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Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have been told that they should consider moves to join Harry Kane at Bayern Munich if severing ties with Liverpool.

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• Contracts at Anfield are running down
• Due to hit free agency this summer
• Advised to consider moves to Germany

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  No decisions have been made as yet when it comes to the long-term plans of Anfield stalwarts Salah and Van Dijk. Both are, however, running down their respective contracts on Merseyside and heading towards free agency in the summer of 2025.

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  Egyptian superstar Salah has been linked with clubs around the world, from PSG to big-spending teams in the Saudi Pro League, but is being advised to keep Bayern in his thoughts. Any move to the Allianz Arena would see the prolific winger link up with England captain Kane.

• WHAT DIETMAR HAMANN SAID

  Former Liverpool and Bayern midfielder Dietmar Hamann has told : “Mohamed Salah to Bayern Munich would be very exciting. Bayern have Kingsley Coman, who hasn’t been the best recently, Leroy Sane looks set to leave the club, and the most impressive has been Michael Olise who signed last summer, so I think they need two or three wide players for next season.

  “Just like bringing Harry Kane to the club, it would be hugely exciting to see Salah at Bayern but also for the Bundesliga to have a player like Salah. Even if it was just for one or two years, I would absolutely love to see it.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Hamann added on the prospect of Dutch defender Van Dijk following Salah to Germany: “Virgil van Dijk to Bayern? There are not many teams that he wouldn’t improve. The longer the contract wait goes on the more offers he will have, there will be five or six clubs knocking on his door already.

  “Bayern Munich have had a few issues defensively, but they're pretty solid at the moment. Having said that, if he’s available, it’ll be about if he sees himself in Munich or Milan or wherever. All big clubs including Bayern will have to see what’s possible because there are not many teams who wouldn't improve with him in the side.”

Clubs are able to sign a “clinical” member of the Chelsea squad through his release clause, which will be active in January, as interested sides are handed an opportunity to bypass Stamford Bridge negotiations and head straight to the player to discuss terms.

Enzo Maresca admits Chelsea players could ask to leave in January

In a recent press conference, manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that Chelsea exits are a possibility as we fast approach the winter transfer window.

Chelsea prepared to offer cash and Mudryk for £262,000-per-week forward

The Ukraine international has been provisionally suspended from football after testing positive for meldonium.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 26, 2024

The Italian admitted that, if players wish to depart for new pastures in January, he will not stand in their way – with a few big-name players tipped to find another club mid-season.

Ben Chilwell, who’s played just 45 minutes in all competitions this season, has been heavily linked with an exit for months. The £200,000-per-week defender is reportedly attracting interest from clubs in the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A (Simon Phillips), with out-of-favour compatriot Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall fielding interest from as many as 10 sides ahead of January (CaughtOffiside).

Christopher Nkunku is one of the club’s top scorers, but even the Frenchman could reportedly decide to leave in January, as he struggles to become a Premier League mainstay under Maresca with the bulk of his involvement coming in cup competitions.

“In this moment we are not thinking this player has to leave or that player. We are just thinking how to win games,” said Maresca on Chelsea departures in January.

“Then, if they knock on the door and they want to leave, I’m not going to say: ‘No, no you have to stay here, 100 per cent’. If they want to leave, the best thing for everyone is that the players who aren’t happy are going to leave.”

That being said, Chelsea’s manager does appear keen for Nkunku to remain in west London.

There is also the matter of midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka and his long-term future, with the 21-year-old also struggling for consistent game time.

Clubs can sign Carney Chukwuemeka from Chelsea for £40 million

The former Aston Villa gem has played in just five games across all competitions this term, totalling around 130 minutes of action – without making a single Premier League appearance – and this has led to reports that he could be headed out the door after January 1.

The Athletic have an update on this, and they write that clubs can sign Chukwuemeka from Chelsea at £40 million, through an active release clause in his contract.

