if they are to be competitive and maintain their Premier League status.

The manager will also need to move some players on from Elland Road, with multiple already touted with transfers away from Yorkshire over the coming months.

The latest on players who could leave Leeds this summer

Left-back Junior Firpo is one player who looks set to leave Leeds this summer, with his contract now just having over a month left until he becomes a free agent.

He’s since been touted with a whole host of moves away from Yorkshire, with Spanish outfit Real Betis strongly linked with a move to resign the 28-year-old ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Striker Mateo Joseph had huge expectations going into this season, but it’s safe to say that the Spaniard has struggled massively, scoring just three goals in his 39 league outings.

Like Firpo, he too has been touted with a summer switch back to LaLiga, with Betis also keen on a deal to sign the Spanish U21 international in the coming months.

However, despite the interest in the aforementioned pair, one other player needs to be sold from the club during the off-season, handing Farke the funds to make changes to his squad.

The player who Farke needs to sell this summer

After a two-year absence from the top-flight, Leeds will return to such a division ahead of 2025/26, looking to match the performance levels they set for themselves in 2020/21.

Under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa, the Whites secured a ninth-placed finish, taking the division by storm with his infamous ‘Bielsa Ball’ system which required high-intensity running.

Only numerous players from that squad currently remain at Elland Road, with striker Patrick Bamford one of those stars – scoring 17 times and earning an England call-up as a result.

Winger Jack Harrison is another talent who was part of such a squad, but he’s massively disappointed in recent years, being sent on loan to Everton for the last couple of seasons.

During his time at Elland Road, he caught the eye with his pace and eye for a goal, leading to former Whites star David Norris labelling him “exciting to watch”.

He’s notched a combined total of 207 appearances for the club over various spells, registering 34 goals in such time – but he shouldn’t be given the chance to add to such tallies in 2025/26.

After relegation back in 2022/23, he would leave and join the Toffees on two separate loan stints, but it was announced earlier this week that they would not be making his deal permanent this summer.

As a result, he will return to Yorkshire, but Farke should sell him and raise funds for new additions, allowing him to try and resurrect his career elsewhere in the coming months.

His figures at Goodison Park compared to his latest season in Yorkshire highlight his demise over the last few years, desperately needing to cut ties and allow him to move onto pastures new.

The 28-year-old still has three years left on his current deal at Elland Road, but it remains unclear how much they will demand to sell him during the off-season.

However, given such a dip in performance, it’s clear that he’s not at the level required if the side are to survive the drop next campaign, allowing the manager to make his own stamp on the squad.

Leeds now keen on signing "brilliant" Liverpool-born player with 3 England caps

The Whites are now interested in signing a Premier League player, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.

3

By
Dominic Lund

May 27, 2025

As Manchester United get set to take on Chelsea in the penultimate game of their miserable Premier League season on Friday night, one man who won’t be involved in proceedings is Old Trafford exile, Jadon Sancho.

The 25-year-old loanee – who is ineligible to feature for the Blues against his parent club – is set to head into a summer of uncertainty at Stamford Bridge, with it yet to be seen whether the west London side will secure his services on a permanent basis.

With talk in recent months indicating that Enzo Maresca’s side could actually pay a £5m fee in order to send him back to Manchester, despite agreeing to a £20m-£25m obligation to buy last summer, the Red Devils face the very real prospect of being lumped with the £195k-per-week winger once again.

In truth, even with a change in the dugout following Ruben Amorim’s arrival, the England international should have no future back at the Theatre of Dreams, having proven a simply wasted venture following his £73m arrival in 2021.

Perhaps hampered by a long, drawn-out saga that began in 2020, the former Borussia Dortmund man has been unable to replicate his Bundesliga heroics, having chalked up just 18 goals and assists in 83 games for United to date.

Alongside the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony, Sancho is a player who INEOS need to cash in on this summer. What they must not do, however, is sign a talent of a similar ilk…

Man Utd's search for a forward

Whether it pays off or not remains to be seen, although it is encouraging to see that United are looking to target current Premier League stars this summer, ensuring there should be less of a need for adaptation next season.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Indeed, both Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap appear to be at the top of the shopping list, while recent reports have also indicated that Amorim and co are interested in Bournemouth’s £60m-rated sensation, Antoine Semenyo.

