Alejandro Garnacho (Photo Credit: Alejandro Garnacho via Instagram)
Garnacho revealed, in a post shared by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account, that Chelsea’s vision under Maresca was what ultimately convinced him to make the switch. He said:
When I spoke with the club and Maresca, it’s important also the style of play we have. He explained a lot to me in a video call with him.
For Garnacho, joining Chelsea represents more than just a change of clubs, as it is a leap in his development. He said, describing the Blues as the best team in the world after watching their Club World Cup triumph:
It’s a big chance to improve as a player in a team like Chelsea.
He praised the club’s winning mentality, the competition for places, and the high standards that now define life at Stamford Bridge.
Garnacho on why he joined Chelsea: “When I spoke with the club and Maresca, it’s important also the style of play we have. He explained a lot to me in a video call with him”.
“It’s a big chance to improve as a player in a team like Chelsea”, told Sports Illustrated. pic.twitter.com/OciJaqq2Pg
The winger also admitted that a familiar face helped ease the transition. He said:
I spoke to Enzo Fernández during the summer… he had been asking, ‘When are you coming?’
Since arriving at Cobham, Garnacho has impressed staff with his work ethic and willingness to adapt. Sources close to the club say Maresca has already praised his attitude and commitment in training. The 20-year-old appears determined to repay the faith shown in him not just by Maresca, but by a club that believes he can become one of the Premier League’s most exciting wide players
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly entered the race to sign Mason Greenwood from Marseille, according to a report from TeamTalk.
The North London club are believed to be seeking a “dynamic player” to strengthen their attacking options ahead of next season, and Greenwood has emerged as a serious candidate.
The former Manchester United forward has rediscovered his form in Ligue 1, becoming one of the best performers in French football.
However, Tottenham face competition from several major clubs, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and West Ham United all expressing interest in the 24-year-old.
Mason Greenwood has excelled in the Ligue 1
Greenwood’s career has experienced a dramatic turnaround since his move to Marseille.
After leaving Man United in 2024, the English forward has rebuilt his reputation and confidence through consistent performances in France.
For Tottenham, Greenwood represents a potential game-changer. Manager Thomas Frank has made no secret of his desire to add pace, versatility, and unpredictability to his frontline.
Greenwood’s capacity to play across the front three, as a right winger, left forward, or even a secondary striker, matches perfectly with Frank’s tactical ideas.
Meanwhile, West Ham United have also joined the chase. Some of the top clubs in the world are taking notice of his consistent performances and goal scoring record.
Greenwood could get the opportunity to prove himself in the Premier League after his Man United spell was cut short due to his controversial off the field activities.
Spurs could now give him another chance to play in the Premier League.
Tottenham could be heading for a change at the top of their attack when the January transfer window opens.
According to Football Insider, the club are considering replacing Dominic Solanke, who has struggled to find his form and fitness under manager Thomas Frank.
The England international was signed with big expectations following an impressive spell at Bournemouth, but injuries and inconsistency have prevented him from making the desired impact.
With Tottenham eager to stay competitive in both domestic and European competitions, the board are reportedly exploring forward options, with former Brentford star Ivan Toney among the top names linked.
Dominic Solanke has struggled at Tottenham
Solanke’s move to Tottenham was intended to provide a focal point for the Spurs attack.
However, things haven’t gone as planned. Since joining the North London side, the 28-year-old striker has faced multiple fitness setbacks, limiting his rhythm and confidence in front of goal.
Even when available, Solanke has struggled to replicate his Bournemouth form, where his movement, pressing, and ability to bring teammates into play made him one of the Premier League’s most underrated forwards.
Frank has grown frustrated with the lack of consistency. The Dane has made it clear to Tottenham’s recruitment team that the squad needs a striker who can deliver immediately and adapt seamlessly to his high-intensity demands.
Dominic Solanke of Tottenham (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
In that regard, Toney has emerged as a natural target. The Al Ahli attacker has played previously under Frank at Brentford and the manager and the attacker enjoyed a strong relationship.
Frank was able to get the best out of Toney and he feels that the attacker should return to England from the Middle East.
Italian giants Juventus are eyeing a move for Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto, according to Calciomercato.
The French international, still only 22, has impressed in flashes since joining Chelsea from Lyon, but his limited game time and the resurgence of Reece James could open the door to a transfer.
The Juventus hierarchy are said to be long-time admirers of the young defender and see him as a potential solution to the club’s right-back dilemma, particularly after the Bianconeri missed out on signing Atlético Madrid’s Nahuel Molina last summer.
Juventus are looking for an attacking full-back
The Serie A side had been close to agreeing a deal for Molina during the last transfer window but were ultimately unable to complete the move due to financial and timing constraints.
Since then, the need for a dynamic full-back capable of contributing both defensively and offensively has remained a key priority.
Gusto, who is known for his explosive pace and overlapping runs, is exactly the kind of player Juventus are looking to sign.
At Chelsea, Gusto’s development has been somewhat stifled by the continued presence of club captain James, whose return to full fitness has reduced the Frenchman’s opportunities in the starting lineup.
Malo Gusto has struggled for playing time at Chelsea
Malo Gusto in action for Chelsea (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Juventus are also planning for the long term, seeking to lower the squad’s average age while maintaining quality.
The Turin-based club’s sporting directors are understood to have initiated contact with Gusto’s representatives to gauge his openness to a move, though no formal bid has yet been lodged.
Juventus’ admiration for the French defender is genuine, and with Molina still on Atlético Madrid’s books, Gusto represents a realistic and affordable alternative.
If James stays fit and Gusto continues to find minutes hard to come by, a move to Turin could appeal to all parties.
While there might have been plenty of speculation during October’s international break that Ruben Amorim could be removed from his position in the Old Trafford dugout, Manchester United have certainly claimed a recent boost. Last seen over the weekend securing an action-packed 4-2 victory at home against Brighton, the former Sporting Lisbon boss has seen […]
Rio Ferdinand has come to the defence of Casemiro, praising the veteran midfielder’s resurgence and leadership at Manchester United after a difficult spell earlier in the season. Speaking on his Rio Presents podcast, as shared on the official X account, Ferdinand discussed how the 33-year-old has silenced critics through strong performances and determination.
Rio Ferdinand (Photo Credit: Rio Ferdinand via Instagram)
The former United captain pointed out how Toby Collyer, a younger midfielder, was once selected ahead of Casemiro earlier this season, which could have damaged the Brazilian’s pride. Instead, he responded like a champion, re-establishing himself as a key figure in Rúben Amorim’s side. His commanding performances in games such as United’s dramatic win at Anfield, reported by Softfootball, have shown why experience still matters in top-level football.
Casemiro (Photo Credit: Casemiro via Instagram)
Ferdinand said:
Casemiro is at the back of the pack. Toby’s being called upon before him. Do you know how embarrassing that would have been for Casemiro? But for him to roll his sleeves up and say, ‘No, no, no, it ain’t happening,’ that’s what fans wanted to see.
Ferdinand then referenced Jamie Carragher’s previous comments, where the pundit suggested Casemiro should consider retirement before his form declined. Rio countered:
That was highly disrespectful. You’re talking about a five-time Champions League winner. Players can lose confidence or form, but that doesn’t erase their quality or character.
Casemiro (Photo Credit: Casemiro via Instagram)
Casemiro’s recent form supports Ferdinand’s view. United have recorded five wins, one draw, and just one loss in the Premier League when he starts as compared to a poor record in his absence. His leadership, communication, and ability to control midfield transitions have helped restore order to a side that had been struggling for consistency. The importance of experienced players like Casemiro cannot be overstated in maintaining balance and discipline within the team.
For Ferdinand, Casemiro’s response is the perfect example of resilience. When faced with doubt, he chose to fight, and in doing so, reminded everyone why class, professionalism, and pride still define him.
As the January transfer window approaches, Brentford striker Igor Thiago has become one of the most sought-after names.
The 24-year-old Brazilian forward has enjoyed a stellar campaign so far, scoring goals consistently for the club.
Newcastle United, Tottenham, and Aston Villa are all monitoring his situation closely, setting the stage for a potential bidding war when the market reopens, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.
Newcastle United are leading Igor Thiago race
Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase. Following the departure of Alexander Isak, the Magpies are actively searching for depth in their attack.
Sources suggest Newcastle are preparing a €40 million offer, hoping to strike early before rival clubs enter the race.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are adopting a more cautious stance. Still adjusting under Thomas Frank, the North London club are weighing the option of a loan deal with an option to buy.
Their proposed package, a €35 million fee plus performance-based add-ons, shows that they are unwilling to commit a large amount of money on the deal. Spurs see Thiago as a valuable rotational option who could relieve the burden on Dominic Solanke and inject competition into the forward line.
Brentford have no desire to sell their star striker
Igor Thiago of Brentford (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Despite the growing speculation, Brentford remain calm. Having only signed Thiago from Club Brugge last year for €33 million, the Bees hold a long-term contract with him until 2029.
The club are under no financial pressure to sell and are expected to demand a premium well above his initial valuation.
With Newcastle United, Tottenham, and Aston Villa all positioning themselves to make a move, Brentford face the challenge of holding on to their prized striker.
A fresh transfer battle is brewing between two European giants, as Barcelona and Arsenal are reportedly set to go head-to-head for the signature of Lacine Megnan-Pave, one of France’s brightest teenage prospects.
According to L’Équipe, the 15-year-old Montpellier striker has caught the attention of scouts across Europe following a string of impressive performances for the club’s U19 side, where he has already scored two goals this season.
Despite his young age, Megnan-Pave has the physicality and technique to shine at a big club as interest in his services continues to increase.
Barcelona leading Arsenal in Megnan-Pave race?
Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy is currently tipped as the frontrunner to secure his services.
Standing at 6 feet tall, Megnan-Pave already possesses a commanding physical presence for his age. Yet it is his balance, intelligent movement, and natural goal-scoring instinct that have stood out most to scouts.
Montpellier have earned a reputation for developing elite-level French talent, from Olivier Giroud and Rémy Cabella to Elye Wahi, and Megnan-Pave could be the next in that line.
The Catalan giants continue to rebuild their squad structure around young prospects, much like they did with Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, and Fermín López.
Barca’s sporting director Deco has already green-lit the pursuit, with talks underway between intermediaries representing the player and the club.
The Gunners believe Megnan-Pave could become a star in the future under their environment which encourages young players to shine.
The north-London club have seen the progress of young players like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly under Arteta and have been highly impressed with that.
Montpellier, meanwhile, are aware that keeping hold of the teenager will be difficult. With European giants circling and no professional contract signed yet due to his age, the French club face an uphill task to convince him to stay in Ligue 1.
The 22-year-old midfielder has caught the attention of some of the top clubs after his move to Nottingham Forest.
As Forest brace for a potential transfer battle next summer, insiders reveal that the club are demanding between £100–120 million, with no release clause in Anderson’s contract, a sign of how highly he is valued at the City Ground.
Elliot Anderson has been impressive for Forest
Anderson has evolved into the creative heartbeat of the team and his ability to make things happen from the midfield is something that both Man United and Newcastle United are particularly impressed with.
Managers Ruben Amorim and Eddie Howe are both looking for a new midfielder next year and Anderson is someone who has earned a place in their shortlist.
United have been scouting the player extensively and see him as a player who can become a part of their long terms plans under Amorim as the Portuguese manager is looking for more stability in the middle of the park.
Elliot Anderson in action for Nottingham Forest against Newcastle(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Forest, for their part, remain adamant that the midfielder is not for sale, unless an exceptional offer arrives.
Anderson is a central figure in their long-term project, and with no release clause in his current deal, they hold all the leverage heading into next year.
The £100–120 million valuation reflects both his current impact and projected potential, especially given his age and Premier League experience.
Whether Anderson stays loyal to Forest’s project or takes the next step toward the elite, one thing is certain, his talent is undeniable and Forest would find it difficult to keep him at the club for long.
Arsenal are now four points ahead of the nearest rival in the Premier League title race – it happens to be Bournemouth – having beaten Crystal Palace 1-0 at the Emirates on Sunday. Palace fans won’t be happy that the man who scored Arsenal’s winner, in a top manner at that, is their former star […]
A few years ago it would probably have been a great surprise, but these days, Aston Villa beating Manchester City at Villa Park doesn’t seem too far from normal. It happened on Sunday, with Matty Cash scoring the only goal of the game. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Aston Villa […]
Manchester City fans can finally breathe a bit easier, as midfield general Rodri is back in full training. The former Ballon d’Or winner, who’s been out once again following his return from his brutal ACL and meniscus injury suffered in 2024.
His absence had left a gaping hole in City’s structure. Without him, Guardiola’s side often looked disjointed, control faded, rhythm broke down, and that trademark midfield balance was gone. Rodri isn’t just another holding midfielder; he’s the heartbeat of the team, the one who breaks up play and starts attacks with frightening calmness.
Rodri receiving treatment from Manchester City medical staff (Photo Credit: Premier league X handle)
Losing him derailed City’s campaign last season; they stumbled out of the Champions League early and couldn’t hold on to their Premier League crown. Even since the start of the new season, Softfootball reports that the team have been struggling badly with him, recently losing 1-nil to Aston Villa away from home.
Manchester City revealed that the team has switched focus to their upcoming EFL Cup game against Swansea in a post via the team’s official X account:
Interestingly, Manchester City will be looking to preserve their midfield maestro; they won’t rush him back to the thick of things, opting instead to focus completely on his fitness. Rodri’s return couldn’t come at a better time. Manchester City have looked short of control in midfield and know they can’t afford another slow start; they are already six points off early league leaders Arsenal.
If Rodri rediscovers his rhythm quickly, City might just look like City again, fluid, composed, and terrifyingly efficient, which will be bad news to Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal Faithful.
Arne Slot is under pressure at Liverpool, who have lost their last four matches in the Premier League – a run that has seen them drop from 1st to 7th in the standings. The reigning champions have been defeated by Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Man United and Brentford, who were 3-2 winners at the weekend.
In the aftermath of that defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium, Slot admitted that his side struggle against “teams (that) have a certain playing style”, which relates to those who are more direct. But these remarks have not gone down well with some.
Arne Slot slammed for comments on Brentford
Arne Slot’s Liverpool side have lost their last four matches in the Premier League. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
As per Football Insider, Mick Brown responded to Slot’s comments, which he was not a fan of.
“Of course Slot is under pressure at Liverpool and he’ll be frustrated. The result wasn’t good enough, and to lose four games in a row in the Premier League is a disaster, so there are going to be questions asked of him. But you can’t start looking down your nose at other teams and aspects of the game.
“Coming out afterwards and complaining about other teams playing long throws and long balls, it’s embarrassing. It’s his job to prepare for and deal with those. Not every single team is going to play the same way, it’s just the way the game is.
“He can’t be surprised coming up against Brentford, who have made a name from utilising set pieces and maximising the assets they’ve got in their team. It’s up to Liverpool to deal with that, and they didn’t have an answer against Brentford. It’s the same after the game against Man United, when he moaned about other teams changing their starting XIs, honestly it’s embarrassing and it makes him look bad.”
Liverpool and Slot will be desperate to bounce back as soon as possible. They face Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup in midweek, before hosting Aston Villa in the Premier League – a match that will be very tricky for them, given the two teams’ contrasting form.
Sunderland have made a fantastic start to their Premier League return, with a number of players impressing for Regis Le Bris’ side. However, they could soon feel the force of this, as clubs have started to take notice.
Saturday’s memorable 2-1 victory over Chelsea elevated Sunderland into the top four of the Premier League, and although they will not expect to stay there, they are well on their way to avoiding relegation, which was their goal at the beginning of the campaign.
One player that has stood out for Sunderland is Wilson Isidor, who scored in the victory at Chelsea. However, there is a feeling that he could be set to leave in 2026.
Sunderland braced for Wilson Isidor offers as Aston Villa circle
Wilson Isidor celebrates a goal for Sunderland (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
“Unfortunately, this is the way it tends to work. If you get promoted from the Championship and start the season strongly, and your players are proving they can impress at this level, it’s going to attract interest. It’s a difficult situation for Sunderland, really, because they obviously want to keep these players.
“Isidor in particular is attracting interest and a lot of top clubs have had scouts watching him. They’ll have been keeping tabs on his performance against Chelsea, because that shows he can do it against the top sides and not just those down the bottom.
“Sunderland experienced it in the Championship last season, with clubs looking at their players. It’s no different now, and whether it’s Isidor or anybody else, I expect they’ll be determined not to lose them after having such a good start.”
For now, Sunderland will continue to enjoy Isidor, but there may be a feeling that he could be taken away in 2026.
Liverpool have had a very difficult few weeks, and their poor form continued at the weekend with a defeat at Brentford. It is now four Premier League losses in a row for Arne Slot’s side, who have slipped to 7th in the standings.
Much has been made of the struggles that new signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have had, but some of their players that were at such a high level last season have failed to replicate that form – and among them is captain Virgil van Dijk.
Alan Shearer and Micah Richards on Virgil van Dijk struggles
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Speaking on The Rest Is Football (via TBR Football), Alan Shearer took aim at van Dijk, as well as centre-back partner Ibrahima Konate, for their performances against Brentford.
“They are so bad all over the pitch. And I mean, say what you want about them in midfield – the lack of protection – or up front, the lack of connection between their signings. But defensively, oh my word.
“I mean, Van Dijk and Konate. The two fullbacks have had a lot of stick and a lot of criticism, and I understand that, and I get that. But the two centre-backs? They are all over the place. They’ve been terrible. And they were at Brentford — they were awful, both of them, I mean, Van Dijk and Konate, weren’t they?”
Micah Richards agreed with Shearer, although he believes that van Dijk’s struggles are more down to him having little help from Konate.
“Yeah, they were awful. And I think what we’re seeing now is Van Dijk needs help. How many times in previous seasons has Van Dijk bailed them out? You look at partnerships and we’ve always talked about Van Dijk and how good he is. He needs Konate to bail him out at the moment, and that’s not happening. So you can’t have two centre halves not playing well at the same time.”
Liverpool must stop the rut as soon as possible if they are to give themselves the best chance of retaining their Premier League title, which is currently slipping away.
Following a worrying dip in form at Liverpool, Wayne Rooney has flagged serious concerns around the performances and leadership dynamics of two of the Reds’ senior figures, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
The Reds have slipped to seventh position in the league after four Premier League defeats in a row.
Just a month ago, they were sitting comfortable at the top but defeats against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United and Brentford have completely turned their season into a disaster that not many people expected.
Wayne Rooney has questioned Salah and Van Dijk
Performances of several Liverpool players have come under scrutiny this season and it is easy to see why, considering how poor they have been recently.
Rooney has questioned two of their most experienced and senior members of the squad, Van Dijk and Salah, who both recently signed new deals at the club, for the negative impact they have had over the team.
“I think Van Dijk and Salah, obviously, they’ve signed new deals and whatever, but I don’t think they’ve really led that team this season.
“I think body language tells you a lot, and I think we’re seeing slightly different body language from the two of them, and they’re the top two players in that team, and if their body language is not right that affects everyone else.
“And I don’t know, maybe I might be wrong on this, but if I was a Liverpool fan or the manager, that’d be a big concern for me.”
Man United had a difficult start to the season, but they have kicked into gear in recent weeks, having picked up three wins in a row in the Premier League.
The latest came on Saturday as Brighton were defeated 4-2, in a match where there was a number of standouts for Man United – but perhaps none more so than two of their big-money summer signings.
Wayne Rooney delighted with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha
Bryan Mbeumo in action for Man United (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Bryan Mbeumo scored twice against Brighton, and as per BBC Sport (via TBR Football), Wayne Rooney expressed his delight with the impact made at Old Trafford by the Cameroon international.
“At Man United, he’s had some really good chances in games as well – he just hasn’t always taken them. But I think his energy, his work rate, his desire… that’s what you need to be a Man United player. And yeah, I did say I was a little bit unsure, but I think what he’s shown is that he belongs there.
“Obviously, Cunha’s come in, it’s great to see him get his goal, but Mbeumo has been consistent with his performances – and that’s the main thing. If you’re consistently getting into the right positions and getting chances, you’ll score. What was it, 20 goals last season he scored for Brentford? And now he’s started well again.
“When you’re a forward, you enjoy scoring goals, and that feeling keeps going. That’s why you see players go on streaks – scoring eight, ten, eleven goals on the bounce – and then sometimes they might go a few games without one. His confidence is very high at the minute, and hopefully that continues, because he’s certainly been the best signing for Man United this season.”
Rooney also spoke glowingly on Matheus Cunha, who got his first goal for Man United in the victory over Brighton.
“You could see how much everyone was delighted for him – the manager as well – because that kind of thing can play on your mind. He’s obviously missed a few games through injury, but you could see the delight when he scored. I’ve had it before where players really need that goal because they’re going through a tough spell, and you just hope that it spurs them on.
“Hopefully now he can start showing what we saw from him at Wolves last year. I think he can kick on from this, get better, and start grabbing games by the scruff of the neck – because that’s what he’s capable of. He’s unpredictable at times, and that’s what makes him such a threat.”
Man United are now sixth in the Premier League, and they will fancy their chances of climbing higher when they travel to Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
Aston Villa defender, Matty Cash has extended his contract with the club until 2029 following some outstanding performances this season, Softfootball reports.