Due to his lack of playing time lately, it would be an arguable surprise for the club to receive a bid that high, but interested sides know the yardstick of valuation that Chelsea will at least be shooting for.

The midfielder has been praised for his quality in the past by key figures, like Chelsea legend Marcel Desailly, who called Chukwuemeka a “clinical” player.

Emi Martinez's "attitude" has been questioned by a fellow World Cup winner, but the Argentine is considered to be the same level as Thibaut Courtois.

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• South American won the World Cup in 2022
• On-field behaviour has been questioned
• Regarded as one of the best in the business

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Martinez’s antics, particularly in penalty shootouts, have attracted criticism. His record speaks for itself, though, with Argentina being helped to a global crown in 2022 and two Copa America triumphs.

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  Their No.1, who plays his club football for Premier League side Aston Villa, is a two-time winner of the FIFA Best Men’s Goalkeeper award. He is about to test himself against European heavyweights as Villa face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals.

• WHAT FRANK LEBOEUF SAID

  Former Chelsea and France star Frank Leboeuf, who won the World Cup with France in 1998, has told when assessing Villa’s upcoming clash with PSG: "Aston Villa are having a great season; Unai Emery is having a brilliant time there and it’s nice to see players like Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio playing their best football and fitting in well. I’m a big fan of Boubacar Kamara too.

  "I’m less of a fan of Emiliano Martinez – he’s a great goalkeeper but I don’t like his attitude. He’s up there with Thibaut Courtois on ability for me and they can absolutely trouble Paris Saint-Germain.

  "If PSG play how they did against Liverpool, it’s hard to see Villa progressing but you never know. Villa must believe they can do something and it’s great to see teams like this at this level with a real chance against a European titan, good luck to them. It will be hard; PSG have already taken out the tournament favourite, Liverpool."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Martinez has been beating Real Madrid shot-stopper Courtois to prestigious individual prizes. He is now hoping to emulate the Belgium international by landing a Champions League title of his own.

As it was last year, this season has been a roller coaster for Tottenham Hotspur fans.

One week, the North Londoners look like the best team in the country and are pulling apart the Premier League champions 4-0, and then the next, they lose at home to winless Ipswich Town.

Ange Postecoglou has turned his side into great entertainers but has not been able to address their problems with consistency, and were it not for the incredible Dejan Kulusevski, things could be looking a lot worse at the moment.

So, fans should be excited about recent reports linking them to a player who could mirror the Swede’s journey to Spurs and be an incredible upgrade on James Maddison as well.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Tottenham are one of several top-flight teams keen on signing Belgian sensation Charles De Ketelaere.

Alongside the Lilywhites, the report claims that Liverpool, West Ham United, Arsenal, Newcastle United, Manchester City and Aston Villa are all interested in the Atatlanta star.

This number of top sides vying for the talented playmaker is undoubtedly far from ideal for the North Londoners, but the good news is that the story claims he is valued at just £40m, which could prove to be a real bargain for someone of his quality.

It could still be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given De Ketelaere’s sensational ability, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as he could be the next Kulusevski and would be an upgrade on Maddison.

De Ketelaere's comparisons to Kulusevski & Maddison

So, before we look at how De Ketelaere stacks up against Maddison, it’s worth examining the reasons his signing would mirror that of Kulusevski’s.

The first is that, like the Swedish international, the Atalanta star would be making his way over from Serie A, akin to the Lilywhites star’s move from Juventus in 2022.

The second, more meaty point of comparison is that, like the Stockholm-born star, the Belgian gem is an incredibly talented attacker who can, and has, played everywhere from centre-forward to the wings and all over midfield.

Lastly, like Kulusevski, the former Club Brugge prospect is just an incredibly entertaining player to watch and has that increasingly rare ability to get fans off their seats with a sublime piece of skill, unreal goal or pinpoint pass.

