All posts by n8rngtd.top

Crystal Palace are expected to lodge an enquiry over signing a “quality” £25 million player in the summer, according to a recent report.

Crystal Palace eye attacking signings

The Eagles still have 11 games left to play in the Premier League and an FA Cup quarterfinal tie to think about, but plans already appear to be getting underway for what could be a busy summer at Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace now plotting "ambitious" move for "incredible" £55m forward

The Eagles could be set to battle it out for a highly-rated forward, who’s also attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

1

By
Dominic Lund

Mar 2, 2025

Oliver Glasner is keen for his side to strengthen in the wide areas of the team, with it emerging last week that Liverpool’s Ben Doak and Lewis Koumas are of interest to Palace. The South Londoners are interested in signing not just one, but both Liverpool loan stars, who have been thriving at Middlesbrough and Stoke respectively this season.

Palace are also keeping a close eye on FC Midtjylland striker Franculino Dju and have sent scouts to watch him in action in recent weeks. However, they are not the only team interested, as Leicester City are also keen on a deal, though their interest hinges on them remaining in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, former chief scout Mick Brown has also stated that Palace are interested in signing Tyler Dibling from Southampton, but again, there are many other teams also interested in the young star.

Crystal Palace expected to make enquiry to sign £25m Spurs star

But as well as looking to strengthen their forward line, the Eagles are also looking to strengthen their midfield, as according to Give Me Sport, Crystal Palace are interested in signing Yves Bissouma from Tottenham Hotspur.

The report states that Spurs are willing to let Bissouma leave come the end of the season, with no indications of a new deal being discussed, as he will enter the final 12 months of the contract he signed when he became one of the several Brighton success stories to be sold for profit. Palace are monitoring the situation and are expected to make an enquiry into a possible deal, while several other teams are also expected to join the race.

French sides Marseille and Nice are also interested in signing the midfielder, and Bissouma is open to moving back to Ligue 1, but Palace will hope the opportunity to remain in the Premier League outweighs a return to France. It is unclear how much Spurs would be looking to get for Bissouma, but they may struggle to get near the £25 million they paid Brighton to sign him in 2022.

The 28-year-old, who was dubbed “quality” by Jamie Carragher two years ago, has fallen out of favour somewhat at Spurs this season. The midfielder has started 20 of the 32 games he has played in all competitions, but the rise of Lucas Bergvall and the performances of Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Sarr have seen Bissouma fall down the pecking order, and given his contract situation, a move could be on the cards this summer.

The Eagles will be hoping to keep hold of Adam Wharton, but Bissouma could be seen as a potential replacement should Palace find it hard to keep the young Englishman.

Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen could be heading for a shock exit as his relationship with Hansi Flick has reportedly soured in recent months.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Ter Stegen's fall made clear
• Barcelona bringing in Garcia
• German to be offered deal to leave

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  writes that Ter Stegen reacted badly to being overlooked in the latter stages of Barcelona's Champions League run, having returned from a long-term knee injury in early May. Flick stuck with Wojciech Szczesny for the second leg of the semi-final against Inter, to Ter Stegen's apparent displeasure. But instead of travelling with the rest of the squad to Milan in support, like others who were unavailable did, he stayed behind to train alone.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  His attitude hasn't been well received by the rest of the squad and it might better explain why Barcelona have been so keen to sign Joan Garcia from Espanyol, with that deal expected to be confirmed soon. If Garcia is installed as number on and Szczesny remains as backup, there isn't room for Ter Stegen.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Ter Stegen's relationship with Flick is rumoured not to have been the best even before the latter arrived to succeed Xavi last summer. It stems from Flick's time in charge of the German national team and his preference for Manuel Neuer, over Ter Stegen, as starter.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Ter Stegen's choice is to stay as third choice and not play, or move on. The club stands to save significant money from a salary perspective if they can offload him and a separate report claims that Barcelona are even prepared to offer a year's wages as a lump sum to end his contract. But whether he takes that deal – even though staying and not playing would kill his chances of starting for Germany at the World Cup next summer – remains unclear, as adds that the club don't expect Ter Stegen to make it easy.

Liverpool’s season has by no means petered out, but damaging defeats in the Champions League and Carabao Cup last week have limited the scope of Arne Slot’s maiden term at the helm.

Of course, barring any staggering late drop-offs, Liverpool can cushion themselves from the blow with the Premier League title, 12 points ahead of Arsenal with just nine matches left to play.

However, that’s not to say FSG aren’t gearing up to issue sweeping changes this summer. That certainly could be the case in the final third.

