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Timothy Weah is looking forward to a period of "rejuvenation" with his family after the United States' sorry exit from the Copa America.

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• USA dumped out of Copa America
• Weah has tournament to forget
• Juventus man ready to 'rejuvenate'

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Weah's Copa America ended prematurely when he was sent off in the US' shock 2-1 loss to Panama, and the Juventus man could only watch from the sidelines as their 1-0 defeat to Uruguay ended their tournament without reaching the knockout stages. Now, the 24-year-old has visited Ghana as he tries to move on from this difficult episode.

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• WHAT TIMOTHY WEAH SAID

  In an Instagram story, Weah posted a black screen with the location Accra, Ghana, and then the words: 'Resources + Rejuvenation, Family time."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Weah's costly red card against Panama could have ended up being the difference between Gregg Berhalter's side falling in the group stages and making the quarter-finals of the Copa America. The US' early exit is not a good sign, especially as they hosted the tournament – plus, this is not a good dress rehearsal for the 2026 World Cup, much of which will be played in their country.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Weah, who apologised for his red card last week, will have a break and then return for pre-season training for Juventus in the coming weeks. He may feature for the US again in their next friendly match against Canada in September.

Despite an avalanche of injuries and absences to key players across every department, Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool keep on churning toward a stunning end to the season, with Darwin Nunez scoring at the death to preserve his side's position at the top of the Premier League.

It was not a trademark display from the visitors away at Nottingham Forest, but then can they be blamed after a relentless recent schedule that has seen players drop like flies? Teenagers such as Bobby Clark and Jayden Danns have been instrumental in maintaining the first-class form.

But it was club-record signing Nunez who popped up off the bench – returning from an injury that has ruled him out of the past three fixtures – to send the travelling Reds into rapture.

Darwin Nunez's stunning return vs Forest

Liverpool needed a hero and who else but Nunez should step up to score when his side needed him most? Criticised and chastised and chided by many, the Uruguayan centre-forward has taken his seasonal tally up to 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, with 17 direct contributions from just 16 starts in the Premier League.

Absent for the past several matches, the seemingly indomitable Reds kept clinching results through a Herculean collective effort but the former Benfica man's return has demonstrated just how important he is for Klopp's side, offering a singular set of skills that could prove the difference in the title race.

Cody Gakpo started up front, as he has done with regularity recently, and while the Netherlands international has played an important role this season, versatile and boasting a healthy return of 11 goals and five assists in all competitions, he will now be concerned for his starting berth from now on following an ineffective display.

Why Cody Gakpo must be benched after Forest struggle

The Netherlands international has been a reliable utility man this season but with Nunez now back, he might find his name tethered to the bench more often.

As per Sofascore, Gakpo played 84 minutes at the City Ground and missed two good opportunities, failing with his one dribble attempt, taking just 33 touches and winning only one (or 12%) of his eight contested duels, hardly producing the strong display to convince Klopp that he should remain a starting regular.

Gakpo did improve after the break after moving onto the right wing, but he squandered two chances and failed to make it all click, with This Is Anfield's Mark Delgado particularly disappointed by his meek effort, handing him a 4/10 match rating.

He said: 'One or two moments of good link-up play but his two most notable contributions were to nick the ball off Van Dijk from a corner and to misplace a header back into the box when played in by Alexis. Second half was pure and desperately poor, though.

'Was a non-entity for long stretches at a time then wasted one of the only clear chances we fashioned, blazing wild and wide with two in the centre waiting for a pass.'

Liverpool just keep on going and while Gakpo didn't enjoy his finest hour, Liverpool's injury list has been trimmed and now there is a palpable sense that the Anfield side are moving inexorably toward a grand slam finish to the campaign.

Wayne Rooney is doomed to suffer relegation from the Championship in his first season as Plymouth manager, says a former England international.

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• Rooney joined Plymouth after Birmingham disaster
• Championship side avoided relegation by one point
• Ex-England player says they'll go down next season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Rooney is set for his fourth venture into management after he was appointed Plymouth boss in May, after the Pilgrims narrowly avoided relegation from the Championship by just one point. Rooney is tasked with ensuring the Devon club put in a better display this time around.

