Tottenham Hotspur passed on the opportunity to bolster their attack with a high-profile loan move for Colombian striker Jhon Duran on transfer deadline day.

Despite a frantic final few hours of the winter window, the North London club ultimately decided to stick with their current squad.

Tottenham turned down chance to sign Jhon Duran

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed on the Here We Go podcast that Duran was offered to Spurs as a ‘last-minute chance’ while he was looking to cut short his loan spell at Fenerbahce.

The 22-year-old, who made headlines last year with a massive £64 million move to Saudi side Al-Nassr, has amassed an impressive career tally of 54 goals and 15 assists across his spells in MLS, the Premier League, and abroad.

The opportunity arose due to industry speculation that Tottenham might terminate the loan of Randal Kolo Muani early.

The French international has been heavily linked with a return to PSG or a move to Juventus after a stop-start beginning to life in London.

“Tottenham were offered the possibility to sign Jhon Duran on loan from Fenerbahce, who is on loan from Al-Nassr.

“He was offered to Tottenham as a last-minute chance for Spurs. The club decided against it.

“It was a possibility that was offered because some people in the industry thought that Tottenham were going to break the loan for Randal Kolo Muani to go to Juventus from Paris Saint-Germain.

“So that was a possibility, but Tottenham decided to continue with Kolo Muani. He started the last two games, so they decided to trust the player and turn down the opportunity to sign Duran, who was keen on this possibility.”

Manager Thomas Frank reportedly played a key role in the decision, opting for continuity over another mid-season transition, despite the team languishing in 14th place.

Duran joins Zenit in shock move

With the door to the Premier League closed, Duran’s entourage acted quickly.

Within hours of the English deadline passing, it was confirmed that the ‘lethal‘ striker had terminated his contract in Turkey to join Zenit Saint Petersburg on loan for the remainder of the season.

Jhon Duran club career stats via Transfermarkt

The move to Russia marks Durán’s third club in just 12 months, continuing a nomadic period for the former Aston Villa man.

While Spurs fans wonder if they missed out on a clinical goalscorer, the club’s hierarchy is betting that Kolo Muani will finally find his shooting boots as they look to salvage their season.

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Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday in what is set to be a cracking showdown between two of Premier League’s best teams over the last decade.

The Reds need a win to continue their growing momentum in the second half of the season.

While Man City can not afford to lose any more points if they want to catch up with Arsenal at the top of the table.

Tension will be high on Merseyside, and fans will be desperate to witness the spectacle firsthand. If you are looking to be there in person, you can find information on how to buy Liverpool vs Manchester City tickets.

Liverpool predicted XI vs Man City

Arne Slot is expected to keep the same lineup that beat Newcastle 4-1 last weekend.

Most notably, Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to continue his “inverted” role at right-back, filling in for the injured Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley while adding extra midfield presence in possession.

The only change in defence we expect is for the experienced Andy Robertson to replace Milos Kerkez for this encounter.

Ibrahim Konate is expected to partner Virgil van Dijk in the heart of the defence while Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.

In attack, the partnership between Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike has been the talk of the Premier League.

Ekitike, who scored twice against Newcastle, starts up top, flanked by the ever reliable Mohamed Salah and the versatile Cody Gakpo.

GK: Alisson Becker

RB: Dominik Szoboszlai

CB: Ibrahima Konaté

CB: Virgil van Dijk

LB: Andy Robertson

CM: Ryan Gravenberch

CM: Alexis Mac Allister

LW: Cody Gakpo

AM: Florian Wirtz

RW: Mohamed Salah

ST: Hugo Ekitike

Form Comparison: Liverpool vs Manchester City

The two giants enter this fixture with contrasting momentum. Liverpool have found their rhythm in early 2026, while City have struggled with uncharacteristic inconsistency and a rare goal drought for Erling Haaland.