Darwin Nunez’s name has carried the most noise as he flatters to deceive, scoring only seven times across 40 appearances this season. However, he’s not the only one heading for the exit, with Liverpool increasingly open to parting with Luis Diaz too.

Why Liverpool could sell Luis Diaz

Diaz, 28, enjoyed a purple patch at the start of the season but has flaked away in the months since, scoring only four times across his past 23 Premier League matches. The wideman also bagged in just one of the nine Champions League games he featured.

He’s not so much profligate as at odds with finding space and striking from dangerous positions with the regularity expected from one of his level. As such, FSG are now tempted to cash in.

Fabrizio Romano has indeed confirmed Liverpool will be attentive to market opportunities this summer, with Diaz, who has attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League, Barcelona and Manchester City in the past year, among those likely to be sold.

The tricky winger will never truly be regarded as “world-class” since he struggles to muster the kind of lofty hauls Mohamed Salah, Raphinha and the rest boast.

Cashing in for a pretty feels like the right thing to do for a 28-year-old who is nearing the closing stage of their contract. Slot may well be subscribed to the idea already.

Especially when considering Liverpool have already got a youngster proving they could become a superstar in the years to come.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Liverpool already have a "world-class" Diaz replacement

Slot holds Diaz in high regard, but he will no doubt harbour frustrations over the Colombian’s inability to maintain a steady stream of scoring.

Should he leave, FSG must of course find a high-level replacement, but they may already have a long-term successor in Ben Doak, who is excelling on loan with Middlesbrough this season.

Doak, 19, has posted three goals and seven assists across 21 starts in the Championship this season, making good on praise from former Scotland manager Craig Levein, who claimed: “This kid could be a world-class player.”

His haul in the Championship speaks of plenty of promise, but Doak’s underlying metrics are also a thing to be admired. As per Sofascore, he has averaged 1.9 key passes and 3.9 duels per game.

Moreover, FBref record the gifted Scotsman ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Championship this year for progressive carries (6.78) per 90, highlighting the ball-carrying game that could surpass what Diaz brings to the table at Liverpool.

While he’s principally found on the right wing, Doak has played football both centrally and on the left during his fledgling career.

His inclusion in Slot’s first-team squad next term could act as the buffer needed to convince FSG that Diaz is expendable, with whoever is brought in set to tussle with a ‘world-class’ talent in Doak for a starting berth.

His worst display in Liverpool red: 3/10 star was even worse than Jota

Arne Slot’s abject Liverpool side were defeated by Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.

By
Angus Sinclair

Mar 16, 2025

Former Real Madrid hero Ivan Helguera has lifted the lid on the alleged mistreatment he faced before leaving the club.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Helguera reveals bitter fallout with Madrid
• Ex-Spain international admits emotional toll was severe
• Claims he was stripped of his shirt number

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Los Blancoslegend Helguera has launched a scathing attack on his former club, revealing on the podcast that he was mistreated and emotionally broken during his final years at the Santiago Bernabeu. Despite winning two Champions League titles and helping the team to a league win, Helguera claims the board and sporting director Predrag Mijatovic "made his life miserable."

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  WHAT IVAN HELGUERA SAID

  On the podcast, Helguera recalls the shocking betrayal by Real Madrid's hierarchy despite being a title-winning regular: "The board, the president especially, and a former player who I didn't expect from him, who was the sporting director, Mijatovic, took away my number and told me I wouldn't play again. They made my life miserable. I don't really know why. They told me I wasn't going to play and that they wanted to sell me. They told me I wasn't going to play and that they wanted to sell me. I had a three-year contract, I didn't understand because I had just won the league and had played."

  The emotional toll peaked as former Spanish international felt isolated and disrespected by the club’s leadership: "Emotionally, I was screwed. My head told me they were screwing me and screwing my life up. The president didn't even greet me and I was playing."

  Despite coach Fabio Capello’s support, the former defender was frozen out, and forced toward a Valencia exit: "These guys tell me not to even play you in training.' The following year, Mijatovic told me they were taking my number away and were going to make my life miserable again. And then Valencia arrived. In fact, I didn't even go to the meetings because there could be so much tension."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The defender and defensive midfielder spent eight years at Madrid and won three La Liga titles and a UEFA Super Cup alongside two European crowns in 2000 and 2002. After leaving to join Valencia, he won the Copa del Rey in 2008.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  Madrid are expected to undergo tactical changes under new head coach Xabi Alonso, likely moving away from the system he used at Bayer Leverkusen. The Spanish giants are aiming to compete for the Club World Cup this summer, with their campaign kicking off against Al-Hilal on June 18.