Matty Cash Celebrates after scoring for Aston Villa against Manchester City (Photo Credit: Aston Villa X handle)
Aston Villa through their official X handle announced that the defender has penned a new deal that would see him stay at the club for more years.
Aston Villa is delighted to announce that Matty Cash has signed a new contract with the club. The defender has agreed a deal that will keep him at Villa until 2029.
Cash has played in almost 200 appearances for Aston Villa, scoring his fourth goal of the season for club and country against Manchester City, where he was also voted Man-of-the-Match.
Cash represented Poland at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and has continued to improve since he joined Claret and Blue from Nottingham Forest in 2020.
Aston Villa shared the highlights of their match against Manchester City where Matty Cash scored the winning goal via their official X handle. Watch below.
West Ham have had a miserable start to the season, and that continued at the weekend with a defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road. The Hammers, who have already sacked previous manager Graham Potter and replaced him with Nuno Espirito Santo, have lost eight of their 10 matches in all competitions, and they currently sit 19th in the Premier League.
West Ham have struggled to stop goals going in, but equally, they have struggled in attack. They have scored seven goals in nine Premier League appearances, and only one of those has come from their strikers (Callum Wilson, vs Nottingham Forest).
Striker is a position that West Ham have had a lot of issues in over the last few years, and on the basis of the season so far, they did not fix it during the summer.
West Ham recognise they could have signed another attacker
Callum Wilson has struggled since arriving at West Ham. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Wilson was the only number nine to arrive at the London Stadium during the summer transfer window, joining as a free agent after leaving Newcastle. However, The Times (via Geordie Boot Boys) have reported that West Ham officials have acknowledged that there should have been at least one more signing in this area.
Alongside Wilson, West Ham only have Niclas Fullkrug as a natural striker option in their squad, which is why Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta have been utilised there this season. Both players are better in other positions, which underlines the struggles that Nuno is having in the early stages of his tenure.
It remains to be seen whether West Ham go to the market in January to sign a new striker, but given their struggles so far this season, doing so could ensure that they avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Leeds are made a promising start to life back in the Premier League, and in order to increase their chances of avoiding relegation, they are expected to seek more signings when the transfer window re-opens in January. However, it turns out that they may not be able to do their desired business.
Leeds spent over the summer to bring in the likes of Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff, but despite this, there are plans to add another midfielder in January – but that may not arrive be possible.
Leeds will find it difficult to sign Issouf Sissokho in January
Issouf Sissokho (L) in action for Maccabi Tel Aviv. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
“Maybe Sissokho is an option that’s come up to Leeds and could be good value for money in that respect. He’s got 18 months left on his contract at Maccabi and I’m sure the opportunity for the Mali international to move to Premier League will be something that he would very much be interested in as well.
“I think a deal will be hard to do due to Leeds were pretty much maxed out on their PSR and FFP in the summer window when they spent heavily on a number of players as well. So it might mean that players might need to be moved on if they are to bring any new signings in like Sissokho, but he’s a young player with huge potential.
“As I said, Leeds are obviously keeping tabs on them. So let’s see if they follow up and firm up their interest.”
Making signings in January could be the difference between Leeds staying in the Premier League or not, so it will be interesting to see how active they are in the transfer market when January rolls around.
Liverpool are in a very poor moment, having lost for the fourth Premier League match in a row at the weekend. Arne Slot’s side went down 3-2 to Brentford, a result that saw them drop to 7th in the standings.
Slot was not happy after the match in London, and there was focus on multiple penalty decisions that did not go his side’s way at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Mark Clattenburg agrees with van Dijk, Gakpo penalty calls
Dango Ouattara wins a penalty after a foul by Virgil van Dijk. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
As per TBR Football, Mark Clattenburg spoke on the multiple big calls from the Brentford-Liverpool match, including the penalty that the home side were awarded for a foul by Virgil van Dijk. The ex-referee was clear that the decision to award a spot-kick against the Dutch defender was the right one.
“Virgil van Dijk clearly made contact with Dango Ouattara’s foot on the line of the penalty area. The line of the penalty area is part of the penalty area, so any contact would result in a penalty kick. First impression was that the contact was outside, but all the angles show it was on the line.”
Clattenburg also claimed that it was the right decision not to award a penalty for Liverpool after Cody Gakpo went down under a challenge inside the Brentford area.
“Cody Gakpo wanted a penalty kick when he was challenged inside the penalty area. The referee’s decision not to award a spot kick was an excellent one, as it’s clear that Gakpo sees the leg of the defender and throws himself to the ground.
“Referees look for unnatural action from attackers when awarding a penalty kick, and it’s clear from the replays that Gakpo’s arms are above his head; if the fall was natural, the arms would be outstretched, breaking the fall.”
Liverpool will be desperate to bounce back as soon as possible. They host Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup in midweek, before seeking to return to winning ways in the Premier League as they host in-form Aston Villa at Anfield on the weekend.
Next summer, there could be a number of top centre-backs on the market as free agents, and Liverpool could be at the centre of everything. Ibrahima Konate could fall into this category, but the same can also be said for some of their transfer targets – one of which is Dayot Upamecano.
Upamecano sees his Bayern Munich contract expire in eight months’ time, and as things stand, no agreement has been reached to extend his stay in Bavaria. Liverpool are one of the clubs interested in the France international, although they face competition from Chelsea and Man City, all of whom will be eagerly watching the situation unfold.
Bayern Munich concerned about losing Dayot Upamecano
Dayot Upamecano in action for Bayern Munich vs Eintracht Frankfurt (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
According to Graeme Bailey (via TBR Football), Upamecano is more likely than not to stay at Bayern, although there are fears that he will not sign a new contract at the Allianz Arena.
“We really have a fascinating summer looming, given some of potential big name free agents that might be available, and especially in the centre-half market. In England we are thinking and talking about Marc Guehi, but in Europe the name many are talking about is French star Dayot Upamecano – who has really been looking the part at Bayern Munich under Vincent Kompany.
“Speaking to sources at a couple of Premier League clubs, they actually believe Upamecano is more likely to stay than leave, but I can tell you Bayern are really worried that Upamecano will have offers presented to him in early 2026 if an agreement with Bayern is not reached. And Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City are all very much in the mix for him, they all rate him highly.”
It will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds with Upamecano, but without a doubt, he would be an excellent signing for the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Man City.
After four consecutive defeats in the Premier League, Liverpool have dropped from first place to seventh.
Arne Slot’s side are now seven points behind Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who have now become the favourites to win the Premier League title this season.
It has all turned into a disaster for the Reds after a promising start this season.
Their latest defeat came against Brentford when once again, their defense looked shaky and conceded three goals after their failure to deal with the aerial threat of Keith Andrews’ side.
Liverpool have struggled defensively this season
Their defense has come under scrutiny this season and the performances of Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have been criticised.
Former Reds defender Glenn Johnson has become the latest person to voice his concerns about the Liverpool defense and he wants Slot to take action soon, as early as the January transfer window.
“Guehi, everyone’s been speaking about him for a while,” Johnson told Ace Odds, as reported by Liverpool.com.
“I think he’s got all the credentials to slot in perfectly.
“More importantly for me, I think he’s the right age to be able to do it with Van Dijk for a year or two. Whether Van Dijk has been himself or not is debatable.
“But in terms of being alongside someone you can learn an awful lot from playing with or training with or being in the dressing room with, that I think can be massive for Marc’s future as well. The sooner you sign him, the better.”
Can Guehi help Arne Slot solve his defensive issues?
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace in action (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)
Guehi was heavily linked with a move to Anfield in the summer transfer window. The England international even competed his medical ahead of a potential move to Liverpool but Palace decided to pull the plug in the last minute.
Johnson wants his former club to forget about signing him for free next summer and pay a transfer fee in January to sign him and sort out their defensive troubles.
Liverpool suffered yet another Premier League defeat, their fourth in a row, at the hands of Brentford.
Arne Slot’s side are struggling to find form after starting the season impressively.
In their last four matches in the league, they have suffered defeats against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United and Brentford.
The defending Premier League champions have lost ground in the Premier League title race with Arsenal now sitting seven points above them in the league standings.
A number of Liverpool players have received criticism for their performances and the one player that Gary Neville has pointed fingers at is summer signing Milos Kerkez.
Gary Neville wants Liverpool to drop Milos Kerkez
After joining the club from Bournemouth in the summer, Kerkez instantly became a starter at the club, ahead of experienced left-back Andy Robertson.
“Earlier on in the season I felt as though their full backs weren’t right, and maybe Konate at times wasn’t right, but Van Dijk was holding them together and Alisson was in goal and you’ve got two world-class performers there.
“But the virus is catching. It’s not just going into the left back, who I think now is becoming a worry – the left back, Kerkez scored but watching him, he has to be taken out I think.
“I’m worried about the right-back. Frimpong’s not a right back. Conor Bradley’s being given his head and I’m supportive of that because I think there’s a lot of talent there, but it’s difficult when your team is conceding goals and the pressure’s on.”
During his time at Bournemouth, he was known for his defensive quality and his explosive runs supporting the attack but this season, the left-back has struggled defensively and his lack of confidence doing that is eventually resulting in his attacking game getting affected as well.
Considering that he knows the demands of the Premier League and has played in England for a long time, it is actually worrying for the Merseyside club to see him play like this.
Whether Slot has failed to integrate the left-back or it is Kerkez who is struggling with the demands of playing for a top club, remains to be judged, but his performances have been well under par and opponents are starting to expose that area of the pitch.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner was not happy after the defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The Palace boss has made the club one of the most competitive teams in the Premier League and their recent record suggests that.
The south-London club won the FA Cup and the Community Shield this year under his guidance.
However, the manager is not happy with one of the decisions made by the board of his club and he did not hold back while criticising that after the defeat against Mikel Arteta’s side.
Oliver Glasner sent a subtle message to his board
It was Yeremy Pino who committed the foul that eventually lead to Arsenal’s only goal of the match, scored by former Palace star Eberechi Eze.
The summer signing has found it difficult to settle in the Premier League and Glasner believes that the player not having a proper preseason is the reason behind it.
Pino joined the Premier League side on Deadline Day from Villarreal and that is why he has been unable to acclimatise himself with the demands of the game in England.
“It was a silly foul,” said Glasner, as reported by News Shopper.
“We asked him to double up against Saka, he thought he would get the ball in this situation, but he was a little bit too late.
“Everyone has to adjust to the Premier League, especially when you come from Spain, where it is more technical and faster. We knew this.
“It doesn’t make it easier when players arrive on Deadline Day and we have such a tight schedule so you have to learn through the games.
“He will learn, like all the others did. We are Crystal Palace, we should never forget this.”
He has, in his own subtle manner, conveyed to the club that timely signings are crucial and important to the performance of the team.
Defeat against the Gunners leave Palace in 10th place in the league.
Since beating Liverpool at the end of last month in a dramatic fashion thanks to Eddie Nketiah’s late goal, the have failed to win in the Premier League.
The Eagles travel to Anfield next to face the same opponent, Liverpool, in the Carabao Cup next before hosting Brentford at Selhurst Park.
Liverpool have now suffered four consecutive Premier League defeats, with the latest misery for the defending champions inflicted by Brentford at the Community Stadium on Saturday evening. Goals from Dango Ouattara (5’), Kevin Schade (45’), and Igor Thiago (60’ pen) secured the win for the Bees, while Milos Kerkez (45+5’) and Mohamed Salah (89’) struck […]
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has promised fans that they would enjoy new signing Piero Hincapié because he is a very good player, Softfootball reports.
The Ecuadorian centerback made his premier league debut as a substitute as Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 courtesy a first half goal by former Eagles midfielder, Eberechi Eze.
Piero Hincapié and Mikel Arteta. Photo Credit: Arsenal Media.
In a post shared by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, Arteta was praising the player and made a promise to Arsenal fans.
Arteta: Our fans are gonna love Piero Hincapié, mark my words. It’s great to have Piero on the pitch. You could sense immediately his aggression, his commitment in every action that he does.
Piero Hincapié joined Arsenal on a season-long loan from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer. The deal includes an option to buy the 23-year-old defender for £45m (around €52 million). If the option is triggered, Hincapié has reportedly agreed to a five-year contract.
Hincapié enjoyed a fine debut against Crystal Palace, playing alongside Gabriel in the heart of Arsenal defense, they managed to keep a clean sheet. With William Saliba set to be out for a few matches after he picked a knock at the weekend, Arsenal fans will hope Hincapié can deliver top performance every week.
Arsenal are currently four points clear on top of the premier league and will return to action on Wednesday when they host Arsenal in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup at the Emirates.
Ezri Konsa’s stock keeps rising and the Premier League’s biggest clubs have noticed.
According to TBR Football, Manchester City and Tottenham are among several clubs monitoring the Aston Villa defender after a run of outstanding performances under Unai Emery.
City, who beat Villa to the signing of highly rated midfielder Sverre Nypan earlier this year, are now considering another raid on Emery’s squad as part of an anticipated defensive reshuffle.
Ezri Konsa has interest from several Premier League clubs
The level of interest doesn’t stop there. Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have all scouted Konsa over the past year, showing how widely admired he has become.
Positionally intelligent and deceptively quick across the ground, Konsa has shown his quality for Villa consistently.
That mix has made him a cornerstone of Emery’s defensive structure, whether Villa set up in a compact mid-block or squeeze opponents higher up the pitch.
Since Guardiola likes to have versatile defenders at Man City, Konsa fits the profile. He can play as a centre-back in a back four as well as in a back three.
As City refresh a back unit that has carried heavy minutes across multiple trophy-chasing seasons, targeting a Premier League-hardened, home-grown option makes complete sense.
Ezri Konsa in action for Aston Villa (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Chelsea retain a habit of stockpiling top domestic talent, Liverpool are attentive to defenders due to the uncertain future of Ibrahima Konate, and Man United are evaluating reliable Premier League profiles as they remodel their squad.
Konsa is a player who is high in-demand at the moment and Man City, along with all other top Premier League clubs are ready to offer him an opportunity to make a step forward in his career.
It remains to be seen who wins the race to sign him. Konsa would not be thinking about anything like that right now. He is currently focused on performing well and sealing his place in the England squad for the World Cup next year.
Trouble is escalating rapidly at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
According to Football Insider, the club’s owners, China-based conglomerate Fosun International, arrived at Molineux this weekend and are set to decide the future of head coach Vítor Pereira.
The timing could hardly be worse, Wolves sit bottom of the Premier League after just two points from nine games, and a 3-2 home defeat to fellow strugglers Burnley has reportedly triggered alarm within the boardroom.
Wolves are ready to make Vitor Pereira decision
The delegation at the stadium included around 11 key figures from Fosun, all watching a performance many believe sealed Pereira’s fate.
The Portuguese coach took over in December 2024 from Gary O’Neil and was rewarded with a contract extension just months later, tying him to Molineux through 2028.
Yet despite the long-term commitment, results have slumped alarmingly.
Wolves are yet to secure a league win this season, picked up a mere two points from nine outings, and now sit at the bottom of the league.
The defeat reportedly deepened the board’s concerns about direction, investment return and leadership.
With relegation fears accelerating, Wolves face what may prove the earliest test of their decision making and strategy.
Vitor Pereira, head coach of Wolverhampton Wanderers, applauds the fans. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Beyond results, there are wider questions. Wolves underwent a considerable summer overhaul, six new signings arrived, but the heavy investment has yet to translate into impressive performances.
A decision on Pereira’s future, whether retaining him with added transfer backing or moving for fresh faces, could emerge imminently.
Sunday’s defeat may have been the final straw. While the contract situation implied long-term trust, the immediate crisis has forced Wolves’ owners to make a big decision.
Amid mounting pressure on Nuno Espirito Santo at West Ham United, the club are reportedly targeting £26 million deal for young Brazilian defender Alexsandro Victor de Souza Ribeiro ahead of the January transfer window.
The east-London side have identified Alexsandro as a key piece in their defensive rebuild, a response to their troubled start to the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.
With West Ham floundering and the board keen to demonstrate backing for their new coach, the move signals intent amid growing unease surrounding results and performances.
Alexsandro, 26, has been making waves in Ligue 1 with Lille OSC, where his performances earned him a recent Brazil national team call-up and attention from clubs across Europe.
West Ham find out Alexsandro price tag
Contracted until summer 2026, the Brazilian’s valuation is reported to sit around £26 million, according to ESPN Brazil.
While Alexsandro is said to favour a move to a top English club, his representatives have indicated that the timing must feel right, not only for the player’s development but for his national team prospects as well.
Alexsandro of Lille runs with the ball (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Internally, West Ham’s recruitment department see the deal as suitable because it offers a mix of immediate impact and future value.
Alexsandro’s ability to play both centre-back and left-centre in a back three adds tactical flexibility, while his comfort in possession reflects modern defensive demands.
Despite the defender having reservations about a move to the Premier League as he feels it would take him a lot of time to settle in a new league and environment, the Hammers are confident of bringing him to the club to sort out their defensive issues.
Parma’s rising star Zion Suzuki has emerged as one of Europe’s most-watched goalkeepers, with Chelsea and AC Milan both tracking the Japan international, as reported by Corriere dello Sport.
The 23-year-old has been a mainstay for Parma since 2024, already amassing 44 Serie A appearances.
Interestingly, he is studying English and Italian, a small but telling signal of a player preparing himself for the next step.
Suzuki’s appeal is easy to understand in the current goalkeeping market. He is a keeper who is comfortable advancing off his line, claiming crosses decisively, and initiating attacks with quick, accurate distribution.
While Sánchez offers experience, the London club have consistently researched profiles that can grow into the role over multiple seasons.
A keeper with Suzuki’s range, comfortable in tight spaces, quick to launch counters and reliable under set-piece pressure, would strengthen Chelsea’s squad and the goalkeeping department.
Zion Suzuki of Parma celebrates with his teammates (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
The Premier League giants would have to face competition from Milan though, who are looking for a long-term replacement of Mike Maignan.
There has been no public mention on price, but with a 23-year-old international who has already proven himself in Serie A, the starting point will not be modest.
Whether the timeline is January or the summer, Suzuki is about to enter a crucial part of his career where his next move could define the path of his future.
Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim reportedly had his sights set on a sensational move for Robert Lewandowski next summer, but his plans appear to have been blocked by the club’s ownership.
However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has firmly rejected the idea, standing by his philosophy of steering clear of short-term signings, a stance that marks a clear break from United’s transfer policy of the past decade.
Robert Lewandowski faces uncertain future at Barca
Lewandowski, 37, remains one of the most decorated strikers in world football. His contract at Barcelona runs until the summer of 2026, but reports indicate that the Catalan club are unlikely to extend his deal, viewing this as the final chapter of his tenure at Camp Nou.
The Polish international has enjoyed a glittering career, amassing over 600 career goals, and Amorim viewed him as an ideal mentor and short-term attacking solution for a Man United side still searching for consistency in front of goal.
Lewandowski’s presence could have offered guidance to younger players such as Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee. However, Ratcliffe, who now oversees the footballing side of Man United operations, is said to have rejected the proposal outright.
United’s pursuit of aging stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Edinson Cavani, Raphael Varane, and Bastian Schweinsteiger brought fleeting excitement but limited long-term value, often burdening the club with heavy wage bills and little return on investment.
Ratcliffe’s decision reflects his push for a younger, data-driven recruitment model, focused on players with potential resale value and longevity.
Bournemouth made a strong statement of intent in the transfer market, rejecting £50 million bids from Manchester United and Tottenham for star forward Antoine Semenyo, according to The Telegraph.
Both Premier League clubs submitted formal offers at the start of the January transfer window, but the Cherries wasted no time in turning them down.
The decision shows the club’s commitment to holding on to one of their most important players as they continue to build under head coach Andoni Iraola.
Antoine Semenyo has gone to a whole new level
Semenyo’s rise over the past year has been nothing short of remarkable. Having scored and assisted consistently throughout the first half of the season, it’s no surprise that top clubs have taken notice.
Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Despite the financial temptation, Bournemouth’s stance has been firm, Semenyo is not for sale.
Sources close to the club suggest that Bournemouth’s ownership believes the player’s value could soar even higher if he continues his current form.
The 25-year-old’s contract still has several years remaining, and Iraola considers him indispensable.
The player is understood to be happy on the south coast, having developed a strong relationship with Iraola and his teammates.
While the Premier League elite will likely circle again in the summer, for now, Bournemouth’s refusal to cash in on their star forward shows their ambition and forward-thinking.
Joshua Zirkzee’s Manchester United future is heading for a decisive moment.
The Dutch striker has struggled for minutes under Rúben Amorim this season, squeezed further to the fringes by the arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Šeško, and Bryan Mbeumo.
With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, Zirkzee knows that regular club football is essential to stay in the Netherlands frame.
Joshua Zirkzee wants immediate solution
The striker wants a solution in the January transfer window with a move away from Old Trafford highly likely, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.
Aston Villa fans were in full voice after a sensational 1-0 victory over Manchester City, marking another high point in what’s becoming a defining season under Unai Emery. While Villa supporters flooded social media with praise for the team’s spirit and tactical precision, Manchester City fans turned their frustration toward Pep Guardiola’s constant rotation and puzzling tactical calls, Sotfootball reports
Villa Fans Ecstatic After Complete Team Display
It was a night of near perfection for Aston Villa, who outplayed the defending champions with a blend of discipline, intensity, and individual brilliance. Fans hailed the team’s balance, from André Onana’s midfield dominance to Matty Cash’s inspired performance.
