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With the 2024/25 domestic season now behind us following the Champions League final, a big talking point is the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.

Paris Saint-Germain produced a stunning display against Inter Milan with a 5-0 victory, the biggest margin in a European final, which has resulted in numerous of their stars being tipped to lift the famous individual honour later this year, with the ceremony scheduled to take place in Paris on 22 September 2025.

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However, Grok, the AI tool on X, has already predicted the top 10 standings for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, and there is one surprise inclusion.

AI 2025 Ballon d’Or top 10 in pictures:

2025 Ballon d’Or top 10 predicted by AI

Rank

Player

Age

Club

Nation

1

Ousmane Dembele

27

PSG

France

2

Lamine Yamal

17

Barcelona

Spain

3

Raphinha

28

Barcelona

Brazil

4

Mohamed Salah

32

Liverpool

Egypt

5

Lautaro Martinez

27

Inter Milan

Argentina

6

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

24

PSG

Georgia

7

Pedri

22

Barcelona

Spain

8

Kylian Mbappe

26

Real Madrid

France

9

Desire Doue

20

PSG

France

10

Gianluigi Donnarumma

26

PSG

Italy

10 Gianluigi Donnarumma PSG and Italy

One of four Paris Saint-Germain players on the list is Gianluigi Donnarumma. In fact, the Italian is the only goalkeeper in AI’s top 10 list, so he could quite easily take home the Yashin Trophy for the best keeper in the world.

Donnarumma kept his 12th clean sheet of the season in Munich against Inter, helping PSG to a treble as well as the French Super Cup at the beginning of the year.

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s 24/25 stats

Games

54

Clean sheets

12

Trophies

4

9 Desire Doue PSG and France

Someone who has really burst onto the scene in 2025 is Paris Saint-Germain winger Desire Doue, and he has deservedly snuck into AI’s top 10 prediction.

The 20-year-old was the star of the show in Munich, scoring two goals and getting an assist in the Champions League final. As a result of his impressive displays, he was named the 24/25 Champions League Young Player of the Season.

Desire Doue’s 24/25 stats

Games

54

Goals

15

Assists

16

Trophies

4

8 Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid and France

Despite not winning any major honours in his first season at the Bernabeu aside from the Super Cup, Kylian Mbappe still had a brilliant individual campaign with Real Madrid.

The French superstar actually scored more goals than any other Real Madrid player in their first season at the club (43), including two brilliant hat-tricks against Man City and Barcelona.

Kylian Mbappe’s 24/25 stats

Games

56

Goals

43

Assists

5

Trophies

1

7 Pedri Barcelona and Spain

With Barcelona lifting the Supercopa de Espana, Copa del Rey and La Liga in the 24/25 season, there was always going to be some Catalan stars on the list.

Pedri has been key to Barca’s success, playing just shy of 60 games in all competitions. He was also dubbed “the best midfielder in the world” by Thiago Alcantara, and it looks as if he’ll soon be entering the prime years of his career.

Pedri’s 24/25 stats

Games

59

Goals

6

Assists

8

Trophies

3

6 Khvicha Kvaratskhelia PSG and Georgia

Winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was a machine in 24/25, starring on the flank with his speed and skill. In the first half of the season, he impressed for Napoli before joining Paris Saint-Germain in January, and he’d go on to help the French giants to a treble, scoring in the Champions League final.

Napoli also won Serie A, meaning Kvaratskhelia became just the second player in history after Alvaro Odriozola to win two league titles and a treble in the same season.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s 24/25 stats

Games

44

Goals

12

Assists

9

Trophies

4

5 Lautaro Martinez Inter Milan and Argentina

Despite not winning any major honours in 24/25, Inter Milan did come close in the Champions League, Italian Super Cup and Serie A title race.

Captain Lautaro Martinez was influential for his side and led them to Munich, scoring nine goals in 14 European appearances. However, with Inter not lifting any silverware, it is surprising to still see the Argentine’s name rank so highly.