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  Rooney, though, did not impress during his previous spell in the Championship, as he was sacked by Birmingham after just 15 games in charge, having won just two of those. It was Birmingham who finished a point behind Plymouth to ensure Rooney's new team managed to stay up.

  Former Tottenham defender Caulker believes that the ex-Manchester United star's recent managerial record combined with Plymouth's small budget is a recipe for disaster and is sure Plymouth will go down next year.

• WHAT CAULKER SAID

  "I just think with Wayne Rooney coming in there as manager, it's a difficult job for anyone there as a manager having one of the smallest budgets in the league," Caulker told . "But I think Rooney is going to be under pressure from the start, obviously after two not so successful spells in his previous jobs. So I think that's a fairly dangerous combination. It's going to be interesting to see how that plays out and I'll have Oxford as well, who are newly promoted. I can see them potentially struggling this year. And then again, let's see, that third spot for me is the most beautiful thing about the Championship, it's wide open. There'll be about 8 points between 10th in the league and 18th in the league until about April. It always seems to be the way. So that's what makes it so competitive and so good to watch. Yeah, I'm going to give you two again."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ROONEY?

  Rooney, who won an 80-man race to land the Plymouth job, has said he does not want to go down as "the next Gary Neville" as he hopes for a vast improvement to his managerial record with Plymouth. His team will begin their pre-season friendlies with a game against Orlando Pirates this week.

James Rodriguez is reportedly set to leave Sao Paulo as he eyes a return to Europe after starring for Colombia at the Copa America.

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• Rodriguez has struggled at Sao Paulo
• Played just 36 minutes this season in Serie A
• Wants to try his luck back in Europe

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Real Madrid star showed that he still has the fire burning in his belly with several standout performances in the Copa America as he inspired his national team to a second-place finish in the continental tournament. In the process, Rodriguez also set a new Copa America record with six assists which helped him earn the award for the best player of the tournament.

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  After shining with Colombia, according to journalist German Garcia Grova, Rodriguez is all set to terminate his contract with Sao Paulo and try his luck in Europe. His recent performances have proven that he still has much to offer at the highest level of competition and it is likely that several European clubs might be interested in securing his signature. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano adds that Rodriguez "would love" to head back to the continent.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  A few months back, Rodriguez had hinted at a possible return to his former club Everton. He responded to a social media post by Everton Hub, which suggested that he should return to the club. The post read, "Come home @jamesrodriguez10," to which Rodriguez replied, "Last dance?"

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RODRIGUEZ?

  Rodriguez’s career has been filled with notable achievements. He has played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Everton. Known for his vision, creativity, and scoring ability, Rodriguez has consistently been a key player for both club and country. And a return to Europe would hand him the opportunity to compete in top-tier football once more.

Liverpool have received a major boost in their attempts to sign a "world-class" superstar in the summer transfer window, according to a new update over the weekend.

Liverpool transfer news

This summer promises to be an exciting one at Anfield, as a new manager gets the opportunity to further rebuild an already excellent new-look Reds squad.

Wolves winger Pedro Neto has emerged as an option for Liverpool, with the club already scouting him ahead of a potential move at the end of the season. The dazzling winger is enjoying an excellent season at Molineux, getting nine assists in the Premier League to date, which is a tally only matched by Mohamed Salah among the Reds' squad currently.

It does look as though they could target another attacker, even though Jurgen Klopp already has five brilliant options in the final third, and Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo is another who has been linked with a move to Merseyside. He could even be looked at as a long-term replacement for Salah, for whom bids from Saudi Pro League clubs are expected in the summer window.

The signing of a true rising star would be a real statement by Liverpool, however, at a time when the likes of Alisson, Virgil van Dijk and Salah are all in their 30s, meaning younger alternatives will eventually have to come in.