Aston Villa players celebrate after scoring (Photo Credit: Aston Villa X handle)
What a Cash! What a match! Villa in the soundly beating Man City era. What a time to watch this club. Small shout to Martinez… despite being a lil’ grumpy with him still… damn it if he isn’t a great keeper.
Aston Villa took to their official X handle shortly after the final whistle to celebrate the performance, posting a short clip of André Onana’s commanding display, they posted:
Gigantic defensive performance. By far Onana’s best game for us, one of the most complete DM showings you’ll ever see. Cash once again superb — handled two very different wingers incredibly well and scored a beauty. And Konsa with one of his best ever displays. Incredible stuff.
I could not fault a single Aston Villa player or coach today. Absolutely flawless. Onana set his standard for the rest of the season today. Cracking goal Cash. City simply can’t navigate McGinn’s big backside. Konsa, Barkley crucial interceptions late.
Matty Cash, who scored the only goal and put in a tireless defensive shift, shared his excitement with Villa TV, which was shared via the team’s official X handle, they posted;
For Manchester City supporters, the night was one of deep frustration. Many fans on X questioned Guardiola’s decisions, particularly his decision to experiment once again with Stones in midfield and to bench several key players.
Manchester City’s Captain Ruben Dias greeting the fans and thanking them for their support after the game (Photo Credit: Manchester City X handle)
Can someone tell Pep there are no small teams in the league anymore? You can’t keep benching your best players and expect consistency. Nico O’Reilly has shown more in limited minutes than some regular starters. This loss is on him.
Got exactly what we deserved from that starting lineup. We simply can’t be lining up with such a weak midfield. Nothing learned from the previous two games away at Villa when Stones was rolled out again in midfield. We are a midtable team without Rodri or Nico G on the field.
Following the loss, Manchester City posted on their official X account to thank traveling supporters for their unwavering backing:
O’Riley, Cherki, and Marmoudh should have started or come on early in the second half. Gvardiol and Dias — why change them? Savinho was anonymous in the second half yet Pep kept him on. Nobody knew how to get the ball to Haaland.
This is all on Pep. Aston Villa is not a division 2 team to gamble your lineup. Bobb is not City’s standard — he should go play in the Championship. Whoever stopped that Savinho-to-Tottenham deal needs to be sacked from the board. Nonsense.
For Aston Villa, this result cements their growing reputation as genuine contenders for European qualification. With André Onana finding his rhythm in midfield, Matty Cash rediscovering top form, and Unai Emery’s system thriving, optimism is sky-high at Villa Park.
For Manchester City, however, the pressure is mounting. Guardiola’s rotation policy and experimental setups have come under heavy fire from fans, and the Blue side of Manchester will need to rediscover their focus quickly to stay in the title race.
Arsenal defender, Jurrien Timber says he is happy with the consistency of his team and hopes something great could happen for them this season, Softfootball reports.
The former Ajax star was in action for 90 minutes on Sunday as Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 1-0 inside the Emirates stadium. The victory against the Eagles pushed the Gunners four points clear at the top of the Premier League and they’ve now kept five consecutive clean sheets in all competitions.
Jurrien Timber (Photo Credit – Arsenal via X)
Speaking in the post-match interview shared via Arsenal’s official X handle. Timber said:
Everyone plays a part in it, but it’s a good thing and a good foundation to build on. From that standard, you just have to keep getting better and be consistent in what we do, and then throughout the whole season, hopefully we’ll turn into something beautiful.
It gives you confidence and it shows that we’re doing really well, and also, if it’s for multiple games in a row, I think it says something about consistency. We just have to keep that going game-by-game, keep improving, look at what we can do better still, but also take that feeling with you, that confidence and go into the next game with the same mindset.
Former Crystal Palace midfielder, Eberechi Eze scored the alone goal of the match in the first half of the encounter through an audacious half volley. The Gunners tried to extend their lead but the Eagles held firm and also could not get a goal as it ended 1-0.
Meanwhile, there was a little concern for Arsenal as France international William Saliba went off with a knock. Mikel Arteta will hope it is not too serious as they prepare to face Brighton in the fourth round of the English FA Cup on Wednesday.
Tottenham Hotspur finally looked like a team rediscovering their rhythm as they became the first away side to ever win at Hill Dickinson Stadium, ending a six-match winless run against Everton with a convincing 3-0 victory, Softfootball reports.
Everton under David Moyes, came into the game looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Manchester City last weekend. Their new home ground had been a fortress so far this season, but Spurs wasted no time in testing that reputation.
Mohammed Kudus and Micky Van der Ven both celebrate after scoring (Photo Credit: Tottenham X handle)
The Toffees had prided themselves on not conceding from a set-piece all season, but that record didn’t last long. Rodrigo Bentancur kept Mohammed Kudus’ corner alive at the far post, and Micky van de Ven was on hand to head home from six yards out ,a simple goal, but a huge blow for the hosts.
Everton thought they had found an instant reply when Jake O’Brien rose highest to head in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s corner just minutes later, sparking wild celebrations. But those cheers quickly died down after VAR ruled that Iliman Ndiaye, standing in an offside position, had obstructed Guglielmo Vicario’s view. The goal was chalked off, and the atmosphere inside the stadium turned tense.
Micky Van der Ven both celebrate after scoring (Photo Credit: Tottenham X handle)
To their credit, Spurs handled the hostility brilliantly. Bentancur almost doubled their lead with a brilliant volley that curled agonizingly wide, and moments later, they got their second — again from a set-piece. This time it was Pedro Porro’s wicked corner delivery that caused the damage, and Van de Ven, full of confidence, nipped in front of Jordan Pickford to flick home his second of the night and fifth of the season.
Tottenham came into this game desperate to find some consistency after a patchy run of results in both the Premier League and Europe. Their most recent outing a frustrating goalless draw against Monaco in the UEFA Champions League summed up their struggles to turn dominance into goals. But here, everything seemed to click.
Everton started the second half with more intent. Ndiaye came close with a clever backheel flick that drifted just wide, and there were flashes of life from the Toffees’ attack. But for all their effort, they couldn’t find a way past a disciplined Spurs defence.
Pape Malang Sarr after scoring for Tottenham (Photo Credit: Tottenham X handle)
Their best chance to get back into the game fell to Richarlison against his former club. A loose header from James Tarkowski gifted the Brazilian a golden opportunity, but his shot was straight at Pickford. It felt like the moment Everton’s fight fizzled out.
The hosts continued to push late on, but the result was sealed when Pape Matar Sarr raced through in the final minutes to slot home a composed third goal for Spurs, putting the game well and truly beyond doubt.
After the convincing victory, Tottenham shared an historic achievement with the spurs fans via their official X handle, confirming that the team becomes the first away side to win at the Everton’s new Hill Dickson stadium. They posted:
For Tottenham, it was a statement win their most complete performance in weeks and one that moves them up to third in the Premier League table ahead of a massive London derby against Chelsea next weekend.
For Everton, however, the reality bites: their new home fortress has been breached, and Moyes will know he has plenty of work to do to steady the ship.
After the match, Unai Emery revealed during his post match interview that he values Elliot but had to leave him out for tactical reasons. Fabrizio Romano shared via his official X handle. He wrote:
Unai Emery on Harvey Elliott left out of Villa squad: I told him to keep going. We signed Harvey because I believe in him. I am happy with him, he’s training well. His commitment is fantastic, he’s a good guy. It was a tactical decision.
Elliot joined Aston Villa on transfer deadline day on loan from Liverpool. But he has struggled for game time with Villa and Emery dropping him against Manchester City when he is fully fit is not good news for the midfielder.
Elliot left Liverpool because he wanted more playing time as he was a fringe star at Anfield but his situation hasn’t changed with places for the 2026 World Cup reducing by the day, the England youngster is desperate for more game time.
As a result of the win, Aston Villa moved into eighth position on the Premier League table with 15 points while Manchester City sit fifth with 16 points.
Arteta also praised his players for their stability and determination, while acknowledging that his team had to dig deep to secure the clean sheet and vital three points.
Arteta (Photo Credit – Official Arsenal Website)
Speaking in his post match presser shared via the club’s X handle, Arteta had a lot to reflect on the importance of this victory, he stated;
I just told the boys that I probably value this victory more than any other victory this season, because we knew the difficulty of it after playing every three days. We had a big opportunity as well with the things that happened during this weekend and I knew we played against a team that, in my opinion, has been one of the best recently in terms of organisation, how difficult they make it, how frustrated they can make you, and the moment that you lose that concentration, they will punish you.
Mikel Arteta (Photo Credit: Arsenal Website)
We have managed to be very stable, playing the game that we have to play. In the first half we were a bit stuck, but we found a way to score a goal and in the second half we attacked better and were more fluent. But with 1-0, we knew that we had to suffer because a team has to score goals to beat any other opponent this season, so to keep the clean sheet is very important.
The club posted the link to the full post-match press conference via its official X handle , inviting fans to read Arteta’s complete reflections on Ebere Eze’s performance, player fitness, and the significance of the result,
Eze’s performance Player fitness The importance of today's win
Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table following the win and continue to impress in the UEFA Champions League, having beaten Atlético Madrid 4-0 to stay perfect in their European campaign. As the season progresses, Arteta insists that maintaining focus and momentum will be key, adding that his players must continue to stay humble, work hard, and take every opportunity to improve.
Spanish giants Barcelona are reportedly monitoring Marseille striker Mason Greenwood, with a potential move that could reunite him with fellow Englishman Marcus Rashford, who is currently on loan at the Camp Nou.
According to The Sun, the Catalan club’s scouts have been impressed by Greenwood’s performances in Ligue 1.
Greenwood, now 24, has rebuilt his career in France after leaving Manchester United and continues to attract interest from Europe’s elite.
Greenwood’s journey back to prominence has been closely followed since his move to Getafe in 2023, where he registered 22 goals and five assists across all competitions in his debut season in Spain.
Mason Greenwood is a player in demand
That breakout campaign earned him a permanent transfer to Marseille, where he has continued to make an impact, scoring four goals so far this season and contributing significantly to the French club’s attacking threat.
However, despite thriving on the pitch, reports suggest Greenwood is homesick for England, which could make a move elsewhere more appealing.
Barcelona’s interest is particularly intriguing given the club’s ongoing squad rebuild and their desire to add depth in attacking areas. Manager Hansi Flick is said to be keen on versatile forwards who can operate across the frontline, and Greenwood fits that profile perfectly.
The potential presence of Rashford, currently enjoying a loan spell at Barca, could further tempt Greenwood, offering both familiarity and a smoother transition to life in Catalonia.
Greenwood was suspended by Man United in January 2022 after being arrested on suspicion of rape and assault. The Crown Prosecution Service later dropped all charges, but the case continues to cast a shadow over his public image.
Manchester City’s unbeaten Premier League run since August came to an end with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, a result that reminded the cityzens of how fine the margins can be at the top level. Despite dominating large spells of the game, City couldn’t find a way past a resilient Villa side who defended with heart and discipline, Softfootball reports.
The loss comes just days after Pep Guardiola’s men delivered an impressive 2-0 win over Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League. The City boss and his players will now be aiming to regroup quickly and return to winning ways as they look to stay within reach of the league’s summit.
Pep Guardiola (Photo Credit: Manchester City via website)
Following the game, Manchester City shared a statement from the post-match press conference on their official X handle, iwhere Guardiola reflected on the defeat, and how the team plans to respond. Guardiola stated;
We played a really good team and a good game. We played aggressively.
In general, we were there. The shots, crosses, blocks. They defended really well and the goalkeeper is fantastic. In general I don’t have much complaint. Little details but good.
While the defeat stings, Guardiola’s composed reaction signals belief in his squad’s mental toughness. With tough fixtures ahead, the City boss will hope the setback serves as fuel for his side’s continued push for domestic and European glory.
Aston Villa continued their remarkable turnaround under Unai Emery, becoming just the second team in top-flight history to follow a five-game winless start with four straight victories, after Matty Cash’s first-half strike handed Manchester City their first Premier League defeat since August, Softfootball reports.
City, who seemed to have regained momentum after a convincing 2-0 win over Everton, last weekend, were stunned early on when Villa took the lead inside 20 minutes. A cleverly worked short corner found its way to Matty Cash on the edge of the area, and the Polish full-back shifted past Bernardo Silva before rifling a low, left-footed drive beyond an unmoved Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Matty Cash Celebrates after scoring for Aston Villa against Manchester City (Photo Credit: Aston Villa X handle)
Erling Haaland almost provided an immediate response when he broke into the Villa box, but the Norwegian’s effort was brilliantly denied by Emiliano Martínez, a moment that set the tone for the night.
Villa’s first-half joy was dampened by an injury to Emiliano Buendía, forcing an early change that introduced Jadon Sancho for his first Premier League home appearance in a Villa shirt. The Manchester United loanee quickly made an impression, linking up with John McGinn to create a deflected chance that fizzed narrowly wide.
Aston Villa Players celebrate after full time whistle (Photo Credit: Aston Villa X handle)
Trailing at the break for the first time in an away Premier League game this season, Pep Guardiola’s men returned with renewed intent. Savinho’s quick feet forced two desperate defensive blocks from Villa before the hour mark as City piled on the pressure. Guardiola then turned to his bench, introducing Nico González, Nico O’Reilly, and Jérémy Doku in search of an equaliser.
Among the substitutes was young Rayan Cherki, whom Pep once described as one of the greatest talents I’ve ever seen. But tonight simply wasn’t City’s day. Despite being brought on for Tijjani Reijnders, Cherki struggled to find the spark his manager hoped for as Villa stood firm.
Matty Cash Celebrates after scoring for Aston Villa against Manchester City (Photo Credit: Aston Villa X handle)
At the other end, Sancho nearly doubled Villa’s advantage when he wriggled into the box and forced Donnarumma into a sharp save before seeing his rebound pushed away as well. That missed opportunity almost came back to haunt them when Haaland thought he had grabbed a stoppage-time equaliser, only for the assistant’s flag to cut short City’s celebrations.
After the game, Aston villa posted on their official X handle, the players reactions to the victory on the road as the head back to the dressing room. Watch below:
The win whichh was Villa’s third consecutive home triumph over City lifted Unai Emery’s side to seventh, just a point behind Pep Guardiola’s men in fourth. For the cityzens, the defeat snapped a nine-match unbeaten run across all competitions and served as a sobering reminder that even the very best can be undone by a side playing with Villa’s belief, resilience, and hunger.
Bournemouth’s impressive run just keeps getting better. The Cherries climbed to second place in the Premier League after a convincing 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the Vitality Stadium, stretching their unbeaten streak to seven matches across all competitions. Softfootball predicted a win for the Cherries in the pregame report but won’t have expected Sean Dyche’s side not to put up an impressive fight.
From the first whistle, Andoni Iraola’s side looked sharper and hungrier. Their early pressure paid off midway through the first half when Marcus Tavernier’s curling corner somehow looped over goalkeeper Matz Sels and dropped straight into the net. It was a strange one; replays showed the ball may have brushed off Forest’s Neco Williams before deflecting back onto Tavernier, raising eyebrows and frustration on the away bench.
Bournemouth players celebrating (Photo Credit: Bournemouth via X)
Sean Dyche, taking charge of his first league game as Forest manager, cut a frustrated figure on the touchline. Many expected this game to be the continuance of a resurgence following their 2-nil victory over Porto in the Europa League. His side barely had time to regroup before Bournemouth struck again.
In the 40th minute, 19-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi lit up the stadium with a thunderous 30-yard strike, the kind of goal that gets fans out of their seats. The French youngster now has four goals in his last three games, becoming the first Frenchman to score in three straight Premier League appearances since Jean-Philippe Mateta in 2023.
Bournemouth were very excited about the result, and the feeling was evident in the reactions of the players after the final whistle in a video uploaded via the club’s official X account.
Forest did rally after the break, with Taiwo Awoniyi and Omari Hutchinson adding more energy, but it wasn’t enough. Morgan Gibbs-White came close with a stinging shot that forced an excellent save from Djordje Petrovic, yet the visitors remain winless in eight league outings and stuck in the relegation zone.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, are flying. Fast, fearless, and full of belief, Iraola’s men continue to impress — and with owner Bill Foley in attendance, the buzz around a potential new contract for the Spanish coach is growing louder by the day.
Eberechi Eze was the hero for Arsenal in the premier league match-day 9 as he scored the winner against his former side Crystal Palace at the Emirates to help the North London side record its 700th win in the competition, Softfootball reports.
Eze moved to the Emirates for £67m in the summer and has already integrated with his new teammates. His first half goal came from another trademark Arsenal set-piece. Former West Ham Captain, Declan Rice curled a free-kick into the area which was knocked down by Gabriel before Eze finished acrobatically.
The Eagles, who lost to AEK Larnaca on Thursday night pushed for the equalizer with Jean-Philippe Mateta battling against the solid Arsenal defence but the Gunners stayed solid as David Raya in goal kept another clean sheet this season.
Arsenal celebrated their 700th premier league win in the premier league via their official X handle.
However, at the other side of the pitch Arsenal nearly doubled their lead in the second half when Gabriel hit the crossbar with a powerful header before England international, Bukayo Saka curled an effort from the edge of the penalty area but it went off target.
Arsenal held on for the all important three points. The Gunners are now unbeaten in 10 matches in all competitions. The North London side are top of the table with 22 points followed by Bournemouth with 18 points while Crystal Palace sit 10th with 13 points.
Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a potential move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham, according to the Express.
The 20-year-old, who joined the Bundesliga giants from Sunderland in the summer for a fee of around €30 million, has found first-team opportunities limited in Germany.
Despite high expectations following his arrival, and the shadow of his older brother Jude Bellingham’s global stardom, Jobe’s early months at Dortmund have been marked by challenges both on and off the pitch.
Bellingham’s transfer to Dortmund was seen as a natural next step in his development, following an impressive breakthrough season at Sunderland.
Dortmund’s track record of nurturing young English talent, most notably with Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho, made the move seem ideal. However, things haven’t gone entirely according to plan.
There are also off-field complications that have added to the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Reports suggest that tensions have arisen between Jobe’s father, Mark Bellingham, who remains closely involved in his son’s career, and Dortmund’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl.
In the latest episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents, shared on the official X account, the former Manchester United captain dissected how Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo caused chaos for Liverpool’s defence during the 2–1 victory at Anfield. As reported by Softfootball, the win—sealed by a late Harry Maguire header—marked United’s third straight league triumph under Rúben Amorim, showcasing a new attacking sharpness led by Cunha and Mbeumo.
Matheus Cunha (Photo Credit: Matheus Cunha via Instagram)
Ferdinand highlighted how both forwards drifted into half-spaces, forcing Liverpool’s centre-backs into uncomfortable positions and breaking their defensive rhythm. Their constant interchanging made it difficult for Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté to decide whether to track tightly or hold their line.
Centre-halves don’t really want to go wide or step into midfield. You’ve got to take short, sharp steps in there — big centre-halves hate that. These guys drag you into those areas but still threaten to run in behind, so you’re constantly second-guessing. You’re thinking, ‘Is he pulling me here to spin behind me, or to get the ball at his feet?’ It’s mental warfare for defenders.
He went on to describe how United’s shape pins opponents down:
Mbeumo comes inside from the right, Cunha drifts from the left, and suddenly full-backs are stuck. Amad’s pushed up, the full-back can’t help, and the centre-half’s caught in no man’s land. You can’t win — that’s what makes them so dangerous.
Watch the video below:
Why Cunha & Mbeumo are a nightmare for centre backs to defend against
With Amorim’s system giving both players licence to roam and combine, Cunha and Mbeumo have added unpredictability and pace to United’s front line — qualities that make them a nightmare for even the best defenders in the league.
Newcastle have not had a straightforward start to the season, and injuries have played a significant part in this. They are currently without starting full-back pair Tino Livramento, as well as £55m summer signing Yoane Wissa.
Wissa was involved in an Alexander Isak-style saga of his own during the summer, as he went on strike at Brentford to force through a move to Newcastle. He got his wish, but he has yet to make an appearance for his new club after suffering a knee injury during September’s international break.
Wissa is projected to return in the next couple of weeks, but there are already concerns about him. As such, there has been talk about Newcastle signing another striker to compete with him and Nick Woltemade, but this appears to be far from reality.
Newcastle unlikely to sign new striker in January
Yoane Wissa poses in a Newcastle shirt (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
As per Football Insider, Pete O’Rourke has revealed that Newcastle are not expected to sign a new striker when the transfer window re-opens.
“I would be surprised if they were to bring in a new striker. I think obviously Woltemade has hit the ground running. We haven’t seen Yoane Wissa yet, unfortunately due to injuries. I don’t think Newcastle will be rushing into anything just yet to make any plans for striker additions. They’ll be hoping that Wissa can get fit and come in and prove his worth to the team as soon as possible.
“So I would say it’s unlikely as things stand that Newcastle will be looking to bring a new striker. I’m sure all their focus is on getting Wissa fit as soon as possible and getting him available for Eddie Howe’s side.”
Despite this, there may be other positions addressed by Newcastle in January, as they seek to improve on their opening two months of the season.
