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Liverpool’s transfer business has been conducted in a professional manner across the past decade.

To put it another way, Jurgen Klopp’s advent on Merseyside opened up a new world of possibility for Liverpool, who refined their strategy and worked wonders on the field with the near unerring signings made throughout the dynasty.

But it wasn’t always like that. In the years preceding the German, Liverpool were, unfortunately, something of a ‘selling club’, having fallen from their perch and proving unable to maintain consistency in the Premier League to convince the biggest names to stay for prolonged periods.

When Liverpool sold their superstars

It was only a year and a bit before Klopp arrived that Luis Suarez left Liverpool and signed for Barcelona in a £75m deal, having come within a whisker of the Premier League title in one of the all-time individual campaigns.

It wasn’t the first time the Anfield side had lost their prized asset after a fruitful period, with his predecessor Fernando Torres forcing his way to Chelsea in a British-record £50m move back in 2011.

Even deeper, the likes of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano had left for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, unable to resist the call of Europe’s heaviest hitters.

But more recently, right before Klopp arrived at Anfield, Raheem Sterling was sold – and though a noxious thing at the time, it’s hard to argue that it wasn’t the right move with hindsight.

Why Liverpool struck gold selling Raheem Sterling

Sterling cut his teeth at Liverpool, making his professional debut for the Reds and completing 129 appearances before forcing his way out of the club for the burgeoning project at Manchester City for a £49m figure.

He joined one year before Pep Guardiola took English football by storm, forcing his way out with an official transfer request to become the most expensive Englishman of all time aged only 20 years old.

It was met with acrimony at Liverpool, there’s no doubting that. Steven Gerrard said that he was “disappointed” in the young winger, while Sky Sports pundit and Reds icon Jamie Carragher had previously revealed that he was angered by Sterling’s attitude, telling him to keep his mouth shut and “get on with playing football.”

Clearly, there was no love lost. Sterling will hardly regret the decision though, going on to win a wealth of silverware with the Citizens and being hailed as “an extraordinary player” by Guardiola.

His decline has been a steady and inexorable thing over the past several years, with Sterling leaving City for Chelsea in 2022 and only bagging 19 goals over 81 matches before being forced out by Enzo Maresca in the summer.

It would be negligent to forget about the seasons of dominance from Manchester City’s mercurial winger, to put up ridiculous numbers that rivalled the very best players on the planet.

But Sterling, perhaps, benefitted from a finely wrought system that eked out the best of his talents and more. He’s never been the most clinical finisher but rather a player of positional understanding and well worked movements, nifty and tricky.

His stint at Chelsea has indeed yielded middling results and the Three Lions star’s current loan spell has failed to give rise to the rebirth of his dynamic skills.

Given the unforgettable success that Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino achieved under Klopp’s wing, can Sterling’s sale be anything other than a bona fide triumph?

The domino effect might have been devastating for a Liverpool side that conquered Europe and the Premier League. Moreover, Sterling’s departure actually enabled the Reds to fork out £29m to sign the iconic Firmino.

While Sterling was a brilliant player in his heyday, would he really have ousted one of Mane or Salah, who were so deadly on either side of the Brazilian false nine? The trio had been described as “one of the best front threes of all time” by presenter Nubaid Haroon, after all.

And now, still only 30, Sterling is struggling to prove himself worthy of a regular role in Arsenal’s team, an unused substitute across five of the Gunners’ past eight Premier League fixtures, playing twice off the bench.

He was handed a 6/10 match rating by GOAL after a ‘lively’ display against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup, albeit missing a glorious chance to score. Given that he can’t cement a regular starting berth in Arsenal’s misfiring frontline, however, he’d hardly hit the ground running were he in Liverpool’s mix once again.

In fact, with just one goal across all competitions this season, he’s even being assuredly outscored by Darwin Nunez, whose strike on Wednesday night has lifted him to four goals from 21 matches this term, which still leaves something to be desired but is at least progress for the Uruguayan.