With the Red Devils intent on strengthening the 40-year-old’s attacking options, Sky Sports have since revealed that United are also keeping tabs on Nottingham Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi.

As per reporter Dharmesh Sheth, the Englishman currently has just a year left on his contract at the City Ground, with talks currently “ongoing” with the Champions League hopefuls regarding an extension.

Reading between the lines, INEOS appear ready to pounce should those negotiations hit a stumbling block, with Forest perhaps willing to cash in, considering that they signed the ex-Chelsea man for a fee of just £3m back in 2023.

Alongside former United academy graduate, Anthony Elanga, Hudson-Odoi has no doubt flourished for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side – but is he what Amorim really needs?

Why Man Utd could be targeting another Sancho

The journey of a young footballer is rarely a smooth one, as Sancho, in particular, has come to learn.

Plucked from Manchester City by Dortmund on a £10m deal in 2017, the wing wizard went on to sparkle in German football over the next four years, with his total record for the Bundesliga side – when factoring last season’s loan spell back at the club – standing at 120 goals and assists in 158 games.

For all that talent and potential, it just hasn’t worked out since then, with Sancho now a forgotten man in Manchester, having also provided only eight goal involvements in the league this season for the Blues. His last Three Lions outing came as far back as October 2021.

It has been a similar story for Hudson-Odoi too, with the one-time wonderkid touted for big things after making his senior international debut at the age of just 18, having also been the subject of a £70m offer from Bayern Munich in 2020.

Injuries and limited game followed back at Chelsea, however, while he was also shipped off to Bayer Leverkusen for an unsuccessful loan in 2022/23, which yielded just one goal and one assist.

After recording 16 goals and 22 assists in 126 games for the west Londoners, the decision was made to cash in on the fleet-footed winger two years ago, while on the international scene, he has been unable to build on his three caps – all of which came in 2019.

To his credit, the man once described as a “monster of a talent” by journalist Nizaar Kinsella has found his feet at Forest, with 13 goals and six assists in 68 games in all competitions, including the winner against Manchester City earlier this year.

That said, like Sancho, he hasn’t exactly pulled up any trees – if you’ll pardon the pun – in Nottingham, having matched his compatriot’s record of only eight goal contributions in the top-flight this term.

Interestingly too, the two widemen – both of whom can play on either flank – are noted as statistically similar players among those in their position in the division, as per FBref, with United at risk of landing another mercurial and inconsistent talent.

Perhaps, for a bargain fee, Hudson-Odoi could prove worth the gamble, although having witnessed Sancho struggle so greatly in recent years, targeting a player of similar quality and ability may well need to be avoided.

Forget Obi: Amorim can finally axe Hojlund for Man Utd's homegrown Gyokeres

Man Utd could have another academy sensation up their sleeve…

1

By
Robbie Walls

May 14, 2025

Liverpool have won back the Premier League from Manchester City, five years after they last stoop atop the mountainous English pyramid.

Pep Guardiola’s side have broken records to win four in a row since Jurgen Klopp put Liverpool back on their perch, but City have fallen by the wayside this season and Arsenal have never managed to build the requisite consistency to end their recent runner-up reputation.

But consistency has been Arne Slot’s middle name this year, his first since replacing Klopp in the Anfield dugout and putting the Reds back in the ascendency.

It bears testament to FSG’s business model that already sporting director Richard Hughes is liaising with Michel Edwards ahead of the summer transfer window, with signings needed in defence and attack to protect this exciting new position at the summit.

Ryan Gravenberch, a revelation

Gravenberch is a Premier League-winning midfielder. The Dutchman has started every single match as Liverpool have capered toward the title, deeply set in the midfield soil, no way of being uprooted.

Who saw it coming? Many of a Liverpool persuasion will no doubt admit they had reservations after a stop-start 2023/24 campaign, his first in England after Klopp completed his midfield rebuild by signing the Bayern Munich prospect for a £34m fee at the end of the 2023 summer transfer window.

The Netherlands international, 22, has recently spoken of the adversity he has had to overcome after playing so infrequently last year, and while he’s looked a little sapped at times recently, Gravenberch has been “first-class all season” in the eyes of pundit Peter Crouch.

He’s effectively improved across every metric, turning from a meandering midfield prospect into a deep-lying general of surpassing quality.

However, Gravenberch has indeed alluded to the fact that he’s been overworked, and it’s something Slot and Hughes have considered, for Liverpool seem to be getting ready to sign a midfield rival this summer.