Lautaro Martinez’s 24/25 stats

Games

49

Goals

22

Assists

7

4 Mohamed Salah Liverpool and Egypt

After setting a record for the most goals and assists in a 38-game Premier League season and lifting the title with Liverpool, Mohamed Salah was always going to be in AI’s top 10 list.

The winger also committed his future to the Reds in 24/25, but after exiting the Champions League to the hands of eventual winners PSG in the last 16, Salah’s wait for a Ballon d’Or could go on.

Mohamed Salah’s 24/25 stats

Games

52

Goals

34

Assists

23

Trophies

1

3 Raphinha Barcelona and Brazil

Many thought Raphinha was in pole position to win the Ballon d’Or for large parts of the 24/25 season, however, Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final exit to Inter Milan may have dented his hopes.

The Brazilian still enjoyed a phenomenal campaign, which was actually the best of his career to date. In total, Raphinha contributed to 59 goals in 57 games, winning the Supercopa de Espana, Copa del Rey and La Liga.

Raphinha’s 24/25 stats

Games

57

Goals

34

Assists

25

Trophies

3

2 Lamine Yamal Barcelona and Spain

On the other flank to Raphinha at Barcelona, Lamine Yamal continues to grow into a worldwide superstar at the age of 17. Interestingly, Yamal contributed to 16 fewer goals than Raphinha in 24/25 but is above him in AI’s predicted Ballon d’Or standings.

Cutting in from the right and scoring with his left has become a trademark move by the Spaniard, and it feels like a matter of time until the award is his. Yamal doesn’t lack belief, though, and has admitted he thinks he can win the Ballon d’Or this year.

Lamine Yamal’s 24/25 stats

Games

55

Goals

18

Assists

25

Trophies

3

1 Ousmane Dembele PSG and France

Leading the way as AI’s predicted 2025 Ballon d’Or winner is Ousmane Dembele. The French winger helped Paris Saint-Germain to a treble as well as the French Super Cup. The Ligue 1 and Champions Legaue Player of the Season also enjoyed the best year of his career in the final third with 33 goals and 15 assists.

Talking after the Champions League final, PSG boss Luis Enrique backed his star winger to lift the award, saying: “Everyone is talking about the Ballon d’Or, but I would give it to Ousmane Dembele just because if we think about how he defended today, he showed just what he was made of.

“He was a leader, he was humble, he got back down [the pitch] and he defended, and I think that without a shadow of a doubt he deserves this, not only for the goals that he scored but also for the pressing that was seen. We’ve seen such a season from him, but he was exceptional in this final.”

Ousmane Dembele’s 24/25 stats

Games

49

Goals

33

Assists

15

Trophies

4

Liverpool are considering a move for a “sensational” attacking midfielder this summer, and he is now keen to hold talks about a move to Anfield, according to a report.

Reds eyeing Wirtz alternatives as race heats up

Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz could well be on the move this summer, and it is looking like the transfer saga could be one of the most talked-about of the summer, with a number of Europe’s top clubs lining up for the German.

Bayern Munich and Manchester City have also expressed an interest in Wirtz, although there have been suggestions that Pep Guardiola’s side have now cooled their interest, amid concerns a deal could be too expensive.

The Reds are pushing hard to sign the 22-year-old, but there are also some alternative options in mind, with River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons among the potential options, and Arne Slot is believed to be driving the deal for his compatriot.

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A report from TEAMtalk has now provided a new update on Liverpool’s interest in Simons, stating they are considering a move for the attacking midfielder as a potential alternative to Wirtz, and there is a feeling he could be open to heading to Anfield.

The Leipzig star is keen to hold talks over joining the Reds, and he could be a more affordable option than the Leverkusen man, as the asking price is expected to be around £60m.

Leipzig are open to selling the Dutchman this summer, should they receive a suitable fee, which will come as welcome news to Slot, who is known to be an admirer of the 22-year-old’s technical quality and maturity.