Liverpool’s Last Six (PL):

• W 4-1 vs Newcastle

• L 2-3 vs Bournemouth

• D 1-1 vs Burnley

• D 0-0 vs Arsenal

• D 2-2 vs Fulham

• D 0-0 vs Leeds

Manchester City’s Last Six (PL):

• D 2-2 vs Spurs

• W 2-0 vs Wolves

• L 0-2 vs Man United

• D 1-1 vs Brighton

• D 1-1 vs Chelsea

• D 0-0 vs Sunderland

While City won the reverse fixture 3-0 in November, Anfield has rarely been a kind hunting ground for Pep Guardiola.

With Liverpool’s new look attack starting to click, the Reds are expected to be much more of a threat compared to the game at the Etihad.

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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has addressed the inevitable future of the club without captain Virgil van Dijk, insisting that while the defender remains vital, the hierarchy is already preparing for a transition.

Speaking ahead of a crurcial clash with Manchester City, Slot emphasised that Liverpool’s recruitment strategy is based on long-term stability rather than reactive “panic.”

The comments come on the heels of the Reds securing a €60 million deal for Rennes’ 20-year-old sensation Jeremy Jacquet, widely viewed as the long-term successor to the Dutch giant.

Slot lays out Liverpool plan for Virgil van Dijk

Slot was candid about the reality of aging stars, noting that while Van Dijk’s current contract runs until June 2027, the club must look ahead.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game against City, he said (via BBC Sport): “Everything done over here is never from panic, it’s always long term idea and or something that has been thought about for a long time and not only one person.

“Of course, we are aware of the fact that Virgil won’t play for 10 years but he has one-and-a-half years [of] contract left, so he will be with us for that time, maybe longer even longer if he keeps staying fit as fit as he is now.

“What a compliment to him at his age to play every three days, not only now for our club but for his country for seven or eight months already.

“Hopefully, he can stay as fit as he is for multiple years but this club is not stupid. We do know somewhere in the upcoming years, there is life for this club after Virgil.

“You are talking about Virgil but I can say this for every position. This club is not only thinking short-term future but also the mid to long-term future.”

? "There is life for this club without Virgil."

Arne Slot addresses Virgil van Dijk's Liverpool future. pic.twitter.com/xOPKNTKrGt

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) February 5, 2026

Van Dijk has been an outstanding servant for Liverpool

Since his transformative £75 million move from Southampton in 2018, Virgil Van Dijk has anchored the most successful period in Liverpool’s modern history.

Having led the team to Premier League and Champions League titles, his influence remains immense.

Even at 34, his statistics remain elite. This season, he has won more aerial duels (119) than any other defender in the Premier League.

Van Dijk can play at elite level for another several years

Despite the club signing younger reinforcements like Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni, Van Dijk’s fitness proves he can continue playing at the top level for another several years.

The manager suggested that as long as the fitness levels hold, an extension beyond 2027 is a genuine possibility.

With his leadership in the dressing room and his unmatched reading of the game, Van Dijk remains the gold standard.

While the club is wisely building the mid-to-long-term future, the immediate priority remains centered around the man who redefined the Liverpool defense.

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Brazilian outfit Bahia have reached an agreement to sign Tottenham striker Alejo Veliz on a permanent deal, as confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The move, worth €9 million (£7.8m) plus performance-related add-ons, marks a significant shift for the Argentine forward who arrived in North London with high expectations just three years ago.

The agreement was verbally finalised today with Bahia director Cadu Santoro.

Veliz, currently back in Argentina on loan, expressed a desire to complete his current spell with Rosario Central before moving to Brazil.

Consequently, his medical and formal signing are scheduled for June 2026.

Taking to X, Romano revealed: “Bahia agree deal to sign Alejo Veliz from Tottenham on permanent move, here we go!

“€9m fee plus add-ons, Véliz wanted to stay in Rosario until the end of his loan and then join Bahia.Medical to happen in June, deal verbally agreed with director Cadu Santoro today.”

??? Bahia agree deal to sign Alejo Véliz from Tottenham on permanent move, here we go!

