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Trent Alexander-Arnold broke down crying after he made his final appearance for Liverpool ahead of his summer departure.

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• Alexander-Arnold in tears after last Reds game
• Family rushed over to console the right-back
• Move to Real Madrid yet to be announced

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Alexander-Arnold came off the bench for the second half as his side ended their Premier League title-winning season with a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday. The full-back walked around the Anfield pitch after the final whistle but burst into tears before his family rushed over to support him.

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• WHAT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD SAID

  The right-back is expected to confirm a free transfer to Real Madrid, having informed the club he will leave when his contract expires this summer. The announcement of his imminent departure sparked boos from Liverpool fans in his first game since, but he was given a warm reception when he stepped out in the famous red jersey for one last time.

  After spending over 20 years with the club, it is clear he will miss Anfield, as he said after the match: "From the bottom of my heart I hope that one day the fans, supporters will recognise what I did for the team. There was never a minute I didn’t think about the team, since I was six years old, it’s always about Liverpool. To get the reception I got, means a lot for me… I never felt so loved! From the bottom of my heart, I hope the fans recognise the hard work I did over the years."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ALEXANDER-ARNOLD?

  The 26-year-old will soon announce his deal with Madrid as the Spanish giants will hope to have him in their squad for the Club World Cup.

As Steve Clarke announced his latest Scotland squad earlier this week, there was a notable omission from a Celtic point of view – Luke McCowan.

The £1m summer signing from Dundee was not included for the upcoming March internationals, with Clarke opting to continue with the likes of Ryan Christie, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn et al in what is an undoubtedly strong area for the national side.

While the competition in the midfield ranks is fierce, a few eyebrows have been raised by McCowan’s exclusion, with the 27-year-old Hoops star still waiting for that elusive first call-up.

One-time Celtic man Simon Donnelly was among those to suggest that the playmaker was “unfortunate” to miss out, albeit with the player himself having stated that earning a place in Clarke’s squad was “maybe not a target this season”.

It would be fair to say that the former Ayr United man hasn’t exactly set the world alight since moving to Parkhead, although he has shown flickers that he can be a key figure moving forward, both for his country and for Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Why Luke McCowan hasn't been called up by Scotland

As stated, with Rodgers settling on a starting midfield trio of Arne Engels, Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor, McCowan has had to bid his time this season.

That said, when he has been given the nod, the midfield maestro has showcased what he’s all about, chalking up six goals and six assists in 31 games in all competitions in his new surroundings – only 12 of which have come from the start.

To put that into context, among those selected ahead of McCowan by Clarke is Motherwell’s teen sensation, Lennon Miller, albeit with the 18-year-old only chipping in with four goals and six assists at Fir Park.

Miller, due to his youth, will be viewed as the greater long-term investment for the Tartan Army, yet when factoring in that McCowan has 21 goals and assists in total this term, including his early season form for Dundee, the Celtic man may have reason to be frustrated.

Described as the “missing link” in the Hoops side by writer Ryan McGinlay, the task for the tricky left-footer now will be to oust the likes of Hatate and Engels from Rodgers’ go-to side, not just to improve his standing at club level, but also on the international scene.

Indeed, the playmaker may be fearful of going the same way of another homegrown star signed by Celtic in recent times, with David Turnbull’s career having stuttered of late.

Celtic already sold the original Luke McCowan

Prising talents from within Scottish football has long been a route to success for the Old Firm side, be it landing Stuart Armstrong from Dundee United, or the aforementioned Christie from Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Where Are They Now

That trend looked set to continue with the capture of Turnbull from Motherwell back in August 2020, with the promising midfielder joining 14 months on from seeing the move collapse after requiring knee surgery.

Much like McCowan – who racked up 47 goals and assists in 125 games for his former employers – the £3.25m man had proven himself in Scottish football prior to making the switch, after contributing to 23 goals in just 41 games for Well.

At times looking “phenomenal”, in the words of pundit Alan Hutton, the five-cap Scotland international did rack up over ten goals and assists in the Premiership in each of his three full seasons in Glasgow.

That said, his face never seemingly fit under Ange Postecoglou, enduring what teammate Matt O’Riley described as a “rough year” in 2022/23, in which he started only six league games.

That was followed by just nine league starts at the start of the 2023/24 campaign, yielding seven goals, before Turnbull – who was approaching the end of his contract at the time – was sold on by Rodgers and co for just £2m to Cardiff City in January 2024.

The now 25-year-old said at the time of the move that his “aim” was to get back into the Scotland frame, although a year one from making that switch, he appears no closer to a recall, having scored only once and provided only one assist in 29 games for the Bluebirds.

