Reports in Spain suggest that Cristiano Ronaldo could soon leave Al-Nassr, but remain in the Saudi Pro League by replacing Neymar at Al-Hilal.
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CR7 moved to Middle East in late 2022
Remains a prolific presence at age of 39
Could replace injury-ravaged Brazilian
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Portuguese superstar Ronaldo became a trendsetter once again in late 2022 when completing a stunning move to the Middle East. He was a free agent at that time after seeing his contract at Premier League giants Manchester United terminated.
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An immediate impact was made in Saudi Arabia, as more household names flocked to join him in that part of the world, and CR7 continues to work on the most lucrative of contracts. He has, however, been unable to inspire Al-Nassr to a major title.
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DID YOU KNOW?
According to , Ronaldo may be offered the chance to link up with reigning Pro League champions Al-Hilal. They are reportedly ready to cut their losses on Neymar, after seeing the Brazilian forward – who has already missed 12 months with knee ligament damage – pick up another injury.
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It is claimed that Al-Hilal are ready to make their play for Ronaldo in January 2025, during their mid-season break. They remain in the hunt for a domestic crown, while also competing for AFC Champions League glory, and want another proven goalscorer on their books.
Darwin Nunez bagged in the early hours of Monday morning (GMT), producing an emphatic display as Uruguay defeated Panama 3-1 to commence their CONMEBOL Copa America campaign.
The 25-year-old has his detractors after two seasons as a Liverpool player, signed from Benfica for a fee rising to £85m (a club record), and this is probably warranted, having scored just 33 times from 96 matches in all competitions.
Darwin Nunez: Stats vs Panama
Stats
#
Minutes played
90'
Goals
1
Shots taken
5
Big chances missed
2
Touches
33
Accurate passes
13/17 (76%)
Key passes
1
Dribble attempts
3/5
Duels won
6/10
Stats via Sofascore
There's so much to like about Nunez's skill set, and perhaps that's why FSG must categorically rebuff any advances for him this summer, with Barcelona rumoured to be an interested party.
Luis Diaz is also on the Camp Nou side's radar (as well as Paris Saint-Germain's), but these are players that Arne Slot may rely upon in his maiden year on Merseyside, with resources seemingly being directed toward the attacking right flank and central defence.
Liverpool player Luis Diaz
It might be that such stars stay put, capable of making a marked impact on a crucial point in the club's history. FSG, instead, may turn to the more peripheral members of Slot's bustling squad.
Who else Liverpool might sell
Joe Gomez has been mooted for a departure from his long-time club, with Bayern Munich among those taking interest. But it's Tyler Morton whom Liverpool must ensure gets sold this summer.
According to The Times, the talented midfielder is being courted by RB Leipzig following his successful loan spell with Hull City in the Championship last season, with Liverpool slapping a £20m price tag on his name.
Morton, aged 21, signed a long-term contract at Anfield in January 2023 and while he would like to prove himself under Slot's management, a lucrative proposal from a suitor like Leipzig could lead to his permanent exit.
Why Liverpool should cash in on Tyler Morton
Morton has actually played nine matches for Liverpool since graduating from the academy, though he has enjoyed successive loan spells in England's second tier and may now be best placed moving away.
A robust and all-action midfielder, Morton played a key role in Hull's impressive campaign in the Championship, narrowly missing out on the play-offs.
As per Sofascore, he scored three goals and supplied five assists across 39 matches, completing 88% of his passes, averaging 1.2 key passes, 1.4 tackles and 4.2 ball recoveries per game.
Liverpool 24/25: First-team Central Midfielders
Player
Age
Appearances
Curtis Jones
23
133
Harvey Elliott
21
119
Alexis Mac Allister
25
46
Dominik Szoboszlai
23
45
Wataru Endo
31
43
Ryan Gravenberch
22
38
Stefan Bajcetic
19
22
Fabio Carvalho
21
21
Bobby Clark
19
14
James McConnell
19
9
Tyler Morton
21
9
Stats via Transfermarkt
Leipzig's talent ID is usually unerring and Liverpool will be aware of the talented young player on their hands, but he must be sold this summer all the same.
