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Ex-Manchester United star Anthony Martial is set to sign a historic contract at a new club – but will be playing outside of Europe's top leagues.

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• Martial has an agreement to join AEK Athens
• Will sign a three-year deal with the Greek side
• Set to arrive in Athens on Wednesday evening

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Martial has found a new home in Greece after his contract with Manchester United expired in June. AEK Athens have confirmed on their social media that the French forward is set to arrive in the city on Wednesday evening to complete the formalities before joining the club.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to reports from Greek media outlet , Martial has agreed to a three-year deal worth €3.5 million (£2.9 million) per season which will make him the highest-paid player in the club's history. Earlier this month, Martial had been linked with a potential move to Brazilian giants Flamengo. However, the negotiations did not materialise, and the transfer collapsed before any formal agreements could be reached.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  This move will also see Martial join a squad filled with several former Premier League stars, including Erik Lamela and Roberto Pereyra. At 28, he still has plenty to offer, and AEK will be hoping that the Frenchman can find his best form in the Greek Super League.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  AEK are at the top of the pile in the Greek top flight with 10 points from four matches. Martial's addition could be a potential game-changer as they look to build on their strong domestic start and push for the league title. The French star could make his debut on Sunday against Kallithea away from home.

Truth be told, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have a gigantic task on their hands this summer as they look to return Manchester United to their glory days.

This season simply hasn’t been good enough under Erik ten Hag, with the team conceding their highest total goals since 1971 with 82.

Huge decisions will be made by the new ownership, with the manager spot under threat and plenty of players set to be sent packing.

A cultural shift is needed at Old Trafford, and Ratcliffe will look to begin by signing young talent for lesser fees, a complete change from the recent overpaying for mediocre profiles.

Man Utd’s search for youthful star

According to a report from the Northern Echo this week, Man United are lining up a bid for Sunderland’s Chris Rigg.

At just 16 years old, the Black Cat is yet to sign his first professional contract at the club, but Sunderland are hoping that he opts to continue his development at the club.

The report mentions that Manchester United “are poised to make the strongest move for Rigg,” but the potential fee is unknown.

However, the Red Devils won’t be alone in their pursuit of the wonderkid, with the likes of Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Bayer Leverkusen also monitoring him.

Imagine Rigg and Mainoo

Ratcliffe will be absolutely thrilled to have Kobbie Mainoo already in his squad, who has taken his opportunity in the first team and become undroppable.

Since his Man United debut in November, the 19-year-old has started a further 21 Premier League games, scoring two goals, running the show from midfield and being handed his England debut by Gareth Southgate. Impressive work indeed.

Not just has the number 37’s quality, maturity and confidence been rewarded by his country, but a new contract is also reportedly in the works to keep the superstar at the club for the foreseeable future.

It’s clear that Ratcliffe looks set to plan ahead to ensure long-term success at the club by signing Rigg, who could thrive at the heart of the Red Devils midfield for years to come alongside Mainoo.

As you can see by the table below showcasing Rigg’s performance against Leicester City earlier this season, it’s extremely clear that the teenager has a vast skill set. He notably won seven of his eight duels and completed all three of his dribbles.

Therefore, the “wonderful” ace, as dubbed by former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray, has already proven that he can hold his own against top players, which is extremely impressive for a 16-year-old.

Despite being so inexperienced, the number 31 has featured 21 times in the Championship this season, with an average of 38 minutes per game. However, although he’s had limited minutes, it’s obvious that Rigg has the potential to be a special player, with Richard Amofa of the Athletic saying that he’s "going right to the very top."

The Sunderland academy star is a versatile midfielder who can play out wide or more centrally due to his technical class and ability to work relentlessly off the ball, as shown by his two tackles and 43 touches in that clash with the Foxes.

Yet what makes Rigg even more remarkable is the fact that he can impact the game in the final third, whether that be via his silky dribbling, vision, or serving as a direct threat himself, as displayed via his successful dribbles, shots, and one key pass.

To conclude, the potential of having both Rigg and Mainoo on the same side for the foreseeable future is extremely exciting, and it would certainly be a sign of intent from Ratcliffe.

