Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed the "solution" to his side's woes after their 2-1 loss at Aston Villa.
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It's set to be a massively important campaign for Tottenham Hotspur in the coming season, as Ange Postecoglou looks to go one better than last year and lead the club into the Champions League places.
However, with the teams around the Lilywhites currently strengthening their squads, Daniel Levy and Co must do the same and invest heavily in the transfer market.
The good news for fans is that, based on recent reports, that appears to be happening as the latest name touted for a potential move to N17 would be game-changing and not just for the Lilywhites but the league as a whole, and he'd help make James Maddison unplayable.
According to a recent report from Football Insider, Tottenham, and particularly Postecoglou, are 'in the market' for a new top-level striker, and Victor Osimhen is one of the names they are 'keeping tabs on'.
The report does not mention how much a deal would cost the Lilywhites but does reveal that they would be willing to exchange some players as part of the deal.
However, whether this would convince the Partenopei to budge from the reported €130m – £109m – release clause they are after is another matter entirely.
This transfer may sound particularly far-fetched given the North Londoners' history of frugality, but with the league becoming increasingly competitive around them and their position as the wealthiest club in London, it might be time for them to go all out, especially as Osimhen could make Maddison unplayable.
While there are likely a plethora of reasons why Osimhen would be a transformational signing for Spurs and Maddison in particular, there is one that overrides all others: his output.
The Nigerian superstar has proven himself as one of the best strikers in world football over the last few years, and his ability to get on the end and finish off chances would surely propel the Lilywhites up the table and see the former Foxes ace end next season with a mountain of assists to his name.
For example, even though last season was somewhat of a down year for the former Lille ace – by his lofty standards – he still scored 17 goals and provided four assists in 32 appearances. This means he averaged a goal involvement every 1.52 games and would have been the second most productive player in Postecoglou's squad behind only Son Heung-min, who racked up 27 goals and assists in 36 games.
|
Osimhen's incredible form |
|
|---|---|
|
2022/23 |
|
|
Appearances |
39 |
|
Goals |
31 |
|
Assists |
5 |
|
Goal Involvements per Match |
0.92 |
|
2023/24 |
|
|
Appearances |
32 |
|
Goals |
17 |
|
Assists |
4 |
|
Goal Involvements per Match |
0.65 |
|
All Stats via Transfermarkt |
|
However, when you look back just one season prior, you get a glimpse of just how deadly the 25-year-old can be when he's on song, as he scored a whopping 31 goals in 39 appearances and provided five assists for good measure, equating to an incredible average of a goal involvement every 1.08 games.
With the ability to play that well, it's hard to disagree with José Mourinho's opinion that the Lagos-born marksman is a "world-class" player.
Now, just imagine a striker as clinical as the Napoli star playing alongside someone like the Spurs number ten, who, according to FBref, sits in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers for shot-creating actions and progressive passes – goals, lots and lots of goals.
Ultimately, while this does feel like an unrealistic transfer, it shouldn't. Spurs have the money, and under a manager as progressive as Postecoglou, Osimhen could be utterly transformational. Therefore, Levy and Co should be doing all they can to bring the Nigerian goal machine to N17 this summer.
Spurs struck gold on "monster" now worth more than Chiesa & Gallagher
The incredible star has been a massive success in North London.
By
Jack Salveson Holmes
Jul 31, 2024
Celtic continued their impressive start to the 2024/25 campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over Hibernian away from Parkhead on Sunday afternoon.
The Hoops sit top of the Scottish Premiership after two matches, having won both of their games, and are yet to concede a single goal in the division.
Kasper Schmeichel, who was brought in on a free transfer to replace Joe Hart after his retirement from professional football, has kept two clean sheets in his first two matches for the club.
Early goals from Nicolas Kuhn and Callum McGregor ensured that the Bhoys enjoyed a comfortable afternoon, with the former converting from close range before teeing up the captain to fire the ball into the far corner from 25 yards.
There was also a second Celtic debut for Paulo Bernardo against Hibernian. The Portuguese midfielder came off the bench for the first time since his permanent move from Benfica was confirmed earlier this month, having spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan in Glasgow.
One thing that should be taken away from this match, however, is that the Scottish giants must dip into the market to secure a new centre-forward, after a difficult game for Kyogo Furuhashi.
Kyogo Furuhashi's struggles
The Japan international is the club's only senior striker option and was selected to lead the line, with Kuhn and James Forrest either side of him.