Liverpool in pole position as target snubs Bayern deal

According to The Daily Star, Liverpool target Jamal Musiala has rejected a £150,000-a-week contract offer from Bayern Munich, acting as a clear boost for the Reds and other suitors. The German star would instead prefer a move to the Premier League this summer, with Liverpool and Manchester City believed to be the clubs in pole position for a deal.

The two rivals have sent scouts to watch him in action, seeing him as a major target, while Chelsea are behind as the third club in the race. The Blues of course had the 21-year-old on their youth books between 2011 and 2019.

The idea of Musiala in a Liverpool shirt is a mouthwatering one, considering the Bayern maestro is one of the world's most exciting young players currently. He already has 67 goal contributions (40 goals and 27 assists) in 153 appearances for the Bundesliga champions, while former manager Julian Nagelsmann has described him as "world-class".

City clearly have the financial advantage over the Reds, in terms of the wages they could offer the young attacker, but the hope is that he sees the team spirit on show at Anfield currently and looks at Liverpool as more of an appeal, potentially wanting to be one of the stars of the post-Klopp era.

32-year-old star tipped to leave Liverpool with Klopp this summer

He’s one of three players that could follow the German out of Anfield.

By
Tom Coates

Mar 4, 2024

Musiala is capable of flourishing in a central attacking midfield role and out wide, making him a versatile option, and assuming he avoids serious injury, he could develop into one of the finest players on the planet over time, highlighting why Liverpool should give their all to get him.

Manchester United have not yet signed Matthijs de Ligt as a reported delay is holding up Bayern Munich from landing Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah.

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• Man Utd still chasing De Ligt
• Bayern want to sign a replacement first
• Preparing to step up their pursuit of Tah

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The urgency for Bayern to bolster their defensive line has intensified following an injury to their new signing, Hiroki Ito. The Japanese defender sustained a serious injury, breaking his metatarsal, during a friendly match against 1. FC Duren, and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks. According to this injury might prompt Bayern to expedite their pursuit of Tah to cover the defensive gap left by Ito's absence.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite the pressing need for defensive reinforcements, Bayern's improved offer for Tah — €20 million (£17m/$22m) plus an additional €5 million (£4m/$5.5m) in bonus payments — has not met Bayer's expectations. Sports director, Simon Rolfes, confirmed that no acceptable offer has been received from any club, maintaining a stalemate in the transfer negotiations. Nonetheless, Tah is eager to join Bayern and has already reached a personal agreement with the club.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Meanwhile, Bayern and United have also not yet reached an agreement over the transfer fee for De Ligt. United are reluctant to meet Bayern's €50 million (£42m/$54m) asking price, with both clubs reportedly €15 million (£12.6m/$16m) apart in their valuations.

  The potential departure of De Ligt has elicited varied responses from Bayern's management and fanbase. Thousands of Bayern supporters have signed a petition urging the club to retain the Dutch defender. This sentiment is echoed by Honorary President Uli Hoeness, who has expressed no opposition to De Ligt staying at the club. The decision-makers have taken note of the developments and have hence stalled his transfer.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The transfer saga involving De Ligt, Tah, Bayern and United remains a complex and evolving situation. With the injury to Ito and the unresolved negotiations between Bayern and United, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the outcomes for all parties involved. As it stands, De Ligt is expected to rejoin Bayern training on August 2 after returning from his holidays following the European Championship.

Tottenham have been told they could make a "steal" of a signing for next season which would be an absolute "no-brainer" for Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs linked with new forward

Despite already possessing an abundance of quality in the attacking areas, Spurs are believed to be eyeing up new and improved wide options for the 2024/2025 season.

Tottenham could sign 22-goal striker for £17m as Levy told bargain price

The north Londoners are thinking about signing a Harry Kane replacement.

By
Emilio Galantini

Mar 15, 2024

Postecoglou currently has Son Heung-min, Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson, Bryan Gil, Manor Solomon and Timo Werner in his squad, but reliable journalist Dan Kilpatrick recently claimed Solomon could go if Tottenham end up signing two wingers.