Van Dijk lauds "very talented" Simons

Slot is not the only key Liverpool figure who is a big fan of the “sensational” Netherlands international, with Virgil van Dijk also taking the time to praise him last year, saying: “He is a very talented player who has so much to give,”

“He can still be so much better than he is already but he has a good mentality, so I am not worried that won’t happen. I am confident in him.”

The Amsterdam-born attacker’s quality is underlined by his output in Germany during the 2024-25 campaign, regularly chipping in with goals and assists despite a disappointing season for Leipzig, who finished seventh in the Bundesliga.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Bundesliga

25

10

7

DFB-Pokal

3

1

1

Wirtz outperformed his Bundesliga rival numbers-wise, collecting six more assists, but it was recently suggested that a deal for the Germany international could amount to €300m (£253m) all-in, potentially making him unattainable for the Reds.

At just £60m, Simons has proven he could be a fantastic alternative to Wirtz, so it is promising news that he is keen on talks about a move to Anfield.

Celtic were hit with a devastating blow at the start of this month when it was revealed that Jota could be out of action for up to nine months with a knee injury.

The Hoops winger hobbled off during the 5-0 win over Dundee United away from home at the end of last month, the game that clinched the Scottish Premiership title, and is now set to be out of action until next year.

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that he will be out for between six and nine months after suffering cruciate ligament damage, which means that he will miss pre-season and the start of next season at a minimum.

It comes as a big blow for the Scottish giants because the winger had provided four goals and two assists in seven league matches after his return to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

Celtic reportedly paid £8m to sign the Portuguese wizard from Rennes on a permanent deal, 18 months on from selling him to Al Ittihad for a fee of £25m.

How Celtic played a masterclass with Jota

Ange Postecoglou initially signed the forward on loan from Benfica in the summer of 2021 before a permanent deal was struck to bring him to Parkhead on a long-term contract in 2022.

The Hoops reportedly splashed out a fee of £6.5m to convert his loan into a permanent deal, as per the option to buy that was included in the initial move, and the exciting attacker justified that fee with his performances on the pitch in the Premiership.

Jota scored ten goals and provided ten assists in less than 30 appearances in the Scottish top-flight during his loan spell at Parkhead, which convinced the club to activate their £6.5m option to sign him permanently.

The dynamic forward instantly repaid their faith in him with another excellent campaign in the Premiership during the 2022/23 season under Postecoglou’s management, as he delivered goals and assists on a regular basis once again.

22/23 Premiership

Jota

Appearances

33

Goals

11

Big chances missed

4

Big chances created

13

Key passes per game

1.9

Assists

11

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Jota scored more goals and provided more assists than he did in his first year at the club, which shows that he was heading in the right direction from a development perspective.

His impressive form for Celtic in those seasons, however, led to interest from elsewhere, and Al Ittihad eventually swooped in to sign him for a fee of £25m, representing a significant profit on the £6.5m that they paid for his services.

This shows that the Hoops played a masterclass with Jota because they snapped up a young talent from Benfica, initially on loan, and provided him with a platform to showcase his quality before selling him for a huge fee, only to re-sign the winger 18 months later.

Celtic could, now, repeat that masterclass by swooping to sign another talented young winger who has been linked with a move to Parkhead, Kwame Poku.

The latest on Celtic and Kwame Poku

GIVEMESPORT recently reported that Birmingham City are concerned that they could lose the race to sign Peterborough United forward Kwame Poku to Celtic or Rangers.

The outlet pointed out that the two Scottish giants would have to pay a significantly lower compensation fee for the winger, whose contract expires this summer, because of the UEFA cross-border compensation deals, than any English team would have to pay.

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GIVEMESPORT added that Peterborough’s director of football, Barry Fry, has already confirmed that Rangers and Celtic scouts have been at their games this season to watch the 23-year-old talent in the flesh.