West Ham United are quietly laying the groundwork for a major January recruitment push, with a name already under serious consideration, 17-year-old Pedro Fernandez from Barcelona.
The Hammers have begun compiling a dossier on the Spanish wonderkid and are aiming to act before his valuation “goes crazy”, according to Alan Nixon.
The interest in Fernandez comes on the back of a meteoric rise through Barcelona’s youth ranks.
He made his senior debut for the Catalan giants in September and features prominently in their Champions League campaign.
Having progressed from La Masia’s U-19s and the UEFA Youth League to first-team involvement within months, the winger has drawn attention not just for his advanced technique but also his rapid integration into senior squad training and match-day squads.
He offers versatility, capable of operating as an inside-forward or a high-pressing wide attacker.
Barcelona are aware of Fernandez’s potential, meaning any suitor may face bidding competition and a valuation inflation similar to other La Masia stars.
West Ham are ready to beat competition to sign Fernandez
Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona celebrates with teammate Pedro Fernandez (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
West Ham’s early dossier compiling is therefore a tactical attempt to move quickly before the market rises.
In that sense, the club are following the same blueprint that has brought them success in securing young talents ahead of rival interest.
The club will need to manage his development carefully, ensuring he isn’t burdened by expectation prematurely.
Whether the deal materialises will depend on negotiations, valuation and the club’s ability to integrate a young talent into a squad seeking stability. But for now, the early groundwork suggests that West Ham have serious interest in signing the Barcelona youngster.
Man City and Tottenham have competed closely on the pitch in recent seasons, and they are set to do so on the transfer front in 2026. Both clubs want to add defensive reinforcements to their squad, and they have set their sights on a particular target: Ezri Konsa.
Konsa has been a very consistent performer for Aston Villa, and at 28, he is in the prime of his career. He has made his way into the England setup in the last couple of years, and this has triggered interest in his services.
Ezri Konsa attracting interest from Man City and Tottenham
Ezri Konsa in action for Aston Villa. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
As per TBR Football, Graeme Bailey has confirmed that Man City and Tottenham want to sign Konsa, and although Aston Villa have no plans to sell, they have to consider a transfer if he does not sign a new contract before next summer.
“Ezri Konsa’s name is coming up quite a lot when you talk to clubs about potential defensive options. Clearly, Villa do not want to sell but he has just over two years left on his deal, he is now one of England’s top defenders, and Villa are likely going to have to tie him down to a new deal.
“Konsa is a nailed-on Premier League performer who is now showing it at international level. It is not a shock to me that some very big clubs are keeping an eye on him.”
Konsa was lined up by Liverpool during the summer, so it would be no surprise to see him move on in 2026 – especially if he decides against penning a new deal at Aston Villa. For Man City or Tottenham, he would be a fantastic addition to their respective first team squads, but for now, it remains to be seen whether either club makes a move in the coming months.
Newcastle are thinking about signings that could be made in 2026, and the January transfer window presents a good opportunity. Alexander Isak’s British transfer record move to Liverpool means that there should be PSR space for additions to be sought, and one area that may be addressed is midfield.
Newcastle have Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes as undisputed starters in the centre of the park, but that third spot is up for grabs. Joelinton has often played, but Eddie Howe could seek another option in January, despite having brought in Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa over the summer.
Newcastle set sights on move for Hayden Hackney
Hayden Hackney in action for Middlesbrough (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
According to TBR Football, Newcastle are interested in signing Hayden Hackney from North East rivals Middlesbrough. However, Graeme Bailey has revealed that the 23-year-old, who is also wanted by Man United and Tottenham, is unlikely to be allowed to leave when the transfer window re-opens in January.
“As Boro mount a serious promotion challenge, Hayden Hackney is emerging as the cornerstone of their push. However, I am told that Boro have little intention of allowing Hackney to leave in January – last season they sold Emmanuel Latte-Lath, which Michael Carrick felt cost them the chance of promotion, and they don’t intend on doing that again.
“That said, Boro’s resolve is set to be pushed if Hackney’s form keeps up – there could be some very big offers coming in January. Boro do know that the only way they can keep him, however, is if they get promoted and the only way to do that is by keeping him.”
It’s clear that Newcastle want another defensive-minded midfielder, given that they have also been linked with re-signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. Hackney would be a more financially-viable option, but for now, it remains to be seen whether they advance their interest in the coming months.
Aston Villa had a difficult start to the season, but things have been looking up for Unai Emery’s side in recent weeks. They have won three in a row in the Premier League, and they will hope to make it four when Man City head to Villa Park on Sunday afternoon.
Off the pitch, things are also looking good for Aston Villa, particularly it regards to contract renewals. They are about to finalise an agreement with one of their most important players of the last few years, which would be very welcome news for the club’s supporters.
John McGinn secure agreement with captain John McGinn
John McGinn in action for Aston Villa (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
As per TBR Football, Graeme Bailey has confirmed that John McGinn has reached an agreement in principle to sign a new Aston Villa contract, which follows on from Matty Cash sealing a new deal of his own.
“It is great news for Villa that Roberto Olabe has hit the ground running, it shows a real relationship between him and Emery, that he can come in and just continue talks and indeed make quick progress.
“I am told Cash’s deal is done and McGinn is also agreed in principle. Clearly they want to get these deals done before January, which makes sense as they can then attack the window fully. Talks over a deals for Rogers and Tielemans are also continuing, but are not as advanced at this point.”
McGinn has been a fantastic servant for Aston Villa since his 2018 move from Hibernian. He has been linked with a return to Scotland in recent weeks, but there is now little doubt that he will continue at Villa Park for at least another few years, which will be very pleasing for all involved in the club – especially Emery, who has used him all over the park during his tenure.
Five appearances into his Villa career, Elliott has not started in the last three matches and has struggled to make an impact.
Emery, while publicly supportive, has urged the young winger not to rely purely on talent, stressing that “hard work and patience are the keys to kick-starting” his Villa career.
“I am being very, very demanding myself to choose in each match the player to start and the players on the bench and the subs players, and firstly is always trying to get the best performance collectively, through individual players.
“Harvey is a 10 number in our structure, in our shape, and he plays some matches and there is still adaptation to add himself individually in our structure, the task we have. Of course, he is training well, and his commitment is being very well as well, but his performance was not enough (up to this point).
“At the same time, we have other players who can play as a 10 and they are performing well, and I have different players.
“This is the main reason he is not playing the last matches minutes, but he has to continue working like he is doing in the training session and of course getting his confidence in the performance we need through him.”
Youngster needs to work hard to reach his potential
Harvey Elliott of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team’s first goal. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
While the potential remains high, and Liverpool clearly retain belief in his wider talent, this period could prove pivotal for both his confidence and long-term future.
Elliott’s loan to Aston Villa remains a work in progress. Despite the high early hopes, his adaptation has been slower than anticipated, and Emery has signalled that the player must now match his talent with task-mastering attitude.
If he can combine work ethic and opportunity, the move may propel him forward, if not, he faces a difficult time at Aston Villa.
Man United may add to their squad in January, but it appears very likely that there will be one or two players that leave Old Trafford. Specifically, it is being increasingly taken for granted that Joshua Zirkzee will depart, having been barely counted on since the start of the season.
Zirkzee has yet to start a match in any competition, with the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha/Mason Mount preferred to him as striker options. Because of this, he has made it clear that he wants to leave, and Man United are prepared to give the green light.
Roma ready January move for Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee of Man United warming up (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
As per TBR Football, Man United will sanction Zirkzee’s exit in January, and Roma are currently pushing hardest to sign him. They are prepared to cut short Evan Ferguson’s loan deal, which would open the door for the Dutch forward to return to Italy.
“We are told that Roma are now looking at the mechanisms to send the Irishman back to Brighton, which would enable them to bring in a new front-man, and Zirkzee is their favoured choice. Zirkzee is set to move and the interest in him is very strong, he can stay in England, has options back in Italy as we have revealed, but there are teams in Spain, France and Germany too – he really is going to have his pick.
“United are going to sanction it, they really like his attitude and commitment, but given the summer arrivals of Cunha, Sesko and Mbeumo, they all realise he is way down the pecking order. The Red Devils want him to go to the World Cup next summer, and the only chance is for him to play next year.”
It makes a lot of sense for Zirkzee to leave Man United, and it will be interesting to see whether a permanent deal is sought – either in January or next summer.
Pressure is already mounting on Nuno Espírito Santo at West Ham United, with the Portuguese manager enduring a tough start to life at the London Stadium.
Since taking over in late September, Nuno has managed to collect just one point from a possible 12, leaving supporters frustrated and the team sliding down the Premier League table.
Despite early speculation about his future, reports indicate that the Hammers’ board remain committed to backing their new head coach, particularly in the January transfer window, as they look to correct recruitment mistakes made earlier in the season.
The former Wolves and Tottenham boss began his reign with a draw against Everton, a game that offered brief optimism. However, that was followed by three consecutive defeats, the latest coming in a 2–1 loss to Leeds United.
According to The Sun, the club hierarchy are aware of the missteps made during the last transfer window and are determined not to repeat them.
Senior figures at West Ham have accepted that failing to sign another striker over the summer was a major mistake.
The club’s problems, however, extend beyond the forward line. Injuries have further weakened the Hammers’ defensive options, with Konstantinos Mavropanos facing an extended spell on the sidelines and summer signing Igor Julio struggling for game time.
West Ham are expected to prioritise reinforcements in defense as well as up front. The board’s willingness to spend in January is being interpreted as a show of faith in Nuno.
Failure to improve, however, may see the board’s early patience tested before spring arrives.
Leeds have made a respectable start to their Premier League return, as they seek to avoid immediate relegation to the Championship. And they intend to strength their chances of survival by making additions to Daniel Farke’s squad when the transfer window re-opens in January.
There are areas of the Leeds first team squad that may need to be addressed in January, with one of those being midfield. And that is why a target has been lined up for a possible move.
Leeds given huge boost to chances of Piotr Zielinski signing
Piotr Zielinski in action for Inter Milan in the Champions League. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
As reported by Pete O’Rourke to Football Insider (via The Leeds Press), Leeds are interested in signing Inter Milan and Poland midfielder Piotr Zielinski, who is expected to be available when the January transfer window opens.
“He was linked with Leeds in the summer window and they were linked with a couple of other midfielders as well. He is well down the pecking order at the San Siro. He’s struggled for game time, had just two starts in the Champions League, so he’s not started a Serie A game.
“Inter are definitely open to his departure to try and save some money and boost their own transfer coffers. Whether they’ll be able to sell Zielinski to Leeds, that remains to be seen.”
Between Napoli and Inter, Zielinski has been around the Serie A for almost 10 years, so he would provide a lot of experience to the Leeds first team squad. If a financially-viable loan deal can be arranged, it would be very good business from those at Elland Road, and it would almost certainly increase their chances of avoiding relegation from the Premier League come the end of the domestic season in May.
Extending on their recent turn in fortunes, Manchester United skyrocketed their way into the Champions League spots as they secured a thrilling 4-2 victory against Brighton at Old Trafford. Looking to use last weekend’s famous 2-1 win away at Liverpool as a major platform to build on, Ruben Amorim’s men didn’t take long to open […]
Liverpool’s season has taken an unexpected turn, and according to IndyKaila News, concerns are mounting within the club’s hierarchy over both results and performances under manager Arne Slot.
While the Dutchman remains safe in his position for now, insiders suggest that patience may not last forever if the team’s trajectory doesn’t improve soon.
Slot was brought in to usher Liverpool into a new era following Klopp’s emotional departure last year. Although the Dutchman guided the Reds to Premier League title in his debut season at the club, his team’s performances this season have been disappointing.
Arne Slot is struggling at Liverpool this season
Arne Slot and Ruben Amorim at Anfield (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
After four Premier League defeats in a row, the Merseyside club are now below Manchester United in the league table.
Liverpool’s owners and senior executives are becoming increasingly concerned, not simply by the results but by the nature of the performances.
Sources close to the club suggest that discussions have already taken place at board level regarding contingency plans should Slot fail to turn things around before the January window.
While the Dutchman’s job remains secure for the immediate future, the prospect of a managerial change mid-season is not being ruled out.
In what would be an astonishing development, several insiders believe Klopp would say “yes” if Liverpool were to make an approach.
Newcastle were hampered by the Alexander Isak saga that transpired over the summer, as it meant they had no starting striker for the opening weeks of the season. They have moved on now, but there is a general feeling that a similar situation must be avoided in the future.
In the next 2-3 years, they have a number of top players whose contracts are running out, such as Sven Botman (2027), Tino Livramento and Bruno Guimaraes (both 2028). And in regards to the latter, there are plans to address his situation in the near future.
Newcastle planning contract talks with Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes in action for Newcastle. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
As per Football Insider, Pete O’Rourke has revealed that new Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson intends to speak to Guimaraes over a new contract.
“Yeah, I think it would be ideal for Newcastle if they could tie down Bruno to a new deal. I think there’ll be a willingness probably from all parties to sit down and discuss a new deal.
“It does seem that the new sporting director Ross Wilson is setting out, looking to discuss potential new deals with a number of their star players. He wants to end any speculation over their futures and to avoid any sort of similar situation that they have with Alexander Isak. So yeah, I’m sure at some point in the near future, will be talks held with Bruno and his people to see if they can agree a new deal.”
Guimaraes has been a standout performer for Newcastle since joining from Lyon back in January 2022. He was instrumental in their late victory over Fulham on Saturday, and the hope will be that he can continue being like this for Eddie Howe’s side for many years to come – and there are already suggestions that he would want to commit his future to St James’ Park.
The name of Scott McTominay continues to spark intrigue across Europe, as the former Manchester United midfielder is reportedly being tipped for a shock Premier League return.
McTominay’s time at Napoli has been punctuated by both success and off-field turbulence and that combination may open the door for a dramatic comeback to England, according to The Sun.
While his performances in Serie A have earned acclaim, it’s the “suffocating attention” he’s faced in Naples that could ultimately fuel a sudden switch back to the Premier League.
McTominay has been successful after Man United exit
His debut campaign proved he was up to the task, he posted impressive goal and assist numbers, played a key role in Napoli’s push for honours, and further boosted his reputation.
Yet, despite his on-pitch credentials, sources suggest the off-pitch environment has not been as comfortable.
The reports claim that the “suffocating attention” of the Naples fan base is weighing on McTominay, who is said to be dealing with heightened scrutiny and expectations at every twist of his personal and professional life.
The pressure to perform, coupled with intense media and public focus, has created an atmosphere in which the Scottish-born midfielder may be reconsidering his stay.
Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Clubs in England, always alert to players with proven top-level experience, might view McTominay as an ideal midfielder for their team, particularly after getting experience of winning the league title in Italy.
If McTominay is open to listening, the right club could act quickly to bring him back into the English fold.
With his performances solid and his reputation strong, it’s the off-field environment that could steer his next move.
Should he decide to return to the Premier League, clubs will be watching carefully.
Sunderland secured a memorable victory over Chelsea on Saturday, as goals from Wilson Isidor and Chemsdine Talbi ensured a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge. However, questions are now being asked about whether their stoppage time winner should have been allowed to stand.
After good hold-up play from Brian Brobbey, he laid the ball off for Talbi to fire home Sunderland’s winner in the 93rd minute, which sparked wild scenes from the away supporters. However, there have been claims made that these celebrations would have been short-lived, as the legitimacy of the goal has been questioned.
Sunderland winner “should have been ruled out” – Hackett
Chemsdine Talbi scored Sunderland’s winning goal against Chelsea. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)
As per Football Insider (via Sunderland Echo), former referee Keith Hackett has claimed that VAR should have disallowed Talbi’s goal due to Lutsharel Geertruida, who joined Sunderland in the summer despite interest from elsewhere, having been in the way of Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez as the shot was struck.
“While I don’t like to see goals ruled out for offside, I am surprised the referee wasn’t asked to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor. In my opinion, the Sunderland player standing in an offside position impacts the Chelsea goalkeeper, and the goal should have been ruled out.”
“The offside law states: ‘interfering with an opponent by preventing an opponent from playing or being able to play the ball by clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision.’ It is my belief that the Sunderland player standing in an offside position does impact on the Chelsea goalkeeper, and the goal should be ruled out for an offside offence.”
It would have been very cruel for Sunderland to have had their late goal ruled out, and they will be thankful that the video assistant referee did not intervene. It meant that they rose to the lofty heights of 2nd in the Premier League standings, above the likes of Man City and Liverpool.
Joe Cole has delivered a blistering verdict on three of Liverpool’s stars after their defeat to Brentford, labelling their performances as “awful”.
Liverpool suffered their fourth Premier League defeat in a row which came against Brentford on Saturday night.
The Reds suffered a 3-2 defeat against Keith Andrews’ team. The problems are mounting for Liverpool and manager Arne Slot who is struggling to find a solution to his team’s issues after making an impressive start to the season.
It goes from bad to worse for Liverpool
The defeat against Brentford takes Liverpool in 6th position in the league, below the likes of Manchester United and Bournemouth.
Cole pointed fingers at three Liverpool stars who were poor in the Brentford defeat.
During his half-time analysis on TNT Sports, Cole pulled no punches, naming Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté and Miloš Kerkez as the offenders as Liverpool’s defense capitulated in a 3-2 loss.
Cole’s criticism came after Brentford’s opener, a goal he described as symptomatic of Liverpool’s wider defensive malaise:
“The defending is awful from Van Dijk and Konaté,” he stated, highlighting the centre-back duo’s vulnerability under pressure, as reported by Metro.
He also pointed to Kerkez’s contribution, describing the young full-back as poor in the heat of the moment.
“I thought Kerkez was poor,” he added, singling out what he felt were uncharacteristic defensive lapses from the Reds.
Kevin Schade of Brentford scores his team’s second goal against Liverpool (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Brentford, under Andrews, were praised by Cole for their fearless approach, with the former England international noting that the hosts “have just taken the baton… and are pushing this football club up the table.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has offered a candid assessment of his side’s recent struggles, admitting that opponents have begun to find effective ways to nullify his team’s attacking rhythm.
Speaking after another frustrating result, the Dutch coach reflected on the tactical challenges his side have faced and acknowledged that his players have yet to adapt quickly enough to the strategies being used against them.
The Reds were beaten by Brentford in their latest Premier League match. The defeat becomes their fourth consecutive loss in the league.
Although Mohamed Salah rediscovered his goal scoring form in the match against Brentford, which is the only positive for Slot from the match, his team were beaten by a determined Brentford side who constantly threatened the Liverpool defense and ran over them in the midfield.
Arne Slot pointed at tough away fixtures
Slot also pointed to a demanding run of away fixtures as a contributing factor, though he was quick to clarify that it was not an excuse.
While Liverpool’s football has often been fluid and dominant, recent matches have highlighted a growing pattern, teams sitting deep, closing central passing lanes, and hitting back on the counterattack.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
His comments show both respect for opponents’ preparation and recognition that Liverpool must evolve tactically.
The manager’s comment about Liverpool’s heavy travel schedule, “It’s not an excuse, but playing so many games away didn’t help”, hints at the impact of fatigue, both physical and mental.
Several of Liverpool’s last fixtures have come on the road, including tough trips to Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Brentford.
While fatigue and fixture congestion have played their part, Slot’s focus remains firmly on finding solutions rather than excuses.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes continues to attract significant transfer interest, with a new report from BBC Sport revealing that the Portuguese playmaker has a €65 million release clause in his current contract.
Now 31, Fernandes remains one of United’s most influential figures, both as a creative force and as a leader.
Bruno Fernandes has been the best player at Man United
Since joining from Sporting CP in January 2020, he has been central to the team’s attack.
His work ethic, mentality, and consistency have earned him the captain’s armband and made him one of the few players to retain the faith of the fanbase during what has been a turbulent era at Old Trafford.
Despite his ongoing importance, interest from abroad is growing. The Saudi Pro League made several attempts last summer to bring Fernandes to the Middle East, and while he turned those offers down, the league’s major clubs are expected to revisit their pursuit.
The presence of a €65 million clause makes a deal financially viable for them.
Bruno Fernandes in action for Man United vs Fulham (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
His focus remains on helping manager Rúben Amorim, with whom he shares a strong professional rapport, guide the club back into contention for major honours.
Still, the uncertainty around United’s broader sporting project, coupled with interest from top European sides, ensures the speculation will continue.
Fernandes’ contract, which runs until 2027, also includes an option for a one-year extension.
United are expected to discuss a potential renewal or revision of terms in 2026, but for now, the release clause remains active, leaving open the possibility of a surprise approach from ambitious suitors.
While Hjulmand’s current contract includes an €80 million release clause, sources suggest the club believes that Sporting could be open to negotiation, especially given the positive relationship between Amorim and his former employers.
Morten Hjulmand is on the radar of Man United
Hjulmand’s rise over the past two seasons has been nothing short of impressive. The 26-year-old has established himself as one of Europe’s most reliable deep-lying midfielders.
During his spell under Amorim at Sporting, he became the heartbeat of the team, orchestrating play from deep while shielding the backline.
The potential departures of Casemiro, whose contract expires in 2026, and ongoing uncertainty around the future of Kobbie Mainoo, have accelerated the need for reinforcements.