Man Utd must cash in on 4/10 flop who's now worth even less than Casemiro

This struggling Red Devil is not proving that he deserves a future at Old Trafford.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 14, 2024

Manchester United were defeated 1-0 at Old Trafford against title challengers Arsenal on Sunday afternoon. It was their 14th loss of the season in the Premier League and leaves them struggling in their push for a European spot.

The Gunners took the lead in the 20th minute, thanks to a close-range finish from Leandro Trossard, who Kai Havertz set up well. The German made a run in behind United’s defence, having been played onside by Casemiro. He carried the ball to the touchline, before pulling it back for Trossard.

Apart from that, there were few chances of real note for either side. United goalkeeper Andre Onana pulled off a smart save in the second half to prevent Gabriel Martinelli and Aaron Wan-Bissaka had his blushes saved after a header towards his own goal was tipped clear by Onana.

United were much more compact in midfield this week, a necessary tactical tweak from Erik ten Hag. However, they struggled to create many noticeable chances, and some players struggled, including Casemiro and one of their exciting young stars.

Casemiro's stats vs. Arsenal

After a tough week for Casemiro, following a poor performance against Palace at Selhurst Park last Monday, his act of playing Havertz onside for Arsenal’s goal was another disappointing moment for him this season.

Of course, fans should cut him some slack, because he is not a centre-back and, thus is not used to stepping up with the rest of the back four. However, you would certainly hope his experience would shine through and he would be able to recognise he needs to step up.

This led to the Manchester Evening News’ United correspondent Samuel Luckhurst giving him a 4/10 post-match rating. His review noted that Casemiro was caught “trundling out of defence” in the moments that led to Trossard’s goal.

Whilst he did do well out of possession aside from that mistake, winning all three of his tackles, and seven out of the eight duels he contested as per Sofascore, the Brazilian was frustrating on the ball. Casemiro lost the ball 18 times during the match, an average of once every five minutes.

However, one United player struggled more than Casemiro at times against the Gunners, before his eventual substitution in the second half.

Rasmus Hojlund's stats vs. Arsenal

The player in question here is United’s 21-year-old striker Rasmus Hojlund. The youngster has struggled with service in recent weeks, and that was no different against Arsenal, especially with no Bruno Fernandes in the United side due to injury.

The Denmark international has scored just one goal in the eight Premier League games he has played since returning from injury in March, which came against Sheffield United in a 4-2 victory at Old Trafford.

Hojlund received an even lower post-match rating from Luckhurst than Casemiro did, a 3/10 to be exact. In his review, Luckhuirst observed that this is Hojlund’s “worst run of form”, and that the youngster “should have come off earlier”. The 21-year-old was replaced by Ethan Wheatley in the 88th minute.

Indeed, Hojlund’s rating is certainly reflected in his stats. He has just 17 touches in the 88 minutes he was on the pitch, fewer than goalkeeper Onana, and won one of the eight duels he contested. He managed just one shot in the whole game, which came in the first half. Hojlund lost his footing whilst shooting, and fired waywardly over the bar.

It was certainly a tough night with little service for the Dane, who will be desperate for a goal to end his poor run of form. Likewise, United are crying out for a win, having won just one of their last eight Premier League games, the victory over Sheffield United, plus an FA Cup semi-final victory on penalties.

With two more Premier League games to go before the FA Cup final showdown against Manchester City, Ten Hag will be hoping his side can find their best form in time to bring the trophy back to the red half of Manchester.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot admits he was confused as to why Darwin Nunez shot from the corner of the box, seconds before the ball hit the top corner.

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• Nunez scored brilliant goal
• His first start of the season
• Slot admits he was right to shoot

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Nunez made his first start of the season for Liverpool under Slot's management against Bournemouth and he rewarded the Dutchman for selecting him as he scored a brilliant goal. The Uruguay international burst into the box and cut back, before unleashing a fierce effort into the top corner.

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  The Reds were 2-0 up at the time, thanks to Luis Diaz's brace, and Nunez added the cherry on top of the cake with his brilliant finish. Slot, though, admits that he thought at the time that the forward made an error in shooting from such a difficult angle.

