All posts by n8rngtd.top

Simone Inzaghi hinted he could leave Inter this summer after heartbreaking Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Inzaghi could leave Inter
• Al-Hilal have shown interest in the Italian coach
• Spurs and Newcastle are also in the race

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Inzaghi has been managing Inter since 2021 and has won several trophies, including a Serie A title. But losing the Champions League final twice in the last three years has now left the Italian coach devastated as he hinted he could leave Inter this summer, amid interest from Al-Hilal, Newcastle United and Tottenham.

Advertisement

• WHAT SIMONE INZAGHI SAID

  Speaking to reporters, Inzaghi said: "As I was saying before to your colleague, I cannot answer this question now. I came here out of respect for you, for politeness, because I am hurting from a sporting point of view. It's not the right time to talk about the future. We are extremely disappointed, and since July of last year we've played 58 or 59 games, we got to this final match, so it's awkward to talk about my future now.

  "Again, we are extremely disappointed. We will be talking about the fact that we won no silverware this year, but these players deserve great credit because they gave it their very best shot, and we suffered a lot of injuries. I wouldn't change these players for anyone else."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to journalist Tancredi Palmeri, Al-Hilal are currently leading the race over Spurs and the Magpies as the Saudi giants are desperate to find top quality head coach before the Club World Cup next month. Palmeri told : "The situation is that Al Hilal offered him £25 million per season for two seasons. I can tell you that he had advanced contacts with both Newcastle and Tottenham, but at the same time, the priority for him is to stay at Inter. Obviously, if we talk on a financial level, nobody can compete with the salary that Al Hilal are offering. But the Premier League is always a great temptation, and at the same time, I must tell you that Inzaghi already rejected Liverpool last summer and Manchester United in October."

  He added: "The priority for him is Inter, but things are not done because he will have a meeting, probably on Tuesday, with Inter’s management, and he will ask for guarantees about the transfer window. For the whole four years, he hasn’t had a proper transfer window – imagine Inter playing the second Champions League final in three years and after all of this – considering who they signed, they cashed in 180 million. He’s been doing miracles, but he’s been saying, ‘After we lose I’m blamed, I want to be given the proper tools to fight to go forward in every competition, maybe then we’ll lose, but give me a proper transfer window’."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR INTER?

  The Serie A side will be back in action next month in the US as they face Club Monterrey in their Club World Cup opener on June 18.

With 11 games to go this season, Manchester City face a real fight to get into next season’s Champions League.

Having beaten Tottenham last time out, Erling Braut Håland the only scorer in North London, Pep Guardiola’s team sit fourth, but six clubs, down to Aston Villa in tenth, are five points or fewer behind.

Next up, on Saturday lunchtime, the Sky Blues will face the side one place and one point above them, namely Nottingham Forest, and if the Citizens are going to collect three points at the City Ground, it might be time for Guardiola to unleash his relentless attacking star.

Jack Grealish's continued underwhelming form

Jack Grealish started last weekend’s FA Cup victory over Plymouth Argyle, but has not started a Premier League fixture since before Christmas, and his statistics underline why.

Sam Lee of the Athletic has described his performances this season as ‘underwhelming’, caveating that by adding his campaign has been ‘hampered by injuries’.

Nevertheless, it’s now 448 days, and counting, since the 29-year-old’s most recent Premier League goal, having scored twice so far this season, converting a penalty during the 8-0 demolition of Salford, also on target in defeat at Paris Saint-Germain, both in January.

In total, Grealish has scored just 16 goals in 151 appearances for the Sky Blues, an underwhelming return for someone who cost £100m, at the time a British transfer record.

Grealish has himself admitted this has been the “most difficult year of my life”, with Richard Jolly of the Independent believing he is ‘wasting his talent’, while Oliver Kay in the Athletic labels him ‘beyond disappointing’.

Chalkboard

So, instead of starting Grealish, Guardiola should include Man City’s more recent big-money arrival in attack on Saturday.

Manchester City's perfect Grealish replacement

Manchester City signed Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt for a reported fee of £63m in January, but the Egyptian striker has already, in only eight appearances for the club, started to prove his worth.