The report revealed that Birmingham and Sheffield United, among other English sides, are also interested in the winger, though, and that means that there is likely to be plenty of competition for his signature.

Celtic must, now, push to win the race for his services because he could arrive at Parkhead with the potential to be the next version of Jota for the club.

Why Kwame Poku could be Celtic's next Jota

The Ghana international could be Jota 2.0 for the Hoops for several reasons, most notably that he is also an exciting winger who can provide goals and assists on a regular basis.

Whilst he is a left-footed forward who predominantly plays on the right, as opposed to a right-footer on the left like Jota, Poku is similar to the Portuguese talent in the way that he looks to make an impact in the final third.

Kwame Poku (League One)

23/24

24/25

Appearances

37

27

Goals

11

12

Big chances missed

11

3

Big chances created

10

9

Key passes per game

1.5

1.2

Assists

7

8

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Poku has delivered 21 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in his last two seasons in League One with the Posh, which shows that he can offer a constant threat at the top end of the pitch.

Whilst he is yet to show that he can translate that to the top level in England, these statistics show that the potential is there for him to be a Jota-esque figure for Celtic with his quality on the wing.

Such is his potential, Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony believes that his next move could cost £30m: “He’s top drawer. He has everything, a great technique, pace and physicality. He will be a Premier League star in the future and that next move will probably cost £30m.”

At the age of 23, Poku still has plenty of time left to develop and improve, and he could use a transfer to Celtic as a platform to shine on the domestic and European stage whilst winning trophies to enhance his value, as Jota did under Postecoglou.

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Therefore, the Hoops could find Jota 2.0 by signing Poku because he is another exceptional wing talent who can provide goals and assists, whilst also having the potential to be worth millions more in the future if he hits his stride at Parkhead.

Nottingham Forest are ready to make a sizeable offer to complete the signing of a new centre-back this summer, according to reports in the player’s homeland.

Nottingham Forest's Champions League hopes damaged

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side blew a wonderful opportunity to jump back to third in the Premier League on Thursday night, losing 2-0 at home to Brentford. Forest’s performance looked nervy throughout the evening, with the team and the supporters aware of the magnitude of the occasion, and they simply couldn’t produce the desired display and result.

The Reds’ defeat leaves them sitting sixth in the league table with four matches remaining, as they prepare to make the trip to Crystal Palace on Monday evening, which is another tough game against a side who have just reached the FA Cup final.

Granted, Forest are only behind fifth-place Chelsea on goal difference – a top-five spot will seal a place in next season’s Champions League – but Nuno’s men are clearly wobbling and are in need of a big result.

Nottingham Forest willing to make offer for Gatti

According to TuttoSport [via Sport Witness], Nottingham Forest are willing to make a big offer to sign Juventus centre-back Federico Gatti this summer. Everton and West Ham are also mentioned in the report, though it is stated that the 26-year-old is happy to stay put at Juve, despite it being financially beneficial to move on and earn more than his current £42,000 per week.

It looks as though Forest will need to present quite the package to both Juve and Gatti to tempt them into a move, and if the situation changes he could be a fantastic addition at the heart of the defence.

Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo have been outstanding throughout this season, forging a great understanding at the back, but increased competition for places is still essential in that area, especially if one of the centre-backs leaves this summer.

Gatti is now an experienced player who has made 103 appearances for one of the biggest clubs in Europe in Juve, and Danilo once described him as “humble”, saying: “Gatti is an example for all of us, a humble boy who works a lot. He has had difficult moments, but he is strong, and he showed Juventus until the end.”

Federico Gatti’s 2024/25 Serie A stats

Total

Appearances

28

Starts

26

Minutes played

2188

Goals

1

Assists

0

Clearances per game

2.6

Aerial duel wins per game

1.3

Pass completion rate

95.2%

Gatti’s quality on the ball is highlighted by a 95.2% pass completion rate in Serie A this season, while his defensive expertise is oultined by an average of 2.6 clearances per game in the competition.

