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Sofyan Amrabat revealed why he had to leave Manchester United despite having a "special relationship" with Erik ten Hag.

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• Amrabat joined on loan from Fiorentina
• United chose not to make it a permanent transfer
• Talked about his relationship with Ten Hag

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Moroccan midfielder was loaned to United from Fiorentina last September. The deal, worth £8.5 million ($10.9 million), included an option for United to secure Amrabat’s services permanently for €20 million (£17/$21.5m), plus an additional €5 million (£4.23m/$5.37m) in add-ons.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Although Ten Hag was keen to keep Amrabat in his squad permanently, the Manchester United hierarchy opted for a different path. Instead of activating the option to buy Amrabat, the club chose to pursue Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain for £51 million.

• WHAT AMRABAT SAID

  In an interview with Amrabat revealed that despite Ten Hag's desire to hold on to him, the club’s new technical director, Jason Wilcox, chose to opt for a different transfer strategy which led to his departure from Old Trafford.

  "I have a special relationship with Ten Hag since I was a 20-year-old at Utrecht," he said before facing the Red Devils in the Europa League. "He wanted to keep me this summer so I wish him the best but not for Thursday. I hope they lose."

  When asked if he had more to share about his departure from Manchester United, Amrabat gave a cryptic response. “The only thing that I want to say is that you have to ask Mr. Wilcox,” he remarked.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AMRABAT & UNITED?

  Amrabat’s exit, however, wasn’t without interest from other clubs. The midfielder revealed that four Premier League clubs were keen on acquiring his services before he eventually chose to join Fenerbahce. He has made a fine start to his life in Istanbul establishing himself as a key figure in Jose Mourinho's side. He played the full 90 minutes against his former side on Thursday and put in an impressive performance during the 1-1 draw.

The Portuguese coach has been appointed by Manchester United, and could be joined in England by some of his current players from Lisbon

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The Portuguese top-flight – through the many memorable and fleeting generations of bwin LIGA, Liga Sagres, Liga ZON Sagres, Liga NOS, Liga Portugal Bwin and now Liga Portugal Betclic – has proven a reliable source of up-and-coming talent to the rest of Europe.

A proverbial magnifying glass is once again on the Iberian country, with Ruben Amorim recently being appointed as the new head coach of Manchester United, and his Sporting CP side taking on his future rivals Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday.

No one's suggesting that Amorim is going to go full Erik ten Hag and simply sign everyone from his former team and home country, but it wouldn't be the worst idea in the world for Premier League clubs to recognise the talent on offer in Portugal.

GOAL has picked out six Sporting players who have been linked with moves to England and why they should follow Amorim to the Premier League:

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  Viktor Gyokeres

  Right, well, obviously we are going to start with the big goal-scoring machine who could rival Erling Haaland as a freakish Premier League striker from Scandinavia. England's elite were negligent to allow Viktor Gyokeres to leave the country and swap Coventry City for Sporting in the first place back in 2023, and they can't afford to watch him go elsewhere for a second time.

  The gigantic Swede is averaging nearly a goal a game across his entire spell with Sporting so far, with 59 in 65 already – including 16 in 15 this season alone. Even beyond the numbers and fear that he could be flattered by a weaker league, he passes the eye test to boot. There are few forwards who can throw around the full weight of their 6'2" self and still have the agility of a spritely winger.

  Arsenal and Liverpool were heavily linked with a move for Gyokeres earlier in 2024 before they decided to shelve plans to try and bring Sporting down from his €100m release clause, which he himself confessed is pretty steep, but looking more worth biting the bullet for with each passing week in which he tears some poor Portuguese outfits limb from limb. United, despite already spending nine figures on tall but ineffective strikers, are also in the mix.

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  Ousmane Diomande

  In a world where the imposing, unusually tall and powerful centre-back is in vogue again, Ousmane Diomande is becoming hot property. The Ivory Coast international is still only 20 but brings the physicality and brutishness of a veteran defender who has been scarred by the battles of deep European runs and emboldened by life-changing victory.

  Don't let the armour of his bulky exterior fool you, though; Diomande is still a modern player in his own right capable of bringing the ball out from the back and defending in wide areas, a man who can do it all.

  Diomande has been a regular in transfer gossip columns over the last 12 months, with Arsenal and Chelsea the two clubs most commonly tipped with an interest. He certainly fits what the Gunners want as a natural third-choice behind William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, while he would be the central figure to any defence built by Enzo Maresca over at Stamford Bridge.