Whichever way you look at it, it’s hard to argue that Sterling would have been better off remaining at Liverpool, even if he did anger the likes of Gerrard and Carragher and more upon leaving.

Guardiola fashioned a talented youngster into something special, and while Klopp could have achieved similar heights with the Three Lions star, the German manager unlocked his own world-class triptych up top, and thus it was a well-banked transfer move in the end.

As well as Nunez: Liverpool ace who won 100% ground duels must not be sold

Liverpool beat Southampton to advance to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 19, 2024

Former Liverpool and Chelsea star Yossi Benayoun has survived a grenade attack on his home in Israel that is considered to have been a “mistake”.

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• Ex-Premier League star was at home
• Fire extinguished by emergency services
• Investigation being carried out by police

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 44-year-old, who also spent time with West Ham and Arsenal during his time in England, was in the house – which is located in Ramat Hasharon, just north of Tel Aviv – when a motorcyclist pulled up and threw an explosive at the door – as per .

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Said device triggered a fire, as the attacker fled the scene, with emergency services called to extinguish the flames. Nobody was hurt, but local police forces are now carrying out an investigation. The incident is considered to have been of criminal nature, not terrorist.

• WHAT YOSSI BENAYOUN SAID

  Benayoun is convinced that he was not the intended target, saying of the terrifying incident: “This is definitely a mistake – I have no doubt that the grenade was not aimed at my house.

  “At first I thought it was a gas cylinder explosion and we called the fire department. It was only when the police arrived at the house and found the remains of a grenade that we realised what really happened.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  A spokesperson said: “The police hotline received a report of hearing an explosion outside a house. Police from the Glilot station arrived at the scene and began an investigation. As a result of the explosion, damage was caused. There were no casualties.”

Chelsea are currently in pole position to sign an “incredible” Premier League defender this month, according to a report.

Chelsea looking to sell before they buy

Enzo Maresca is looking to trim his squad in the January transfer window, and the manager is trying to get Ben Chilwell off the books, given that the left-back has not featured in a Premier League squad so far this season.

It was reported to be certain that Chilwell will depart this month, but there could be some obstacles in the way, as the Englishman is said to be refusing to take a pay cut, which is likely to put off potential suitors.

There are a number of other players who Maresca could get rid of this winter, with the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Carney Chukwuemeka potentially on their way out, which could facilitate Chelsea to do some business of their own.

PSG willing to table stunning £150m+ offer to sign "fantastic" Chelsea star

The French giants are not messing around…

4

By
Tom Cunningham

Jan 3, 2025

Back in the summer, a number of Premier League clubs were vying for the signature of Marc Guehi, but he was priced out of a move by Crystal Palace, who were demanding a fee of £75m to sanction his departure.

Now, GiveMeSport have provided a new update on the Blues’ pursuit of Guehi, reporting they have now been handed a golden opportunity to win the race for his signature during the January transfer window.

The Blues are in pole position to sign Guehi before February 3rd, as Liverpool, Newcastle United and Manchester United are not in a financial position to make expensive signings this month.

As such, Maresca’s side are now contemplating making a move for the defender, seizing the opportunity to beat their rivals to his signature.

Perfect opportunity for Chelsea

If the Blues are in a position to spend big this January, perhaps if they manage to get a few players off the books, then Guehi could be a fantastic addition to Maresca’s squad. The England international has been impressing for quite some time now, with football writer Stuart James previously lauding him as “incredible.”

In the summer, the Englishman established himself as a key player for his national side, missing just one game throughout Euro 2024, which was due to a suspension.

Having made a name for himself at international level, Guehi could now be ready to take the next step in his career by signing for a top Premier League club, although it may be difficult for Chelsea to get a deal done this month.

Not only will the 24-year-old set them back a huge fee, but he has reportedly made it clear that he wants to join Liverpool in the summer, and it may be difficult to change his mind, given how well the Reds are performing in the Premier League, however, this update suggests Chelsea are in pole positon this month.