Liverpool ready to sign Premier League midfielder

According to reports, via Caught Offside, Liverpool are interested in signing FA Cup hero Adam Wharton this summer and are preparing to lodge a £50m offer in the coming months.

Wharton, 21, has been a revelation at Crystal Palace and is not going to be short of suitors, with Arsenal and Manchester United also reported to be keen on doing a deal.

Though Liverpool’s title-winning midfield is probably the area of the pitch least in need of external assistance, Wharton might prove to complete the puzzle and maybe even leave Gravenberch sweating over the security of his starting berth.

Why Adam Wharton would be perfect for Liverpool

Crystal Palace produced a consummate performance against Aston Villa last weekend to set their place in next month’s FA Cup final. Wharton was among the standouts, with BBC pundit Shay Given even likening him to a rather well-respected midfielder of old.

Centre-midfielder Wharton left Blackburn Rovers in the Championship to sign for the Eagles for an initial £18m fee, leaving the club that had reared him.

He’s not going to have looked back, striking from the get-go a reputation for his slick passing and composed stride in the centre of the park.

His renown has burgeoned over the past 15 months, reaching its apotheosis (so far) after dismantling a Villa side at Wembley to move within touching distance of a first major trophy in Palace’s long history.

As per FBref, Wharton ranks among the top 5% of Premier League midfielders this season for progressive passes, the top 9% for ball recoveries and the top 15% for shot-creating actions made per 90, perfectly illustrating his elite passing game, crisp as you like while being creative too. He’s also a thoroughbred athlete, covering so much ground.

It’s a similar profile to that of Gravenberch. Although the argument that he’s performing such metrics to a lesser standard is there. It’s recorded that the Dutchman ranks among the top 31% of said midfielders for progressive passes, but also among the bottom 36% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Given that both players operate in positionally similar zones, it’s easy to ascertain that Wharton is the better man in distribution. Moreover, he doesn’t shirk from his defensive duties either, winning 1.8 tackles per Premier League game this season, as per Sofascore.

There’s nothing to say that these two players couldn’t work in conjunction within Slot’s Liverpool set-up, but there’s little question that Gravenberch lacks the natural-born seamlessness in possession. Not to say it’s a tactical deficiency of his, but rather, a glowing endorsement of Wharton’s talent.

The fact is, Gravenberch has lulled, and while he has areas that eclipse that of Palace’s man, the semblance between the two, which still manages to contrast and show off distinctive qualities, suggests that Liverpool would hit the jackpot in forging ahead with a deal for Selhurst Park’s midfield star.

Slot’s finely-wrought system hasn’t seen too much tinkering this term, but Wharton would be able to ply his work effectively at number six, fitting in for Gravenberch and given the opportunity to make the role his own.

He’s demonstrated his capacity on the big occasion, with esteemed journalist Henry Winter describing Wharton as a “passing machine” and the “best player on the pitch” during the FA Cup semi-final.

You could even make the strong claim that the one-cap England international has the superior ball-playing game to Gravenberch and may well be a more fitting number six in Slot’s flowing system.

In any case, having both in the mix would hardly be a bad thing; indeed, this is exactly the type of move that Liverpool need to make so as to consolidate their position at the top of the Premier League.

Bad news for Diaz: Liverpool have firm interest in £70m "game-changer"

Liverpool’s reported interest in this Premier League star could be bad news for Luis Diaz.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 26, 2025

A £50 million-rated Crystal Palace star has now told club chiefs that he is ready to leave this summer amid interest from Manchester United and others, according to a recent report.

Crystal Palace chasing midfield reinforcements

Whether Palace win the FA Cup and therefore secure Europa League football or not, it looks as though the South Londoners are going to be very busy in the summer transfer window.

New target: Crystal Palace interested in signing "fantastic" £9m "monster"

The Eagles have set their sights on a midfielder, who is set to be available for a bargain fee this summer.

By
Dominic Lund

May 1, 2025

A couple of weeks ago, Palace announced that midfielder Will Hughes agreed a new contract until 2027, but it is still clear Oliver Glasner and co. have their eyes on adding to their options in the middle of the park. Highly-rated Sunderland pair Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham have been linked with moves to Selhurst Park, but they are not the only options under consideration.

Palace are now interested in signing Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City, as the midfielder can leave the Foxes for just £9 million, given that he has a relegation clause.