With that said, as he’s spent most of this season playing in an attacking midfield role, the “wonderful” talent, as dubbed by journalist Dougie Critchley, would likely come in as competition for Maddison were to move to N17, and unfortunately for the Englishman, we reckon he’d displace him, and quite easily at that.

For example, in just 23 appearances this season, the 23-year-old “diamond”, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored eight goals and provided nine assists, equating to a sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.35 games for the Bergamo outfit.

In contrast, the former Leicester City star has scored seven goals and provided five assists in as many games, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 1.91 games.

Finally, Postecoglou would be able to rely on the Brugge-born dynamo more than his current co-vice-captain, as the most games he’s missed in a single season through injury is just ten, which is a far cry from the Englishman’s spotty fitness record.

Ultimately, while Maddison is an unbelievably gifted footballer, De Ketelaere just looks to be even more so, and considering his valuation isn’t outrageous, Daniel Levy and Co should be doing all they can to bring him to N17.

Just like Kulusevski: Spurs' "unbelievable" 8/10 diamond is now undroppable

The special talent must start the next game for Spurs.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Dec 20, 2024

MLS NEXT made the groundbreaking announcement on Wednesday, as they look to promote development at the youth levels

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• MLS NEXT unveils new quality of play rankings
• Aimed to promote youth development
• Implemented at U13, U14 levels
• Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  MLS NEXT has unveiled Quality of Play rankings for the U13 and U14 age groups for the first time, with an aim to focus on complete performance results of individuals and teams. The pilot program marks the first time both age groups will be ranked on this metric, rather than traditional rankings od win-draw-loss.

  The Quality of Play rankings will be calculated via Taka's analytical formula that elevates gameplay, focusing on a club's offensive and defensive actions during a match.

  “At Major League Soccer, one of our core objectives is to develop the next generation of talent to positively impact the professional game,” said MLS NEXT Technical Director Luis Robles. “For younger age groups, we prioritize their individual development over competition, though we acknowledge competition’s role in personal growth. This pilot program allows us to evaluate both team and individual performance, helping us track progress while providing more support for players to achieve their goals.”

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  The implementation of the rankings is designed to promote development among younger age groups, rather than placing focus and emphasis on certain athletic traits and strict results that can disproportionately impact games at these age groups.

  Taka itself is a platform for played and coaches that utilizes technology and professional analysts to elevate the youth game. Taka provides athletes with personalized highlights and exposure, while – for coaches- streamlines elevated analysis. The platform currently has over 50,000 athlete profiles, 20,000 analyzed games and 6 million individual highlights.

  The updated rankings can be found here.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  MLS NEXT released a groundbreaking new competition tier in 2025, that is slated to kickoff in September, 2025. The tier will also allow players to play High School Soccer.

• WHAT NEXT?

  MLS NEXT's premier youth tournament, the Generation Adidas Cup, begins in less than a months time. It will feature 80 teams, representing 14 countries and four continents. International clubs like FC Bayern, Inter Milan and Palmeiras will be among those competing against MLS academies at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida from April 12-20.

A Ballon d’Or winner could be available for a bargain price this summer, with Barcelona reportedly demanding €90m for Raphinha.

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• South American starring for Blaugrana
• In contention for prestigious Golden Ball
• May be sold if new deal can't be agreed

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Brazil international does not yet have his hands on a prestigious Golden Ball, but he has become the favourite to land that prize in 2025. That is because the South American has registered 28 goals and an impressive tally of assists this season.

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  Raphinha’s efforts are helping to keep Barcelona in the hunt for La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey titles. His value to the Blaugrana cause is clear for all to see, but exit talk has surfaced in Catalunya.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  That is because, with two years left on his current deal, contract talks are said to have ground to a halt. Raphinha’s representatives are said to be demanding better terms than those currently being offered.

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  TELL ME MORE

  claims that Barca may be willing to cash in this summer if a suitable bid is tabled, with Raphinha valued at between €80m and €90m (£78m/$102m). He is already said to have generated interest in the Saudi Pro League.