The Argentine scored twice and played a key role in a third to spark a furious comeback in the Champions Cup

Lionel Messi played hero in yet another memorable night of football, scoring twice and orchestrating a third to lead Inter Miami to a 3-2 aggregate win over LAFC and book a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals. The home side came into the evening trailing 1-0 in the tie after losing the first leg, and after conceding early, had to score three to advance. But Messi worked his typical magic, playing a role in each goal to keep his team alive in a tournament they are favorites to win.

LAFC took the lead inside 10 minutes, Aaron Long hooking a volley into the far corner after Inter Miami failed to clear a set piece. Miami responded, though. They thought they had an equalizer when Messi curled in a free-kick — but saw the goal chalked off after VAR determined the referee hadn't blown the whistle. Messi didn't need long after that to level things, though, weaving through the LAFC defense before finding the top corner with a curled effort.

Miami came alive in the second half. Messi started picking up dangerous pockets of space. Suarez had a long-range effort saved. Jordi Alba clipped the post. Noah Allen grabbed the second, his dinked pass evading two defenders and Tadeo Allende before trickling into the net. Suarez thought he had a decisive third after 70 minutes, but saw a deft flicked header ruled out for a narrow offside. Messi ultimately, inevitably, provided the killer blow. LAFC center back Marlon handled the ball in the box in the 83rd minute. The Argentine stepped up from the spot. LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris didn't move and Messi clipped the ball past him.

There was still drama to be found. Veteran goalkeeper Oscar Ustari made two immense saves for . Tackles flew in. Referee Cesar Ramos was routinely surrounded by angry men. But Miami, amid it all, held on, and, with Messi at the helm, can almost taste Javier Mascherano's first trophy in club management.

GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Chase Stadium…

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  Goalkeeper & Defense

  Oscar Ustari (7/10):

  Got caught between minds in the LAFC goal, redeemed himself with two vital saves in the final minutes.

  Marcelo Weigandt (6/10):

  Given a real headache by Denis Bouanga early on, but settled in thereafter.

  Maximiliano Falcon (7/10):

  Looked like he wanted to get sent off at times, really flying into tackles. But Miami needed that grit.

  Noah Allen (8/10):

  Scored what might be the most important goal of his Miami career – even if he didn't mean it. Really composed at the back otherwise.

  Jordi Alba (7/10):

  Full of energy and attacking thrust on the left. Put in a few key tackles, too.

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  Midfield

  Yannick Bright (7/10):

  Flew into tackles and put out fires everywhere. A really good hour of work until he ran out of gas.

  Federico Redondo (7/10):

  Full of legs in center midfield. Helped Miami hold things down after a far too frantic start.

  Telasco Segovia (6/10):

  A bit lacking in his usual attacking quality on the wing. Could have delivered a better pass on a few occasions.

  Tadeo Allende (7/10):

  Very quiet when Miami had the ball. Completed just 13 passes all evening. But indispensable off it, helping cover ground for the immobile Suarez.

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  Attack

  Lionel Messi (10/10):

  Scored a really very silly goal. Created chaos in between, and buried the winning penalty. Magical, match-winning, and so, so, so predictable.

  Luis Suarez (6/10):

  A bit all over the place. Caused problems with his movement, unfortunate to have a goal ruled out, but looked awfully slow at times.

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  Subs & Manager

  Benjamin Cremaschi (7/10):

  Immediately up for the fight. Played a role in winning the corner in the run up to the third.

  Tomas Aviles (N/A):

  Late legs to shore up the defense.

  Gonzalo Lujan (N/A):

  Made an important clearance late.

  Fafa Picault (N/A):

  No time to make an impact.

  Javier Mascherano (9/10):

  His finest moment in management to date. He set up a bit cautiously, packed the midfield, and got the most out of his star. Wonderfully done. Bring on the semis.

As well as looking to bring in new players this month, Celtic are pushing to agree fresh terms with a young talent at Parkhead who is being pursued by multiple English sides, according to a reliable journalist.