However, they are not alone in the race, as Everton and Fulham from the Premier League are also interested in a deal. Palace are also in the running to sign midfielder Rayan Cherki from French side Lyon. However, the Premier League side are considered ‘dark horses’ in the race, given that there are many other teams from England also looking to snap up the exciting attacker.

£50m Crystal Palace star tells chiefs he wants out

Signing players like Ndidi and Cherki may become a top priority for the Eagles, given the fact they could be about to lose a key player. According to TBR Football, Eberechi Eze has told Crystal Palace he wants to leave the club this summer amid interest from Premier League teams.

TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey has now reported that Eze feels it is the right time for him to leave Palace. This news comes amid significant interest from teams in the Premier League – Manchester United are hopeful of signing Eze, while Spurs consider signing Eze as a replacement for Son Heung-min and Liverpool are considered the frontrunners to secure a deal.

Bailey said on Eze’s situation: “Much will depend on Palace’s demands around his release clause; very few are needed to be paid in one lump sum, and I don’t believe that Palace will do that to Eze either. Tottenham love the player; we know that – but they are not alone – Manchester City like him a lot. I am told that Pep Guardiola is an admirer.

“City are looking at bolstering their attacking midfield ranks, but Florian Wirtz is ahead of him in that regard, and I believe so are Lucas Paqueta, Charles De Ketelaere and Francisco Trincão, but I would not dismiss it totally. Newcastle and Aston Villa also admire him, and if he does go – it will be a team playing in Europe.

“Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are all fully aware of him and are fans of his talents, but I don’t believe he is a priority for them as it stands. Eze, for his part, feels the time is right to move and has expressed this to Palace.”

Eze, who has been dubbed “frightening” by teammate Joel Ward, would cost teams a minimum of £50 million this summer.

Manchester City are eyeing a £30 million-plus move for a former Real Madrid defender this summer, as Pep Guardiola looks to shore up his side’s shaky backline, according to a new report.

City eyeing Champions League qualification

After a poor start to the campaign, City have shown signs of resurgence in recent months. While they’re still not quite at the level that brought them sustained domestic dominance in recent years, Pep Guardiola’s side are now firmly back in the hunt for Champions League qualification — a prospect that seemed highly unlikely just a few months ago.

Speaking to the club’s official website, midfielder Ilkay Gundogan recently addressed the importance of securing a top-four finish, calling it a “responsibility” to ensure City remain among Europe’s elite despite an underwhelming season.

“Our team is made and built to be more than this — it’s built to be a contender for the title every single year.For various reasons, we haven’t been at our best for a long period of the season. We are where we are right now, and we need to accept the situation.

“There are minimum targets that have to be achieved at this club, and that’s definitely qualifying for the Champions League next season. We have to do it – it’s our responsibility.”

City eyeing move for Lazio defender Mario Gila

One of Manchester City’s most pressing issues this season has been their defensive frailty. In the Premier League, Guardiola’s side have already conceded more goals than in any previous campaign under the Spaniard — and the most since the 2009/10 season, when Mark Hughes and Roberto Mancini led the team to a fifth-place finish.

Not just De Bruyne: Pep's 5/10 star could now be finished at Man City

Manchester City battled to a 2-0 victory over Everton at Goodison on Saturday, but two Sky Blue stalwarts certainly did not impress on Merseyside.

By
Ben Gray

Apr 19, 2025

Guardiola attempted to bolster his defensive options in January, bringing in centre-back Abdukodir Khusanov from RC Lens and highly rated teenager Vitor Reis from Palmeiras. However, Khusanov has struggled to impress since his arrival, and reports suggest he could already be sent out on loan this summer. As for Reis, the 19-year-old is seen more as a long-term prospect rather than an immediate solution to City’s defensive issues.

According to CaughtOffside, City are now eyeing Lazio centre-back Mario Gila as a key target for the upcoming transfer window. Pep is reportedly a fan of the 24-year-old’s “composure, passing ability and understanding of defence”.

The report adds that Lazio are open to selling the former Real Madrid defender for a fee in the region of £34–39 million. However, City will face stiff competition for his signature, with Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Madrid themselves all monitoring the situation closely.

Gila has been one of Lazio’s key players this season, starting 26 of the club’s 28 Serie A games, winning an impressive 33 tackles and making 118 recoveries.