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For now, it looks like Forest will have to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements, but the hope is that Champions League qualification gives them a better chance of signing Gatti.

Everton have improved since David Moyes replaced Sean Dyche at the helm, but recent results have underscored the need for new attacking quality.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to leave as a free agent at the end of the season, while Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrom and Armando Broja’s loan deals all conclude in two months.

However, while The Friedkin Group are going to sign forwards of various shapes and sizes, Moyes is also keen to strengthen his midfield, already focusing on a specific profile.

The target in question has plied under the Scotsman’s leadership for several years, and could prove an astute piece of business.

Everton transfer news

Despite the transfer window not yet open for business, the Toffees have already started putting plans into motion with the likes of Monaco’s striking sensation, Mika Biereth, linked with a move to Goodison Park.

Also on their radar is Liverpool’s Ben Doak, yet on this occasion, it looks as though Moyes is targeting experience.

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Indeed, as per Football Insider, Moyes is targeting a reunion with West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek, having fielded the 30-year-old 207 times during his time at the Irons helm, more than any other player.

Though newly-promoted Leeds United are also chasing a deal for Soucek, who is valued at £10m, it’s understood that Everton have the lead in the race given the Czech international’s relationship with Moyes.

Why Tomas Soucek would be perfect for Everton

Soucek has been at West Ham for half a decade, signing on an initial loan from Slavia Prague in January 2020 before completing a £19m deal that summer.

The 6 foot 3 ace would bring physicality to the Everton midfield and might prove to be the perfect replacement for Amadou Onana, who was sold to Aston Villa for £50m last summer.

Described as a “midfield powerhouse” by journalist Antonio Mango, Onana’s presence has been missed on Merseyside, but Soucek could bring his own take on the role next year, working hard in the duel while making darting runs into the danger area to complement the frontline.

Prem 24/25 – Tomas Soucek vs Amadou Onana

Stats (* per game)

Soucek

Onana

Matches (starts)

31 (26)

22 (17)

Goals

8

3

Assists

1

0

Touches*

37.6

40.2

Pass completion

75%

89%

Key passes*

0.5

0.3

Dribble success

55%

79%

Ball recoveries*

1.7

2.9

Tackles + interceptions*

1.9

3.2

Duels (won)*

5.2 (54%)

4.8 (60%)

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see, Onana might be more rounded than Soucek, but the latter man has a killer instinct in the final third, which scant few Toffees players have showcased with regularity this year.

West Ham have only created 50 big chances in the Premier League this season, with just the relegated trio making fewer. This actually shines a positive light on Soucek, whose skill at finding space and striking true has seen him score eight times.

It’s no surprise he’s been called a “machine” by former West Ham correspondent Tom Clark, adding intensity and initiative to his fold.

In fact, the £90k-per-week talent ranks among the top 2% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals scored and the top 1% for aerial duels won per 90, as per FBref, further illustrating his combativeness and indeed goalscoring strength.

Everton fans have tasted first-hand the midfielder’s goalscoring ability and must now forge ahead to make a shrewd signing which might just pay dividends, adding an Onana-esque presence at Bramley Moore.

Soucek may not be the fluid ball player that Graham Potter wants at the heart of his West Ham system, but Moyes enforces a different type of brand, one which the veteran midfielder would dovetail right into if Everton make their move in the coming months.

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A player who has been really important for Rangers this season could now be tempted to leave Ibrox in the summer and join Besiktas, according to a new report.

Rangers announce new sporting director

Wednesday was a busy day for the Gers, as they confirmed a deal that they hope can help transform them on and off the pitch, as they look to close the gap on arch-rivals Celtic. Rangers are in the middle of trying to find a new manager, but before that appointment is made, they have announced that Kevin Thelwell is joining as their new sporting director.

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The 51-year-old will join Rangers once his contract with Premier League side Everton expires at the end of the season. The Gers stated that finding a new sporting director was made a priority in their football review, and Thelwell has stated that it is a “huge honour” for him to join the club.

