GOAL USA writers analyze Pochettino's first squad selection, and what will define success this window

And so it begins. Mauricio Pochettino has announced his first USMNT squad. And on first glance, the new boss hasn't shaken things up much. Most of the familiar faces are here. The injured Gio Reyna is the most notable absentee. But otherwise, this is a squad similar to the those that Gregg Berhalter assembled during his last few windows.

The squad is headlined – no surprise – by Christian Pulisic, with Weston McKennie, Tim Weah and Antonee Robinson all returning to the squad after missing out in September. Former U.S. No. 1 goalkeeper Zack Steffen returns for the first time since 2022, and Gianluca Busio has a chance to make his first appearance since 2023.

But for all of the recognizable names, there remains some debate as to how exactly it will all come together. And there seem to be one or two players that perhaps haven't done enough over the first few weeks of the season to warrant inclusion.

Beyond that, how will this team play? What will be considered a success in this window? Can Pochettino show that he is worth all of the hype? Is it time for hope?

Those questions will continue in the days, weeks, and months to come as the men's national team gears up for the 2026 World Cup. But for now, GOAL US writers react to Pochettino's first squad in a USMNT edition of… The Rondo.

Who was the biggest snub?

Tom Hindle: Not quite sure there is one – even if you factor in the injuries here. Pochettino, for all of the talk, has played it reasonably safe. All of the big names are present, while the fringe guys have more or less stayed in the squad. At a , you could make a case for Gaga Slonina's inclusion. There's also maybe a shout for Benjamin Cremaschi or Kevin Paredes here. Otherwise, there's not much to be angry about, which is admittedly refreshing.

Jacob Schneider: There’s no real snub, with injuries being the cause for any real notable absences. With winger depth being so light, perhaps it would have been nice to see Alex Zendejas in the mix, or defensively, Richard Ledezma included. However, this feels like a strong group.

Alex Labidou: This list feels about right, with no real head-scratchers. Clutching at straws a bit, this list feels incredibly safe and almost vanilla. Where's the random Alfredo Morales-type of call-up? Jurgen Klinsmann's first squad, for example, had a ton of surprises, not all for the best.

Jokes aside, it's better to be safe than send the wrong message with these call ups and it will be interesting to see how things develop over the next few months in the build up to the World Cup.

Ryan Tolmich: Because of the injury situation, there really weren't any snubs. With stars such as Sergino Dest, Chris Richards, Gio Reyna and Tyler Adams out injured, spots were opened up for players that were on the fringes of this squad. If there was one, it's probably Tanner Tessmann. He was fantastic at the Olympics this summer and made a big move to Lyon as a result. The midfielder could have been in this squad, but you can't complain too much about Pochettino going with his former Gianluca Busio instead. Overall, it's a fair squad, but one limited a bit by injuries.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWho's the biggest surprise pick?

TH: Zack Steffen, even if it is good to see him back in the setup. The Rapids keeper hasn't been in the U.S. squad for two years now, and after a good season between the sticks, it's only appropriate that he gets rewarded. At his opening press conference, Pochettino talked quite a bit about utilizing MLS talent. Steffen in as a goalie would seem to be the embodiment of that – even if he doesn't sniff the field.

JS: Biggest surprise is definitely Steffen. He had a phenomenal Leagues Cup, but the underlying numbers from his MLS performances this season are not particularly something to boast about. It’s not entirely his fault, as the Rapids defense absolutely has its flaws, but there is a hierarchy in the goalkeeping tiers right now and I’m not so sure he warrants a return
AL: Steffen's inclusion did come as a surprise, not because of his talent, but due to his apparent exile from the program since losing the No. 1 goalkeeper spot. Given the USMNT's well-documented struggles in goal, it was puzzling that he wasn't called up once he regained form with the Rapids, hinting at potential internal issues. With a new manager at the helm, there's a clean slate, and it's great to see Steffen, whom former U.S. goalkeeper legend Tim Howard continues to praise, getting another opportunity.

RT: Probably Miles Robinson? There's a depth issue at centerback, particularly with Richards and Cameron Carter-Vickers nursing injuries. Realistically, there aren't many other experienced centerbacks in the pool, so Robinson does fit there. Still, could Pochettino have looked elsewhere? Could he have taken a shot on a younger option? Maybe but, overall, this is nitpicking, isn't it?

ImagoWho are you most excited to watch?

TH: Malik Tillman, Malik Tillman, and more Malik Tillman. The attacking midfielder has been excellent for PSV this season – and was good last year, too. In 14 caps, he hasn't quite had his moment for the USMNT. Here's to hoping that a new manager can figure out how to best use him – and perhaps unlock a secret weapon for this side. Also, that Christian Pulisic fella is OK at this sport.

