The France international has an impressive record of 12 goals and five assists in Ligue 1 and the Champions League so far this season, and it would make sense for him to pursue a move in order to get more first-team football.
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See below as reliable Liverpool journalist David Lynch says that Barcola is one of the names being assessed ahead of the summer…
Bradley Barcola is one of the winger options being assessed by Liverpool ahead of the summer. Would he be a better fit than Yan Diomande?https://t.co/Apsr7UJj9w
“Bradley Barcola is one of the winger options being assessed by Liverpool ahead of the summer,” Lynch posted on X.
Speaking in his video, he added: “We know Liverpool like him, we know there’s a possibility that he’ll be on the market.”
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Bradley Barcola transfer looks a strong fit for Liverpool
We’ve previously taken a look at Barcola to Liverpool using our Transfer Fit rating system and it seems clear to us that this is a deal with immense potential…
Bradley Barcola
TOTAL SCORE: 19/25
Transfer fee
**
Performance
****
Achievements
****
Career phase
*****
Squad need
****
Barcola scores 19/25, with his high transfer fee being the main downside, but not enough to suggest LFC shouldn’t try to get a deal done.
Even if the 23-year-old would be on the pricey side, he’s young enough that he can keep improving and prove a superb long-term signing for Liverpool.
Liverpool need a top winger this summer
Everyone at Liverpool will be aware that this needs to be a big summer in terms of strengthening in attack after Mohamed Salah’s dip in form and his confirmation that he’ll be leaving Anfield at the end of his contract.
It won’t be easy to replace a legendary figure like Salah, but Barcola looks like an option worth considering after his fine form for PSG.
If Liverpool aren’t quick there’s also the worry that other big clubs will get there first, as one imagines there’ll surely be a long list of suitors ready to pounce if he does leave the Parc des Princes.
The younger brother of Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham is now attracting growing interest from top clubs ahead of the summer after an improvement in form.
Bellingham joined Dortmund from Sunderland last summer and started slowly in Germany, though he’s now fully established himself as a key player in the team.
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Jobe Bellingham has suitors but Dortmund don’t want to sell
Even if the Red Devils have been discussing Bellingham, it perhaps looks unrealistic for this summer as the 20-year-old has a four-year contract with BVB and they don’t want to let him go.
It remains to be seen if a deal could be struck for the right price, but Dortmund will surely feel they’re in a strong position here and under no pressure to sell.
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United fans will be intrigued by this story, though with Bellingham looking like he could be a smart long-term investment for the club.
Even if the younger Bellingham is not quite as flashy and spectacular as his old brother Jude, he looks a solid midfielder and has previously been praised as “powerful” by Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris.
Discussing Bellingham’s playing style and role last season, as quoted by Goal, Le Bris said: “Jobe is so powerful. He wants to affect the game, he had good quality today. It’s not a big surprise for us but you have to do it on the pitch. He did very well today to score the second goal.
“I don’t have to say to Jobe, ‘you can score’, it’s just now a question of his position. We talk now a lot about positions on the pitch because if he can manage different situations, he can be involved in the build-up, in the high pressure and low pressure. But if you want to affect the score properly, the opposition has to be a little bit higher on the pitch.
“We spoke a lot about this position for our eights, especially for Jobe because out of possession he plays as a six. So it’s not easy to find the right balance with the offensive part of the game.
“He played the first game of the season higher on the pitch like with two strikers, then as a midfielder. It was easier to find the right position and adjustment. I think he’s doing well. He learns so very quickly.”
Tottenham’s on-loan striker Randal Kolo Muani is reportedly looking set for a possible transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Juventus.
The France international has not had the most positive impact during his spell at Spurs this season, making a return to parent club PSG a likely option.
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Kolo Muani has had a difficult few years, scoring only 11 goals in 54 appearances for PSG, and a total of only five in 38 games on loan at Tottenham this season.
In between that, the 27-year-old’s best form seemed to come during a loan with Juventus, where he scored ten times in 22 appearances.
Randal Kolo Muani set to leave Tottenham and seal Juventus transfer
It seems an agreement is more or less already in place for PSG to let Kolo Muani go to Juventus once his loan deal at Spurs comes to an end.
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Some THFC fans may be disappointed that this deal didn’t work out better, but it certainly seems like the best thing now would be to make numerous changes to this struggling squad after an awful season of fighting against relegation.
