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Newcastle United have now reportedly been offered the opportunity to finally sign James Trafford in a deal that would see Tino Livramento head in the opposite direction to Manchester City.

The Magpies certainly have a lot to think about ahead of 2026. With new sporting director Ross Wilson in place, they’ll be hoping to avoid the chaos of missing out on top targets to hand Eddie Howe some much-needed reinforcements.

He'd revive Elanga: Newcastle could hire "one of the best managers in the PL"

There have been whispers of a potential managerial change at Newcastle after a poor start to the season.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 20, 2025

Howe’s side enter this weekend’s clash against Man City in desperate need of three points, having entered the international break off the back of a shock 3-1 defeat at the hands of Brentford. Currently sat as low as 14th in the Premier League, the Newcastle boss reiterated that he’s looking for a response from his players on Saturday night.

There would be no better way to get back on track than a victory against a side with Man City’s quality, but then it’s about consistency for the Magpies. On the pitch, they must turn things around in preparation for what could be a busy January transfer window.

Already, reports are claiming that they’re still interested in signing Trafford and could be handed an interesting opportunity to do so in 2026.

Newcastle offered chance to sign James Trafford

As reported by TeamTalk, Newcastle have now been offered the chance to sign Trafford by Man City, who are looking to strike a swap deal involving Livramento. The Citizens were interested in the versatile right-back in the summer, but were priced out of a move thanks to the Magpies’ eye-watering £80m price-tag.

Now, just months later, it looks as though City are once again interested in a move for the England international and are already willing to cut ties with Trafford to make a move happen.

The shot-stopper returned to the club with the hope of finally becoming their number one, only for Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival to bring an end to those plans. Left to watch on from the bench ever since, he could certainly do with another call from those in Tyneside.

That said, whilst Newcastle’s admiration for Trafford is clear, it remains to be seen whether he’s valued higher than Livramento in Tyneside. The goalkeeper has been described as “incredible” by Pep Guardiola, but even that may not be enough to convince Newcastle to sacrifice their star defender.

Bigger talent than Anderson: Newcastle have 'one of the world's best teens'

The Tampa Bays Rays are bulking up their bullpen ahead of the MLB All-Star break.

As first reported by Robert Murray, the Baltimore Orioles are trading relief pitcher Bryan Baker to Tampa. They will receive the No. 37 overall pick (Competitive Balance, Round A) in next week's 2025 MLB draft in return.

With the O's set for a 12:05 p.m. EST first pitch against the Mets on Thursday, Baker was in the clubhouse—alongside reporters—as he learned of his departure. According to the Jacob Calvin Meyer, the reliever was "in shock".

“It’s been everything," Baker said of his time in Baltimore. "They gave me an opportunity to get established in the big leagues."

Baker has appeared in 42 games for the Orioles this season, sporting a 3.52 ERA over 38.1 innings pitched. He's also logged 49 strikeouts while walking just nine batters and allowing 15 earned runs.

The 30-year-old now heads to a Tampa Bay team who has won just three of their last 10 games as they fight for a Wild Card spot in the American League. The Rays begin a four-game series against the Red Sox in Boston on Thursday night.

Harry Kane has explained why he was surprisingly named as a substitute before scoring a hat-trick in Bayern Munich’s thumping 5-0 win over Stuttgart on Saturday. The England captain continued his rich vein of goalscoring form in his side’s latest Bundesliga victory, but he admits he was as shocked as anybody that he had to emerge from the bench to do so.

• Eyebrows raised as Kompany starts Jackson ahead of Kane

  Returning to league action following Wednesday’s triumph over Union Berlin in the last 16 of the DFB-Pokal, Bayern travelled to sixth-placed Stuttgart for what looked to be a tricky test on paper. One of the strongest teams in German football, Sebastian Hoeness’ hosts were also victorious in midweek, downing VFL Bochum 2-0 to book their place in the quarter-finals of the domestic cup.

  However, one or two eyebrows were raised before kick-off when the news emerged that Bayern star Kane would start the match on the bench. After scoring in the victory over Union, the former Tottenham forward took his goal tally to 25 in just 21 fixtures in all competitions for Vincent Kompany’s side, who opted to field Chelsea loanee Nicolas Jackson up top.