JS: Most excited to see what Poch can do with Tillman, for sure. Without a healthy Reyna, you should be looking at him and Brenden Aaronson competing for the starting no. 10 role. Simply based on form, one would think Tillman gets the nod ahead of the Leeds United man.
AL: It would be easy to say that it will be fascinating to see Pulisic under Pochettino, but that's an obvious one. So instead, let's look at what is going to happen at goal and defense. Richards' absence due to injury means there could be an entirely new centerback pairing when the U.S. lines up against Panama on Oct. 10. Tim Ream is probably a safe bet, considering Pochettino has seen him in action in the Premiership, but who plays alongside him? Will Auston Trusty be given this opportunity?

The same goes for goal. Matt Turner has been the No. 1 since the 2022 World Cup, but his form and playing time for the past year have not warranted security in that position. Could Pochettino elect to go with Patrick Schulte or Steffen? It will be fun to see what he decides.

RT: It has to be Aidan Morris. Last camp, he looked like one of very few players really energized by wearing the USMNT shirt, and that's something that brings life to a group. He's been a regular at Middlesbrough, which has launched him up the depth chart. But even so, it's all about sustained USMNT performances. Another strong camp from Morris will have him challenging for a starting spot. His energy, tenacity and work-rate are key for any team, and they'll be key again this camp.

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GettyWho made it, but should have been left off?

TH: Yunus Musah is having a pretty poor season, although it's a big ask to get into that Milan midfield. If he hadn't already impressed for the national team, it would be pretty difficult to make a case for him. But for the sake of contrarianism and probably being wrong, Johnny Cardoso is a pretty puzzling one. No coach has been able to figure exactly what the Real Betis midfielder can be. Maybe Pochettino reckons he can turn him into a more workmanlike destroyer that some people figured he could be, but he hasn't showed much to suggest he's actually that guy.

JS: Steffen likely should not be in the squad. Among others, not sure Trusty is at the USMNT level at the moment. However, injuries to Carter-Vickers and Richards are likely the reason for his inclusion.

AL: Musah comes to mind, as he has seen limited playing time for both club and country. Aside from one standout assist for Milan this season, his overall form hasn’t been strong. While it may seem nitpicky and Pochettino likely wants to assess the midfielder in person, Musah will need to elevate his performances to secure future call-ups.

RT: As has been said, no real complaints. At the end of the day, you're nitpicking when it comes to the final spots on a friendly roster. Just about everyone here has a reason for being here, whether that's providing veteran leadership or filling an injury gap. The call-ups make sense.

Big Picture

There was once a time when Gary Lineker’s famous football aphorism – “Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end the Germans win” – could be transposed almost directly across to cricket and Australia. And while they may have fallen some way since the green-and-golden era in which they won four World Cups out of five between 1999 and 2015, victory over England in Friday’s opening ODI was a reminder of their enduring qualities.Australia’s successful defence of 294 on a surface that offered batsmen a fine balance between risk and reward was also a rebuke to the big-hitting blueprint that has made England the frontrunners in this format – albeit that coming into the series Eoin Morgan had expressed the hope that his side could expand their range while preparing for a World Cup in India in three years’ time. In that regard, their recovery from a most parlous Powerplay to lose by 19 runs, on the back of Sam Billings’ maiden hundred, was a nugget of encouragement for the home side.The dividends for Australia, playing their first one-dayer since March, were more obvious. For Aaron Finch, the match-turning stand of 126 between Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell was both boon and balm, helping to sooth the long-standing sore spot that is Australia’s ODI middle order. That Finch has the attack at his disposal to protect such totals was a matter of less quibbling, but the way they tore into England at the top – led by the magnificent Josh Hazlewood – reinforced the sense they can still play the game on their own terms.The circumstances in which Australia’s sixth-wicket pair came to the fore were also encouraging. Only twice in their last 19 ODIs have Australia won without a 50-plus contribution from Finch, David Warner or Steven Smith (the other was against New Zealand at Lord’s during the World Cup). In achieving the right balance between repair job and counterattack, Marsh and Maxwell looked capable of finding the combination to unlock Australia’s batting potential.England could still reflect that had Tom Banton, fielding as a substitute at long-on, been slightly more alert to the chance offered when Maxwell had scored just 10, their target might have been more in the region of 195. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, both back in the side for the first time since the World Cup final, gave England’s attack greater cutting edge, though the burden for taking middle-overs wickets still lies heavily on Adil Rashid.There was also a rustiness to their batting, with Jason Roy still searching for form after returning from injury and Joe Root playing his first limited-overs international since February. Nothing exemplified England’s initial struggle, in the face of some top-rank bowling, more than Jonny Bairstow scratching his way to 22 off 58 (strike rate 37.9). That he fought through to make 84, alongside Billings helping to give them a puncher’s chance during the closing stages, should keep Australia on their guard going into the second game.Sam Billings pulls into the leg side•Getty Images

Form guide

(last five completed matches)
England LLWWW
Australia WWLLL

In the spotlight

More than five years after his England debut, Sam Billings finally played the innings that his talent long suggested he was capable of. In that period, Billings has only batted 16 times in ODIs (roughly three outings a year), usually little more than one-off appearances – but since Joe Denly’s back spasm before the Ireland series in July offered him a route back in, he has produced scores of 67*, 46*, 19 and 118. Even if he keeps it up, his place may only be secure until the return of Ben Stokes. But after missing out on last year’s World Cup through injury, Billings seems intent on making up for lost time.While England’s batting has faced a problem of plenty, Australia have long been auditioning candidates for their middle order. Mitchell Marsh has had to deal with injuries, as well as the vagaries of selection, but hadn’t played an ODI for more than two years before returning on the South Africa tour in early 2020; ahead of this series, Finch said Australia had been guilty of “shuffling him around to try and fit other pieces in”, but he indicated Marsh would now be given time to make the spot his own. An ability to dovetail with Maxwell augurs well, and could help ease the pressure on Alex Carey as Australia seek stability at Nos. 5-7.

