All posts by h716a5.icu

While buying the right players remains a key point of concern at Manchester United in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, it could be argued that there has been just as much difficulty with regard to selling players in recent times.

Indeed, the £10m profit made on Daniel James in 2021 showcases a rare example of the Red Devils actually making an astute move in the market, with the club having far too often let talents go on the cheap – the £500k sale of £40m man Donny van de Beek a notable example.

There is a sense, however, that things are perhaps beginning to change, with the last few years seeing the Old Trafford hierarchy allow numerous academy graduates to be sold, namely Anthony Elanga (£15m), James Garner (£15m), Dean Henderson (£20m) and, of course, Scott McTominay.

Having so often been poor sellers, can fans and pundits alike really be too critical of the club trying to strike while the iron is hot with regard to cashing in?

The problem is, however, that the woes of a side who could still finish 17th in the Premier League table have been heightened by the success of those who have moved on, with McTominay playing a vital role in steering Napoli to the Serie A title.

The MVP in that stunning Scudetto charge, the 28-year-old is the man of the moment. Why did the Red Devils ever let him go?

Why Man Utd sold Scott McTominay

McTominay’s heroics in Naples are a sight to warm the heart, with the 6 foot 4 sensation scoring 12 goals en route to league glory, including a remarkable bicycle kick on Friday night to help clinch the title.

Sold for a reported fee of £25m, the Scotland star is seemingly a player that Erik ten Hag “didn’t want” to sell by his own account, although he was almost “forced” into doing so amid the club’s financial woes. Those funds were subsequently used to help seal a move for fellow midfielder, Manuel Ugarte.

Therein lies the problem, with that latter deal now looking like something of a mistake, with Ugarte on course to soon emulate Van de Beek, not least after sitting out Wednesday’s Europa League final.

With McTominay netting ten times in all competitions last season, his impact would likely have been far greater than the Uruguayan, a player who has scored just twice this term under Ruben Amorim.

Yes, McTominay himself at times looked “not good enough” alongside Fred, as per club legend Roy Keane, although he was a valued squad member who stepped up when needed. Who can forget his remarkable long-range strike in the Manchester Derby in March 2020?

While not always a guaranteed starter – having started just 27 times in 2023/24 across all fronts – here was a player who had “Manchester United in his veins”, according to Ten Hag. A player looking set to be a future “captain” of the club, in the words of Ralf Rangnick.

As it is, a love story is now brewing between the people of Naples and their new shining star. Back at Old Trafford, it could be time for Amorim and INEOS to acquire a suitable replacement.

Man Utd could land their next Scott McTominay

Amorim is set to stay put despite United’s midweek woes, although change is afoot elsewhere, not least with Alejandro Garnacho having reportedly been told he can leave the club this summer.

The Argentine winger – who was dropped to the bench for the showpiece in Bilbao – may not be the only high-profile exit from the Theatre of Dreams, with speculation still rife regarding the future of talismanic skipper, Bruno Fernandes.

That uncertainty has come amid concrete interest in the 30-year-old from Saudi Arabian side, Al Hilal, with Fernandes having admitted following the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur that he would accept it if United did decide to cash in.

While that still remains an unlikely prospect, if the playmaker does indeed move on this summer, the Red Devils have already drawn up plans for a replacement, a player perhaps in the mould of the aforementioned McTominay.

Indeed, it was reported earlier this month that the Premier League outfit are lining up Athletic Club star, Oihan Sancet, should Fernandes depart, with the 25-year-old having a £67m release clause in his current contract with the Basque side.

The Spain international was absent from the Europa League semi-final meeting with Amorim’s side due to injury, although it has been an otherwise standout campaign, amid his return of 17 goals in all competitions.

That includes 15 goals in LaLiga from only 19 starts, with the attack-minded star boasting that “box-crashing” impact that McTominay has shown for both Napoli and United, as noted by analyst Ben Mattinson.

A player capable of operating as a number ten or as a second striker, much like the Lancaster-born giant, Sancet also mirrors McTominay in being something of an unsung hero, having been described by Mattinson as “one of the most underrated players in Europe” right now.

That is a suitable statement considering that the Athletic star ranks in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals this season, as per FBref. For context, McTominay ranks in the top 1% of midfielders in that same metric.

