Wolves are considering appointing former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick to replace the recently sacked Vitor Pereira.

Draw against Brighton served as the final straw for Pereira, with the club taking the decision to sack him on Sunday.

The dismissal does not come as a surprise given the club’s poor form, having not won a single game in the Premier League this season, drawing two and losing eight.

Sitting 20th in the table with just two points in 10 games, the club will have to get the replacement right, someone who can take them out of the relegation zone and keep them safe for this season.

Michael Carrick being considered for the Wolves job

According to The Athletic, several names are being considered with former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil among the top candidates.

Having been sacked just one year ago, he is now being linked with a shock return to the club to guide them out of their current rock bottom position.

Other names mentioned in the report are Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards who made a name for himself with his impressive job at Luton and former Middlesbrough manager Carrick.

The report claims that the former Manchester United man is someone who is being discussed internally by the club and remains a potential candidate for the job.

He has also been recently linked with a return to Old Trafford, with reports suggesting that Carrick would be tempted by the Manchester United job.

Michael Carrick’s impressive job at Middlesbrough

Michael Carrick retired in 2018 and swiftly transitioned into coaching, taking on roles as an assistant manager at Manchester United under Jose Mourinho and then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

He was then given an opportunity to manage Man United as the club’s caretaker manager in November 2021 following Solskjaer’s sacking.

Carrick managed three games and remained unbeaten in all three, winning two and drawing one.

Ralf Rangnick’s arrival saw Carrick leave the club, but his successful stint served as a launchpad for his managerial career as he landed his first permanent role with Middlesbrough.

The 44-year-old took over a club that was sitting in 21st place in the Championship and facing a potential relegation battle and he made an immediate impact, transforming the team into a an attractive, possession-based playing side.

Under Carrick, Middlesbrough’s form dramatically improved, climbing from near the bottom of the table to secure a playoff spot by the end of the 2022/2023 season.

His record included 18 wins in 30 games, demonstrating a remarkable turnaround in points-per-game average.

The post Report: Michael Carrick linked with surprise managerial role with Premier League club appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s sensational switch from Liverpool to Real Madrid last summer continues to stir controversy, with the England international now appearing to admit that his mind was made up long before his departure.

The right-back’s contract saga dominated headlines throughout last season, as reports claimed he turned down multiple new deal offers from Liverpool, supposedly holding out for improved terms.

Yet speculation linking him with Real Madrid never faded, and many suggested the Trent Alexander-Arnold was deliberately running down his contract to secure a free move to the Spanish giants.

While senior teammates Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk faced the media regularly to discuss their own contract situations, Trent’s absence from interviews became noticeable.

This silence, combined with his eventual exit, frustrated Liverpool fans, who accused their boyhood star of leaving the club in a way that would cause serious financial loss, given he was arguably their most valuable asset.

Trent’s Real Madrid unveiling raised eyebrows among Liverpool fans

Cracks began to appear in Trent’s narrative soon after the move. During his Real Madrid unveiling in June 2025, he slipped up by saying he had been “waiting a long time” for the transfer, a phrase that fuelled claims he’d been planning the switch for months.

He quickly corrected himself, insisting he had only been waiting a couple of weeks since the deal was finalised.

Adding further fuel, Trent spoke fluent Spanish during the presentation, suggesting he had been preparing for life in Madrid well in advance.

Jude Bellingham’s influence behind Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid decision

Now, ahead of the highly anticipated Champions League clash between Liverpool and Real Madrid, Trent has once again hinted that his decision to leave Anfield was made early, and that Jude Bellingham played a major role in convincing him.

Speaking to Amazon Prime (via Liverpool.com), he said:

“There was a lot of speculation… the ‘agent Jude ’ stuff. It was more so in his first season (at Real Madrid)… we’d meet up at England camps and everyone would want to know what it was like behind the scenes (at Real Madrid )… he said it was incredible, and he’d never seen anything like it.

“The drive from the whole club, to win and the expectation to win. He talked so highly of the club, and I’d made my mind up at the end of the day, I needed a change for me. I wanted a new challenge on and off the pitch.”

That admission is unlikely to sit well with Liverpool supporters, who will now feel vindicated in believing that the transfer saga was orchestrated long before it became public — and that the narrative around rejected contracts was merely a way to shift blame back onto the club.

The post Trent Alexander-Arnold may have just admitted he planned Real Madrid move all along, contradicting his Liverpool exit story – opinion appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool star Federico Chiesa’s future at the club remains a talking point going into the January transfer window. 

The Italian has seen very limited playing time despite being one of the most impactful attackers in the team at the moment.

While other players have struggled, Chiesa has looked like a breath of fresh air every time he has played.

In just 335 minutes across all competitions, and zero starts in the Premier League, he has scored two goals and assisted three.

He came off the bench to score the winner against Bournemouth in the opening fixture and was on the scoresheet again vs Crystal Palace, coming off the bench to score an important equaliser very late in the game (although Palace went on to score a stoppage time winner and win the game later on).

Despite his impressive form, Arne Slot refuses to hand him more minutes, although he was earned it on merit.

This has resulted in speculations about his future, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claiming that the player will have plenty of suitors come January.

Fabrizio Romano on Federico Chiesa’s future at Liverpool

Reports have suggested that the Reds will not look to sell Chiesa in January. However, Romano has claimed that numerous clubs could soon be on alert if his limited game time at Liverpool continues.

Speaking on the latest episode of Here We Go podcast, Romano revealed that several Italian clubs are keeping tabs on Chiesa’s situation ahead of winter transfer window.

He said: “He needs to play otherwise in January, I would not be surprised if Italian clubs return to the table and try again to get Federico Chiesa from Liverpool.

“I think this might happen. They might try.”

However, Romano also clarified that both the player and the club currently want to continue together.