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  Former Tottenham striker shows class with stunning hat-trick

  Ever the consummate professional, though, Kane showed no signs of frustration after being introduced on the hour mark, replacing fellow striker Jackson who was unable to find the back of the net for Bayern.

  Already in front thanks to midfielder Konrad Laimer’s opener, Kane doubled Bayern’s lead just six minutes after being brought on, before going on to grab his second of the game from the penalty spot.

  And to cap off a remarkable 30-minute display, Kane followed up Josip Stanisic scoring Bayern’s fourth by completing his hat-trick on the 88th-minute mark. The win saw Kompany’s side move 11 points clear at the top of the league table ahead of second-placed RB Leipzig’s clash with Eintracht Frankfurt later in the day.

• Bayern star man Kane reveals why he started on the bench

  When asked about starting the match among the substitutes, Kane lifted the lid on manager Kompany’s thinking, saying the Bayern head coach wanted to keep him “fresh” ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Portuguese giants Sporting CP at the Allianz Arena.

  Speaking after the full-time whistle, Kane said: “It's something I'm not used to, but I did it a couple of times this season. The boss wanted to keep me fresh and save energy. 

  “I came on after 60 minutes with a couple of other guys and we were able to exploit the space and get the goals. 

  “We had a tough battle in the cup midweek and today we faced one of the best teams in the league away, but we looked stronger in the last half an hour and punished them.”

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  Manager Kompany also opens up about his gutsy decision

  And when Kompany was asked about the gutsy decision to rest Kane, the former Burnley manager revealed the plan was to always introduce the talisman around the hour mark.

  “I had this change in mind before the game started,” said Kompany. “We have 4 games in 11 days. If I start Harry every game and he plays 90 minutes, I'll get questions about why he always plays. 

  “Every time we played Stuttgart we've always grown stronger as the game progressed. I felt the spaces would be bigger when Harry came on, it was a good moment for him to come on. And he did what he does.”

Serhou Guirassy’s future at Borussia Dortmund has taken a decisive turn as new details reveal his release clause will drop to around €50 million in summer 2026, down from the €75m figure once reported. With Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea and other elite clubs granted exclusive access to the clause, interest is intensifying as Dortmund prepare for potential replacements.

Guirassy's exclusive clause to be activated next summer

Guirassy’s contract saga has taken centre stage again after Sky Sports confirmed that his release clause at Dortmund is still active, but not for the upcoming winter window. Instead, it becomes valid in the summer of 2026, and its value is set to drop dramatically.

The striker’s exit option will fall to around €50m (£44m/$57m), a sharp decrease from the €60-75m (£52m/$69m – £61m/$80m) range discussed last summer. Dortmund insiders have described the clause as “staggered,” meaning it becomes more financially accessible over time.

According to , the clause is exclusively available to seven clubs: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United.

These teams can activate it directly, while all others, including suitors in Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 or the Saudi Pro League, must negotiate higher fees with Dortmund.

Guirassy, who has become Dortmund’s attacking anchor, is keeping his options open and has made it clear that he would only consider a move to a top-tier club capable of offering titles and Champions League ambitions.

AdvertisementgettyGuirassy not interested in Saudi switch

Although Saudi clubs continue to circle Europe’s biggest names, Guirassy has no interest in heading to the Saudi Pro League. This summer, he rejected a €20 million-per-year offer from Al-Hilal, believing the move would come too early in his career.

Since joining Dortmund in 2024 for €18m, Guirassy has delivered exceptional output with 38 goals and nine assists in 50 matches. A brief dip in form earlier this season raised concerns, but he responded emphatically with a brace in Dortmund’s 4-0 Champions League win over Villarreal, reminding suitors of his reliability at the highest level.

His contract runs until 2028, but the looming release clause means Dortmund know they may struggle to keep him if a major club acts decisively in 2026. For now, Guirassy remains fully committed to Dortmund’s project, tying his long-term future to the club’s ability to compete for titles.

However, Germany legend Oliver Kahn is convinced the striker wants to leave the club, predicting a summer transfer for him.