Celtic transfer news

The Hoops were held to a surprising 3-3 draw at Dundee on Tuesday evening but remain in comfortable control at the top of the Scottish Premiership, as they are 16 points clear, albeit Rangers have a game in hand.

Worse than Idah: Rodgers must drop Celtic ace after "weak" performance

The Celtic defender endured a torrid evening against Dundee on Tuesday.

3

By
Dan Emery

Jan 15, 2025

Celtic are yet to conclude any transfer business this month, but it appears as though Brendan Rodgers is keen to add to his squad, as he won’t want them resting on their laurels. One player who could arrive this month is Sarpsborg winger Sondre Orjasaeter, as the Scottish side are in talks over a potential transfer. His arrival would strengthen Celtic’s wide areas, a position Rodgers wants to target, but they face competition to get this deal over the line as teams from France and Italy are also interested.

Meanwhile, an exit could be on the cards for one Celtic player this month, as left-back Greg Taylor is wanted by Championship duo Hull City and Queens Park Rangers. The defender is out of contract in the summer, and while Celtic continue to negotiate over a new deal, the Championship pair have made him a transfer target this month.

Taylor’s positive relationship with Rodgers means he would be happy to stay at the club, but he hasn’t ruled out moving on, depending on what is offered to him.

Celtic pushing to agree terms with young gem

Taylor is not the only player the Hoops are looking to tie down to a new contract, as Fabrizio Romano reports that Celtic are pushing Daniel Cummings to stay and sign a new contract amid interest from West Ham United and Brighton.

The 18-year-old is a product of Celtic’s academy, playing for their youth team, under-18s, and now their B team. Cummings is a centre forward for the Hoops and has been in sensational form this season, scoring 24 goals in 24 games in all competitions at that level.

Last season was an impressive campaign for the young forward, but he has taken his game to a new level, and that has now put him on the radar of some high-profile clubs. Both West Ham and Brighton are keen on signing Cummings, as he is out of contract in the summer.

However, Celtic are not going to let the player go that easily, as they are pushing for him to remain at Celtic Park and sign a new contract. Cummings has yet to play for Celtic’s first team, but he did appear on the bench for their game against Ross County on Saturday. It would be expected that he would want some assurances about first-team minutes before signing a new contract with the Scottish champions, and if he doesn’t get it, a move to the Premier League could be on the cards.

Tottenham have been warned they face making an Erik ten Hag-style sack decision if Ange Postecoglou leads them to glory in the Europa League.

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• Tottenham warned over 'emotional' Postecoglou sack decision
• Australian manager facing uncertain future
• Spurs have reached Europa League semi-finals

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Tottenham produced one of their best performances of the season to reach the Europa League semi-finals, keeping Postecoglou's trophy hopes alive despite their poor Premier League position. Dominic Solanke's penalty was enough to secure a 2-1 aggregate victory in Germany and set up a tie against Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt.

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  Postecogou has come under fire since his assertion that he always wins trophies in his second seasons at his clubs. With performances and results poor in the Premier League alongside disappointments in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, Tottenham's last chance of success this season comes in the Europa League and their progress in the competition has alleviated some of the pressure building on the Australian. However, former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher has likened the situation to that of Erik ten Hag after he won the FA Cup with Manchester United last season despite their struggles in the league. Ten Hag was eventually sacked, with Ruben Amorim taking over.

• WHAT CARRAGHER SAID

  Writing for The Telegraph, Carragher said: "Now Postecoglou has to make it count. It may yet become a 'Champions League or bust' shoot-out with Ruben Amorim if it is an all English Europa League final, but there is no doubt which manager's position is most perilous. Amorim is sure to get a chance to rebuild United over the summer whatever happens. Postecoglou is still not safe.

  "That will surely change if Spurs go on to win their first major trophy for 17 years. In that situation, Daniel Levy and his board will have the same massive dilemma as Manchester United when Erik ten Hag won the FA Cup a year ago.