Sporting are in no rush to sell one of their key assets, and the Portuguese side’s history of tough bargaining, seen in deals for players in the past, suggests they’ll hold firm unless a substantial offer arrives.
Morten Hjulmand in action for Sporting in pre-season (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, United are also keeping tabs on Borussia Dortmund’s Jobe Bellingham, the younger brother of England star Jude Bellingham, and Porto’s Victor Fröholdt, another Danish midfielder admired for his box-to-box qualities.
However, Hjulmand remains Amorim’s preferred choice, with the manager reportedly viewing him as a natural leader capable of anchoring United’s midfield for years to come.
Liverpool’s 2025–26 Premier League campaign has taken a worrying turn under head coach Arne Slot. After starting the season with five straight wins, the Reds have now lost four consecutive league matches, and most recently Brentford, who beat them 3–2 as reported by Softfootball. The slump equals their total number of defeats from the entire previous season, signalling a serious regression for the reigning champions.
Brentford vs Liverpool (Photo Credit: Liverpool via X)
Slot admitted the performance at the Gtech Community Stadium was up there among his most disappointing since taking charge, as posted on the club’s official YouTube account. He said:
You are always hoping for a better result. But I was also hoping and expecting a better performance, because the performance was far from what we are used to.
Despite goals from Milos Kerkez and Mohamed Salah, Liverpool could not recover after conceding early to Dango Ouattara and Kevin Schade. The manager conceded that basic errors and poor duelling cost his side dearly, saying:
It’s hard to win a game of football if the other team wins more duels and more second balls than you.
Virgil Van Dijk of Liverpool (Photo Credit: Liverpool via X)
The Dutch coach also revealed that Liverpool spent their final training session focusing solely on defending long throws from Brentford’s Kayode. He said:
It’s the only thing we did yesterday on the training pitch. Yet we conceded from that after five minutes.
Watch the video below:
Slot admitted that tactical preparation alone means little without concentration and communication, insisting that defending is a collective job of all 11 players.
Frustrated but not defeated, Slot urged patience, noting that summer changes and a difficult run of five away fixtures from their last six have affected rhythm. He said:
I didn’t expect it to go with four losses in a row. But we have to stay together, work harder, and find our answers quickly.
Following Liverpool’s poor run of form, captain Virgil van Dijk has delivered a candid and introspective message to his teammates and fans alike. The Dutch defender admitted that everyone in the squad must take responsibility, saying:
Everyone has to look in the mirror, including myself.
Virgil Van Dijk of Liverpool (Photo Credit: Liverpool via X)
Van Dijk’s message, however, went beyond tactics. The 34-year-old urged unity within the dressing room and called on fans to stand by the team during this rough patch, as posted by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account. He said, reminding supporters of last season’s title celebrations at Anfield:
It’s not only us as players but also together with our fans and everyone who wants us to win.
Van Dijk: “Everyone has to look in the mirror including myself”.
“I am sure we will get out of this. But we won't do it just by talking about it. We will try to improve”.
Despite the growing criticism from pundits like Jamie Carragher and Craig Burley, Van Dijk remains steadfast:
We won’t get out of this just by talking about it. We will try to improve.
With key Champions League and Premier League fixtures on the horizon, his leadership and composure could be crucial in guiding Liverpool back to stability.
Porto star Samu Aghehowa has emerged as one of Europe’s most talked-about young talents in the 2025–26 season, capturing the attention of top clubs across the Premier League and La Liga.
At just 21 years old, the Spanish striker has impressed scouts with his explosive pace and intelligent movement.
As his reputation soars, Porto find themselves in a delicate position, eager to retain their prize asset, yet aware that financial realities could tempt them to cash in if the right offer arrives.
Porto fully own the player’s rights and have placed a €100 million release clause in his contract. The Portuguese giants are adamant they will not negotiate below that figure.
However, sources close to the club suggest that financial pressures could soften their stance if a substantial bid is presented.
Spurs may face competition from Premier League clubs
Samu Aghehowa in action for Porto at the Club World Cup (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have continued to monitor his progress, sending scouts to several of Porto’s recent league and European fixtures.
Newcastle United, who explored the possibility of signing Aghehowa during the summer window, opted not to make a formal bid. Sources suggest that the player’s loyalty to Porto and lack of pressure to leave played a key role in that decision.
Aghehowa himself has remained professional, insisting that he is focused on helping Porto compete for domestic and European success.
One thing is certain, the young Spaniard’s stock is rising rapidly, and his name will dominate transfer headlines over the coming months.
Turning their attention back to Premier League duties on Sunday afternoon, Arsenal will welcome Crystal Palace to north London. Laying down another European marker earlier in the week and opening this weekend’s fixtures leading the chase at the top of the Premier League standings, the Gunners will be confident of extending on their sensational run […]
Jack Grealish will be back in Everton’s starting line-up when they host Tottenham Hotspur at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, Softfootball reports.
They have been a total of 190 matches between these two sides with Tottenham Hotspur winning 72, Everton 58 and they’ve drawn 60 times.
David Moyes led Everton to their most recent win in January 2025, where a late Spurs fightback was fruitless in a 3-2. Spurs previously thumped Everton 4-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in August 2024.
Star player
For Everton, the star of the team is Jack Grealish. He is playing like a different player since he joined Everton on loan from Manchester City and enjoying the freedom he gets. The England international has four assists for the Toffees and would be hoping for more against Tottenham.
Kudus (Photo Credit – Ghana via X)
Spurs will rely on Mohammed Kudus to cause damage to Everton despite playing away from home. The Ghanaian is very good with creating chances and dribbles out of tight spaces easily.
Team News
David Moyes will be happy to have Jack Grealish back to the matchday squad after he was ineligible to face parent club Man City last time out. Carlos Alcaraz might drop to the bench as a result.
Jarrad Branthwaite needs surgery to correct a troublesome hamstring injury and faces an indefinite period on the sidelines while Nathan Patterson is also likely to spend the next few weeks out due to a combination of a foot problem and a hernia.
Here Moyes gives update on his squad as shared via Everton’s official X handle. Watch Video below.
Thomas Frank will be without nine first team players on Sunday, Destiny Udogie (knee), Cristian Romero (adductor), James Maddison (ACL), Ben Davies (muscle), Radu Dragusin (ACL), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Kota Takai (foot), Dominic Solanke (ankle) and Yves Bissouma (ankle).
Some good news as Mathys Tel is back and Randal Kolo Muani may also be considered for a full debut.
Listen to Frank give further updates on his squad in a video shared by Spurs official X handle.
Liverpool’s Premier League title defence is going from bad to worse, as Arne Slot’s men slumped to a fourth straight league defeat, losing 3-2 to a spirited Brentford side in west London, Softfootball reports.
Fresh from a confidence-boosting 5-1 win over Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League, many expected Liverpool to build on that result. But instead, they were stunned just five minutes in when Michael Kayode’s long throw caused chaos in the box, Kristoffer Ajer flicked it on, and Dango Ouattara smashed home a superb volley to put the Bees ahead.
Brentford players celebrating after scoring the third goal against Liverpool (Photo Credit: Brentford X handle)
Liverpool tried to hit back immediately. Mohamed Salah forced a sharp save from former Reds goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher, while new boy Florian Wirtz still chasing his first goal for the club,scuffed wide from a promising position. But Brentford, coming into the game high on confidence after their 2-0 win last weekend where Igor Thiago also found the net, refused to sit back.
The hosts kept pushing, and Giorgi Mamardashvili had to pull off a sensational one-handed save to deny Mikkel Damsgaard. Moments later, Damsgaard turned creator, slipping a clever pass through to Kevin Schade, who raced clear and made no mistake with a composed finish to make it 2-0.
Kevin Schade after scoring Brentford Second goal (Photo Credit: Brentford X handle)
Just when it looked like Liverpool were sinking, they grabbed a lifeline in controversial circumstances. Deep into first-half stoppage time — two minutes after the added time had expired — Milos Kerkez popped up at the far post to turn in Conor Bradley’s cross and halve the deficit before the break.
Any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed, though. Brentford continued to look dangerous after the restart, and their pressure paid off again when VAR ruled that Virgil van Dijk had brought down Ouattara right on the edge of the box. Igor Thiago stepped up and coolly slotted home from the spot for his fourth goal in as many games, restoring the Bees’ two-goal cushion.
Milo Kerkez after scoring his first ever goal for Liverpool (Photo Credit: Liverpool X handle)
Arne Slot emptied his bench, bringing on four players in quick succession in a desperate attempt to spark a revival. Salah gave Liverpool a glimmer of hope late on with a thunderous strike that went in off the underside of the bar ending his six-game goal drought at club level but it proved too little, too late.
Interestingly after the game, Brentford via its official X handle posted the post match reactions of the players to this well earned victory over the current PL champions in front of their home fans. They posted:
The final whistle confirmed another disappointing night for Liverpool, who have now lost five straight matches in London for the first time since 1970. Brentford, meanwhile, celebrated a famous win, their third victory in four league games as the Bees continue to buzz their way up the table and leave the champions searching for answers.
It was another long and frustrating night at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea slumped to a 2-1 defeat against newly-promoted Sunderland their second home league loss in just nine games this season, following the earlier 1-3 setback against Brighton.
While Sunderland supporters celebrated a remarkable comeback, Softfootball understands that Chelsea fans were left furious at Enzo Maresca’s decisions, with many questioning his substitutions, tactical approach, and inability to adapt when under pressure.
Sunderland players celebrate after wining against Chelsea (Photo Credit: Sunderland X handle)
Chelsea Fans Furious Over Maresca’s Decisions
Chelsea’s inability to manage a game after taking the lead has become a recurring theme this season, and the latest defeat only amplified growing frustration among supporters.
Never ever play Pedro as our 10, it is even better to play Enzo there. That guy was missing all through the 1st half. Tosin had no business on that pitch, he is not fully ready to be introduced.
@danielregha was equally critical of the team’s lack of direction:
Chelsea already losing points to smaller clubs when the season hasn’t even gone halfway; the team fails to utilize chances, and barely shows any serious coordination especially once Chelsea has taken the lead. Imagine losing to Sunderland — it’s nothing but embarrassing.
The defeat was one of pain for Chelsea and their supporters, the team via its official YouTube channel posted the full post match reaction of head coach Enzo Maresca speaking about what went wrong and areas of improvement for the team going ahead. They posted:
For @thineytips, the problem runs deeper than tactics:
Chelsea doesn’t have a creative midfielder except Palmer. We don’t have a playmaker that can create chances from tight spaces. Joao Pedro was never a midfielder or striker, he played from LW and Maresca is just trying hard to fit him there.
Chelsea doing what they do best — turning Stamford Bridge into a rehab centre for struggling teams. Sunderland came for a visit, left with hope, goals, and maybe even belief in miracles. At this point, Chelsea should start charging for therapy sessions instead of match tickets. Pure generosity FC.
The recruitment strategy also came under fire. @chelsearealist vented:
Starting to think even Man United will finish above us. The board cost us massively in the summer. We went from Felix, Nkunku, Sancho, Neto to Gittens, Garnacho, Buonanotte — a downgrade. We got into the Champions League and won the CW only for our team to be dismantled and regress.
@chelseadiehard was particularly frustrated with Maresca’s substitutions:
Removing Acheampong for uncle Tosin is not wise at all. Chelsea is so bad at breaking defensive sides. Only Palmer is good one-on-one. Joao Pedro doesn’t even remember he’s an attacker. We’re missing Palmer’s creativity to be honest.
Chelsea posted on its official YouTube channel the full match highlights for the blues fans to rewatch incase that missed the game. They posted:
For @valentine, the issue is Maresca’s rigid game plan:
A very immature coach always approaching every game the same way. A better coach would have changed his game seeing how Sunderland parked the box. But no — always pass, pass, and pass to achieve nothing. Disappointing.
And @joesphakpos summarized the performance bluntly:
Poor performance from Chelsea, largely because of poor decisions from the coach. Wrong changes, poor game management. Imagine having 72% possession with just 6–7 touches inside the opponents’ box and still losing the game.
Sunderland players celebrate with fans after wining against Chelsea (Photo Credit: Sunderland X handle)
Sunderland Fans Celebrate a Famous Victory
While Chelsea fans fumed, Sunderland supporters were in ecstasy after a historic win in London.
Fantastic result. Showed composure, tactical discipline, and a great attitude to ride out the pressure. The recruitment has been first-class — can’t speak highly enough of the job RLB has done and the efforts of the players.
Sunderland is amazing! To come back from behind like that away! Talbi is a true gem. A club like Sunderland is the perfect environment for him to develop. BRAVO.
After the game ended , Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris in a video released via their team official X handle, spoke to the press about the huge victory away at Stamford Bridge and what it means for both the players and supporters of the club.They posted:
@georgeskyyy praised one of the club’s key summer signings:
Granit Xhaka to Sunderland has got to be signing of the summer. What a player! Sunderland now sit 2nd in the league.”
Sunderland players celebrate with fans after wining against Chelsea (Photo Credit: Sunderland X handle)
Even the trolls were out in full force. @jimmykafangi joked:
Daily medicine, my weekly energy, my yearly motivation — Chelsea losing is the only reason I’m still alive. I was born to love and enjoy their failures.
Sunderland really sitting pretty at no. 2 like they’ve conquered Europe Calm down lads, it’s October not May — trophies aren’t handed out for being runners-up halfway through the season But hey, enjoy it while it lasts!
After the game, Sunderland official X handle posted the fans reaction to the stoppage time winner scored by Chemsdine Talbi. They posted:
For Chelsea, the loss to Sunderland adds another dent to an already worrying campaign under Maresca. Two home defeats in the first nine games,both to sides outside the traditional top six underline a lack of tactical flexibility and consistency. With pressure mounting, Maresca will need an immediate turnaround to quiet growing unrest among fans.
For Sunderland, it’s another statement result under RLB’s management. With a balanced squad, composed performances, and rising stars like Chemsdine Talbi stepping up, the Black Cats look ready to fight for a European spot and perhaps even dream bigger.
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing the highly talented Montpellier striker Lacine Megnan-Pave.
The French striker has been exceptional at the youth level for the French outfit, and his performances have attracted the attention of Barcelona as well. The Spanish champions are keeping close tabs on him, and they could look to make a move in the near future.
Lacine Megnan-Pave on Arsenal and Barcelona radar
On the other hand, Arsenal are hoping to sign the player as well. They have been monitoring his progress closely, and they are ready to make an effort to convince the player and his representatives, as per L’Equipe.
They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they have an exciting project. The opportunity to join them could be exciting for the 15-year-old. They have a rich history when it comes to grooming young players, and they could help the 15-year-old fulfil his tremendous potential.
Similarly, Barcelona have a famed Academy as well. It will be interesting to see which of the two clubs comes forward with an offer to sign him. The 15-year-old would be a long-term acquisition for both teams, and he could develop into an important first-team player with the right guidance.
Meanwhile, Megnan-Pave has been outstanding for France at the youth level as well. He scored 12 goals and picked up 12 assists in 24 matches for the under-17 national team.
There is no doubt that he has the potential to play for the biggest clubs in the world with the right coaching. He needs to choose his next destination carefully. He should look to join a club where there is a clear pathway for his development. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Bryan Mbeumo expressed delight after scoring a brace for Manchester United as they humbled Brighton 4-2 at Old Trafford on Saturday night, Softfootball reports.
The Cameroon is quick turning into a firm fan favourite since he completed his summer move to Ruben Amorim’s side. He scored the third and fourth goal in Manchester United’s 4-2 win over Brighton to increase his tally to four this season.
Bryan Mbeumo. Photo credit: Man United Media.
In the excerpts of his interview shared via Manchester United’s official X handle, Mbeumo had a huge smile on his face while talking about his goals and vital three points for his team.
Mbuemo has had 33 goals contribution since last since, only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah has more than the former Brentford winger, who has continued to paint the premier league red with goals.
Interestingly, Mbeumo has scored this season against Liverpool, Sunderland and Brighton. He almost got a hat-trick against the Seagulls but his second half shot went off the right-hand post.
Here is Mbeumo and Amad Diallo doing the victory dance after securing a win over Brighton at Old Trafford. The video was shared on Manchester United’s official X handle to the delight of fans.
Manchester United are currently in fourth position courtesy of the Brighton win, which was their third consecutive win under Ruben Amorim for the first time since he took charge of the club last season.
Sunderland star Chemsdine Talbi was all smiles after his decisive goal fired the Black Cats to a stunning 2-1 victory over Chelsea, a result that sent shockwaves through English football, Softfootball reports.
Despite Chelsea’s confidence heading into the clash after their emphatic 5-1 Champions League win over Ajax, it was Sunderland who showed more grit and composure when it mattered most.The Stadium of Light erupted when Talbi found the net, sealing what could be one of Sunderland’s biggest wins of the season and a crucial confidence boost moving forward.
chemsdine talbi after scoring the winner for Sunderland (Photo Credit: Sunderland Facebook page)
Speaking to club media via the team’s official X handle after the game, Talbi shared his delight and praised the team’s spirit and their passionate supporters, he stated:
“I am feeling great. We have fantastic fans. We knew with Chelsea we would have an occasion to score and when Brian got the ball I knew I had to follow. I then had a good finish.
“We know we are Sunderland. We have a great team with great players. We knew we could do the job and we showed it today.”
With the win, Sunderland continue to show that belief and teamwork can go a long way against top opposition and Talbi’s confidence perfectly captures the growing momentum around the club.
Sunderland posted via official X handle shared the full post match interview of the match winner, talking about the goal and the focus ahead for the team. They posted:
The victory not only lifts Sunderland’s spirits but also serves as a statement to the rest of the league that they can compete with anyone on their day.
Talbi’s heroics, combined with the team’s discipline and determination, showcased a side ready to punch above its weight. As the Black Cats look ahead to their next fixtures, fans will be hoping this win marks the beginning of a consistent run of form built on courage, unity, and belief.
Bruno Fernandez made his 300th appearance for Manchester United as they defeated in-form Brighton 4-2 in the premier league match-day 9 played at Old Trafford, Softfootball reports.
The Red Devils followed up on their 2-1 away win over Liverpool at Anfield last weekend, making it three consecutive wins in the premier league for the first time under Ruben Amorim’s reign. But most importantly, Manchester United have NEVER lost a Premier League game at Old Trafford when leading at half time with the record standing at 301 wins, 25 draws and zero defeats in 326 games.
Bruno Fernandez. Photo credit: Man United media.
Manchester United’s official X handle posted this after the encounter.
Manchester United played some beautiful football in the first half and took a deserved lead through Matheus Cunha after he received the ball from fellow Brazilian, Casemiro on the edge of the box, he masterfully placed a right footed shot into the bottom right corner of the net. It was his first goal for Manchester United since he joined at the summer from Wolves.
Casimiro made it 2-0 with a shot that deflected off Bart Verbruggen and that got the fans inside Old Trafford jumping and the noise increased. The Red Devils didn’t let off in the second half as Benjamin Sesko set up Bryan Mbeumo to score Manchester United’s third goal.
Matheus Cunha with his Man of the Match Award. Photo Credit: Man United Media
However, the visitors reduced the deficit through former Manchester United striker, Danny Welbeck as he curled a beautiful freekick past the Manchester United goalkeeper to make it 3-1. And soon, it was 3-2 as 18-year-old Greek forward, Charalampos Kostoulas headed in a corner kick inside the seven minutes injury time.
At the end of the encounter, Manchester United official X handle shared a video of players and coaches enjoying the victory with fans. Watch below.
With pressure mounting on the Manchester United defense, the 20-time premier league champion found a way. Substitute, Ayden Heaven played a neat pass forward and Mbeumo ran onto it and applied a fierce left foot finish that made it 4-2 with virtually the last kick of the match and gained all three points for the home side.
Manchester United finished the day in fourth position with 16 points after nine matches while Brighton sit 15th with 10 points.
Aston Villa are hoping to agree on a new contract with Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers.
Both players have been quite important for the West Midlands club, and they are hoping to secure their long-term future.
Aston Villa must keep Morgan Rogers
Rogers, in particular, has been outstanding for Aston Villa, and he has been linked with multiple top clubs. Aston Villa need to secure his long-term future if they want to keep him at the club. He is a tremendous prospect with a bright future, and he is certainly one of the finest young players in the Premier League right now.
He has the quality to develop into a top-class player with the right guidance, and Aston Villa needs players like him if they want to do well. They are looking to build a formidable squad capable of competing in Europe regularly. Rogers will be instrumental to their success.
The 23-year-old midfielder is reportedly valued at £80 million, and he has been on the radar of several top clubs. There is no doubt that he has the quality to play for the biggest clubs in the country. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Meanwhile, Graeme Bailey has revealed that Matty Cash has already agreed on a new deal with Aston Villa, and John McGinn has also agreed to a new contract in principle. It seems that Aston Villa are working hard to secure the long-term futures of their key players.
Morgan Rogers in action for Aston Villa vs Bologna (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Graeme Bailey revealed on TBR: “It is great news for Villa that Roberto Olabe has hit the ground running, it shows a real relationship between him and Emery, that he can come in and just continue talks and indeed make quick progress.
“Am told Cash’s deal is done and McGinn is also agreed in principle.
“Clearly they want to get these deals done before January, which makes sense as they can then attack the window fully.
