By: Muhammad Saeedon May 19, 2025/comment : 0HITC,
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Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane finally has his hands on some silverware, although questions over a potential Premier League return have been raised.
After 15 years of professional football, England captain Harry Kane has won his first major trophy, taking home the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich on his second attempt.
The 31-year-old had been mocked for large parts of his career after failing to win any silverware during his time at Tottenham Hotspur, although he can now silence the doubters after his move abroad proved worthwhile, despite Spurs being in a Europa League final.
Celebrating the Munich way! Really special way to celebrate the title with our fans 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Sjm1tkvMaD
Although setting the league alight and picking up his second golden boot in as many seasons, the Englishman’s future has been questioned, although he has finally had his say.
Kane not planning Premier League return
Despite all the headlines linking him with a sensational return to English football, Kane confirmed in an interview with BBC Sport that he is not thinking about returning to the Premier League.
When asked about if he had thought about it, he said: “No, I don’t really think about it.
“I think I’ve learned in my career as you’ve become more experienced, you just do what you can. Football kind of takes you on your own journey. I’ve really enjoyed my time here and I’m not thinking about being anywhere else.
“We have a great coach, a great team, and I just want to be as successful as I can with Bayern.”
Kane’s contract at Bayern expires in 2027 and it appears pretty clear that he wants to continue winning trophies in Germany, although rumours of a release clause could get clubs excited.
Premier League goalscoring record won’t be broken
Kane departed the Premier League on 213 goals, 47 off Alan Shearer’s record at the top of the goalscoring charts.
Premier League Player
Number of Goals
Alan Shearer
260
Harry Kane
213
Wayne Rooney
208
Andy Cole
187
Mohamed Salah
185
Eyebrows were raised when he left due to being so close to the record, with this the main reason why many believe he will return later on in his career.
However, now 31, Kane has won the Bundesliga and his intentions to remain in Germany are clear, meaning that Shearer’s place at the top looks safe and the record will not be broken.
By: Muhammad Saeedon May 19, 2025/comment : 0HITC,
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Arsenal look set to finish second in the Premier League for the third straight season, after defeating Newcastle United 1-0 courtesy of a sumptuous Declan Rice strike.
Securing their Champions League qualification with the victory, the Gunners will be looking eagerly towards next season, hoping that the 2025/26 campaign finally warrants some major prizes under Mikel Arteta.
The Spaniard will be frustrated at playing the bridesmaid for a third year in a row, a feat the North London club also suffered from 1999 to 2001.
Arteta’s side haven’t been able to hold a candle to Liverpool this year, with the Reds romping to their 20th league title, leaving the competition in their dust. The Gunners have dropped 21 points from winning positions, a worrying statistic which shows why Arsenal won’t be crowned champions.
Addressing the Emirates Stadium following their final home game of the season, Arteta spoke on the club’s unachieved dream and promised that he will create history during his time in the dugout.
Mikel Arteta knows Arsenal must win trophies
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Issuing a rousing battle cry to the Arsenal fans, the 43-year-old apologised for this season’s shortcomings and outlined next year’s ambitions.
“We had a dream, it was to be here today or in a week’s time to bring the big trophies to you guys,” stated Arteta via Arsenal’s website.
“Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to do it for many circumstances, but make sure that chasing a dream doesn’t get blurry and you don’t see what these players, the staff and this football club is doing and make sure that we chase the dream with enthusiasm and positivity towards next season.
“I said before we have to start to create our own history here in this stadium, we’ve certainly started this season, there’s much more to come.
“We have to do it all together, it’s not going to be easy but this group of players, I’m telling you, have the hunger, they have the quality, they have the talent and we’re going to make it happen.”
Arteta, ever determined to keep standards high, kept a focus on the Gunners’ trip to Southampton before turning full attention to the upcoming summer.
“We need to reset first, we need to finish winning at Southampton and then go on holidays,” he said.
