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With Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Tijjani Reijnders already through the door, Manchester City are now reportedly in talks to sign a young midfielder this summer.

Man City open Club World Cup with routine victory

Whilst many Premier League sides are currently catching their breath following a frantic season, Manchester City and Chelsea are in America to compete in the Club World Cup. Some players have even gone from Premier League football to international duty then to the competition in a concerning period without a lengthy break, but that didn’t stop the Citizens from easing to victory in their opening game.

Securing a 2-0 victory courtesy of goals from Phil Foden and Jeremie Doku against Wydad FC, the only negative for Manchester City was Rico Lewis’ controversial red card.

Pep Guardiola was seen confronting the officials about the incident after the full-time whistle and he told reporters when asked about the red card in his post-match press conference: “[Rico’s] leg was little bit high, but he was on the grass. Touches the ball with the speed that they go through, your leg has to be a little bit high and the other player down.

“It was not intentional and it was a red card versus Crystal Palace after the referee came and said it wasn’t a red card. Rico never had intention to hurt anyone. A little bit unnecessary, the red card. The referee is the boss and had other intentions, VAR checked it and we have to accept the decision.”

Meanwhile, as the action continues on the pitch, the Citizens are set to remain just as busy in the transfer window amid reports that they’re not in talks to sign a Premier League gem.

Man City "in talks" to sign Dexter Oliver

According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City are now “in talks” to sign Dexter Oliver from Tottenham Hotspur. Negotiations are reportedly advancing and all signs are pointing towards a move to The Etihad for the young midfielder who Romano described as “talented”.

At 16 years old, Oliver is undoubtedly one for the future whether that’s at Spurs or, indeed, Manchester City. And he wouldn’t be the first talent to break out of City’s youth system if he decided to swap the Lilywhites’ academy for the chance to join the Manchester club.

How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup for Free

Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup.

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 13, 2025

From Cole Palmer to Jeremie Frimpong and Jamie Gittens, European football is littered with Manchester City’s talented graduates. Now, Dexter could commence his path towards similar stardom. Guardiola, meanwhile, will have the chance to make his mark on another young talent if the midfielder eventually breaks into the first-team.

It’s been a non-stop summer for those at the Stadium of Light as the reality of the Premier League begins to dawn on Sunderland.

By the time Sunderland’s opener comes around versus West Ham United, the complexion of Regis Le Bris’ starting lineup could look very different from the playoff final success against Sheffield United, with both Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson already nowhere to be seen.

Moreover, there will no doubt be a lot of new faces vying for game-time after joining the newly promoted club, with Marcin Bulka perhaps taking over first-team goalkeeper duties from Anthony Patterson if he does join from OGC Nice.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday that the Black Cats have opened talks regarding a potential move for the Polish stopper, as they seek to win the race ahead of a long list of other suitors.

He might not be the only defensive addition coming in this summer to bring extra competition, however, as Sunderland now find themselves locked in a race to sign a promising centre-back.

Sunderland in the race to sign £7m defender

As per a report by OnTheMinute, Sunderland remain in the race to land 21-year-old defender Saba Goglichidze.

Transfer Focus

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

The Empoli centre-back is attracting lots of interest despite his current employers’ recent relegation from the Serie A, with the report adding that the Black Cats’ fiercest rivals in Newcastle United are now keen on the Georgian as well, alongside fellow Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest.

It’s even been speculated that the Tricky Trees are now ready to place a £7m bid for the 6-foot-4 colossus, with OnTheMinute stating that a bid around this region could be enough for Empoli to part ways with their main asset.

Sunderland will hope they can gain an advantage in this race somehow, with Goglichidze’s potential arrival – on top of Bulka walking through the door – undoubtedly strengthening Le Bris and Co. at the back ahead of their uphill Premier League climb.

How Goglichidze could shine with Bulka

After all, when assessing Goglichidze’s stay at Empoli up to this point, it’s clear he isn’t fazed by the bright lights of a top division.

Indeed, the up-and-coming 21-year-old has even had suitors from AC Milan and Juventus look at him, with his sparkling form in Italy seeing him pick up a solitary assist from his 33 league encounters last season, on top of also bravely battling away for his basement side with 3.9 duels won on average.