After all, given that Morton joined Liverpool for… nothing, and could leave playing to the tune of £20m, it seems like something of a no-brainer, especially given the paltry match action he would likely be rewarded with if staying put.
And given that only Sadio Mane, who was sold to Bayern Munich for a fee rising to £35m, and Fabinho, who joined Al-Ittihad for £40m, in 2022 and 2023 respectively, Morton's price tag could take him above every Liverpool sale since Philippe Coutinho was sold to Barcelona for £142m seven years ago, the catalyst of Jurgen Klopp's illustrious success.
Tyler Morton: Liverpool Teammates Worth Less…
Player
Market Value
Tyler Morton
£20m
Virgil van Dijk
£17m
Joe Gomez
£17m
Andy Robertson
£17m
Wataru Endo
£13m
Bobby Clark
£13m
Sourced via CIES Football Observatory
Moreover, that above-noted figure actually takes him past the player valuations of some of Liverpool's most respected first-team stars, including captain Virgil van Dijk and Scotland skipper Andy Robertson who don't have too long left on their current deals at Anfield.
Erstwhile Tigers manager Liam Rosenoir remarked that "he can do everything as a midfield player", and no doubt he could make an impression for Liverpool.
Tyler Morton for Hull City
But opportunities will come few and far between for a player now ready to perform in a starring role for a top outfit. If Leipzig are willing to meet Liverpool's £20m valuation, it's something of a no-brainer.
Merseyside will tip its hat to an exciting prospect.
Diaz sold, ÂŁ216m spent: What Arne Slot's dream Liverpool XI could be
Anfield could boast quite the team come the end of the transfer window.
130 lots up for sale after Boycott celebrates 80th birthday
ESPNcricinfo staff28-Oct-2020Sir Geoffrey Boycott has put his personal collection of cricket memorabilia up for auction, including the bat with which he scored his 100th first-class hundred, against Australia at Headingley in 1977, and a stump from England’s famous Ashes victory at Headingley in 1981.The 130 lots went on sale on Tuesday, with bidding due to close on November 16. Christie’s, the auctioneers, described it as “one of the last great collections of cricketing memorabilia left in private hands … chronicling the career of the Yorkshire and England legend.”It is unclear quite why Boycott has decided to part with his memorabilia now, although he turned 80 earlier this week, and having missed this summer’s international coverage due to the Covid outbreak, he has not had his contract with BBC’s Test Match Special renewed, after 14 years in the role.The auction will open with the sale of an original scorebook from his home debut for Ackworth Cricket Club in Yorkshire as a 13-year old in 1954, which is inscribed with the entry ‘J. Boycott batting at 8 scores 9 not out’.Other lots include a range of caps worn by his international opponents, including Greg Chappell’s Baggy Green and Viv Richards’ maroon West Indies cap – which have a reserve price of ÂŁ3200 and ÂŁ4000 respectively – as well as the shirt worn by Michael Holding at Barbados in 1981, when he bowled Boycott for a duck in one of the most fabled overs of all time.In addition to his 100th hundred bat, which could fetch in excess of ÂŁ30,000, Boycott’s collection includes the bat with which he went past Garry Sobers’ then world-record Test runs total of 8032, at Delhi in 1981, and the one with which he scored his Test-best 246 not out against India at Headingley in 1967 – an innings for which he was then dropped for slow scoring.
Wolverhampton Wanderers may have to sell players this summer before making any new signings, but it looks as though Gary O’Neil has several targets lined up for a move to Molineux…
Wolves manager Gary O'Neil before a Premier League game.
Wolves transfer news
According to A Bola, Wolves are showing interest in left-back Francisco Moura ahead of the summer transfer window.