“But before we do that, please, because I know what these players have been through, this staff, this season. Any other club in this position will finish in a position you cannot even dream of, so please say thank you to the players, say thank you to the staff and thank you to all of you for your support.”
Martin Odegaard agrees with Gunners manager
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Martin Odegaard copied his manager’s sentiment following the match, whilst also addressing the Arsenal supporters.
The Norwegian has been one of the Gunners’ most important operators throughout the past few seasons, constantly highlighted alongside Bukayo Saka as one of the side’s most important components.
That said, the 26-year-old has struggled this term, unable to match his contribution to the team of the previous two seasons. Odegaard admitted that he hasn’t been good enough this season, after coming under fire from pundits such as Gary Neville.
Martin Odegaard stats 2024/25
Appearances
44
Goals
5
Assists
11
Arsenal’s captain looked at the club’s run to the Champions League semi-finals as a high point for the season, but admitted the Gunners have to do better in the Premier League.
It was the club’s first venture to the last four of Europe’s premier football competition since 2009, dispatching holders Real Madrid thanks to Declan Rice’s stunning free-kick double. In the end, European success wasn’t meant to be, as PSG broke Arsenal hearts in the semi-finals.
“We can be very proud of what we’ve done, especially in the Champions League,” he said during our lap of appreciation. “I think we had a great run and had some great experiences there.
“Those are the nights that we live for, to play here at home with that support, the stadium was on fire, great game, hopefully we can have many more moments like that next season so it’s unbelievable to feel that support and the love from you guys.
With us through thick and thin.
Thank you so much for your incredible support from start to finish this season, Gooners ❤️ pic.twitter.com/DfbpuGF2QH
“We have to admit that we haven’t been good enough in the league but I think we just have to take all the experiences, good and bad, and take them into next season and make sure that we come back better.”
“We want to say thank you for the support, we always feel the love when we come here to the stadium and the support we have is amazing so thank you so much.
“We have to use all the experiences from this season, good and bad, feel that pain of not winning and take into next season and make sure we come back stronger and bring trophies to this club.”
Time will tell who Arsenal recruit this summer, but the pressure will be massively on Arteta and Co. next season to finally bring home some major honours.
By: Muhammad Saeedon May 19, 2025/comment : 0HITC,
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West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka has had a debut season to remember, and his former Manchester United teammate Anthony Elanga was first to congratulate him.
It has been a tricky season for West Ham, which has seen them win just one of their last 10 games, with their highest possible finish in the league being 14th.
Graham Potter has a big job this summer to try and get the Hammers fighting for Europe again, although it may require the club to spend big in the transfer window, just like they did last year.
The highest spending clubs so far this summer according to @TMuk_news:
1. Aston Villa £151m
2. Bayern Munich £122m
3. Lyon £115m
4. Chelsea £93m
5. Man Utd £89m
6. West Ham £86m
7. Brighton £78m
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 6, 2024
However, they do already have a number of key players that have excelled in an underperforming squad, with right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka being rewarded for his standout season.
The 27-year-old has started 35 of West Ham’s 37 Premier League games this season, scoring twice and assisting four, as well as leading the team in tackles and interceptions.
The Congolese full-back becomes the 45th different player to be named Hammer of the Year, beating Jarrod Bowen and Thomas Souček to this season’s award.
Anthony Elanga sends Wan-Bissaka a congratulatory message
Following West Ham’s final home game of the season, Wan-Bissaka posted on Instagram, thanking the fans for their support throughout the campaign.
Nottingham Forest star and former teammate of Wan-Bissaka, Anthony Elanga, would comment on the post, congratulating his former United colleague on the award.
Anthony Elanga Instagram comment
This came after Elanga’s Forest side beat the Hammers 2-1, with the Swedish international believing that Wan-Bissaka’s Hammer of the Year award was ‘well deserved’.
This is the second time the pair have reunited this season after spending five years together at Manchester United, with Nottingham Forest doing the double over West Ham this campaign in their push for a Champions League spot.