He continued: “But at the moment, the desire of Liverpool and Chiesa is to continue together.

“So I don’t think it’s going to be an easy move for the January window, but interest remains and so we have to follow the game time for the next two months.

Federico Chiesa says he wants to stay at Liverpool

Chiesa has insisted he is happy at Liverpool despite the limited playing time. Speaking ahead of the Crystal Palace earlier this week, he reaffirmed his commitment to Liverpool, stating that he wants to win trophies with the club.

He said (as quoted by Liverpool.com):

“At the moment I’m happy with what I’m doing.

“I’m not happy with what the situation is like for the team because we’re not winning, but, personally, I think I’m giving a lot to the team, to the fans and I want to keep doing that in order to win in the future.

“That’s the main reason I’m doing this. Obviously, I want to stay here and I want to win for Liverpool again.

“I want to play good. That’s my main goal, then the coach is going to decide whether I’m starting or not. But if I keep on playing well, then, of course, I’m going to have more minutes. That’s because the coach sees that. He showed that to me because I’ve been playing better.

“Last year I wasn’t fit enough. I wasn’t mentally ready and I didn’t play. I was totally okay with it because I wasn’t up to speed with the other lads.

“This year, I felt as soon as we started I felt better physically and mentally. I have played more and I still need to play more to reach the level. I was playing a lot when I won the Euros (in 2021).

“I’m a different player now, but I like where I’m going and I like the fact I have improved in many aspects of my game, apart from the fact I have lost a bit of speed.”

[moresories latest]

Chiesa has established himself as a fan favourite at Liverpool

Federico Chiesa’s rapid rise to fan-favourite status at Liverpool is a testament to his infectious energy, passion, and commitment, qualities that have immediately resonated with the Anfield faithful.

Even with limited minutes due to injury and intense competition, the Italian’s infectious charisma and tangible commitment immediately won over the Kop.

Fans look for more than just goals and assists; they connect with players who visibly embody the club’s ethos, a blend of fierce intensity and a joyful appreciation for the Anfield atmosphere.

Chiesa’s direct, aggressive running, his refusal to shy away from a challenge, and his trademark energetic celebrations all showcase the kind of “fight” that instantly endears a player to the Liverpool faithful.

The post “I would not be surprised” – Fabrizio Romano drops interesting update on Liverpool fan favourite’s future at the club appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal continued their superb run of form, securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor this afternoon.

First-half headers from Viktor Gyokeres and the impressive Declan Rice were enough to seal the three points, extending the Gunners’ lead at the top of the Premier League table and recording their ninth consecutive win in all competitions.

The match saw several players deliver exceptional performances, particularly in a dominant first half. Here is how the Arsenal players rated in their latest win:

Arsenal player ratings vs Burnley

David Raya (7/10): A remarkably quiet afternoon. Handled the little he had to do efficiently and distributed tidily.

Jurrien Timber (7/10): Active on the right flank, solid in defence with astute tackles, and provided good forward runs. 2 clearances, 3 recoveries, and 2/3 ground duels won, it was a great performance from the defender.

Riccardo Calafiori (7.5/10): Caused headaches with his advanced positioning on the left and linked up well with Leandro Trossard. Defensively solid with 100% tackles won, six clearances, and 3/4 ground duels won.

William Saliba (8/10): Shook off a late fitness worry to deliver his typical ‘Rolls-Royce’ performance. Calm, composed, and rarely troubled, ensuring another clean sheet.

Gabriel Magalhaes (9/10): Dominant defensively, dealing with all aerial threats. Crucially provided the flick-on assist for Gyokeres’s opening goal from a set-piece. A true warrior at the back and dangerous threat from set pieces upfront.

Declan Rice (9/10): A colossal performance. His pinpoint corner led to the opener, and he then scored a thumping header to double the lead. Controlled the midfield with superb technical skill and relentless work rate.

Eberechi Eze (6.5/10): A performance of two-halves from the England midfielder. Hugely involved in Arsenal’s game in the first half but faded somewhat before being replaced in the second period.

Martin Zubimendi (7/10): Kept the midfield ticking over with excellent, progressive passes, though he later had to limp off, an injury scare that will be a concern for Mikel Arteta.

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Bukayo Saka (6/10): A relatively frustrating day in front of goal for the star winger, missing two big chances which he would otherwise normally bury.

Leandro Trossard (7.5/10): A constant menace in the final third. Assisted Rice’s goal with a perfect cross and was unlucky not to score himself after an effort was cleared off the line.

Viktor Gyokeres (8.5/10): Perhaps one of his best half in an Arsenal shirt. Scored the opening goal with a classic poacher’s header and his hold-up and link-up play were exceptional, including an exquisite pass in the build-up to Rice’s goal. He was substituted at half-time due to an injury, which is said to be not a very serious one.

Subs: Mikel Merino (6/10), Piero Hincapie (5/10), Ethan Nwaneri (6/10), Christian Norgaard (6.5/10)

The post Arsenal player ratings: Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes boss it as Arsenal extend unbeaten run appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arne Slot’s future at Liverpool is expected to be decided by what happens in the next ten days. 

That is according to a report from Football Paparazzi, which claims that the hierarchy at Liverpool are becoming increasingly worried by the current form, and have ‘frozen’ the talks about Slot’s contract extension.

As per the report, while the Liverpool board are ‘fully backing’ Arne Slot in public for now, they have privately set a three-game ultimatum which could decide the manager’s fate.

Liverpool’s next three games

The Reds first host Aston Villa at Anfield tonight, before welcoming Real Madrid to Merseyside for a crucial Champions League clash. They then travel to the Etihad Stadium to face fierce rivals Manchester City.

Aston Villa have proven to be a tough team to beat under Unai Emery. They will be full of confidence having beaten Man City 1-0 last week and will be looking to grab all three points against a side at their rock bottom.