€9m fee plus add-ons, Véliz wanted to stay in Rosario until the end of his loan and then join Bahia.

Medical to happen in June, deal verbally agreed with director Cadu Santoro today. pic.twitter.com/1pW9H3GVWF

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 5, 2026

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Feb 5 2026, 21:19

Arne Slot puts Liverpool star’s future in doubt with concerning comments

Feb 5 2026, 20:27

Alejo Veliz failed to make it at Tottenham despite strong reputation

When Veliz joined Spurs for £13 million in August 2023, he was hailed as one of South America’s most “dynamite” young talents.

Standing at 6’2″ and possessing a physical, aerial presence, he was expected to provide a different dimension to the Tottenham attack.

However, his time in England was marred by a lack of opportunities and unfortunate timing.

He made just eight substitute appearances for the senior team, with his sole goal coming in a 4-2 defeat to Brighton.

Loan spells at Sevilla and Espanyol also failed to ignite his European career, as he struggled for consistent minutes in La Liga.

He is currently back in Argentina, playing for Rosario Central on loan from Spurs, and it appears that his time at the North London club has come to an end.

Veliz career stats across all clubs

Despite his struggles in Europe, Veliz’s overall career numbers highlight why Bahia, backed by the City Football Group, are willing to invest in him.

He has consistently proven his worth in his homeland, recently surpassing a career milestone of 34 senior goals across his various stints.

Alejo Veliz’s career stats across various clubs via Transfermarkt

The post Deal agreed with Tottenham for ‘dynamite’ 34-goal striker appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Leicester City’s survival hopes have been dealt a massive blow after the Premier League confirmed an immediate six-point deduction for the club.

The sanction, handed down by an independent Commission, relates to a breach of Profit and Sustainability Rules (P&S Rules) during the 2023/24 season.

The ruling follows a complex jurisdictional battle. After Leicester’s promotion to the top flight in 2024, the EFL’s investigation was transferred to the Premier League.

Despite legal challenges from the Foxes, including a claim that the rules breached competition law, the Commission determined that the club exceeded the permitted loss threshold by £20.8 million over a three-year assessment period.

Premier League statement after six points deduction confirmation

In an official statement, the Premier League revealed that the Commission rejected Leicester’s plea of “exceptional cooperation,” citing the club’s failure to provide annual accounts by the required deadline as a further rule breach.

While the Commission acknowledged the club’s “improving financial position” as a mitigating factor, the EFL Board has now ratified the recommendation.

As Leicester is currently competing in the Championship, the deduction has been applied to the current 2025/26 standings with immediate effect.

Leicester City in danger of relegation?

The timing of the points deduction could not be worse for the Foxes. Currently managed by an interim team following the recent sacking of Marti Cifuentes, the club has plummeted down the Championship table.

*> Reflects 6-point deduction

The deduction leaves Leicester in 20th place, hovering just three points above the relegation zone.

With back-to-back relegations now a distinct possibility, the club described the sanction as “disproportionate” and is currently considering an appeal.

Double standards highlighted as Man City yet to be charged

The swiftness of Leicester’s punishment has reignited fury among fans regarding the “115 charges” facing Manchester City.

While the Foxes have been sanctioned for a single-period breach, the investigation into City’s alleged historical financial irregularities (stretching from 2009 to 2018) remains unresolved.

Critics argue that the current system punishes mid-sized clubs while the “Big Six” benefit from protracted legal timelines.

With a verdict on Manchester City’s case not expected until late 2026 or even 2027, the perceived “double standard” in English football’s financial policing has never been more apparent.

The post Premier League confirms six-point deduction for former champions over financial breach appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Manchester United legend Jaap Stam has urged the club to forget about Michael Carrick and appoint Roberto De Zerbi instead. 

Stam believes the former Brighton manager will be a perfect fit for the Red Devils and De Zerbi may prefer a move to Old Trafford as well.