Debut seasons do not come much better than this, and Wan-Bissaka has his career back on track after a tricky spell at United, although fans will be hoping West Ham can push higher up the league next season, or they may struggle to keep him.
By: Muhammad Saeedon May 19, 2025/comment : 0HITC,
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Tottenham captain Heung-Min Son has the chance to lead his team to their first trophy in 17 years, and his heartwarming response may give Spurs fans some hope.
Tottenham’s Premier League season may be one to forget as they languish just above the relegation places, but it could just be a year to remember if they get their hands on the Europa League trophy.
Both sets of fans are likely pessimistic given their teams’ torrid seasons, but Spurs fans may start to dream following the club’s emotional post.
Heung-Min Son says Europa League win is his dream
Posting on their Instagram, the Tottenham players were asked what it would mean to them if they won the Europa League, with captain Heung-Min Son saying it would be a “dream come true.”
Son has been at the club for a decade and is yet to win a trophy across his entire career, with this potentially his last chance at 32 years old and constant rumours of a move away.
The South Korean has had a poor season by his standards and has found himself out of the starting XI on numerous occasions this season, but with Dejan Kulusevski missing the final through injury, Son will likely be given the chance to prove himself one last time.
He may not be a like-for-like replacement for Kulusevski, but if Spurs do get their hands on their first trophy since 2008, perhaps it is written in the stars for their captain to be the one that leads them to glory.
How other Tottenham players responded
As Newcastle and Crystal Palace have ended their trophy droughts this season, Spurs fans will be hopeful that they can do the same, with this heartwarming video showing just what it would mean for the players.
Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie and Brennan Johnson also said it would be a “dream” to win it, while Dominic Solanke and Kevin Danso said it would mean “everything”.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Other words players used throughout the video were unbelievable, special, proud and grateful, highlighting just how much they want it.
In cup finals, form goes out the window and star players have the chance to create history, but will it be Amorim or Postecoglou who lead their team to glory and receive the bailout clause they are so desperate for?
By: Muhammad Saeedon May 19, 2025/comment : 0HITC,
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Liverpool’s summer revamp is well underway and they have set their sights on Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez, who could be the perfect replacement for Andy Robertson.
Arne Slot’s first season in charge of Liverpool could not have gone much better after delivering the Reds their 20th league title in their history, although his project is only at the beginning.
With the right-back spot covered, attention turns to bringing in a new left-back, and it appears Kerkez is the man for the job.
Fabrizio Romano reveals a deal is advancing for Milos Kerkez
Bournemouth’sMilos Kerkez is a man they have kept close tabs on for quite some time, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that talks are now advancing between the two clubs for the player.
🚨 Understand Liverpool have contacted Bournemouth for Milos Kerkez deal with talks now advancing!
Liverpool are also completing the agreement on personal terms with Kerkez, keen on the move.
He has reported that the two sides have been in contact and are negotiating a transfer fee, with the Cherries previously valuing him at £45m.
The 21-year-old is keen on the move and personal terms will likely not be a problem, with the Hungarian looking like he will be the Reds’ second signing this summer as both full-back positions have been strengthened.
How has Kerkez compared to Andy Robertson this season?
Liverpool have been linked with signing a new left-back for most of this season following Andy Robertson’s drastic drop-off in form, with the Scotsman registering just one assist this season.
Premier League Stats 2024/25
Milos Kerkez
Andy Robertson
Appearances
36
32
Clean Sheets
8
6
Goals
2
0
Assists
5
1
Crosses
132
139
Tackles
52
39
On the eye, Kerkez appears to be the perfect replacement with his marauding runs, tenacious style of play and attacking prowess, something that is also backed up by the statistics.
The 21-year-old has provided a great threat with seven goal contributions this season and produced a huge number of dangerous crosses into the box, something that Liverpool’s full-backs have been synonymous with over recent years.
Robertson cost Liverpool just £10m in 2017 and is, arguably, one of their best-ever acquisitions, but with the 31-year-old slowing down, it might be time to pass the baton on and mentor one of the best up-and-coming full-backs in the game.