Unfortunately, it was a frustrating afternoon for the 29-year-old centre-forward. He has now gone 15 away matches in the Premiership without finding the back of the net, stretching back to last season.
The experienced attacker failed to find the back of the net with any of his four efforts in 75 minutes on the pitch on Sunday, which comes after his two 'big chances' missed and zero goals scored on the opening day against Kilmarnock.
Kyogo Furuhashi
Vs Hibernian
Minutes played
75
Shots
4
Goals
0
Big chances missed
1
Passes completed
5
Duels won
1/2
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Kyogo was wasteful with the chances that came his way and offered very little in build-up or out of possession.
His saved shot did allow Forrest to follow up to assist Kuhn for the opener but the striker took that shot on from distance despite the German forward being in a fantastic position for a pass to his right.
Kyogo's struggles in front of goal at the start of this term should not be a surprise, as he also left a lot to be desired from his finishing last season.
The right-footed dud missed a staggering 24 'big chances' and only found the back of the net 14 times in 38 Premiership appearances in the 2023/24 campaign.
His latest poor showing in the final third, at least when it came to his finishing, proves that Celtic must do everything they can to bring Adam Idah back to the club.
Celtic's pursuit of Adam Idah
Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph reported last Friday that the Scottish giants are in advanced talks to sign the Norwich City centre-forward.
The reporter claimed that the two teams have been discussing a potential deal that would be £6m+, with an initial fee of £6m along with add-ons to take it beyond that.
Joseph added that, whilst no agreement has been reached, there is a 'willingness' from both sides to get a move over the line before the end of the window.
Despite that news, Idah was involved in Norwich's opening day defeat against Oxford United, playing 29 minutes off the bench in a 2-0 defeat.
After the win over Hibs, Brendan Rodgers revealed that there is no fresh update to report on their pursuit of the 6 foot 3 marksman, which suggests that the talks are still ongoing as they look to reach a positive conclusion.
This latest performance from Kyogo may help to speed up those conversations in order to bring him to Parkhead, as the club's current centre-forward continues to struggle in front of goal.
The fact that Mikey Johnston, a winger who was out on loan at West Bromwich Albion in the second half of last season, was selected to play as the number nine off the bench perfectly illustrates their need for a new number nine.
Why Celtic must sign Adam Idah
Celtic have won their first two league games of the season, scoring six goals and keeping two clean sheets, but Kyogo's finishing woes may eventually cause them problems when the bigger games come around – whether that be against Rangers or in the Champions League.
Idah spent the second half of the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Parkhead from the Canaries and caught the eye with his impressive finishing quality.
The Irish star showcased his versatile finishing skills with three goals with his head, one with his left foot, and four with his right foot in the Premiership, which shows a strong variety of strikes from the attacker.
Idah also showed glimpses of having the potential to be a clutch finisher for the Hoops, with an 87th-minute strike that put Celtic 3-2 up against Rangers at Ibrox, and a 90th-minute goal against the Gers to win the League Cup for his side.
His performances in the Premiership were particularly impressive and suggested that the quality is there for him to offer more in front of goal than Kyogo.
23/24 Premiership
Adam Idah
Appearances
15
Starts
5
Goals
8
Big chances missed
7
Conversion rate
27%
Minutes per goal
76
Assists
2
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Idah only missed seven 'big chances' and scored eight goals, compared to the Japanese forward's 24 spurned 'big chances' and 14 strikes.
These statistics indicate that the Norwich youngster, if he can continue that form, could return to Glasgow and offer a more clinical edge in the number nine position for Rodgers.
Rodgers' next Suarez: Celtic preparing offer to sign "relentless" star
The talented teen could be a future star for the Hoops if they sign him this summer.
ByDan Emery Aug 5, 2024
That is why, particularly after Kyogo's wasteful start to the season, the Celtic board must splash the cash and sign the £6m+ centre-forward for the Northern Irish head coach to bolster the squad ahead of the Champions League starting next month.
Manchester United are unlikely to spend heavily in the upcoming transfer windows as INEOS look to cut down on transfer fees.
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Amorim to receive a modest budgetINEOS looking to cut costsMan Utd unlikely to make big-money signingsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Since Ruben Amorim arrived at Old Trafford last week, United have been linked with moves for several players, including some of his past employees like Viktor Gyokeres and Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP. However, reports that the club's co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group are set to hand the Portuguese coach a modest budgets in the next few transfer windows.