Dortmund eye Hoffenheim striker as Guirassy's replacement

With Guirassy’s departure a genuine possibility, Dortmund have started preparing for life without their star striker. The club is seriously exploring a move for Fisnik Asllani, Hoffenheim’s rising Kosovo international.

Asllani's release clause is set at €30m which will be active from summer 2026, making him a realistic and financially viable option. Dortmund had considered signing him last summer, but the player chose to extend his contract until 2029.

Now, the interest is back, but competition is intense. Bayern are monitoring Asllani as a rotational attacking option, while Barcelona have emerged as fresh contenders. The striker has delivered six goals and three assists this Bundesliga season and continues to grow after a breakout loan spell at Elversberg.

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AFPWhat's next for Dortmund and Guirassy?

From struggling for minutes at Lille to breakthrough spells at Rennes and Cologne, Guirassy transformed himself at Stuttgart with a remarkable 30 goals in 30 Bundesliga games before moving to Dortmund. With his release clause dropping and Europe's biggest clubs circling, Dortmund face an inevitable challenge. Whether Guirassy stays will depend on the club’s progress, their ability to compete at the top, and how aggressively the seven eligible giants pursue him in 2026.

For now, Dortmund remain focused on the present they view him as an ideal successor who is strong in the air, composed inside the box, and young enough to develop into a long-term No. 9.

علق خافيير تيباس، رئيس رابطة أندية الدوري على الأزمة التي توجهت له بشأن شكوى المجلس الرياضي الإسباني، كما كشف عن القرار الذي اتخذه حول ذلك.

كانت هيئة التحكيم الرياضي قررت فتح تحقيق، أمس الجمعة، مع رئيس رابطة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، خافيير تيباس، عقب شكوى قدمها المجلس الرياضي الإسباني في 20 أكتوبر الماضي.

وذكرت تقارير صحفية أن رئيس الاتحاد الوطني للاعبي لكرة القدم، ميجيل جالان، أرسل رسالة إلى المجلس الرياضي الإسباني ورئيسيه، خوسيه مانويل رودريجيز في 12 أغسطس الماضي، طالب من خلالها إقالة تيياس من منصبه.

وأوضحت أن تلك المطالبة جاءت بحجة أن تيباس ارتكب 5 مخالفات جسيمة للمادة أ.76.2 من القانون رقم 10/1990، والمتعلقة بخرقه لواجب الحياد.

اقرأ أيضًا | بسبب برشلونة.. 5 مخالفات قد تطيح بـ تيباس من رئاسة رابطة الدوري الإسباني

وفي ضوء ذلك، كتب تيباس عبر حسابه الرسمي على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “إكس”: “لقد شاهدت هذا الفيلم مرات عديدة، في هذه المرحلة لدي بالفعل ثلاث شكاوى جنائية، وفقدت العد للشكاوى المقدمة إلى هيئة الأمن الجنائي، وهناك بضع عشرات من شكاوى الحق في الرد من بعض وسائل الإعلام الصاخبة للغاية”.

وأكمل: “الاستراتيجية لا تزال كما هي، إغراق النظام بالشكاوى لمعرفة ما إذا كان أي منها سيُجدي نفعًا، في هذه الأثناء سأواصل عملي من أجل كرة القدم الاحترافية، أما الباقي كما في السابق، فسيذهب أدراج الرياح وستكون له نتائج عكسية كارثية”.

وأتم: “وتقدم جالان بالشكوى لأنه يعتقد أن تيباس كشف معلومات تتعلق بقضية صناديق كبار الشخصيات في ملعب كامب نو وتسجيل لاعب كرة القدم داني أولمو”.

Ya he visto esta película muchas veces:
A estas alturas ya llevo 3 querellas criminales, he perdido la cuenta de las denuncias ante el CSD y van unas cuantas decenas de derechos de rectificación de algunos portaCOCES muy ruidosos.

Os recuerdo este post del 11 de abril pasado,… https://t.co/Qyjl5vCkiE — Javier Tebas Medrano (@Tebasjavier) November 23, 2025

Aston Villa’s first Premier League win of the season didn’t fall until late September, but heading into Liverpool’s clash with Unai Emery’s side later today, the two sides are somehow tied on 15 points in the early league standings.