By: Muhammad Saeedon May 16, 2025/comment : 0HITC,
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Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur believes an upcoming rule change could change the landscape of the current Formula One pecking order.
The Prancing Horse have suffered a dismal start to 2025, having become established as the fourth-quickest car and consistently off the pace throughout the first six races.
Drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have struggled to adapt to the SF-25, managing only one podium between them so far this year.
McLaren have been the pace setters so far in 2025, and lead both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. Competitors have pointed towards the team’s flexible wings that appear to push the limits of what is deemed legal within the sport, and the huge performance advantage it is believed to give McLaren.
A new technical directive is being introduced at the Spanish Grand Prix to combat this, which will see the permitted level of flex reduced from 15mm of movement to 10mm.
Vasseur believes technical directive could be a ‘game changer’
Ferrari were tipped as title challengers heading into this season, but have fallen well short of expectations.
Vasseur has revealed that the Scuderia are waiting to see what happens with the technical directive before introducing updates to their 2025 package.
“We are at the point where it’s difficult to do a big upgrade on the car because after four years with the same regulations, we are more fighting for details,” explained Ferrari’s team principal to Sky Sports.
Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
“The biggest one probably will be Spain because we have a clear change of regulation with the completely new front wing. This could change a little bit the picture of the championship. Let’s wait for this.
“It could be a reset on the immediate picture, but not on the championship. The guy who will lead the championship in Spain will still lead the championship after Spain, but, in terms of pure performance, it could be a game-changer.”
Could McLaren be caught?
In the current state of Formula One, it seems impossible to imagine anyone jumping McLaren this season, given the level of dominance they have enjoyed so far this campaign.
Their lead in the standings is substantial, and they have only missed out on taking the chequered flag once in 2025.
Standing
Team
Points
1st
McLaren
246
2nd
Mercedes
141
3rd
Red Bull
105
4th
Ferrari
94
However, many thought Red Bull’s advantage was unassailable at this time last year, and they eventually finished third in 2024.
The Woking-based team’s drivers will take points off each other throughout the season, something 1982 world champion Mario Andretti has warned could go wrong with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s seemingly perfect partnership.
Therefore, if the technical directive in Spain massively impacts McLaren’s performance, then it could bring the likes of Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari back into the fight for race wins, and potentially a championship battle.
Time will tell if that eventuality becomes reality, but the other nine teams will be crossing their fingers that McLaren’s advantage is somewhat reduced at the Circuit de Catalunya.
By: Muhammad Saeedon May 15, 2025/comment : 0HITC,
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Tottenham face Manchester United in the Europa League final on 21st May, with both teams in desperate need of a trophy, but who makes their combined XI?
The Europa League final is right around the corner, with a place in next season’s Champions League awaiting the winner, although this year’s final is very different to most.
They will need their most experienced individuals to lead and their star players to shine, but which ones get into the Tottenham and Manchester United combined XI?
GK – Guglielmo Vicario
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Premier League Record
Appearances: 61
Clean Sheets: 11
A rather easy choice between the sticks given Man United’s continued problems in this area, Guglielmo Vicario kicks us off.
Despite missing part of the season with an ankle injury, the Italian has come back strong and has proven to be a relatively safe pair of hands.
Even captaining the club on occasion, Vicario’s leadership and shot-stopping ability certainly gives him the edge over Andre Onana, who has been heavily criticised for mistakes this season
The final third is where he really flourishes and the bulk of his skills lie, with this being a huge asset for Spurs ahead of the final as they look to exploit Man United’s defensive frailties.
The 25-year-old is reaching the peak of his powers and this final in his home country could be the basis to propel his career further forward.
CB – Micky van de Ven
Photo by David Horton – CameraSport via Getty Images
Premier League Record
Appearances: 39
Goals: 3
Assists: 2
Clean Sheets: 6
Competition for the centre-back spots was tight, but Micky van de Ven has proven time and time again why the biggest clubs are keeping a close eye on him.