It may well be that Tottenham still end up going down, but either way it surely makes little sense for Kolo Muani to be a long-term part of their rebuilding plans.
Newcastle and Bayern Munich reportedly look to be working towards a transfer deal for Anthony Gordon as the player has agreed the move.
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The two clubs remain apart on Gordon’s valuation, with Newcastle wanting over £75m for the England international, but there is generally thought to be optimism on reaching a breakthrough for the deal to go through.
See below for details from journalist Ben Jacobs, who says Gordon has a broad agreement with Bayern, and that it’s now just for the two clubs to come to some kind of compromise…
Broad terms now in place between Anthony Gordon and Bayern Munich.
However, there remains a gulf in valuation between Bayern and Newcastle with club-to-club talks ongoing.#NUFC seeking £75m+. There is optimism the club’s valuation will be met given the volume of initial… pic.twitter.com/PRhUHvLQAJ
“Broad terms now in place between Anthony Gordon and Bayern Munich. However, there remains a gulf in valuation between Bayern and Newcastle with club-to-club talks ongoing. #NUFC seeking £75m+. There is optimism the club’s valuation will be met given the volume of initial interest,” Jacobs posted on X.
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Anthony Gordon set for Bayern Munich transfer?
Gordon form (all comps)
Games
Goals
Assists
Newcastle 2025/26
46
17
4
Gordon has shone for Newcastle and it makes sense that a big club like Bayern are pushing to bring him in this summer.
Liverpool and Arsenal have also been linked with the 25-year-old in recent times by the Telegraph and others, but it seems he could be about to continue his career away from the Premier League.
Newcastle will surely be keen to keep hold of Gordon, but if they get a big fee for him and are able to prevent him moving to a rival, that might go down as good business and an acceptable compromise.
It’s undoubtedly a blow, however, for NUFC to see a big name like Gordon moving on just a year after the club also lost Alexander Isak to Liverpool.
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It seems there’s now been an update as Spanish outlet Fichajes claim Arsenal are preparing to make a ‘historic investment’ of around €90m to sign Guler.
The report adds, however, that Guler himself has indicated that he’s flattered but not looking for a move, while Real Madrid also don’t want to sell.
Could Arsenal seal Arda Guler transfer swoop?
There could still be a chance for Arsenal, though, as Fichajes’ report also suggests that the change in manager at the Bernabeu this summer could cause some uncertainty.
Jose Mourinho is expected to take over, and it’s fair to say that Guler doesn’t exactly seem like an obvious fit for the Portuguese tactician’s preferred style of football.
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Arsenal could also be a tempting project for a player like Guler, as the 21-year-old looks like an ideal candidate to come in and provide an alternative and perhaps a long-term replacement for the increasingly injury-prone Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal are also competing for a remarkable Premier League and Champions League double this season, with just three more wins required to give them what would surely be the greatest season in their entire history.
That would help lure players like Guler to the Emirates Stadium, especially as things haven’t exactly gone that smoothly in Madrid this season with another trophyless campaign and plenty of bad blood in the dressing room.
Manchester City are reportedly closing in on a new contract for Rodri despite transfer interest from Real Madrid, according to journalist Matteo Moretto.
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The Spain international is now seemingly closer to agreeing to stay and sign an extension to his Man City deal, with Real Madrid not moving forward with any offers for the player.
See below for the full details from Moretto on X as he explains a decision is imminent after recent talks…
El Real Madrid aún no ha dado ningún paso oficial con el Manchester City respecto a Rodri, a pesar del interés que tiene por él, y ahora el centrocampista está más cerca de renovar con el club inglés.
“Real Madrid has not yet taken any official steps with Manchester City regarding Rodri, despite the interest they have in him, and now the midfielder is closer to renewing with the English club,” Moretto said.
“The decision is imminent. Manchester City has been negotiating the renewal with Rodri for weeks and is now willing to accelerate the process to keep him for at least one more year in the Premier League.”
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MCFC could do with strengthening in midfield this summer, as Rodri will surely need more rest soon after becoming someone that Pep Guardiola is so heavily reliant on.
Sky Sports have been among the outlets to strongly link City with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, and bringing in someone like that could be ideal to help the club eventually replace Rodri.