A £25m player who possesses attacking “flair” has a verbal agreement with Aston Villa over a move in the current transfer window, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Aston Villa transfer news

There are plenty of incoming and outgoing rumours surrounding the Villans currently, with Jaden Philogene linked with a move away from the club in January. The 22-year-old has only managed two starts in the Premier League so far this season and talks are underway over a possible exit in the coming weeks.

Dewa United wide man Taisei Marukawa is a reported new signing for Villa, giving Unai Emery additional depth in attacking areas for the second half of the Premier League season.

Elsewhere, Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn is another player who has been backed to seal a move to Vila Park in the near future, having become one of the most dangerous players in the Scottish Premiership. He has nine goals and six assists in the league for the Hoops this season, with his ability to thrive on the right-hand side and cut inside so difficult to defend against.

One high-profile rumoured transfer target for the Villans is Paris Saint-Germain star Marco Asensio, who similarly adopts the same position as Kuhn. Whether the Midlands outfit are able to entice him to the club remains to be seen, though.

Aston Villa have verbal agreement with £25m ace

According to Jacobs on X, Aston Villa have a verbal agreement in place with Borussia Dortmund attacker Donyell Malen. However, the club are yet to strike a deal with the Bundesliga giants, who want £25m for the Dutch forward.

Malen has the potential to be such an eye-catching signing for Villa, so this update is hugely encouraging, as Emery searches for more attacking firepower in the final third.

The Dutchman has 59 goal contributions (39 goals and 20 assists) in 131 appearances for Dortmund, which outlines his end product, not to mention netting nine times in 41 caps for the Netherlands. Meanwhile, former Dortmund boss Marco Rose also once lauded his ability back in 2021, saying:

“We’ve always said that we’re convinced of his abilities, but it was always clear to us that he needs time to adapt. He has done that very well in the last few weeks. He’s playing with a lot more confidence, asking for the ball more, demonstrating his flair and chipping in in front of goal. Now we have to work to make sure he can keep it up.”

At 25, Malen appears to be in a sweet spot in his career, possessing lots of experience but also being young enough to improve further, so Villa could be signing a player with another five or six years in him at the top level, at least.

The Red Devils face Lyon Thursday in the second leg of the Europa League quarterfinals

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• The aggregate score is 2-2
• The match will be played at Old Trafford
• Last international title came in 2016-17

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  It’s been a difficult season for Manchester United under manager Rúben Amorim. United sit 14th in the Premier League, 38 points behind current leaders and soon-to-be champions Liverpool. But not all is lost for Manchester United, as they are just one step away from reaching the Europa League semifinals.

  The decisive moment comes Thursday when they host Lyon at Old Trafford. With the aggregate tied 2-2 and the return leg at home, Amorim’s side could turn a disastrous season into something positive by winning the continental tournament.

  One of United’s former players, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, now playing in Mexico, sent a message of support to his former club, calling it "a very important opportunity to win an international title."

  “I’m very happy," he said at a sponsor appearance in Guadalajara, noting that Man Utd are still in Europa League contention, "even though it’s been a tough year, as the last few have been. I think it’s important for a club like Manchester United to be fighting for these titles. I really hope they will win it. Having the chance to win an international competition is always very important."

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  With just 23 points out of a possible 63, Amorim's side has struggled. But the Red Devils still have a shot at redemption with the Europa League title up for grabs. Will they reach the semifinals and fight for silverware?

  Meanwhile, Chicharito made his comments as part of Enterprise’s ‘Rent-A-Player’ campaign, which launched an opportunity for a fan to travel to this season’s UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao.

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  WHAT RUBÉN AMORIM SAID

  "I’m trying to be clear, to keep things simple and not overthink. When I visualize the game, I see André Onana. He had a weekend off, so now he’s ready to return to competition, and I’ve chosen André to start. Before making that decision, I spoke with him – it’s important to explain to the player what I’m thinking."