AdvertisementGetty/GOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The INEOS group reportedly does not want to repeat the club's past mistakes in the transfer market and is instead banking on the current lot of players to improve in a new environment and new system under Amorim. The owners are hoping that strikers like Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, who have failed to live up to the expectations, will greatly benefit from the new coach's ideas and improve their performances.
DID YOU KNOW?
The report further adds that the Red Devils have incurred a cumulative loss of £313 million ($395m) before taxes in the last three seasons and, as a result, are under immense pressure to comply with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules. They will make further losses if the club fail to secure a Champions League slot for the second season in a row.
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?
The 39-year-old former Sporting boss will manage the Manchester outfit for the first time this Sunday as they take on Ipswich Town in a Premier League clash.
They will meet the Perth Scorchers at Canberra on Thursday
Daniel Brettig31-Jan-2021Sam Heazlett and Jimmy Peirson took full toll of some obligingly loose death bowling from the Sydney Thunder at Manuka Oval to rocket the Brisbane Heat into a preliminary final meeting with the Perth Scorchers, also to take place in Canberra on Thursday after a late change due to a snap lockdown in Western Australia.The Heat had control of the Thunder’s innings for most of its journey thanks to a tight initial powerplay and then quality overs of spin from Mitchell Swepson and Marnus Labuschagne. However some characteristic big hitting from Ben Cutting allowed the Thunder to hammer 48 from the final four overs of their innings and set-up a defendable tally.A couple of early wickets gave the Thunder further reason for optimism, but Heazlett held his nerve to get himself set alongside Labuschagne, before counter-attacking boldly and in the end definitively in the company of the wicketkeeper Peirson. The Heat, having won two finals in a row from fourth on the table, are now two more wins from plucking the title itself.Heat plans give and take awayQuite transparently, Brisbane’s new ball plan called for a single over from Xavier Bartlett before he was subbed out for Morne Morkel. But so well did Bartlett bowl, bending the white Kookaburra late and at decent pace, that not only should he have had Usman Khawaja out lbw but his opening maiden raised questions of whether or not the Heat should divert from the blueprint and give him another over. Chris Lynn elected not to step in, handing the ball to Ben Laughlin and leaving Bartlett’s contribution to end with 1-1-0-0.Whatever the debate over this decision, the Heat ended up enjoying much the better of the powerplay anyway. Laughlin should have had Alex Hales caught at short third man only for Mark Steketee to mistime his jump and see the ball skate through his unsteady fingers. Steketee, though, bowled beautifully at the other end, rewarded when Hales jammed a catch to mid on to depart for just eight after a dominant BBL.Swepson’s middle overs, Cutting’s late showMuch as Khawaja and the captain Callum Ferguson tried, the Thunder were unable to build much momentum at all through the middle overs, held back largely by the spin of Swepson and Labuschagne on a surface that gave them just enough assistance. Swepson’s command of changes in pace while bowling a stumps-threatening line was testament to his evolution over recent years. Alex Ross and Daniel Sams were both beaten comprehensively on the back foot to each be lbw, while at the other end Labuschagne tempted Khawaja into a stumping.Mitchell Swepson celebrates with team-mates after dismissing Alex Ross•Getty ImagesAt 8 for 134 with 10 balls remaining, the Thunder were staring at the sort of total they had themselves successfully chased to knock out the Adelaide Strikers at the Gabba. Cutting, though, had plenty of reason to be focused against the Heat after a running verbal battle with his former club for much of the season. He was able to find the range of Morkel, cracking one six over midwicket in the 18th over that pinged off the top of the Bradman Stand, then following up with two more telling blows in the 20th. Brendan Doggett chimed in with a couple of boundaries and suddenly the Heat was facing a pursuit closer to 160.Heat regather after initial reversesWhen Joe Denly and then Lynn were dismissed cheaply by the hard new ball, the Heat captain causing scenes of unrestrained jubilation when he miscued Doggett wretchedly to mid off, the game was drifting very much towards the Thunder. Brisbane’s response may in the past have been to panic; certainly that had been a not uncommon occurrence in recent seasons. Instead, Labuschagne and Heazlett took their time, calmly allowing the required rate to drift towards 11 per over but building a base from which to attack.Importantly they did not allow Tanveer Sangha or