All posts by n8rngtd.top

Premier League have confirmed two summer transfer windows due to "exceptional circumstances" in an effort to accommodate clubs competing in the CWC.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• 2025 CWC set to commence in mid-June
• PL will have a brief transfer window from June 1
• The market will reopen on June 16 until September 1

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  To accommodate the 2025 Club World Cup participants, the first transfer window will open earlier than usual, running from Sunday, June 1, to Tuesday, June 10. After a brief closure, it will reopen on Monday, June 16, and will continue as usual until Monday, September 1. The adjustment follows FIFA’s announcement of an interim transfer window last October, designed specifically for clubs participating in the expanded Club World Cup in the United States. This ruling allows teams such as Manchester City and Chelsea to strengthen their squads and extend contracts before the competition begins on June 14.

Advertisement

• (C)Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While FIFA’s decision favored Club World Cup participants, many Premier League teams not involved in the tournament were concerned about being locked out of the transfer market during this period. As reported by The Guardian, multiple clubs lobbied for the domestic transfer window to open early so they could also conduct business ahead of the competition. Following a Premier League meeting on Thursday, an agreement was reached, with the league releasing a statement confirming the two-phase summer transfer window.

• WHAT PREMIER LEAGUE SAID

  In a statement, the Premier League said: “The window will open early, between Sunday 1 June and Tuesday 10 June, due to an exceptional registration period relating to the Fifa Club World Cup. It will then reopen on Monday, 16 June and close on Monday, 1 September.”

• DID YOU KNOW?

  One of the key implications of this early transfer window is that it allows teams to finalize deals ahead of the Club World Cup. Real Madrid are reportedly eager to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold before the tournament begins. With Alexander-Arnold’s contract at Liverpool expiring on June 30, the early transfer window gives Los Blancos an opportunity to negotiate a deal with the Merseyside club before the England defender potentially joins them for the competition in the United States.

Liverpool are flying high this term, and are looking like serious candidates to win the Premier League at this stage. Arne Slot’s men sit at the top of the tree at Christmas, with 39 points to their name and a game in hand.

Their star man this term has, of course, been Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian star has scored 18 times and has 15 assists to his name in 24 games across all competitions. He has been exceptional. Ryan Gravenberch has also thrived this term, in a new role as a number six. Peter Crouch explained he has been “first class all season” as a deeper midfielder.

To complement the Dutchman, Liverpool are eyeing up a new addition in midfield as they continue their title charge.

Liverpool’s midfield target

The player in question here is Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez. It has been an impressive season so far for the midfielder in Portugal, and he has now been linked with a move away from the club.

According to a report from Anfield Watch, Liverpool scouts have been ‘have been completely blown away’ by the 22-year-old midfielder. The report explains it was assumed that the Reds went to watch his teammate, Alan Varela, but Gonzalez has caught the eye.

Originally a graduate of Barcelona’s esteemed La Masia academy, there is a buyback clause in his deal for the La Liga giants. That fee is believed to be around £50m, and it could cost Liverpool a similar fee if they wish to pry him away from Porto themselves.

Described as a “big talent” and the “heir to Busquets” by Spanish football expert Domagoj Kostanjšak, the Reds would be getting a crafty player here.

Why Gonzalez would be a good signing

Upon hearing that Gonzalez is a La Masia graduate, that may well pique Liverpool fan’s interest in the player.

It is no secret that the talent to come out of Barca’s academy is other-worldly. He also comes from a prestigious footballing family. His father, Fran Gonzalez, is a Deportiva La Coruna legend, playing 559 times for the club in some of their best years.

Moving the focus back to the 22-year-old, his talent is undeniable, and he is having a fantastic season for Porto. A versatile midfielder, he has played 24 times, scoring five goals and grabbing a handful of assists too.

Gonzalez is a high-energy player who can play in multiple positions as a midfielder. One of his best traits is his pressing ability. The Spaniard will not stop running and pressuring the opponents, something which led to his goal against Arouca earlier in the season.