Stam urges Manchester United to snub Michael Carrick for Roberto De Zerbi

He said (via The Mirror): “I like De Zerbi very much, you know, because of how he performed at Brighton and also now in Marseille.

“How he’s playing with his teams, because he plays possession-based football, he’s very good on the ball. He also sets the players in certain positions that it makes it really difficult for the opposition to press them.

“You know, he’s going forward, he attacks. Scores a lot of goals, sometimes concedes, but you know that as a manager.

“But I think he’s also a good man-manager. I think he’s also good with the players and giving them the confidence, giving them the attention they need – and not only the starting XI, but also the other players within the squad.

“And that’s what you need in a big club like that. So I would be very happy if they don’t go for Carrick, and that they go for him.”

Roberto De Zerbi has made a name for himself in European football

De Zerbi’s reputation has skyrocketed since his time in the Premier League, where he led Brighton to European qualification for the first time in their history.

Currently at Marseille, his high-risk, high-reward style continues to garner attention across the continent.

Stam highlighted the Italian’s ability to manage big personalities and squads, a leadership skill required to manage a club like Man United.

Roberto De Zerbi’s manerail stats for Marseille and Brighton via Transfermarkt

He is highly rated and loved by his players, both current and former. In fact, Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has even rated him above Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot.

Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, he said about De Zerbi: “He’s a crazy guy, but I love him. I think he’s the best manager I’ve ever had.”

Host Gary Lineker asked: “Really? Wow! You’ve got Slot and Klopp in there.”

Mac Allister replied: “I had a couple of conversations with Slot about De Zerbi as well, because he really likes the idea. Then I have coaches like (Gabriel) Heinze as well in Argentina. So I have very good coaches.”

Michael Carrick is making a strong case for a permanent role

While Stam looks elsewhere, Carrick is doing everything right on the pitch.

Since taking the reins, he has scrapped the rigid tactical systems of his predecessors and restored a sense of harmony to the dressing room.

Under his guidance, United have a 100% win record and have climbed back into the top-four race.

With a crucial home fixture against Tottenham looming, the clamor for Carrick to stay is growing, but the debate between a “club man” and an established European tactician like De Zerbi remains the central question for the United hierarchy.

The post Manchester United told to forget about Michael Carrick and appoint manager even better than Jurgen Klopp appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley could be out for much longer than initially thought.

That is according to injury expert Ben Dinnery, who claims that the Northern Irish international is looking at a significantly longer spell on the sidelines, with his return potentially pushed back as far as 2027.

Bradley sustained a major knee injury during Liverpool’s 0-0 draw at Arsenal in early January.

While the club initially hoped for a return for pre-season, the latest assessment from the injury expert suggests otherwise.

Conor Bradley’s injury worse than initially feared

Speaking exclusively to Anfield Index, Dinnery provided a rather discouraging update on the 22-year-old’s condition.

The injury, which occurred during a high-tension stoppage-time incident at the Emirates, involves both significant ligament and bone damage.

Dinnery said:

“We’re probably looking at something that is going to head into the latter part of the year.

“If there’s any return in 2026, it would be a massive bonus for Liverpool, but it could quite easily stretch into the early part of 2027.

Dinnery also explained that the non-contact nature of the mechanism of the injury points toward a serious ACL problem.

“You’re always concerned with regards to a non-contact injury, and the tests showed that there was bone damage as well as ligament damage.

“The mechanism itself suggested that it was a serious ACL problem.”

Liverpool’s defensive injury crisis deepens

Liverpool’s depth at right-back is currently non-existent, with summer signing Jeremie Frimpong also sidelined with a groin injury.

While Frimpong is expected back in a few weeks, his debut season at Anfield has already been marred by recurring fitness issues.

With Joe Gomez also battling a hip problem and the club failing to secure Lutsharel Geertruida on deadline day, the Reds are currently forced to use midfielders like Dominik Szoboszlai out of position.