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  Goncalo Inacio

  Alongside Diomande in Sporting's three-man defence has often been Goncalo Inacio, who has amassed 186 appearances for the senior side by age 23 and is now a regular in the Portugal setup. Like his Ivorian team-mate, he is the perfect blend of physically dominant and technically gifted, making him the ideal contemporary centre-back.

  Amorim's tactics and Inacio's own capabilities mean he can drift into the wide left channel and step into midfield in equal measure. On paper, he should be able to take to any league and system with grace and ease.

  United are one of several big boys who have previously been linked with Inacio, though they already have Lisandro Martinez as a crucial left-sided centre-back to play that role under Amorim. Elsewhere, Liverpool are said to have looked at Inacio as a long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk, and with good cause.

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  Geovany Quenda

  From the academy that brought you Cristiano Ronaldo comes 17-year-old Geovany Quenda, already under the watchful eye of United's scouts having got their man and his manager in Amorim.

  It's hard for any homegrown winger coming through in Lisbon not to draw comparisons with CR7, but Quenda is a different sort of wide-man, one who comes in off the right onto his left foot and burns defenders with searing pace.

  United's frontline definitely needs a leftie to balance their attack, and could also spell the end of Antony. With Amorim already familiar with Quenda's game, it does seem like a no-brainer for the Red Devils, doesn't it?

Calmest man in the arena. Trent Alexander-Arnold stepped up when England needed him most, expertly dispatching his decisive penalty, his team's fifth, in the quarter-finals shootout against Switzerland to advance to the semi-finals of Euro 2024, where the Netherlands now await.

The Liverpool vice-captain has been on the periphery this summer after being shoehorned into the centre of the park in the Three Lions' opener and failing to hold a motley crew together against Serbia.

It was always going to be an uphill battle, but Liverpool fans will be safe in their knowledge that their homegrown talent is one of the very best in the business.

Courted by Real Madrid and entering the final year of his contract, there's an uneasy focus on the 25-year-old's future, with his technical quality and presence in the Anfield side simply irreplaceable.

However, for all his strengths, he's not the most valuable member of Arne Slot's first team, with one of Jurgen Klopp's later signings actually overtaking him in that regard.

Why Liverpool signed Cody Gakpo

The man in question is none other than Cody Gakpo, who is starting to show signs of growing into the player that Liverpool envisaged when they paid PSV Eindhoven the big bucks to bring him to the Premier League in January 2023.

Liverpool paid £35m for Netherlands international Gakpo's services, with the dynamic forward having lit up the Dutch Eredivisie and turned global heads onto his journey after an impressive campaign in Qatar, at the 2022 World Cup.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 18% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 7% for progressive passes, the top 11% for successful take-ons and the top 8% for tackles per 90.

Liverpool might not feel that they have quite got bang for their buck just yet but Gakpo is a unique attacking outlet and he could positively explode under Slot's leadership in just over one month.

Cody Gakpo's market value in 2024

Hailed for his "special skill set" by Klopp's former assistant manager Pep Lijnders, Gakpo has not seen his market price skyrocket since alighting in Liverpool, but he's made steady progress that has been reflected through his impressive overall tally of 23 goals and nine assists across only 46 starting appearances.

The 25-year-old, who is thriving at the Euros and has notched three goals and an assist over five matches for Oranje – set to meet England at the penultimate hurdle on Wednesday – has so much more to give, but this is a wonderful illustration of just how talented a player the Reds have at their disposal.

Make no mistake, some of the listed market prices below are a tad modest, but there's no question that numbers have been crunched to accurately establish the most important and marketable members of the Anfield crop. Alexander-Arnold, despite his glittering quality, doesn't even make the grade, with the site recording his current market value at £33m, likely due to his contract situation.

Gakpo's place in the rankings bears testament to his high-class ability. While he hasn't always been performing at the apex of his game at Liverpool under Klopp, the Dutchman is a sharp goalscorer with a dynamic and far-reaching skill set.

Supporters might be yearning for new signings on Merseyside, but if Alexander-Arnold is kept on the books and Gakpo is provided the license to thrive under his countryman's tutelage, Liverpool might just find they have the tools to sculpt the illustrious success they so dearly crave.

Liverpool hit gold on Klopp superstar who's worth more than Anthony Gordon

This talented player could explode under Arne Slot’s management.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 5, 2024

Kylian Mbappe has been warned that he must "work harder" to live up to expectations at Real Madrid by former France star Vincent Candela.