Of course, the West Midlands outfit has turned around its slow start, but it speaks more to how alarmingly quick the wheels have fallen off for Arne Slot’s machine in recent matches, with his side deep in a four-game losing streak in league action, alongside also tasting defeat in the Champions League and the EFL Cup along the way.

The under-fire Dutchman will surely be considering changes aplenty heading into this late-night clash against the Villans, with Alexis Mac Allister in danger of being dropped, as his own personal season shows no signs of improvement.

Mac Allister's drop-off at Liverpool

It’s not an exaggeration to suggest that Mac Allister was crucial to Slot and Co. last season as they romped home to the Premier League title.

Of course, Mohamed Salah stole most of the plaudits as everything he touched turned to gold, but the ex-Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder was also a sensational spectacle to take in all campaign long, with five goals and five assists heading his way, strengthening his presence as a constant livewire from the centre of the park.

Unfortunately for Slot, though, it looks as if the Argentinian’s days of hammering home strikes like this sweetly struck one against Fulham are long behind him, with Mac Allister now looking “like Fabinho in his final season”.

It’s been lethargic showing after lethargic showing all season long, in truth, with the number ten doing little to tighten his grip on a first-team spot against Villa when struggling, again, against Crystal Palace mid-week as a much-changed Reds XI crashed out of the EFL Cup as abject 3-0 losers.

Mac Allister would fail to hit a single shot at stand-in Palace keeper Walter Benítez, while also only managing to win a weak two duels centrally, as per Sofascore.

With news emerging that Ryan Gravenberch could be fit for the clash later today, it might be a case of swapping out the South American “disappointment” – as one analyst also branded him recently – for the returning Dutchman.

Mac Allister isn’t the only worrying drop-off Slot has had to contend with, though, as this high-profile summer signing is already in danger of being seen as a flop, based on his early days at Anfield, despite joining with such fanfare.

Liverpool star is looking "painfully out of his depth"

Liverpool demanded everyone’s attention in the hectic summer transfer window.

£415m was wildly spent, after all, with £40m of that huge amount being forked out to land blistering AFC Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, following a breakout campaign on the south coast.

His unbounded energy for Andoni Iraola’s men, which resulted in five league assists coming his way last season, must have made Kerkez a priority target for Liverpool, as they went about refreshing their defence in the wake of Trent Alexander-Arnold gallivanting off to Real Madrid.

Yet, while his extremely dangerous pace is clear for all to see in the above clip, Kerkez has yet to really find his Bournemouth groove again at Anfield, with two games on the trot against Chelsea and Manchester in October, seeing him attempt just one dribble.

Kerkez’s numbers vs Palace

Stat

Kerkez

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

76

Accurate passes

40/53 (75%)

Possession lost

19x

Tackles won

0

Total duels won

3/9

Stats by Sofascore

Much like Mac Allister, too, he struggled again when selected against the Eagles mid-week, with Ismaila Sarr having a field day up against the out-of-sorts Hungarian, leading to his two goals rubbing more salt into the gaping Liverpool wound.

Away from that one-on-one battle, Kerkez also only won three out of his nine duels on the night, on top of losing possession a high 19 times, with journalist Tim Spier’s comments that the number six is “painfully out of his depth” lining up for the red half of Merseyside very much ringing true.

Andrew Robertson might be a sensible replacement moving forward, as Slot attempts to put together a strong enough XI that can clinch a desperately needed win against Villa, with the “naive” full-back – as Gary Neville has labelled him – likely to drop out subsequently, alongside Mac Allister.

Related Every Liverpool game that Jeremie Frimpong will now miss after latest injury

More bad news for the Reds

Posts ByTom Cunningham Oct 31, 2025

وجّه الإعلامي أحمد شوبير، انتقادات حادة لمجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك، بعد تقدّمه بشكوى رسمية ضد لاعب الأهلي أحمد سيد زيزو إلى لجنة الانضباط، متهمًا إياه بتعمد عدم مصافحة المهندس هشام نصر نائب رئيس النادي عقب مباراة السوبر المصري الأخيرة.