The centre of midfield was a position Liverpool were hoping to strengthen in Slot’s first summer transfer window. They were chasing another Spanish midfielder over the summer, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. However, the player decided to stay where he was and rejected the offer.

Now, it seems the Reds are turning their attention to his countryman Gonzalez. Whilst the Porto man is a lot more versatile and enjoys getting forward more, they are not too dissimilar statistically, consequently noted as ‘similar players’ by FBref in last term’s Champions League.

Numerical comparisons can be drawn from their numbers in that prestigious competition. Firstly, tackles and interceptions are something Zubimendi slightly edges, with 3.16 per game compared to 2.4 for Gonzalez.

The Real Sociedad man also made slightly more progressive passes per game on average, with 5.44 compared to 2.8 for the Porto number 16. However, he created slightly more chances, with 1.6 on average. In contrast, Zubimendi created 0.63 chances per game.

Certainly, the similarities are there between the two players. If the Reds make a move for Gonzalez, it would be reminiscent of the attempt at signing Zubimendi last summer and shows their intent at strengthening in midfield.

However, you can argue due to his versatility, it is actually a better deal for the Merseysiders. He will allow Slot to have far more tactical flexibility, with Gonzalez, who thrives as an eight, able to fill in as a six or even a 10 as well.

Regardless, for around £50m this could be a great move for the Reds. Gonzalez was described as a “pure joy to watch” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and this move could be the thing Liverpool needs to help them get over the line in the title race.

Liverpool could lose "world-class" star to Spurs in awful Sterling repeat

Tottenham could be interested in signing one of Liverpool’s key players in 2025.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Dec 23, 2024

The AC Milan player mentioned that El Tri's coach is not very interested in playing styles and addressed his own struggles in front of goal

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Mexico won its first Nations League title under 'Vasco'
• Santiago Giménez has four goals for in 32 matches.
• He is currently on an eight-game goal drought across all competitions.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Javier Aguirre is in his third stint as the head coach of El Tri and managed to secure the team's first Nations League title, with the country winning it for the first time in four attempts.

  In a recent interview with Christian Martinoli and Luis García for , Santiago Giménez shared that during his early call-ups under Aguirre, the coach made it clear that he didn’t care about playing beautifully, but rather that his main goal was for other national teams to respect Mexico again.

  "Aguirre told us he didn’t care about playing beautifully. He has reminded us who we are, he has brought back our DNA, that we are Mexicans, and he transmits that to us from the moment we arrive at the national team," Gimenez explained. "That also makes us want to step onto the field and defend our country with everything we’ve got."

Advertisement

• WHAT SANTIAGO GIMÉNEZ AND HUGO SÁNCHEZ SAID

  Giménez is struggling for form in front of goal recently. He is currently on a six-game goalless streak with AC Milan and was also unable to find the net in Mexico’s two Nations League matches. The striker has only scored four goals in 32 appearances for, but he remains confident in turning things around.

  "In the Mexican National Team, my stats are low. I think I’ve been missing that moment of calm when finishing, but I’m sure the goals will come," he said.

  Meanwhile, Mexican football legend Hugo Sánchez, who won five Golden Boot titles in Spain’s La Liga with Real Madrid, believes Gimenez needs to rebuild his confidence and it starts on the training pitch.

  "Stay calm, don’t get desperate, don’t get discouraged. A striker must always be ready to take as many clear chances as possible—the more, the better. You shouldn’t lose inspiration just because of the eight-game goal drought," Sanchez told ESPN. "It’s been a while since you last scored for Mexico, but that’s just a number. Missing a penalty with Napoli in your last game, well, as strikers, we don’t like to miss. Whenever I missed a penalty, I’d go to training the next day and take 20 to 30 penalties to regain confidence for the next one. Keep your head up—those eight games are just a statistic."