Sadly, Turnbull has been out since December after enduring what looks to be a ‘long-term’ injury blow, with the move to South Wales having thus far failed to pan out.

As for his time at Celtic, the former Motherwell man did showcase a real goalscoring instinct, although simply found himself overtaken by the likes of Hatate and Matt O’Riley in the midfield pecking order.

McCowan, therefore, must ensure he doesn’t also remain shackled to the periphery…

Celtic star is already proving to Rodgers he's their next Kieran Tierney

Celtic are going to overhaul of their left-backs in the summer, with Kieran Tierney set to return, but does Rodgers already have a better option?

By
Ben Gray

Mar 12, 2025

Anthony Gordon has revealed his bromance with Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones while the pair are away with England.

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• Gordon discusses Jones bromance
• Pair always together at England camps
• Liverpool remain linked with winger

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Sat alongside Jones, Newcastle winger Gordon explained to from England's base that they spend as much time as possible together during international duty, joking that it's "every second" in each other's company.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Gordon and Jones both hail from Merseyside, separated by just a few weeks in age. They were even both in the Liverpool academy together as young kids, prior to Gordon's release aged 11 and subsequent switch to Everton. But Liverpool were willing to pay big money to bring him back last summer and now face uncertainty over the future of Luis Diaz. Given that international camps can often be a time of persuasion between players on rival teams, a close friendship with Jones could play into Liverpool's hands if they were to launch an approach.

• WHAT ANTHONY GORDON SAID

  Asked how often they're together, Gordon replied: "Probably every second! Unless we're in our rooms showering after training, or asleep, we're together. We don't go in our rooms, it's like a rule. So, if we're not training or in a meeting, we're not in our rooms, so we're always together. Sometimes we just sit and talk for hours, sometimes we'll be winding people up."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  It's very possible that Liverpool could need a left winger this summer. Diaz is wanted by Barcelona and has made no secret of wanting to explore his options, while Cody Gakpo is more loosely linked with Bayern Munich. Even Darwin Nunez, who has filled in on the left at times, is expected to be on the move. But it would almost certainly be reactive recruitment in that position, to replace, rather than proactive.

West Ham United could be set for an important upcoming window and Graham Potter could ring the changes this summer after a frustrating campaign in East London.

West Ham looking to climb the table ahead of important summer

Compared to their recent Premier League seasons, it is fair to say that West Ham have fallen below expectations. Julen Lopetegui tried and failed to appease the hierarchy and supporters, leading to Potter’s appointment back in January.

Since the Englishman’s arrival, the Hammers have taken 11 points from a possible 27 in the English top-flight. That has been enough to see off the threat of relegation, while there is still scope to finish above the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Crystal Palace if they can string together a timely run of results.

However, there is an overwhelming feeling among the fanbase that their recruitment last summer hasn’t entirely worked out, something that could lead to movement in both directions during the off-season.

Evaluating the forward line, Evan Ferguson is unlikely to stay at West Ham beyond his loan stint. The Republic of Ireland international hasn’t delivered a single goal since joining from Brighton, which may pave the way for Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto to come in for a fee of £21 million.

Defensively, the Irons also want Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters on a free transfer, furthering suspicions that Potter could put his foot down in search of a new-look starting line-up ahead of next season.

Arming his group with exciting options is set to be a priority for Potter, that much is certain, but supporters may now have a glimmer of who could make way to fund his rebuild over the coming months.

Graham Potter set to put West Ham quartet up for sale

According to Claret and Hugh, West Ham could allow Kostas Mavropanos, Emerson, Guido Rodriguez and Niclas Fullkrug to depart. Maxwel Cornet may also be permitted an exit once he returns from his loan spell at Genoa.

Referring to the quartet mentioned, they claim a combined £310,000 per week total in wages at the London Stadium, which could help to fund a summer of spending should they all find suitable destinations.

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Carlos Soler is another loan star unlikely to earn a permanent stay in East London, indicating that Potter has decided to rip up parts of his squad to start afresh in what is set to be a new dawn under his stewardship.

West Ham fans will be happy to hear progress is underway ahead of the summer. Now, it is up to the remaining crop to prove they deserve to be a part of his long-term plans by delivering consistent Premier League results.

Harry Kane is "expecting a great atmosphere in Miami" as the Bayern Munich star revealed the opponent he is most excited to face.

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• Bayern preparing for the CWC
• Kane excited to take part in the inaugural expanded edition
• Looking forward to playing against Boca Juniors

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After years of near-misses and close calls, Kane finally broke his trophy curse in 2025 by winning the Bundesliga title with Bayern. Now, the England skipper is eyeing more silverware, starting with the Club World Cup, where the German outfit are counted among the favourites.