Uncertainty also surrounds the future of Gil at Spurs, meaning Postecoglou could well have more space freed up for the arrivals of some star options. Most recently, the Lilywhites have been named as suitors for Wolves winger Pedro Neto as one option.

The Portuguese, who's registered an impressive tally of league assists under Gary O'Neil, is just one of the big names who Tottenham have their eyes on ahead of the summer window,

"Pedro Neto is somebody on their radar," said journalist Dean Jones to GiveMeSport recently.

"Raphinha has been mentioned as well. Nico Williams, at Athletic Bilbao, is another player that they're continuing to monitor. It will be interesting. Pedro Neto will be a very difficult one to get because of the competition that there will be to actually sign him.

"But Tottenham have signed a couple of players recently, that they've done well to get through the door, and they will believe that anything is possible."

There is also the small matter of Werner, and what the future could hold for Tottenham's in-form winter window signing.

The German has bagged two goals and two assists over some impressive performances since joining on loan from RB Leipzig, and the deal is thought to include a £15 million option to buy him outright in the summer.

Tottenham could make "no-brainer" Werner signing for next year

Speaking to GMS again, reporter Jones has once again commented on Tottenham's transfer plans – and he says Spurs signing Werner would be a "steal".

“It’s hard to see any other decision other than for Werner to remain at Spurs after this season," said Jones.

"His option is £15m, and that’s a steal when you consider the quality and experience he can bring to the squad. If Spurs qualify for the Champions League, they will need a few heads in that team who know what it takes to manage games and situations. Werner has played over 40 games at that level. When you think that Spurs will need to balance out the squad more next season by playing domestically and in Europe and that you can have a player like this for just £15m, it feels like a no-brainer.”

Jack Grealish scored a brilliant goal against Barcelona to prove that he is serious about a resurgence at Manchester City in 2024-25.

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• Man City played out a 2-2 draw against Barcelona
• Grealish scored an incredible equaliser
• Ready to shine in the new campaign with City

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The English winger shook off the rust and put in an amazing display against the Spanish side in Orlando to shut down his critics. Mateo Kovacic started the move from defence and his lung-bursting run saw him carve open a retreating Barcelona defence. The Croatian set Grealish up with a perfectly weighted ball and the 28-year-old brushed aside a feeble challenge from Alex Valle before producing a thunderous finish from an acute angle.

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• WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Grealish's goal helped City get back on level terms on the hour mark after Pau Victor and Pablo Torre put the Catalans ahead. However, Barcelona won 4-1 on penalties after Kalvin Phillips and Jacob Wright failed to convert which leaves Pep Guardiola's men winless after three matches in their pre-season tour of the United States.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GREALISH?

  Grealish arrived at City in 2021, as the then-most expensive Premier League signing of all time, costing £100m ($128m), and played a key role in his second campaign to help his side to win a historic treble. However, he suffered a dip in form in the next campaign and is now facing an uphill battle to regain the trust of Pep Guardiola. He took a step in the right direction in the friendly against Barcelona and now must build on that performance when City meet Chelsea in their next pre-season game on August 3.

Journalist Ben Jacobs says Chelsea sources are being extremely "coy" over a talent who could be "one to watch" this summer.

Chelsea's transfer plans for this summer

While pressure surrounds manager Mauricio Pochettino and his position in the dugout, reports suggest that Stamford Bridge chiefs are in full preparation for the summer window.

"Future of Chelsea" – Tadic excited by "great talent" after seeing him train

He’s tipped the player for greatness.

By
Emilio Galantini

Mar 17, 2024

A striker is thought to be really on the agenda at Chelsea for later this year, leading to real suggestions that they're major contenders to sign Napoli star Victor Osimhen among others.

"How many times have Chelsea gone down that route of signing an experienced striker?" said pundit Pat Nevin to OCB Scores (via The Metro), who later told Chelsea to sign a new striker.

"You think of the certain strikers that Chelsea have signed in the latter stages of their career, the likes of Shevchenko, I could go through a number of them.

"If you are creating a number of chances which Chelsea are, maybe you just need someone who can put the ball in the net. Evan Ferguson would be the more obvious one to go for. If you’re going down the route of signing a young striker, Ferguson would be the one I would look at.

