Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has emerged as a summer target for Real Madrid, according to a new report.
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West Bromwich Albion will be aiming to pick up their second win in December when playing back at the Hawthorns up next after losing on the road to Watford.
The Baggies haven’t been at their best on their own patch this season, however, with just three victories coming their way from ten games in the Championship, as collecting a bumper six draws has often stopped them in their tracks from picking up a crucial three points.
Carlos Corberan will be anticipating a response from his side’s disappointing 2-1 loss to the Hornets though, with the Spaniard also eager for Josh Maja to break his goalscoring duck when Bristol City come to town today.
Maja's form for West Brom
Maja will obviously be granted some slack for his current barren patch in front of goal, considering he has fired home ten strikes when at the top of his game in the tricky league, away from failing to find the back of the net during his side’s last five league encounters.
The former Sunderland attacker did attempt to create some openings for his teammates in the narrow loss at Vicarage Road though, with two key passes amassed, but zero shots on the Watford goal meant another game passed him by without a second-tier strike being buried.
Still, the 25-year-old cannot be written off against Liam Manning’s Robins, having averaged a Championship goal every 167 minutes this campaign, meaning his duck must be coming to an end soon.
He could be helped in the contest by Corberan switching up personnel in the middle of the park, with this creative machine perhaps reinstated into the XI over summer recruit Uros Racic.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Mowatt's performances this season
The player in question here is West Brom star Alex Mowatt, with the former Leeds United man having to settle for a place on the bench versus the Hornets last match.
He could find himself back in his manager’s first team plans for the test of the visitors from Bristol, however, as the 29-year-old impressed from off the substitutes bench late on last time out.
From just 25 minutes of action, Mowatt would muster up a hefty 43 touches of the ball, leading to 34 accurate passes being made and one key pass being tallied up.
In stark contrast, from his far superior 65-minute outing, Racic would only manage three more accurate passes, with Mowatt also boasting some impressive numbers across the entire season away from this slender defeat to Tom Cleverley’s men to justify his inclusion later today.
Stat – per 90 mins*
Mowatt
Games played
21
Games started
19
Goals scored
4
Assists
1
Touches*
74.9
Accurate passes*
56.3 (90%)
Ball recoveries*
4.6
Total duels won*
3.6
Stats by Sofascore
All in all, it’s been a very positive season for Mowatt so far, with the entertaining Baggies number 27 helping himself to four goals and an assist in the Championship.
But, Corberan also likes the bite his dependable midfielder can give his side centrally, as can be seen in his ball recovery and duels won numbers above, with the Spaniard even referring to Mowatt as a “warrior” in the past.
After all, the experienced star did score this delightful first-time strike when West Brom last played at home to secure a 2-0 victory over Coventry City, meaning it could well be likely his manager shuffles his pack to reintroduce him back into the first team fold.
His constant ability to try and fashion an opening – away from any other standout attributes – could also be a needed boost to a misfiring Maja, as the promotion candidates strive to pick up a win before the hectic Christmas fixture schedule truly kicks in.
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West Bromwich Albion will have to consider losing this star soon.
ByKelan Sarson Dec 17, 2024
Looking ahead to the future, Fulham have now reportedly submitted their first bid to sign a teenage sensation and sit in pole position to secure his signature for Marco Silva.
The Cottagers have gone under the radar at times this season, but deserve great credit for how they remain within a point of the top half and can even rise to as high as seventh if results go their way. With Brighton & Hove Albion up next, the London club have the chance to return to winning ways after earning a point against Tottenham Hotspur last time out.
Fulham should not rest on their laurels just yet, however. All it takes is one look at Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers to see how quickly things can change in the Premier League. Both clubs failed to recruit well enough in the summer and have suffered as a result. Fulham must avoid suffering a similar fate.
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1
By
Brett Worthington
Dec 3, 2024
Unlike their London rivals and those in the Midlands, however, the Cottagers seem to be well aware of the need to keep one eye on the future. According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Fulham have submitted an opening bid to sign Gabriel Schluter and remain in pole position to sign the Blackpool teenager amid competition from Stockport County.
The 16-year-old has become quite the sensation so far this season, beginning to emerge into Steve Bruce’s senior side and instantly earning the interest of Premier League Fulham as a result.
Those at Craven Cottage will hope to beat Stockport to his signature given their top-flight status, but should be aware of how much game time they can offer the midfielder compared to the League One side in the coming years.