Non-penalty goals

0.37

0.68

Shots

2.33

2.66

Assists

0.12

0.06

Shot-creating actions

2.11

2.83

Pass completion

84.1%

81%

Progressive passes

3.43

5.09

Progressive carries

1.72

2.94

Touches in opposition box

3.25

3.85

Aerial duels won

2.02

0.68

A slightly more advanced, attack-minded option than the ex-United man, an added bonus is also Sancet’s superior quality on the ball, as evidenced with regard to his progressive carries and progressive passes record.

To be able to combine a McTominay-esque instinct in front of goal with a composed presence in possession could be an ideal mix as far as Amorim is concerned, with Sancet looking a perfect fit for one of the Portuguese’s two number ten berths.

A man who has risen up through the youth ranks to sparkle for the Basque outfit, much like McTominay in Manchester, the £67m man would be a worthy addition for the new INEOS regime this summer.

Yes, there may be more glamorous, highly touted names out there, but as the Red Devils found with the case of McTominay, never overlook such an invaluable, ‘underrated’ goal threat.

Man Utd's "outrageously good" flop has been better than McTominay in 24/25

INEOS must terribly regret letting this player leave Old Trafford.

ByAngus Sinclair May 25, 2025

Potentially in a position to spend again at long last this summer, Newcastle United have now reportedly joined the race to sign a £51m striker who’s already received high praise from Alan Shearer.

Newcastle preparing for crucial Arsenal clash

There were stages in the first half of the season in which it seemed like Newcastle could miss out on Champions League football, as though their transfer failure was going to catch up to them. Now, however, with the Carabao Cup under their belt, the Magpies could finish as high as second in the Premier League. In fact, if they beat Arsenal this weekend, then Eddie Howe’s side will go above the Gunners and into the top two.

Newcastle battle Arsenal to sign star for less than £50m after scouts sent

What a signing he could be for the Magpies.

ByHenry Jackson May 17, 2025

Howe is well aware of the importance of his side’s trip to The Emirates this Sunday, too, as they look to take a major step towards Champions League qualification. He told reporters in his pre-match press conference: “It’s not done yet. The picture can change game to game and I think we’ve got to be really focused on our next game and trying to win it.

“We have been, our preparation has been good and the focus is there from the players. Nothing is achieved until it’s achieved. We have to be single minded in that and not get distracted.”

Liverpool (C)

83

36

Arsenal

68

36

Newcastle United

66

36

Chelsea

66

37

Aston Villa

66

37

Manchester City

65

36

Nottingham Forest

62

36

Those at St James’ Park need no reminder about the impact that Champions League football could have on their summer transfer window, either. A place among Europe’s elite could help convince Alexander Isak to stay put amid interest from the likes of Arsenal, whilst also helping to attract key upgrades for Howe in the coming months.

Newcastle join race to sign "superb" Pedro

The Magpies could even attract a Premier League rival with Champions League football to offer. According to Caught Offside, Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Joao Pedro, who Brighton & Hove Albion have valued at a hefty €60m (£51m) amid interest from Tyneside as well as Liverpool, Aston Villa and others.

Whilst a deal to sign the forward won’t come cheap, Pedro would provide Newcastle with an instant fail-safe in the event that Isak departs. The Brazilian, who has scored 10 goals and set up another six this season, has the potential and quality to replace the Swede in the long-term. What’s more, he’s also already got a fan in the form of Newcastle legend Shearer.

The iconic goalscorer sung Pedro’s praises on Match of the Day after he scored in Brighton’s 2-1 victory over Bournemouth in November, saying: “He was superb today and they just edged it in those forward positions. They are really strong with him, Rutter, Mitoma and Welbeck. Their understanding and they linked really well today in Rutter and Joao Pedro.”

The approval of Shearer certainly goes a long way in Newcastle, but whether it’s enough for PIF to make their move for Pedro remains to be seen this summer.

Arsenal are progressing in talks to sign a “deadly” Premier League star, who is now “likely” to leave his current club this summer, according to a report.

Gunners keen on new forwards after injury-ridden 2024/25 campaign

Injuries undoubtedly played a part in the Gunners’ inability to finally win the Premier League title this season, with a number of their key attacking players spending differing amounts of time on the sidelines due to setbacks.

Player

PL matches missed

Gabriel Martinelli

3

Bukayo Saka

13

Kai Havertz

14

Gabriel Jesus

19

As such, it is little wonder that Mikel Arteta is looking to bolster his attacking options this summer, and a new striker is believed to be of particular interest, with talks over a deal for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres now advancing.