Team news

England have tended to react to defeat under Morgan by sending the same players out to try and atone.England (probable) 1 Jason Roy, 2 Jonny Bairstow, 3 Joe Root, 4 Eoin Morgan, 5 Sam Billings, 6 Jos Buttler (wk), 7 Moeen Ali, 8 Chris Woakes, 9 Adil Rashid, 10 Mark Wood, 11 Jofra ArcherSmith passed his second concussion test on Saturday, following the blow in training that kept him out of the first match, but will continue to be monitored. His return would likely come at the expense of Marcus Stoinis. Mitchell Starc experienced some “minor upper leg soreness” after slipping on the outfield and could be a doubt, with Kane Richardson standing by.Australia (probable) 1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch (capt), 3 Steven Smith/Marcus Stoinis, 4 Marnus Labuschagne, 5 Mitchell Marsh, 6 Alex Carey (wk), 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Mitchell Starc/Kane Richardson, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh Hazlewood

Pitch and conditions

The same strip will be used for a second time, which could curtail scoring further. England went with their preferred strategy of chasing in the first match but there was no sense the pitch became easier under lights, and both teams may now place a premium on getting runs on the board. Another day-night game means autumnal dew shouldn’t be a factor, while the forecast is for a warm afternoon and clear evening in Manchester.

Stats and Trivia

• England have not lost a bilateral ODI series at home since 2015 (when Australia beat them 3-2), winning their last nine in a row.
• The last seven ODIs at Old Trafford have all been won by the side batting first.
• . Maxwell is 46 runs away from the 3000-mark in ODIs; Finch is 102 from 5000. Marsh is two wickets shy of 50.
• Root needs 77 runs to reach 6000 in ODIs – if he gets there in this game, he will equal Kane Williamson as third-fastest to the mark.

Quotes

“It’s [about] still being positive, not taking a backward step. How you do that on a pitch like that might not be going out all guns blazing and trying to hit the sight screens, but coming up with game plans of putting pressure back on them. [That] is why England got to No. 1 and won the World Cup.”
“Our one-day team has been under a little bit of pressure of late so it was really nice to respond with a great win. We know we are only one win away now from a series win so that’s a big carrot for us.”

When I was 15 years old, I didn’t really know what I wanted from life, yada yada. But I did know that I loved football and I also knew that I adored Liverpool.

But we weren’t very good. Despite the thrilling Luis Suarez-charged success of the 2013/14 season, Liverpool had spent far too long adrift from the position of prominence and power that was fitting for a club of its stature.

Then Jurgen Klopp came along. The former Borussia Dortmund manager had enjoyed acclaim in his homeland, toppling Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title in successive years before suffering a nosedive and calling time on his Signal Iduna Park career.

As Liverpool prepare to host Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League for the last dance, fans will cheer Klopp’s name one final time, the 56-year-old having been roared on for the best part of nine years.

Were it not for him, I likely would not be writing this salute to a man who, seriously, has had such a profound impact on so many like myself.

Liverpool’s rise and rise coincided with my conclusion of studies at secondary school, and so I entered into the unknown with no clue where to head. But Klopp sculpted a journey that lifted the hearts of many, and so when it came to choosing a profession at this fledgling phase I followed my love for football and the joy that I had found through his forged connection with the club.

Of course, football’s inevitable circularity precludes lasting success – for most, anyway – and it would be foolish to only take joy in the good times, but Klopp proved that football is a life force that doesn’t need the rubber-stamping of silver objects to provide a sense of fulfilment and wonder that few things else can give to those stalwart supporters.

Klopp, to put it another way, proved that football’s beauty is an incredible, at times ineffable thing, and so this is a profession worth pursuing, for here is the palpable intensity of a person who gets it, a person who provided the balmy warmth that fans crave, to feel worth something, a part of something.

I will forever hold a dear place in my heart for Klopp, whose all-consuming passion for Liverpool and its success has created so many memories, leaving the city aglow. To see him step down from his duties is sad, yes, but it has certainly been worth the tears.

Self-indulgent stream of consciousness out of the way. But this is simply one story in a million of how Klopp stretched his wings down onto Liverpool and touched the lives of so many.

Some footballing figures exist beyond their stay. Klopp is the embodiment of a person who takes a club and its people beyond the mere enjoyment of watching people hoof an object between two sticks.