• WHAT SLOT SAID

  Slot told reporters: "My first instinct when he shot, I said: 'Why does he shoot? Why don't you keep on dribbling?' Because he made the ball free and I think the defender was on the ground.

  "But then there was a fraction of a second later when I saw the ball went in off the post and I was like, 'OK, maybe you are a better football player than I was in the past!' [A] good choice from him."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Liverpool play West Ham in the Carabao Cup in midweek before a clash with Wolves at Molineux next weekend.

A £4.5 million-per-year manager has internal backing from figures within Chelsea to replace Mauricio Pochettino, and it is believed he's equally keen.

Chelsea shortlist as Boehly begins managerial search

The west Londoners are thought to have narrowed down their shortlist to a few interesting options, and they apparently want their new manager in by the end of next week with a deadline set on the process (Kaveh Solhekol).

Chelsea chief Boehly now offered £6 million-a-year manager with 11 trophies

He’s highly decorated.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 23, 2024

The leading candidates are believed to be Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca, Brentford head coach Thomas Frank, Ipswich Town's Kieran McKenna and a mystery "high-profile" name who is yet to be identified by sources (Solhekol).

All the aforementioned tacticians have their merits. Maresca, who only joined Leicester at the start of last season, guided them to immediate promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking following their 2023 relegation. Winning the Championship title, Leicester were imperious – boasting the best defensive record and second-best goalscoring numbers in the division.

Frank, meanwhile, has consistently worked wonders at Brentford on a shoestring budget and has done since their promotion to the top flight in 2021. McKenna, achieving back-to-back promotions with Ipswich over the last two years, also fits the mould of what Chelsea are looking for in a young and more progressive coach.

"Pochettino was not seen as a strategic fit. Pochettino himself felt the situation might deteriorate further if he stayed. This was relayed to Todd Boehly in a phone call," said journalist Ben Jacobs on Chelsea's search for a new manager.

"Several senior players surprised by the news. The dressing room wanted him to stay. Chelsea are looking for a 'young' manager. That really means 'modern' and 'progressive'.

"Chelsea are not considering Thomas Tuchel or Jose Mourinho. Ruben Amorim is not currently a frontrunner either. Kieran McKenna is expected to be a leading candidate, but #CFC feel Brighton are further ahead so would need to move fast. Brentford’s Thomas Frank, Girona’s Míchel, Newcastle Eddie Howe and Stuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness have all been discussed."

Chelsea have also been offered FC Porto boss Sergio Conceicao by super agent Jorge Mendes, according to some reports, but it is believed the 49-year-old doesn't quite fit the criteria set out by co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.

Chelsea chiefs backing Frank who's keen to join

Now, as per The Telegraph, an update has surfaced on the possibility of Frank joining Chelsea.

The outlet claims Frank has internal support at Chelsea and would be interested in replacing Pochettino, with the Dane long linked to a move away from the G-tech Community Stadium.

The 50-year-old, on a reported £4.5 million-per-year at Brentford, deploys a 4-3-3 attacking formation and achieved a ninth-placed finish with Brentford in 2022/2023 – very nearly qualifying for the Europa Conference League despite his lack of real star quality.

Manchester United academy product Ravel Morrison has joined his 14th club of his career as he moves to Precision FC, a third-tier team in the UAE.

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• Ravel Morrison joins his 14th club
• Joins Precision FC in UAE's third-tier
• Previously hailed as one of the best talents at Man Utd

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Once hailed as the most talented player to come out of Carrington since Paul Scholes, Morrison came up through the ranks at Manchester United in 2010. Former Red Devils team-mate Gary Neville previously hailed Morrison's talent as a "scandal", while Sir Alex Ferguson declared he had "as much natural talent as any youngster we ever signed". However, it was not to be for Morrison in a United shirt as he reportedly kept getting into trouble off the pitch and was sold to West Ham United in 2012 after only making three appearances for the Red Devils’ first team.