“This is a huge honour for me to be joining a club with the size, stature and expectations of Rangers. From the first conversations, it was clear to me how ambitious the club is, and I’m excited to play a part in shaping its next chapter.

“I know how much Rangers means to so many people, and that brings both responsibility and motivation. Rangers needs to win. That’s the bottom line. There’s a strong foundation already in place, and I look forward to working closely with the teams across the men’s, women’s and academy programmes to build something that delivers consistently.

“Of course, there’s important work ahead, especially in the men’s first-team structure, but we’ll approach it with energy and purpose. While change takes time, I’m confident that we can make real progress. I can’t wait to get started.”

Rangers star could be tempted to leave Ibrox and join Besiktas

Thelwell is not yet through the door at Ibrox, but he already has a lot of work ahead of him, as according to Turkish outlet A spor, via Inside Futbol, Besiktas have added Rangers’ Vaclav Cerny to their list of targets ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

The report states that Cerny has emerged onto Besiktas’ radar after impressing for the Gers, especially in the Europa League this season. Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in charge of the Turkish outfit, and the club’s board are keen to back him with signings over the summer.

The 27-year-old joined the Scottish side on a season-long loan deal from German side Wolfsburg in the summer, and as part of that deal, Rangers do have the option to make the deal into a permanent switch. It is unclear how much he will cost, but given he has scored 11 goals in 28 league games, it is a deal that Rangers are likely going to want to proceed with.

Vaclav Cerny’s 24/25 Europa League stats

Apps

12

Starts

12

Goals

6

Shots per game

3.4

Chance conversion rate

15%

Assists

2

Key passes per game

1.2

However, it does state that Cerny could be convinced to join Besiktas, and if the Turkish outfit manage to secure European football for next season, it could strengthen their bid to sign the Czech Republic international.

A rampant Newcastle United made it five wins on the bounce in all competitions, smashing Manchester United 4-1 at St James’ Park to re-establish themselves in the top four of the Premier League as they look to end the season in the Champions League qualification places.

Despite Eddie Howe’s absence, hospitalised by a recent illness, his side showed plenty of fight, having 48% possession, generating 2.09 xG, creating five big chances and taking 12 shots in the game.

Newcastle limited Man United to just nine shots, only creating one big chance and generating 0.61 xG despite having more of the ball.

It was the quality of Harvey Barnes that got Newcastle back ahead after going in at half-time drawing 1-1, with the 27-year-old putting in a brilliant display that could keep Anthony Gordon out of the team for at least another week.

Harvey Barnes' performance vs Man Utd

Barnes has very rarely started many games this term but he saved arguably his finest display in a Toon shirt for the visit of Manchester United, scoring two fabulous goals.

He put in a very efficient performance for the Magpies, only having 38 touches in the game, taking two shots, both of which were on target and both of which resulted in goals for the Newcastle star.

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The English winger has made 33 appearances for Newcastle this season, scoring eight goals, providing three assists and totaling 1,534 minutes played.

After scoring against his former side last week and providing assists against Brentford and West Ham, Barnes has been a huge part of Newcastle’s success in recent weeks.

But he isn’t the only Newcastle star who put in a huge shift against United, as there was another player at the opposite end of the pitc, helping the Magpies keep out any threat coming the other way.

Performance in Numbers

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Expand Collapse 8/10 Newcastle star was as good as Barnes

While Barnes was a rampant threat at the top end of the pitch, the players at the back also deserve praise, most notably Carabao Cup final hero Dan Burn.

The boy from Blyth has been instrumental for Howe’s side this season, making 38 appearances, scoring once and contributing to 14 clean sheets in his 3,254 minutes played.

The 32-year-old defender was brilliant again on Sunday, putting in an 8/10 performance against Manchester United, as noted by The Shields Gazette, who wrote of his display that it he was ‘typically dominant in the air and remained on the front foot’.