For now, however, it’s clear that Rodri remains one of the very best players in the world in his position and not someone City would want to lose to a Champions League rival like Real Madrid.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand asked Casemiro about that infamous quote from pundit Jamie Carragher a couple of years ago, when the former Liverpool player suggested the Brazilian needed to leave top-level football.
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Casemiro had a difficult spell towards the end of his second season at Man Utd, prompting Carragher to suggest he was finished in the Premier League and urging him to leave the football before the football leaves him.
Remarkably, two years later Casemiro is still at United and is set to depart as something of a cult hero this summer once his contract expires.
The former Real Madrid man has done well to get back to his best with the Red Devils and is now sure to always have a special place in the fans’ hearts, even if he clearly wasn’t at the peak of his powers during his time at Old Trafford.
Casemiro and Rio Ferdinand mock Jamie Carragher
Watch below as Casemiro speaks with United legend Rio Ferdinand about a number of topics, including Carragher’s controversial comments…
Casemiro admitted it was “big disrespect” towards him considering the career he’d had, though the pair also enjoyed a joke at Carragher’s expense as Casemiro couldn’t remember his name.
The interview makes for interesting viewing as Ferdinand also goes on to tell Casemiro that he’d heard about his strong mentality when speaking to one of Ruben Amorim’s coaches.
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When the 34-year-old was struggling to start games, it seems he never switched off in training and worked as hard as possible to get back into the team, taking advice on how he could improve.
Ferdinand was hugely impressed by this as Casemiro has of course won five Champions League titles, so could be forgiven for thinking that there’s little more he can learn in the game.
The World Cup 2026 is drawing ever closer. As most of the domestic competitions in Europe approach their climax, attention will soon divert to the largest-ever World Cup, with 48 nations battling it out to be crowned champion. There have only ever been eight different winners of the most prestigious competition in international football, and the likelihood of that changing this year seems to be remote.
That’s not to say that there won’t be a few shocks in store this summer, however. World
Cups always throw up some surprising games and results. Anyone planning to place World
Cup bets on a winner might want to look at a previous champion, but these extended finals
promise a lot of drama and excitement along the way. MyTopSportsbooks is a great place to find the best place to make your World Cup predictions, but if you need a little more information on some of the less-fancied teams, this article has all you need to know about potential dark horses at World Cup 2026.
Mexico
Host nations are well-known to overachieve in front of their own fans, with South Korea’s
march to the semifinal stage in 2002 a good example. There are, of course, three co-hosts of
this summer’s tournament, but it is Mexico that might spring a surprise. Mexico has much more of a World Cup pedigree, having featured at the last eight finals and hosting two before that. El Tri has historically been the powerhouse of North American football and, while that has changed somewhat, there is promise in a squad that has more players from Liga MX than in the past. If all goes well, Mexico will play on home soil until the quarterfinals and is very difficult to score against. In the heat of North America, this is one local team that could do well.
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Scotland
This nation hasn’t qualified for a World Cup finals since 1998, but back-to-back appearances
at the European Championship have boosted confidence in a team that is home to a number
of stars of the EPL and Serie A. Topping a qualification group that also included World Cup
regular Denmark was just the latest example of Scotland’s improvement. Steve Clarke’s men will do well to beat the drama of the final qualifying game against Denmark, in which two stoppage-time goals booked a finals berth. But a sense of togetherness among the squad could cause some upsets this summer, with the talismanic Scott McTominay keen to carry on the good form he has shown at Napoli. One thing’s for sure, the Scottish fans will do everything they can to make every game a special occasion.
Türkiye
Don’t be fooled by Türkiye’s need for a playoff victory against Bosnia into thinking that this is a team to disregard this summer. You shouldn’t really take anything from the fact that Türkiye have only ever featured at two World Cup finals either, even if the last appearance was in 2002. An exciting young squad, packed with talent, Türkiye could go far. It is true that Türkiye has been many people’s dark horse at the last two European Championships and has largely disappointed, but a good showing in the group stage could act as a springboard for the rest of the tournament. Türkiye doesn’t face the US until the last game of the opening phase and, by then, the likes of Arda Güler and Kenan Yildiz may have already made an impact.
Ecuador
When it comes to South America, most fans will be expecting to see Argentina and Brazil
progressing to the latter stages. But it is Ecuador that took CONMEBOL qualifying by storm,
only finishing second to the current World champion and losing just twice in a marathon 18-
game schedule.