• AFP
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Giménez's most recent goal with the Mexican National Team came on July 17, 2023, in the Gold Cup final against Panama, where Mexico became the champion. In a few months, the national team will compete in the tournament again, aiming to defend their title. However, it has been 16 matches since his last goal. The other teams he has scored against are Haiti (2023), Nigeria (2022), and Chile (2021).

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR EL TRI AND GIMÉNEZ?

  His next opportunity will come during the June FIFA window when Mexico faces Switzerland and Turkey in friendly matches ahead of the Gold Cup. Following that, the Mexican National Team will concentrate on competing in the tournament they have won 12 times, with opponents yet to be confirmed as the draw will take place on April 10.

Former Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has been the subject of a cheeky dig from Andy Carroll and Fabian Schar.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Bruce criticised by ex-Magpies striker Carroll
• Current defender Schar reacts
• Bruce a figure of derision in Newcastle

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After Newcastle's routine 3-0 win over Leicester, Schar posted on Instagram, praising his team-mates for a "professional" performance. Schar also laid on an assist in the game, setting up Jacob Murphy.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Bruce, of course, was Newcastle manager between 2019 and 2021, overseeing Premier League finishes of 13th and 12th. He was the last permanent manager before the club's takeover, and was replaced by Eddie Howe.

• WHAT CARROLL AND SCHAR SAID

  Schar wrote: "Professional performance from the boys! On a plate for you @JacobMurphy95."

  Ex-Newcastle striker Carroll replied: "And Brucey benched you" along with a 'can't-look' emoji.

  Schar replied with a sealed lips emoji; under Bruce, he made 33 league starts across the two seasons.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• (C)Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Newcastle face Manchester United on Sunday. They are currently fifth in the Premier League, level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea. Bruce is head coach of Blackpool, who are 10th in League One.

Manchester United fell to their fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions last night, losing 2-0 to Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

Goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton secured all three points for the Magpies, with the defeat dropping Ruben Amorim’s side down to 14th place in the Premier League table.

It was an all-round evening to forget for the Red Devils, looking way off the pace and now sitting a staggering 13 points off a Champions League spot at the halfway stage of the campaign.

Such a display has made it alarmingly clear how much work needs to be done by the 39-year-old if he is to turn around the recent fortunes after his appointment back in November.

He’s only managed to collect just seven points out of 24 since his appointment, failing to score in any of the last three league outings, with numerous players potentially playing their final game for the club last night.

Zirkzee & Casemiro’s stats against Newcastle

Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee was recalled to the starting lineup against Newcastle, but his performance would last all of 33 minutes before being replaced by Kobbie Mainoo after the visitors’ two early goals.

The 23-year-old, who cost £36.5m in the summer, was booed off, a shame given the circumstances, but it’s safe to say he didn’t help himself with the measly figures he produced.

He only completed three of his passes before his withdrawal, notching just 15 touches in the process and ultimately looking way off the pace of a Premier League footballer.

Casemiro is another player who returned to the side, acting as a replacement for Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte, who both missed the clash through suspension.

However, the Brazilian was equally as poor as Zirkzee, often being bypassed by the play and losing the ball 15 times – looking wasteful when the opportunity fell his way.

The 32-year-old squandered various opportunities to put Amorim’s side back in the game, with his effort late on in the first half nothing short of embarrassing.

The aforementioned duo weren’t the only first-team players to lack the desired impact, with one other producing an evening to forget during the latest defeat.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The Man United player who’s got "worse" under Amorim

Centre-back Lisandro Martínez cost the United hierarchy £57m in the summer of 2022 under former boss Erik ten Hag, arriving with real hope of solving their defensive woes.

Whilst his first season in England’s top flight was largely a success, making 45 appearances in all competitions, he’s been unable to match such levels in recent times, including under Amorim.

The Argentine started in a back three alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire during the loss, being dominated once again, playing a part in both of the visitors’ goals.

Martinez was unable to get anywhere near the run of Isak for the opener, before being dominated in the air by Joelinton as he powered his effort past Andre Onana after easily outjumping the defender.