Burn was first to everything that came into the box from a United perspective, winning all eight of his aerial duels contested, making six clearances, stepping in to intercept three times and winning his only ground duel of the match.

Dan Burn vs Manchester United performance

Stat

Burn

Minutes

90

Touches

57

Accurate Passes

35/43

Long Balls

2/5

Key Passes

1

Ground Duels Won

1/1

Aerial Duels Won

8/8

Interceptions

3

Tackles

1

Clearances

6

Stats taken from Sofascore

This solidity at the back gave Newcastle confidence, coming out in the second half and dispatching of Man United with ease, finding three more goals and only allowing the Red Devils to take five shots, generating a total of 0.31 xG in that half.

Whilst Barnes was key for Newcastle going forwards, Burn gave the Magpies a strong foundation to work from, something he has done brilliantly all season.

It is likely the England central defender will be key in their final six games as Howe’s men look to secure Champions League football.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers are ready to accept a loss and sell one of their players for £25m this summer, according to a new report.

Wolves close to Premier League safety after back-to-back wins

The Old Gold took another step to securing Premier League safety after a 1-0 win over West Ham United on Tuesday evening.

Wolves followed up the win after a 2-1 victory at Southampton prior to the international break, with Vitor Pereira’s side nine points clear of 17th with nine games remaining after Jorgen Strand Larsen’s winner against the Hammers.

Talking after the victory, Pereira said: “We deserve this result because we play 45 minutes with high quality. The result at half time must be 2-0 in my opinion. Second half we start to think about the result, they start to put more players on the pitch with different qualities to try to explore the crosses.

“In the end, after 80 minutes, we had to think about result and to get the three points. The team, we have true spirit as we showed today. In the moment we can play very good game with quality, but in other moments, especially this moment, we need to suffer together. We help each other and I feel this in my team.”

Those behind the scenes could soon start preparing for incoming transfer business, but there also be departures.

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One player who could move on is Fabio Silva, who has been on loan at Las Palmas. The 22-year-old has scored eight goals and provided two assists in 21 La Liga appearances.

Talking about his Wolves future after scoring for Portugal U21s against England at The Hawthorns last month, Silva said: “I cannot answer that because my focus now is to be in Las Palmas. We have so much there to maintain in the first division in Spain and that is my focus. Also to help Portugal with the Euros and after that we have time.”

Now, it looks as if Wolves are ready to sell the attacker following a new transfer update.

Wolves ready to sell Fabio Silva as Old Gold willing to take loss

According to a report from Spain, Wolves have named their price to part ways with Silva this summer. Signed for €40m (£33.4m), Wolves are now willing to cut their losses and sell Silva for €30m (£25m).

Villarreal and Real Betis are thought to be interested following Silva’s impressive campaign with Las Palmas, however, Wolves’ asking price could ‘hinder’ a permanent move to Spain.

Silva, called “interesting” by Portugal boss Roberto Martinez, is under contract at Molineux until 2026, so this upcoming summer could be the last chance Wolves have to receive as much for the forward as possible.

Fabio Silva’s stats at Wolves

Games

72

Goals

5

Assists

6

Whether or not they bring in £25m remains to be seen, but they are happy to take an £8m+ loss as per this update.

AC Milan have made contact with Nottingham Forest over a deal for a £26m Nuno signing who now wants to leave.

Forest on the up under the helm of Dyche

Ange Postecoglou didn’t last long after replacing Nuno earlier this season, but Sean Dyche has really managed to turn things around, with his side now four points clear of the Premier League relegation zone, after defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.

The Tricky Trees edged out a 1-0 victory against the bottom-placed side, courtesy of an Igor Jesus goal with just under 20 minutes left to play, meaning they finally have some breathing room, and survival is looking increasingly likely.

Dyche praised his side’s mindset in the narrow victory, saying: “They kept going and throwing things at us. I’m pleased with our mentality. You saw the way we dug it out, they threw a lot at us second half and we dealt with it well.”