With four clean sheets in league action next to his name, too, it’s clear that Goglichidze is destined for bigger and better things than slumping down to the Italian second division, and with Bulka behind in him the sticks, he could go on to look even more confident and assured knowing he has a top-drawer shot-stopper by his side.

Across his four seasons in between the sticks for Nice, the reliable Pole has managed to collect 30 clean sheets, with a hefty 18 of those coming just last campaign. To add context, Patterson would finish his own individual season with a lesser 14 next to his name, even from 45 games overall.

That is still a respectable tally, but there will be a real worry in the air about the intense jump-up in quality, considering Southampton – who were the reigning playoff champions before Sunderland’s big moment at Wembley – are just fresh off leaking a dire 86 strikes stuck at the bottom of the division, which is 17 more than the Black Cats gave up during their last relegation horror-show in the top-flight.

The Saints looking so porous could be sounding the alarm bells for Le Bris and Co. as we speak, with the Black Cats giving up a high 44 strikes last season themselves. Amazingly, both Leeds United and Burnley only gave up 46 goals combined.

The arrival of fresh blood in the form of Saba Goglichidze and his potential new Polish teammate might be just what the newly promoted side needs, therefore, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig even going as far as to declare the 21-year-old a “wonderful” talent.

It will be a turbulent ride ahead for Sunderland, but if Le Bris can work his magic on this fresh defensive pairing, survival might be reached.

Romano: Sunderland in talks to sign "superb" player loved by Luis Enrique

The Black Cats are in the hunt for a new stopper.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jun 26, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur’s rooted strategy in signing exciting young talents and developing them into high-class players capable of thriving in the Premier League preceded the glittery early days of Ange Postecoglou’s tenure.

But perhaps the Londoners lacked a bit of experience to help guide them through the stormy spells any season will bring. The lowly top-flight finish ended Postecoglou’s frenzied spell at the helm, a two-year stint that elicited every range of emotion from the Spurs faithful and culminated with triumph in the Europa League, thus restoring Tottenham’s place in the Champions League.

While the Lilywhites have created a foundation with their historic victory over Manchester United, it’s crucial that the secured silverware is used as a springboard for sustained success over the coming years.

In order to do this, Tottenham are going to need to hit the mark with their transfer priorities, piecing a team together that is fit for purpose at the highest level of the Premier League.

Spurs' transfer priorities this summer

Uncertainty continues to reign over Cristian Romero’s future in the English capital. The Argentina centre-back is being chased by Atletico Madrid, who are willing to spend around £60m to bring him over to La Liga.

Frank is desperate to keep hold of his defensive anchor. However, the Danish tactician does seem keen on bolstering his ranks with a slick attacking full-back – the £45m-rated Antonee Robinson is on the radar – and a winger to replace Heung-min Son, should the iconic captain leave.

While he wouldn’t have strictly been a direct replacement, the powers that be down at N17 were desperate to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo as Tottenham’s new goalscoring winger supreme, but he’s rejected advances from all but United and is edging closer to a transfer to Old Trafford.

Midfield is in less need of reinforcements, but the pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze denotes an interest in signing a creative midfielder to contest for a starting berth with the likes of James Maddison.

However, with Eze fixed in Arsenal’s sights, Daniel Levy seems to have shifted his attention elsewhere.

Spurs join race for sought-after midfielder

According to Caught Offside, Tottenham have joined the race for SL Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu, who is anticipated to be available this summer for the right price.

Kokcu would fetch a €40m (£34m) fee, having impressed across his two terms with Benfica. Spurs are alongside Manchester United, Tottenham and Inter Milan in their interest; however, the player is thought to favour a move to Premier League champions Liverpool.

The 24-year-old worked under Arne Slot at Feyenoord, but Frank’s new project, offering the promise of Champions League football, could see the Londoners sign an exciting new creative presence.

Why Spurs wants Orkun Kokcu

Kokcu is still young in his professional career, but he has already accomplished so much. Joining Benfica from Feyenoord for around €30m (£25m) in June 2023, he’s chalked up 19 goals and 22 assists over 98 appearances in all competitions.