O’Neil knows that his budget will be determined by whether he manages to generate funds from player sales, but signing Moura will only cost him around €10m (£8.5m) should he be willing to bring the defender to the Midlands.
This fee certainly won't break the bank and, aged just 24, Moura has his peak years ahead of him, which suggests it could be an interesting signing by O’Neil.
Rayan Ait-Nouri, the first choice left back at the Old Gold, is attracting plenty of attention due to his performances throughout the 2023/24 campaign, most notably from Manchester City.
Rayan Ait Nouri
There is no doubt the club could secure a massive profit on the 22-year-old should he depart after four years at Molineux, which would give O’Neil the licence to turn his attention towards Moura as a direct replacement.
Why Francisco Moura is an ideal Ait-Nouri replacement
Ait-Nouri missed just five Premier League games last term, emerging as one of O’Neil’s most reliable players.
He even chipped in with two goals and one assist, showcasing his abilities going forward as he was routinely used on the left side of a four-man midfield.
With City circling around the defender in the hopes of luring him to the Etihad, the promise of trophies and Champions League football might be too good an offer to turn down, which could pave the way for Moura to join the Old Gold.
The 24-year-old made the move to his current club Famalicao from SC Braga on an initial loan deal in the summer of 2022, before joining permanently last summer.
Goals
2
1
Assists
2
4
Key passes per game
1.1
2.3
Successful dribbles per game
0.4
0.4
Total duels won per game
3.4
3.7
Via Sofascore
During his two seasons with the club, he has already made 73 appearances, scoring four goals while grabbing nine assists, indicating how much he loves to burst forward from defence. For context, the four assists tallied up last term was even more than Hwang Hee-chan who registered three in all competitions.
Moura was lauded as “exciting” alongside Yan Couto in 2021 by Breaking the Lines founder Zach Lowy during his spell at Braga.
Last season saw Moura play 33 games in the Portuguese top flight, averaging 2.3 key passes per game, creating eight big chances and succeeding with 71% of his dribbles, certainly proving how impressive he is advancing into the final third.
Defensively, the 24-year-old won 55% of his total duels per game, was dribbled past only 0.4 times per match while making 1.7 tackles each outing, demonstrating his abilities when he didn’t have the ball.
Signing Moura makes perfect sense for O’Neil, especially as losing Ait-Nouri is becoming more and more likely.
At just £8.5m, the Old Gold can secure a player who has proven his ability in one of Europe’s best leagues, while also having the potential to further improve by making a move to the Premier League.
Wolves could sign dream Neto replacement in ÂŁ16m dribble king
Arsenal and England star Leah Williamson admits that she had to force herself through “months of hell” after suffering a dreaded ACL injury.
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Euro 2022 winner damaged knee ligaments
Spent nine months stuck on the sidelines
Found 'graft' during return to fitness difficult
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WHAT HAPPENED?
In April 2023, the Lionesses’ European Championship-winning captain damaged knee ligaments during an appearance for the Gunners. It was quickly confirmed that she would play no part in the Women’s World Cup later that year.
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Williamson would spend nine months on the sidelines, with a long road to recovery taking her through to January 2024. The 27-year-old defender has revealed that she once doubted her ability to complete such a programme, with gruelling physio sessions not something that she ever wanted to sign up for.
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WHAT WILLIAMSON SAID
Williamson has told when asked to cast her mind back to the moment that she crumpled to the turf during a meeting with Manchester United: “The first thing I thought of… I didn’t feel pain. Like obviously I felt the sensation, let’s say, but I didn’t feel pain. I just knew instantly that was my World Cup over.
“I’ll be honest, I always sort of said if that ever happened to me, I’m not sure I’d be able to do it. Like, I’m not sure that I’d want to do that rehab because it just goes against everything we talk about, loving the game – they’re all the parts of the game that I don’t love and I don’t want to do, because it’s the graft. You know some people thrive off it. And I have the most respect for those people, but I’m just not one of those people. I do it because I have to. Literally straight away I just thought, this is going to be months of hell.”