  "After Ten Hag defeated Manchester City at Wembley, the United board made an emotional rather than logical decision. They were rightly criticised. All the evidence pointed to the downturn over the previous eight months continuing.

  "If Postecoglou wins the Europa League, Levy will also have to choose between his head and heart. The case for keeping Postecoglou will be more compelling because, unlike United, Spurs do not have a long history of winning big prizes."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Postecoglou was right when he claimed he wins trophies in his second seasons, having done so previously with Brisbane Roar, Yokohama F Marinos and Celtic. However, the competition in England and Europe has been tougher and his future in north London now seems to hang on Spurs' performances in the Europa League as the club seeks to end its 17-year trophy draught.

Cole Palmer came under fire from Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca as the star attacker's goal drought continues in 2025.

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• Maresca slammed Palmer
• English forward last scored in January
• Chelsea went down 2-1 against Legia Warsaw at home

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Palmer has not scored for Chelsea since his goal in the club's 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on January 14. On Thursday, the England international misfired once again as the Blues went down 2-1 against Legia Warsaw in the second leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final fixture.

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  While the Premier League giants managed to book their last-four berth by winning the tie 4-2 on aggregate, manager Maresca expressed concern over his strikers' poor form. The West London side has seen a slump in form since the turn of the year, and much of it is attributed to the poor form of their forwards. Full-back Marc Cucurella, who scored the team's only goal on Thursday night, has emerged as Chelsea's top scorer in 2025 with four goals to his name across all competitions.

• WHAT ENZO MARESCA SAID

  Speaking to reporters after the loss against Legia Warsaw, Maresca said: "Especially the ones that we are missing, unfortunately, are very easy goals. In the first five minutes, we had two good chances. It can happen. Hopefully, Nico and Cole can very soon start to score goals."

  The Italian coach also added: "Cucu is the one scoring, and that's not a good thing. We for sure need the others."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  The Blues, who have registered just one win in their last four outings, will be next seen in action on Sunday as they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage in a crucial Premier League clash.

No one can deny, Enzo Maresca has exceeded expectations since his appointment at Chelsea, leading the club to a top five place with over half the season already played.

Undoubtedly, there’s still a long way to go in the Premier League, but the signs are all positive for his long-term future at the helm in West London, potentially ending their wait for a league triumph.

However, injuries have played their part in recent weeks, with Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile both spending lengthy spells on the sideline, contributing to their recent run of form which has seen just one win in six league outings.

Such setbacks have seen numerous players deputising at the heart of the defence, with Josh Acheampong and Tosin just two of the players covering in their absence.

The opening of the January transfer market could see the hierarchy once again strengthen after their previous efforts in the market, with one player already constantly being touted with a return to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s pursuit to re-sign Marc Guehi this month

Rumours have been persistent in recent weeks, linking various players from all over the world to join the Blues, but one simply won’t go away in the form of Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.

The England international joined the Eagles for just £18m in the summer of 2021, taking his career to the next level as a result of his move across the capital – leading to his success with club and country – captaining Palace and even going to Euro 2024 with his nation.

Such performance levels have seen Maresca’s men be touted with a January move for the 24-year-old despite already recalling Trevor Chalobah from his loan spell at Oliver Glasner’s side.

However, any deal could be another expensive one for Todd Boehly, with his current employers previously demanding a fee in the region of £75m to part ways with their club captain in the summer after interest from Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United.

There’s little denying that a player with his top-flight experience would bolster their current top-four ambitions, but given Chalobah’s return along with the increase in price tag of another Blues star – they could walk away from a move for Guehi, putting faith in the current crop of players.

The player who’s now worth way more than Guehi

The aforementioned talents both came through the Blues’ academy before taking to professional football like a duck to water – showcasing how impressive the Cobham academy has been to the club in recent years.

However, they aren’t the only defensive stars to emerge in recent years, with Reece James just another who’s made the jump into the first-team, even becoming the captain of the side since his breakthrough.