Once heralded as “one of the best midfielders in the country” by football legend Jaap Stam, while plying his trade in Holland, Kokcu opted against taking a move to one of Europe’s elite and instead focused on fostering his talents with Benfica, now more complete for it.

And given that he’s been praised as a “leader” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, this rising star might turn out to be the galvanising midfield force to spearhead the Frank era.

Who knows, maybe he’ll even come to be an upgrade on Maddison.

As you can see, Kokcu is more than capable of matching Maddison’s immense creative qualities – an aptitude which has indeed seen the England international hailed as a “magician” by the likes of statistician Statman Dave in the past.

Moreover, the 28-year-old playmaker’s two terms with Tottenham have been frustratingly defined by regular injury setbacks. Given that Kokcu is four years his junior, there’s plenty of scope for growth with Frank might want to take advantage of.

While Spurs’ man is somewhat more combative than Kokcu, the Turkey talent is even more creative and clinical besides. Indeed, having missed just two big chances in the Primeira Liga last season, scoring seven goals, he’s got the goalscoring edge that could be channelled in a similar fashion as his counterpart here.

And the proof is in the pudding, for Kokcu, indeed, has demonstrated his ability to stand out against high-level Premier League opposition.

While Maddison is an incredible, dynamic midfielder, he’s got his flaws, and in Kokcu, Tottenham could get their hands on a pass master with the ever-widening scope that is required for success at the highest level.

After all, he managed to throw down with the heavy hitters in last season’s Champions League, finishing the campaign ranked among the top 15% of midfielders for goals scored and shot-creating actions, the top 19% for progressive passes and the top 13% for completed through balls per 90, as per FBref.

Tottenham might not be able to sign one of their top targets in Eze, but by moving for Kokcu, Frank could get his hands on an astute signing who has so much room for growth – potentially even turning out better, more consistent, than Maddison.

Dele 2.0: Spurs open talks to re-sign the Championship's "best full-back"

Tottenham are looking to make some shrewd signings ahead of the 2025/26 season.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 4, 2025

You can understand a few disgruntled and impatient Arsenal fans right now, even if Andrea Berta has concluded some fabulous deals in the transfer window to date.

While Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke have all arrived, the Gunners boarded their flight on Saturday for their pre-season Asia tour without a new striker.

Some supporters may deem that a failure but Berta and Co are making progress. Viktor Gyokeres is poised to arrive at the Emirates Stadium, provided there are no late hiccups.

Arsenal have long needed a striker and you sense that the fanbase will not be content with how this summer has played out until one signs on the dotted line.

Still, there could yet be a late twist in the tale.

Arsenal looking at Gyokeres alternative

Last weekend, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that Arsenal had made a breakthrough in their negotiations with Sporting regarding Gyokeres.

He revealed that Arsenal were ‘in the process of completing a move’ for the Swede and were taking the final steps in negotiations with the Lisbon club. It’s widely thought that the remaining hold up on the deal concerns the add-ons attached to the move. Frederico Varandas, the club’s president, is said to be hankering over how realistic those add-ons are.

Still, according to The Express’ Ryan Taylor, the Gunners remain ‘relaxed’ about the situation.

Before their pursuit of Gyokeres ramped up, the dream target for Arsenal and indeed for many other clubs was Alexander Isak.

Transfer Focus

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

Gyokeres’ international colleague has been the subject of interest from the north Londoners for some time now but amid recent interest from Liverpool, who are reportedly willing to slap £120m on the table, a new update has emerged concerning Arsenal.

Indeed, according to the club insider AFC Camden, ‘Isak’s representatives made contact with Arsenal in recent weeks’.

While this doesn’t mean a deal is necessarily on the table, particularly as it’s well documented Newcastle don’t want to sell, it’s interesting to see that the Gunners have been in talks as recently as this summer.

Last summer, the same source suggested that Mikel Arteta had told Martin Zubimendi to wait for Arsenal’s advances and lo and behold, the deal has now come to fruition. Perhaps this one might have legs too.

How Gyokeres compares to Alexander Isak

It’s safe to say that Arsenal need to score more goals next season. For the first time since the 1923/24 campaign, no player in the famous red and white scored double figures in a league campaign.