As one of the fastest players in the league, and one of the strongest, he’s seriously hard to get past and is a nightmare for any oncoming attacker.
Alongside the next player on this list, he could be a hugely important player in the final.
CB – Cristian Romero
Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
His aggressive style of play means he wins most of his ground and aerial duels, as well as being a threat from set-pieces.
Whoever is up front for Man United on the day will certainly have a tough time playing against these two.
LB – Destiny Udogie
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Premier League Record
Appearances: 52
Goals: 2
Assists: 4
Clean Sheets: 2
Another modern-day full-back who likes to get forward, Destiny Udogie, completes the backline.
Luke Shaw would have been a strong contender if it was not for his injury record, but Udogie pips him to this spot, particularly due to his stellar debut campaign last season.
His crossing ability is something Man United will need to look out for, especially with the Italian’s target man, the dangerous Dominic Solanke.
CDM – Casemiro
Photo by Jan Kruger – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Premier League Record
Appearances: 75
Goals: 6
Assists: 5
Perhaps lucky to make it into this list over the likes of Pape Matar Sarr, Casemiro’s recent form and experience in cup finals just about earns him his spot.
The 33-year-old scored in both legs of the semi-final against Athletic Club and was solid defensively, a much bigger improvement since being told to ‘leave the football’ by Jamie Carragher.
If one man knows how to help win his team a trophy, it is the Brazilian, and Manchester United are going to need him in Bilbao if they stand a chance.
He is a dominant figure in the middle of the park, breaking up possession and kick-starting attacks, a vitally important skill in any game, let alone a final.
If Bissouma gets control of the ball and the midfield, Spurs will likely control the game, meaning he goes into this list without hesitation.
CM – Bruno Fernandes
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
Premier League Record
Appearances: 193
Goals: 62
Assists: 50
Although one of the few Man United players making it into the combined XI, Bruno Fernandes is, arguably, the best of the bunch.
Carrying the squad at times, Fernandes’ goals and assists record speaks for itself, and it would be no surprise to see him produce a big moment when his side needs it most.
His pace and trickery are huge problems for defenders, only worsened now by his improved end product, and he could just be the difference-maker in this final.
ST – Dominic Solanke
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Premier League Record
Appearances: 159
Goals: 37
Assists: 16
Spurs replaced one English striker with another, but unlike Harry Kane, Solanke could pick up some silverware.
Strong, powerful and with a good eye for goal, Tottenham spent good money on the former Bournemouth man to help them win games like this, and he very well could be the person to end the club’s 17-year trophy drought.
LW – Son Heung-min
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Premier League Record
As Dejan Kulusevski may miss this game through injury, Son Heung-min may get the chance to start and lead the team he has been with for 10 years to a trophy.
Although a poor season by his standards, writing Son off would be unwise and he still comfortably makes it into the combined XI.
Could it be written in the stars for Son to win Spurs their long-awaited trophy?
By: Muhammad Saeedon May 15, 2025/comment : 0HITC,
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Mario Andretti has singled out one thing McLaren must do if they are to secure their first drivers’ championship since 2008 this season.
The reigning constructors’ champions are clear favourites to clinch both titles this term, with the team enjoying a healthy pace advantage over the rest of the field so far in 2025.
Oscar Piastri currently heads teammate Lando Norris in the standings by 16 points, seemingly relishing the opportunity to notch his maiden world championship. Jacques Villeneuve hasn’t been shy about praising the Aussie recently, with the 1997 world champion comparing Piastri to Lewis Hamilton.
McLaren were lamented for their slow decision-making last season, which some argue cost them a real shot at the drivers’ title in 2024.
Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images
Andretti knows what it takes to win a championship, immortalising himself in F1 folklore after running out victorious in 1978, and believes McLaren can’t afford to make the same mistakes as last year.
Mario Andretti urges McLaren to make decision in light of their championship battle
Commenting on the situation, the 85-year-old selected examples through history which don’t bode well for McLaren.
“When you have two capable winners in the same team, where do you go from there?” Mario Andretti said on the Beyond the Grid podcast.