Liverpool will have to be at their very best, both physically and psychologically to beat Villa, which is perhaps the only fixture they can realistically win out of the three they play at the moment.

Win against Villa could be crucial in restoring morale and momentum before facing two European giants in Real Madrid and Manchester City. However, further defeats could have devastating consequences for Slot’s tenure.

These three games have the power to make or break Liverpool’s season. League defeats against Villa and Man City would not only put to bed their chances of a Premier League but would make a top four finish unlikely as well.

And a defeat to Madrid in the Champions League would make it difficult for them to qualify to the next round.

Who could replace Arne Slot if Liverpool make a change?

Despite the report, a managerial sacking still appears unlikely at this stage, especially considering Slot guided Liverpool to a Premier League title last season.

However, the form and the performances have no doubt been abysmal, specially considering the record breaking summer spending by Liverpool. Should the slump continue, Liverpool may be forced to pull the trigger sooner than expected.

If Slot is to be sacked, it is interesting to see who they can bring in at this point. Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is a man in demand for the job he has done and will no doubt be one that the club will be looking at.

Moreover, the connection with Richard Hughes makes it even more plausible.

Iraola is also linked with the Chelsea job while Manchester United are also said to be admirers of the Spaniard.

Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp has also refused to rule out a future return at Anfield in a recent interview and perhaps would take a short-term role back to stable things at the helm.

While it’s too early to predict Slot’s fate, the next ten days could be career-defining. Liverpool’s upcoming results will determine not just their season trajectory, but also whether the club stands by their current manager or looks elsewhere to salvage their campaign.

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has come under criticism for allegedly throwing a teammate under the bus as the Reds endure one of their worst runs of form in recent years.

Arne Slot’s side have now lost four consecutive Premier League games and won just one of their last seven matches across all competitions.

The early-season luck that saw them scrape late victories in their first five games has completely run out.

Liverpool currently sit eighth in the league table, with five wins and four defeats, leaving them 10 points behind leaders Arsenal.

Liverpool’s defensive struggles continue

Defence has been a major problem for Liverpool this season. While the centre-back pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate has remained unchanged, the full-back positions have seen heavy rotation.

Summer signing Milos Kerkez arrived from Bournemouth to replace Andrew Robertson on the left, while the right-back slot has been shared between Dominik Szoboszlai, Conor Bradley, and Jeremie Frimpong, none of whom have fully cemented the role.

The result has been a lack of defensive cohesion, with Liverpool’s full-backs often caught out of position, forcing Van Dijk and Konate to cover wide spaces and leaving the back line exposed.

Kerkez, in particular, has endured a difficult start to life at Anfield despite his promising performances at Bournemouth last season.

Van Dijk slammed for throwing Milos Kerkez under the bus

The Liverpool captain has been spotted showing visible frustration towards Kerkez on multiple occasions, often shouting instructions and gesturing angrily at the young Hungarian during matches.

According to ESPN pundit Craig Burley, Van Dijk’s approach is doing more harm than good. Speaking on ESPN, Burley said:

“You can maybe look at the full-backs beside them and Kerkez has definitely struggled, but I have mentioned several times that Van Dijk is not helping him as a captain.”.

“He is really throwing him under the bus a little bit with his gesticulating to him in front of the crowd. As a young player, it just drains your confidence. But there is no doubt himself and [Ibrahima] Konate have not played well.”

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Data shows just how far Liverpool’s defence has declined this season

The eye-test criticism of Virgil van Dijk and Liverpool’s backline is now firmly supported by the underlying numbers, which reveal a dramatic and worrying drop-off in the club’s defensive solidity compared to previous campaigns.

Liverpool’s defensive metrics are currently among the worst in the Premier League’s top half, exposing just how far their standards have slipped this season.

Liverpool’s GCPG has risen by 44%, indicating a sharp defensive regression. The Reds have also gone four consecutive Premier League defeats without a clean sheet, their worst such run under a new manager in over a decade.

Expected Goals Against (xGA) exposes systemic flaws

The Expected Goals Against (xGA) data confirms that Liverpool’s problems go far beyond bad luck or individual mistakes. Their defensive structure is fundamentally weaker this season.

Liverpool’s xGA per game has climbed significantly. In a recent title-winning season, this number hovered around the 1.0 mark. This season, their xGA has consistently been above that number, indicating they are regularly allowing opponents to create higher-quality scoring opportunities.

The rotation and instability at the full-back positions, as mentioned, are reflected in their individual defensive contributions.

While Van Dijk remains an aerial powerhouse (winning a high percentage of aerial duels), a look at his Tackles and Blocks per 90 minutes shows he is being exposed more frequently.

Furthermore, his percentage rank for Tackles per 90 minutes is notably lower than in his peak seasons, suggesting the defensive line ahead of him is failing to screen the back four effectively.

Meanwhile, as far as Milos Kerkez is concerned, the stats reveal a player struggling to adjust to a highly demanding role.

His Pass Completion % is lower than his predecessor, and he is being dribbled past more often than the Liverpool average for a full-back, confirming his difficult start and why he is becoming a target for frustrated opposition attacks and, allegedly, his own captain.

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Liverpool should look to leverage Real Madrid’s interest in Alexis Mac Allister into a major transfer coup by engineering a stunning swap deal.

Recent reports have suggested that Real Madrid are preparing a January move for the World Cup winner.

Mac Allister has previously admitted his desire to play in La Liga, although insisting that he is happy at Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are reportedly open to cashing in on Mac Allister for the right price as they want to sign an elite defensive midfielder.

Despite a record summer outlay, the midfield’s vulnerability has been exposed during the club’s recent slump.

Liverpool should use Alexis Mac Allister to sign Eduardo Camavinga

The pieces are falling in place for a potential swap deal next summer.