The 26-year-old scored the first-ever senior hat-trick of his career against Newcastle last month, after which strike partner Håland labelled him “something special” and “a fantastic player”.

Prior to his move to Manchester, Marmoush had been on fire for Frankfurt this season, scoring 20 goals in just 26 appearances, averaging a goal every 103 minutes, leading to analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as “relentless”.

So, let’s see how his numbers compare to Grealish.

Unsurprisingly, Marmoush comes out on top for most attacking metrics, albeit Grealish ranks higher for creative statistics per 90, namely take-on success percentage, touches per 90 and shot-creating actions per 90.

Nevertheless, the Egyptian is far superior in terms of shots, shot accuracy, assists and goals, with Marmoush massively overperforming his xG this season, racking up a figure of +7.7; for comparison, the player in the Premier League this season with the highest figure is Chris Wood on +7.4, who he’ll be facing on Saturday.

So, up against a Forest team who rank fourth in the Premier League this season for both goals conceded and xG allowed, as well as second for clean sheets, goals will not be easy to come by, hence why Guardiola must start his superstar new attacker.

Sold for just £750k: Man City could regret losing the next Morgan Rogers

Man City may have cashed in on another rising English star on the cheap

By
Robbie Walls

Mar 6, 2025

The 2024/25 season has been a difficult one for Tottenham Hotspur, with injuries massively halting Ange Postecoglou’s progress as manager in North London.

His side currently sit 13th in the Premier League, with any hope of qualifying for European football for next season all but over with just ten games remaining.

However, despite the setbacks, the Lilywhites have registered 55 goals in their 28 outings, with only league leaders Liverpool scoring more to date – with the defensive issues preventing their progress.

Brennan Johnson and James Maddison sit joint top of the club’s league top-scorer charts with nine goals, showcasing how spread out goals have been among the first team squad.

Despite Dominic Solanke’s club-record move in the summer, the Englishman has struggled with injuries, subsequently preventing him from matching the levels produced by one other player in England.

Alexander Isak’s stats for Newcastle in 2024/25

Swedish international Alexander Isak has set England alight after his move to Newcastle United in the summer of 2022, scoring 57 times in his 99 appearances.

The 25-year-old has been strongly linked with Spurs’ North London rivals, Arsenal, after his form this campaign, which has seen him score 22 times across all competitions.

He’s been a constant nuisance to endless sides in the division, but none more so than Postecoglou’s men, scoring six times against them since his move – the most of any team in his professional career.

Despite the excellent goalscoring record of the Lilywhites, they’ve lacked that clinical goalscorer to lead the line amid Solanke’s fitness issues, with the supporters undoubtedly wishing they had a talent of Isak’s quality.

However, one player who left a couple of years ago has since thrived away from the club, being compared to the Swede as a result of his performances in the final third.

The former Spurs flop who’s playing just like Isak in 2024/25

Over the years, numerous players have arrived at Spurs with high potential to succeed but have ultimately failed to deliver, with Erik Lamela just one player to fall into that category.

The Argentine joined in a £30m deal after Gareth Bale’s departure, looking to fill the void, but failing to do so – scoring just 37 times in his eight years in North London.

Striker Vincent Janssen is another player who had high hopes of being a success, costing £17m from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar back in the summer of 2016.

However, his spell at the club would be a dismal one, scoring just six times during his debut campaign – before just one appearance in 2017/18, subsequently joining Fenerbahçe on loan in January – leading to John Laverty dubbing him as “dreadful”.

He would never recover from his poor form early on in England, with Daniel Levy offloading him, leaving in a £6m deal to join Mexican side Monterrey – aiming to get his once-promising career back on track.

Fast forward to 2025, the striker now plies his trade for Belgian side Royal Antwerp, scoring 50 times in his 127 appearances over the last three years, with FBref ranking him as a similar player to Isak based on their respective figures.

When comparing their stats from the ongoing season, he may have been outscored by the Swede, but he has matched him for shot-on-target accuracy – subsequently showcasing his clinical edge.

He’s also completed more take-ons and won more aerial duels, offering that all-around number nine play in which the club have missed in Solanke’s absence.

