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Liverpool are preparing to host Brighton in the Premier League this weekend, but one “world-class” player won’t be back in the fold until late November, as shared by reliable journalist David Lynch.

Liverpool injuries ahead of Brighton clash

The Reds progressed in the EFL Cup in midweek, winning 3-2 away to the Seagulls, and they face them again in the league at Anfield on Saturday afternoon. Arne Slot’s men trail Manchester City by one point going into the weekend Premier League action, and with the reigning champions heading to Bournemouth at the same time on Saturday, it is another crucial afternoon in the title race.

Liverpool are clearly favorites to get the better of Brighton, despite Fabian Hurzeler’s side being a dangerous outfit, but injury problems are threatening to become an issue, even if they aren’t close to as bad as they were at times under Jurgen Klopp.

Alisson and Diogo Jota are both out for the foreseeable future, and the same also applies to Harvey Elliott, who continues to recover from a broken foot. Federico Chiesa’s playing time has also been limited since he completed a summer move from Juventus, while Conor Bradley was out until recently.

Liverpool without "world class" ace until late November

Taking to X, Liverpool will have to make do without Chiesa until after the November international break later this month, as his slow start to life at Anfield continues.

This is such a frustrating situation surrounding the Italian, who admittedly arrived with a reputation for being an injury-prone player, especially having suffered ACL damage earlier in his career.

The 27-year-old has only played 18 minutes of Premier League action this year, and started just once in all competitions, and the fact that he didn’t have much of a pre-season hasn’t helped matters.

Chiesa can be such an asset for Liverpool if he gets fit and hits top gear, though, having starred for Italy en route to winning Euro 2020, standing out as a leading attacking player in the tournament, with Alessandro Pierini saying of him: “He’s world-class.

“He has all the ability and desire of a great player. If he improves then he’ll be even better than his father [Enrico]. I have loads of respect for Enrico and all he has done to help Federico come on as a player until now.”

Thankfully, Chiesa shouldn’t actually miss too many matches, being out of the Brighton, Bayer Leverkusen and Aston Villa games in the lead-up to the international break, but then hopefully returning after the domestic action returns.

Liverpool prioritising "incredible" £233k-p/w Alexander-Arnold replacement

He’s been at the top of European football for a number of years…

By
Tom Cunningham

Oct 31, 2024

It feels like it could be a while until Liverpool see him as a key man featuring regularly, especially with five superb attacking options ahead of him in the pecking order.

Manchester City are interested in signing a versatile £2.5 million defender who could replace Kyle Walker, according to a new report. This international break has come at the right time for Pep Guardiola’s side, as they have lost four games in a row and are missing several key players through injury.

Double injury blow for Man City as £16m-a-year duo pulled from internationals

Pep Guardiola has suffered a nightmare start to the November international break.

By
Brett Worthington

Nov 11, 2024

Man City injury news

In the last few weeks, the Blues have been playing like a side that have lost all their confidence, as they have lost ground on the Premier League title, crashed out of the Carabao Cup and lost their unbeaten run in the Champions League.

Guardiola will be keen to get as many of his injured players back before they return to league action to end this run, but they have already suffered more injury blows this week. It was revealed that defender Manuel Akanji has withdrawn from international duty with Switzerland, as he’s not deemed ready for international football after missing the game against Brighton due to “lack of fitness”.

Guardiola confirmed Akanji’s situation after the game against Brighton: “Manu said [on Friday], ‘I felt so bad in the training session and I could not move properly’, and against that team [Brighton], I prefer fresh people.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Matheus Nunes has also withdrawn from duty with Portugal, as he was deemed “not medically fit” by doctors. This is after the Portuguese has played a big part in City’s last few matches. Guardiola will hope these two are back fit for next weekend, but given the recent injury concerns, City also have their eye on a player who they may look to bring in during January.