Fulham find themselves in a luxury position in the Premier League. Relegation, at this stage, should be an afterthought and the starting side that Silva has at his disposal is strong enough to maintain their top-flight status. Instead, the Cottagers are in position to set their ambitions higher and focus on building a side ready to take that crucial next step into the European places. And that would make Schluter an ideal arrival.
The 16-year-old wouldn’t come straight into the senior side of course, but he could take a similar path to the likes of Ryan Sessegnon by eventually playing his part week in week out at Craven Cottage, as the full-back did before a move away and injuries disrupted his progress.
As for Schluter, he has quite the decision to make it seems. He could yet decide to stay put at Blackpool, where he is on the cusp of the first-team or he could take the same path at Stockport. If he’s good enough then the Premier League will come call again. Away from those two options, however, is a move to Fulham and the chance to realise a top-flight dream before he’s even become a regular senior player.
The Australian Cricketers’ Association is hopeful the key parts of a new pay deal between the players and Cricket Australia could be resolved in the coming months with chief executive Todd Greenberg vowing that there will be no repeat of the ugly dispute that unfolded when the last deal was struck in 2017.Discussions on a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) have been ongoing between Greenberg and CA chief executive Nick Hockley with the pair currently in Pakistan together on tour with the Australian men’s team for the first Test in Rawalpindi.They have been speaking regularly since coming into their respective posts in 2021 in a bid to form a stronger bond than the almost non-existent relationship between predecessors James Sutherland and Alistair Nicholson back in 2017 when an ugly 10-month pay dispute led to the players being unemployed for 34 days and an Australia A tour being cancelled before a resolution was found.”I’d be surprised if we haven’t got something resolved in the coming months,” Greenberg told ESPNcricinfo. “First and foremost, we don’t anticipate having any of the MoU discussions conducted in the same manner that it was way back in 2017. I think a lot of that has changed.”Cricket Australia have recognised the revenue share model and the importance of that for cricket. The game has continued to grow during this period of time, and I think despite the difficulties of the Covid pandemic, what it has demonstrated is there is a really strong alignment of partnering between the game and the players because there’s a real need for each other to be aligned on that. So the model works. Effectively if games aren’t being played, revenue is not being earned.”We’ve made some good progress already on the MoU discussions. Nick and I have been leading those on behalf of our respective teams. And I’m hopeful we can come to an agreement in a relatively short space of time, which will see both the players and Cricket Australia in a really strong position to come out of the pandemic.”Bubbles have been a strain on finances and the players•Cricket Australia via Getty Images
Greenberg was pleased he had been able to forge a relationship with Hockley over the last year to create a greater dialogue between the ACA and CA on a range of issues.”We’ve spent a lot of time together,” Greenberg said. “And I’m pleased that we are spending time together because it’s really important when we said we can talk about different issues in the game and I can certainly give him perspectives on behalf of the players both male and females.”That relationship is really strong. I came into this role knowing the history of the last MoU and the difficulties that the game faced, and I was pretty determined to try to repair some bridges and try to mend some of those relationships. And so Nick and I both being new in our roles have an opportunity to do that.”The new MoU is one of a number of key issues for Cricket Australia to resolve in the coming months. New CA chairman Lachlan Henderson outlined a new cricket strategy with refreshing the BBL at the top of the agenda, particularly with a new TV broadcast rights deal set to be negotiated in 2024, after the new MoU is already in place.Covid has also affected CA’s bottom line with Henderson revealing the administration had spent $40 million on biosecurity over the past two seasons, money it needs to recoup.The players are hopeful the bio-bubbles will not be required next summer after two years of playing in such environments both home and abroad.”We’re really hopeful that we can return to some level of normality next summer by the time that rolls around,” Greenberg said. “But it’s certainly not lost on me and it shouldn’t be lost on the fans that the players have made enormous sacrifices to keep the game underway.”The players have made it very clear to me that at any point in time, the most important thing for them is to continue to play cricket and if you go back over the last 24 months the sacrifices players have made to be away from families to be in isolated environments, some of the sacrifices from players from Western Australia who have literally not been home since the middle of last year is nothing short of phenomenal.”They know that they’ve got a huge responsibility to do that, a responsibility to keep the show on the road but a responsibility to play cricket so that the revenues are still coming into the game. Because the revenues are there to generate grassroots participation and to keep the game flowing from top to bottom.”
It’s no secret that Manchester United have been home to one of the very best academies in English football over the years, producing endless talents that have had a huge impact on the beautiful game – namely the ‘Class of 92’.
David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville, Gary Neville and Paul Scholes were the six graduates who progressed into being key first-team players in Manchester.