The 22-year-old French international, Camavinga, is viewed as a long-term target at Anfield and is exactly the powerful, ball-winning number six Arne Slot’s side has been lacking.

Camavinga, who has often found minutes limited by the sheer depth of Real Madrid’s star-studded midfield, is the perfect answer to Liverpool’s structural dilemma.

His defensive steel, combined with his exceptional ability to carry the ball and break lines, offers the complete package that could instantly resolve the Reds’ balance issues.

While Mac Allister is a superb operator, his primary role is often more advanced, leaving the backline exposed.

Leveraging Madrid’s genuine interest in the Argentine to secure Camavinga, a player valued highly across Europe, would represent an extraordinary piece of business.

It would allow Liverpool to address their most critical positional weakness with a player of elite calibre, while softening the blow of losing a first-team star. For both clubs, a Mac Allister-for-Camavinga swap could be the defining deal of the January window.

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Inside the numbers: Camavinga vs. Mac Allister comparison

Mac Allister operates best as a deep-lying playmaker. His strength lies in distribution, passing accuracy, and creating chances from midfield.

However, his lower defensive volume and limited mobility in one-on-one situations means he often needs a true specialist beside him to handle the aggressive defensive duties, a player Liverpool currently lacks.

Camavinga vs. Mac Allister (2024-25 Metrics Per 90 Minutes)

Camavinga, on the other hand, is a defensive specialist defined by power, press-resistance, and elite recovery pace.

His defensive metrics consistently rank near the top percentile for midfielders in Europe. He offers the genuine engine room presence Liverpool have craved since the departure of Fabinho, providing the necessary insurance for the defensive line while simultaneously offering a unique, dynamic form of ball progression through carrying and dribbling.

The post Liverpool should use Real Madrid’s interest in Alexis Mac Allister to secure stunning swap deal – opinion appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United star Joshua Zirkzee is expected to hold crunch talks with the club in November as he looks for a move away in January. 

The Dutch striker joined Man United from Bologna last summer, but his move to the Premier League giants has not gone according to plan.

Under Ruben Amorim, Zirkzee has found playing time hard to come by, struggling to fit into the Portuguese manager’s preferred tactical system.

The lack of minutes resulted in him being dropped by Netherlands in the most recent international break.

And with eyes set on the upcoming World Cup in 2026, the exclusion from the Dutch squad has escalated his urgency to leave Man United for regular playing time.

Joshua Zirkzee set to hold crunch talks with Manchester United

According to Ben Jacobs of talkSPORT, Zirkzee has not held formal talks with Manchester United regarding a January move away as yet but he is expected to speak to his club in November.

United are believed to be open to letting him leave, with multiple clubs across Europe monitoring his situation.

West Ham have already made contact with Manchester United, while AS Roma have also initiated talks about a potential deal for the Dutchman.

West Ham have already contacted Manchester United regarding the 24-year-old, while AS Roma, as per the report, have also initiated talks over a potential move for Zirkzee.

The player himself is said to be keen on staying in the Premier League but his preference is regular playing time, whether in Serie A or Premier League.

The report also claims that Zirkzee is not agitating over a permanent move and is open to an initial loan move to increase his chances of making it into the World Cup squad.

With interest growing and his frustration at a peak, November’s talks could prove decisive for Zirkzee’s Manchester United future.

A loan move could revive Zirkzee’s chances for the 2026 World Cup

A temporary switch away from Old Trafford could be exactly what Joshua Zirkzee needs to reignite his international ambitions.

The Dutch striker’s omission from recent Netherlands squads was a wake-up call, and regular first-team football will be key if he hopes to convince Ronald Koeman ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

A loan move, whether to West Ham, AS Roma, or another European side, would give Zirkzee the chance to rebuild confidence, regain form, and showcase the talent that made him one of Europe’s brightest young forwards at Bologna.

For now, his priority is simple: play regularly, score goals, and make himself impossible for Koeman to ignore when World Cup selections come around.

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Former Tottenham and Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has offered a glowing endorsement of Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz, sensationally comparing the German star to Spurs and Real Madrid legend Luka Modric.

Berbatov’s comments come amid increasing scrutiny over Wirtz’s start to life at Anfield following his record breaking £116m summer move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Berbatov urges patience with Florian Wirtz and compares him to Luka Modric

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the Bulgarian star urged patience for the 22-year-old, whose initial spell in the Premier League has seen him fail to register a goal or assist in domestic competition.

He said: “I love him. He’s a fantastic player. He will be unbelievable, trust me. Hopefully, he will be patient. Hopefully, he’ll have good people around him, agent, family, whatever. Hopefully, the coach sees his quality like everybody sees him. I’m sure that everybody sees his quality, and they’ll give him that time that he needs to fit into the team. And I guarantee you, he’s going to be a success.”

Berbatov went on to compare the German with Luka Modric. He defended Wirtz’s relatively slight build, often cited as a concern for the Premier League’s physicality.

“The way he sees football, how he looks for the space, how he knows how to position himself, the touches on the ball, the improvisation, the eye for the pass and for the goals,” he explained.

“Of course, someone can argue that his physique is not that great for the Premier League. But then you can easily see the great players of his position, like Modric, also the same build. Modric. F****** monster. It’s unbelievable. So give him time. I think he’s going to be unbelievable for Liverpool.”

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Luka Modric’s Premier League legacy at Tottenham shows why Wirtz can succeed

Luka Modric’s time in the Premier League with Tottenham remains one of the most fondly remembered chapters of his glittering career.

The Croatian maestro joined Spurs from Dinamo Zagreb in the summer of 2008 for around £16.5 million, arriving as a highly rated playmaker but facing questions about whether his slight frame could withstand the physical demands of English football. It didn’t take long for Modric to silence his critics.