La Tri has impressed in friendlies since booking a place at the finals as well, including
drawing on the road in Mexico and the Netherlands. Led by Chelsea midfielder Moisés
Caceido, Ecuador has a squad full of players plying their trade in Europe and Brazil, but a
tough group draw could be a sticking point. Both Germany and the Ivory Coast will be tough
opponents, but anything could happen if there is progression from the opening phase.
Egypt
Morocco was the surprise team of the last World Cup, with its deep run only ending at the
semifinal stage against France. The Atlas Lions had beaten both Spain and Portugal along
the way, and their great rival, Egypt, will now be looking to emulate that feat this summer.
The Pharaohs may never have won a finals game in three separate attempts, but an
expanded format might suit them this time.
Egypt will kick off its finals against Belgium, and any kind of result there would set them up
nicely. Even a battling defeat would spur them on in their remaining two games. This will
surely be the last chance for Mo Salah to shine on the global stage, and his teammates will
be doing everything they can to send him off in a fitting manner.
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Norway
Finally, possibly the quintessential dark horse for this summer’s World Cup. Norway is
another nation that hasn’t competed at a finals since 1998, but big things are expected of the
Scandinavians this year. That has a lot to do with the strength of its squad, but mostly because of the presence of Erling Haaland. Haaland has won everything in European club football while at Manchester City, but he has not been able to prove his worth on the international stage as yet. He will face some tough teams in the group stage, with Senegal and France coming up after an opening fixture against Iraq. If Norway can make it out of what many people are calling the “group of death”, Haaland and Norway may well make up for lost time.
Although Slot won the Premier League title in a memorable first season at Anfield, this campaign has been far more challenging for the Dutch tactician.
It now looks like Slot is losing the support of the Liverpool home crowd, with boos ringing out during and after the 1-1 draw with Chelsea last weekend.
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Murphy says he can’t see Slot coming back from this, even if he also feels it is in some way a bit harsh on the former Feyenoord manager.
Xabi Alonso the obvious choice to replace Arne Slot
Discussing Slot’s future with BBC Sport, Murphy made it clear that it now looks like a long way back to being able to win back the club’s fans.
Alonso looks like a strong option to replace Slot at Liverpool, though the pundit also admitted there could be some risk with that appointment as well due to the Spaniard’s struggles in his recent spell in charge of Real Madrid.
“The problem Slot has got, especially at one of the biggest clubs in the world, is that when the fanbase turns, you are really, really struggling to get them back unless you win every game, then not just win, but win in a style Liverpool fans expect and demand,” Murphy said.
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He added: “Is there a suitable candidate who can move them forward? The obvious name out there is Xabi Alonso, who is available. He has got popularity, which is key because it gives you a few months’ grace. It also means everybody starts the season in a good place with a lot of energy.
“My only concern with Alonso is more to do with style. He struggled with man-management at Real Madrid but that’s a small concern.
“The gut feeling is that he likes possession with the Spanish mentality, but maybe I’m doing him an injustice because he played atLiverpool. He understands what the fans want. He also has the advantage of previously working with Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong at Leverkusen.
“If Alonso is a small risk, like anybody, you then ask is he still better than the situation they’re in? Unfortunately for Slot, I feel the answer is ‘yes’.
“I just don’t see a situation, irrelevant of transfer ins and outs – and there are going to be a lot in the summer – where the fans get back to being 100% behind Slot.
“For that to happen he will have to go on a run like he did in the first season, where he basically won every game. He then has to play in a certain way thatLiverpoolfans expect.
“I think Slot’s time is probably up. The main reason for saying this is not a dislike of him. I think he’s a good guy and a very bright coach, but the reality isLiverpool’s fanbase is as powerful as any out there, for all sorts of reasons. We know how strong they are in fighting the cause over tickets and other issues, not just the manager.
“I don’t remember a time when the fans turned on a manager then turned it back around.”
Could Liverpool miss out on Xabi Alonso?
Despite the obvious links with Alonso due to his availability and connection with LFC from his playing days, it seems like Chelsea are being increasingly strongly linked with the 44-year-old.
If Liverpool are to make a change, then they might have to move quickly or else there might not be as good a candidate out there as Alonso.
Other names like Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner, and perhaps Cesc Fabregas will surely be mentioned, but they perhaps don’t look like as much of an obvious upgrade on Slot as Alonso could.