“Only one can win. We’ve seen that in 1973 with Emerson Fittipaldi and Ronnie Peterson taking points away from each other, and neither won the championship.
Driver
Oscar Piastri
Lando Norris
Wins
4
1
Podiums
5
5
Pole Positions
2
1
Points
131
115
“I think the only way to deal with that is you have to keep it open until mid-season, then whoever is leading points mid-season, that’s the one that is number one. Then the other one has to relinquish and help.
“It’s a wonderful place to be, but at the same time, there will be a critical decision to be made at some point. I wouldn’t want to be the one to make that decision.”
Can McLaren afford to prioritise one driver?
Although we are only six races into the 2025 Formula One campaign, it has become quickly apparent that it may be a two-way, McLaren-shaped fight for the drivers’ title this year.
Andretti’s concerns are warranted, as history has shown that two teammates taking points off each other can prove fatal come the end of the year.
Hamilton and Fernando Alonso arguably cost each other the 2007 championship, which ironically came when the duo represented McLaren.
Photo credit should read JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images
Kimi Räikkönen slid in to take the title that year, after scoring the majority of Ferrari’s points and becoming their clear contender as the season progressed.
The likes of Max Verstappen and George Russell parallel Räikkönen’s situation this year, already established as their team’s No.1 driver, meaning they would be solely backed if a championship opportunity emerged.
Despite this, McLaren’s pace advantage is so large at this moment in time that the pair should be clear of any external competition.
As a result, the team would risk potentially alienating their drivers by prioritising one over the other at this point in the year.
Norris and Piastri both have the potential to score multiple championships throughout their careers, so it wouldn’t make sense to favour one driver and risk losing another when the team doesn’t really need to.
Piastri has enjoyed the upper hand over his teammate this year, enjoying an advantage over Norris, who has faced challenges since Bahrain’s pre-season testing.
This means that although Andretti has issued his warning, it isn’t likely that McLaren will make a decision this season, at least if the Woking-based team can maintain their pace advantage throughout.
By: Muhammad Saeedon May 14, 2025/comment : 0HITC,
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Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Dragusin has provided a positive injury update ahead of the Europa League final.
A dismal season for Spurs has seen lacklustre performances on the pitch compounded by disastrous luck on the injury front.
The Romanian defender tore his ACL as Tottenham beat Elfsborg in the Europa League at the end of January, bringing a premature end to his campaign.
Leaving Tottenham even shorter in an already sub-par defence has shown in the team’s results, slipping down to an almost unfathomable 17th place in the Premier League.
Europa League glory would save Spurs’ season, and in a strange twist of fortune, ultimately render their campaign a success.
Photo by Harry Murphy – Danehouse/Getty Images
Radu Dragusin solo training again after ACL tear
In an update that is sure to boost the morale of Tottenham supporters everywhere, Dragusin uploaded a brief snapshot of his solo training routine to Instagram.
The message read: “Off the radar, on a mission.”
A picture showing a football pitch and a bag of footballs.
Captured in the image is an open playing field and a bag of balls, which suggests that the defender is already making solid progress in his attempt to return to the fold and help Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Will Dragusin be available for the Europa League final?
Although the 23-year-old has given a promising update, it’s extremely unlikely that he will be able to contribute towards success in the Europa League final. Preparations for the match are well underway, with the referee for the clash against Manchester United recently announced.
Given the severity of his injury, it is likely to be some time before the Romanian defender will feature in the Tottenham first team again.
Instead, the club will hope to have Dragusin fit and ready to play a role at the beginning of next season.
His recovery will be closely watched and eagerly anticipated by the North London club, especially with rumours swirling over the future of Cristian Romero.
The Sun are reporting that Xabi Alonso is keen to make the Argentinian defender one of his first transfers as Real Madrid boss this summer, which would put greater importance on Dragusin’s role in the team.
By: Muhammad Saeedon May 14, 2025/comment : 0HITC,
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Amad Diallo might be working his way back to full fitness but he still finds time to support others, with one fanbase ecstatic to see him enjoying the pandemonium.