The six players made over 3000 appearances for the club during their respective periods at the Theatre of Dreams, contributing to their success, which has seen them claim 20 English top division titles – making them the most successful club in the country.
Fast-forward to 2024, new boss Ruben Amorim is on the lookout for a new crop of stars to make the jump into his squad, potentially making his tenure in the Premier League a roaring triumph.
Manchester United’s U18 squad in 2024/25
Whilst the club’s first-team have failed to deliver during the opening months, leading to the sacking of Erik ten Hag, the academy side have thrived and impressed beyond any imagination in recent weeks.
During the U18 Premier League season to date, the Red Devils have played nine matches, winning all nine and sitting at the top of the table – sitting five points clear of rivals Manchester City, boasting the only unbeaten record in the division.
Their record is all the more impressive when delving into their stats, scoring 43 times in their outings – an average of 4.7 goals per game, whilst conceding just four goals in the process.
Winger James Scanlon has caught the eye, scoring nine times and registering four assists in his eight appearances, currently sitting as their top-scorer and playing a huge part in their attacking success in recent months.
16-year-old Chido Obi-Martin arrived in the summer from Arsenal, joining with high expectations after his record from 2023/24 which saw him score 32 times in 18 matches during the U18 Premier League campaign.
The Dane has already made a solid start to life in the North, registering four goals in his opening four matches, including a hat-trick on his debut against Nottingham Forest in the 6-0 victory.
However, there’s another youth prospect who could have a significant role to play under new boss Amorim, following in the footsteps of multiple current members of the 39-year-old’s squad.
The teen who could star under Amorim for Man Utd
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are two players currently plying their trade for United, making the step up from youth level to the professional game with ease.
The English man has already made his mark at international level, featuring under Gareth Southgate at Euro 2024, with Garnacho also featuring for Argentina, but also having a talismanic role in the opening weeks of 2024/25.
The 20-year-old has already registered seven goals and four assists in his opening 19 matches of the season, the most of any player in the Red Devils side.
Amorim could add another talented academy star into the mix in the coming years in the form of centre-back Godwill Kukonki, who has starred in the U18 setup despite being just 16.
He’s made eight appearances, playing a huge part in their defensive success in recent months, earning him an immediate call-up to Amorim’s squad.
In The Pipeline
Football FanCast's In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.
Kukonki, who’s been dubbed as “incredibly exciting” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has been involved in first-team training after his appointment, even travelling with the side for the game against Ipswich Town at the weekend.
Manchester United’s youngest-ever appearance makers in history
Player
Date
Age
1) David Gaskell
24/10/1956
16 years, 19 days
2) Jeff Whitefoot
05/04/1950
16 years, 5 months, 15 days
3) Duncan Edwards
04/04/1953
16 years, 6 months, 4 days
4) Angel Gomes
21/05/2017
16 years, 8 months, 20 days
5) Willie Anderson
28/12/1963
16 years, 11 months, 17 days
Stats via Transfermarkt
He may have a lot of developing before he’s able to make an impact at Old Trafford, but his 6 foot 5 frame could see him develop into a key figure over the years to come in the new-look back three.
The injury crisis at the back could allow the youngster to make strides into cementing a place under Amorim, with the former Sporting CP boss evidently showing a lot of trust in the stars despite his tender age.
Their academy has been a source of solace over the years, with Kukonki having all of the tools to become a part of United’s revival under the former Portuguese international during his tenure in the North West.
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The former Manchester United talent has still demonstrated his talents away from Old Trafford.
ByEthan Lamb Nov 27, 2024
The former USMNT star and current analyst shares his thoughts on USL’s ambitious plan to create a new top-tier league
USL intend to launch a Division 1 league starting in 2027Lalas expresses excitementBelieves it has potential implications for MLSGettyWHAT HAPPENED
The United Soccer League (USL) has announced plans to launch a new Division 1 league in 2027, potentially challenging Major League Soccer’s status as the sole top-tier league in the United States. The news has sparked excitement among fans and caught the attention of former USMNT player and MLS executive Alexi Lalas, who discussed the plans on his podcast. Lalas noted that the move could significantly impact soccer's development in the U.S., offering competition for MLS and creating more opportunities for players.
“The reality is the more soccer the better and there is plenty of room for other leagues. The competition that is going to ensue on and off the field, is a good thing. It’s a good in business and this is a business. It also helps show that there’s nothing stopping anyone from trying to build a better mousetrap, something that I’ve said forever,” Lalas said.