The agents of a “sensational” Arsenal player have now jetted out to hold a meeting over a potential move away from the Emirates Stadium, according to a report.

Andrea Berta planning summer midfield rebuild

Andrea Berta is poised to become the Gunners’ new sporting director, and while fans may be crying out for the Italian to sign a new striker as the first port of call, there have been suggestions he is also keen on overhauling the midfield.

Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi remains Berta’s top target in midfield, although it is not yet a done deal, with the Spaniard potentially in line to take Thomas Partey’s spot in the starting XI, as the Ghanaian is out of contract at the end of the season.

Mikel Arteta is also believed to be a big fan of a different La Liga midfielder, however, with a report revealing the north Londoners are now very keen on signing Barcelona’s Marc Casado, although the Spaniard is protected by a huge £83m release clause.

Arsenal ahead of Liverpool in race to sign £71m striker who Wenger loves

The Gunners have leapfrogged their Premier League rivals in the race for an “unbelievable” forward.

By
Dominic Lund

Mar 17, 2025

There may be a need to bring in more than one new central midfielder this summer, given that there is also major doubt over Jorginho’s future, and reports from Brazil have revealed the Italian’s agents have now jetted out to discuss a move to Flamengo (via Sport Witness).

There is reportedly already a verbal agreement in place for the midfielder to join the Brazilian club on a three-year deal, and his reps have now held a meeting with Flamengo sporting director Jose Boto.

The 33-year-old’s contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign, meaning he will be able to join Flamengo on a free transfer.

"Sensational" Jorginho playing sporadic role this season

The central midfielder has been impressive for the Gunners in the past, being lauded as “sensational” by BBC journalist Dan George, but he has started to play a lesser role in Arteta’s side this season, although he has played his part from the sidelines.

The Brazil-born midfielder has featured 12 times in the Premier League, with many of those appearances coming from the bench, and at 33-years-old he is arguably in the twilight years of his career, so it is probably wise to sanction his departure.

A return to the country of his birth could be a fitting end to Jorginho’s career, and Arsenal are now tasked with bringing in a suitable replacement for the £110k-per-week maestro, having identified a number of potential targets.

Cristiano Ronaldo has a new training partner, with CR7 making a "like father, like son" claim after being joined in the gym by Junior.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Cristiano Jr made bow for Portugal U15 side
• Helped them to win tournament trophy
• Watched father lift Nations League crown

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo recently saw his oldest child take the first tentative steps in his international career. At 14 years of age, Cristiano Jr has made his debut for Portugal’s U15 side.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  He helped them to silverware in his first tournament appearance, before watching his famous father lift the UEFA Nations League title with Portugal’s senior squad. Ronaldo picked up a knock in the final of that event, forcing him to watch a nerve-shredding penalty shootout with Spain from the touchline.

• THE GOSSIP

  Whatever that ailment was, it does not appear to be holding CR7 back. At 40 years of age, the all-time great continues to keep himself in the best possible shape. He is often joined for workouts by long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• WHAT RONALDO SAID

  Cristiano Jr is now getting in on the act, with the teenager looking to follow in the most illustrious of footsteps. Ronaldo posted a couple of "like father, like son" images on social media as both flexed their muscles.

Setting their sights on a new target, Newcastle United have now reportedly joined the race to sign a Bundesliga forward who could arrive instead of Hugo Ekitike this summer.

Newcastle scout Ekitike alternative

Whilst it seems as though a fresh striker is the last thing that Newcastle need, the fact that Callum Wilson is currently on course to leave as a free agent this summer means that they could do with depth behind Alexander Isak.

It is also worth noting that the interest in signing Isak only looks likely to increase as the summer approaches, igniting a transfer window saga which may last until the very end.

Currently, Newcastle’s reported £160m valuation looks as though it could fend off any potential suitors, but if that does not prove to be the case then having added firepower from the bench will prove to be no bad thing.

More assists than Gordon: Newcastle plotting move to sign "terrific" star

He’s enjoying an excellent season.

By
Tom Cunningham

Mar 20, 2025

That said, the main name mentioned on that front has been Ekitike. The Magpies very nearly signed the Frenchman before he ultimately chose to join Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and have now reportedly ignited their interest as he rediscovers his best form at Eintracht Frankfurt.

However, the forward isn’t the only Bundesliga star on their list of options. According to The Boot Room, Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Jonathan Burkardt from Mainz this summer after sending their scouts to watch the impressive goalscorer.