Since Amorim’s appointment, last night was the sixth time he was part of a backline that conceded two or more goals, often being dominated given his lack of height – something which is crucial for a central defender.

Last night was no different, losing 100% of duels on the ground and in the air, with his battle against Newcastle’s midfielder for the second strike just one of the duels he found himself on the losing side.

He also committed two fouls and received a yellow card for his troubles, before being put out of his misery by Amorim, subsequently being withdrawn in the 65th minute and replaced by Leny Yoro.

After the final whistle, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher claimed the Argentine now looks “worse” under the new boss, something which is hard to dispute given his recent form and inability to prevent the recent defensive woes.

It’s clear that Amorim needs a massive reset of the first-team squad in the near future, but this campaign appears to already be a write-off with 19 league matches still to play.

However, it would come as a surprise to no one if all three of the aforementioned United players were to depart by the end of the season, with Martinez now rapidly declining and looking miles off the levels expected of a £57m addition.

As well as Zirkzee: 2/10 Man Utd dud must never play for the club again

Manchester United’s miserable losing streak continued against Newcastle United.

By
Kelan Sarson

Dec 31, 2024

Everything you need to know about Martin Zubimendi's salary playing for Real Sociedad

Martin Zubimendi has become a key figure in the current Real Sociedad squad under Imanol Alguaci and has played a major role in Sociedad's resurgence in the Spanish top flight in recent seasons.

Despite being linked with top clubs like Barcelona, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City, Zubimendi has stayed loyal to Sociedad and continues to do so.

He has been well compensated for his efforts at the club and ranks as one of their highest earners.

But exactly how much does Zubimendi earn playing in LaLiga?

GOAL delved into the numbers with Capology and found out!

*

• Martin Zubimendi's wages at Real Sociedad in numbers

  Under his current contract at Real Sociedad, which will keep him at the club until 2027, Zubimendi earns £48,245 ($63,156) per week, while his annual wages reach £2.5 million ($3.2m). Zubimendi is currently Sociedad's second-highest earner in the squad after Mikel Oyarzabal.

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages in GBP	Weekly wages in USD	Annual wages in GBP	Annual wages in USD
  Martin Zubimendi	Spanish	£48,245	$63,156	£2,508,757	$3,284,132

Advertisement

• (C)Getty Images
  

  Top earners at Real Sociedad

  As mentioned earlier, club captain Oyarzabal currently ranks as the highest-earning player in the Real Sociedad squad, followed by Zubimendi.

  Meanwhile, Alex Remiro takes the third position, followed by full-back Alvaro Odriozola.

  Finally, rounding off the list at number five is Japanese forward Takefusa Kubo.

  Player	Nationality	Weekly wages in GBP	Weekly wages in USD	Annual wages in GBP	Annual wages in USD
  Mikel Oyarzabal	Spanish	£57,894	$75,788	£3,010,508	$3,940,958
  Martin Zubimendi	Spanish	£48,245	$63,156	£2,508,757	$3,284,132
  Alex Remiro	Spanish	£45,029	$58,946	£2,341,507	$3,065,190
  Alvaro Odriozola	Spanish	£43,421	$56,841	£2,257,881	$2,955,719
  Takefusa Kubo	Japanese	£40,204	$52,630	£2,090,631	$2,736,776

• Top earners in La Liga

  When it comes to the top-five highest earners in the league, none of the Real Sociedad players make the cut.

  The list is completely dominated by the big three of LaLiga: Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid. Three Los Blancos players feature in the list, namely Kylian Mbappe, David Alaba, and Jude Bellingham at second, third, and fifth positions.

  Atletico Madrid's only entrant, Jan Oblak, makes an appearance at fourth position, while Barcelona's Polish striker Robert Lewandowski takes the top spot as the league's highest-paid player.