AdvertisementWHAT ALEXI LALAS SAID
“I think that this is big big news. And I think that this is big, bold, and arrogant, in the most positive way, audacious type of thinking that just plays right into everything that I’ve said now for a number of years relative to 2026 coming. If not now, then when? I love that USL has decided to do this, precisely because it is big and bold and arrogant,” Lalas said on his podcast.
“Right now when it comes to the women’s league, we have two Division 1 leagues, so the more the merrier. I think that this is great news and finally, I’ll say this Mosse, this also highlights and almost forces MLS to do big, bold things. And if that’s ultimately all that comes out of this, I’m good with that,” he added.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
USL’s announcement represents a significant shift in the American soccer landscape. The potential introduction of a new top-tier league could lead to increased competition, more opportunities for players and clubs, and possibly pave the way for a promotion/relegation system in the future.
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AFPWHAT’S NEXT?
The USL’s next step will be to not just finalize the league structure and competition format but also to address the regulatory requirements to earn the Division 1 status. That includes various requirements put forth by U.S. Soccer with fans awaiting to see what happens come 2027.
Roberto De Zerbi sent out a fiery warning towards Paris Saint-Germain as he outlined his target with Marseille.
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De Zerbi throws warning at PSGMarseille 10 points behind PSG Les Phoceens beat Angers 2-0 on SundayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
After finishing eighth in the 2023/24 Ligue 1 campaign, Marseille saw a change in their fortunes when Roberto De Zerbi walked into the club in the summer. The club's performances have significantly improved under the former Brighton manager as Les Phoceens currently find themselves second in the league, 10 points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
After a comfortable 2-0 win over Angers in a difficult Ligue 1 away fixture on Sunday, the Italian coach has urged his players to push hard for the league title and give PSG a run for their money. He also outlined his ambitions with the French side in the future.
WHAT ROBERTO DE ZERBI SAID
Speaking to reporters after the Angers clash, De Zerbi said: "If you don’t have the ambition to aim higher, it can be frustrating and even humiliating. Obviously, you may not achieve your goals, but that’s okay. If you want to be part of this club, you have to be ambitious, obsessed with looking ahead, with humility, but always with respect.
"It’s something that will not necessarily come right away, but in my adventure, just like with Pablo Longoria, Medhi Benatia, but also players like Rulli, Rabiot, Højbjerg, Bennacer, and Kondogbia – I’m not here to finish second."
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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MARSEILLE?
Marseille will be back in action on Saturday in the Ligue 1 when they take on St-Etienne at Stade Velodrome.
Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith heaped high praise on a Nottingham Forest player during their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Monday night, even comparing him to the great Lionel Messi. The Reds had to wait all weekend to get back underway after the international break, but it was worth the wait as they claimed all three points at home to Palace.
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ByTom Cunningham Oct 20, 2024 Nottingham Forest back to winning ways
Forest have made an excellent start to the Premier League season, and that continued as Chris Wood’s goal was enough to see the Reds climb to eighth place and just two points adrift of fifth-place Brighton. Wood has been Forest’s standout performer so far this season, and manager Nuno Espirito Santo was full of praise for his striker, not for his goals but for his all-round play: “Amazing, we are delighted with not only his goals.
“All his actions in the game, how he leads the team, his set pieces, and more than all that is the impact he has in the dressing room. His leadership, he is a very experienced player for the young lads. We cannot thank him enough.”
On the result, Nuno was “delighted” that his side secured the win in front of their home supporters: “I saw it was difficult, but so I’m happy we can finally give this moment to our fans, who are always helping and supporting us, so I’m especially delighted for them.”
Wood will obviously take a lot of the plaudits, as he scored the only goal of the game, but there was another Forest player that came in for high praise as well.
Alan Smith compares Elliot Anderson to Lionel Messi
Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith was left impressed by the dribbling of Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and compared him to the great Lionel Messi. The midfielder went past three or four players in the first 20 minutes of the match, and it left Smith impressed by what he had just seen.
Anderson, who was labelled “excellent” by Eddie Howe last season, joined the Reds during the summer transfer window and has already become a key player, starting seven of their eight Premier League games and recording one assist, which came against Wolves back in August.
The 21-year-old, who is on a weekly wage of £40,000 at the City Ground, received high praise from Smith during Monday’s commentary: “It was like Lionel Messi there in the box. Not once but twice, happy feet. Wonderful play from Elliot Anderson.”
Elliot Anderson’s numbers vs Crystal Palace
Minutes played
78
Expected goals
0.27
Expected assists
0.58
Touches
67
Passes
36/38 (95%)
Key passes
5
Big chances created
2
Shots on target
2
Dribbles attempted (Succ.)