Yes, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz endured multiple months out with injury, but it rubberstamps Mikel Arteta’s biggest problem heading into 2025/26.

If it’s goals you’re after, then few do it better than Gyokeres. No player in Europe’s biggest leagues last season scored more goals than Gyokeres’ 54. He netted those in 52 outings, underlining exactly why Arsenal are after him.

It’s not as though he hasn’t done it in England, either. At Coventry City he led an ultimately failed promotion charge, scoring 22 goals in 2022/23 for the Sky Blues.

Yet, Isak has a special set of qualities that illuminate exactly why so many, including analyst Raj Chohan, have decided that he is “the best striker in the world.”

The Newcastle attacker may not have enjoyed a 50-goal season but he was still spectacular last term, bagging 27 in all competitions and finding the net on 23 occasions in the Premier League. Only Mohammed Salah scored more than the Swede in the English top-flight.

But it’s not just his goalscoring ability that makes him such a joy to watch. As some have already made reference to, he’s a bit like Thierry Henry. They’ve got that flair and exuberance, that willingness to run and dart down the channels, cutting inside in a similar fashion before unleashing hell on a goalkeeper.

“How many times did you see Thierry go through on goal and panic? It’s the same with Isak, if he goes through on a one-on-one you’re just always confident he’ll score,” Peter Crouch once said.

“Alexander Isak is giving me little vibes of Thierry Henry, to be honest. He’s looking so sharp right now. Those two finishes for those two goals [vs Southampton] make it seem like the easiest thing in the world,” said Nedum Onuoha on BBC Sport’s Final Score.

For those of an Arsenal persuasion, nothing brings more excitement than a player who plays in a similar manner to their all-time top goalscorer.

It’s for that reason, and indeed Isak’s success in the Premier League already, that many would view him as the biggest superstar out of the two. He’s been doing it at the elite level for a number of years now, and he’s used to dominating the best defenders in the game.

After the Toon defeated Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, a game in which the Swede shone, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville noted that Isak had “Gabriel and Saliba on toast”. Considering the Gunners duo are two of the best centre-halves in the league, it was special praise indeed.

So, while a move to bring Isak to the Emirates is incredibly unlikely, there’s no doubting just how good a signing it would be.

More exciting signing than Eze: Arsenal preparing bid for £87m "superstar"

The incredible international would change the game for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 18, 2025

Manchester United failed to deliver last season, but INEOS and Ruben Amorim are doing all the right things this summer as they disassemble and rebuild a struggling squad.

The anticipated exodus has not been so much a flow of exits as a trickle, however. But Marcus Rashford is set to sign for Barcelona and Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho are all anticipated to complete moves away in the coming weeks too.

With Bryan Mbeumo finally set to sign for the Old Trafford side in a £71m total package, fans can start to get excited by a new-look frontline that already contains Matheus Cunha, who left Wolverhampton Wanderers to sign for the Red Devils earlier this summer.

However, there’s something missing, and no mistake. It’s the front of the ship: Man United need a striker.

Man Utd's search for a striker

Man United wanted Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres earlier in the transfer window, but the pursuit of both came to nought. Such is the market, especially when you have no European football to offer.

However, the Red Devils attracted both Cunha and Mbeumo despite tempting offers elsewhere, and they have now compiled a new shortlist, with Benjamin Sesko and Nicolas Jackson both mooted.

However, Amorim might be convinced to target instead Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who, at 29, is older but also more experienced and accomplished in the English game. It’s alleged by reported Ben Jacobs that United are discussing a potential move for the forward.

Arsenal have also shown a vested interest in the Three Lions star over the past year, and he is expected to command a price tag of around £60m, although United technical director Jason Wilcox will be sure to try and whittle this down.

Why Man Utd should sign Ollie Watkins

Watkins is established as one of the most reliable goal scorers in the Premier League. In fact, he’s been described as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe” by podcaster Rohan Jivan.

Athletic and powerful, Watkins is able to play through the lines and use his sharpness to assist teammates as well as strike on goal himself, creating an overall sense of fluency that could be perfect for a United side welcoming Cunha and Mbeumo to the fold.