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  Bayern's journey in the United States begins with a fixture against Auckland City, followed by matches against Argentina’s Boca Juniors and Portugal’s Benfica. Kane is particularly enthusiastic about facing Boca, as he expects a massive turnout supporting the South American side at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.

  Watch every game of the FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZNStream now

• WHAT KANE SAID

  Speaking to reporters, Kane said: "The game against Boca, in particular, will be a great match because I expect a great atmosphere in Miami; a lot of their fans will be there. Overall, we expect some tough matches. Auckland is still an unknown opponent, and of course, we'll be the favourites on paper.

  "But we know every team in this competition is strong. We have to prepare well, as we do for every game. For me as a player, it's a great experience to play against teams from different countries around the world."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  After bagging the Bundesliga Golden Boot for the second consecutive season, the former Tottenham star has seamlessly integrated into Bayern’s high-octane system. He is confident of delivering on the global stage and believes that the club has the pedigree to become world champions.

  "We're certainly one of the favourites," he insisted. "I think this season has shown what kind of team we are. On a good day, we can beat any opponent in the world. It's a tournament we take seriously and are preparing for well. When we arrive in the USA, we'll be fully focused. We're approaching the Club World Cup like any other competition. That's an important mindset."

Bayer Munich kicked off their Club World Cup campaign with a dominant 10-0 win over semi-professional minnows Auckland City in Cincinnati.

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• Coman and Olise with first half braces
• No shots on target for Kane
• Musiala bags 23-minute hat trick

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  TELL ME MORE

  The game was a procession from the moment Kingsley Coman opened the scoring in the sixth minute when the Frenchman flicked a header past the helpless Conor Tracey in the Auckland net.

  So started a dominant first half, where the German champions showed no mercy against their overmatched opponents. Another effort from Coman, plus goals from Thomas Muller, Sasha Boey and a Michael Olise brace gave Bayern a 6-0 lead at halftime.

  Auckland managed to frustrate Bayern for the first twenty minutes of the second half, as Vincent Kompany rang the changes. Jamal Musiala returned from his injury layoff to make it seven, with a beautifully curled finish in the 67th minute. The 22-year-old added another just minutes later, converting from the spot after he was tripped in the Auckland box.

  Perhaps the loudest cry from the Queen City crowd went up when Angus Kilkolly broke towards the Bayern net, unleashing a tame effort that Manuel Neuer dealt with easily. It was Auckland's only attempt on goal. Shortly after, Musiala completed a 23-minute hat trick when he was gifted a goal from an errant Auckland back pass. Just as time was running out, Muller bundled home his second of the game, and 250th goal for Bayern, to make the final score 10-0.

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  THE MVP

  Michael Olise beguiled his opposite number from the off, weaving inside and out in a first-half display that demonstrated the immense gulf between the two sides. Olise's second and Bayern's sixth goal, a curling strike from 25 yards out was the best of the day, while his assist for Muller's effort was perfectly weighted. Mercifully, for the Kiwis, Vincent Kompany subbed the brilliant winger at half time.

• THE BIG LOSER

  Harry Kane: To single out one of Auckland City's semi-pro players as a 'loser' seems harsh. After all, just sharing a pitch with players of this calibre is a dream come true. Instead, let's mention that in a game where Bayern scored ten goals, Kane did not log a single shot on target in an hour on the pitch.

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• WHAT COMES NEXT?

  Bayern will face much stiffer competition when they continue their Club World Cup campaign with a dream matchup against Boca Juniors. For all the many, many problems with this tournament, a competitive game between the most famous clubs from two of the world's best footballing cultures is a special treat.

In search of players who would slot straight into Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, Manchester United have now reportedly made contact over signing a defender who thrives in a back three.

Man Utd aiming to solve Amorim problem

The Red Devils were finally showing signs of life under Amorim before the international break, with the former Sporting Club boss even nominated for the latest Premier League Manager of the Month award.

Following a four-game unbeaten run which has included a thrashing of Real Sociedad in the Europa League and a well-earned draw against title challengers Arsenal, it’s certainly a deserved nomination.

It’s form that Amorim will hope to see continued after the international break even as his side remain rooted in mid-table, as he looks to salvage what’s left of a disastrous campaign in the final nine games of the season.

Of course, once those nine games are done and dusted, it will be all eyes on the summer transfer window and one that INEOS must get right – starting with handing Amorim one particular defensive target.

According to Messaggeri Veneto in Italy, Manchester United have now made contact to sign Oumar Solet, testing the waters over a potential deal with Serie A side Udinese. The central defender reportedly has a release clause worth £25m and has also attracted the interest of West Ham United.

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Mar 28, 2025

For such a low price, those at Old Trafford should swoop in when the summer arrives. They may not be in any position to spend big on Europe’s top talents, but hidden gems like Solet should still be considered viable arrivals in the coming months.