“Talks over a deals for Rogers and Tielemans are also continuing, but are not as advanced at this point.”
There is no doubt that they have weaknesses on the side, and they need to sign quality players, but they will need to ensure that they hold onto their best players as well.
Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Malian midfielder Issouf Sissokho from Maccabi Tel Aviv.
The 23-year-old midfielder has done quite well for the Israeli outfit, and he could prove to be an excellent addition for Leeds United. They need more quality and depth in the middle of the park, and Sissokho would be a superb acquisition.
“He’s been playing in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv. He’s played in Champions League qualifiers, the Europa League as well. So he’s got a decent European pedigree.
“I think obviously, like you’ve said, maybe people are surprised that Leeds are in the market for midfielders because I think their midfielder has been okay this season.
“They’ve got [Ethan] Ampadu in there, and summer signing Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff who have definitely made a big impact in that midfield.
“Maybe Sissokho is an option that’s come up to Leeds and could be good value for money in that respect. He’s got 18 months left on his contract.
“As I said, Leeds are obviously keeping tabs on him. So let’s see if they follow up and firm up their interest.”
Cher Ndour of Besiktas runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Issouf Sissokho of Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
He has the physicality to thrive in English football, and he could help Leeds United improve. They have looked quite vulnerable defensively, and they need a reliable defensive midfielder who can help them tighten up at the back. The 23-year-old midfielder will protect the back and allow the creative players to operate with more freedom.
The opportunity to join Leeds United will be quite exciting for the midfielder as well. It would be a major step up in his career, and he would get to test himself in the Premier League. The move from Israel to England would be a major upgrade for the player.
There is no doubt that he has the quality needed to do well in English football, and it remains to be seen whether Leeds can sign him in January.
They will be hoping to establish themselves as Premier League regulars, and they need to plug the gaps in their squad in January. It has been a poor start to the season for them, and they will look to bounce back strongly. Signing quality players in the middle of the season could help them get back on track.
The 23-year-old midfielder will look to make an instant impact in the Premier League if the transfer goes through.
West Ham United crashed to a 2–1 defeat against Leeds United in the Premier League earlier today.
Nuno Espirito Santo has not been able to get the best out of his players so far, and his selections have been questioned as well.
West Ham legend Tony Cottee has now revealed that the club is in serious trouble after their start to the season. They were fighting relegation last season, and nothing has changed so far. It will be interesting to see if they can secure safety in the Premier League this season.
They have quality players at their disposal, but they have not been able to perform at a high level.
Meanwhile, Cottee has also questioned the manager’s decision to drop Callum Wilson. West Ham clearly do not trust the former Newcastle striker despite signing him on a free transfer. Cottee feels that they need to bring in a quality striker in January, but they should be giving more opportunities to Wilson until then.
West Ham must trust Callum Wilson
“We are in serious trouble,” Cottee said (h/t Hammers News).
“Another really poor performance. The starting line-up didn’t make sense. Play your best players in their best positions.
“We desperately need a new striker but Callum Wilson has to at least start the game.”
Callum Wilson celebrates victory following an exhibition match. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)
Wilson has proven himself in the Premier League in the past, and there is no doubt that he could make an instant impact. He will be desperate to make his mark at West Ham United.
It will be interesting to see if Nuno is willing to give the former Newcastle star more opportunities in the coming weeks. Wilson was brought on with 25 minutes left in the game due to an injury. However, he will be hoping for more time on the pitch so that he can show his qualities.
Sporting CP might not want to lose a key player like him in the middle of the season. He has an €80 million release clause in his contract, and they could demand a premium if Manchester United come calling.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has worked with the midfielder during their time together at the Portuguese club, and Manchester United should have no problems convincing him to join. However, agreeing on a reasonable deal with his club could prove to be complicated.
Meanwhile, the midfielder knows the way Amorim likes to play, and he should be able to settle quickly and make an instant impact at Old Trafford if he moves to Manchester United. Amorim has previously hailed him as a “fantastic player”.
Morten Hjulmand in action for Sporting in pre-season (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
The opportunity to join a Premier League club will be quite exciting for him at this stage of his career. He is at the peak of his powers, and he will look to compete at the highest level. Regular football in England could help him improve further. He will look to fight for major trophies with Manchester United if the move goes true.
Meanwhile, Manchester City could use physicality and defensive cover in the midfield as well. They need a quality alternative to Rodri, and the 26-year-old could be an ideal acquisition.
He is yet to start a single game in the Premier League, and a report from Fichajes claims that he’s likely to return to Getafe at the end of the season. The Spanish club were hoping that Crystal Palace would sign him permanently. They are looking to raise funds from his departure. However, his situation at the London club suggests that he is not a part of their plans.
The attacker Crystal Palace during the summer transfer window, and he had impressed in Spain prior to that. Very few would have expected him to return to get in the sum of 2026. However, that scenario looks quite likely now.
Christantus Uche of Crystal Palace runs for the ball. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)
It will be interesting to see if the 22-year-old can convince Oliver Glasner to give him more opportunities in the coming months. There is no doubt that he has the physicality and technical attributes for English football. He has shown his ability in La Liga, and he will be desperate to prove himself in England as well.
He is capable of operating as a striker as well as an attacking midfielder. His versatility could be a huge bonus for Crystal Palace if they manage to get the best out of him. The player is quite young, and he will only improve with coaching and experience. He could develop into an asset for the club.
Liverpool have been backed to improve their squad when the transfer window reopens in January.
They were very active during the summer transfer window, and they signed multiple players. However, they have had a mediocre start to the season, and they are currently third in the league table. They will be hoping to defend their Premier League crown, and they need to improve their squad. They need to tighten up at the back.
Liverpool need defenders
Liverpool have been quite poor defensively, and they are expected to lose Ibrahima Konate at the end of the season. He will be a free agent, and he has not signed an extension with the club yet. Liverpool need to find a proper alternative to him.
They were expected to sign Marc Guehi during the summer transfer window, but the move did not go through. It will be interesting to see if they decide to return for the Crystal Palace star in January.
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness said on Football Insider: “I do expect to see some serious movement in January from Liverpool, and they’re going to be spending where they probably hadn’t planned to because there’s some some cracks appearing. They’re going to have to get that defence shored up.”
After the kind of window they had in the summer, very few would have expected Liverpool to lose four matches in a row. They did bounce back with a midweek win over Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League, and it will be interesting to see if they can go on a wedding run now.
There is no doubt that there are weaknesses on the side, and Liverpool need to plug them. Apart from our quality central defender, they should look to invest in a winger and a defensive midfielder as well.
Chelsea want Moises Caicedo to sign a new contract, according to Fabrizio Romano. The well-known and well-respected Italian journalist has reported that Chelsea, who won the Conference League last season and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the summer of 2025, have been very impressed with Caicedo and want to reward him with a […]
Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Marc Guehi, according to Fabrizio Romano. Guehi is out of contract at Crystal Palace at the end of the season, and, according to Italian journalist Romano, Tottenham, who won the UEFA Europa League in 2024-25, are among the clubs keen on a deal for the England international defender. Romano […]
Sunderland pulled off a shock result at Stamford Bridge, coming from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 and climb to second place in the Premier League table, ending the Blues’ four-game winning streak across all competitions, Softfootball reports.
Chelsea entered the contest brimming with confidence after a commanding 5-1 win over Ajax in the UEFA Champions League, and that momentum seemed to carry over early on. Within just four minutes, Pedro Neto sparked a lightning counter-attack and fed Alejandro Garnacho, who raced down the left flank before slotting a low strike through Robin Roefs’ legs.
Alejandro Garnacho after celebrates after scoring his first PL goal for chelsea (Photo Credit: Chelsea X handle)
But Sunderland weren’t rattled. Régis Le Bris’ side gradually grew into the game, and their persistence paid off when a long throw caused chaos in the Chelsea box. Wilson Isidor reacted quickest to the loose ball, flicking it past Robert Sánchez to level the scores. The visitors nearly turned things around before halftime, with Isidor again going close, while Garnacho came inches from restoring Chelsea’s lead before the break, only for Roefs to deny him brilliantly.
William Isidor after equaliziinf for Sunderland (Photo Credit: Sunderland X handle)
Sensing frustration creeping in, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca turned to his bench midway through the second half, introducing young Brazilian star Estêvão for Garnacho. The substitute almost made an instant impact, hammering a deflected shot just wide to lift the Stamford Bridge crowd. But Sunderland, disciplined and compact in their first outing with a back five this season, stood firm under pressure and waited for their chance.
That moment came deep into stoppage time. Substitute Brian Brobbey held up play superbly before laying off for Chemsdine Talbi, who coolly swept home a composed finish to seal a dramatic victory for the visitors.
It’s no doubt it’s a massive moment for Sunderland beating Chelsea at home despite being a goal down, this means a lot for Sunderland as it’s evident in the post match reaction shared by the team’s official X handle showing the players and fans emotions after the full time whistle. They posted:
The result extends Sunderland’s remarkable unbeaten run in London to 14 away league games while Chelsea’s defeat sees them drop to seventh, three points adrift of the high-flying Black Cats, who continue to defy expectations at the top of the table.
Ahead of Villa’s clash with City, Unai Emery shared his thoughts on the challenges of facing the Cityzens during a pre match conference interview shared on the club’s official X handle.
Unai Emery (Photo Credit: Aston Villa mEDIA)
He emphasized on the importance of the team’s collective focus on Erling Haaling saying:
Firstly, collectively we should try to be very, very focused to stop [Haaland]… we will need some cover with other players, and then tactically we can stop him in different ways… everything that happened yesterday is learning… now focusing Premier League, Manchester City on Sunday.
Emery also explained his approach for selecting players while focusing on central midfielders.
Harvey is a 10 number in our structure… his performance was not enough (up to this point)… he has to continue working like he is doing in the training session and getting his confidence in the performance we need through him.
The Villans, via their official X handle, celebrated Unai Emery’s three-year tenure at Aston Villa. They shared a special video montage to commemorate his time in charge, highlighting memorable European nights, tactical milestones, and the remarkable transformation he has led since taking over in 2022. Watch below:
From touchline passion to special European nights at Villa Park – the best moments after three years of Unai Emery.
City’s manager Pep Guardiola during his pre-match press conference interview that was shared on the club’s official YouTube channel provided updates ahead of their clash with the Villans.
Pep Guardiola (Photo Credit: Manchester City MEDIA)
On the squads fitness, Guardiola confirmed that Nico Gonzoles, who was substituted during City’s 2-0 away win over Villarreal with a foot injury, would be accessed before the clash. Abdukodir Khusanov and Rodri would still be sidelined.
The manager also praised Matheus Nunes, who has been impressive since the departure of Kyle Walker. He said:
He can be an incredible right-back. Matheus is a holding midfielder with incredible physicality… he has special attributions to play in the sides, and in the last two or three games he has played unbelievable.
Discussing City’s league position and the bigger picture for the title race, Guardiola added:
I know the pundits and specialists… Always you wait 10-15 games to know exactly what’s going on. Obviously Liverpool and Arsenal will be there, someone else will be there and hopefully we can be there too.
The Cityzens official X handle, highlighting the squads preparation for the game ahead as they shared:
In a clip seen on the club’s official X handle, Erling Haaland was seen mimicking former defender Aleksander Kolarov as he showed his versatility, precise crossing, and ball control. Watch below:
Aston’s Villa’s strong home form under Unai Emery faces Manchester City’s dominant record and unbeaten run. They hold 31 Premier League wins and 101 goals against Villa. While the Villans resilience suggests a tight game, City’s unbeaten steak gives them the edge.
Key battles will feature Haaland testing The Lion’s defense, Nunes pressing down the left flank, and a fierce midfield duel where City will look to control possession.
The Lions however rests their hopes on Ollie Watkins, Donyell Malen, and Emiliano Buendía to create decisive moments, while Emery’s tactical setup will aim to disrupt City’s rhythm and exploit transitions.
Expected Lineups
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Emiliano Martinez; Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lucas Digne; Boubacar Kamara, Amadou Onana; Evann Guessand, Morgan Rogers, John McGinn; Donyell Malen.
Manchester City (4-1-4-1): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Matheus Nunes, Rúben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Aké; Rico Lewis; Phil Foden, Tijjani Reijnders, Bernardo Silva, Savinho; Erling Haaland.
Predictions
While Villa have the home advantage and a rejuvenated squad under Emery, City’s experience, depth, and recent form make them favorites.
Expect tactical battles across midfield and wide areas, with Haaland likely to be decisive. A closely fought match seems likely, but City may edge it with quality and clinical finishing.
Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has been linked with a surprise move to Manchester United.
However, Dean Jones has now revealed on TEAMtalk that the transfer is highly unlikely. Even though Manchester United need more quality and depth in the attacking unit, signing Lewandowski would be a surprise. The player is in the twilight stages of his career, and he is not getting any better. They need to invest in a younger player with more potential.
Robert Lewandowski move seems unlikely
“There have been links between Man United and Robert Lewandowski but this just seems unthinkable,” said Jones. “It does not fit with their philosophy at all, even if he is on a free transfer.
“I have even seen suggestions that he could act like a mentor to Sesko, which I think is extreme and probably unnecessary.
“I’m not sure how much money people think Lewandowski currently makes, but he’s basically the highest earner at Barcelona.
“Man United have a strict policy of how much they are going to pay players, particularly those who are older players.
“Yes, you need a balance and you need some experience. But even if Lewandowski was to halve his wages he would be earning more than the majority of the squad.
“I can not see them entertaining him as a signing unless he took a very radical pay cut.”
Barcelona’s Polish forward #09 Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP)
Manchester United need another striker who can compete with Benjamin Šeško and share the goal-scoring burden with the Slovenian international. They should look to bring in a clinical finisher in the coming months. Manchester United have spent a substantial amount of money to improve their attacking unit this summer.
They need to keep improving the squad if they want to compete with clubs like Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool. It will be interesting to see if they can sign the right players over the next few months.
Meanwhile, Lewandowski has proven himself at multiple clubs throughout his career, and there is no doubt that he is one of the best strikers of his generation. However, he is 37, and it would be underwhelming if Manchester United decided to make a move for him. They should look at long-term options. They have an exciting project, and they are building for the future. Investing in a player who will be past his best soon does not make any sense.
Furthermore, the Polish international is likely to command exorbitant wages, and spending that kind of money on a 37-year-old could prove to be a mistake. Manchester United have invested in older players in recent seasons, and that has not worked out for them. It would be ideal for them to invest in upcoming talents with a high ceiling.
It is no secret that Liverpool need more quality and depth in the middle of the park. Thuram could prove to be an excellent addition. He has shown his quality with Juventus, and he has the technical attributes to do well in the Premier League as well.
Liverpool need a midfield controller to support Ryan Gravenberch at the base of their midfield. Thuram could form a quality partnership with the Netherlands international. He is excellent when it comes to providing defensive cover and controlling the tempo of the game. He can carry the ball forward as well. Signing him would allow Alexis Mac Allister to operate with more freedom. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool follows up on their interest with an official proposal to get the deal done.
Juventus will not want to lose an important player like him, but they could be tempted if a lucrative proposal is presented. Liverpool have the resources to pay a premium for him. They are looking to build a formidable squad capable of winning every trophy, and they have spent a substantial amount of money this summer. They are looking to improve the team further. Ideally, they should look to invest in a central midfielder, a central defender, and another wide player.
Khephren Thuram of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s third goal. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
The French international would be an exceptional acquisition for them. He is still quite young, and he will only improve with coaching and experience. He has all the tools to develop into a top-class performer in the Premier League.
The opportunity to move to Liverpool could be exciting for Thuram. It would be a step up for him, and he would be joining one of the biggest clubs in the world. Liverpool have recently won the league title, and they have shown that they are capable of fighting for major trophies regularly. Any player could be tempted to be a part of their project. The Reds have been tracking Thuram for over a year.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid need more quality in the middle of the park as well. They will be an attractive destination for the player. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and it remains to be seen whether they can beat Liverpool to his signature.
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit.
The 19-year-old playmaker has impressed with the Dutch outfit, and the two Premier League clubs are keen on securing his services, as per TBR. They have done well to bring in talented young players in recent seasons, and Smit would be another future investment for them. He has all the tools to develop into a top-class playmaker with the right guidance.
Regular football in the Premier League will help him improve and fulfil his potential. Both Chelsea and Tottenham have done well to groom young players, and they could play a key role in his development. Smit would get to work with quality managers like Enzo Maresca and Thomas Frank at the two London clubs. It will be interesting to see where he ends up. Both clubs have the resources to get the deal across the line. It will be interesting to see whether they follow up on their interest with an official proposal to get the deal done.
The midfielder has been compared to Kevin De Bruyne because of his playing style. His vision, technical ability, and ingenuity could prove to be invaluable for Chelsea and Tottenham in the final third. Both clubs are competing in the UEFA Champions League, and they will hope to fight for major trophies soon. They need to keep improving the squad, and signing some of the best young talents in European football would be a step in the right direction.
Kees Smit in action for AZ Alkmaar (Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)
The 19-year-old has the potential to compete in the Premier League, and the opportunity to join some of the biggest clubs in the country will be quite tempting for him.
He will certainly hope that the likes of Chelsea or Tottenham manage to secure an agreement with the Dutch outfit soon. He has the physicality and technical attributes to adapt to English football, and he will look to make an instant impact if the move goes through.
It is fair to assume that any move might have to wait until the summer transfer window. AZ Alkmaar will not want to lose a key player like him in the middle of the season.
Manchester United are looking to improve their attacking unit with the signing of AC Milan attacker Rafael Leao.
The 26-year-old Portuguese international has done quite well in Italy, and his performances have attracted the attention of top clubs. According to Fichajes, Manchester United are now plotting a big-money move for him. It remains to be seen whether they can convince the Italian club to sell him.
There is no doubt that he is a quality player, and he has shown his ability in Italy and in the UEFA Champions League. He has the physicality and technical attributes to thrive in the Premier League, and he could be a key player for Manchester United if he joins the club. Leao has been labelled as “one of the best players in the world” by Luka Modric.
However, the Red Devils have recently signed Matheus Cunha, who operates in a similar role. They are unlikely to drop the Brazilian in favour of Leão. It will be interesting to see how they accommodate both players in the starting line-up.
Rafael Leao in action for AC Milan (Photo by Marco Rosi/Getty Images)
The Portuguese international will not want to sit on the bench at Old Trafford. He will want a guaranteed starting spot, and Manchester United will have to provide him with a clear plan on how they plan to use him if the deal goes through. He will also need game time assurances. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Signing a wide player would be quite surprising for Manchester United. They should look to bring in another striker instead, who can compete with Benjamin Šeško and share the goal-scoring burden with him.
Manchester United are looking to improve their team and fight for major trophies. It will be interesting to see if they can bring in the right additions over the next few months. Meanwhile, the opportunity to move to the Premier League could be exciting for the Portuguese international, full stop. It would be a step up in his career, and he will look to prove himself in the Premier League.
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus has revealed that he plans to stay at the North London club until the end of his contract.
He has been heavily linked with a move away from Arsenal, but the player has no desire to move on. He is waiting to see whether Arsenal will offer him a new deal. The striker is currently sidelined with a knee injury since January, and he is aiming to return to action quickly and establish himself as a key player for the team once again.
Gabriel Jesus on Arsenal future
He said on ESPN: “Every day, the [Arsenal] coach and the board say they’re eager for my return.
“I don’t see myself outside the club’s plans. I have a contract until 2027, and if it’s not renewed by then, I’ll be at the club at least until 2027.”
Jesus has been linked with clubs in Brazil. It will be interesting to see whether any Brazilian club is willing to come forward with an offer to sign him at the end of the season.
He was heavily linked with an exit during the summer transfer window as well, pulls up. It seems unlikely that Arsenal will let him leave in January. They are chasing the league title and the UEFA Champions League. They will not want to weaken the squad in the middle of the season.
Jesus could be a useful option for them during the second half of the campaign.
Gabriel Jesus celebrates a goal for Arsenal (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Palmeiras have been mentioned as a potential destination, and Jesus has hinted that he could be interested in joining them in the future. However, he has no plans to leave the Premier League just yet. It remains to be seen whether he can convince Mikel Arteta to give him more opportunities in the coming months.
If he fails to hold down a starting spot at Arsenal, he could be under pressure to consider an exit. He will not want to sit on the bench at the London club at this stage of his career. Arsenal have already signed a quality striker like Viktor Gyökeres, and it is fair to assume that the Swedish international could be the first-choice striker at the club right now. It remains to be seen how the situation develops with Jesus over the next few months.
Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has revealed that he is not worried about the contract situation of Harry Maguire, and he is focusing on the matches coming up.
The defender will be out of contract at the end of the season, and Manchester United are yet to make a concrete decision on his future. He has been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia in recent months, and it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils are prepared to let him move on.
Ruben Amorim on Harry Maguire
Amorim said on Sky Sports: “We are really happy with Harry. It’s not the time to talk about that again. That gives the idea that we are thinking so far away.
“We are really happy with Harry. He’s really important for us, but we need to focus on the next game.”
Maguire has impressed with his performances this season, and he is certainly a key player for them. Keeping him at the club for a couple of seasons could prove to be a wise decision.