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WHAT NEXT?
After returning to fitness, Williamson has been starring for Arsenal and England once more. She has helped to secure qualification for Euro 2025 – when the Lionesses will be looking to defend a continental crown – while major silverware is back up for grabs at club level in the 2024-25 WSL season.
Manchester United have been in contact to sign an £85m defender who could end up replacing Harry Maguire, with the England international reportedly up for sale this summer.
Man Utd transfer rumours
The Red Devils end their 2023/24 season with an FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley, but after that, it promises to be a busy first summer for Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The new co-owner needs to make a decision on manager Erik ten Hag, whereas a number of players could be on the way out – Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane will definitely depart Old Trafford when their contracts expire.
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Up to 21 players may exit in a mass exodus, so a number of new additions could be required. On the incoming front, United have reportedly launched an initial bid for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, whereas Ajax defender Jorrel Hato is also on the radar. Hato doesn’t seem to be the only defensive target, though, with an update emerging on another target.
Man Utd hold talks to sign Harry Maguire replacement
Another player who has been heavily linked with an Old Trafford exit this summer is Maguire. The centre-back cost United £80m back in 2019 from Leicester City, but according to recent reports, Ratcliffe and co are planning to sell Maguire for £20m, resulting in a huge £60m loss (75%).
Should Maguire join Varane in heading for the exit door, a replacement will be required, and by the looks of things, that man could be Benfica’s Antonio Silva, who has been phenomenal since breaking through from their famous Seixal academy, where he spent six years.
Benfica defender Antonio Silva.
According to CaughtOffside in the last 48 hours, Man Utd have held talks over a deal to sign Silva. Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool have also made contact for the Portugal international, who has been selected to represent his country at Euro 2024 alongside United’s Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.
Silva would like to move to a top club in England and would cost €100m (£85m). The 20-year-old has become a Benfica regular after progressing through their academy and has made 94 senior appearances for the club, 50 of which have come in the 2023/24 campaign.
Described as "silly good" by under-23 scout Antonio Mango, Silva has also come in for praise from former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen, who previously backed the defender to become a “legend”.
"At the beginning of the season he started playing with Morato, who is a very good player, but then, because of the injuries they had to put the kid Antonio Silva, but the boy will be a legend. If he keeps doing what he’s been doing, he has everything to be one of the best defenders in the world in a year or two."
Arsenal chiefs have held internal talks over signing a £199,000-a-week player to replace a member of Mikel Arteta's squad, with this summer set to be a fascinating one.
Edu tipped for record summer spend at Arsenal this year
Sporting director Edu, according to some reports in the media, has pretty big plans for Arsenal when the transfer window reopens.
Arsenal now appear favourites to sign ÂŁ60 million striker after agent talks
He’s been praised for having “everything”.
ByEmilio Galantini May 14, 2024
Indeed, Arsenal could be set for a record spend this summer, coming after they splashed over £208 million on new recruits in 2023.
Declan Rice
£105 million
Kai Havertz
£65 million
Jurrien Timber
£34 million
Leandro Trossard
£21 million
Jakub Kiwior
£17 million
Rumours suggest Edu is targeting a new striker, goalkeeper, defender and midfielder for Arsenal, but certain players will have to make way if the club are going to invest heavily in Mikel Arteta's squad for the second year running.
Many senior members of the Arsenal team could leave, starting with their academy graduates. Edu could sell Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe to fund a move for Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes, who will soon command a £100 million release clause in his Magpies contract.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are willing to sell both Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey, with the high-earning duo thought to be attracting serious interest from Saudi Arabia. There is also the matter of sorting out Aaron Ramsdale's future in north London.
The England international has lost his place between the sticks to David Raya, and has been regularly linked with a move away from Hale End over the last fortnight as we approach the summer window's opening.