Man City scouts impressed by versatile young defender

According to TBR Football, Manchester City are showing a keen interest in signing Omar El Hilali from Espanyol, as they eye a long-term replacement for Kyle Walker. The 34-year-old has been City’s top right-back ever since joining in 2017, but given his age and the fact his contract expires in 2026, City are starting to have their eye on potential replacements.

El Hilali came through the academy at Espanyol and broke through into the first team in 2023, where he has now become an established player in their starting XI, as shown by him playing 12 times in La Liga this season.

This report states that Man City are now doing their homework on the right-back, who is also comfortable playing at centre-back and left-back. The Blues have had scouts present to watch the Moroccan under-23 international, who is valued at 3 million euros by Transfermarkt (£2.5 million), and they have been left impressed by what they have seen.

However, City do not have a free run at the defender, as Aston Villa and Brighton are also mentioned in the report. But the Blues will likely have an edge over the two other Premier League teams, given what they can offer El Hilali in terms of a pathway to super-stardom.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper has defended the Glazer family's ownership of the Red Devils despite the open criticism from fans over the years.

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• Glazers' criticism at Man Utd continues
• INEOS sorting financial mess at Old Trafford
• Howard defends Glazer family from criticism

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States-based Glazer family took over majority ownership of Manchester United in 2005 and had a good start to life as Sir Alex Ferguson's leadership helped the Red Devils continue their dominance on the field and aided their reputation among fans. However, following the coach's departure, the Red Devils' struggles have opened the Glazers to criticism for their 'un-serious' ownership.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  In 2023, the Glazers completed a minority sale of their shares to British multinational conglomerate INEOS, who have taken over the sporting department at Manchester United. However, the Glazers' criticism at Old Trafford has increased since then as the Sir Jim Ratcliffe-led INEOS have undertaken a number of cost-cutting solutions to improve the Red Devils' dire financial situation. However, USMNT and ex-United goalkeeper Howard has now defended the Glazer family by claiming that they 'have the right to run' the club 'any way' they want.

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  WHAT HOWARD SAID

  Speaking to beIN Sports, Howard said: "I think they have spent money for Manchester United in certain places and, like, ultimately the criticism of the ownership from fans – of any club but if you look at Manchester United – it is oftentimes one-sided.

  "The Glazers own the football club, and that, in turn, is a business. What I've always said, because I am the owner of a football club, is that when you spend your billions to own a business, then you have the right to run it in any way you want.

  "Now that will ultimately prove good or bad business, for sure, but you have the right to run it the way you want and along with that comes criticism. But everyone understands that. I think they have spent, and I think you can take it a step further and look at other clubs. Everton are a mess, not because they haven't spent. They have spent a lot of money. In fact so much so they got docked points because of PSR.

  "So I think the Glazers are spending money. When you look at the squad and the amount of money that was paid for the likes of Sancho and Ronaldo and all these players, the money was spent. Was it spent wisely? Well, I'm not sure the Glazers make those decisions. So there are other parts of that question that need to be answered."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  The Red Devils' struggles have continued, and if reports are to be believed, INEOS have plans to increase the shareholding at Manchester United and take over the majority ownership from the Glazers. However, the move is likely to take a few more years at the least.

In what’s starting to feel like familiar territory, Micky van de Ven is out of action until the middle of December. Tottenham Hotspur will endure. They have to – the patchy form of recent months must be improved.

Spurs lost at home to newly-promoted Ipswich Town before the November international break, meaning that Ange Postecoglou’s tenth-placed side have lost five of their opening 11 Premier League matches of the season.

Consistency is paramount, but luckily, Chelsea, who are third, only hold a three-point advantage over their London rivals.

More unluckily, Tottenham meet Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this evening, with Pep Guardiola’s side hunting a fine vein of form themselves.

It’s going to be tough, not least because Van de Ven is unavailable. Even so, the Lilywhites dumped the Cityzens out of the Carabao Cup last month and know they have the tools to inflict damage on the Premier League’s imperial champions.