Though Liverpool recently confirmed the £60 million signing of Jeremy Jacquet for the summer, he remains in France for the rest of the season.

This development may force Liverpool to jump back into the market for another specialist right-back this summer to ensure they aren’t left stranded during Bradley’s lengthy rehabilitation.

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Arsenal have officially booked their place at Wembley for the Carabao Cup final after a pulsating 2-1 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, securing a 4-2 aggregate win.

While the night ended in celebration, the closing stages were defined by a moment of pure tactical tension that saw Mikel Arteta lose his composure just seconds before the decisive blow was landed.

Mikel Arteta was going ‘mad’ before Kai Havertz winner

As Chelsea pushed for a late equaliser to force extra time, the atmosphere in North London reached a fever pitch.

With Arsenal clinging to a narrow lead, the ball appeared to drift out of play during a frantic Chelsea buildup, yet play was allowed to continue.

Former England international Matt Upson, commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live, reported the frantic energy on the touchline.

“Well, 30 seconds ago Mikel Arteta was going mad that the referee had not blown his whistle.

“It has been a high-pressure last 10 minutes.” Arteta was seen frantically gesturing at the fourth official, convinced his side was being denied a blatant stoppage.

However, that frustration leftin an instant. Arsenal intercepted the resulting play, launching a lightning-fast counter-attack while the Chelsea defense was still over-committed in the final third.

Arsenal likely to face Man City in final Wembley showdown

The win means Arsenal will now face one of Manchester City or Newcastle in the final of the competition.

Their most likely opponents are going to be Pep Guardiola’s side who lead 2-0 on aggregate.

The return fixture is at Etihad where the home side are favourites to beat the defending champions and book the place in the final.

Mikel Arteta has a chance to win his first trophy for Arsenal in five years.

Man City have not been at their usual best this season. In contrast, Arsenal look their strongest self and are full of confidence at the moment, with Arteta doing an incredible job at the club.

Could the League Cup be the first of multiple trophies Arsenal will win this season?

The post What Mikel Arteta was seen doing seconds before Kai Havertz’s winner vs Chelsea appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Tottenham’s defensive linchpin Cristian Romero is ‘going to leave’ the club in the upcoming June transfer window, according to Argentinian journalist and reliable South American insider Gaston Edul.

Taking to X, Edul revealed that the 27-year-old World Cup winner has already attracted concrete interest from La Liga giants and at least one other major European league.

“Cristian Cuti Romero has interest from La Liga in Spain and another league as well. He had already had interest in the previous transfer window and they came very close to making a formal offer. He is going to leave Tottenham in the next June transfer window.”

Cristian Cuti Romero tiene sondeos de de La Liga de España y otra liga más.
Ya los había tenido en el mercado de pases anterior y estuvieron a un paso de la oferta formal.
Va a salir de Tottenham en el próximo mercado de junio. pic.twitter.com/OWrjDpQgf5

— Gastón Edul (@gastonedul) February 3, 2026

Cristian Romero blasts ‘disgraceful’ Tottenham after deadline day

The news of a summer exit comes amidst a period of high tension between the player and the club.

Tottenham came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Manchester City on Sunday, despite playing with a depleted Spurs side struggling with an injury crisis.

The Tottenham captain waited for the transfer window to shut before launching a subtle attack on the Spurs hierarchy’s lack on transfer activity, labelling the squad shortage as ‘unbelievable but true and disgraceful’.

With only 11 senior players fit for the fixture, Romero’s public outburst suggests a deep-seated frustration with the club’s current direction under Thomas Frank.

Real Madrid want to sign Romero

This isn’t the first time Romero has voiced his discontent. He has voiced his frustration towards the Tottenham hierarchy in the past as well for their perceived lack of accountability and ambition.

The latest comments have further fuelled talks of an exit. Real Madrid have had a long standing interest in the World Cup winner and as per a recent report, Madrid are prepared with a mega offer for Romero.