He’s featured alongside Levi Colwill in the last 18 months, helping the centre-back develop into one of England’s leading defensive stars, even partnering Guehi on the international stage.

After loan spells at Huddersfield Town and Brighton and Hove Albion, the 21-year-old has since made 56 appearances for his boyhood club, featuring in all but one league game throughout 2024/25.

The “world-class” Colwill, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has produced some incredible figures in recent months, completing 90% of the passes he’s attempted, finding a teammate on 1369 occasions.

He’s also won 68% of the tackles entered to date, along with 58% of his aerial battles – developing into the perfect option within the Italian’s possession-based system which relies on his defenders to be able to be commanding and comfortable with the ball at his feet.

As a result of his consistency, he’s seen his value skyrocket as a result, now being valued at £100m by the club according to The Athletic, a fee way beyond that of Guehi, further showcasing his rapid development in recent years.

Given his talent and the other options at Maresca’s disposal, there’s no real need to pursue a move for the Palace ace, with such a deal likely to prevent the process of the likes of Acheampong in the process.

The club must be wishing that they had originally kept hold of Guehi a couple of years ago, but given Colwill’s rapid progression, it’s clear they have themselves a bigger talent on their hands – allowing them to forget about a potential reunion with the defender this month.

Maresca must unleash exciting Chelsea youngster who's better than Mainoo

Chelsea already have their very own Kobbie Mainoo.

By
Connor Holden

Jan 16, 2025

Marcus Rashford is yet to find a new club since admitting to journalist Henry Winter he was ready to leave Manchester United in the January transfer window.

The Old Trafford star put clubs on red alert after new manager Ruben Amorim decided to omit him from the matchday squad for the victory over Manchester City back in December.

Speaking to journalist Winter, the England international said: “For me, personally, I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps. When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Man United. That’s me. I will always be a Red.”

Whilst Amorim has since attempted to diffuse the situation, Rashford’s desire couldn’t have been made much clearer, and as such, we’ve taken a look at the clubs who could now swoop in and land his signature in the winter window.

6 Man Utd players in danger of Amorim axe

Ruben Amorim will be keen to move some players out of Manchester United as he gets to grips with his new team.

By
Ross Kilvington

Jan 15, 2025

1

Barcelona

If Rashford wants to make a fresh start whilst realising a dream move for almost any player, Barcelona’s reported interest will surely be music to his ears. The 27-year-old can put what has become an Old Trafford nightmare behind him to follow a similar path to David Beckham to become a star in Spain.

Hansi Flick certainly knows how to transform a winger, too, having helped Raphinha recover from being on the verge of a Barcelona exit to becoming one of the most in-form players in Europe.

Financially speaking, logic would suggest that he’d need to take quite the pay cut from a reported £300,000 a week in order to become an affordable option for Barcelona in 2025. A move could still be doable, though, with Sky Sports recently claiming that Barcelona is Rashford’s preferred destination – and initial talks have been held over a transfer.

2

Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund have been named as another potential European destination for Rashford should the England international want to try his luck abroad for the remainder of the campaign and possibly beyond.

The Bundesliga side held internal talks over a move to sign Rashford earlier in the January window and are pushing to land the Man Utd attacker on loan to rival the likes of Karim Adeyemi, Max Beier, Jamie Gittens and Serhou Guirassy.

However, since then, Dortmund have decided to part company with Nuri Sahin after four defeats in a row – something which could impact their plans to sign Rashford before the deadline.

Man Utd players out of contract in summer 2025

Is it time for Christian Eriksen to move on this summer?

By
Henry Jackson

Jan 14, 2025

3

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur could look to take full advantage of Rashford’s current situation, with Ange Postecoglou’s side in an arguably worse position than the Red Devils right now, especially in the Premier League table.

Spurs could look at new forwards amid Dominic Solanke’s injury concerns, while Richarlison’s future has been up in the air for a number of months, meaning Rashford and Tottenham could be just what each other needs at this moment in time.