Initially deployed in a more advanced midfield role, Modric truly flourished once Harry Redknapp shifted him into a deeper position, allowing him to dictate the tempo of matches.

His exceptional vision, technical precision, and ability to control games from midfield quickly made him the heartbeat of Tottenham’s system.

Modric’s passing range and composure under pressure brought a new level of sophistication to Spurs’ play, traits rarely seen in English football at the time.

For Wirtz to draw comparisons to a player of Modric’s calibre is a huge compliment and a testament to his natural talent. Many within the footballing world, including ex-professionals and current players, believe that Wirtz will eventually thrive at Liverpool once he adapts to the pace and intensity of the Premier League.

However, his slow start has already sparked speculation about his future at Anfield, with some reports linking him to potential interest from abroad.

Still, as Berbatov insists, Wirtz’s technical brilliance, creativity, and intelligence make him far too talented to fail in the long term.

However, the slow start has sparked speculations over his future with the Reds.

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Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann has made a shocking claim about the future of Florian Wirtz, suggesting that the club’s record signing could be loaned out to Real Madrid as early as January.

Wirtz joined Liverpool in a blockbuster move from Bayer Leverkusen during the summer, but the German international has struggled to adapt to life at Anfield under new manager Arne Slot.

Florian Wirtz tipped to leave Liverpool in January

Real Madrid continue to be linked with a move for Wirtz, despite his slow start at Liverpool. And Hamann has refused to rule out the possibility of a potential loan move in January for the German.

Speaking in an interview with ESportsBets (via GOAL), Hamann suggested that the notion of a high-profile player being loaned out, once unthinkable, has become plausible in modern football, citing Philippe Coutinho’s temporary move to Bayern Munich shortly after his huge transfer to Barcelona.

Hamann said:

“Top players didn’t get loaned in the past. A loan was for players who didn’t get a game, but the top players didn’t get loaned. It probably started with Philippe Coutinho a few years ago, when he went for 140 million or something to Barcelona. And a year later he was loaned out to Bayern Munich.

“I wouldn’t rule anything out in today’s world, especially in football. It’s been reported that Xabi Alonso has asked Real Madrid to keep an eye on Florian Wirtz’ performances and what he does at Liverpool, I reckon it could be true.

“Because we know how fondly he talks of him. He was the reason they won the league, they won the cup. He was the heartbeat of the Bayer Leverkusen team with Granit Xhaka, and yeah, they keep an eye on him. He’s too good to fail at Liverpool, but it’s been about 10 games now. You can never rule anything out.”

“In my time, Juan Sebastian Veron came to Manchester United as potentially the best midfielder at the time. He lasted one season. So you can never rule anything out. It’ll depend on what happens in the next few weeks. But as I said, at the moment I wouldn’t rule anything out, and if Real Madrid are keeping an eye on him, it could happen.”

Why Florian Wirtz has struggled to make an impact at Liverpool

Wirtz’s early struggles at Liverpool can largely be attributed to the drastic tactical change from his role at Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso.

At Leverkusen, Wirtz was the creative heartbeat of the team — operating as a left-sided No.10 in Alonso’s 3-4-2-1 formation, where the play revolved around him.

His teammates, particularly Granit Xhaka, were explicitly instructed to find him between the lines.

This gave him the high-volume possession needed to build rhythm, dribble past opponents, and execute his trademark killer passes.

But at Liverpool, Wirtz is not the heart of the team and has been tasked with a different role.

His average touches per 90 have dropped notably, and crucially, his role demands significantly more off-the-ball running and defensive pressing.

The physical nature of the English top flight is a another factor. Wirtz has been seen getting easily out-muscled and easily pushed off the ball in early Premier League fixtures, a common stumbling block for technically-gifted players transitioning from the Bundesliga.

However, despite his struggles, there remains no doubt about the quality of the player. He is regarded as one of the best in his positions in the world, and there is a reason why the likes of Real Madrid remain interested in signing him.

The post “You can never rule anything out”: Liverpool summer signing tipped to leave the club on loan in January appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United have received a huge boost with Lisandro Martinez edging closer to a return after spending several months sidelined with a serious knee injury.

The Argentine defender has been out since February, when he suffered an ACL injury during United’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

Since then, the 27-year-old has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to complete his rehabilitation before the end of the year, and now, his comeback appears imminent.

Lisandro Martinez returns to full team training

It was recently reported that Martinez was undergoing individual training sessions as part of his first rehab phase, with the club easing him into full training.

As per the latest from Fabrizio Romano, Lisandro Martinez has now returned to full team training, in what is a major boost for Manchester United.

Romano further adds that Martinez is set to be back on the pitch in November. Taking to X, Romano reported: “Boost for Manchester United as Martinez returns to full team training. He’s gonna be back on the pitch in November.”

??? Boost for Manchester United as Lisandro Martínez returns to full team training.

He’s gonna be back on the pitch in November. pic.twitter.com/ePM7SUDX78

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 30, 2025

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The update marks a significant step forward in Martinez’s recovery, with the defender expected to make his competitive return next month, providing a timely lift for manager Ruben Amorim as fixtures pile up across competitions.

Manchester United have missed Lisandro Martinez’s leadership and aggression

Manchester United endured a difficult start to the new season, losing three of their opening seven Premier League games.

However, recent improvements, four wins in their last five league matches, have put the Red Devils back on track.

Martinez’s return is seen as crucial to maintaining that momentum, with Amorim viewing the Argentine as a vital part of his defensive structure.

The centre-back’s leadership, composure, and aggression have been sorely missed during his absence.

Despite being out injured, Martinez has remained a key figure in the dressing room, having been promoted to United’s leadership group by Amorim over the summer.

His influence on and off the pitch is expected to play a major role as the club push for a top-four Premier League finish this season.