قال الإعلامي أحمد شوبير في تصريحات عبر برنامجه الإذاعي صباح الأربعاء: “الزمالك بالأمس قدّم شكوى ضد اللاعب أحمد سيد زيزو إلى لجنة الانضباط، واتهمه بتعمّد عدم مصافحة المهندس هشام نصر، نائب رئيس النادي، وطالب بتوقيع العقوبة اللازمة طبقًا للائحة، لكن سؤالي ببساطة: ماذا تقول اللائحة في مثل هذا الموقف؟”.

وتابع: “أنا آسف أن أقول ذلك، لكن يجب أن نعمل بشكل مؤسسي وصحيح، إما أن نلتزم بالقواعد أو لا نتحدث عن تطبيقها من الأساس، أنا بالفعل وجّهت اللوم لزيزو على تصرفه، ولكن يجب أن أكون منصفًا: زيزو ذهب وصافح لاعبي الزمالك جميعًا، وصافح الجهاز الفني والإداري، واحتضن الكابتن أحمد عبد الرؤوف بعد المباراة، هذا الفيديو موجود أمام الجميع، وتصرف محترم من لاعب محترف، فقط وجّهت له اللوم على عدم مصافحته للمهندس هشام نصر، لا أكثر”.

وأضاف: “لكن ما الذي تنص عليه اللائحة في هذا الشأن؟ هل تنص على الإيقاف؟ أم الغرامة؟ أم ماذا تحديدًا؟ يجب أن نكون واضحين، فاللائحة التي تنظم السلوك والالتزام تنص على احترام المعايير والروح الرياضية، وتنص المادة السادسة منها على فرض العقوبات على من يسيء إلى الاتحاد أو المجلس أو اللجنة أو الجهة المنظمة أو المسؤولين أو عناصر اللعبة، إذًا هل ما فعله زيزو يدخل في هذا الإطار؟”.

وواصل: “الزمالك طلب في شكواه توقيع العقوبات اللازمة على اللاعب طبقًا للائحة، لكنني كنت أتصور أن الزمالك سيتحدث عن تصحيح المسار بعد خسارة السوبر، فخسارة السوبر أمر طبيعي؛ الزمالك قد يخسر أمام الأهلي أو بيراميدز، كما يمكن لأي فريق أن يخسر، فهذه كرة القدم، كنت أظن أن الزمالك سيعمل على الإصلاح، لا أن يقدم شكوى”.

وأردف: “كنت أتوقع أن يصدر النادي بيانًا أو يخرج المتحدث الإعلامي ليقول إن تصرف زيزو لم يكن لائقًا أو لا يتناسب مع روح الرياضة، وهذا حقه، لكن أن نذهب إلى لجنة الانضباط لمثل هذا الأمر؟ لا أفهم ذلك، أنا بدوري تحدثت عن زيزو وانتقدته، لكني في الوقت نفسه احترمته، لأنه لاعب خلوق ومحترف، ومن يريد تطبيق اللوائح، فعليه أن يطبقها على الجميع داخل المنظومة على الجماهير أيضًا، فحين يخطئ الجمهور يجب أن نواجهه حتى تسود الروح الرياضية ويستقيم العمل”.

طالع أيضًا | بعد شكوى الزمالك.. 4 عقوبات تهدد زيزو حال إدانته في أزمة السوبر المصري

واستكمل: “نادي الزمالك لديه خسائر في كرة اليد والسلة وكرة القدم، إذًا لا بد أن يتكلم ويواجه الأمور، الجمهور ينتظر ذلك، لكنه لا ينتظر دغدغة المشاعر بشكاوى لا طائل منها، فحتى لو تم تغريم زيزو ألف جنيه أو خمسة آلاف أو مائة ألف أو نصف مليون، ما الفائدة؟ الأفضل أن يعمل مجلس إدارة الزمالك من أجل مصلحة النادي”.