Of course, a fair few dominoes would have to fall in place for such a move to occur, and question marks would remain over United’s willingness to sell to a Premier League rival, but Spurs could yet find themselves in the picture for Rashford. Amorim’s trash could quickly become Postecoglou’s much-needed gold in his pursuit of transforming the Lilywhites.

4

Bayern Munich

Another club reportedly offered Rashford’s signature is Bayern Munich – and that should come as no surprise. The German giants are set to lose Leroy Sane as a free agent at the end of the season and could need an instant replacement, with the former Manchester City man already linked to Old Trafford.

Bayern could strike a win-win agreement with the Red Devils to welcome Rashford and combine the winger with England teammate Harry Kane.

Bayern should have little trouble affording Rashford’s high wages, adding to the chances that the Bundesliga side may well be among those best placed to sign the Carrington graduate. One final boost could even be the fact that Bayern boss Vincent Kompany is already well aware of Rashford’s quality, having faced him as a Manchester City player and Burnley manager.

Leroy Sane transfer news: Latest updates on Arsenal, Man Utd & NUFC target

Leroy Sane hasn’t been in the Premier League since 2020, but could that be about to change? Here are the latest rumours as clubs circle the German.

By
Barney Lane

Oct 17, 2024

5

Arsenal

In what would be the most controversial move on this list, Arsenal have been linked with a move to sign Rashford more than once in recent months, and could finally decide to act on their reported interest.

Unfortunately for those at Old Trafford, it’s a move which makes perfect sense, too. The Gunners are crying out for a winger capable of dragging Mikel Arteta’s side to victory after an injury to Bukayo Saka and a general lack of attacking potency.

Rashford, meanwhile, is crying out for a new challenge, and Gabriel Jesus’ injury could also allow for a more central role for the United star.

Arteta’s side have been forced to rely on set-piece goals in the current campaign, which has seen them fall short of expectations. Simply put, if it’s not Saka, it’s difficult to name a world-class threat from open play within the current Gunners front three.

If they swoop in and land the version of Rashford that scored 30 goals and assisted another nine in all competitions just two years ago, Arsenal could finally have the key to unlocking Premier League glory for the first time since 2004

Every set-piece goal Arsenal have scored under Mikel Arteta

Cue the Nicolas Jover celebrations…

By
Tom Cunningham

Dec 17, 2024

Mic'd Up: The FutbolW host hails Hayes' impact, cites challenges of NWSL expansion and praises young USWNT stars

Two-time World Cup champion Ali Krieger recently swapped her cleats and her long decorated career as one of the world's best soccer players for a microphone and camera, joining ESPN as an analyst for NWSL matches and co-host of "FutbolW."

Krieger had a remarkable 18-year career playing professional soccer across the U.S., Germany and Sweden, where she won two World Cups for the U.S. women's national team and also led Gotham FC to the club's first NWSL Championship. Known on the field for her relentless, disciplined, and body-on-the-line-mentality, Krieger has adapted her skillset and experience to the analyst role.

Krieger has a lot to balance. She's a mother, she's in and out of the studio, and she's still very involved with Gotham FC. And Krieger admits that the adjustment to this new career phase has its challenges. And that includes sometimes providing sharp commentary about players she lined up with, or against, on the pitch.

"I'm glad a lot of my friends are retired now – I don't have to criticize them in a negative way!" she said with a laugh. "I feel like I could be confident in those criticisms, not that I do it often, but I have to be realistic too, right? I think it's all just been really interesting, kind of, having my own structure and having to plan my own day to day. I think that's been difficult for me, because you don't have that grounding… where you don't really get that in the studio. I think that's just going to take time."

On the broadcast, Krieger is dialed in. She brings a worldly perspective from her playing days. She understands the ins and outs of the national team, but also how domestic leagues function – or don't. And while Krieger is still adapting to life off the soccer pitch, she still competes. In fact, INDIVISA caught up with her as she was on the way to the field, sipping on her Optimum Nutrition – her golden fuel these days – as she trains for her team's upcoming competition in TST.