The post When Lisandro Martínez will return for Manchester United as fresh injury update emerges appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United have made the first move to sign West Ham star Lucas Paqueta. 

That is according to a reliable transfer insider, who has claimed that the Manchester United contacted West Ham to enquire about the player and the club’s valuation of the midfielder.

The contact is said to have been made on Wednesday evening, with the club very keen on securing the transfer but at a fair price.

Taking to X, the insider reported: “Manchester United have asked for more details from West Ham regarding Lucas Paqueta transfer valuation. We understand Man United  are very keen to make the deal in January at fair market valuation. The contact was made on Wednesday lunchtime.”

Exclusive ?

Manchester United have asked for more details from West Ham regarding Lucas Paqueta transfer valuation.

We understand @ManUtd are very keen to make the deal in January at fair market valuation ?

The contact ?? was made on Wednesday lunchtime. pic.twitter.com/QI6BeVyFi8

— indykaila News (@indykaila) October 30, 2025

This comes after it was reported that Paqeuta has expressed his desire to leave West Ham.

The Hammers are also willing to sell the Brazilian midfielder, with the club valuing him at around £60m.

There was interest from Aston Villa in the summer transfer window, with the Midlands club making a move for him just before the deadline day which was rejected by West Ham.

Lucas Paqueta almost joined Manchester City in 2023

While the midfielder is strongly linked with the Red half of Manchester, he almost joined Manchester City a few years ago.

After joining West Ham from Lyon in August 2022 for a club-record fee, Paqueta quickly established himself as one of the club’s best players.

His influence on the pitch was massive with the 28-year-old playing a key role in West Ham’s success under David Moyes, helping the club win the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2023, their first major trophy in decades.

The subsequent summer saw Manchester City aggressively approach the player, with the club even making an £85m offer for him.

However, City ended up backing out after the FA began investigating the player for gambling related offences.

With the charges now dropped and the player keen on leaving the club, it remains to be seen whether Pep Guardiola’s side rekindle their interest.

But as of now, if reports are to be believed, Man United have put themselves in a favourable position to land the versatile attacker.

The post Contact made as insider confirms Manchester United have enquired about £60m-rated Premier League star ahead of January appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham are reportedly eyeing a move for former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay, who has been outstanding for Napoli since leaving Old Trafford.

That is according to the latest report from TEAMtalk, which claims that Spurs are keen on signing the Napoli star but it may not be a straight forward transfer.

They see him as the ideal player to inject more energy and drive into their midfield.

Tottenham eyeing move for Scott McTominay but face competition

Tottenham are not alone in their pursuit of McTominay, with Newcastle and Barcelona also showing strong interest.

The La Liga giants have reportedly placed the 28-year-old on a three-man shortlist as they look to bolster their midfield options ahead of next season.

While a January transfer is considered unlikely, the report claims that a summer move remains a possibility, with McTominay said to be open to new opportunities if the right project arises.

Napoli, aware of the growing interest in their star midfielder, are already planning to open contract extension talks in January.

The Serie A champions are keen to tie him down until 2030, with a significant release clause expected to be included in the new deal.

Scott McTominay has been excellent since joining Napoli

McTominay has been a revelation since joining Napoli, quickly becoming a fan favourite and one of the team’s most consistent performers.

The Scottish midfielder played a crucial role in Napoli’s title-winning campaign, contributing 13 goals and six assists across all competitions last season, remarkable numbers for a central midfielder.

His performances saw him get nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or 2025 award, where he was ranked 18th.

Now thriving in Serie A, McTominay is reportedly happy at Napoli and not pushing for a move.

However, if Spurs, Barcelona, or Newcastle make serious advances next summer, it could set up one of the most intriguing transfer battles of 2026.

The post Report: Tottenham linked with surprise move to sign 2025 Ballon d’Or nominee appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham star Micky van de Ven is a man in demand with several clubs vying for his signature. 

The Dutch defender has been an incredible signing for Spurs, attracting interest from several top clubs including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Liverpool.

However, Spurs have slapped a massive price tag on their defensive stalwart to fend off the interest.

Tottenham slap €100m price tag on Micky van de Ven

Tottenham have slapped a €100m valuation on their star defender.

The staggering valuation, which would likely set a new world record for a defender, is seen by Spurs as a “barrier” to demonstrate just how much they value the Dutchman’s “continued presence at the club,” according to a report from Spanish outlet Fichajes.

The club views him as strategically important and “won’t let him leave without a record-breaking transfer.”

The commanding centre-back, who has been instrumental in Tottenham’s form, has already drawn the attention of European giants, with Real Madrid viewing the 24-year-old as a key alternative to bolster their defence in the next cycle.

The report further confirms that Real Madrid are not alone, with Liverpool and Bayern Munich also “closely monitoring the situation”.

The Dutch centre-back’s current contract at Spurs does not expire until 2029, but Spurs are hoping to reward the defender with a new contract.

Micky van de Ven has been a terrific signing for Tottenham

Since joining Tottenham, Van de Ven has been a revelation, forming a formidable partnership with Cristian Romero at the heart of defence.

Under Thomas Frank’s management, the ‘Rolls-Royce’ defender has elevated his game even further, helping Spurs boast the joint-second best defensive record in the Premier League, conceding just seven goals so far this season.

Beyond his defensive solidity, Van de Ven has also emerged as a surprise attacking threat, scoring five goals in 11 appearances across all competitions — an impressive tally for a centre-back.

Tottenham see the Dutch international as crucial to their long-term project, and while interest continues to grow, it would take a monumental bid to tempt them into selling their defensive star.

The post Liverpool find out how much they will have to pay to sign ‘Rolls-Royce’ Tottenham star – report appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Nothing seems to be going right for Liverpool this season as one injury expert has now shared a concerning news regarding Alexander Isak.