From doubters to believers

It’s quite hard to articulate just how much football means to many, many people. To those observing from afar, away from the prism, it all must look a bit naff.

Klopp must look a bit naff sometimes, even to those absorbed and engulfed in football and all its myriad facets. But that’s what makes him so brilliant, an irreplaceable part of Liverpool.

Be it his fury of post-match fist pumps, his scorn at the weather and how it stifled his team, or be it his hilarious in-match facial expressions, his explosion of passion when Mohamed Salah curls yet another strike beyond the hapless keeper, Alisson Becker contorts to make an acrobatic, all-important save.

The thing is, Liverpool is an emotional football club; it’s an emotional city. Klopp understood this, alighting in Merseyside following Brendan Rodgers’ dismissal.

There’s something very earnest about Liverpool and its path over the last nine years or so, a deep, visceral connection between player and club and fan and gaffer. Klopp transformed Anfield, wrapped the outfit in on itself with his quirks and convictions and his heart and his soul.

You could feel it in his very first game, which, inaptly perhaps, was a goalless draw against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, a fixture that has since produced 62 goals from 19 matches in all competitions.

Jurgen Klopp’s First Liverpool XI
Tottenham 0-0 Liverpool (17/10/2015)
(GK) – Simon Mignolet
(RB) – Nathaniel Clyne
(CB) – Martin Skrtel
(CB) – Mamadou Sakho
(LB) – Alberto Moreno
(CM) – Lucas Leiva
(CM) – Emre Can
(RW) – James Milner
(AM) – Adam Lallana
(LW) – Philippe Coutinho
(ST) – Divock Origi
Sourced via BBC Sport

The starting line-up for that fixture tells the tale of Klopp’s dynasty, taking a – frankly – average team and turning it into something special. Sure, high-money signings were made along the way but Klopp battled tooth and nail against superior financial powers and cemented legendary status along the way.

What to pin down as the pinnacle of Klopp’s reign? Would it be the historic comeback against Barcelona – corner taken quickly is now a phrase synonymous with his reign – coming from behind to dismantle Lionel Messi’s team to advance to the final and dispatch Tottenham, a first slice of silverware under the 56-year-old?

Or perhaps, a few months into the new era, Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at home against West Bromwich Albion was the watershed moment, when Divock Origi salvaged a deflected last-gasp point and an incensed German manager ordered his team to link hands and celebrate in front of the Kop. It was a ridiculed reaction but Klopp was building something down Anfield Road and it paid dividends.

There are too many to count, but Klopp’s legacy is not defined by trophies and nor is it defined by statistics and tables and tallies, although he sits favourably on many. He changed lives, his influence transcends what it means to be a successful football manager in English football and his absence will leave a disconsolate piece missing from Liverpool and all involved.

The end of an era

But what if this isn’t the end at all? Possibly, Liverpool have simply entered the next phase of a glowing era that started nearly nine years ago, when a gegenpressing, thrash-metal style was inculcated into a football club crying for fresh life.

Klopp arrived and pulled Anfield’s denizens from the shadowed recess where they languished, nurtured them, enriched them and lifted them. This is not the end. This legacy endures.

Football is cyclical. Managers come; managers go. Players come; players go. Success arrives, ephemerally, and then disappears, flaking away and dissipating in the wind, like a sheet of paper caught aflame, as rivals shift ahead and revel in the glow of the limelight.

But while this cynical standpoint carries truth, it’s the fleeting nature of the success that makes it so special. Klopp knows this. The 56-year-old recently remarked that “other managers collect trophies, I collect relationships,” when reflecting on his time at the Anfield helm.

Jurgen Klopp: Most-used Liverpool Players
#	Player	Apps
1.	Roberto Firmino	355
2.	Mohamed Salah	348
3.	James Milner	323
4.	Trent Alexander-Arnold	309
5.	Jordan Henderson	304
Sourced via Transfermarkt

It was a comment that, naturally, was met with a measure of scorn from rivals, but Liverpool have won it all in the timeframe since the German’s advent. We’ve conquered all of Europe, and thanks to the outfit’s outgoing manager, we’re never going to stop.

Klopp, let’s not forget, restored Liverpool and gave it power and purpose as a behemoth of the global game once more. His mere presence has left fully-grown fans giddy with childish avidity, taking Liverpool’s hard-working, respite-seeking football faithful back to their springtime. To a better time. Away from life and all of its struggles. A utopia sculpted within Anfield’s four stands.

Arne Slot is the man to succeed Klopp, an unenviable task if there ever was one, and while he will come and he will go, Feyenoord’s successful head coach takes the reins of a club geared for more prosperity down the line.

Perhaps this is an end. Maybe that’s okay. It’s one end, an end as such that will close the door on a slice of history in one football club’s journey among many. But it isn’t the end.

To say it’s the end would be to say that Jurgen Klopp and all that he stands for is no more, that this electric, larger-than-life German has been stripped away from the outfit’s DNA like bark from a tree.