It’s safe to say that his time in North London was nothing short of a disaster, as he struggled to match the expectations placed on him after his big-money move to England.

However, it’s clear that he’s since found his form after leaving, showcasing to his former side what they’re missing out on after cutting their losses on him after just three years at the club.

Spurs already have a perfect Danso upgrade in 18-year-old "freak talent"

The exceptional talent could demand a starting place at Spurs next season.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Mar 11, 2025

Chelsea have made a last-ditch bid for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens as they aim to beat the first summer deadline.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Chelsea bid for Gittens again
• Aim to sign him on Tuesday
• Could take him to Club World Cup

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The first window of the summer shuts on Tuesday evening, with any signings made after that stage unable to play in the group stage of the Club World Cup. The Blues aim to get Gittens through the door and take him to the tournament.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Gittens has caught the eye of Stamford Bridge chiefs after he scored 12 goals and assisted five in the 2024-25 season for the Bundesliga club. He played for the Blues in his youth and looks set to return to English football.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Chelsea have already splashed the cash this summer, signing Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for £30m and adding Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg. Both players are available to play in the Club World Cup. It is being widely reported they have upped their bid for Gittens to £42m and want to agree a deal with Dortmund as soon as possible.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  Chelsea begin their campaign against Leon on Monday, before taking on Flamengo and ES Tunis in the group stage.

Burnley simply must tie one of their most influential players down to a new deal before his contract expires, according to Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman.

Burnley set for huge final eight Championship games

The Clarets have enjoyed an excellent season under Scott Parker, being famed for their defensive brilliance throughout the campaign, conceding just 11 goals in 38 Championship matches.

There are now just eight matches remaining in the league, and while Burnley sit in third place and just outside the automatic playoff places, they are only two points adrift of Leeds United and Sheffield United.

In the coming weeks, there are going to be some massive games to look forward to, with fine margins set to decide who goes into the Premier League and who has to deal with the tension of the playoffs in May.

Burnley getting back into the top flight is huge for so many reasons, not least retaining the services of their most important players, and a new claim has now emerged regarding one such figure.

Pundit urges Burnley to sort new deal for Brownhill

Speaking to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit and co-commentator Goodman outlined the importance of Josh Brownhill signing a new deal at Burnley before his current contract expires this summer, being left shocked that the situation has come to this:

“I absolutely do think that Burnley should do everything in their power to keep hold of Josh Brownhill. He’s having an unbelievable season, and he’s already proved he’s more than capable of playing in the Premier League should that be where they find themselves next season.

“He’s got 13 goals and four assists this season, which is an incredible return, and I think it’s his best ever season. I know it’s the Burnley goalkeeper and defenders that are getting most of the plaudits, but he has been absolutely outstanding, it would be an enormous loss if they weren’t able to secure a deal for him. How on earth he’s been allowed to run his contract down to this point is beyond me really.”

Brownhill has been such an impressive performer for Burnley this season, standing out as not only their best midfielder but one of the best in the Championship in his position.

While famed for his industrious presence in the middle of the park, the Englishman has also scored 13 goals in the league, chipping in with four assists, too. Meanwhile, Parker is well aware of his quality, saying:

“There are not enough words to compliment Browny. He’s a driving force in this team, he’s got brilliant box habits and he’s always in and around the right areas. He’s got huge quality and he’s now got nine for the season, so he’s been fundamental for us.”

Losing Brownhill on a free transfer would be such a big setback for Burnley, so they must do all they can to convince him to stay, offering him the terms that he deserves.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has posted a video of his day out in Madrid during his unveiling as a new Real Madrid player at Santiago Bernabeu on Friday.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• TAA unveiled as new Real Madrid player
• Real Madrid enjoys his day out in Madrid
• Posts video of his unveiling day on X

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Real Madrid officially unveiled Alexander-Arnold on Friday afternoon as a Los Blancos player in a deal worth €10 million (£8m/$11m). The England left-back was waiting for his contract with Liverpool to run out this summer; however, the Spanish side signed him earlier this week on a cut-price deal, as they wanted him ready for the Club World Cup. The 26-year-old has now shared a video showcasing his day in the Spanish capital.