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• Mbappe criticised for his form
• Told he is not an 'icon' at Madrid
• Backed to become a 'stronger player'

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Despite scoring eight goals in 16 matches since joining the European and Spanish champions, ex-Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe has faced criticism for his performances, with many saying he has failed to live up to the hype that surrounded his free transfer in the summer.

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  The 25-year-old has failed to find the net in his last four matches for Madrid and was mocked for his many offsides as his team were crushed 4-0 by Barcelona in October. Mbappe has been backed to turn his situation around at Madrid by 1998 World Cup winner Candela, who says the France star has a long way to go before he can be compared to club legend Cristiano Ronaldo.

• WHAT CANDELA SAID

  "He has to work harder in Spain. He can still grow and become a stronger player… At Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappe is a player among others, while at PSG, he was an icon," Candela said in an interview with , via . "I hope Mbappe can follow Cristiano Ronaldo's path at Real Madrid. But it's too early to compare them. First he has to win the Champions League, as the Portuguese has done several times."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

  Mbappe was left out of the France squad for their recent Nations League matches and will hope to be in good shape for Real Madrid's next match against Leganes in La Liga on Sunday.

Arsenal have submitted their opening bid to sign an ex-player of theirs who's been praised for his work rate, as Edu Gaspar and co look to strike a reunion at London Colney.

Arteta targeting four key signings at Arsenal this summer

Mikel Arteta is aiming to make it third-time lucky next season in Arsenal's mission to beat Man City to the Premier League crown, having narrowly lost out to the Sky Blues in two of their most recent title races.

Arteta wants £200,000-per-week star at Arsenal more than any other forward

The Gunners boss has his number-one preference.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 10, 2024

Arsenal pushed City to the final day last campaign and accumulated an impressive 89 points, which would've been enough to win the league in the vast majority of Premier League seasons previously.

However, Pep Guardiola has set a very high bar and one which Arteta's side must match. The north Londoners are set to begin their pre-season preparations soon with a friendly tour of the USA, which commences in Los Angeles on July 24 against Bournemouth.

Arsenal are also believed to be targeting four key signings before the summer transfer window closes, with the possible additions of a new goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward (Simon Collings).

Arsenal will hope to have wrapped up a deal for Bologna starlet Riccardo Calafiori by that point, as reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Arsenal are closing in on a deal for the Italian after agreeing personal terms.

Edu and the wider recruitment team will also be optimistic about trimming the squad by that date as well. Many members of Arteta's squad face uncertain futures, like goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who has been widely tipped to leave after losing his number one spot to David Raya.

"It’s a matter of when Ramsdale leaves, not if," said reliable Arsenal correspondent Charles Watts recently.

“The key thing for Arsenal is getting value for money. I saw an initial fee of £15 million mentioned in reports last week and that is quite frankly ridiculous. Arsenal signed Ramsdale for nearly £30m two years ago and he has developed into a far better keeper since then."

The goalkeeping department could see a slight reshuffle, but even if Ramsdale stays, there is a belief that Arsenal want to bring in former player Daniel Bentley from Wolves as a third-choice, 15 years after he left the academy.

Arsenal submit opening bid for Bentley as Wolves respond

According to reliable journalist David Ornstein, sharing news on The Athletic's live blog this week [July 10, 08:12], Arsenal have now submitted an opening bid to sign Bentley from Wolves.

However, Edu and co will be disappointed, as it has been rejected out of hand. Wolves deemed the offer "considerably short" of their valuation for the 30-year-old, and will only consider selling for a suitable proposal.

The 6 foot 2 shot-stopper is rumoured to command a price tag of around £1 million, according to Alan Nixon, so Arsenal wouldn't exactly have to push the boat out for a player who "works his socks off" according to Gary O'Neil.

Beating out Miami's Tata Martino, Nancy eclipsed the majority vote to win the award.

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• Wilfried Nancy named MLS Coach of the Year
• Led Crew to three Cup Finals
• Becomes first Columbus boss since Sigi Schmid to win award

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Wilfried Nancy has been named the 2024 MLS Coach of the Year, becoming the first Columbus Crew manager since the late great Sigi Schmid to win the award (2008).

  The Frenchman led the club to a record-breaking campaign, where they finished second in the Supporters' Shield standings with 66 points, scoring 72 goals and accumulating 19 wins. The Crew also boasted the best goal-differential in the league, while being just one of two teams alongside Inter Miami to win nine home and away matches during the regular season. The team also won the 2024 Leagues Cup, beating LAFC in the final.