In fairness, given that Forest qualified for the Europa League last season and spent heavily in the summer, relegation shouldn’t be on the cards, but it would be fair to say some of their recent additions haven’t hit the ground running at the City Ground.

Arnaud Kalimuendo, who arrived from Rennes for £26m, has particularly struggled to make an impact, having failed to score in his opening seven Premier League games, predominantly being utilised as a substitute.

According to a report from Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the striker could be offered an exit route soon, with it being revealed that AC Milan have made contact with Nottingham Forest CEO Lina Souloukou over a potential deal.

Kalimuendo now wants to leave Forest, amid a lack of game time, featuring for just 81 mintues across his seven Premier League appearances this season, and clubs from Italy are lining up to sign him, with AS Roma also being named as potential suitors.

Forest should sanction Kalimuendo departure this January

In truth, it is probably best for all parties if the centre-forward moves on this summer, given that he clearly hasn’t managed to impress all three of Forest’s managers this season, given the lack of game time in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old has impressed at times in the Europa League, most recently scoring in the 3-0 victory over Malmo FF, but he was unable to make an impact as a substitute against Brighton in the following match, failing to register a single shot.

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In fairness, it is difficult to have a major impact coming on late in the game, and Kalimuendo may need to be given a Premier League start if he is to prove himself.

However, with Jesus recently scoring his first Premier League goal, and Chris Wood still to return from injury, opportunities are likely to be even more limited going forward, and it may be worth Forest cutting their losses in the January transfer window.

Liverpool have now reportedly set their sights on hiring a Premier League manager, who Pep Guardiola called “incredible”, in a fresh concern for Arne Slot.

Carragher delivers "honest" Liverpool verdict after PSV defeat

Before the international break, Liverpool could at least fall back on the excuse that much of their bad form came on the road. Anfield, for the most part, remained a fortress. Just weeks later, however, and that fortress has been set ablaze by humiliating defeats at the hands of Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven.

Not everyone is ready to call time on Slot’s time at the club, however, and Anfield legend Jamie Carragher sent a timely reminder on punditry duty that Liverpool aren’t a sacking club, historically speaking.

He said: “Liverpool is not a sacking club, Liverpool, I think, are different from almost every club in European football where the manager is the king, you know, the managers get time.

“Liverpool have never sacked a manager who’s won the league, never in the history. They’ve all, you know, after a few years they’ve gone, they’ve resigned.

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Posts 1 ByKelan Sarson Nov 27, 2025

“I couldn’t believe over the weekend that people were talking about the manager’s job when I spoke to Liverpool supporters after losing at home to Nottingham Forest.

“It’s only going to amplify now and I’ve always been in the camp of you stick with the manager because I’m angry with the players if I’m being totally honest, I’m really angry with the players but it does get to a stage with any manager at any club where I always use this word untenable, where it almost feels like it can’t go on any longer.”

Whether Liverpool chiefs share that view is the big question. Recent reports linking them to the likes of Andoni Iraola certainly suggests that they’re at least preparing for life without Slot.

Liverpool eyeing Andoni Iraola move

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now eyeing a move to hire Iraola from Bournemouth if they decide to sack Slot. The Cherries boss is someone that Richard Hughes knows well, given that the sporting director hired the Spaniard during his time on the South Coast, and could now turn to him for a second time.

Iraola is one of the most well-respected managers in the Premier League these days. He’s taken Bournemouth to new heights and transformed the likes of Antoine Semenyo, who’s attracting interest from Liverpool ahead of the January transfer window.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been one of the many figures around English football to hand the Bournemouth boss praise, telling reporters earlier this season: “Andoni is an incredible, well-respected manager in Spain and did an incredible job in Rayo Vallecano.”

It doesn’t get much better than praise from the Man City boss, and Iraola could yet get the chance to become one of his biggest rivals if Liverpool make their move.

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