"As a working mom and busy broadcasting," she says, "I still want to make sure I'm fueling my body with the proper whey protein so I can perform at its best, right?"

Krieger talked the about the brilliance of Emma Hayes, U.S. players moving to Europe, the trajectory of the NWSL and more in the latest edition of Mic'd Up, a recurring feature in which GOAL US taps into the perspective of broadcasters, analysts, and other pundits on the state of soccer in the U.S. and abroad.

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  ON USWNT COACH EMMA HAYES

  GOAL: Do you think US Soccer got it right with the hiring of Emma Hayes?

  KRIEGER: Of course, she's amazing. And I think she has proven herself with just 10 months, right? She has one eye on the World Cup, but also she's making sure she's getting that young talent in – because they deserve to be there. And I think that it's been missing all these years where, you know, we were always afraid to get the younger players in and give them a chance. And now I think that it's really refreshing to see so much talent and how good we're going to be, because we're going to have that depth moving into a big tournament. It's what we always should have been doing – giving these young players experience at this level, so that when the time comes they're ready for the challenge.

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  ON LILY YOHANNES AND ALYSSA THOMPSON

  GOAL: Who is one youngster on the current USWNT squad that you've seen in recent games that excites you about the future?

  KRIEGER: I would say Lily Yohannes is one of my favorites – I would also say Alyssa Thompson. I think they are tied for me, depending on where they play in what position on the field. Yohannes' vision of the game – the calmness and the confidence that she has on the ball, the way she can spray passes and slip balls in behind, no matter what kind of texture or pace she has – like, it's been really fun to watch. Then I think Alyssa and Ally [Sentnor] are both going to be rapid up top. I think as long as they can limit the mistakes, which they are already doing, just getting better and better every every chance. They're going to be really exciting goal scorers in the future.

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  ON U.S. PLAYERS MOVING TO EUROPE

  GOAL: With some of the best U.S. players going overseas, what do you what do you think about those decisions? Do you think the best football is in Europe or do you think it's in the U.S. at the moment?

  KRIEGER: It's not better or worse? I value Champions League so much because I obviously played there for enough time to really figure out how competitive it can be. I do think the best teams are in Europe. But I think the NWSL is one of the best leagues in the world because of the athleticism and the talented younger players. I think that we are very difficult to play against because we're very transitional. So I wouldn't say it's better or worse. I think European players are very technical and they're intelligent – not that we aren't, but we just play a different type of style. In the U.S. it's more about getting behind the back line and having a fast, high-press mentality. However, It's changing a little bit.

  You see some of these teams with European coaches who have this possession-oriented style of play, which has been exciting. But we're not all there yet. I do think with the national team, and the younger players – just younger generations – has been super impressive. So I don't think it's better or worse in the comparison. I just think it's different styles, and we're always going to be one of the top teams and leagues because of the athleticism, and because of the pace and the ability we have to laugh through matches with just our fitness level. So, you know, we've always been that way. So I think the mentality piece is, you know, the best in the world, definitely.

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  ON NAOMI GIRMA'S RECORD TRANSFER TO CHELSEA

  GOAL: Do you think it's a good move for Naomi Girma, getting experience playing overseas?

  KRIEGER: I think it's amazing experience. I think she gave the style [in the NWSL a chance], and she really put everything into that. Now it's her time to want to go do what she wants to do and be involved with top footballers and top teams, and be in a culture where football is the most important sport. I think that's what's so attractive about it: football is the No. 1 sport overseas. So it's a feeling of being more valued. And I think that playing in Champions League, that's like the next big step – and we don't have that over in North America. So it's nice to have that opportunity, and if you're one of the best players, you should put yourself in situations where you can win the top club tournaments. It's a different style, a different type of game, different challenge, totally different experience. And as a player, you want to continue to put yourself in situations where you can grow and get better. And that's the only way to do it, to take that risk, like Naomi did.