"Someone is needed upfront because when we’re asking Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s best player, to play upfront with his back to goal, of course he can do it but you’re putting your best player out of position."

Pochettino's side may also be in the market for left-sided players this summer, leading to their rumoured interest in Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez.

The 20-year-old has been a regular at Bournemouth over 2023/2024 after signing from AZ Alkmaar last year, making 21 appearances in the top flight and impressing over that time.

Chelsea sources "coy" over Kerkez move

According to Jacobs, while Chelsea sources are "coy" over a move for Kerkez, it is believed Todd Boehly has put the club's recruitment team to work over scouting the youngster.

"I'm told that Kerkez is being scouted, not that that means a great deal, but scouted by Chelsea and also Manchester United," said Jacobs to GiveMeSport this week.

"I think Chelsea could be one to watch, even though Chelsea sources are still quite coy, other than indicating that they would be looking for a left-sided fullback, and Kerkez ticks that box and is a very promising talent. Let's see whether the summer is too soon, because he hasn't been at Bournemouth for long. But one thing's for sure, even though Chelsea are quite coy on their left-sided targets, the Kerkez side are quite excited by the amount of clubs that are circling. I think that both Manchester United and Chelsea, whether it's this summer or beyond, could be one to watch for Kerkez."

One of the Premier League’s breakout stars in the 2023/24 season has been Newcastle United’s Lewis Miley. The 17-year-old has risen quickly through the ranks at St James' Park to become a prominent first-team player under Eddie Howe.

The midfielder has played 26 times for the Newcastle first team this season, scoring once and registering three assists, including one in the Champions League at home against AC Milan.

There is little doubt that Howe wants to give youngsters more opportunities. Aside from Miley, the likes of Elliot Anderson have had a role to play under the former Bournemouth boss, and he has discussed a pathway for other youngsters, including Joe White.

Aside from academy graduates, Newcastle have also invested in talent further afield. Australian Garang Kuol is currently on loan at FC Volendam in The Netherlands, and he signed for the Toon from Central Coast Mariners in January 2023.

However, another player is coming through, also currently on loan, this time at Feyenoord, who might be right for a breakthrough season in 2024/25.

An exciting prospect on the wing

The player in question is 19-year-old Yankuba Minteh, a winger whom Newcastle signed from Danish side Odense BK for a fee rumoured to be around £5.8m. The youngster is already a full international with The Gambia and competed in the 2024 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.

In terms of his profile, Minteh is a direct winger who loves to get on the ball and run at defenders with his sheer pace.

One of the most prominent features of Minteh’s game is when he drives into the opposition penalty box. He ranks in the top 1% of positionally similar players in leagues comparable to the Eredivisie for carries into the penalty area per 90 minutes this season, 6.49, according to Fbref.

Minteh also works very hard off the ball, as his Fbref numbers reflect. The 19-year-old ranks in the top 2% among attackers for tackles won, with 1.78 per 90 minutes.

To break this down even further, Minteh wins 0.80 tackles per 90 in the final third, showing he is a diligent presser, something which would stand him in good stead in Newcastle’s system.

In total, the left-footed winger has scored eight goals and registered three assists for Feyenoord this season. That includes a Champions League goal away to Celtic in the final group game. Impressive numbers indeed.

Minteh's first-team hopes at Newcastle

After impressing for Feyenoord this season, there is no doubt Minteh will be hoping to return to St James’ next season and stake a claim for a first-team spot.

Minteh’s impressive work out of possession, as well as his direct nature with the ball, would certainly be a benefit to him in Howe’s direct and intense Newcastle side.

With lots of first-team experience behind him, both in Denmark for Odense BK and this season for Feyenoord, plus international tournament football under his belt, there is no reason to believe why Minteh cannot break into Newcastle’s squad next season.

The 19-year-old will surely be hoping that he can follow the path set by the likes of Miley and become another exciting player for Newcastle under the tutelage of Howe.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast's In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.