Botafogo’s Igor Jesus and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko have recently been named as potential alternative targets to Gyokeres, while it could also make sense to bring in a versatile forward, capable of filling in if the Gunners suffer similar injury problems next season.

According to a report from TNATS (via The Boot Room), Arsenal are now pursuing a forward who could fit the bill in that regard, with talks over a deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo now advancing, although there is widespread interest in his signature.

Approach made: Arsenal in contact over "incredible" £84m Brazilian striker

The Gunners have made a move to sign a striker, who they are now seriously considering as a summer signing.

ByDominic Lund May 18, 2025

The Brentford star has been a long-term target for the Gunners, but a deal may not be cheap, with reports from elsewhere revealing the Bees could look to hold out for a fee of £65m.

One thing that is clear, however, is that the 25-year-old could be heading for the exit door this summer, with Christian Norgaard revealing his teammate is now “likely” to leave.

"Deadly" Mbeumo could be fantastic signing for Arsenal

As mentioned, the France-born forward’s versatility could be a real bonus for Arteta next season, given that he is capable of playing at both striker and out wide, flourishing at right-wing this season, in what has been an impressive campaign for the Bees.

The Cameroon international has 28 goal contributions to his name in all competitions, scoring 19 goals in 37 Premier League games, while catching the eye due to his work-rate.

Having also been lauded as “deadly” by Statman Dave, Mbeumo has earned a move to a top club this summer, and he could be a fantastic signing for Arsenal.

Tottenham Hotspur are succession planning ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with manager Ange Postecoglou expected to potentially leave regardless of the result of their Europa League campaign.

Ange Postecoglou guides Spurs to Europa League final

Following their comfortable 5-1 win over Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt on aggregate in the semi-finals, Postecoglou has a golden opportunity to clinch Spurs’ first piece of major silverware in over 17 years.

Paratici tells Spurs to hire £105k-per-week manager with Ange "set to leave"

The incoming ex-managing director has preference.

ByEmilio Galantini May 9, 2025

The Lilywhites face Premier League rivals Man United in the Bilbao final on May 21, knowing that a win has the potential to rescue their otherwise dismal campaign.

Domestically, Spurs have equalled their largest number of Premier League defeats in a single campaign (19), and with three games still to play, Postecoglou could yet break the unwanted record for his CV.

Crystal Palace (home)

May 11th

Aston Villa (away)

May 16th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

Their place in the Europa League final represents an unmissable chance to make history amid their tepid 24/25, with a place in next season’s Champions League draw also on the line in a potentially very lucrative 90 minutes for Spurs.

That being said, even victory in the final won’t guarantee a long-term future for Postecoglou in the dugout.

It is believed that Postecoglou could leave Tottenham regardless of their success in the Europa League later this month (The Telegraph), with chairman Daniel Levy and the hierarchy reportedly drawing up a list of candidates to succeed the 59-year-old.

Ex-managing director Fabio Paratici is also heavily linked with a return to Spurs right now, given his worldwide ban from football is due to end on June 30th.

Reports are even claiming that Paratici is giving his managerial recommendations to Tottenham, in the event they part company with Postecoglou, with the Italian thought to be a big admirer of ex-Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Marco Silva top of Tottenham's managerial list to replace Ange Postecoglou

However, according to Sky Sports transfer reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, writing on his website, £4m-per-year Fulham boss Marco Silva is now thought to be the leading contender.

Silva has done an excellent job at Craven Cottage, and they’re on course to break their Premier League points record for a single season. Fulham are on 51 points right now, just two away from their previous best haul of 53, and they briefly contended for Champions League qualification this campaign against all odds.

Following these exploits, Di Marzio states that Silva is the “first name” on Tottenham’s list to replace Postecoglou, with the Portuguese ultimately entering pole position for the job.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola was rumoured to be the top managerial candidate for Spurs and Levy at one point, but the 42-year-old has now been seemingly overtaken by Silva.

As well as overachieving at Fulham, the tactician has been called a “master” by previous players under his leadership.

“He is a master,” said former Hull City striker Evandro to Premier League Brasil.