  Rúben Amorim confirmed the Cameroonian goalkeeper will start for Manchester United on Thursday.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  They face Lyon for a spot in the Europa League semifinals, while on Sunday they’ll host Wolverhampton for Matchday 33 of the Premier League.

Manchester City are in advanced talks to sign a £50 million international forward who is open to joining the Blues in January.

Man City transfer news

Given how the 2024/25 season has gone for City so far, this month has the makings to be a busy period for Pep Guardiola’s side, as they look to try and get back to the top of the Premier League and make the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Big upgrade on Grealish: Man City plotting to re-sign "electric" £37m star

Manchester City could shock the Premier League by re-signing an old winger.

By
Ben Gray

Jan 8, 2025

It appears there are a few areas of the pitch that Guardiola would like to strengthen this month, with a new defender and midfielder high on the list of targets. Earlier this week it was reported that City are ready to make a move and sign Juventus defender Nicolo Savona. The full-back has impressed City, and they are ready to bring him to the Etihad as they are also ready to move Kyle Walker on at some point this year.

As well as defence, signing a new midfielder will be seen as important by Guardiola, as City have struggled since Rodri was sidelined with a season-ending injury. It’s been reported that City are ready to go all out and sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad after holding internal talks over the player. Meanwhile, it was reported on Wednesday that the Blues are also ready to make a move for Lazio midfielder Nicolo Rovella. The 23-year-old is at Lazio on loan from Juventus, and City are ready to pay £33 million to bring him to the Etihad this month.

Man City in advanced talks with £50m ace

A new defender and midfielder are not the only positions the Premier League champions are looking at, as according to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Man City are now in advanced talks to sign Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt, and the player is open to a move this month.

It was reported earlier this week that City had held talks with Marmoush over a possible move to the Etihad after the 25-year-old continues to impress in the Bundesliga this season. The forward joined Frankfurt on a free transfer in July 2023, and since then, he has gone on to become one of the best attacking players in Germany, with only Harry Kane scoring more than him so far in the Bundesliga this season.

13 goals in 15 league games have alerted the attention of City, who, according to Plettenberg, are now in advanced talks to sign the forward. He states that concrete negotiations are taking place between the Premier League side and the management of Marmoush, and these talks are advanced, but a full agreement has yet to be reached.

He goes on to add that Marmoush “loves” Frankfurt, but he is open to a move this month as it represents a good opportunity for him. The Blues are offering the Egypt striker a contract until 2030, but as of now there are still negotiations between the two clubs, with Frankfurt wanting between 50 and 60 million euros, which is roughly £41-50 million.

Hansi Flick has criticised Real Madrid for their behaviour towards Copa del Rey final referee Ricardo de Burgos Benegoechea.

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• Flick claims behaviour is 'not fair play'
• Madrid request the official be changed
• Ref's son bullied due to situation

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Flick used his Friday press conference to defend referees, saying the game must show them more respect. The ex-Bayern boss also indirectly pointed at Madrid's antics by saying: "It's not fair play not to look after them [referees]."

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  Los Blancos started the controversy on Thursday after releasing a video on their club TV channel, accusing Bengoechea of bias against the club. The package cited Barca's superior winning percentage in matches officiated by the veteran ref as cause for suspicion. The club requested to replace the officiating team, though have tempered talk of a boycott. Bengoechea responded to the video in a press conference, and revealed his son had been subjected to bullying due to the situation.

• WHAT HANSI FLICK SAID

  Flick said: "For me, it’s just sport, it’s just football. We have to protect everyone involved in the game. The fans, they all want to see the players, how they play. We need the referees, and we have to look after them and be careful. It’s not fair play not to look after them, it’s not showing them respect."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Hopefully, an exciting Copa del Rey final with no major refereeing controversy, where the best team wins. But then again, this is El Clasico, so a contentious decision or two is almost guaranteed.