But, more to the point, Watkins could be a fantastic deal, one that should be pursued over the likes of Chelsea’s Jackson, who is available this summer but for a lofty price of £70m.

Jackson, 24, is a talented centre-forward. Like Watkins, he’s mobile, ranking across Europe’s top five leagues among the top 17% of strikers for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

However, he’s still a work in progress, having missed 43 big chances across his two seasons in the Premier League, as per Sofascore, but having only scored 24 goals.

Watkins, across that same period, has missed 49 big chances, although he’s scored 35 goals. It’s clear that Man United need instantaneous results next term, and Watkins could be the man to achieve the desired effect.

Jackson, however, is more of a mixed bag, and given that he would cost more than Watkins, one of the Premier League’s leading strikers, INEOS must show off their savvy approach by picking the shrewder option.

Bigger star than Mbeumo: Man Utd discussing £78m move to sign "new Haaland"

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim wants to sign an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund.

2

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 21, 2025

Johnny Cardoso and Julian Alvarez have been left out of Atletico Madrid's squad to face Liverpool in their Champions League opener. Alvarez has been a mainstay in Diego Simeone's side since completing his move to the Spanish club from Manchester City in 2024, and has two goal contributions to his name from four appearances so far this season.

• Simeone names 22-man squad for Liverpool clash

  Atletico Madrid have officially released the 22-man squad Simeone has chosen to travel to Merseyside to face reigning Premier League champions Liverpool in their Champions League opener. Alvarez and Cardoso are the most notable absentees, but Thiago Almada, Jose Maria Gimenez, and Alex Baena have also been omitted from the squad.

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  Alvarez picked up injury against Villarreal

  Alvarez started Atletico's latest La Liga fixture against Villarreal but was substituted at half-time after suffering a knee injury. The Argentina international has yet to recover from the knock and will miss the European clash against the Reds. While Alvarez missed half of the Villarreal game, he did provide the assist for Pablo Barrios' early goal as Simeone's side picked up a comfortable 2-0 win.

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  Why is Cardoso unable to play?

  United States men's national team star Cardoso, who joined Atletico from fellow La Liga club Real Betis for a fee of $35 million (£25.7m) in the summer, reportedly sustained a sprain during the club's training session on Monday and will not travel to the UK for Champions League duty.

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  Anfield to Mallorca: Quick turnaround for Atletico

  After facing Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday, Simeone's Atletico side will only have four days to prepare for their next La Liga outing away at Real Mallorca on Sunday. Atletico are down in 11th in the table after winning just one of their first four games.

As they look to welcome their next addition following James Trafford, Manchester City are now reportedly eyeing a cut-price move to sign a midfield star who Pep Guardiola loves.

Man City closing in on Trafford

For much of the summer, Trafford looked Newcastle United’s to lose. The Magpies, whilst they missed out on other targets, looked likely to secure the goalkeeper’s signature. And then Manchester City came calling to deal those at St James’ Park even more frustration. Now, the Citizens are the ones in pole position and have reportedly agreed a deal worth £27m to welcome Trafford back to the Etihad.

Re-signing for the club for the first time since swapping Manchester for Burnley in 2023, Trafford will hope to take hold of the No.1 shirt once and for all under Guardiola.

Given that Ederson’s Man City future is far from a guarantee these days amid links to the likes of Galatasaray, Trafford’s ambition is certainly a realistic one. The 22-year-old is one of the most talented young shot-stoppers in the Premier League and could thrive when handed the main responsibility between the sticks for Guardiola.

Although the England international still has a way to go to match Ederson’s ability on the ball, as do most goalkeepers, he will arguably provide City with a more reliable shot-stopper when looking at save percentage last season.

Meanwhile, with Trafford on his way, Man City have now reportedly shifted their focus towards another midfield reinforcement who Guardiola is a huge fan of.

Man City eyeing half-price Paqueta swoop

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Man City are now eyeing a half-price £40m move to sign Lucas Paqueta amid reports that the Brazilian is set to be cleared of all betting charges.