Manchester United still need more quality and depth in the defensive unit, and Maguire could be a useful option for them. He has the quality, experience, and leadership to help the team improve. He could be the ideal mentor for the young players at the club. He knows the league well, and Manchester United might find it difficult to replace him.
Harry Maguire celebrates Manchester United’s win vs Liverpool at Anfield (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, the defender is unlikely to have any shortage of options ahead of him. It will be interesting to see if he decides to move on in the coming months.
Manchester United are going through a period of rebuilding, and they are not quite at the level required to win major trophies. If Maguire has the opportunity to join a big club where he will be able to fight for trophies, he could be tempted.
Ideally, Manchester United should look to move quickly and secure his services for the upcoming season. Despite being in his 30s, Maguire still has a lot to offer.
Liverpool continues to be linked with a move for the Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
They came close to signing the 25-year-old England international during the summer transfer window, but the move collapsed in the end. It seems that they could return for Guehi in January.
Reds to sign Marc Guehi in January?
According to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, Liverpool will be even more determined to get the deal done in the coming weeks. They are in desperate need of defensive reinforcement, and Guehi would be an excellent addition for them.
Brown said on Football Insider: “But I’ve always felt Liverpool could try to get it done in January even if it isn’t a certainty any more.
“He is by far the best option out there at the moment, and he’ll be available for £35million or less, which is a bargain fee for a defender of that quality.
“When you consider the difficulties they’ve had in defense lately, I expect they’ll be even more determined to get that deal done as soon as possible.”
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace in action (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)
He is certainly one of the best central defenders in the league right now, and he could help Liverpool tighten up at the back. They have looked vulnerable defensively at times, and they need to improve at the back if they want to win major trophies.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are likely to lose Ibrahima Konaté on a free transfer at the end of the season, and they will need to replace him. Signing the Crystal Palace defender would be ideal for them. He could be the replacement for the French international.
They managed to convince the defender to join the club during the summer transfer window, and it remains to be seen whether they can convince him to join in January now. They will need to agree on a deal with Crystal Palace as well. However, the Eagles will be under more pressure to sell him this time around. They will not want to lose a player of his quality on a free transfer in the summer.
Liverpool are preparing contingency plans for life after Mohamed Salah, with recruitment conversations now focusing on two Premier League forwards.
According to Football Insider, the Reds have turned their attention to Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United) and Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth) as primary targets should they decide to refresh the right-sided role Salah has made his own at Anfield.
Gordon & Semenyo have caught the attention of Liverpool
Both Gordon and Semenyo have impressed in the Premier League and Arne Slot’s side have a history of interest in these two players.
Although Salah’s future is not a part of the current speculation at the club but with the Egyptian attacker reaching the age of 33, the Reds are now planning for life without him.
Salah signed an extension through 2027, cooling immediate exit talk but not eliminating longer-term succession planning.
Liverpool’s recruitment department typically works multiple windows ahead, and identifying PL-proven profiles who can shoulder creative and scoring load fits that model.
Newcastle’s valuation of Gordon will be steep given his age, contract situation and importance to Howe’s structure. Bournemouth, for their part, have no incentive to sell Semenyo.
Chelsea want Moises Caicedo to sign a new contract, according to Fabrizio Romano. The well-known and well-respected Italian journalist has reported that Chelsea, who won the Conference League last season and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the summer of 2025, have been very impressed with Caicedo and want to reward him with a […]
Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Marc Guehi, according to Fabrizio Romano. Guehi is out of contract at Crystal Palace at the end of the season, and, according to Italian journalist Romano, Tottenham, who won the UEFA Europa League in 2024-25, are among the clubs keen on a deal for the England international defender. Romano […]
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are among the clubs keen on a deal for Aston Villa central defender Ezri Konsa, according to TBR. Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are also said to have been keeping tabs on Konsa and have scouted him in the last 12 months. Journalist Graeme Bailey said: “Ezri Konsa’s name is […]
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are among the clubs keen on a deal for Aston Villa central defender Ezri Konsa, according to TBR. Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are also said to have been keeping tabs on Konsa and have scouted him in the last 12 months. Journalist Graeme Bailey said: “Ezri Konsa’s name is […]
Gabriel Jesus has pledged his future to Arsenal, confirming he plans to remain at the club until his contract ends in June 2027. The Brazilian striker, recovering from knee surgery after an ACL injury in January, is close to returning to action. Despite ongoing speculation about a potential exit in the next transfer window—especially with […]
Tottenham fans have spent the past fortnight wondering why one of the season’s early bright sparks, Pape Matar Sarr, has slipped out of the XI just as performances have dipped.
After a laboured 0-0 draw with Monaco in the Champions League, a game Spurs survived largely thanks to a flawless display from Guglielmo Vicario, manager Thomas Frank was pressed on the Senegal international’s status.
Sarr was a regular in the team earlier this season but in the last few games, Frank has preferred other midfielders.
Pape Matar Sarr has struggled for playing time
It is hugely surprising since Sarr was impressive and with him in the team, the midfield looked more threatning and strong.
Before facing Everton this weekend, Frank was asked about his treatment of the midfielder.
He said, via The Spurs Web:
“There is nothing wrong with him. He was a very good player for us in the first six games. We rested him as a precaution before but competition, other players have done well. He has impressed me a lot though.”
A player who has impressed the manager and was consistent for the team has surprisingly failed to get more minutes.
Tottenham boss Frank’s decision has been questioned
Pape Sarr of Tottenham (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Either Frank is not being completely honest about his opinion of Sarr or there is something else to it since it is a huge shock to see the midfielder struggle to get more minutes.
Frank’s explanation, that Sarr was initially rested as a precaution and then kept out because others performed well, doesn’t sit comfortably with his own acknowledgement that the 23-year-old “was a very good player” in the club’s best spell of form.
The Monaco draw only sharpened the focus on selection. Vicario’s heroics masked systemic issues, passive off-ball phases and a loss of midfield presence, that Sarr helps to address when he plays.
Frank’s “nothing wrong with him” line, intended to quiet speculation, instead shows that Tottenham’s recent lineup choices are a coach’s decision rather than an injury situation.
Contrary to claims circulating in recent days, Bayern have no active interest in pursuing the Portuguese playmaker, who is believed to be seeking an improved contract at Old Trafford.
While Fernandes’ name naturally carries weight in European football discussions, insiders insist that Bayern’s supposed interest is being exaggerated or more bluntly, used as part of a negotiation tactic by the player’s camp.
Fernandes has been reportedly on the radar of the German champions but those reports have now been denied by Falk.
Bayern Munich have no desire to sign Bruno Fernandes
A senior figure within Bayern’s hierarchy has reportedly dismissed the story outright, telling journalists that the speculation is “not true.”
Under sporting directors Max Eberl and Christoph Freund, Bayern Munich are targeting younger, emerging talents rather than established veterans on high salaries.
Fernandes, 31, remains one of Man United’s most productive and influential players, but his current contract and wage package present an obstacle for any potential suitor.
Bayern’s leadership has made it clear in recent months that the club intends to lower its wage structure, following several years of inflated salaries under previous regimes.
Adding an expensive, high-profile player like Fernandes, no matter his quality, would contradict that strategy.
With Fernandes entering a crucial stage of his career, it’s believed that his representatives may be positioning him for an improved deal at United.
Man United star is looking for a pay-rise at Old Trafford
Bruno Fernandes in action for Man United vs Fulham (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
By linking him with a club of Bayern’s stature, the player’s camp could strengthen their leverage in discussions over a contract extension or pay rise.
This tactic is not uncommon in top-level football, where transfer speculation is often used as a negotiation tool.
It’s also worth noting that Bayern’s current midfield option, including Jamal Musiala, Leon Goretzka, and Aleksandar Pavlović, offer a balance of creativity and youth.
Rather than bringing in an older, attack-minded midfielder, Bayern are expected to focus on defensive reinforcements and wide attacking options heading into the next window.
Falk says there is ‘no chance’ of Bayern Munich making a move for Fernandes at the moment.
Bayern Munich appear to be leading the race to sign Marc Guehi, with the German giants reportedly ahead of several Premier League clubs in the pursuit of the Crystal Palace captain.
According to Christian Falk, one of Guehi’s representatives, Gordon Stipic, was recently spotted in Munich for discussions, a development that suggests negotiations are progressing behind the scenes.
Liverpool are interested in a move for Guehi and even tried to sign him in the summer this year but Palace held firm and stopped the defender from joining the Premier League side.
Liverpool still hold interest in signing Marc Guehi
The Bavarian club’s advantage over English competitors stems from two key factors, existing personal connections within the football network and Bayern’s clearly defined long-term recruitment plan.
Freund, who has become the right-hand man of sporting chief Max Eberl, is leveraging his close relationship with Oliver Glasner, a former colleague from their shared time within the Red Bull football structure.
Both men have been in regular contact, discussing the potential of bringing Guehi to the Allianz Arena as part of Bayern’s defensive rebuild.
The 25-year-old England international fits the club’s recruitment philosophy perfectly.
His relatively modest wage demands compared to Premier League stars further enhance the appeal. Moreover, Guehi’s contract situation at Crystal Palace, with speculation that he could become available for a reasonable fee or even on a free in the near future, has intensified Bayern’s focus.
Bayern Munich are leading the race to sign Palace defender
Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace in action (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)
Freund and Eberl have been working to rejuvenate the squad with younger, dynamic players who can grow into leadership roles.
Guehi, who captains Crystal Palace and has already earned recognition at international level with England, is viewed internally as a player who can provide both stability and long-term value.
The fact that Stipic has reportedly been in Munich for discussions shows that concrete steps are being taken to advance the deal.
With Freund applying internal pressure to finalise the move and a clear sporting role waiting for Guehi, Bayern’s intent is firm.
If all continues as planned, Guehi may soon find himself swapping Selhurst Park for Allianz Arena, taking the next major step in his blossoming career.
Leeds United successfully continued their fight to maintain Premier League status on Friday, with early goals from Brenden Aaronson and Joe Rodon sufficient to secure three points against West Ham on Friday. Mateus Fernandes pulled one back for the Hammers in the 90th minute, but it’s small consolation for the team now in serious trouble, […]
The Premier League has always had a reputation for more contact being allowed than in other top European leagues, and Spurs boss Thomas Frank believes it is necessary for any team competing in the English top flight to possess players who thrive on physicality. Thomas Frank: “If you look at the three big boys, Arsenal, […]
Gabriel Jesus has pledged his future to Arsenal, confirming he plans to remain at the club until his contract ends in June 2027. The Brazilian striker, recovering from knee surgery after an ACL injury in January, is close to returning to action. Despite ongoing speculation about a potential exit in the next transfer window—especially with […]
Crystal Palace will want at least £100 million for Adam Wharton, according to TBR. Journalist Graeme Bailey has reported that Palace, who won the FA Cup last season, will use the transfer fee that Arsenal paid West Ham United for Declan Rice to evaluate how much they would want for Wharton. Bailey said: “Whilst not […]
Crystal Palace will want at least £100 million for Adam Wharton, according to TBR. Journalist Graeme Bailey has reported that Palace, who won the FA Cup last season, will use the transfer fee that Arsenal paid West Ham United for Declan Rice to evaluate how much they would want for Wharton. Bailey said: “Whilst not […]
New Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche wants to keep Elliot Anderson at the club, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said: “One thing that will impact his future [is] the managerial situation. “Whoever is in charge of Nottingham Forest will want to keep Elliot Anderson. There’s no doubt about that. He is going to […]
Nottingham Forest, via their official X account, posted a video of the new manager discussing soaking in the “Mull of Kintyre” rendition and contrasts it with past playing struggles, underscoring football’s fleeting successes.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, continue to thrive under Andoni Iraola. The Cherries are fourth in the table with 15 points from eight matches (W4 D3 L1) and remain unbeaten in seven league outings. Their thrilling 3–3 draw at Crystal Palace last weekend saw 19-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi bag a brace, while Ryan Christie added the third before a late equaliser spoiled the party.
Team News
Evanilson (calf) misses out, David Brooks (hamstring) is doubtful, and Enes Ünal has returned to full training but won’t feature. For Forest, Chris Wood and Oleksandr Zinchenko are fitness doubts, while Ola Aina and Bakary Koné remain sidelined.
AFC Bournemouth vs Fulham (Photo Credit: AFC Bournemouth X handle)
Manchester City sounded out Vincent Kompany as a potential heir to Pep Guardiola, prompting a swift and decisive response from Bayern Munich.
While the Bavarians had originally pencilled in contract talks for 2026, City’s interest in their former captain accelerated everything.
Confident in his success in Munich, Kompany was in no rush, yet the moment Bayern sensed a future approach from the Etihad, the German champions moved quickly to secure their manager’s commitment, according to Christian Falk.
Man City were interested in Vincent Kompany
City’s interest in Kompany was genuine. As Guardiola’s long-term future comes into discussion, the club had begun mapping out potential successors, and few profiles are as compelling as Kompany’s, a modern, progressive coach with a deep understanding of City’s footballing ethos.
Bayern Munich had initially decided to offer Kompany a new deal next year but City’s interest changed the timeline and they acted decisively to tie him up to a new deal.
Internally, Bayern are aware that Guardiola’s current plan points to a 2027 exit and that Kompany’s contract would have been nearing its end around the same time.
If City came knocking for their iconic former captain just as his deal in Munich approached its conclusion, the pull, emotional and professional, could be powerful.
The response was immediate. Bayern invited Kompany to the table earlier than planned and presented a long-term vision that resonated with the 39-year-old.
Kompany agreed to extend at the Allianz Arena, and the timeline was breathtakingly short.
The decision itself took less than 24 hours, and the formalities were wrapped up within a week.
Maintaining dressing-room focus was non-negotiable for Kompany, who insisted the process remain out of the spotlight to avoid disrupting the team’s rhythm.
The move protects Bayern’s project and ensures stability on the touchline, while City must look elsewhere as they navigate the delicate question of life after Guardiola.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has opened up about his decision to turn down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia during the summer transfer window, revealing how a heartfelt conversation with his wife, Ana, helped shape his choice.
Speaking to Mail Sport, the Portuguese midfielder admitted that while the financial package on offer was “massive,” the move didn’t match with his career ambitions or sense of unfinished business at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes rejected Saudi move in the summer
Fernandes’ name was among several high-profile stars linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League earlier this year, as clubs backed by substantial financial power sought to lure Europe’s elite.
The midfielder confirmed that a formal offer had been made and described it as life-changing in financial terms but also admitted that his wife’s input proved decisive.
“The first thing she said was, ‘Have you achieved everything you wanted to achieve at the club?’ She knows that I haven’t,” Fernandes revealed, as reported by Ben Jacobs.
The exchange struck a chord with the United skipper. Despite the allure of a higher salary and a more comfortable lifestyle, Fernandes recognised that his journey at Man United remains incomplete.
He continued, acknowledging the magnitude of the offer:
“I don’t think they were very happy for me to reject the offer, obviously. I accept that, because the offer was very good in terms of salary. Everything was massive for me. It was a huge difference.”
Bruno Fernandes of Man United (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
While some players have opted for Saudi Arabia’s riches, Fernandes’ refusal shows a deep sense of professional pride and commitment to his current club’s project.
Even though United would have received a massive transfer fee for the midfielder that might have helped them invest the money in their squad on several positions, they decided to stick with
Fernandes and the player had no desire to leave the club either.
Since joining the club, the Portuguese midfielder has been the best player for them and has regularly chipped in with goals and assists in crucial moments.
His output and his leadership is crucial for the club and it could prove to be the difference for them this season.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has delivered a sobering injury update ahead of the club’s next fixtures, particularly against Brentford on Saturday, confirming a fresh setback and a handful of lingering doubts.
Speaking about the current state of his squad, Slot revealed that Jeremie Frimpong has suffered a hamstring problem that rules him out for at least the next two matchdays, while Alexander Isak and Ryan Gravenberch remain touch-and-go for the weekend.
To compound matters, first-choice goalkeeper Alisson will also be unavailable for longer than initially hoped.
Arne Slot confirms Jeremie Frimpong injury
Slot didn’t sugar-coat the news on Frimpong.
“Jeremie is not in a good place… it is a hamstring injury so that’s going to take a while,” he said, confirming the player will miss the Brenford clash and next week at a minimum, as reported by Ben Jacobs.
On the fitness of Isak and Gravenberch, who have both struggled with injury issues this season, Slot said:
“Alex, not too bad. He’s a question mark for the weekend… and that’s the same to be said about Ryan.”
Both remain under assessment, and late sessions will likely decide involvement.
Alisson Becker of Liverpool in action vs Crystal Palace (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)
“Alisson is not in the squad tomorrow. That’s also going to take a little bit longer,” Slot conceded.
In the Brazilian’s absence, Liverpool will rely on their deputy between the sticks, Giorgio Mamardashvili.
If the Reds navigate this period with smart rotation and disciplined game management, they can limit the damage and keep momentum intact until key names return.
Bayern Munich’s production line has delivered another headline act.
At just 17 years old, right-winger Lennart Karl announced himself on the biggest stage with a composed finish against Club Brugge in the Champions League.
Representatives from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City were in attendance to watch the youngster, sources close to the agents industry have confirmed to CaughtOffside.
Karl’s emergence has been rapid but far from accidental. Within Bayern’s campus he has long been regarded as one of the academy’s brightest prospects.
Lennart Karl has been impressive for Bayern this season
Karl can receive on the touchline to stretch the pitch, but he is equally comfortable darting into the half-spaces to combine with midfielders and full-backs.
Crucially, he presses with intensity, an attribute Bayern demand and Premier League recruiters increasingly prioritise.
While English clubs will continue to track his progress closely, the expectation is that January will be quiet.
Sources indicate that serious approaches could arrive in the summer of 2026 rather than mid-season.
Lennart Karl of Bayern Munich celebrates (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Bayern, for their part, are in a strong position. Karl signed his first professional contract on June 1, 2025, a deal that runs until 2028.
The Bavarians view him as a pillar of their next cycle, and that belief is reflected in a notional valuation in the €70-80 million range.
Karl’s profile fits each brief. Yet any bidder must weigh both the cost and the competitive reality of prising a prized teenager away from a club that seldom sells its crown jewels without a premium.
Bayern intend to keep him and have the contract leverage to do so, but the summer of 2026 is already shaping into a potential battleground if his development continues.
New Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche wants to keep Elliot Anderson at the club, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said: “One thing that will impact his future [is] the managerial situation. “Whoever is in charge of Nottingham Forest will want to keep Elliot Anderson. There’s no doubt about that. He is going to […]
Leeds United want to sign Issouf Sissokho from Maccabi Tel Aviv in the January transfer window, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said: “It’s an interesting link this one, I don’t think there’s a lot that know about Sissokho really. “He’s been playing in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv. He’s played in Champions League […]
Crystal Palace will want at least £100 million for Adam Wharton, according to TBR. Journalist Graeme Bailey has reported that Palace, who won the FA Cup last season, will use the transfer fee that Arsenal paid West Ham United for Declan Rice to evaluate how much they would want for Wharton. Bailey said: “Whilst not […]
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been offered to Manchester United, according to TBR. The Germany international goalkeeper, who is injured at the moment, has also been offered to Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. Journalist Graeme Bailey said: “Ter Stegen is expected to be fully fit by December. Indeed, I am told he is not […]
John McGinn is set to sign a new contract with Aston Villa, according to TBR. Journalist Graeme Bailey has reported that Villa footballing chief Roberto Olabe has agreed a deal in principle with McGinn. McGinn has been on the books of Villa since 2018 when he joined from Scottish club Hibernian. The 31-year-old Scotland international […]
Manchester United want to hand Harry Maguire a new contract, according to Football Insider. The England international central defender himself is open to staying at Old Trafford. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Inside Track podcast: “Well, that winning goal at Anfield hasn’t done any harm at all, has it? “Obviously, a real big moment […]
Liverpool are planning to hand Andy Robertson a new contract, amid interest from Celtic, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Inside Track podcast: “I’d be very surprised if anything was to materialise from this one. “Obviously, Andy Robertson is a boyhood Celtic fan, came through the ranks there before being released […]
Newcastle United plan to award Bruno Guimaraes with a new contract, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Insider Track podcast: “Yeah, I think it would be ideal for Newcastle if they could tie down Bruno to a new deal. “It does seem that Bruno is happy and committed to Newcastle. “Obviously, […]
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been offered to Manchester United, according to TBR. The Germany international goalkeeper, who is injured at the moment, has also been offered to Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. Journalist Graeme Bailey said: “Ter Stegen is expected to be fully fit by December. Indeed, I am told he is not […]
Liverpool are planning to hand Andy Robertson a new contract, amid interest from Celtic, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Inside Track podcast: “I’d be very surprised if anything was to materialise from this one. “Obviously, Andy Robertson is a boyhood Celtic fan, came through the ranks there before being released […]
Leeds United want to sign Issouf Sissokho from Maccabi Tel Aviv in the January transfer window, according to Football Insider. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said: “It’s an interesting link this one, I don’t think there’s a lot that know about Sissokho really. “He’s been playing in Israel with Maccabi Tel Aviv. He’s played in Champions League […]
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been offered to Manchester United, according to TBR. The Germany international goalkeeper, who is injured at the moment, has also been offered to Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United. Journalist Graeme Bailey said: “Ter Stegen is expected to be fully fit by December. Indeed, I am told he is not […]
John McGinn is set to sign a new contract with Aston Villa, according to TBR. Journalist Graeme Bailey has reported that Villa footballing chief Roberto Olabe has agreed a deal in principle with McGinn. McGinn has been on the books of Villa since 2018 when he joined from Scottish club Hibernian. The 31-year-old Scotland international […]
Manchester United want to hand Harry Maguire a new contract, according to Football Insider. The England international central defender himself is open to staying at Old Trafford. Journalist Pete O’Rourke said on the Inside Track podcast: “Well, that winning goal at Anfield hasn’t done any harm at all, has it? “Obviously, a real big moment […]
Rúben Amorim has offered an emphatic vote of confidence in young goalkeeper Senne Lammens, praising the Belgian’s temperament and impact during a delicate period for the club.