Chris Green to be as impactful as their Heat counterparts, leaving plenty of overs for the pacemen to bowl in the closing overs. Labuschagne’s exit, to a highly debatable run out decision when it could not reasonably be determined whether the bails had been first dislodged by the ball or Sam Billings’ gloves, looked to be a blow to the chase, but also allowed the busy Peirson to enter the fray with plenty of balls to spare.Heazlett and Peirson bring it homeWhat the calm, “take it deep” attitude of the Heat did was it presented a scenario where the Thunder bowlers could not afford to miss their marks as the overs ran out. Heazlett was by this time well established at the crease, familiar with the pace of the pitch, and able to capitalise with some panache from all the various errors in line and length the Thunder’s pacemen proceeded to serve up. Peirson was as effective himself, their left-right combination helping to bring further errors from the bowlers, with the runs piling up at better than two per ball.There will doubtless be plenty of post-mortems from the Thunder and their coach Shane Bond on why the Sydney side’s bowling fell apart so completely. But the value of set batsmen for the closing stages was writ large across a stand worth 92 from 44 balls, bringing a conclusion that was both dramatic in its turnabout but also remarkable for how much ease the Heat ultimately won with. For Heazlett, given an arguably premature ODI debut in New Zealand as far back as 2017, it was a cathartic performance; demonstrating quality that has seldom been seen on this stage. A light sprinkling of drizzle in these overs made the ball fractionally greasy, aiding Heazlett as he feasted square of the wicket.
Sofyan Amrabat revealed why he had to leave Manchester United despite having a "special relationship" with Erik ten Hag.
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Russell clobbers nine fours and four sixes to put Colombo top in LPL’s early standings
Andrew Fidel Fernando28-Nov-2020How the game played outWith this innings, Andre Russell basically crash-landed at the LPL like an alien from a way bigger-hitting planet than earth, clobbering what seemed like nine dozen sixes (apparently four sixes, according to the scorecard) and half-a-million fours (nine fours) in the space of five overs, to send Colombo Kings sky-rocketing to some ludicrous total that – let’s be honest – Galle Gladiators never really had a hope of chasing down.This was utterly remorseless from Russell, who was like a 12-foot giant running wild in a playpen full of toddlers. He blasted two sixes and three fours in Mohammad Amir’s first over, at the end of which Kings were 26 for no loss, before hitting a six and three fours off the next over, bowled by Asitha Fernando.RECORDS: Fastest T20 fiftiesIt didn’t seem to matter where the bowlers went, or whether they seemed to execute their deliveries or not. Around every corner was Russell, bat raised and a glint in his eye. Of the Gladiators’ four bowlers, only Mohammad Shiraz did not concede a six to Russell.Laurie Evans was outstanding at the other end too, hitting back-to-back sixes off Amir’s second over (Amir ended up conceding 46 from his two overs), and a four off Shiraz. He was 21 off 10 balls when in the last over, Russell clubbed Shahid Afridi to long-on, before turning down the single so he could keep the strike for the rest of the over.
The rain had reduced Colombo's innings to just five overs
So this is what Andre Russell did#LPL2020 https://t.co/AzqRYLGV9N pic.twitter.com/2ZukSWJcCL
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 28, 2020
On the surface, this seems disrespectful to Evans, and it kind of was. But then Russell crashed a four through long-on next ball, and a six over backward square leg the ball after. So, you know, you couldn’t really fault that decision either.That the match had been shortened to five overs a side was down to the three hours of rain that had fallen this evening. The weather conspired to bring Russell out as an opener, and in some ways, this innings was more entertaining than many regular T20 matches.Star of the dayObviously Andre Russell.The big missThe other four teams, who failed to secure the services of Andre Russell for this tournament.
Emmanuel Petit has urged Arsenal to make what he believes is the perfect signing for Mikel Arteta, after watching the player in question for many years.
Benjamin Sesko rejects move with striker search ongoing
Before the Slovenia international ultimately penned a new contract at RB Leipzig, deciding to remain in the Bundesliga until next summer at least, Arsenal were involved in a high-profile chase to sign Sesko.
Arsenal plot opening bid and negotiations to sign £50 million England star
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ByEmilio Galantini Jun 19, 2024
The 6 foot 5 marksman racked up 18 goals in all competitions last season, drawing attention from a host of top European sides, and there were reports that Sesko informed agents of his desire to join Arsenal.