وتساءل: “هل الكابتن أحمد عبد الرؤوف سيستمر أم لا؟ هل سيتمكن النادي من إنهاء مشاكله القانونية مع جروس، وفرجاني ساسي، وجوميز وغيرهم؟ هذه هي الأسئلة الأهم، لا أن نقول: لقد اشتكينا زيزو في لجنة الانضباط!”.

وأضاف: “يا جماعة، فلنكن منطقيين، دغدغة مشاعر الناس عبر السوشيال ميديا لا تفيد النادي، علينا أن نعمل بجد وبشكل مؤسسي، الهدف هو إصلاح النادي لا خلق أزمات فرعية، لا يمكن أن تظل الأمور تسير بهذه الطريقة الغريبة، نحتاج إلى منطق وهدوء وعمل حقيقي”.

وشدد: “زيزو لم يخطئ في أحد، ولم يقل أدبًا، ولم يتحدث بكلمة خارجة، كل ما حدث أنه لم يصافح نائب رئيس النادي، لا أكثر، أنا قلت إنه كان عليه أن يسلم، لأننا اعتدنا منه دائمًا على الاحترام، لكن أن نترك كل شيء حدث في المباراة ونقف فقط عند هذه اللقطة؟ هذا غير منطقي، يا جماعة، فكروا في الصالح العام، فكروا في ملايين الزملكاوية الذين يتمنون رؤية ناديهم يعود للانتصارات والبطولات”.

وواصل: “الزمالك الآن يعاني في أكثر من لعبة في الكرة الطائرة، والسلة، وكرة اليد، وحتى كرة القدم، لم يعد الفريق ينافس على المركز الثاني في الدوري، على الإدارة أن تعمل لتصحيح الأوضاع وإسعاد الجماهير، وإعادة النادي إلى المنافسة في دوري أبطال إفريقيا”.

واختتم: “الله يبارك فيكم، يا مجلس إدارة الزمالك، انظروا إلى مصلحة النادي أولًا، ركّزوا على القضايا المهمة مثل قضية أرض أكتوبر والطعن القانوني بشأنها، هذه أمور تمس مستقبل الكيان، أما شكوى زيزو فلن تضيف شيئًا، نحن بحاجة إلى من يعمل من أجل عودة الزمالك إلى مكانته الطبيعية كنادٍ كبير وبطل كما تعوّد جمهوره دائمًا”.

Whilst Alisson Becker is unquestionably the best goalkeeper that Liverpool have ever had in the Premier League, there’s no denying that his unique injury history have left the Reds short at times. It’s something that Jurgen Klopp had to deal with almost every season and something that Arne Slot now has to handle following the Brazilian’s latest hamstring setback.

The Liverpool manager confirmed the news of the injury that Alisson suffered against Galatasaray and the extent of it, telling reporters ahead of the trip to Chelsea: “I’d be surprised if Alisson’s ready for first game after international break.”

The good news for Liverpool is that they should be used to being without their goalkeeper, but to say that they’ve had some mixed results in his absence in previous seasons would be an understatement.

So, with title rivas Arsenal about to embark on an ‘easier’ run of fixtures by all accounts, do the Gunners now have the upper hand or will the Reds survive with Giorgi Mamardashvili between the sticks?

2019/20: Alisson absent for 18 games

Adrian fumbles on biggest stage

Although many will remember the 2019/20 season for how the Covid-19 put a stop to football altogether before Liverpool lifted their first Premier League title, there will still be fans who remember it for Adrian’s Champions League horror show against Atletico Madrid.

Filling in for Alisson, who missed three games with a hip injury not long after he missed 15 games through a calf injury in the same campaign, Adrian gift-wrapped Marcos Llorente’s equalising goal in extra-time as Atletico Madrid advanced in dramatic fashion.

Had Alisson been fit and ready to face Atletico Madrid, Anfield could have enjoyed another Champions League night to remember in a season that they were at their very best under Jurgen Klopp.

2020/21: Alisson misses 10 games

Adrian's struggles continue in thrashing at Villa

As football recommenced under Covid-19 protocols, Liverpool and the rest of the Premier League were forced to get used to empty stadiums and what felt like meaningless games at times.

One thing didn’t change for the Reds, however, and that was Alisson’s injury problems. This time, he added to the Reds’ woes by missing 10 games – including five through a shoulder injury and three courtesy of another hip injury.