For a side trying to stabilise results while refining its identity, the manager’s public backing signals that Lammens has become a trusted figure in a high-pressure role.
The goalkeeping position has been a huge cause of concern for the Red Devils recently.
Man United finally have a reliable goalkeeper
Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir have both made high profile errors at the club that have cost them crucial points.
Amorim admitted even he has been pleasantly surprised by just how smoothly Lammens has handled the situation.
“Senne Lammens has been great. His impact surprised me a little bit, because it is hard in the moment of our club and all of the speculation around our goalkeepers… he has coped really well with the pressure,” the manager explained, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
Man United have been working through an unsettled stretch marked by scrutiny over who should wear the No. 1 shirt.
When the season started, Bayindir was trusted by the manager but since the signing of Lammens, Amorim changed his mind.
Senne Lammens of Man United (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Lammens has offered the two qualities coaches crave most from their goalkeeper, reliability and clarity. Amorim distilled it succinctly: “He is really composed.”
That composure has translated to better decision making. In possession, he has shown the courage to split centre-halves and invite pressure, giving midfielders the extra beat they need to find space and enabling the side to play through the first line rather than defaulting to long clearances.
With a calmer presence behind them, the defenders look more confident stepping out to engage, and full-backs have been able to push on without fear of being exposed in transition.
Eberechi Eze has opened up about one of the biggest transfer decisions of his career, revealing that a potential move to Tottenham was on the table before Arsenal’s interest completely changed the picture.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Athletic, the English midfielder admitted that once the Gunners made their approach, there was only ever going to be one outcome.
The former Crystal Palace star described the allure of Arsenal as something greater than just football.
Eze came agonisingly close to joining Spurs this summer but a last minute attempt from Arsenal to sign him changed his mind.
Eze told The Athletic, Arsenal’s late intervention made his mind up instantly:
“I was prepared to go to Tottenham… but from the moment Arsenal came, it was always going to be them,” Eze explained, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
The midfielder went on to describe what makes Arsenal such an appealing destination under Mikel Arteta.
He likened playing for the North London giants to performing on a grand stage, a place where the stakes are high, the expectations immense, and the pressure relentless.
“Playing for Arsenal is more like a show or theatre,” he said. “There’s more pressure, playing for titles, but it’s something I’ve dreamed of.”
Eberechi Eze in action for Arsenal against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium (Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
This dream speaks volumes about Arsenal’s transformation under Arteta. The Gunners have regained their identity as a club associated with attacking football, defensive discipline and a belief that they can once again compete for major honours.
The incentive to join the Gunners was to prove a point as well. He was part of the Arsenal academy at a young age and the north London club allowed him to leave, something that made Eze cry at that time.
It is now time for him to prove himself at the club and work towards completing the dream he had as a youngster and that is to win silverware for the club of his heart.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has moved to calm growing speculation surrounding Mohamed Salah’s recent dip in form, insisting that the Egyptian star’s track record speaks for itself.
The Dutch coach remains confident that his talismanic forward will rediscover his scoring touch soon, emphasising that Salah’s consistency and professionalism leave little reason for concern.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s match against Brentford, Slot reaffirmed his faith in the club’s all-time Premier League top scorer, reminding supporters that temporary goal droughts are simply part of a long season.
Mo Salah has struggled with his goal scoring form
Salah’s recent run of matches without a goal has sparked debate among pundits and fans, particularly given his typically high standards and reputation as one of the league’s most clinical forwards.
Despite the scrutiny, Slot remains composed and supportive, highlighting that the 33-year-old’s career has been built on a relentless ability to deliver when it matters most.
“I’m not worried. The main thing is Mo has always scored his goals for our club,” Slot said, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
“The last thing I worry about is Mo starting to score goals again because that’s what he’s done his whole life, and that’s what I expect him to do again.”
The Egyptian attacker’s poor form has also cause more trouble to Slot and the Reds because along with him, new signing like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have failed to deliver so far and fans are starting to get worried about their chances of winning top honours this season.
After guiding the Merseyside club to the league title last season, Salah’s form has raised eyebrows but with the support of Slot and his teammates, he can turn it around like he regularly done in the past.
Leeds United secured an important Premier League victory as they defeated West Ham United 2-1, Softfootball reported. The club manager Daniel Farke praised the teams spirit and resilience after a challenging week.
Daniel Frake Post Match Reaction (Credit: Leeds Media)
Farke admitted that winning under such circumstances was never easy. He said:
To win the momentum back is always a difficult game and then you have to dig in and grind out a result. We had a difficult week in terms of illnesses, injuries—many players were struggling individually
Despite these challenges, the team showed determination, with several players stepping up to make key contributions. The manager also highlighted the team’s strong start and improved performance after halftime.
We corrected some issues at halftime and were way better in the beginning of the second half,
he explained, while noting that the players were visibly tired in the final stages.
In the last 20 minutes, you could feel that the lads were getting tired… We didn’t have the substance to go for 90 minutes on full strength, but we wanted to bring this over the line.
Brenden Aaronson gives Leeds the lead (Photo credit: Leeds United – X)
Farke was pleased with Leeds’ finishing after previous criticism of their conversion rate. Highlighting goals from Joe Rodon and Brenden Aaronson, the latter earning man-of-the-match recognition, he said:
There was lots of criticism with our conversion rate. Today we were clinical, especially with the first chances.
He also stressed the importance of teamwork and confidence.
It was a real team performance… The boys should be proud of themselves. It’s important in the Premier League that you keep planting the flag every few games. You can’t let runs go on too long.
Despite the challenges of injuries and fatigue, Farke believes this win will boost morale and momentum.
The only thing that matters today are the three points, and we’re pretty happy with them,
Leeds United held on for a vital 2–1 win over West Ham in a game full of energy, drama and late tension. There was a bright start from Leeds and a tense finish.
Softfootball reported that Leeds United had a tough start this season with only two wins in their first eight matches, including a match they lost to Burnley recently with a 2-0 result. So, tonight’s victory was a much needed boost for their season and would help them bounce back on track.
Brenden Aaronson gives Leeds the lead (Photo credit: Leeds United – X)
Leeds took on dominance as early as the third minute when Brenden Aaronson reacted first to a loose ball and calmly sent the ball home to make 1-0.
That first goal established confidence in Leeds and they had control of the game at the onset, pressing high and creating chances. The second goal from Leeds came from a carefully drafted corner.
Rodon doubles the lead (Photo credit: leeds media)
In the 15th minute, Sean Longstaff swung in a set piece and Joe Rodon quickly gave the goal that made it 2-0. There was joy from the spectators and Leeds continued to defend strongly with Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu assisting numerous times.
West Ham gradually started making a comeback and frustrated Leeds a few times. Alphonse Areola made a sharp save which denied a wonderful kick from Jarrod Bowen.
Lucas Paquetá and Bowen began to create more openings as the match continued. West Ham’s recent form hasn’t been so strong, having suffered back to back losses, including a 2-0 defeat in a match against Arsenal.
Leeds team had a couple of injury concerns and had to make some replacements. Gabriel Gudmundsson was replaced by James Justin in the first half and Noah Okafor was replaced by Jack Harrison.
There were other changes made to secure the lead like Dominic Calvert-Lewin being replaced by Luka Nmecha. About the time it seemed Leeds was going to take on another goal, West Ham finally hit just at the stoppage time.
Fernandes goal against Leeds (Photo Credit: West Ham Media)
In the 90th minute Jarrod Bowen crossed and Mateus Fernandes headed past Lucas Perri to make it 2-1. The final minutes were heavy but Leeds didn’t back down.
The Leeds team are now filled with so much excitement and they have shared the video on their official X handle:
While speaking to the media before the Crystal Palace match, the Arsenal manager explained that Gabriel has developed into one of the best central defenders in the world. He also added that the Brazilian has an incredible mentality and a tremendous attitude.
He has been one of the main reasons why Arsenal have been outstanding defensively. He has formed a solid partnership with William Saliba at the back. In addition to that, the Brazilian has been exceptional going forward as well. He has been lethal for Arsenal while attacking set pieces, and he has added a new dimension to their attack.
Mikel Arteta hails “incredible” Arsenal star as “one of the best” in the world. pic.twitter.com/1fGdcI8ulC
Mikel Arteta said of Gabriel: “If I want a defence to master both boxes. Gabby’s presence, it’s a lot to like. One of the best centre backs in the world. Gaby is incredible.”
Gabriel Magalhaes celebrates scoring for Arsenal against Atletico Madrid (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
The Brazilian defender is at the peak of his career, and he has been performing at a high level. There is no doubt that he is one of the best defenders around. It will be interesting to see if he can help Arsenal improve further in the coming months and get them over the line.
They have come close to winning the league title in recent seasons, and they will look to go all the way this time around.
Having top-class players like Gabriel at their disposal certainly gives them an edge. The Brazilian is enjoying his best form right now, and it is no surprise that his manager considers him one of the best players in the world in his position.
Arsenal have been in excellent form in the Premier League and in the UEFA Champions League this season.
They are sitting on top of the league table, but they have been criticised for their defensive approach. The Gunners have failed to create too many chances, and they have looked conservative in their approach this season.
However, they have been exceptional defensively, and teams have found it increasingly difficult to break them down. Mikel Arteta has put together a solid defensive unit, and there is every reason to believe that Arsenal could end up winning major trophies this season because of their defensive set-up.
Arteta on Sir Alex Ferguson quote
During his pre-match presser before the Crystal Palace game, the Arsenal manager was asked to share his thoughts on the famous Sir Alex Ferguson’s famous quote, where the former Manchester United manager emphasised the importance of having a quality defensive unit. The Scottish manager had claimed that attackers can win you matches, but it is the defenders who end up winning the major trophies for their teams.
Reacting to the question, Arteta explained that Sir Alex Ferguson was right in his assessment, and his success as a manager speaks volumes.
Mikel Arteta highlights “big message” from Sir Alex Ferguson to justify Arsenal's approach. pic.twitter.com/Yr82d7MmRL
Mikel Arteta said: “When you look at his titles and who’s speaking, you have to really put that big message in your office. He’s right. We defend to attack better. That’s the intention, not to concede. We have that mindset.”
Arsenal have invested a substantial amount of money on quality attacking players this summer. It will be interesting to see if players like Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze can help them improve in the final third as the season progresses. So far, they have done quite well, and it is fair to assume that they will only improve as the new signings continue to settle in.
Chelsea are interested in signing Guela Doue from RC Strasbourg.
According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are interested in the 23-year-old full-back as well. It will be interesting to see if Chelsea can get the deal done. They are owned by the same parent company as Strasbourg, and that could certainly give them an advantage in the transfer race.
Chelsea eyeing Guela Doue
Pete O’Rourke said: “I’m sure it’s more than just Aston Villa that he’s caught the eye of.
“Doue’s had a very good time at Strasbourg. Impressed again last weekend [17 October] against the European champions PSG in that game as well and has established himself as one of the most promising young full-backs in Ligue 1 right now.
“Chelsea are also interested in him. You’ve got Brighton, they’ve been looking at him as well.
“So look, there’s going to be a host of clubs who’ll be keeping eyes on Doue’s progress at Strasbourg.”
The French outfit might prefer to sell the player to Chelsea instead of Aston Villa. The Blues have the resources to get the deal done as well.
Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain jumps for the head ball against Guela Doue of RC Strasbourg (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images for Qatar Airways )
The 23-year-old has done quite well in France, and he has the technical attributes to succeed in the Premier League. He could be an excellent addition to Chelsea. They need to add more quality and depth through the defensive unit, and Doue would be a superb long-term acquisition.
Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to join them will be quite attractive for the player. It would be a step up for him, and he would get to test himself against world-class players in England. It could help him improve further and fulfil his potential.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa will need a quality long-term replacement for Matty Cash. It remains to be seen whether they can win the race for the 23-year-old. He would be an excellent addition if they managed to get the deal done. However, convincing Strasbourg and the player could prove to be tricky.
Mikel Arteta has sent a heartfelt message to Arsenal fans before Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace, asking them to bring their energy and support to the Emirates Stadium, Softfootball reports.
At Mikel Arteta’s pre-match press Conference at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, he emphasized the crucial role supporters play in helping the team perform at their best.
Mikel Arteta (Photo credit: arsenal media)
The Gunners shared an insightful perspective from head coach Mikel Arteta, via their official X handle;
"The atmosphere is one of the most important things, and I love that."
The Gunners shared a video of Arteta on their official X handle, urging supporters to be in their seats early, showing energy and positive body language from the very first whistle. Watch below:
After a big midweek performance, Arteta knows the team will need another strong push from the stands. He acknowledges the physical and mental toll of recent games and sees the upcoming match as a test of resilience and focus.
He hopes the Emirates will once again be full of noise, colour, and passion, turning the fans’ support into a driving force for another important win.
In a heartfelt chat ahead of his 300th Manchester United appearance against Brighton on October 25, 2025, captain Bruno Fernandes opened up about his journey, ambitions, and loyalty to the club.
"This is far [bigger] than anything I dreamed about."@B_Fernandes8 on the prospect of making his 300th United appearance tomorrow pic.twitter.com/aXVzhIX8Vk
My aim is to win the Premier League and Champions League at Manchester United. I haven’t been able to give the success that this club wants and deserves, and also the success that I wanted in my head when I signed for United… so my mission is clear.
Since arriving in January 2020, Fernandes has registered 100 goals and 87 assists in 299 matches, collecting two domestic cups along the way. Yet, he admits the biggest prizes are still missing. He added:
People will see me as a better player when I win something bigger with the team.
Bruno Fernandes: “My aim is to win the Premier League and Champions League at Manchester United”.
“I haven't been able to give the success that this club wants and deserves, and also the success that I wanted in my head when I signed for United… so my mission is clear”. pic.twitter.com/H1X1DgIHDl
The midfielder revealed he turned down a £100 million offer from Al Hilal last summer, after consulting Cristiano Ronaldo and club chiefs. He said firmly, dismissing talk of a pre-agreement for 2026:
I wasn’t eager to move… I wanted to stay at the club.
The United captain reflected on his milestone moment, saying that playing 300 times for the club is far beyond anything I dreamed of. He added:
As a kid, I played football 24/7. That same kid is still inside me, hungry and happy every time I step on the pitch.
Bruno Fernandes (Photo Credit – Bruno Fernandes via X)
Liverpool is set for a Premier League clash with Brentford this Saturday at the Gtech Community Stadium. The Reds are looking to build on their recent boost of confidence, while Brentford aim to continue their strong home form.
For Brentford, it’s been a bit of a roller coaster season with some good times and some bad times. Softfootball reported how they pulled in a big win against West Ham, defeating them 2-0 away from home. Under Keith Andrews, the Bees aim to play a clever, tactical game to frustrate stronger opponents, while also using their pace to catch teams off-guard.
Arne Slot (Photo Credit – Liverpool Official Website)
Speaking in a press conference ahead of the match between Liverpool and Brentford, Arne Slot highlighted the status of his players, Mohammed Salah’s form and the challenges of the match.
Arne Slot and Mohammed Salah (photo credit: Liverpool media)
Slot spoke in favor of Salah who has played a few matches without scoring, classifying the Egyptian star as one of the most reliable players in the team. He said:
The main thing is that Mo has always scored goals for our club. The last thing I worry about is Mo starting to score goals again because that’s what he’s done his whole life and what I expect him to do in the upcoming weeks and months for our club as well
When asked about the squad changes affect Salah’s form, the manager reflected on summer changes and their possible impact, saying:
It could. Not particularly maybe the right full-back, but it could [be]… for every player if you have quite a few changes in your squad during the summer then everyone needs to find new connections again… Mo is not an exception to this because he’s also a human being like all the others…
Curtis Jones (Photo Credit: Liverpool media)
Slot noted Curtis Jones’ commanding midfield display against Frankfurt, explaining the tactical setup behind his influence:
I’m not so surprised that he touched the ball a lot because I positioned him and Dom a bit lower… Curtis has played a very good game against Frankfurt.
Speaking on the challenge of selecting the best XI, Slot said:
It’s not only about new signings… It’s about a lot of very good players, so what is your best line-up? The team you face, the tactics the other team plays with, the form of the player and the connections between the players… you can also have moments in the season where things are a bit more difficult.
He added that integrating new signings in matches also plays a role:
It was maybe also the first time there was an opportunity to play with both Alex and Hugo because of Alex missing out for so long… certain players bring different characteristics.
Keith Andrews, the head coach of Brentford also spoke ahead of the match. As shared in the club’s verified X handle, He sounded positive on the team’s recent performance and talked about the need for improvements.
The performance levels of so many aspects on Monday were very pleasing. There’s always things you can tweak. Naturally you can become a little bit more demanding, and fine tune, when everybody is in a good place. We need to build on that
He also spoke about his team’s preparation for the match against Liverpool. He admitted that the game will be tough but his players are ready.
Keith Andrews on Liverpool gameplan
"We have to manage the game. We are well aware of the strengths that they have. We’ll see what their teamsheet brings tomorrow evening. We’ll be prepared for it and are really looking forward to it" pic.twitter.com/aqE8az4jRp
For Liverpool, Alexandra Isak’s coming back is in doubt especially as he had come off at half-time in the game with Eintracht Frankfurt because of his groin injury. It is also not certain if Ryan Gravenberch will be playing in the match because of his ankle injury. Jeremie Frimpong, Alisson Becker, and Giovanni Leoni remain out.
For Brentford, Antoni Milambo and Paris Maghoma will not play because of an ACL and thigh injuries respectively. There is doubt about Aaron Hickey because of a knock to his knee.
Possible Lineups:
Brentford (4-2-3-1): Kelleher; Collins, Van den Berg, Pinnock; Kayode, Henderson, Yarmolyuk, Lewis-Potter; Damsgaard; Schade, Thiago
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Bradley; Konaté; Virgil van Dijk; Robertson; Mac Allister; Jones; Salah; Szoboszlai; Gakpo; Ekitike.
Prediction:
With Liverpool’s superior quality, they could win with a 2-1 scoreline but Brentford will still make the game tough for them because of their strength at home.
Manchester United will look to stretch their winning run to four games when they face Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Rúben Amorim’s men have started to click, and the mood around the club is beginning to change—especially after that stunning 2–1 win over Liverpool at Anfield, as reported by Softfootball. It was United’s first league victory there in a decade and probably the most defining result of Amorim’s early reign.
Manchester United vs Liverpool (Photo Credit: Softfootball Media)
The Red Devils have now won three straight Premier League matches for the first time under the Portuguese boss. Confidence is back at Old Trafford, where they have taken three wins on the bounce. Defender Matthijs de Ligt, as reported by Softfootball, said he is hitting his prime years at Manchester United and has quietly become a rock at the back. Amorim’s tactical structure is working — solid, sharp, and focused — but Brighton’s visit won’t be a stroll.
Brighton, led by Fabian Hürzeler, arrive unbeaten in four league games after seeing off Newcastle 2–1. They have got the youngest average starting XI in the league, full of energy and ideas. Still, one clean sheet in twenty matches tells its own story. Oddly, Brighton have dominated this fixture — six wins in the last seven meetings and three straight at Old Trafford. No side has done that since Manchester City in the late ‘60s.
Matthijs de Ligt of Manchester United (Photo Credit: United via X)
Team News
Manchester United: Lisandro Martínez is still recovering from an ACL injury but has resumed partial training. Harry Maguire and Mason Mount are being checked for minor issues, while Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven are available.
Brighton: Adam Webster, Solly March, Jack Hinshelwood, and Brajan Gruda are ruled out. Joel Veltman and Kaoru Mitoma could return after light training, while Diego Gómez remains a doubt.
Bryan Mbeumo celebrates scoring for Manchester United against Liverpool (Photo Credit: Manchester United X handle)
Possible Lineups
Manchester United (3-4-2-1): Lammens; De Ligt, Maguire, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Cunha; Šeško.
Brighton (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Wieffer, Dunk, Van Hecke, Kadioglu; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Rutter, De Cuyper; Welbeck.
Manchester United, via their official X account, announced their Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford following a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Liverpool, which could shift momentum for new manager Ruben Amorim amid fan pressure.
It feels like United are finally finding rhythm under Amorim, but Brighton’s movement and bravery in attack make them tricky to contain. Bryan Mbeumo, who’s been involved in six goals in his last four starts against Brighton, could be decisive again. On the other end, Danny Welbeck, fresh off four goals in three matches, would love to remind his old fans what they once had.
Softfootball tips a 2–1 win for Manchester United, but don’t rule out a draw — Brighton’s record at Old Trafford speaks for itself.
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