It has been a torrid season for Manchester United and their worst since they were relegated in 1974, with their 17 defeats in the league leaving them languishing in 16th place.
However, performances would need to drastically change and key players would need to step up, with one in particular aiming to return to full fitness ahead of this crunch match in Bilbao.
Amad present for Sunderland vs Coventry at Stadium of Light
After training alone as he steps up his recovery, Amad Diallo is building up his fitness to play an integral role in next week’s final, although, first, he took a trip to his former loan side Sunderland to cheer them on for their crucial Championship play-off second leg meeting against Coventry City.
Posting on his Instagram story, the Ivorian was in the stands at the Stadium of Light, returning to the club where he spent the 2022/23 season on loan, finishing as the Black Cats’ top scorer with 14 goals and propelling his career in English football forward.
Appearances
42
Goals
14
Assists
4
Awards
Supporters’ Young Player of the Year
Amad’s stats for Sunderland during the 2022/23 season
However, the well-liked winger was unable to inspire Sunderland to play-off glory during his loan spell, with Luton Town knocking them out in the semi-finals as they were the eventual winners and promoted to the Premier League for the first time in their history.
Amad witnessed last minute Sunderland pandemonium
It would have been a tough watch for Amad and the Sunderland fans as the game was not going the way they would have liked due to a second-half Coventry goal that sent the tie to extra time with a 2-2 aggregate scoreline.
However, his former teammate Dan Ballard became a hero and headed home a 132nd minute winner from a corner with one of the last touches of the game, sending the crowd into chaos.
A pitch invasion followed quickly after the full-time whistle, with Amad enjoying the pandemonium from the stands as his former side booked their ticket to Wembley as they seek to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.
Perhaps a lucky omen, Sunderland fans may be hoping to see Amad at Wembley on 24th May, but first, he will be aiming to be fit for Manchester United’s Europa League Final.
By: Muhammad Saeedon May 14, 2025/comment : 0HITC,
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Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are going to have a busy transfer window following a sub-par season, and they may have just found their first player to help them return to the top.
By Manchester City’s standards, it has been a poor season for them after failing to win the Premier League or Champions League, with their place in Europe’s biggest competition next season still not confirmed.
The Citizens do have an FA Cup final to look forward to against Crystal Palace on 17 May, although they will have one eye on the upcoming transfer window as they look to regain their place at the pinnacle of English football.
The details for the 2024-25 #EmiratesFACup Final have been confirmed! 🤩
A midfield overhaul is likely to occur and according to David Ornstein, AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders is a player that Man City will be hoping to see don the sky blue shirt next season.
🚨 Manchester City have contacted AC Milan to express interest in signing Tijjani Reijnders. Talks at early stage + no formal offer yet but #MCFC hope agreement will be reached to buy 26yo #ACMilan midfielder this summer. W/ @JamesHorncastle@TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/4kF3xHHu7P
Although there is no formal offer as of yet, Man City have expressed interest in the 26-year-old and contacted the Rossoneri regarding his availability, suggesting Guardiola would like his business done early in the window.
This is likely to tie in with the new-look FIFA Club World Cup that begins on June 15th, with teams looking to increase squad depth ahead of their most action-packed season to date.
The Dutchman has also registered some impressive stats from midfield this season after netting 15 times and assisting a further five, a key indication as to why he is wanted by the eight-time Premier League champions.
Reijnders has a N’Golo Kante-esque quality
Despite his attacking talent and what he can add to Man City in the final third, Reijnders’ versatility and style of play means he can bring much more to the squad, with his performances sharing similarities with what the Premier League has witnessed before in N’Golo Kante.
His running stats are nothing short of sensational, with the Dutchman running on average just over 12 kilometres a game, the highest of any player in the AC Milan squad.