Like Ekitike, Burkardt has enjoyed an excellent season in the Bundesliga to earn his way onto Newcastle’s radar alongside the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. Potentially left with a major decision to make when the transfer window opens, the German could be on his way to St James’ Park.

"Marksman" Burkardt is more clinical than Ekitike

Although Burkardt steals fewer headlines than Ekitike, he has been in more clinical form than the Frenchman in the Bundesliga this season – even matching a long-standing Mainz record by scoring 15 Bundesliga goals in a single campaign.

Becoming the first Mainz player to do so since Shinji Okazaki in the 2013/14 campaign, the 24-year-old could now follow the same path as the former Premier League forward, courtesy of Newcastle.

Dubbed a “marksman” by OptaFranz after he scored his 15th goal of the season, Burkardt has been more ruthless than ever in front of goal this season – almost outperforming his xG by five goals.

In comparison, Ekitike has underperformed by over four goals, albeit whilst creating more than his Bundesliga counterpart. Two strikers who carry different traits, Newcastle must decide whether they want a clinical finisher or the more creative Ekitike.

When the summer arrives, the Magpies’ striker department will certainly be one to watch as Wilson departs, interest in Isak arrives and decisions are made over deals for Ekitike and Burkardt.

Kieran Trippier's wife Charlotte has broken her silence on her split from the Newcastle star amid rumours the couple are now set to divorce.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Charlotte Trippier posts emotional video message
• Confirms split with Newcastle defender
• Will reveal all when the time is right

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Trippier has confirmed he separated from wife Charlotte a year ago after hitting the headlines recently. The Newcastle star has been spotted partying with two "mystery women" and it was subsequently revealed he had been cosying up with Geordie Shore star Chloe Ferry in Ibiza.

Advertisement

• WHAT TRIPPIER SAID

  Charlotte Trippier has now had her say in a video posted on Instagram. She did not want to say too much but did vow to reveal all in the future: "I just wanted to let everyone know that I am fine. Obviously, I'm not ready to talk about my situation. In time, I will, when I'm comfortable and the time's right. I've got three young children and I don't want to be putting things out there for them to see."

  She also had advice for others going through a similar situation, explaining: "You can get through it, once you make the decision. The sparkle does come back [and] you'll get there. You absolutely will get through any sort of breakup or anything similar to what I'm going through."

• THE GOSSIP

  The couple are now expected to divorce after nine years of marriage and having three children together. Charlotte is said to have taken legal advice already following the breakdown of their marriage as the two now prepare to go their separate ways.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR TRIPPIER?

  Trippier is currently enjoying a break from football during the off-season and clearly has plenty to contend with in his private life. There has been speculation too about his future at Newcastle, but he does still have 12 months remaining on his current contract and looks set to stay with Eddie Howe's team, as things stand.

The Scottish Premiership season has perhaps gone as expected. Celtic are top of the pile after an excellent start to the season, and they look on track for a fourth league title in a row.

Glasgow Rangers are second despite some shoddy domestic form which cost Philippe Clement his job, while the chase for third is between Aberdeen, Hibernian and Dundee United.

The likes of Hearts, St Mirren and Motherwell are battling it out for a place in the top six ahead of the split, while St Johnstone look doomed at the bottom of the table.

Doing well in Scotland could see a manager secure a bigger job elsewhere – one that offers a great financial package, along with opportunities in better leagues.

As such, just how much are the managers paid in the Scottish top flight? Here, we rank each Premiership manager by their annual wage.

No salary information is currently available for Motherwell’s Michael Wimmer or Hearts boss Neil Critchley, with both managers joining their current clubs mid-season. The same applies to interim Rangers boss Barry Ferguson, with predecessor Clement thought to be on a salary of £1.5m per year.

9

Jim Goodwin (Dundee United)

£180k per year

Dundee United have been the surprise package in the Premiership this season. Jim Goodwin was hounded out of Aberdeen after a dismal loss to Darvel in the Scottish Cup back in 2023, but he has proved everyone wrong so far at Tannadice.

The Arabs are still in with a shout of European qualification and have taken points off both Celtic and Rangers this term.

Goodwin earns £180k per year, which is perhaps undervaluing him compared to his counterparts.

8

Tony Docherty (Dundee)

£180k per year

Tony Docherty is doing a solid job at Dundee since taking over the club ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

He led the Dens Park outfit to a wonderful top-six finish in the top flight last season, allowing them to play against the likes of Rangers and Celtic after the split, giving them a chance of qualifying for Europe.

Docherty developed players such as Luke McCowan and Lyall Cameron. The former joined Celtic last summer while Cameron has signed a pre-contact deal with Rangers.