Spurs team news

Van de Ven’s pace and athleticism provide something unique to Tottenham’s backline, but Radu Dragusin is a talented young defender himself and will likely be placed alongside the veteran Ben Davies, for Cristian Romero, who hasn’t quite hit his stride yet this season, is also sidelined.

Daunting. But Postecoglou will double down on his tactical philosophy and hope that his team can expose the chinks in the hosts’ armour.

Rodrigo Bentancur begins his seven-match suspension, so will almost certainly be replaced at the anchor of the midfield by the tough-tackling Yves Bissouma.

Richarlison and Wilson Odobert are longer-term absentees and the exciting teenager Mikey Moore is also out due to illness.

Rodri’s absence comes as a small sliver of respite for Spurs, but City are still capable of dismantling the finest outfits in the world and will be desperate to put pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool, who are five points clear at the top.

How Spurs can defeat Man City

The thought of quelling the threat of Erling Haaland without Postecoglou’s preferred defensive axis is worrying, no two ways about it. The Norwegian goal machine has scored 12 goals from 11 top-flight matches this season but only two from his past six games.

Given the brilliance of City’s frontline and assessing the likelihood of keeping a clean sheet, it could perhaps be surmised that Tottenham will need to focus their efforts at the front of the ship, rather than attempting to shut up shop. Postecoglou is sure to subscribe to this idea.

Due to the visitors’ absences, it’s likely that Heung-min Son and Brennan Johnson will flank Dominic Solanke at the Etihad, which makes for a lively and dynamic attacking trio that of course can cause City problems.

After all, Tottenham have scored more goals than any other side in the division this year.

To maximise their chances of success, though, the Lilywhites might want to enforce an alteration not borne from injury strife. James Maddison was benched as the Tractor Boys drove away from the N17 with three points, and his creativity could be crucial.

Why James Maddison could be crucial

In February 2023, as the winter transfer window wrapped up, The Daily Mail revealed that Manchester City were interested in signing Maddison that summer. The England playmaker was the star of the show at Leicester City, but the Foxes were imperilled and heading for the Championship.

Newcastle United also wanted the 27-year-old, but it was Postecoglou’s Tottenham who succeeded in taking him from the King Power in a deal worth £40m. Winning the Premier League’s Player of the Month for August 2023, he looked to be a real steal and indeed flourished as Spurs rode the crest of a wave.

Injuries and a consequent protracted struggle for form have pulled Maddison away from the limelight, but he’s got the quality to damage Man City this evening and must be handed a starting berth, only playing around 14 minutes across Tottenham’s past two Premier League matches.

As per FBref, Maddison ranks among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 9% for shot-creating actions, the top 2% for passes attempted, the top 1% for progressive passes and the top 15% for crosses per 90.

Dejan Kulusevski is a bundle of energetic joy and must start. The Swedish ace has probably been Tottenham’s player of the season, so far. Pape Sarr works well as a counterbalancing force, but with Bissouma in the mix, Maddison might work better.

Once hailed as a “magician” by analyst Statman Dave, his pitched drives down long-stretching lanes are perfect for the quick-paced Johnson, the intelligent Son.

It would be foolish not to start him, in fact. Maddison hasn’t reclaimed those giddying levels from his first few months as a Tottenham player, but such performances prove that he can perform with a flair that is nearly unreplicable, certainly among Postecoglou’s current brood.

Start him, Ange. Tottenham’s frontline is as talented as it has been for the past several years, but City’s suffocating style could leave them isolated. Trapped.

Maddison’s passing range could be the key to unlocking City’s defence. Guardiola once wanted him at his outfit, and might just be silenced by his former target on Saturday evening.

Spurs academy gem is now outscoring Kulusevski & Son after leaving

The exciting winger is enjoying a stellar season away from Spurs.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 22, 2024

In a rematch of the 2024 ASG, the Liga MX All-Stars will return in July to take on the best in MLS

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• 2025 MLS All-Star game details announced
• Opponent will be Liga MX All-Stars
• Game to be played in Austin, TX
• Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

• Major League Soccer
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 2025 MLS All-Star game and All-Star Skills Challenge will be played against the Liga MX All-Stars in Austin, Texas in late July, the league announced Monday.