Liverpool signed Isak in a controversial move this summer. After weeks of public discontent at Newcastle United and a dramatic deadline day switch for a British-record £125m.

However, the Swedish star has yet to consistently deliver the world-class performances expected of him, largely due to persistent fitness issues.

Concerns about Isak’s fitness intensified after he was substituted at half-time during the Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt due to a groin problem.

He was then ruled out of the Brentford game with a groin injury and remains sidelined.

Alexander Isak could need a surgery in the future

Injury analyst Ben Dinnery has offered a stark assessment, suggesting the club may need to consider a procedure to ensure his long-term health.

Speaking to Escapist Magazine via ECHO, Dinnery stated: “Is there maybe a need to go under the knife? There will be a point where they look at that and discuss.

“Surgical intervention is primarily taken for two reasons. One is to minimise or mitigate the risk of re-injury so you’re hoping to stop that. Secondly, is to free the player up so they’re returning to those pre-injury levels.

“Now, of course, there is never a 100% success rate guarantee with these surgeries so that’s why it’s not a decision that is taken lightly. The Isak situation, we know that it’s very minor, more of a niggle, but he is being managed.

“You’ve got the form of Ekitike and Isak’s coming off the back of a heavily disrupted pre-season programme. That forms a cornerstone for any player for their upcoming campaign. The more sessions and games that you miss during that block, the higher risk you are of picking up an injury.

“Again, it comes as no surprise that Isak’s going to pick up one or two niggles during these early two months for Liverpool.”

Emile Heskey backs Alexander Isak to come good for Liverpool

Despite the poor start at Liverpool, Isak has received a crucial vote of confidence from a former Reds striker. Emile Heskey has thrown his support behind the 26-year-old, backing the British record signing to eventually come good for the club.

Heskey stated that it is crucial for the player to remain positive and mentally strong and block all the external noises.

Heskey said on TEAMtalk: “I think he will come good. I just think he needs to keep holding his head high, because one thing he can’t do is let it get to you and put your head down.

“We’ve seen it with Darwin Nunez, who, before he came [to Liverpool] was an aggressive player, doing really well, scoring goals. Then he got the energy got sucked away from him. That’s not because of the fans or anything, that’s just your own mental strength that you need to you need to work on.

“Isak needs to work on that. He needs to continue to play well, continue to be aggressive, continue to work hard. He’ll get over this little blip, and he’ll find his feet within that system or the way that Liverpool are playing.”

The post “Not a decision taken lightly”: Injury expert hints Liverpool star might need surgery in concerning update appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea’s struggles under Enzo Maresca continued this weekend as the Blues fell to a shock 2-1 home defeat against Sunderland, with the Black Cats netting a dramatic stoppage-time winner at Stamford Bridge.

The loss marked Chelsea’s third defeat in their last five Premier League games, intensifying pressure on Enzo Maresca amid growing concerns within the club’s hierarchy about the team’s inconsistent form and lack of progress.

Enzo Maresca under pressure as Chelsea chiefs make plans behind the scenes

According to reliable sources close to the club, tensions are rising behind the scenes at Chelsea, with several senior officials reportedly not aligned with Maresca’s vision or approach.

A reputable transfer insider has now revealed that Chelsea are laying the groundwork for a potential managerial change, with plans already being made to bring in a new head coach should results fail to improve.

As per his latest information, Chelsea are making plans to bring in Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as replacement for Maresca who is ‘on thin ice’ with certain officials at the club.

It’s understood that key decision-makers at Chelsea view Iraola as the next big thing in world football, believing he has the tactical acumen and leadership qualities to take the club to the next level.

Exclusive ?

We understand @ChelseaFC are making plans to bring Andoni Iraola to the club in the near future

They believe Andoni Iraola will become one of the leading managers in world football

Enzo Maresca is on thin ice ? with certain #cfc officials according to sources ? pic.twitter.com/ZbOjpBVONL

— indykaila News (@indykaila) October 29, 2025

Andoni Iraola is a man in demand with Man United also keen on him

Iraola is one of the most sought after names in football at the moment due to the excellent work he has done at Bournemouth.

He currently has the Cherries sitting second in the Premier League table, just four points behind league leaders Arsenal, having won five, and drawn three out of the first nine games.

Iraola has transformed Bournemouth into one of the most exciting, intense and tactically sound sides in the Premier League, all while working with limited finances.

Top clubs are after him including Manchester United who have been linked with Iraola amid uncertainty around Ruben Amorim’s long term future at the club.

Juventus are another club interested in securing the Spanish manager’s services, with reports suggesting that they have intensified their pursuit of 43-year-old.

While Sir Jim Ratcliffe has given public support to Amorim, vowing to give him significant time to prove himself, Todd Boehly’s history of hastily replacing managers puts Maresca’s job at risk and increases the chances of the club moving in for the Spaniard.

The post Chelsea board make secret plans to replace Enzo Maresca with manager they see as future world-class appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Saudi Arabian clubs are reportedly preparing another offer for Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah at the end of the current season.

The Egyptian King, a global icon and the most famous Arab footballer in the world, has long been a top target for the rapidly growing Saudi Pro League, with interest intensifying as the summer transfer window approaches.

Saudi Pro League wants to sign Mohamed Salah

Despite Salah signing a new contract extension with Liverpool until 2027, the interest from the Middle East remains incredibly strong.

According to transfer insider Indy Kaila, Saudis want to sign Salah in the summer.

Saudi Arabia ?? want @MoSalah in the summer.

— indykaila News (@indykaila) October 28, 2025

An initial, massive offer worth around £200m was rejected by Liverpool previously, but the interest very much remains.

Mohamed Salah’s incredible Liverpool legacy

Salah is currently going through his worst form in a Liverpool shirt, and he still has 7 goal contributions in 13 appearances across all competitions. That stat is enough to showcase Salah’s brilliance.