Docherty is paid £180k per year at Dundee.

7

Don Cowie (Ross County)

£200k per year

Ross County manager Don Cowie has a fight on his hands if he is to avoid another relegation playoff with the club.

Last season, the Highland side defeated Raith Rovers to maintain their top-flight status and hopes were high that they could move towards the top six. Instead, they are in the thick of another relegation battle.

Cowie has been in charge of County since 2024 and is thought to earn £200k per year at the club.

6

Derek McInnes (Kilmarnock)

£200k per year

Derek McInnes led Aberdeen to their first trophy in nearly 20 years back in 2014, but things later turned sour, leading to his departure in 2021.

He has revitalised Kilmarnock during his spell in Ayr. He led the club back into the Premiership in 2022 before securing a superb fourth-place finish in 2023/24, including a victory over Rangers in the process.

For his troubles, McInnes takes home £200k per year.

5

Stephen Robinson (St Mirren)

£225k per year

Stephen Robinson has done an excellent job since moving to St Mirren in 2022. He led the club to back-to-back top-six finishes in the top flight for the first time in the club’s history.

The Buddies have an outside chance of another placing in the top six at the time of writing, but they did enjoy European football at the start of the season. Robinson earns £225k per year at St Mirren.

4

Simo Valakari (St Johnstone)

£250k-per-year

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari has a huge job on his hands preventing the Saints from slipping out of the top flight this season.

They are stranded at the bottom of the table and it looks like a matter of time before their demotion is confirmed. It will take a remarkable recovery to move up the league table from here.

Valakari earns £250k per year in Perth, though that may not be the case in a few weeks’ time.

3

Jimmy Thelin (Aberdeen)

£250k per year

Jimmy Thelin led Aberdeen to a stunning start in the 2024/25 season, earning a draw with Celtic while also securing three points against a disjointed Rangers side in October to threaten a top-two finish.

However, since a hammering in the League Cup semi-final by Celtic at the start of November, the Dons have been wildly out of sorts. Aberdeen remain in the race for third, but they will be frustrated to have taken advantage of their superb start.

The Swede earns £250k per year in the north-east.

2

David Gray (Hibernian)

£275k per year

David Gray endured a difficult start as Hibs boss, but he was backed by the board and has since taken the club to the cusp of third place after some excellent results.

More positive results between now and May will see the Easter Road outfit secure a European spot. He earns £275k per year – the highest-paid manager outside the Old Firm.

1

Brendan Rodgers (Celtic)

£2.5m per year

Brendan Rodgers is on the cusp of leading Celtic to yet another treble. He claimed all three trophies during the first two seasons of his initial spell at Parkhead.

The club’s narrow defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League proves that he is finally adapting to European football, evidenced by the fact the club secured qualification for the play-off round.

He currently earns £2.5m per year at the club, and if he does win all three domestic trophies, he could yet demand more.

Liverpool fans believe Harvey Elliott has increased his value ahead of a potential move to Brighton after scoring twice for England's Under-21s.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• England reach final with 2-1 win over Netherlands
• Elliott scores twice
• Fans delighted amid reports of move

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Elliott scored twice in the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Championship, as England beat the Netherlands 2-1. The Liverpool ace's first goal was a fine drive but his second was superb, as he slalomed through the Dutch defence and lashed an effort beyond Robin Roefs, in a move akin to Lionel Messi. The Reds star has been linked with a summer exit amid interest from Brighton, and fans believe his value has increased after such a fine display.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  @AnythingLFC_ said: "Add another £10m-£20m onto Harvey Elliott's price tag after this Euros."

  @GusWelshLFC added: "Harvey Elliott just added another £10m to his transfer fee."

  @9_Hendo said: "Harvey Elliott adding millions to the fee Liverpool will command this summer! Get in."

  @Alexgildeatrott said: "We shouldn't be selling Harvey Elliott. If we are, minimum £50m."

  @LewisSteele_ concluded: "Absolutely superb goal from Harvey Elliott. At the double for England U21s to all but send them to the final. His price tag, if LFC are going to sell him this summer, is only going one way based on this tournament. Supremely talented and a top, top lad."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Elliott has now scored four goals at the U21 Euros, having also netted against Czechia in the group stages, and Spain in the quarter-finals. At the last stage of reporting, Brighton were said to be considering a move at around £40 million ($55m) this summer, after making the midfielder their top target. He has played 147 times for Liverpool in total but made just two Premier League starts last term.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Elliott will aim to finish the job this weekend as England go in search of their second successive Under-21 European Championship. Then, he may well be on the move.