So, no. Stand still. Crane your neck. Listen close. He’s here. Can you hear him? He’s in the crowd, cheering Liverpool on come August. It’s a booming, infectious noise, carried with care through the crowd’s song, passed through to the pitch, where Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold bellow and bay at their teammates, spurring them on.

This isn’t the end. Klopp has etched his name into Anfield’s very core, scrawling his teachings and tricks across Merseyside. And away from the figurative, he truly will return, for real, one day – lopsided grin, gleaming gnashers, awe-inspiring gaze and all. There to watch his club, always his club, to cheer them on.

He’s there, waving, taking it in, lapping it up. Klopp stands, cameras fixed, Anfield fixed, 61,000-odd pairs of eyes pinned on him. For he is here – perhaps he always will be. This isn’t the end.

He’s waving. And he is laughing. And we are singing.

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By
Angus Sinclair

May 9, 2024

The loyalty, leadership, and pure quality that Heung-min Son has displayed throughout his Tottenham Hotspur career have been remarkable.

Between signing in 2015 for £22m and wearing the armband today, the South Korean has cemented himself as not just a Spurs legend, but one of the Premier League greats.

The number seven has played 408 matches for the Lilywhites, boasting an insane record of 162 goals and 84 assists in the process.

However, not every player can amount to the brilliance of Son, including a certain record signing…

What Spurs paid for Tanguy Ndombele

In the summer of 2019, Spurs’ answer to losing in the 2018/19 Champions League final was to reinforce the midfield.

Tanguy Ndombele was the main target, and he joined the club following an impressive Ligue 1 campaign for Lyon, where he registered eight contributions in 31 starts.

The French midfielder joined for a whopping £55m, signing a six-year deal as he became Spurs’ club record signing, a status he still holds to this day.

The 20 most expensive Tottenham signings of all time

Tottenham Hotspur have never been the biggest spenders in English football, but that doesn’t mean they’re without their expensive arrivals, as we found out.

Initially, Ndombele looked to be a great purchase, as he scored on his debut against Aston Villa and assisted versus Manchester City on his second appearance, but since then, it hasn’t exactly gone according to plan.

Ndombele’s transfer value in 2024

The 27-year-old’s best season in a Spurs shirt occurred during the 2020/21 term, when he featured 33 times in the Premier League, starting 28 of those.

However, three years on, and he’s only made six more league starts since for Tottenham, first joining Napoli on loan and Galatasaray last season.

Unfortunately, Ndombele has been unable to revive his career away from Spurs, starting just eight times in Serie A and only on four occasions in the Turkish Superlig.

In fact, his last start occurred on 15th January, and with his lack of game time over the last few years, a change of environment looks to be the best option.

Tanguy Ndombele

91

Ivan Persisic

50

Ryan Sessegnon

57

Japhet Tanganga

50

Eric Dier

365

Now, according to a report from The Standard, Ndombele may not have a say in the matter, as Spurs are set to release him this summer for free.

It’s mentioned that he looks likely to join Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Ivan Perisic, and Japhet Tanganga on the departure list as Daniel Levy aim to complete a squad overhaul.

Over his 91 appearances for Tottenham, Ndombele was often “frustrating,” as journalist Christian Radnedge described him, mainly due to his lack of appropriate attitude.

To think that he cost over two times more than Son, for example, just puts into context how poor of a deal it was from Spurs back in 2019.

There’s no doubt that Ndombele has immense quality, and it’s a shame to see a player with so much potential fail to reach anywhere near his expectations.

The Frenchman's transfer to Spurs will go down as an absolute disaster, especially considering they won't be able to recoup even a single penny of the £55m they once spent on him.

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Spurs will want to give Postecoglou everything he needs to build a successful side this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 9, 2024

Celtic would reportedly love to complete the signing of an "amazing" player this summer, and the individual in question would "walk" to Parkhead.

Celtic transfer news

There is plenty of transfer talk surrounding the Hoops currently, as they look to conduct some eye-catching business in the summer transfer window. One player who is being linked with a permanent move to Parkhead is Paulo Bernardo, who impressed on loan in 2023/24 and appears to be keen on a longer stint at the club. A latest update has suggested that Celtic are in talks with him over the move.

Replacing the retired Joe Hart is surely one of the most important areas of focus ahead of next season and Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has emerged as an exciting option for the Scottish Premiership champions. In fact, Brendan Rodgers is believed to be plotting a £10m move for the Irishman, who could jump at the opportunity to be a regular elsewhere, with the world-class Alisson keeping him out of the team at Anfield.

Another rumoured target is FC Lausanne-Sport winger Alvyn Sanches, who Celtic are interested in bringing in alongside both Bernardo and Adam Idah this summer, with the latter potentially making his loan move from Norwich City a permanent one.

Celtic would love to sign Tierney who is set to leave Arsenal

According to a new report from TEAMtalk, Celtic would love to re-sign Kieran Tierney in the summer transfer window, and he would "walk back" to Parkhead. The report does state Arsenal are set to sell the defender but that "the reality is they won’t be able to afford his price tag", however, which could put paid to the transfer coming to fruition.