Sesko had a proposal on the table from Arteta's side, as well as both Chelsea and Man United, but the 21-year-old instead opted to remain with Leipzig. It's back to the drawing board for Edu and co in their search for a new striker, with Arteta keen to sign a young partner for Kai Havertz.
Arsenal have been tipped to bring in a prolific centre-forward for the better part of a year. The Gunners' output came from all over the pitch last season, with Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard dazzling as members of Arteta's interchangeable forward line.
Bukayo Saka
20
Leandro Trossard
17
Kai Havertz
14
Martin Odegaard
11
Gabriel Jesus
8
However, despite this, they're reportedly keen to finally bring in a world-class marksman who can lead the line this summer. Interestingly, following Sesko's rejection, reports have re-emerged linking Arsenal with a move for Napoli star Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian signed a new £209,000-per-week contract midway through last season, which includes a £113 million release clause. So far, clubs have displayed a reluctance to pay the clause, but Osimhen is rumoured to favour a Premier League move.
Petit urges Arsenal to sign perfect Victor Osimhen
Speaking to talkSPORT this week, club legend Petit has urged Arsenal to seal a deal for Osimhen – claiming he would suit the north Londoners perfectly after watching the African since his Lille days.
"I would love to see a player like Osimhen, for example, as a striker," said Petit. “Someone who can hold defenders and think differently in terms of attacking the spaces behind the defenders and being a big threat on set pieces. A physical presence as well, but someone who can speak the same football.
“I’ve been watching him since he was at Lille before he left for Napoli and it would fit perfectly for Arsenal. I don’t know if Arsenal are going to buy him, but the first thing that they need is a striker.”
Ambati Rayudu and Dwayne Bravo have recovered from their injuries and are available for selection
Sruthi Ravindranath01-Oct-20208:13
Could both Sam Curran and Dwayne Bravo fit into CSK’s XI?
Big pictureThat’s MS Dhoni summing up the Chennai Super Kings’ situation after their second straight loss of the season, against Delhi Capitals last week. On the eve of their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, their head coach Stephen Fleming said the Super Kings have used the six-day break “pretty well” and “have got some clarity” around what they need to do. Alarm bells aren’t ringing just yet, but this early struggle is unusual for a team that is traditionally one of the best starters in the tournament – they’ve won nearly 65% of their first seven games of the season over the last four seasons.It’s not just that they’ve lost two of their three games so far; their last two matches became no-contests less than halfway into their chases. While the imminent return of Ambati Rayudu should help them, their batting seems to be in need of a complete overhaul. And their spinners, who have been key performers for them over many years, are yet to find their groove.Sunrisers began their season with back-to-back losses, but they picked up an important win in their last match against the Delhi Capitals, pulling off the sort of controlled performance with bat and ball that propelled them to the 2016 title. With Kane Williamson key to that win, and with Rashid Khan back at his his best, it’s unlikely they’ll change their combination from that game.Super Kings may have historically performed well against Sunrisers, with nine wins in 12 meetings, but Sunrisers have momentum on their side as they go into the match on Friday.In the newsRayudu and Dwayne Bravo, who have been sidelined with injuries, are available for the match against Sunrisers. Rayudu returning would mean either M Vijay or Ruturaj Gaikwad is left out. Vijay has been struggling to get going, making just 32 runs in three games at a strike rate of 74.4. Gaikwad could play in his preferred opening position if Vijay is dropped, with Rayudu slotting in at No. 3 or 4. Rayudu could also open with Shane Watson. Sam Curran has filled in for Bravo and has been one of the better performers in the side, so there’s a chance Bravo might continue to sit out.T Natarajan has been impressive with his yorkers in IPL 2020•BCCILikely XIsChennai Super Kings: 1 Shane Watson, 2 Ruturaj Gaikwad, 3 Faf du Plessis, 4 Ambati Rayudu, 5 Sam Curran, 6 Kedar Jadhav, 7 MS Dhoni (capt & wk), 8 Ravindra Jadeja, 9 Deepak Chahar, 10 Piyush Chawla, 11 Imran Tahir/ Josh Hazlewood.Sunrisers Hyderabad: 1 David Warner (capt), 2 Jonny Bairstow (wk), 3 Manish Pandey, 4 Kane Williamson, 5 Abdul Samad, 6 Abhishek Sharma, 7 Priyam Garg, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 T Natarajan, 11 Khaleel Ahmed.Strategy punt Teams have chosen to chase 36 out of 55 times after winning the toss in Dubai since 2018, though teams batting first have had a slight edge, winning 29 of the 55 