Ramsdale would be a potential coup for any side interested in bringing in a new shot-stopper. The 25-year-old is still young with many years still ahead of him, and the former Bournemouth ace already possesses bags of experience playing at the very top level.
Interestingly, Arsenal have been linked with re-signing a former star of theirs to replace Ramsdale – £199,000-per-week Juventus keeper Wojciech Szczesny. The Pole has won 10 major trophies across his career, and he could feasibly help Arsenal win more if he were to make the move back to England.
Arsenal hold internal Szczesny talks as they eye Ramsdale replacement
Fabrizio Romano has backed that Arteta will "100%" sign a new goalkeeper this summer, and now journalist Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport that Arsenal chiefs have held internal talks over a deal for Szczesny.
"It’s true that Arsenal have shown an interest in signing Wojciech Szczesny," said Jones.
"But it is hard to know if there is genuine scope for it to progress at the moment.
"They are on the lookout for a new back-up goalkeeper because Aaron Ramsdale is going to leave after this season, and Szczesny – with his experience and ties to the club – is a really good option to consider. That is why they have had initial conversations about whether it could open up.
"He is definitely not the only option for them though. I have heard of at least two other goalkeepers recently that Arsenal have sounded out about next season."
Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney ditched the lavish life of a Hollywood actor to try his hand in retail by putting in a shift in a Manchester shop.
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McElhenney appeared in new clip
Actor roped into working a retail shift
Wrexham owner wore iconic jersey
WHAT HAPPENED?
The co-creator, actor and writer had the script flipped on him when he paid a visit to the Classic Football Shirts shop in Manchester. Seemingly making a purchase, the Hollywood star was pulled into work a shift at the shop, hanging up shirts, putting signs out and serving customers.
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WHAT MCELHENNEY SAID
Wearing the iconic Netherlands jersey from Euro 1988, the Red Dragons chief appeared in a sketch for the shop's social media account, in which he dropped in to make a purchase, saying to the cashier: "Thank you, enjoy your shift!"
When the employee replied: "You too," McElhenney spun around in shock and was put to work.
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McElhenney, 47, has become a famous figure in football since he and Ryan Reynolds purchased Wrexham in 2020, bringing worldwide fame to the club thanks to their media savvy and ability to bring in sponsorship and partnerships with huge companies, as well as creating the documentary series.
With just two games remaining in the Championship this season, Birmingham City's survival chances are still hanging by a thread, with Gary Rowett not helped by a frustrating injury worry ahead of his side's crucial clash against Huddersfield Town.
Birmingham injury news
Since replacing Tony Mowbray in March after the former Sunderland manager had to step down for medical reasons, Rowett has been handed the task of steering Birmingham to safety. So far, it's been a difficult task too. The interim boss has taken charge of six games, winning just twice, suffering defeat three times and drawing once. As a result, safety is now far from guaranteed with Birmingham in a perilous position.
19th
Blackburn Rovers
49
20th
Plymouth Argyle
48
21st (safety)
Sheffield Wednesday
47
22nd
Birmingham City
46
23rd
Huddersfield Town
44
24th
Rotherham (relegated)
24
Looking at how things stand, Birmingham's clash against Huddersfield on Saturday is as big as it gets for Rowett and his side. Win and they'll push clear of the Terriers and potentially into safety if the results above them go their way. Lose, however, and Birmingham could be at least four points adrift of safety come the end of the weekend.
The challenge of the Terriers has become even more difficult after Rowett's injury update too. Despite the manager's previous confidence that Lukas Jutkiewicz could play a part in Birmingham's final two Championship games, the forward is still a doubt ahead of the weekend.
Rowett revealed the news, saying via Birmingham Mail: "I know Jukey really well, he is definitely one that can help us around the group as well. The first thing he said to me is, 'If I'm not available, I want to travel with the team'. That shows a lot about him. Jukey is always that go-to one to get you out of trouble.
"We're hoping that he can recover. You'll see him limping around but he'll still want to play. I'm hoping he can still play some part of the season but I don't want to put too much pressure on that with the injury that he had."