The idea of the £109,000-a-week Tierney back in a Celtic shirt is something that would likely appeal to so many supporters, considering what a popular figure he was before departing for Arsenal. The fact that he is keen on a return also adds to the feel-good factor, but his current club are unlikely to allow him to leave on the cheap, which is a big issue.

The Scotland international was arguably one of the standout players in the Scottish Premiership at that point, hence earning a move to a club the size of the Gunners in the summer of 2019, and he won five league titles and three Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cups apiece in that time.

Tierney made 170 appearances in that time, and his attacking ability was highlighted by a total of 37 assists in that time, and Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko once said of him: "He is an amazing player. Even when I was at City I was watching his games. I think it is good competition for each of us."

Celtic in talks to sign "brilliant" player for just £3.5m

He wants to join.

ByBen Browning Jun 6, 2024

It does look as though Celtic will be priced out of bringing the 27-year-old back to Parkhead, however, which is a huge shame, but the hope is that the situation changes and the Hoops are able to somehow regain the services of their popular former defender.

On the final day of the Premier League season Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard and manager Mikel Arteta were both pretty insistent that this was only the beginning for this project.

Yes, Arsenal may well be without a trophy for a good few years now but the progression on the field and off it has been remarkable.

Arteta has steered the Gunners to consecutive title challenges, with the 2023/24 campaign proving to be particularly impressive.

They won 28 games, their most in a single Premier League season so how do they begin to bridge that two-point gap to Manchester City?

Well, they need to raise the floor of the squad.

Arsenal's summer transfer plans

What Edu and Co achieve behind the scenes this summer remains to be seen but one of the biggest priorities should be shifting dead wood from the squad.

That could mean an exit for a certain Thomas Partey. The midfielder has just a year left on his current deal at the Emirates and his wretched injury history suggests he's not someone to rely on.

2020/21

33

0

3

21

2021/22

26

2

1

19

2022/23

40

3

0

6

2023/24

16

0

0

26

Total

15

5

4

72

Speaking about the Ghainain's future in London, Fabrizio Romano recently stated: "They have several players lined up. There is a good chance they will bring in a new midfielder, Thomas [Partey] will leave, Jorginho has extended."

So who could replace him? Romano continued: "There are several players in the list. One player they’ve always appreciated is Douglas Luiz, but negotiating with Villa is never easy."

With Unai Emery's men now a Champions League outfit, trying to prise anyone away from Villa Park will be particularly troublesome, especially when Luiz is rumoured to possess a £100m asking price.

How Douglas Luiz compares to Thomas Partey

Partey had a rather bizarre campaign in north London this time out. Starting the season as a right-back – one of Arteta's strangest decisions yet – he quickly picked up an injury and he didn't seem achieve consistent minutes again until the run-in.

That said, he was clearly a player that the manager trusted. The £200k-per-week star started all of the last five league games, including the massive clash with Spurs on the road. There is a reason Yaya Toure described him as "unbelievable."

Were his performances always 'unbelievable', though? Perhaps not. Against Manchester United, in particular, he was clumsy in possession and fortunate not to give away a penalty. Versus Everton on the final day Partey was constantly bypassed by a central trio of Amadou Onana, Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

When he signed from Atletico Madrid this was an exciting acquisition, one which in truth, has improved the squad.

Yet, with progress as a club, comes the requirement for upgrades. That's precisely what Luiz would be.

Hailed as a "box-crashing 8" by analyst Ben Mattinson, the Villa star has been tracked by Arsenal for a while. They wanted him in 2022, only to be met by a series of rejected bids before he penned new terms in the Midlands.

They will now have to pay a premium but it could be worth it. After all, he looks like the perfect replacement for a certain Granit Xhaka, and the most ideal of midfielders to partner Declan Rice and Odegaard. He's a lot more dangerous in the final third than Partey, possesses immense composure and has that typical Brazilian flair. What's not to like?

So, how do the numbers stack up? Well, it's actually closer than you'd imagine, although the former Manchester City gem does come out on top in a number of areas.

Goals

0

9

Assists

0

5

Games missed via injury

21

2

Pass success

90%

86%

Progressive passes*

8.18

5.05

Progressive carries*

1.70

1.80

xG*

0.05

0.21

Key passes*

0.69

1.59

Shot-creating actions*

2.84

3.51

Tackles*

1.59

1.74

% of aerials won*

46.7%

58.1%

Luiz would be a substantial upgrade when it comes to contributing in the final third but Partey is still the better passer, breaking lines with ease and completing more per 90 minutes. That said, it's the Brazilian who's more likely to make something happen with his passing, hence a greater number of key passes.

It's pretty close defensively. Arsenal had the best defensive record in the division this term but Luiz still attempted more tackles and impressively, won a higher % of his aerial battles.

Pivotally, however, is the manoeuvrability. Partey looked pretty sluggish towards the end of the campaign but the Villa star is someone who can get about with great purpose.