games. Teams have opted to field in all four matches at this venue in this IPL season, usually keeping the dew factor in mind, but have ended up on the losing side all four times. Will we see a change in this game? Watson has great numbers against the Sunrisers, with two fifties and a century in his last five games against them. However, he has an average record against Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the IPL, getting out to him three times and striking at just 94. If he survives the opening burst, though, he would look to attack Rashid Khan, who hasn’t gotten him out in the 10 innings they’ve come face-to-face in. He also strikes at over 140 against the legspinner, so Sunrisers would want Bhuvneshwar to do the job up front.Stats that matter Warner has the best frequency of 50-plus scores for a batsman in the IPL – he gets past the half-century mark once every 2.69 innings. He’s gone three innings without a fifty this season, though, and if he fails to score one against the Super Kings it will be his longest streak of not making a 50-plus score since moving to the Sunrisers. However, he has an outstanding record against the opposition, with half-centuries in each of his last five innings against them. According to ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data, the Sunrisers fast bowlers have bowled 16 yorkers in their three games so far – T Natarajan executed them particularly well in their win over the Capitals. None of the other teams’ quicks, however, had bowled more than six each as of September 30. Dhoni needs to clear the ropes twice to become the third Indian to tally 300 sixes in T20s. Manish Pandey needs 69 runs to become the 12th Indian batsman to reach 3000 runs in the IPL.
Manchester United are ready to sanction their next departure in a ruthless first summer under Sir Jim Ratcliffe's ownership.
Red Devils set for change
It remains unclear as to whether Erik ten Hag granted himself a stay of execution with his FA Cup success over Manchester City, but even if he remains there is set to be plenty of change around him.
As many as 21 players could leave after a disappointing Premier League season, with the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof and Scott McTominay among those potentially on the chopping block.
Man Utd in talks to hire manager who could make Hojlund as good as Kane
The Manager target finished above Ten Hag’s Man United this season.
ByTom Lever May 28, 2024 The next departure comes in the shape of Brazilian Champions League winner Casemiro.The midfielder endured a tough end to the season after being asked to play in central defence as a result of a manpower shortage in Erik ten Hag's backline, and came in for someheavy criticism from Jamie Carragherafter being part of a side that were thrashed 4-0 by Crystal Palace.
"I think Casemiro should know himself tonight as an experienced player that he should only have three games left at a top level and then say I'm gonna go to the MLS or Saudi," Carragher said on Sky Sports.
"His agent or the team around him need to tell him. We're watching one of the greats of the modern time…but I always remember something when I retired, a saying I'll always remember: 'Leave the football before the football leaves you'. The football's left him at this top level. He needs to call it a day at this level of football and move."
Meanwhile, Jamie Redknapp explained that in another bad performance this season Casemiro “looked like he is in Soccer Aid”.
Casemiro 22/23 vs 23/24: Has he got worse?
22/23 Premier League
23/24 Premier League
Appearances
28
25
Pass accuracy
77.4%
81.8%
Progressive passes per 90
6.44
5.09
Tackles and interceptions per 90
5.17
4.55
Yellow Cards
7
7
Fouls per 90
2.03
1.36
Stats taken from fbref
But Ten Hag leapt to his star's defence, insisting he still believed there was more to come from the former Real Madrid man.
"I am very confident about him, he is a fighter, that is why he has won big trophies. He is a personality and is a very important player,” the Dutchman hit back.
How much does Casemiro earn?
Despite this passionate defence, Casemiro will now be moved on this summer as part of INEOS' overhaul of the squad, with Football Insider reporting that the Red Devils "expect" the midfielder to sign for a Saudi Pro League outfit this summer, and are willing to "sell at an enormous loss" to ensure that they get his £350,000 a week wages off the books – a whopping £18.2m per year.
As a consequence, it is added that the midfielder is "not likely to play for United again" as the Red Devils look to rejuvenate a tired looking squad at Old Trafford, with a deal to send him to the Middle East "lined up", although it is unclear which club he will join.
His departure would follow long-term teammate Raphael Varane, while Anthony Martial has also announced he will be leaving the club as a free agent in a pair of moves that will free up over £400,000 per week in wages. Casemiro's departure would only add to that.