  Last season, Nancy led the Crew to a 2024 MLS Cup win, securing the franchise's third league title.

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  Since the start of his tenure in 2023 with the Crew, Nancy has led Columbus to a league-best 139 regular-season goals; tied for the fifth-most in a two-season span in league history, while becoming the only club to average two-goals per-game across that time.

  In addition to their domestic success, Nancy led the Crew to a Leagues Cup title in August, a berth in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final in June and was a runner-up in the Campeones Cup championship in September.

  After three-straight nominations, Nancy has won the award, narrowly beating out now former Inter Miami manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino. With a 40.02 percent average of total votes, he beat out the Argentine's 33.03 percent of votes, while Colorado Rapids manager Chris Armas came in third with 6.59 percent.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Twenty-one different players recorded a goal-contribution under Nancy for the this season, tying the club's single-season record set in 1998. Meanwhile, 18-different scorers found the back of the net for the Crew, which was a new record set by the team.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR NANCY?

  Preparation for the 2025 campaign is now on the cards for the Frenchman, along with enjoying his offseason. After the Crew's Playoff elimination in Round 1 of the postseason in November, they're now looking ahead to the new campaign.

We are over a month into the transfer window, and while it's often referred to as silly season thanks to the outrageous rumours and surprising moves that occur, not much has happened regarding Arsenal.

However, there was an element of intrigue just a couple of weeks ago when it was reported that the Premier League runners-up were working to sign a 'secret German.'

However, it was radio silence in the days that followed, but that might've just changed.

Recent reports have now claimed that the Gunners are drawing up plans for a specific German international this summer, and he might be the ideal rival for Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal's secret German

According to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal are interested in Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané.

The report claims that while the German behemoths are not actively looking to sell the 28-year-old this window, they would be tempted by offers exceeding £40m, partly due to the money they have already spent on rebuilding their squad this summer.

It's claimed that the player would also be open to the move if an attractive contract were offered, and given the time he spent with Mikel Arteta at Manchester City, this could be the perfect reunion, and it would make sense if he were the 'secret German' spoken about earlier this month.

While it wouldn't be cheap to sign Sane, his track record is impressive, and it's hard to think of a better player to rival Saka, even if he ends up becoming a backup.

Why Sane would be a great signing

Now, the first thing to say is that if this deal goes through and Sane is brought in to primarily play off the right – where he has for most of his career – then he'd likely be seen as Saka's backup at worst and a rival at best, but that's not a bad thing for Arsenal as a club.

The Hale End superstar is the poster boy of this modern Gunners side, and with 226 senior appearances under his belt at just 22 years old, it would be outrageous if he was permanently dropped for the German.

Still, with the club being in so many competitions next season, there will be plenty of opportunities for rotation.

Moreover, while the Bayern ace struggled at points during the Euros this summer, failing to produce a goal or assist, he enjoyed a relatively successful individual campaign last season, racking up ten goals and 13 assists in 42 appearances, averaging a goal involvement every 1.82 games.

This might not quite match the Ealing-born star's haul of 20 goals and 14 assists in 47 games, but it's certainly an impressive effort and shows he's of the level to step in when needed.

Additionally, when the "world-class" winger, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, played in England's top flight, he racked up 25 goals and 29 assists in 90 trophy-laden appearances, which equates to a goal involvement on average every 1.66 games.

Ultimately, while Sane might not start every game for Arsenal, having him as the rival to Saka on the right would make Arteta's squad so much stronger going into next season and could even prove to be the last little piece needed to bring the title to North London for the first time in over two decades.

Arsenal pushing hard to sign "pace demon" who's like Martinelli

The £49m star would be an incredible addition to the Gunners’ frontline.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 18, 2024

After welcoming Kasper Schmeichel, Brendan Rodgers has now reportedly personally held talks with another Celtic target as the Bhoys look to continue their recent resurgence in the summer transfer window.

Celtic transfer news

All was quiet on the transfer front at Celtic Park. The Scottish Premiership champions seemed content with the squad which just secured a third consecutive league title before they finally burst into life to solve their goalkeeper problem. Having welcomed Viljami Sinisalo from Aston Villa, Celtic wasted no time finding competition and an outright No 1 to replace the retired Joe Hart – signing Premier League winner Schmeichel on a free deal.