“I like to put Marco Silva on the same level as [Jorge] Sampaoli, because he has a management model that I also look up to. Marco Silva has an excellent way of managing the group, and his greatest characteristic is being rational and not emotional.”

The celebrations stretched deep into the night. Liverpool won the Premier League last weekend, in case a reminder is due, after Arne Slot’s side gave Tottenham Hotspur a hiding to clinch the club’s 20th top-flight trophy.

It was a poetic way to seal the title, the 5-1 victory a consummate showing of Liverpool’s attacking flair, their togetherness, their hunger.

Even Slot, who has been so businesslike and cool throughout his debut campaign in the dugout, allowed himself to get lost in the occasion, bellowing his predecessor’s name in the wake of his big win. A fitting tribute. Further evidence, if any more is needed, that he is the man to lead this bunch.

One season is all it takes for this brilliant coach, but he and his players will be desperate to consolidate this new chapter with more silverware in the coming years. That means signings are needed.

Federico Chiesa, whose impact has been minimal, remains the only first-team addition since August 2023, and while this is a balanced squad of ample depth, Andy Robertson, 31, looks a mite blunter than before, with the growing interest in Milos Kerkez evidence that left-back is a priority position for FSG.

Liverpool's pursuit of Milos Kerkez

Let’s remember from the off: Richard Hughes was the man who engineered Bournemouth’s signing of Kerkez two years ago, bringing the prospect, 19 at the time, in from AZ Alkmaar for a reported £15m fee.

The Cherries have most certainly got bang for their buck, but could strike richer still by selling him this summer. Kerkez feels destined for a transfer away to a team competing in the Champions League.

However, Liverpool are no bullies and won’t push for a deal until Andoni Iraola’s quest for a Europe-qualifying finish is wrapped up, one way or another.

The Times reported in March that Liverpool were actively pursuing the 21-year-old, who is valued at £45m. This is steep. Moreover, Sky Sports News have revealed that Manchester City and Real Madrid have now registered interest of their own.

Each party will be confident in the chips in front of them, but honestly, it’s too early to determine the likelihood of Kerkez’s direction until one or all show their hand.

However, though Liverpool admire the Premier League “revelation,” they know how it goes in the market and appear to have centred on an alternative, just in case.

Interestingly, though, this fallback may prove to be an even better signing than the Vitality Stadium man.

Liverpool eyeing Kerkez alternative

According to Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas, Liverpool are interested in signing Wolverhampton Wanderers star Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Molineux are growing resigned to the fact that Ait-Nouri has earned the right to search for the next step in his career, should a suitable bid be received, having been one of their standout performers over the past several years.

The 23-year-old wouldn’t come cheap; in fact, with a supposed value of £51m, he’d cost FSG more than if they were to move for Kerkez. However, Ait-Nouri has the tactical grasp to slot right into Liverpool’s high-flying system.

Why Ait-Nouri would be perfect for Slot

Ait-Nouri might have made 131 appearances in the Premier League but he’s still so young, still has so much potential to tap into.

The Algeria international, born in France, was described as an “incredible talent” by ex-Old Gold boss Gary O’Neil, with his performances this season leading to four goals and seven assists across 33 Premier League outings. He also bagged against Bristol City in the FA Cup.

His eye for goal, both directly and through a playmaking lens, is something to behold, but it’s only one part of a completeness that few full-backs can harness.

Underscoring that point, he ranks among the top 6% of Premier League full-backs this season for goal involvements and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, emphasising that robust athleticism and attacking quality.

It’s worth noting Robertson has yet to score or assist in the Premier League this term, having typically been an unceasing source of output under Jurgen Klopp.

He’s still an experienced and valued part of the team, not least because of his deep-rooted connection with Virgil van Dijk, but Kostas Tsimikas has never managed to make the berth his own and will likely be sold to make way for one of Ait-Nouri or Kerkez this summer.

Looking more closely at the transfer targets in question, the case could be made that, yes, Ait-Nouri is the player to go for.

Matches (starts)

33 (33)

34 (34)

Goals

4

2

Assists

7

5

Touches*

61.8

59.1

Pass completion

86%

80%

Big chances created

8

7

Key passes*

1.1

1.0

Dribbles*

1.6

0.6

Ball recoveries*

4.0

4.5

Tackles + interceptions*

3.2

2.6

Clearances*

1.8

2.8

Duels (won)*

5.8 (54%)

4.1 (53%)

There’s a lot to unpack in that table, but you can clearly see Ait-Nouri is more energetic and active than his Bournemouth counterpart, edging him in creative metrics too.