  Nationality	Nationality	Weekly wages GBP	Weekly wages USD	Annual wages GBP	Annual Wages USD
  Robert Lewandowski	Polish	£536,006	$701,667	£27,872,290	$36,486,704
  Kylian Mbappe	French	£502,556	$657,879	£26,132,886	$34,209,706
  David Alaba	Austrian	£361,840	$473,673	£18,815,678	$24,630,988
  Jan Oblak	Slovenian	£334,983	$438,516	£17,419,136	$22,802,822
  Jude Bellingham	English	£334,983	$438,516	£17,419,136	$22,802,822

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  Highest paid players in the world

  Despite the mouthwatering wages in the league, none of the top LaLiga earners make it into the top-five earners list globally.

  Saudi Pro League players heavily dominate the list, with former Real Madrid forwards Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema at first and second spot, respectively.

  Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez comes in at number three, followed by Senegalese internationals Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly.

  Player	Club	Weekly wages GBP	Weekly wages USD	Annual wages GBP	Annual wages USD
  Cristiano Ronaldo	Al Nassr	£3,216,155	$4,210,425	£167,250,468	$218,942,120
  Karim Benzema	Al Ittihad	£1,608,178	$2,105,213	£83,625,234	$109,471,060
  Riyad Mahrez	Al Ahli	£839,469	$1,098,921	£45,652,372	$57,43,893
  Sadio Mane	Al Nassr	£643,271	$842,085	£33,450,094	$43,788,424
  Kalidou Koulibaly	Al Hilal	£558,038	$730,509	£29,017,956	$37,986,458

Glasgow Rangers are yet to make their first signing of the month after the January transfer window officially opened for business in the middle of last week.

The Light Blues are seemingly in need of reinforcements after they endured a rough first half of the season in domestic competitions, sitting 13 points adrift of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

Philippe Clement’s side also failed to win the League Cup, losing on penalties to their Glasgow rivals in the final, and this means that they will need to improve in the second half of the campaign if they want to avoid a trophyless year.

The Belgian head coach used the January transfer window to bolster his squad at the start of last year, signing Mohamed Diomande, Oscar Cortes, and Fabio Silva on loan.

A central defender is on the agenda for Rangers in the current winter window after injuries to Neraysho Kasanwirjo, John Souttar, and Leon Balogun have left the squad in a difficult position.

The Scottish giants are looking to bring a new player in to add to the manager’s options in that area of the pitch, with a Premier League stalwart now on their radar.

Rangers eyeing Premier League titan

According to the Daily Record, the Rangers board have suggested the signing of Jonny Evans from Premier League giants Manchester United this month.

The report claims that signing a central defender is an ‘urgent’ priority for the Light Blues, who are reacting to the numerous injury issues they have in that position, and that the board have suggested several potential signings.

It states that Evans has been put forward to Clement as a potential option, as the board want to bring the Northern Ireland international to Ibrox before the end of the January transfer window.

However, the Rangers head coach is said to be wary of a move for the experienced defender this month due to his age, and would prefer a younger option to come in if possible.

The report adds that former Gers centre-back Nikola Katic is another name that has been suggested as a possible addition to the squad, almost three years on from his exit from Ibrox in the summer of 2022.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It does not, though, reveal whether or not Clement would be interested in a deal for the Croatian titan, or prefer him to Evans, in the current transfer window.

The Daily Record also does not state whether or not Evans would be keen on a move to Glasgow to play for Rangers, with the 37-year-old ace having played six times for Manchester United in the Premier League this term.

He could, however, be an excellent signing for the Gers if Clement decides to go through with the board’s recommendation and convinces the player to make the move, as the Red Devils giant could be perfect for Dujon Sterling.

Dujon Sterling's recent performances

The English ace has played almost in every position on the pitch for Rangers since his move to the club on a permanent deal from Chelsea in the summer of 2023.

Sterling has been the perfect utility man for Clement throughout his time at Ibrox so far, as he is capable of playing on the flanks, in the middle, in defence, or in midfield.

As you can see in the table above, the 25-year-old star has been used in so many different positions but has been unable to nail down a regular spot in the same role.