AC Milan Player
Total KM Ran (per game)
Tijjani Reijnders
12.383
Davide Calabria
11.639
Rade Krunic
11.584
Theo Hernandez
10.606
Malick Thiaw
10.259
His versatility to play anywhere in midfield also makes him an eye-watering prospect under Guardiola, with the former AZ Alkmaar player already showing his capabilities in the Champions League and European Championships.
As the games will come thick and fast next season, Reijnders’ engine could be exactly what Manchester City need as they look to bounce back, and it is no surprise that they have set their sights on the 26-year-old.
By: Muhammad Saeedon May 14, 2025/comment : 0HITC,
news
Liverpool have had a stellar season throughout the 2024/25 campaign with Arne Slot managing to bring the Premier League title back to Anfield at the first time of asking.
While his departure was expected, it doesn’t make it any less hard for fans to take, especially with the Englishman moving to Real Madrid.
In order for the Reds to avoid another mistake of this calibre, they should be looking ahead at other members of their squad whose contracts are set to expire in the near future to ensure that the same thing doesn’t happen again.
Ibrahima Konate
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Perhaps the biggest name on Liverpool’s list of expiring contracts next summer is Ibrahima Konate.
The Frenchman has been one of the Reds’ starting players for some time now, and over the years, he’s managed to form a more than solid partnership with Virgil Van Dijk, who recently extended his deal for another two seasons.
Granted, Konate has had his fair share of injury woes since his transfer from RB Leipzig, but when available, he’s arguably one of the best centre-backs in the top flight.
Konate’s contract is set to expire at the end of next season, and while rumours have been ongoing since the start of the campaign, nothing is yet set in stone.
If the Reds allow the Frenchman to run his contract down and leave Anfield on a free transfer next term, there would no doubt be uproar among the fanbase once again.
Conor Bradley
Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
Now that Alexander-Arnold is out of the picture, Conor Bradley has the opportunity to solidify his place in the Liverpool first team.
Despite these links, it still seems like Bradley will be handed the opportunity to prove his worth next campaign.
Of course, a new face will have to be brought in at some point, but if the Northern Irishman can limit the amount of injuries he sustains, he could easily fill the void.
Statistic
Amount completed per Premier League game
Accurate passes
84%
Accuracy of passes in own half
89%
Accuracy of passes in opposition half
78%
Key passes
0.3
The right-back’s contract isn’t set to expire until June 2027, but if he has yet another impressive season, there’s no doubt that plenty of suitors will be lining up to secure his services for a cut-rate price.
Hence why Slot and Richard Hughes need to step up renewal talks as soon as possible, otherwise they could be lacking at right-back once again.
Alisson
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Much like Bradley, Alisson is locked down until 2027, but with the performances he put in across the 2024/25 campaign, it’s clear that he’s still one of the best keepers in the world.
Indeed, the Reds do have Giorgi Mamardashvili coming in this summer after purchasing him last season, but it’s unclear whether he has what it takes to dethrone the Brazilian from his number one spot.
Sit back and enjoy the Alisson masterclass from tonight 🍿
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 5, 2025
Of course, there’s also Caoimhin Kelleher to think about, but with Mamardashvili coming in, it feels unlikely that the Irishman will have a place in Slot’s squad next term.
With that in mind, alongside the fact that Kelleher’s contract expires at the end of the season, it’s hard to see why the Reds wouldn’t want to keep Alisson around for another season or two.
Luis Diaz
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Last but certainly not least is Luis Diaz. The attacker has taken plenty of flak this season due to his poor form in the final third for Liverpool at times, but even with this in mind, they would be silly to allow the Colombian to run his contract down.
Diaz has contributed to 25 goals in just 48 games this season and has been one of the Merseyside outfit’s most prolific forwards alongside Mohamed Salah.
Competition
Games
Goals
Assists
Premier League
34
13
7
Carabao Cup
4
1
0
FA Cup
1
0
0
Champions League
9
3
1
Diaz will likely expect his wage to rise due to the recent form he’s shown, but with the money Liverpool would spend on a new player compared to the wages they would give Diaz, it’s a no-brainer.