If the Anfield test serves as an audition for potential targets, Ait-Nouri passed with flying colours back in February, subduing Mohamed Salah as Liverpool scraped their way to a nail-biting victory.

The Algerian won five duels, made two dribbles and made two further key passes, also making three clearances as he contributed toward a second half in which the Reds failed to attempt a single shot.

Kerkez has been one of the emerging success stories in the English top division this year, but Ait-Nouri has the sweeping skills to make a real difference in Slot’s team, combative and determined in defence with an offensive dimension that is singular in its residence on the left flank of the field.

He was even hailed as “one of the Premier League’s best players in 2024” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley. And you could change the four to five in that quote; Ait-Nouri has only gone from strength to strength under Vitor Pereira’s wing, instrumental in Wolves’ ongoing six-game winning run, striking a goal-and-assist performance against Spurs and assisting again during the recent 3-0 win over doomed Leicester City.

Transfer Focus

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

Either left-back would be a welcome and worthy addition to Slot’s project. But if we’re being pedantic – and you best believe Liverpool’s data-driven analysts are among the most scrupulous in the business – Ait-Nouri is the one to go for.

The new Gravenberch: Liverpool ready bid for "one of the best in the world"

Liverpool are set to make a bid for a talent who could be Arne Slot’s next Ryan Gravenberch.

ByEthan Lamb May 1, 2025

With no defeats from their last five Championship games, Leeds United are definitely in pole position when it comes to being crowned champions of the notoriously punishing division.

At one stage, it looked as if Daniel Farke’s Whites had fluffed their lines once more in the promotion race with defeats and draws aplenty seeping into their game, but two victories on the trot has now seen them thankfully push away from third-placed Sheffield United to the summit of the league.

Still, not every win that is being collected is the most easy-on-the-eye spectacle to watch, leading to rumours beginning to emerge that the table-toppers are looking at bringing in some new strikers.

Leeds in contact over deal for "phenomenal" star

As per a fresh report by TEAMtalk, the Whites are prioritising a number of signings ahead of potentially voyaging up to the Premier League, with the striker department one area that will likely be boosted by fresh personnel.

The report states that Leeds are especially taken aback by current West Ham United loanee Evan Ferguson, even with the Irishman’s notable struggles under Graham Potter to date.

Transfer Focus

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

After all, the 20-year-old attacker has shone in the past with parent employers Brighton and Hove Albion, meaning there is a potential there for him to light up Elland Road.

Moreover, the report further elaborates that Leeds are monitoring the 6 foot forward’s situation ahead of his return to the Seagulls, with contact already being made over a deal happening in the near future.

Winning the services of a readymade Premier League striker could signal the end for Joel Piroe as Farke’s main marksman, with the Dutchman putting in one too many ineffective performances for the promotion-chasers as of late.

Why Ferguson would be a Piroe upgrade

The former Swansea City man is yet to taste any action in the top-flight across his career, but if his continued wastefulness in front of goal in the second tier is anything to go by, he would struggle to adjust to the sharp step-up in quality.

Whilst he does boast a healthy 15-goal return in the Championship this season, Piroe has also been guilty of squandering 12 big chances across his 42 league outings and counting, with three of those coming about when Leeds just narrowly beat Preston North End 2-1 last time out.

Whereas, Ferguson – at the peak of his powers for Brighton – has proven himself to be a cool and deadly finisher under pressure by notching up an impressive 17 strikes from 80 Seagulls appearances, which included a devastating hat-trick coming his way against Newcastle United way back in 2023.

The worry would be that the 20-year-old has significantly gone off the boil on loan at the Hammers – with a worrying zero strikes hitting the back of the net from six West Ham contests – but Farke will view the previously potent attacker as an upgrade on Piroe regardless, based on what has come before.

Games played

19

27

Games started

10

15

Goals scored

6

6

Assists

2

0

Big chances missed

5

4

From just 25 combined starts across the campaigns above, Ferguson would fire home a lethal 12 goals, with just nine big chances given up across those two seasons also.

Around this time, the much-talked-about Irishman was even being heralded as a potential £100m sensation, with BBC pundit Danny Murphy also weighing in on the conversation surrounding Ferguson by labelling him a “superstar” in the recent past.