Once again, it was Adrian who was forced to step up and once again, Liverpool paid the price in full. This time, they found themselves on the end of one of the most shocking results in Premier League history as Aston Villa battered them 7-2 in the Midlands.

2023/24: Alisson injured for 15 games after another hamstring issue

Kelleher steps up for Liverpool

By the time that the 2023/24 campaign arrived and Alisson suffered his next injury setback – missing 15 games through a hamstring problem – Caoimhin Kelleher was ready to step up. The Adrian days were over and the Reds finally had a reliable backup to turn to, who enjoyed some excellent form.

The Irishman enjoyed an unbeaten Premier League run and even played the role of hero as Liverpool defeated Chelsea 1-0 after extra-time in the Carabao Cup. For the first time, Alisson’s absence was not a major concern for those at Anfield.

2024/25: Trend of hamstring problems continue for Alisson

Kelleher called upon once again

In this two-year period, Kelleher staked his claim as one of the best backup goalkeepers that the Premier League has to offer. The truth is that he was more than ready to step up to a starting role elsewhere last season and earned a move to Brentford in the summer as a result.

Alisson, meanwhile, struggled with hamstring problems once again and missed a total of 26 games as Slot won the Premier League title in his first season in charge. Without him, Liverpool’s form didn’t necessarily dip. After all, they won the Premier League title in fairly dominant fashion. But Kelleher still had moments to forget against Newcastle United and Fulham.

Truth be told, no matter how impressive the Irishman was during his time at the club and how reliable Giorgi Mamardashvili may not prove to be, it’s hard to deny that Liverpool would rather have a player of Alisson’s calibre at their disposal every week.

Manchester United star Matthijs de Ligt revealed why the Red Devils have always held a special place in his heart, and it all traces back to two club icons, Cristiano Ronaldo and Edwin van der Sar. Long before he became one of Europe’s most sought-after defenders, De Ligt was just a football-obsessed kid in the Netherlands. He might have come through Ajax’s legendary academy, but beneath that red-and-white shirt, his footballing heart was always rooted for United.

• From Ajax prodigy to United star

  For De Ligt, the journey to Old Trafford has been long and winding. He rose through Ajax’s ranks and guided them to a stunning domestic double and an unforgettable Champions League semi-final run in 2019. United had come knocking before, but fate took him elsewhere. Instead, De Ligt joined Juventus in 2019 for £65.3 million. It was a move that would make his admiration for Ronaldo grow even deeper as he got the opportunity to share a dressing room with his childhood hero. That gave him a first-hand look at the relentless mentality that defines greatness.

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  The boy who dreamt of Old Trafford

  Speaking to , De Ligt revealed that one of the very first football shirts he owned was a Ronaldo No.7 United jersey. 

  “It was the time that Cristiano became Cristiano. Everybody knew Cristiano at United,” he said. "There was also [Edwin] Van der Sar at United at that time and they played Champions League finals. As a kid, naturally, you looked to the Champions League finals and there was United and Ronaldo. So I was always a big Ronaldo fan and a fan of United because of that.

  “They tried to buy me before, but it was probably not the right moment, or there were other options that at that time suited me better. But in the end maybe destiny brought me here… it’s a dream for every player to play for United.”

  During his time in Turin, De Ligt witnessed Ronaldo day in and out. Speaking to Tuttosport, he called the Portuguese superstar “the best of his generation" as the GOAT debate with Lionel Messi rages on. 

  “Ronaldo is the best of his generation and a huge example for young players,” the Dutchman said. "I always try to improve the way I play by watching him because even in training he has a crazy intensity and you wonder if he really is 35 years old."

• Ronaldo’s future: A shock return to United on the cards?

  While De Ligt lives out his dream at Old Trafford, Ronaldo's name continues to swirl around the club he once lit up. Danny Simpson has dropped a stunning hint that CR7 could indeed one day return to Manchester, this time in a leadership or directorial role.

  Speaking to GOAL, Simpson said: “I wouldn’t say no. If you look at his mentality, he obviously cares about the club. I think he would say that because he would like to come back again but in another way. I don’t think he liked the way he left so he’d like to come back and make United great again, on some kind of level making decisions.