  The match will pit the best players in the two North American leagues go head-to-head in a winner-takes-all contest, while the Skills Challenge will test the attributes of the top footballers from each team in a unique set of drills. The events will be held on July 23 at 9 p.m. ET, exclusively available on Apple TV and MLS Season Pass, both in English and Spanish.

  “We are thrilled to once again host LIGA MX at the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, showcasing the best talent from our leagues,” MLS executive vice president Camilo Durana said. “It’s an exciting match-up for the first-ever professional All-Star Game played in Austin, bringing a thriving on-field rivalry to the passionate Austin community and to fans around the world watching on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.”

  The match will be the second consecutive meeting of MLS and LIGA MX, and the fourth overall between the rival leagues in the MLS All-Star game.

  "It is always a great honor for LIGA MX to participate in an event like the MLS All-Star Game. It fills us with excitement to return to this stage to showcase the quality of our players and continue to connect with our fans in the United States,” said Francisco Iturbide, LIGA MX director of operations. “I know that the All-Star teams of both leagues will offer a great showdown. We look forward to continuing to strengthen our sports rivalry with MLS.”

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  MLS is also set to host a week of events in Austin building up to the game, including celebrations of soccer, community service initiatives, players appearances and a new Monday night edition of the MLS NEXT All-Star Game featuring some of the brightest prospects in all of MLS NEXT. The match will kickoff at 8:30 p.m. ET and will be played at Parmer Field at St. David's Performance Center.

  Q2 Stadium, home of Austin FC and site of the 2025 All-Star Game, has become a hotbed for the domestic game in the heart of Texas.

  Since their introduction to MLS, Austin FC have sold out every regular season and playoff match played at Q2 Stadium. The Stadium has also hosted matches for the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America.

  It will be the first MLS All-Star Game in Texas since 2010, when Houston's NRG Stadium hosted Manchester United against the MLS All-Stars.

  “The 2025 MLS All-Star Game will shine a global spotlight on the high-quality of the players in our league as well as the Austin community, Austin FC, and Q2 Stadium,” said Andy Loughnane, Austin FC president. “In selling out 100 percent of MLS home matches played across our venue’s history, it has proven to be one of North American soccer’s best matchday atmospheres. It is an honor for our Club to host players and fans from both MLS and LIGA MX for our city’s first-ever major league All-Star Game.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  The MLS All-Star Roster will consist of 12 players selected by a fan vote, 12 players selected by MLS All-Star head coach Nico Estevez of Austin FC, and two players selected by MLS Commissioner Don Garber.

  The LIGA MX All-Star roster, meanwhile, will also consist of 26 total players. More details around the selection process will be announced in the near future.

• Major League Soccer
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MLS AND LIGA MX?

  MLS Matchday 5 arrives next weekend, with the Vancouver Whitecaps currently atop the MLS Supporters' Shield standings. Liga MX, meanwhile, is 12 matches into the Clausura campaign, with Club America atop the standings at 27 points.

  The two leagues will overlap in the Leagues Cup this summer, in addition to the CONCACAF Champions Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and MLS All-Star game.

Mohamed Salah’s emotional return at Anfield against Brighton may have been his final appearance in a Liverpool shirt, according to a leading body language expert. Despite a warm reception from supporters in the Kop, post-match analysis suggests the Egyptian star showed clear signs of a farewell as he prepares to depart for Africa Cup of Nations duties.

• Salah has an emotional moment with Liverpool fans

  Salah returned to Anfield on Saturday afternoon as Liverpool secured a league victory over Brighton, a fixture surrounded by intense scrutiny due to the winger’s uncertain future. After being restored to the squad following internal talks, Salah featured during the match and played a role in the win before the focus quickly shifted to events after the final whistle.