Of course, it would now be ludicrous to suggest the Brighton number 28 is worth anywhere near that crazy sum.

But, with Piroe only managing to find the back of the net once from his last ten encounters for Farke’s men, Ferguson would be seen as a big upgrade, particularly if Premier League football is clinched.

Farke already his next Rutter in Leeds "weapon" who's shining out on loan

Daniel Farke may have his next Georginio Rutter in this Leeds star who is out on loan.

ByDan Emery Apr 16, 2025

Manchester City are now targeting an “unbelievable” attacking midfielder as a potential replacement for Kevin de Bruyne this summer, according to a report.

Man City searching for De Bruyne replacement

De Bruyne’s 10-year stay at the Etihad Stadium is set to come to an end at the end of the season, with Inter Miami among the potential suitors for the Belgian, which means Pep Guardiola will be tasked with bringing in a replacement in the summer window.

A number of targets have already been identified, and one midfielder Guardiola is particularly fond of is FC Barcelona’s Dani Olmo, with City now willing to launch a £50m move for the Spaniard.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Larsson, Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz are also among the targets, although a move for the latter player could be very expensive, with the German side set to hold out for over £100m.

Bigger talent than De Bruyne: Man City lead race to sign £87m "superstar"

Manchester City have a huge task in replacing Kevin De Bruyne this summer but have wasted no time in the window.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 8, 2025

According to a report from Football Transfers, the Sky Blues remain comfortable financially, but a deal for Wirtz may prove to be out of their budget, given PSR concerns, which means they could make a move for a cheaper alternative.

Lyon’s Rayan Cherki is the player in question, with the 21-year-old set to be available for a fee of just €30m €40m (£26m – £34m), given that his contract is due to expire in 2026, and City are targeting a move.

Lyon need to raise funds, which means Cherki could be sold this summer, and there is a feeling that City could swoop, with Wirtz set to cost as much as €150m (£129m), should the German be available at all, given that he is in advanced contract talks with Leverkusen.

Guardiola could bring in up to five players this summer, with the manager looking to rebuild his squad, and the Lyon star’s availability for a low fee makes him an intriguing option.

"Unbelievable" Cherki likened to Lionel Messi

Lyon are making a late push for the Champions League places, and the attacking midfielder has been key to their success, chalking up a remarkable nine goals and 18 assists in 36 matches in all competitions.

Transfer expert Dean Jones has lauded the young Frenchman as “unbelievable”, while former Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas described him as “comparable to (Lionel) Messi in terms of technical quality.”

Not only that, but the starlet ranks extremely highly across some key attacking metrics over the past year, when compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers.

Statistic

Average per 90

Assists

0.66 (99th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

7.01 (99th percentile)

Progressive passes

9.45 (99th percentile)

Successful take-ons

2.93 (93rd percentile)

Cherki could be available for a fee as low as £26m this summer, and based on his recent performances, a deal in that price range could be an absolute steal.

Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks with a target’s representatives in the last few days, according to David Ornstein, but Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also personally wants him at the Emirates Stadium.

Tottenham draw 1-1 with Eintracht Frankfurt in Europa League first leg

Despite forcing save after save from goalkeeper Kaua Santos, dominating the play overall and creating many openings, the under-pressure Ange Postecoglou had to settle for a 1-1 draw in Spurs’ Europa League quarter-final first leg against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night.

Tottenham make contact over "exciting" manager to replace Postecoglou

The Australian made some candid admissions about his future this week.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 10, 2025

On-fire Eintracht star Hugo Ekitiké, who’s attracting rumoured Premier League interest amid a sublime campaign, opened the scoring early on for Dino Toppmoller’s side with an excellent long-range finish past Guglielmo Vicario.

It was their first attack of the game, and Postecoglou cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as Tottenham were sliced open. However, it didn’t take long for the home team to notch their deserved equaliser, with Pedro Porro scoring an ingenious back-heeled effort just 20 minutes later.

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Santos managed to keep the score level despite Tottenham’s relentless pushing at times, with Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur also hitting the crossbar, so the unfortunate north Londoners are now set to make the trip to Germany with the aggregate score on a knife edge.

“A little bit frustrated by the result obviously but I thought the performance in general was really good from the boys,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Eintracht.