"Physical" Jutkiewicz is a big miss
Expierience can quickly prove to be the key in any relegation battle and Jutkiewicz certainly brings that at 35-years-old. If Rowett wanted a chance to fall to any Birmingham player, Jutkiewicz would be high up on his list. Nonetheless, Birmingham must escape the drop without the help of their veteran forward, unless he manages a late return against the odds.
Rowett worked with the forward in his previous spell at Birmingham and was full of praise for Jutkiewicz, telling Birmingham Mail in 2016: "The second goal a good ball into the box, when Jukey is getting the ball crossed into him and he's in the middle of the goal not many teams are going to be able to stop him.
"That's a real strong start for him in his Blues career, four goals in something like eight or nine appearances. He was a real handful and physical presence at times."
Newcastle United have been named as one of the clubs tracking a rising star in what could turn out to be a record deal for the Magpies this summer.
Magpies may require midfield rebuild
After a disappointing season under Eddie Howe, Newcastle could be busy this summer and the focus could well be midfield.
With the Premier League's financial fair play rules continuing to loom large, there is speculation that Bruno Guimaraes may be the crown jewel sacrificed ahead of the new campaign, with the Brazilian having a £100m release clause in his contract and attracting interest from across Europe.
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There is also concern over Joelinton, whose contract runs out in 2025 as things stand, leaving this summer as the last chance to receive a fee for the ex-Hoffenheim man, whose absence through injury has coincided with Howe's side's poor form.
However, despite all the concern with financial fair play, Newcastle continue to be linked with big-money moves for new additions this summer. Should there be money to play with, the Magpies may have already found a way to spend it.
Record signing on the way?
The latest man to be tied to Tyneside is Ukrainian starlet and Nike-sponsored man Georgiy Sudakov, who is garnering high praise across Europe.
Already capped 12 times for the Ukraine, the 21-year-old has been a regular for Shakhtar Donetsk this season, starting all eight of their games across the Champions League and Europa League.
Heorhiy Sudakov for Ukraine.
Now, TuttoJuve journalist Mirko Di Natale has claimed that Newcastle are one of five English clubs keeping tabs on Sudakov. The Magpies, along with Arsenal, Liverpool and both Manchester clubs have 'requested information' on the youngster ahead of a potential summer move.
A midfielder by trade, he is on the watchlist of plenty of Europe's elite, and has already admitted that the club has turned down offers for him to move away from Ukraine.
"[Shakhtar director] Sergei Anatolyevich Palkin informed me about offers from Juventus and Napoli. Shakhtar rejected Napolis €40m bid”, he explained.
However, he has been given a promise that he will be able to leave in the next two transfer windows, and that played into his new contract being signed.
“I was a little upset at the beginning [that I wasn't sold], but then I understood the club. I still haven’t given my all and the club want to get as much money as possible from my sale,” said Sudakov.
“Therefore, I agreed to extend it by six more months until winter 2028 because the previous agreement was valid until summer. Palkin has said I can go to Europe in six months or a year and trust him and the President.”
As Napoli's rejected bid shows though, he won't come cheap. According to Di Natale, his release clause will likely have to be met, which sits in excess of 100m euros (£85m). That would make Sudakov comfortably Newcastle's record signing, surpassing the £58m that they shelled out for Alexander Isak in 2022.
Newcastle's record signings
Player
Club left
Year
Fee
Alexander Isak
Real Sociedad
2022
£58m
Sandro Tonali
AC Milan
2023
£55m
Anthony Gordon
Everton
2023
£45m
Harvey Barnes
Leicester City
2023
£38m
Bruno Guimaraes
Olympique Lyonnais
2022
£35m
Of course, they are not the only side keen on his signature, but should they find themselves with a gaping hole in midfield and funds raised from a big sale, Sudakov could find himself tempted with the promise of regular Premier League minutes.