  Once the game concluded, Salah took his time to walk around the pitch, applauding supporters as the Anfield crowd chanted his name. Banners were visible in the stands celebrating his achievements, while fans responded with prolonged applause that carried a strong sense of occasion. The moment stood out against the backdrop of a turbulent few weeks involving form concerns and off-field tension.

  With Salah set to depart imminently for AFCON, the Brighton match has taken on added significance. The emotional scenes and timing of them has fuelled widespread debate about whether Liverpool supporters had just witnessed the final chapter of one of the Merseyside club’s greatest ever players.

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  Expert says Salah's emotions indicate a farewell to Liverpool

  Speaking to , leading UK body language analyst Darren Stanton offered a striking assessment of Salah’s behaviour after the match. He said: “Yeah, basically, Mohamed Salah looked very, very emotional after the Brighton game. I think it was almost like his epitaph. I don't think we're going to see him again, if I'm honest.”

  Stanton expanded on why he believes the moment carried such finality, adding: “Yes, he had tears in his eyes when he was clapping along with the crowd, so I think that's his swan song, his kind of farewell. I think even though it's not formal, I think he knows in his heart that he's never going to be in that situation and walk on that pitch again.”

  The analyst concluded by focusing on the finer details of Salah’s expressions. “Salah had an expression, it was sadness and disappointment because, obviously, things hadn't gone differently. Principally, he was quite sad, quite emotional, had tears in his eyes, and facially, he was flashing micro-expressions of sadness.”

• Salah's legacy at Liverpool at risk amid tensions

  Salah’s Liverpool career has been one of the most prolific and influential in the club’s history. Since arriving in 2017, the Egyptian has redefined attacking standards at Anfield, climbing to third on the club’s all-time goal-scoring list and becoming synonymous with the most successful era of the Merseyside club in the 21st century.

  The latter stages of 2025, however, have been defined by uncertainty as a dip in form, combined with tactical changes, saw Salah rotated and often benched during a challenging run of results. Salah's public comments following those decisions exposed tension behind the scenes with Arne Slot and placed unprecedented doubt over his long-term future at the club.

  Despite those issues, Salah’s bond with supporters has remains strong, as was seen with the reaction at Anfield against Brighton which underlined his enduring popularity and the respect he commands.

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  Salah set to decide on his future during AFCON stint

  Salah will now turn his attention to international duty as he joins Egypt for the upcoming AFCON. The tournament will provide a natural pause point in the season for the Liverpool legend and a potential moment for significant decisions to be made away from the spotlight of Premier League football.

  Liverpool, meanwhile, face a defining period as the January transfer window opens. Whether Salah returns to Merseyside or not, the club must prepare for all scenarios, as Slot's side have been heavily linked with Bournemouth superstar Antoine Semenyo, who is said to boast a £65 million ($87m) release clause that will be active this January.

  Salah is said to have attracted heavy interest from the Saudi Pro League, with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund ready to delve into the January transfer market to lure him away from Anfield. Major League Soccer has also been in the discussion regarding a move for the Egyptian, but tight budgetary and squad-building constraints in the United States may mean that a move for Salah may only be a pipe dream.

Unai Emery may be going through the most difficult run of form during his Aston Villa tenure, but there is no doubt he can get the club back firing again.

He has shown time and time again why he is the ideal man to lead the Villa Park side into a new era, especially with his diligence in the transfer market.

The vast majority of his signings have been overwhelming hits and long may this continue in the future.

Aston Villa’s best signings under Unai Emery

One of Emery’s first signings was Jhon Duran and while it has taken him a while to settle in, this season has seen the striker score eight times in 17 games.

Pau Torres has added some stability to the heart of the defence having signed last summer, while Amadou Onana has replaced Douglas Luiz with ease following his £50m move from Everton just a few months ago.

In terms of value for money, perhaps Youri Tielemans – even despite his penalty miss against Crystal Palace last time out – has been his greatest signing, especially as his value has risen in recent months.