“We conceded early which was not ideal and it was a fair strike by the lad but I thought our response to that was really good. We stayed in control. We scored a good equaliser. We made them work hard in the first half so we knew in the second half, with our ability to break teams open, we would put them under pressure. It is exactly what happened and the boys did everything right.

“I couldn’t ask for anything more from them.”

Tottenham hold talks with Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen's representatives

In the build up to Postecoglou’s crucial Europa League first leg tie, Ornstein has now reported that Tottenham had been working on the potential arrival of Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen behind-the-scenes.

The Spain international centre-back has enjoyed an excellent season under Andoni Iraola on the south coast, partnering either Illia Zabarnyi or Marcos Senesi to excellent effect, and his performances are attracting attention from elite rivals.

As per Ornstein, in a Q&A for The Athletic, Tottenham have held talks with Huijsen’s representatives this week, but they’re not alone, as Arteta and Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta are also “huge fans” of the 19-year-old.

The Gunners have reached out to his camp as well, amid news that his contract will include an active £50 million release clause this summer.

Huijsen could be the ideal summer signing for Spurs, given Cristian Romero’s links with a move away and their serious struggles at centre-back this season due to consistent injuries.

Tottenham will need more reinforcement in that area of the squad ahead of 2025/2026, with or without Postecoglou at the helm, and Huijsen is a young defender of serious quality.

“Sensational CB prospect, so happy to see him starting week-in-week-out,” wrote Football Analyst Ben Mattinson on X.

“Huijsen should be the most in-demand CB in the world in no time. Bournemouth’s recruitment team are absolute geniuses for securing him early for so little. Huge profit pending.”

Lionel Messi has been caught on camera speaking English, quelling a long-standing rumor that he has not learned the language. The Argentine superstar has been plying his trade in the United States since 2023. He was captured putting his language skills to the test in footage obtained by the match referee during the 2025 MLS Cup final.

Messi's career: From Barcelona to Miami via PSG

Messi spent 21 years tied to La Liga giants Barcelona, having joined their academy ranks as a teenager. There were no language barriers to break down there, with the record books being rewritten in Catalunya by the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

He headed to Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent in 2021, but spent only two years in the French capital and had no real need to communicate with locals. Having endured a tough time at Parc des Princes, the American dream was chased when accepting an offer from David Beckham and Co.

AdvertisementWatch Messi caught on ref cam speaking English

Trophy No.48: Messi is the most decorated player of all-time

Messi, alongside wife Antonela and their three sons, settled quickly in South Florida. He has enhanced his standing as the most decorated player of all-time. Having inspired Inter Miami to Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield triumphs, major trophy No.48 was obtained when savouring a historic MLS Cup success.

As captain of the Herons, one of Messi’s responsibilities is to interact with match officials. There are plenty of teammates who are happy to do tthe alking for him, but the evergreen 38-year-old also wants to get his message across.

Ref cam video from a cup final date with Vancouver proves that the World Cup-winning GOAT can express himself in basic English when required. He is seen debating one decision as he asks: “No foul?”

AFPThree more years! Messi signed Inter Miami contract extension

Messi is clearly not confident enough to carry out interviews in English, but he knows enough to get by. He also has several more years in Miami through which to widen his vocabulary.

A contract extension with the reigning kings of American soccer is set to keep him in his current surroundings until 2028. More trophies will be chased down in that time, with the expectation being that the mercurial No.10 will form part of Argentina’s World Cup title defence in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.

The Mets are calling up their No. 4 prospect, minor league pitching star Jonah Tong to start Friday's game vs. the Marlins in New York. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed the news when speaking to media on Tuesday.

"I think it's all about dominating the minor leagues," Mendoza said. "It's hard to keep him there."

Tong's future in MLB will be determined "one start at a time," Mendoza noted.

"Dominating" is definitely the right word to describe Tong's minor league performances this season. Tong leads the minor leagues with 179 strikeouts. On top of that, the 22-year-old has not allowed a run in 11 2/3 innings since being promoted to Triple A Syracuse on Aug. 11. He previously pitched in 20 games for Double A Binghamton. Across both stops this season, Tong is 10–5 with a 1.43 ERA in 22 starts.

The Mets just placed right-handed pitcher Frank Montas on the 60-day injured list, effectively ending his season, on Monday. Additionally, right-hander Reed Garrett was placed on the 15-day injured list on Monday with right elbow inflammation.