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  Morrison left West Ham for Serie A giants Lazio in 2015 before joining Ostersund in Sweden. He then spent a period with ADO Den Haag in Holland, albeit he only made four appearances. Recently, the 31-year-old had a brief stint at D.C. United in MLS under Red Devils colleague Wayne Rooney. Morrison has now joined Precision FC as a free agent following many months as a free agent.

• WHAT PRECISION'S STATEMENT SAID

  Precision FC's statement on Instagram read: "We are beyond excited to welcome the incredible Ravel Morrison to Precision FC.

  "This is more than a signing – it’s a statement, a game-changer for both our club and football in the UAE.

  "Known for his electrifying talent and skill, Ravel brings world-class experience and flair that will help our team to achieve it's goals. This is the start of something extraordinary. Welcome to the family, Ravel."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR MORRISON?

  The 31-year-old will now join forces with a number of English footballers like Max Johnstone, Joel Lynch, Matthew Lowton, Harry Arter and Callum Morris as he embarks on a new challenge in the United Arab Emirates.

Real Madrid have extended the contract of stalwart Dani Carvajal only a matter of hours after he suffered a serious knee injury.

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• Spaniard out of contract in 2025
• Carvajal suffered ACL injury on Saturday
• Madrid extend contract hours after

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Less than a day after Carvajal suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in Madrid's 2-0 win over Villarreal, Los Blancos have extended his deal until 2026. The 32-year-old was set to be out of contract next summer, so this act shows how highly valued the Spain international is at Madrid.

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  WHAT REAL MADRID SAID

  A club statement reads: "Real Madrid CF announces that, as planned, it has agreed with Dani Carvajal to extend our player's contract, which will bind him to the club until June 30, 2026.

  "Real Madrid would like to show him all its support and affection and wishes him a speedy recovery so that we can enjoy his football on the pitch again as soon as possible."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As Madrid point out, Carvajal has won a whopping 26 titles in 427 matches for the Spanish giants since making his first-team debut in 2013. He has played a huge role in a massively successful era for Los Blancos and that has led them to extending his stay while he begins his recovery.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Carvajal – who joined Madrid at the age of 10 in 2002 – confirmed he would need to have surgery on the issue and hoped to be back in a "few months". Whether the Spain defender will be back by that time remains to be seen.

A European club have set their sights on bringing on signing a young "prolific scorer" from Arsenal this summer, and they're set to open talks over a deal this week.

Arsenal set for summer sales to bolster transfer kitty

The north Londoners, after just missing out on the Premier League title to Man City for the second consecutive campaign, now turn their attentions to the summer transfer window in a bid to reinforce Mikel Arteta's ranks.

Arsenal contact club for "exciting" £30 million signing and will open talks

He’s garnering a very good reputation right now.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 28, 2024

It has been reported that the Gunners and sporting director Edu want to bring in a new goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward (Simon Collings) – with new arrivals potentially coming in across the first team.

Aaron Ramsdale is likely to leave Arsenal after becoming Arteta's second choice keeper behind David Raya, with Edu rumoured to be targeting a replacement. Elsewhere, Arsenal have been heavily linked with Turkey and Fenerbahce full-back Ferdi Kadioglu, with some reports even claiming they've agreed personal terms.

In midfield, Edu is apparently ready to sell Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah to fund a move for Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes – who could well come in to replace Thomas Partey as uncertainty surrounds the Ghanaian's future.

Gabriel Jesus has also been linked with an Arsenal exit in recent weeks, so Arteta and the board are not exactly short of sale nominees to bolster their kitty this summer. Edu, speaking to the media recently, says the club's summer transfer process has been thought out since January.

"You can’t sign players for the sake of signing," said Edu on Arsenal's transfer plans.

"This has to be a process that takes weeks and weeks. There on my desk, I have reports with more than 180 pages on a player. It’s really detailed stuff. Physical, technical, mental profile, if you have Premier League experience, if you will be able to adapt. It has everything.

"We analyse our weaknesses, where we can improve, where we can invest and then we go in search of that new name. What I am going to do now, we have been discussing since January. It’s not my decision or Mikel’s alone. It belongs to a whole group."