Youri Tieleman’s market value

The midfielder joined the club on a free transfer and according to the CIES Football Observatory, the Belgian star is now valued at €37.1m (£31m), which shows just how much profit Villa could make on him should they decide to sell.

Hailed as “incredible” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig in 2019, Tielemans has shone alongside Onana for Villa this season.

Indeed, he has even been compared to a Premier League star in the form of Declan Rice, who became the most expensive British player of all time when he moved to Arsenal for £105m in 2023.

The Englishman is certainly one of the finest players in the top flight and Tielemans exudes plenty of his qualities during his own performances.

Rice is even the ninth-most comparable player to Tielemans, according to FBref, with the pair showcasing similar attributes.

Indeed, the pair have registered similar statistics across a range of metrics this season, as per FBref, including pass success percentage (82% vs 80.7%), shot-creating actions per 90 (4.07 vs 3.35), successful take-on percentage per 90 (50% vs 54.5%) and interceptions (12 vs 9).

These statistics prove that the duo are rather similar across several areas and this could see Tielemans further improve over the coming months, with the hope of reaching the levels that saw Rice make his £105m switch.

Emery surely won’t be in a rush to cash in on the player, but if an opportunity which is too good to turn down arrives, then there is no doubt Villa will secure a wonderful profit.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

Being compared to Rice shows how good Tielemans has become since moving to the Midlands and the Spaniard will be hoping these performances can continue as he chases another top-four finish in the Premier League this season.

Next Grealish: Aston Villa have found another £100m+ star in the making

He could be Villa’s biggest sale since Grealish

By
Joe Nuttall

Nov 22, 2024

Leeds United’s board are unsure about what to do with the “special” £15,000-a-week player, as he wants to join a new club in January, according to a new report. The Whites returned to winning ways on Saturday, as they beat Derby County 2-0 at Elland Road, a result that sees them sit second in the table, a point behind leaders Sheffield United.

Solomon upgrade: Leeds exploring deal to sign "complete" star

Leeds United are interested in the attacker who could be an upgrade on Manor Solomon.

By
Dan Emery

Dec 9, 2024

Leeds United transfer news

Daniel Farke’s side are in a very good position heading into January, but the German looks to have his eye on a few players who could potentially arrive at Elland Road in the New Year.

It was reported over the weekend that Leeds are interested in signing Khuliso Mudau from Sundowns. He would be another option at right-back for the manager, with the 29-year-old having spent all of his career thus far playing in South Africa.

As well as looking at Mudau, Leeds are also interested in Diego Luna from MLS side Real Salt Lake. Luna has emerged as a potential target for the Yorkshire side, and they are weighing up whether to make a swoop in January, but as of yet a deal is in no way imminent. The Whites have been keeping a close eye on his development, but they are not the only team to be watching the player, who could cost as much as £3 million.

Leeds confused over future of Joe Gelhardt

According to Football Insider, Leeds United’s Joe Gelhardt is keen on joining Rangers in the January transfer window. The 22-year-old’s time at Elland Road looks to be coming to a slow end, as he continues to be on the fringes of the first team.

The forward, who has been dubbed “special” by Jamie Carragher, has been with the Yorkshire side since August 2020, when he was signed from Wigan Athletic. Gelhardt has impressed in Premier League 2 for Leeds, but he has been unable to show the same form in the first team, largely due to the fact he has been given very little chance for regular minutes.

This report now states that with January on the horizon, Gelhardt is keen to leave the Whites and join Rangers in the Scottish Premiership. However, the Championship side are undecided about whether to sanction a loan move or try and wait for a permanent offer to arrive, something the Ibrox outfit are unlikely to be able to afford to do.

Gelhardt, who earns £15,000 a week at Elland Road, has played just 72 minutes of football in all competitions this season, and it doesn’t look like it is going to get much better, as he’s way down the pecking order in Farke’s plans. His ability to play in several different positions has caught Rangers’ fancy, but finances at Ibrox mean they are strapped for cash, and they will only be interested in a loan deal for the young attacker.