A right-back at the time of his move to Rangers, Sterling could find his long-term home in Glasgow as a central defender, after a few promising showings in that position in recent weeks.

He has started the last five matches at centre-back and helped the team to keep two clean sheets, including one in the 3-0 Old Firm win over Celtic at Ibrox, making nine clearances and winning 67% of his duels in that match.

Clement could find the perfect partner for the inexperienced centre-back by swooping to bring in the vastly experienced Evans in the January transfer window.

Why Rangers should sign Jonny Evans

The Manchester United ace turned 37 this month and it is understandable as to why the Rangers manager is hesitant to sanction a deal for a player of his age, particularly with Balogun and Robin Propper in the squad.

However, signing Evans on a short-term deal until the summer, when Nils Koppen would then have more time to recruit a long-term option in that position, could be a shrewd piece of business.

As you can see in the clip above, former Gers man Kris Boyd has already explained why he would like to see the club sign the defender, due to the experience that he could provide on and off the pitch.

The Northern Ireland international has played a whopping 385 Premier League matches in his career and won three league titles during his first stint with Manchester United, as well as the FA Cup with Leicester City.

Whilst some may question how much he has left to give on the pitch at the age of 37, Evans’ performances in the English top-flight last term suggest that there is plenty left in the tank.

As you can see in the table above, the experienced titan, who was described as a “Rolls Royce” by former teammate Ben Foster, performed well in his 23 Premier League appearances last term, with no major errors and a dominant duel success rate.

Evans still has the quality to be a calming presence at the back, with his reliability on the ball and dominance defensively, and that is why he could be the perfect partner for the inexperienced Sterling, who could learn so much from the Premier League winner to help him develop as a centre-back moving forward for Rangers.

Rangers could sign exciting Igamane rival with 13 goals in 19 games

Rangers could sign a player who would rival Hamza Igamane…

By
Ross Kilvington

Jan 7, 2025

Graham Potter has been hired as the new West Ham United manager, following the dismissal of Julen Lopetegui, after a poor start to the 2024/25 Premier League season left the Hammers 14th after 20 games played.

One area that West Ham have struggled in so far this season is the middle of the park, lacking mobility to cover ground, often leaving big gaps between their two lines of pressure, with the midfield either too deep to help the forward line, or too advanced, making them unable to recover the large distances.

This has had a negative effect on their off-ball principles, leading to 2024 being their worst defensive year since 1967.

West Ham conceded 79 goals in 2024, the most in the Premier League during that calendar year. This alone could be enough for Potter to ask for reinforcement in central areas, in order to change their out-of-possession principles and improve those numbers.

The midfielder West Ham could sign

According to reports from The Daily Mail, West Ham are interested in out-of-favour Chelsea star, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. According to the report, Potter wants to strengthen his midfield options in January, and the Chelsea man could be a perfect way to do so.

With the 26-year-old only joining the Blues this summer for a fee of around £30m, Chelsea look like they are already willing to let Dewsbury-Hall leave the club, having fallen behind in the pecking order to multiple midfielders in Maresca’s plans.

The former Leicester ace has made 15 appearances in all competitions so far this season, scoring two goals, providing one assist and totalling 857 minutes played.

Dewsbury-Hall vs Paqueta comparison

Lucas Paqueta has been subject to criticism this season, making 21 appearances, scoring three goals and totalling 1,440 minutes so far.

But the main sources of criticism have come due to his lack of assists (0) in comparison to the number of times the Brazilian gives the ball away per game.

Dewsbury-Hall, whilst having an expansive passing range, will keep it simple in order to retain possession, and could therefore offer Potter another midfield option to keep things tidy and help the functionality of his side.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The Englishman’s ex-manager, Brendan Rodgers, labelled Dewsbury-Hall a “special player” back in 2022, and that same skill set is clearly still there when we look at the numbers.

When comparing their metrics from this season, you have to take into account that the Chelsea ace has played the majority of his minutes in the UEFA Conference League, in comparison to the Brazilian who has played the majority of his minutes in the Premier League.