Micky van de Ven also linked with Liverpool

To make matters worse for the North London side, Romero’s partner in central defense, Micky van de Ven, is also a target for rivals.

Reports suggest Liverpool are weighing up a move for the Dutch defender, as Arne Slot looks to bolster his backline.

Losing both starting center-backs in a single window would represent a catastrophic blow for Tottenham as they look to navigate an increasingly turbulent 2026 campaign.

The post Major Tottenham update: Reliable insider confirms star player will leave Spurs this summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has sparked intense transfer speculation after refusing to dismiss the possibility of re-signing former Gunners star Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Speaking during Monday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea, Arteta admitted the club is “exploring every option” to bolster a depleted midfield.

Arsenal could re-sign Alex Oxlade Chamberlain

The 32-year-old free agent, who has been training with Arsenal since November to maintain his fitness, is legally available to sign outside the transfer window.

When asked directly if the Oxlade-Chamberlain could be handed a short-term contract, Arteta offered a cryptic but open-ended response.

He said: “We need to do everything that we possibly can to see if we have a player that is available. If we don’t, we keep what we have.”

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Feb 4 2026, 6:41

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What Mikel Arteta was seen doing seconds before Kai Havertz’s winner vs Chelsea

Feb 3 2026, 22:51

The transfer speculations comes as a direct result of a significant injury to Mikel Merino.

The Spanish international is set to undergo surgery on a fractured bone in his right foot sustained during the recent clash with Manchester United.

With the winter window now closed, the free-agent market, and specifically a player already integrated into the training environment, presents a rare lifeline.

Why Oxlade-Chamberlain could be a masterstroke signing for Arsenal

While injuries have plagued Oxlade-Chamberlain since his departure from Liverpool and a brief stint at Besiktas, his return would offer Arsenal much-needed tactical flexibility.

Having played nearly 200 games for the club between 2011 and 2017, his familiarity with the “Arsenal way” is a significant advantage.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain stats for Liverpool and Arsenal

Beyond sentiment, his experience in high-pressure title races and Champions League nights with Liverpool provides a experienced presence for a young squad in a crucial period.

With interest also brewing from Martin O’Neill’s Celtic, Arsenal may have to act quickly if they want to secure the midfielder as an emergency depth option for the season’s final four months.

The post Mikel Arteta refuses to rule out signing Champions League winner appeared first on CaughtOffside.

According to a prominent source on X, the representatives for Liverpool center-back Ibrahima Konate are scheduled to hold crunch talks with club officials this Friday.

The meeting comes at a critical juncture for the Reds, as the French international enters the final months of a contract that has become a source of mounting anxiety at Anfield.

Konate’s contract stand-off: Liverpool running out of time

The 26-year-old defender is currently playing on the same terms he signed upon arriving from RB Leipzig in 2021.

Despite being a key part of Liverpool’s defence over the years, negotiations over an extension have hit a public impasse.

Reports suggest Konate previously rejected an offer that would have tied him to the club until 2030, citing frustrations over a performance-heavy salary structure.

With his deal set to expire in June 2026, Konate is already legally permitted to negotiate pre-contract agreements with overseas clubs.

Real Madrid have shown strong interest in the Frenchman while PSG have also been credited with an interest in the player.

Liverpool cannot afford to repeat Trent Alexander-Arnold mistake

The urgency surrounding Friday’s meeting is fueled by the ghost of last summer.

Liverpool fans are still reeling from the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left for Real Madrid on a cut-price £10m deal just before his contract expired.

Losing a second world-class asset in successive years for free would be a significant blow to Sporting Director Richard Hughes’ reputation.

But there is a strong possibility that Konate could be on his way out and that would explain the club’s decision to go all in for another French centre-back.

Liverpool’s £60 million signing of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes is viewed by many as a direct replacement for Konate, suggesting that the club are preparing for a future without the ‘world-class’ centre-back.

The post Agent of ‘world-class’ Frenchman to meet Liverpool officials on Friday, says insider appeared first on CaughtOffside.