  "The business side is obviously very different, but he’s also a businessman. You can’t knock that team he’s got around him. I’d love him to because I think he’s got a lot to offer, even on that side of the game going forward. Just his mentality and everything he does, he achieves it. That’s what United need."

  While no one knows what the next chapter holds for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, one thing is certain that Ronaldo’s legacy is far from over. The 40-year-old continues to defy time in Saudi Arabia, where he leads the line for Al-Nassr. He’ll be back in action this weekend against Al-Fateh, looking to add to his goal tally and keep their title chase alive. His side has made a perfect start to the Saudi Pro League season, winning four in a row, and Ronaldo’s fire still burns as bright as ever.

  Wes Brown once speculated about Ronaldo's future and said, "You never know what Cristiano Ronaldo wants to do, but you can’t doubt him after everything he’s achieved. I think first of all, it depends how he’s doing in Saudi Arabia, because it’s not clear he’ll be stopping any time soon – he’s still banging them in for Al Nassr. But he could definitely move into the boardroom, he’s got the ability to swerve away from coaching and into the executive level, 100 per cent. Why not? If he’s enjoying it, it’ll be perfect for him."

  While Quinton Fortune opined, "Could Cristiano Ronaldo be a coach? I think he could do anything he puts his mind to. We’ve seen it first-hand during his career. At Manchester United, I could see him as a part-owner, he’s done incredible things in football and also financially, anything is possible because he loves the club. The club still loves him with the amazing memories he created there, if he got an opportunity behind the scenes, I think he’d jump to be a part of it.

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  De Ligt’s big test at Anfield

  De Ligt’s focus is now on United's trip to Anfield to face Liverpool. With Alexander Isak fully fit and ready to fire on all cylinders, the Dutchman will have his work cut out keeping one of the Premier League’s deadliest forwards quiet. 

  “We know the magnitude of it,” De Ligt says of the fixture. “I walked down the street yesterday and several people said to me, ‘Hey, Sunday’s the game!’ You feel around here what it means. We already know that as players. But, besides that, we also know that it’s really important for us to get a result because we’re improving. But we have to keep winning.”

Already thinking about 2026 arrivals, Celtic have now reportedly joined Spanish giants Atletico Madrid and Premier League side Chelsea in the race to sign teenage talent.

Rodgers admits "there'll always be criticism"

It’s been a frustrating week for the Hoops so far after being forced to settle for a point at Red Star Belgrade. The Bhoys once again came up short on the European stage, although manager Brendan Rodgers claimed that it was a good point and admitted that “there’ll always be criticism” on such a stage.

The big positive for Celtic to take from Belgrade is Kelechi Iheanacho’s second goal in three games for the club. The former Leicester City striker didn’t exactly receive the instant support of those at Celtic Park after arriving late on in the summer window, but has since proved several doubters wrong.

With Hibernian up next, Iheanacho will be looking to make his mark yet again to hand Rodgers the talisman that he has been seeking. That said, even after the Nigerian’s arrival, the Bhoys still have unfinished business in the transfer window.

Reports are now suggesting that they’ve joined the race to sign a teenage talent alongside Atletico Madrid and Chelsea in 2026.

Celtic join race to sign Oyirwoth

As reported by The Blazing Musket, Celtic are now racing to sign Allan Oyirwoth alongside Atletico Madrid and Chelsea. The three clubs have all set their sights on the New England Revolution midfielder, who has already made his mark on senior football in the MSL.

Already earning plenty of praise, Oyirwoth was described as “very talented” by New England teammate Matt Polster earlier this month and is certainly a player to watch.

Of course, jumping ahead of Atletico Madrid and Chelsea in the race for his signature will be no easy task, but Celtic can offer the vital game time that their rivals are unlikely to hand the midfielder.

Related Not Tounekti: "Outstanding" talent in line to be Celtic's next £25m player

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Rodgers has already proved his willingness to play young players this season – starting 19-year-old Colby Donovan in Belgrade – and Oyirwoth could be next to benefit from that in Scotland.