The Scottish side are not alone in their pursuit, as a number of Championship teams are also interested in signing Gelhardt on loan, leaving the Whites board unsure whether to play the waiting game and hope one such side offers an up front sum.

Patrice Evra made a huge claim that FIFA "gave the World Cup to Lionel Messi" in Qatar in 2022.

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• Argentina beat France in 2022 to win the World Cup
• Messi scored in the title decider to fire Argentina to the trophy
• Evra alleged that the authorities favoured the Albiceleste

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Messi, who played a pivotal role in Argentina’s campaign, scored seven goals and provided three assists, featuring in every match from the group stage to the final. The South American nation secured their third World Cup title after an intense final against France, which was settled by a dramatic penalty shootout following a thrilling 3-3 draw.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT EVRA SAID

  During a discussion with former PSG winger Jerome Rothen on Evra did not hold back his thoughts on the 2022 tournament, stating: "Okay, we haven’t won anything since 2018, but we all know that in 2022, they gave the World Cup to Messi. It was all already written. Even the French wanted Messi to win it."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Following his World Cup success, Messi continued to make history, guiding Argentina to a second consecutive Copa America title. However, his performances in the 2024 edition in the United States hinted that the physical demands of top-level football over nearly two decades had begun to take a toll on the 36-year-old.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI & ARGENTINA?

  The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed that Messi has been left out of the squad for the upcoming CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Uruguay due to a low-grade adductor muscle injury. However, Argentina remain in a commanding position in the South American World Cup qualification standings as the reigning world champions currently lead the table by five points, putting them on course to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Aston Villa have taken the lead in the race to sign a young international goalkeeper, according to a recent report. The Villans’ run of three straight wins ended on Saturday night, as they were beaten 2-1 by Nottingham Forest. Unai Emery will be hoping this is just a bump in the road as his side prepare to face Manchester City at the weekend.

Aston Villa keen on signing 21 y/o Real Madrid gem seen as ideal for Emery

He’s come through the academy.

By
Charlie Smith

Dec 15, 2024

Aston Villa transfer news

The inconsistent form for Villa this season will have alerted Emery to areas in his team that need addressing. Indeed, the Premier League side have already been linked with plenty of new faces ahead of next month’s transfer window.

Villa have made contact with the representatives of defender Antonio Silva, so they can get an understanding of the costs of a possible transfer. The Benfica centre-back is admired a lot by the Midlands side but they are not alone, as other Premier League teams, as well as big European sides, are also keen on signing the talented defender. The president of Benfica is reportedly set to meet with Silva’s agents ahead of the January transfer window.

As well as looking at Silva, Villa are also in signing Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio, but again face competition from their Premier League rivals. The young man has impressed in his limited appearances for the Spanish giants, and Emery sees him as someone who could improve his side’s defence, given where he has been playing his football.

Aston Villa lead transfer race to sign youngster after impressing scouts

According to Birmingham Live, Aston Villa have taken the lead in the race to sign Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday. The 19-year-old came through the academy at Manchester City, but he left the Premier League side and joined the Owls in 2020.

Charles has worked his way through the club’s under-18s and under-21s, and he is now a part of the first team picture. The goalkeeper has yet to appear in the Championship, but he has been on the bench for every league game this season apart from two.

Despite him not being Wednesday’s regular keeper, Charles has been capped four times by his country, Northern Ireland. It is on the international stage where Charles has left scouts impressed, with them coming away from recent Nations League games giving the player “glowing reports”.

The young man’s ability to play out from the back has meant top clubs from the Premier League have identified him as a top target, and that includes Villa. The Villans are willing to move second-choice keeper Robin Olsen on in favour of bringing in emerging talent should the opportunity arise. Villa can offer Charles a number two slot in their squad, and he may see this as his chance to move into the Premier League.