A player who Guardiola reportedly loves and one who former West Ham United boss David Moyes dubbed “incredible”, Paqueta could yet receive the chance to get back on track and finally secure the biggest move of his career courtesy of Man City.

Sunderland is pushing ahead with more and more new signings this summer.

Some might have expected the Black Cats to slow down the intensity of their activity after Granit Xhaka’s statement arrival on the scene, but Regis Le Bris’ men are closing in on yet another exciting deal in the form of Chelsea hotshot Marc Guiu.

Some unwelcome delays have been thrown Sunderland’s way regarding Guiu joining the Stadium of Light ranks, but all looks to still be in place for the Spaniard to eventually call Wearside his home on loan ahead of the forthcoming Premier League season.

Le Bris isn’t done here when it comes to additions up top, however, as frantic rumours continue to be churned out about Sunderland enhancing their attacking personnel.

Sunderland offered chance to sign £50m attacker

The main rumour that will have caught the attention of the Stadium of Light masses is Sunderland’s alleged interest in RB Leipzig goal machine Lois Openda.

Sky Sports’ Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed early on in August that the Premier League newcomers have the clinical Belgian on their shortlist of targets, but a deal could be hard to reach, as Leipzig weigh up losing other key first-teamers in Xavi Simons and Benjamin Sesko.

Instead, a more viable opportunity to land a deadly marksman could soon come in trying to secure a deal for Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Of course, the obvious elephant in the room here is Mitrovic’s ex-Newcastle United loyalties, but Sunderland would be foolish to turn down an opportunity to land such a potent attacker.

Journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed that the Serbian is being offered out to a whole host of Premier League clubs as he eyes up a move away from Al-Hilal, in the wake of Darwin Nunez potentially heading to the Middle East from Liverpool.

Leeds United have been offered the £50m striker’s services, alongside the Black Cats, with Sunderland able to secure themselves an even bigger talent than Openda in front of goal if they’re able to convince Mitrovic to forget his Magpies past and defect to Wearside.

Why Mitrovic is an even better signing than Openda

Openda might well possess more credit in the bank in the here and now, as the Belgian terrorises Bundesliga defences consistently, while his Serbian counterpart plays in the much-maligned Saudi Pro League.

However, as is seen with his razor-sharp instinct against Arsenal to retrieve the ball home and slot home a finish, the 30-year-old is far more proven in the tough terrain of the Premier League, when weighed up next to Openda, away from just being a general menace wherever he’s been across his globetrotting career to date.

Indeed, when looking at the table above, it’s clear to see why Mitrovic was once dubbed a “natural-born goalscorer” by former Fulham teammate Harrison Reed, with an astounding 123 goals next to his name on English shores.

That’s before you even take into account his blistering output for Al-Hilal, where he has managed to bag a ridiculous 47 strikes from just 51 games, leaving the likes of Openda in the dust in the process, who has a lesser 41 goals next to his name in Germany.

The worry will be that his weakest return to date has fallen in the Premier League, but he will be eager to become Sunderland’s main man as the Black Cats attempt to steer themselves to safety in style.

Of course, Openda also has a reputation for being a lethal presence up top, as seen in his colossal tally of 105 career goals.

Yet, Sunderland might never get the opportunity again to win such a proven goalscoring “monster” – as he has been labelled by Saudi-based journalist Matt Monaghan for his continued heroics at Al-Hilal – as Le Bris and Co. now seriously consider snapping up the 30-year-old to gift themselves an almighty advantage in their aim to beat the drop.

Egypt boss Hossam Hassan has entered a last-minute please for Mohamed Salah to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or as he appealed for fair treatment for the Liverpool forward. Hassan also hailed Salah as a "role model for all success seekers" in a passionate social media statement. Salah scored 34 goals across all competitions for the Reds last season and played a pivotal role in the team's Premier League title success.

• Salah unlikely to win Golden Ball

  Despite his heroics for Liverpool, it is unlikely that Salah will be crowned the winner during Monday night's Ballon d'Or ceremony, as Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele is being billed as the favourite to wib the prize. Barcelona duo Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are also in contention for the award, meaning Salah may not even make the podium.