Since arriving, the Egyptian has been a revelation, consistently performing season in season out.

Salah’s consistent brilliance makes him an irresistible target. His 2024/2025 season was statistically one of his best, where he was a clear contender for top individual honours.

The attacker registered an astonishing 47 goal contributions (29 goals and 18 assists) in the Premier League alone, a stunning haul that cemented his status as one of the world’s elite forwards.

Across his eight seasons at Anfield, he has amassed over 240 goals and 100 assists, an unparalleled record that proves he remains operating at the very peak of the game.

Mohamed Salah’s stats for Liverpool season wise via Transfermarkt

How Mo Salah would become the face of Saudi Pro League

Should Salah leave for Saudi Pro League, his arrival would be a massive event for the SPL.

While the league already boasts major names like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, Salah holds a unique position.

As a superstar Arab and Muslim athlete, he transcends football, carrying immense cultural weight across the region.

His image could become the ultimate marketing tool, driving unparalleled viewer interest, shirt sales, and global media attention, effectively crowning him the undisputed face of the Saudi Pro League and accelerating the kingdom’s ambitious sports project.

Salah might also be tempted to move this time after the recent dip in form this season under Arne Slot where he has looked out of place.

Is this going to be his final season at Anfield?

The post Liverpool transfer news: Transfer insider drops big Mohamed Salah update amid recent struggles appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Barcelona have reportedly made an opening offer for Crystal Palace’s Colombian international right-back, Daniel Munoz.

That is according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, which claims that the Spanish giants have made a £26m offer for the 29-year-old.

Barcelona make move to sign Crystal Palace star Daniel Munoz

The bid signifies an aggressive move by the Catalan giants to secure a natural, proven presence on the right flank, a position that new coach Hansi Flick has reportedly made a priority for reinforcement.

There are others interested in the player as well with La Liga heavyweights Atletico Madrid also keen on Munoz but Deco is said to be speeding up his pursuit in order to land the player before competition arrives.

Crystal Palace, however, are not willing to sell the player unless they receive a ‘concrete offer. The Colombian is contracted to the Eagles until 2028, giving the Premier League side control over his future.

Crystal Palace also set to lose Marc Guehi in the summer

Marc Guehi’s dream move to Liverpool was blocked by Crystal Palace on deadline day, with the club insisting he see out the remainder of his contract.

Despite the transfer setback, the England international has maintained his high standards, continuing to play a vital role at the heart of Palace’s defence.

Manager Oliver Glasner has since confirmed that Guehi will leave the club at the end of the season, with no plans to extend his current deal.

Interest in the defender remains strong. Liverpool are expected to reignite their pursuit, but they face fierce competition from European giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, both of whom have been closely monitoring his situation.

Palace could face a defensive rebuild this summer

Crystal Palace are bracing for a potentially transformative summer, with the prospect of losing two of their key defenders in Guehi and Munoz.

Both players have been instrumental in Glasner’s setup, and their departures could leave significant gaps in both leadership and tactical structure.

The combined exit of the two players would strip the Eagles of much of their established backline leadership and quality, forcing the club into an extensive and expensive rebuild of its defence.

The post Report: Barcelona have made a surprise £26m offer for Crystal Palace star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham’s high-profile summer signing Xavi Simons has come under criticism from Dutch football journalist Johan Derksen, who believes the young playmaker is finding it difficult to cope with the physical demands and pace of the Premier League.

The Netherlands international joined Tottenham in a surprise transfer after the North London club hijacked Chelsea’s move for him.

They moved quickly to finalise a £65m deal with RB Leipzig, with former Spurs forward Timo Werner reportedly playing a role in convincing Simons to make the switch to London.

However, since arriving in England, the 22-year-old has endured a slow start to life at Tottenham under Thomas Frank.

Xavi Simons’ performances have now drawn mixed reviews, with several pundits questioning whether he can handle the intensity of English football.

Johan Derksen says Xavi Simons not physically ready for Premier League football

Speaking on the Groeten uit Grolloo podcast, Derksen delivered a blunt assessment of why the Netherlands international is currently underperforming at Spurs, suggesting the step up from the Bundesliga has been too steep.

His remarks, as quoted by Voetbal Zone, centered on the difference between Simons’ technical ability and his physical stature in the English top flight.

He said: “He’s a great player who often used his tricks in the Netherlands. He also performed well in Germany, but in England, they are much stronger physically. If you look at the English league and switch to a different league, it’s completely different.”

The veteran journalist argued that Simons’ struggles are a direct consequence of this shift in intensity. He continued: “You can see that he can’t keep up with the speed of action and is physically weaker.

“While Tijjani Reijnders doesn’t have that problem; he’s already one of the leading players at Manchester City.”

“In the past, a lightweight with good technique could easily hold his own. Technique is no longer the only thing you need to contribute; you also need physical strength at the top level.”

Why Xavi Simons is finding the Premier League a tougher challenge than expected

While Simons was a creative force in both the Eredivisie and the Bundesliga, the step up in intensity and physicality in England has clearly tested him.

The Premier League’s relentless tempo demands both explosive fitness and physical resilience, two areas the Dutchman may still be developing.

Despite his early struggles, Tottenham remain confident that the former PSV and Leipzig star will adapt with time.

His close control, vision, and versatility makes him a potentially key figure in Spurs’ long-term project once he adjusts to the demands of English football.

Seen as a natural successor to Heung-Min Son, Simons offers tactical flexibility and can operate effectively across the front three or in a central attacking midfield role.

Here’s the table version of those stats:

His impressive numbers in each of these positions further underline the quality he brings and hint at the significant impact he could have for Tottenham once he fully settles in.

The post “Can’t keep up” – Journalist brutally slams Tottenham star after struggles under Thomas Frank appeared first on CaughtOffside.