Speaking to CelticTV after officially signing for the Scottish giants, Schmeichel said: “I am absolutely delighted to join Celtic and can’t wait to get started.

“I know Brendan very well, too. He is a top manager and someone I can’t wait to work with again. I’m really looking forward to meeting up with the boys in America and start our work and then, of course, meet our fans who bring so much to Celtic. I will be doing all I can to keep Celtic on top and bring these brilliant supporters more and more success.”

Imagine him & Idah: Celtic can finally fill Jota void with £6m swoop

The Hoops appear to have their eyes fixed on a new wing wizard…

By
Robbie Walls

Jul 18, 2024

Now, after finding their replacement for Hart, the Bhoys' transfer window looks unlikely to die down again. According to reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Rodgers has now personally held talks with Michel-Ange Balikwisha in an attempt to convince the winger into a move away from Royal Antwerp amid recent talks.

Just 23 years old, Balikwisha could emerge as Celtic's first attacking boost of the summer before the transfer window slams shut at the end of next month.

Balikwisha can replace Oh

Following recent reports linking the forward with a summer move away from Scotland, Celtic may need to replace Hyeon-gyu Oh in the coming weeks by welcoming Balikwisha. The Antwerp left-winger, who can also play as a second-striker, has plenty of potential and could become the latest player to realise that potential under the guidance of Rodgers.

After ten goals and eight assists in all competitions for Royal Antwerp last season, Balikwisha has little to prove on the output front, and if Celtic lose Matt O'Riley as well as key depth in Oh this summer, goals could be of short supply. Following talks with Rodgers, the 23-year-old is certainly one to keep an eye on.

Harry Kane changed up his celebration after yet another hat-trick, following Jamal Musiala's imitation of the striker after his October treble.

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• Kane scores fourth hat-trick of the season
• Musiala jokingly mocks Kane's hat-trick ritual
• Kane changes up post-match celebration in response

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  It shouldn't really count as news at this point, but Kane bagged yet another hat-trick for Bayern Munich on Friday night, something which is becoming a boring spectacle for anyone who isn't English or a Bayern Munich fan.

  The sight has become so frequent that instead of having to think about different celebrations for individual goals, Kane now has to come up with varied celebrations following a hat trick as well.

  Jamal Musiala hilariously impersonated Kane's predictable post-hat-trick behaviour following another triple for the Englishman in October, and Kane has obviously been brewing over that for the last three weeks or so, as he made a point of mentioning Musiala in his post-match video uploaded to his Instagram.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Kane's hat-trick against Augsburg saw Bayern move eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, with Red Bull Leipzig sitting in second on 21 points. A goal difference of +29, it is nearly triple that of the next closest team, and Kane's goal have played a significant part in that. He already has 14 in the league, three ahead of second-placed Omar Marmoush.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR KANE AND BAYERN?

  With a comfortable cushion at the top of the league, Bayern seem to be coasting to the Bundesliga title, but tougher fixtures lie ahead. French champions Paris Saint-Germain visit the Allianz arena on Tuesday night for a Champions League fixture, before they play Borussia Dortmund and last season's invincible champions Bayer Leverkusen in the space of four days. Should they come through those fixtures with their track record unblemished, then they will be on track for the league title they failed to grasp last season, with Kane winning his first piece of major European silverware in the process..

West Ham forward Michail Antonio was involved in a car accident on Saturday, the club have confirmed.

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• Antonio involved in car accident
• Hammers release statement
• West Ham face Wolves on Monday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  West Ham have confirmed that the 34-year-old was involved in a car accident on Saturday. In a statement published on social media, the club said their "thoughts and prayers" are with Antonio and his friends and family.

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  WHAT WEST HAM SAID

  "West Ham United can confirm striker Michail Antonio has today been involved in a road traffic accident," the statement read. "The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the Club are with Michail, his family and friends at this time. The Club will issue an update in due course."

  They later confirmed that the Jamaica international is "stable", adding: "West Ham United can confirm that Michail Antonio is in a stable condition following a road traffic accident this afternoon in the Essex area.

  "Michail is conscious and communicating and is currently under close supervision at a central London hospital. At this difficult time, we kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of Michail and his family.

  "The Club will make no further comment this evening, but will issue a further update in due course.

• TELL ME MORE

  Antonio has made 15 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring once for the Hammers. Messages of support have flooded in for the Jamaica international on social media.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  West Ham are in action against Wolves on Monday evening at the London Stadium.