6 (6)
Ground duels (won)
14 (8)
Aerial duels (won)
4 (3)
Anderson is obviously a long way from being a player like Messi, but the midfielder will be pleased with his performance on Monday night, as he arguably put in one of his most impressive displays since joining the club.
Chelsea are set for a free run over signing a £63 million striker in 2025, coming after a decision from London rivals Arsenal.
Despite many reports linking the Blues with a world-class new striker, Enzo Maresca couldn't quite get one over the line in time, despite making moves for big names.
Chelsea now want £13m Premier League defender who Arteta called "very good"
The Spaniard has also praised his consistency.
1
By
Emilio Galantini
Sep 7, 2024
Chelsea made an approach to sign Ivan Toney from Brentford during the last week of the transfer window, before the Englishman joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, and Todd Boehly also attempted a blockbuster last minute deal for Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian, who was one of Serie A's most prolific goalscorers of the last few years, was forced to settle for a loan move to Turkish Süper Lig champions Galatasaray – after transfers to both Al-Ahli and Chelsea collapsed at the eleventh hour.
|
Osimhen's Serie A Statistics 2023/24 |
|
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
25 |
|
Goals |
15 |
|
Assists |
3 |
|
Shots Per 90 |
3.86 |
|
Key Passes Per 90 |
1.05 |
|
Successful Take-Ons Per 90 |
0.73 |
Chelsea made a summer deadline day bid to sign Osimhen, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, but the Blues couldn't quite finalise a deal in time for the 25-year-old to make a Premier League move.
While Osimhen's proposed move to Stamford Bridge is off for the time being, ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi-Mikel has revealed the player's desire to join, and disappointment they couldn't get it done before 11pm that day.
“I know what Victor wanted, I know what the club offered him, I know where we got to, we finally got to a compromise, both sides had to compromise, I was just some little things here and there, paperwork, medical, and a few issues we just couldn’t get over the line and we didn’t have much time," said Obi-Mikel on Osimhen's failed Chelsea move.
“Both sides really played their part in terms of getting the deal done, and I commend Chelsea for that because I can see their ambition of where they want to take this club now and also on Victor’s side, how much he really wanted to come to the club.
“He was disappointed it didn’t happen. I spoke to him when the transfer window shut, I gave him a call, we spent 20 minutes talking, I said, ‘listen, I’m always here for you, you need to keep your head down, you need to keep working hard, keep training, I know it’s not the best situation right now but I know you’re strong’.
While the African has joined Galatasaray on loan for the rest of this season, Osimhen's contract has a break clause, which allows certain interested clubs to swoop for him in January.
His new Napoli release clause is also set at around £63 million, so this could be a very good opportunity for Chelsea if they wish to reignite their interest at the turn of the year. GiveMeSport claim Chelsea will also have a free run over signing Osimhen, following Arsenal's decision not to pursue a winter deal for him.
Carlos Brathwaite is headed back to the BBL after re-signing with Sydney Sixers as they chase a hat-trick of titles.The West Indies allrounder was a key part of the Sixers’ title last season, particularly with the ball taking 16 wickets for the season. He claimed 4 for 18 in a win over Brisbane Heat and took 1 for 25 from four frugal overs in Sixers’ Qualifier win over Perth Scorchers which secured them a home final.Brathwaite, 33, had a lean season with the bat, but he did hit 21 off 12 balls to help Sixers steal an amazing win from Melbourne Stars on the Gold Coast early in their campaign and he cited Sixers’ title ambitions as a key reason for his return.Related
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“Obviously winning [BBL 10] and the team’s success last year made it attractive to want to come back,” he said. “As you get older you definitely want to be somewhere you can hopefully be challenging for trophies but at the Sixers, there is a deeper camaraderie and sense of family atmosphere.”As a team, we went through a tumultuous season last year on the road without getting back to Sydney until the final, and we built a very strong bond. The BBL is one of the biggest T20 tournaments in the world and hopefully, that bond can help us to succeed again, this time in front of our fans at the SCG all season.”Brathwaite joins Englishman Tom Curran in Sixers’ squad as the only two overseas at present. Curran withdrew from last season’s BBL due to bubble fatigue but is expected to return to Sydney this season.Sydney Sixers squad: Moises Henriques (capt), Sean Abbott, Carlos Brathwaite (West Indies), Daniel Christian, Tom Curran (England), Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Mickey Edwards, Daniel Hughes, Stephen O’Keefe, Hayden Kerr, Nathan Lyon, Ben Manenti, Josh Philippe, Lloyd Pope, Jordan Silk.