Sturm Graz set to open talks with Arsenal over Mika Biereth this week

Another player who could collect a fee to enhance Arsenal's summer activity is 21-year-old forward Mika Biereth.

The Dane has enjoyed a stellar half-season loan at Sturm Graz over the last few months, scoring nine goals and bagging a further four assists. Called a "prolific goalscorer" by Standard Sport, the outlet claims Sturm Graz are set to open talks over signing Biereth permanently this week.

The young attacker signed from Fulham in 2021, but hasn't yet been handed the nod by Arteta – instead going out on loan to RKC Waalwijk, Motherwell and Sturm Graz during his time at the Emirates.

Celtic are looking to snap up an in-form star for a cut-price fee during the 2024 summer transfer window.

Celtic transfer rumours

2023/24 was another largely dominant season for Celtic. They once again beat Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title and clinched the Scottish FA Cup. Their displays in the League Cup – a second-round exit – and their Champions League showing were by no means impressive, but it was still a largely solid season for the Hoops, who continue to be the thrusting force in Scottish football.

Kelleher signs, £8m star bought: What Rodgers' dream Celtic XI could be

A look at what the Hoops team could be next season if they have a successful summer transfer window.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 15, 2024

However, as is the case with any top team, Celtic will need to keep improving and freshening things up if they are to maintain their place as the best team in Scotland. To do this, Brendan Rodgers and co. are seemingly looking to make a few new additions to their squad during the 2024 summer transfer window.

The Hoops are said to be one of a number of teams interested in a possible swoop to sign Bristol City centre-forward Tommy Conway. With Joe Hart having hung up his boots at the close of this past campaign, Celtic are in the market for a new goalkeeper and are preparing a 'formal approach' to sign Newcastle United shot-stopper Martin Dubravka this summer.

Elsewhere, Celtic have been credited with an interest in Salernitana defender Flavius Daniliuc, who spent his formative years at Real Madrid. Manager Brendan Rodgers is also said to be 'desperate' to sign loan star Adam Idah from Norwich City after his impressive stint with the club this year.

Celtic eye cut-price move for player who scored more than Maeda

Now, a fresh name has been linked with a move to Celtic Park. The player in question is Dundee midfielder Luke McCowan. Sky Sports are reporting that the champions are 'keeping tabs' on the 26-year-old as he prepares to enter the final year of his current contract.

McCowan's contract situation means Celtic could land the winger in a cut-price deal, as while he enjoyed a stellar 2023/24 campaign, Dundee will likely have to sell him this summer or risk losing him for nothing this time next year. McCowan was one of Dundee's standout stars as they finished 6th in the league, and losing him will no doubt be a blow for the Dark Blues.

However, his arrival could also be bad news for Celtic's Daizen Maeda. Both players generally operate in the same position for their respective sides, and after McCowan dominated Maeda in the SPFL this past term, Rodgers may opt to bench the 26-year-old in place of his new signing if he is utilised in an attacking-midfield role.

Paul Pogba reportedly turned down a bizarre offer from a celebrity and influencer league in Russia before seeing his doping ban reduced.

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• Four-year suspension cut to 18 months
• Will be free to resume his career in March 2025
• Talk of Juventus terminating contract

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  An appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has seen a four-year suspension for the World Cup winner cut to just 18 months. As a result, the French midfielder will be free to resume his career from March 2025.

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  There is plenty of speculation to be found regarding a new challenge being sought by Pogba, with there no guarantees that he will see out a contract at Serie A giants Juventus that is due to run until 2026. Those terms may be terminated, making the 31-year-old former Manchester United star a free agent.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  There has been talk of interest in Pogba from MLS and his homeland, but no definitive decisions on his future have been made as yet. He is counting down the days until he can resume competitive action, having been stuck on the sidelines since testing positive for banned substance DHEA in September 2023.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR POGBA?

  Pogba has been offered a route back to the field since then, after being prevented from taking part in training and matches, but claims that the mercurial playmaker turned down the chance to join Broke Boys FC in the Russian Media Football League – which was created in 2022 and is not affiliated with FIFA as it features celebrities and social media influencers.