Manchester United have an interest in Sporting Lisbon midfielder and Arsenal transfer target Morten Hjulmand as he looks set to become available this summer.
I was recently made aware of the Gunners asking Sporting about Hjulmand when the two teams met in the Champions League quarter-finals, with Ousmane Diomande and Ivan Fresneda also on the agenda.
My understanding after fresh talks with sources in the industry is that Arsenal remain interested in Hjulmand, but that Man Utd are also keeping a close eye on the situation.
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It’s widely known that the Red Devils are set to be busy with new midfield additions this summer, with two new faces likely to come in at Old Trafford.
Hjulmand is not necessarily at the top of that list of targets, but he’s a player the club have explored, and he could be available for €60m.
Morten Hjulmand transfer situation explained
A number of sources have confirmed to be that plenty of top clubs are keen on Hjulmand, and that Sporting seem to be open to doing business this summer for below his €80m release clause.
“Arsenal were in touch recently, Man United are also asking to be kept informed,” one source said.
“Sporting have given clubs the signal – he has a €80m release clause, but start negotiations at around €60m and there’s a chance he can go.
“This is their model, and has been for a long time. They know this is a chance to make significant profit on the player, and he’ll be keen to make the step up to a higher level as well.”
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It’s worth noting, however, that one or two other sources were keen to play down the idea that this would be a simple and straightforward deal, with Sporting known for being tough negotiators, as they were when eventually reluctantly selling Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal last summer.
What could be going on here is that Sporting hope to invite a bidding war for Hjulmand, which could mean his fee ends up rising well beyond €60m and closer to the €80m release clause fee.
Which clubs are eyeing Morten Hjulmand?
For now, Arsenal or United seem like the main names to watch for Hjulmand, but there are others too.
An interesting one will be Manchester City, because what United end up doing potentially impacts their plans a lot.
Both clubs really want Elliot Anderson, and although City are the favourites there has long been the sense that MUFC will keep pushing for that deal.
If they succeed, then City could move for Hjulmand as an alternative, but it’s still early days yet, and other targets will likely also be considered by both clubs.
It is also my understanding that Tottenham, Atletico Madrid, and Juventus will likely enter the conversation at some point this summer.
The talented young Portugal international has shone for the Hammers, having previously also caught the eye during his time at former club Southampton.
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Man Utd have several midfielders on their list for this summer, and it seems Fernandes increasingly looks like one of their main targets, according to Sky Sports.
The report explains that the Red Devils are looking for two new additions in that area of the pitch, and that they’re stepping up their interest in both West Ham’s Fernandes and Atalanta’s Ederson.
West Ham relegation threat boosts Man United’s Mateus Fernandes transfer hopes
West Ham lost 1-0 to Arsenal at the weekend as relegation now looks more and more likely with just two games left.
The Hammers are in 18th place, two points behind Tottenham, so there’s still some hope they could get out of the bottom three, but it’s clearly going to be difficult.
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This means a talent like Fernandes is surely going to be on the radar of a lot of top clubs as the 21-year-old is simply too good to be playing in the Championship.
This is what we saw a year ago when he left Southampton after their relegation, with former Saints star Jo Tessem making it clear at the time that he didn’t see the club being able to keep him as he’s so clearly a Premier League player.
“Mateus Fernandes is on people’s radar because every week he plays his heart out, he is by far the best player on the football pitch from a Saints perspective,” Tessem told the BBC.
“He is becoming an ultimate Premier League midfielder and clubs are not going to let that go.
“He plays like a Premier League player. He passes like a Premier League player. He is quick like a Premier League player. He conducts himself so well in midfield.”
Who should Man United sign in midfield?
United will be bidding farewell to Casemiro once his contract expires this summer, while they could also do with replacing the out-of-favour Manuel Ugarte.
Two new midfielders are surely a must for this MUFC squad, and fans would likely be happy with the investment in a top young talent like Fernandes.
We’ve previously ranked United’s midfield targets, with Sky Sports still mentioning other big names like Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, and Carlos Baleba being on the club’s list.
Anderson looks like he’d be the dream addition right now, but Sky suggest Manchester City looks more likely for the Nottingham Forest and England midfielder.
Wharton and Baleba are two other fine young talents, but Fernandes could be the way to go for United if they want to avoid a long-drawn-out saga, with West Ham’s likely relegation surely making it a simpler and more affordable deal to get done.
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