After the addition of £105m Rice last summer, another hefty signing in the middle of the park may not be totally necessary but Luiz is certainly an upgrade on the partners the club's record signing has had so far.

Arsenal eyeing their next Aubameyang in free-scoring £120m "animal"

The incredible forward has been in red-hot form this season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 24, 2024

Everton will desperately want to build on the 15th-placed finish in the Premier League this season, with the club needing to dip into the market to improve Sean Dyche’s squad.

The Toffees managed to string together a great end to the campaign, winning five of the last eight matches to secure another season of top-flight football, despite receiving multiple points deductions during the 2023/24.

However, over the course of the season, the club’s biggest issue on the field was highlighted, with the lack of goals evident during the 38 league matches in the campaign.

Dyche’s side only managed to score two or more goals in a game on ten occasions, accumulating a tally of just 40 goals – an average of just 1.05 goals per game, the second-lowest in the division.

Only two players within the squad managed to score more than five goals, with Beto failing to reach such heights despite his £25m move to Goodison from Udinese before the start of the campaign.

However, his side are already targeting attacking options ahead of the summer window, including one player who could prove to be excellent value for money.

Everton interested in signing talented free agent

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Everton are interested in signing Fulham attacker Bobby Decordova-Reid during the summer transfer window.

The 31-year-old Jamaican forward is out of contract at the end of the month and has been offered a new deal at Craven Cottage, but Dyche’s side could offer him a longer-term contract to tempt him into swapping London for Merseyside.

He featured 33 times in the Premier League during 2023/24, scoring six times, the third most of any player within Marco Silva’s squad.

The report goes on to state that Leeds United are also in the race for his signature, but, undoubtedly, the Toffees have the advantage over Daniel Farke’s side given their Premier League status.

Decordova-Reid, formerly of Bristol City and Cardiff City, is a versatile option who is capable of playing on either side of midfield, as a central striker or even as a right-back, potentially allowing the club to forget about loanee Jack Harrison.

How Decordova-Reid compares to Harrison

During the 2023/24 campaign, Harrison joined Dyche’s side on a temporary basis after Leeds’ relegation back to England’s second tier.

The 27-year-old Englishman featured 29 times for the Toffees in the Premier League, scoring just three goals in an all-round disappointing season for the forward.

However, upon the expiry of his loan move on Merseyside, rumours were linking Harrison with a return to Goodison, following his parent club’s failure to return to the Premier League following the play-off final defeat against Southampton.

Despite the interest, Everton can forget about re-signing the English forward, and pursue a move for Decordova-Reid, who would prove to be an upgrade on the former Toffees loanee.

In the Premier League, the “immense” talent, as dubbed by former boss Scott Parker, has dominated the one-time Everton loanee in all attacking aspects – potentially a huge benefit given the Toffees' lack of goals this season.

Decordova-Reid has contributed with more combined goals and assists, with his tally of 2.1 shots per game nearly double that of Harrison in 2023/24.

How Decordova-Reid and Harrison compare in 23/24
Statistics	Decordova-Reid	Harrison
Games	33	29
Goals + Assists	8	6
Goals + Assists per 90	0.5	0.2
Shots per 90	2.1	1.4
Pass accuracy	75%	65%
Aerial duels won	35%	34%
Stats via FBref

He’s also completed 75% of his passes, 10% higher than Harrison and also winning more aerial duels per 90, demonstrating his qualities with his feet and in the air.

The potential to get the Jamaican on a free transfer would be excellent business, with Dyche able to dramatically improve his forward options whilst complying with the league’s PSR rules.

Everton eyeing 6ft 6 "revelation" who'd be a monster Branthwaite partner

He’s enjoyed a remarkable campaign during 2023/24.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 6, 2024

Chelsea are reportedly not looking to offload Mykhailo Mudryk during the January transfer window.

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• Mudryk failed to fire at Chelsea so far
• Struggled for Premier League game time
• Blues won't let him leave in January

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Ukraine international swapped Shakhtar Donetsk for Chelsea in an £88.5 million (€105m/$109m) move in early 2023 but he has failed to fire at Stamford Bridge thus far. Following links with Marseille, journalist Ben Jacobs claims the Blues don't want to let the 23-year-old leave the club in January in any shape or form. He adds head coach Enzo Maresca is challenging the winger to improve and still sees him as an important player.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mudryk signed in a big-money move but in 66 appearances he has scored just seven goals and provided as many assists. He is on a contract at Chelsea until 2031 and if his form doesn't improve, the Blues will have a depreciating asset on their books – one that may be difficult to sell.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The Ukrainian has made eight appearances in all competitions this season, five of which have been starts. However, he has predominantly been used in the cup competitions rather than in the Premier League – where he has just one start to his name this term.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Mudryk, who according to Jacobs is offering 'strong competition' to Jadon Sancho for a starting spot in Maresca's side, will hope to get more minutes for Chelsea in their next match away at table-topping Liverpool on October 20.