Advertisement

• WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Real Madrid have finally ended their multiple-year interest in Alexander-Arnold. It has been expected that the Englishman's arrival may mean the end of Dani Carvajal's stint as Los Blancos' starting right-back.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR ALEXANDER-ARNOLD?

  The former Liverpool star is likely to be a starter when Real Madrid take on Al-Hilal on Wednesday in their Club World Cup opener at Hard Rock Stadium.

Former Premier League referee David Coote has been charged by the Football Association for his derogatory comments about Jurgen Klopp.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Coote charged with improper conduct
• Sanction comes after social media video emerged
• Former referee already serving ban

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Coote hit the headlines in 2024 when a video emerged on social media of the referee making derogatory comments at Liverpool and then-manager Klopp. Another scandal followed after a second video appeared apparently showing Coote snorting a white powder at Euro 2024. An investigation subsequently ensued which saw Coote sacked by the PGMOL. Coote has also now been hit with an FA charge for improper conduct but has been cleared of any gambling misconduct following an investigation into allegations he discussed a booking with a fan prior to a match.

Advertisement

• getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Coote subsequently came out as gay and revealed he took cocaine as an "escape route" due to struggles with his sexuality and the pressure and intensity of being an elite referee. He also claimed he was "not sober" during his rant against Klopp but added he has since managed to kick his drug habit.

• WHAT THE FA SAID

  A statement read: "David Coote has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to comments that he made about Jurgen Klopp in a video recorded around July 2020 which appeared on social media in November 2024. It's alleged that the referee acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words contrary to FA Rule E3.1. It's further alleged that this constitutes an 'Aggravated Breach,' which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference – whether express or implied – to nationalty. No charges have been issued in relation to allegations of gambling misconduct against David Coote, which were also fully investigated."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR COOTE?

  Coote has since been spotted delivering parcels for Evri as he tries his hand at a new line of work after being hit with a ban from football by UEFA.

Attempting to rebuild their side in the vision of Ruben Amorim, Manchester United have reportedly made their first move to sign an impressive winger who’s valued at just £25m this summer.

Man Utd plot bargain playmaker move

The Red Devils’ financial woes are no secret these days and the summer transfer window may well reflect that. Reinforcements are undoubtedly still needed, however, and INEOS will simply have to seek any bargain opportunities they can get. Meanwhile, as that search goes on they’d be wise to clear out any unwanted stars in search of adding to their own spending power.

INEOS can save millions by axing Man Utd star who's cost the club £139m

The Man Utd star is one of the club’s biggest earners

By
Joe Nuttall

Mar 31, 2025

That could yet include the likes of Alejandro Garnacho when the summer arrives. Although the Argentine winger has worked his way back into Amorim’s side at times in recent weeks, his Old Trafford future is far from certain amid interest from Serie A giants Napoli. For the right price, it wouldn’t be a great shock to see Manchester United cash in on their young star this summer.

What that sale would do is hand Amorim the chance to finally stamp his mark at Old Trafford and perhaps welcome a player who would be perfect for his 3-4-2-1 system. According to The Boot Room, Manchester United have now made contact over signing Rayan Cherki from Lyon, asking the French club to keep them informed about the 21-year-old’s transfer status.

Valued at just £25m this summer, the young winger has quite the queue forming for his signature, which includes United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea ahead of the transfer window.

That interest should come as no surprise either, particularly from United, given that the Frenchman would be the perfect candidate to play in one of the two advanced midfield roles in Amorim’s system. A winger by trade at Lyon, Cherki has operated in the past as a No.10 and it could even be said that it is his best role.

"Special" Cherki is perfect for Amorim

Some will feel as though it’s about time that Cherki finds himself on the radar of several top sides. For some time, a top move looked unlikely to balance as questions came over his ability away from possession. Following his most impressive season yet, however, it’s hard for even the likes of Manchester United to ignore the Frenchman’s clear quality.

Dubbed a “special creator” and a “proper 10” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Cherki is exactly the type of player that would thrive in a system that not many have since Amorim’s Old Trafford arrival.