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  Salah hailed as a 'role model' by Egypt boss

  Despite the odds being stacked against Salah, Egypt national team head coach Hossam Hassan, who has been managing the Liverpool star since February, took to Instagram to make his case for the 33-year-old attacker. "Considering the hardships he encountered along his journey, he deserves it.. Based on the size of the challenges you overcome, he deserves it. Measuring years of brilliance, excellence and creativity in the strongest league in the world, he deserves it," he said. "It is difficult to get to the top, but all the difficulty lies in continuing on the top, and he has reached the top and continued on it for many years thanks to God first, then his talent, hard work and determination until he became a role model for all success seekers.. Is it time for football to be fair and fair with them to choose the winner?"

  Hassan added: "Our prayers and the prayers of all Egyptians and all Salah's fans around the world, that Salah should be the winner of the Ballon d'Or to be the best crowning of the career of a great player that may not be repeated again in our history of Egyptian, Arab and African football, but also international."

• Dembele attendance in doubt

  Marseille's crunch clash with Paris Saint-Germain has been rescheduled for the same night as the Ballon d'Or ceremony after this weekend's Ligue 1 game was initially postponed due to heavy rainfall. It has, therefore, been suggested that Dembele won't be present in person to collect the Ballon d'Or if he wins, but the France international had already been left out of PSG's squad due to injury, and may yet stay in Paris for the event while his team-mates head back to Marseille.

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  Salah helping Liverpool stay perfect

  Salah has helped Liverpool pick up six wins from six games in all competitions at the start of the new season, registering six goal involvements along the way. However, Slot has already confirmed the Egyptian will be rested for the Reds' Carabao Cup third round clash with Southampton on Tuesday night.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has issued one of his starkest warnings to European football. Calling today’s game “too slow, outdated, and destined to die,” he argues young audiences are tuning out of a sport stuck in the past. From pushing a 16-team Serie A to free-to-air broadcasts, he insists football must reinvent itself with bold reforms before collapsing under its own weight.

• De Laurentiis believes football is on the cusp of death

  De Laurentiis has never shied away from blunt truths. For years, he has positioned himself as football’s reformer-in-chief, unafraid to call out what he believes are fatal flaws in the game’s structure. In his view, football is losing its grip on younger audiences-too slow, too outdated, and too detached from what captivates kids today. His latest comments follow the same line, but with an even sharper warning for Europe’s top leagues. The president had earlier also suggested radical reforms advocating for a 16-team Serie A and free broadcast of matches. 

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  Napoli president warns kids are too 'distracted'

  “Football is doomed. Real reforms are needed.” With these words, De Laurentiis launched a fiery critique of the sport’s current path, in a press conference.

  "Football must find a new path, because as it is currently conceived in Italy and in many other European countries, it is destined to die because it will not be able to survive and sustain the current costs. I hope that at some point there will be a chance to rethink how to organise the championships, how to organise the game of football so that kids and young people don't get distracted as they do today, only enjoying the highlights because during matches they fiddle around, they don't have time to watch what they consider slow and boring and a thing of the past.

  "This too should make us reflect and ask ourselves 'How should this football be changed, and why not change quickly?' Perhaps to allow those who, holding some institutional position, are afraid the toy will break in their hands to live peacefully? But this is not right and proper for the many millions of fans who would like less alarming and more modern answers."

• A 16-team Serie A?

  The Napoli owner has long pushed for radical solutions. Among them is reducing Serie A to 16 teams, a throwback to 1986. He believes fewer matches would protect players from burnout, increase competitiveness, and restore the league’s credibility.

  His other proposal is free-to-air broadcasts funded by advertising. He argues this would democratise access, bring back millions of fans alienated by paywalls, and boost ratings dramatically, reigniting passion for Italian football.

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  Football's age-old system is in crisis

  Beyond Serie A, De Laurentiis sees the entire European game in decline. Too many matches, ballooning debts, and governance controlled by institutions instead of clubs have left the system "broken", the film producer says. He is not the only figure calling for a reduction in the number of matches being played. Former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels recently spoke out in favour of reducing the calendar, echoing sentiments made by Kylian Mbappe. Kevin De Bruyne, Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp have all spoken out, too.