Manchester United have reportedly agreed terms with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s top Old Trafford target.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s transfer plans at Man Utd

With the decision made by Ratcliffe and INEOS to stick with Erik ten Hag as manager, attention has now turned to the summer transfer market.

It will be Ratcliffe and INEOS’ first transfer window in charge of sporting decisions, with the new co-owner already making his transfer plans clear. Speaking back in March, Ratcliffe dismissed the idea of signing superstar names such as Jude Bellingham or Kylian Mbappe.

“He’s [Bellingham] a great footballer [but] it’s not where our focus is. The solution isn’t spending a lot of money on a couple of great players. They’ve done that, if you look at the last 10 years. The first thing we need to do is get the right people in the right boxes, managing and organising the club.

"We must make sure we get recruitment right, such a vital part of running a football club is getting recruitment right, finding new players. I’d rather find the next Mbappe, rather than spend a fortune to buy success. It’s not that clever to buy Mbappe, anybody could figure that one out.”

Sky Sports: Man Utd "closely monitoring" £265k-p/w ace who Ten Hag loves

He would be a transformative signing if United could get it done.

ByBen Browning Jun 13, 2024

One position where United need to strengthen is in defence, with Raphael Varane leaving Old Trafford as a free agent this summer. Ratcliffe’s top target has been Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, and a positive development has now emerged.

Branthwaite to Man Utd transfer update

According to The Times, Man Utd have now agreed terms with Branthwaite over an Old Trafford transfer. It is believed that a contract worth between £150,000-£160,000-a-week has been agreed between the Red Devils and the centre-back, with Everton now demanding £70m for his services.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a fine individual campaign last time out, helping Everton remain in the Premier League. He’s been hailed as an “absolute monster” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig and was arguably unlucky to miss out on a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad.

Gareth Southgate’s decision to leave the Everton star at home certainly shocked Wayne Rooney, who recently said: “Branthwaite is one I would have taken. For the balance of the back-line – he’s a big lad, good on the ball and has a good season.

“He’s the biggest shock [omission] for me, with Harry [Maguire] being out. I’m so surprised. Branthwaite would’ve given so much balance as a left-footer. I was shocked.”

However, that has seemingly given Branthwaite the chance to sort his club future out, with a contract agreed upon at Old Trafford.

MatériaMais Notícias

Diferentemente da situação de Roger Guedes, o Corinthians encontra bastante dificuldade na tentativa de contratação de Willian, atualmente no Arsenal, da Inglaterra. No entanto, diante de vários fatores que se tornam obstáculos, um deles age também como “aliado” do Alvinegro: o tempo, que é cada vez mais curto para a definição do destino do meia-atacante, que pode ser o Brasil.

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>Veja como ficaria o valor de mercado do Timão com os possíveis reforços

As principais janelas de transferência do futebol europeu se encerram no dia 31 de agosto, próxima terça-feira. O desejo do jogador e de sua família é permanecer nos grandes centros da Europa, ou seja, Alemanha, Espanha, França, Itália ou Inglaterra. Até aqui, não houve uma sondagem que chamasse a atenção do atleta e de seu estafe. O Milan, na última quarta-feira, apareceu como um dos interessados, segundo a imprensa italiana, mas não evoluiu.

Enquanto isso, o Arsenal corre para definir o futuro de seu jogador, que tem mais dois anos de contrato. O clube inglês topa desde a rescisão contratual até uma compensação financeira para a liberação definitiva, mas também aceitaria um empréstimo mediante o pagamento dos salários. Tudo isso precisa ser feito antes do dia 31 de agosto, caso contrário terá de esperar a próxima janela.

São mais seis dias de janela aberta e se nesse período nenhuma conversa agradar Willian, seus agentes e o Arsenal, o Corinthians passa a ficar mais forte na briga. Apesar de não ter feito uma proposta formal, os dirigentes alvinegros já levaram aos envolvidos as condições que o clube poderia oferecer.

Por mais que Duilio Monteiro Alves esteja “abrindo os cofres”, há um limite financeiro para grandes negociações desse tipo, não é um “topa tudo”. Com essas condições conhecidas, mas em “modo de espera”, Willian tem esse caminho corintiano para escolher, mas ele também pode esbarrar no tempo.

Isso porque o prazo do para o Corinthians regularizar a situação do meia é dia 30 de agosto, próxima segunda-feira. Se ele não se desvincular do Arsenal e não assinar com o Timão antes dessa data, não há mais chance de ele voltar ao Brasil, pelo menos nesta janela. Na Europa, se Willian se tornar agente livre até o dia 31, ele poderá assinar com outros clubes do continente depois do prazo.

Sendo assim, o tempo pode ser um aliado alvinegro por conta da falta de ofertas europeias para Willian, mas também um inimigo, porque a cada dia que passa, menor é o prazo para regularizar um jogador que venha de fora do país. Em resumo, o Corinthians tem até 30 de agosto para sonhar com o meia. Depois disso, o sonho de repatriação será adiado para algum lugar do futuro.

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