Having said that, Dewsbury-Hall is outperforming the Irons star in many metrics, providing more progressive carries per 90, more shot-creating actions and more expected assists (xAG), whilst still offering the work-rate and mobility desired in midfield.

Whilst Paqueta is seen as the bigger talent between the two, the simplicity that Dewsbury-Hall could add to their midfield, along with that extra mobility needed and hard-working mentality, allowing Potter to implement new out-of-possession ideas at a faster rate, hopefully allowing the Hammers to get some points on the board.

Dream Potter signing: West Ham could sign "one of the most exciting CFs"

Graham Potter can be reunited with “phenomenal” ace at West Ham

By
Connor Holden

Jan 8, 2025

Carlo Ancelotti has addressed rumours of a rift between him and his Real Madrid squad following their Champions League exit.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Rumours of rift between Ancelotti & Madrid squad
• Talk of complaints made by players to Perez
• Italian addresses speculation

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  claims that Madrid's dressing room is growing increasingly distrustful of Ancelotti and that some complained to club president Florentino Perez following their 2-1 Champions League quarter-final loss to Arsenal. However, the Italian says anyone who talks about a rift "isn't telling the truth".

Advertisement

• GOAL
  

  WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID

  He told a press conference: "I've spoken with the players and the club. We're on the same page. We're hurt. These are things that can happen in football; you can't always win. We have the same idea. We haven't had a clash with the club because we're always in the same boat. Anyone who talks about a clash with the president isn't telling the truth."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ancelotti is said to have the support of Perez but the ex-AC Milan and Chelsea manager may be on borrowed time at Madrid. They are still in with a shot of winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey but if they fail to triumph in either, the 65-year-old is likely to leave the club this summer.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Madrid, who are four points behind league leaders Barcelona, host Athletic Club on Sunday night in their next La Liga encounter.

Jude Bellingham has already eclipsed Cristiano Ronaldo in the hearts of Real Madrid fans as the Englishman is said to be "loved" more than the legend.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Bellingham a fan favourite at Real Madrid
• Journalist says he is loved more than Ronaldo
• CR7 spent nine years at the Bernabeu

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bellingham rocketed to Madrid stardom immediately after joining the club from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023, making him a fan favourite alongside star attacker Vinicius Junior as they won a Champions League and La Liga double.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 21-year-old is still far from repeating the kind of success Ronaldo enjoyed in his nine-year spell at the Santiago Bernabeu, but journalist Andy Brassell believes the Portuguese star was never truly loved by the Madrid faithful. Citing the moment Bellingham whispered into Bukayo Saka's ear during Madrid's Champions League loss to Arsenal, Brassell says Bellingham has earned "unconditional" love in the Spanish capital.

• WHAT BRASSELL SAID

  He said on : "It's a little clue to why he's so loved in Madrid in an unconditional way that Cristiano Ronaldo never was. Cristiano Ronaldo was admired and respected, but never loved like Jude Bellingham. Now, you might sit there and think: 'Okay, well Cristiano Ronaldo scored more than a goal a game for nine years, how can that be the case?' "But I think it's the indefinables with Bellingham. And you saw it at Dortmund as well, the way he connected with the crowd. It's not just the way he plays, but the fact he makes the fans in the stadium feel part of it. He plays the game like any of us would if we had the ability. I think that's the important thing. He's a mix between the best player in the world and us playing on a Sunday. And I don't mean that in a bad way, I mean that in an entirely positive way. And I think that's the thing, because the Madrid media would expect anyone to do that for Real Madrid. [Bellingham] doesn't need to be asked. He doesn't care that it's his England team-mate and I think Bukayo Saka would quite respect that."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM AND RONALDO?

  Bellingham and his Madrid team-mates are looking to reduce the gap to La Liga leaders Barcelona when they face Getafe on Wednesday. Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, meanwhile, will take on Yokohama Marinos in the AFC Champions League quarter-finals this weekend.