With as many as 18 assists to his name so far this season in all competitions, the 21-year-old would instantly form one of the deadliest partnerships in the Premier League next to Bruno Fernandes and all for just £25m. It’s a deal that ticks all boxes for Manchester United and one they should go all out for this summer.

As Manchester City look to rebuild, Pep Guardiola has reportedly personally requested that the Blues make a statement move to hijack one of Arsenal’s best players.

Man City eyeing Dias upgrade

Whilst the international break at least ceased the Citizens’ misery before they impressively earned their way into the FA Cup last four over Bournemouth, it didn’t take long for injury to strike once more. In a season full of absentees, Erling Haaland became the latest to limp off against Bournemouth and it’s bad news for the Norwegian superstar.

Following their latest injury blow, it remains to be seen whether that will be the final nail in the coffin for Manchester City’s Champions League hopes. Even if that does prove to be the case, however, they’re reportedly looking to make a statement this summer.

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City are now willing to grant Guardiola’s request to sign William Saliba from Arsenal this summer in what would be one of the moves of the summer.

Not only would they be signing one of their rivals’ most influential players, but they would also be taking him out of the clutches of Real Madrid, who have been eyeing another free deal upon the Frenchman’s contract expiry in 2027.

Better than Hugo Larsson: Man City make £50m star their top summer target

He could cost Man City upwards of £50m

By
Joe Nuttall

Apr 1, 2025

If the Citizens are to solve their defensive problems once and for all then signing Saliba should certainly be among their priorities this summer. Whether they’re in a position to lure the impressive centre-back away from the Gunners is another question, however.

"Superb" Saliba is one of the best

At 24 years old, Saliba is at the peak of his powers and that peak has taken him among the best in the world in his position. The Frenchman carries every trait needed to be a top defender in the modern game and represents a player that Guardiola is almost certain to love just as Mikel Arteta does at Arsenal.

Praising his star as early as his Premier League debut, the Arsenal boss told reporters in 2022: “Saliba was superb. For his age, he is built really well. You need the right balance. Physicality in this league is something where you can’t come up short. If you do, you will be exposed.”

Only getting better ever since, there’s every argument that Saliba would become Manchester City’s best defender if he completed a shock move to the Etihad this summer.

Earning a reported £190,000-a-week at Arsenal, Saliba has proved to be worth every penny and the same would be said if he joined Manchester City in the coming months.

Manchester United have been told to hijack Chelsea's move for Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens as he 'could make a real difference' at the club.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Chelsea hot in pursuit of Dortmund's Gittens
• Man Utd urged to hijack the Blues' move for winger
• Hamann believes that Gittens would fit better at Utd

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chelsea have been hot after the signature of Borussia Dortmund's Gittens since the end of the regular season, as Enzo Maresca wanted to have the England U21 winger in time for the Club World Cup. However, the Blues were unable to reach an agreement with Die Schwarzgelben, keeping his situation open heading into the summer transfer window.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As such, former Bayern Munich and Liverpool star Didi Hamann has now urged Manchester United to consider hijacking Chelsea's move for Gittens this summer. The former midfielder believes that the 20-year-old could be a better fit at Old Trafford, as the Blues already have a lot of wing options, and he will have to fight for a place in Maresca's squad.

• WHAT HAMANN SAID

  Former Liverpool and Germany midfielder Didi Hamann told InstantWithdrawalBettingSites.com: "I think Borussia Dortmund has been a great place for Jamie Gittens, he played a huge role and scored goals and got assists, but that stopped when Niko Kovac came in.

  "Chelsea will be fully aware of that, the player has made it clear he wants to leave but he is under contract, I would say that Dortmund are not in the strongest position because the manager wants hardworking players and Gittens isn’t that type of player.

  "I think he will leave Dortmund but they won’t get the money they want. Chelsea have an abundance of players, I think he could make a real difference at Manchester United, he is young but he has stood out and I think that might be the player for them to chase."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR GITTENS?

  The 20-year-old is unlikely to stay at Borussia Dortmund past this summer, with Chelsea the likeliest destination. However, United are desperate to inject new vigour into the side and could definitely make a late entry into the race for Gittens, if they so please.