At 25 years old, the Frenchman is at the peak of his powers and knows all about playing in a back three.

"Impressive" Solet thrives in a back three

Whilst the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro have struggled to adapt in Amorim’s back three, Solet would thrive just like he has done at Udinese. Since arriving in Italy during the January transfer window, the Frenchman has helped his side keep five clean sheets in 10 league games at the heart of that system. Losing just twice in that run, his impact has been clear for all to see.

Dubbed “incredibly impressive” by U23 scout Antonio Mango back in 2023, Solet has only continued his rise ever since and could now earn the biggest move of his career yet courtesy of Manchester United.

The numbers suggest that the 25-year-old would be an instant upgrade on De Ligt, who has been unable to match Solet for progressive passes, tackles and ball recoveries per 90.

At just £25m, Solet could solve one of Amorim’s biggest problem and become one of the bargains of the summer in the process.

Paris Saint-Germain are edging closer to signing Illia Zabarnyi in a €60m transfer from Bournemouth, who recently sold Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid.

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• Zabarnyi close to PSG move
• Bournemouth already sold Huijsen
• €60m transfer nearing completion

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  PSG had attempted to complete a move for Zabarnyi during the first summer transfer window so he could play in the Club World Cup, but they failed to get the deal done in time. However, report negotiations have resumed and look to be heading towards a positive conclusion for the Champions League winners.

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  Zabarnyi is said to have been lined up a potential successor to PSG stalwart Marquinhos. The club captain is still only 31 years of age and has enjoyed arguably the finest season of his career to date in 2024-25, leading the French giants to a continental treble, but plans to replace in him in the future are already being drawn up.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  It's turning into a brutal transfer window for Bournemouth, with three of their first-choice defenders now either having departed or set to leave in the near future. Dean Huijsen has already made his debut for Real Madrid after completing a move to Spain earlier in the summer, while left-back Milos Kerkez is closing in on a transfer to Liverpool.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PSG?

  Zabarnyi won't feature at the Club World Cup for PSG, who suffered a shock defeat to Botafogo in their most recent outing. They're next in action on Monday night when they take on Seattle Sounders.

Chelsea’s next game in the Premier League sees them host London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. This has, historically, been a favourable fixture for the West Londoners; at least, that has been the case in the Premier League.

The Blues’ record at Stamford Bridge against Spurs since the 1992/92 season is exceptional. In 32 top flight games, they have won 20, drawn 11 and lost just one. In that time, they have scored 61 goals to the Lilywhites’ 23.

Last season, this fixture ended 2-0 to Chelsea, thanks to goals from defender Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson. Surprisingly, it was a rare game in which Cole Palmer failed to register a goal involvement.

However, he will have a chance to do so on Thursday night, with Enzo Maresca bearing good news about his return from injury.

Chelsea team news vs. Spurs

Well, Chelsea fans can breathe a sigh of relief because Palmer will return to action against Spurs. After missing England duty and the last Premier League game against Arsenal, Maresca explained, “Cole is back, he is ok. He is better”, in his pre-match press conference.

The Wythenshawe-born sensation has actually been on a bit of a goal drought in recent weeks but still has 14 goals and seven assists in 28 Premier League games this term.

He scored twice away from home against the Lilywhites in a 4-3 earlier in the season, including a clever panenka, and will surely be hoping to repeat the feat this week at Stamford Bridge.

Palmer is not the only England international returning to the Blues’ first team this week. Noni Madueke is also returning to the first-team fold after missing the last four Premier League games with a hamstring injury.

Maresca confirmed the former PSV Eindhoven star is “better” and seemingly will be available for selection against the Lilywhites, where he played academy football. Madueke will be looking to add to his eight goals and four assists this term.

Having Palmer and Madueke back is a huge boost for Maresca, but they are not the only attacking stars returning to action for Chelsea. The Blues boss also has a deadly forward available who could do Spurs some damage.

The returning Chelsea star who can unlock Palmer

Not only are the two England internationals back in action this week for the Blues, but so is Jackson, one of the goal-scorers from last season against the North Londoners.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

He has missed the last five league games with a hamstring issue, but Maresca also said he is “better”, describing the returning trio as “all good”.

It has been an impressive season for Jackson on the whole. He has featured 23 times in the Premier League, scoring nine times and grabbing five assists.

His all-round centre-forward play seems to have improved this term, given he has already matched his assist tally from 2023/24. Jamie Carragher described the 23-year-old as a “handful” at the start of February.

Indeed, the stats on FBref certainly back up how much trouble he can cause opposition defences. For example, in the Premier League this season, he averages 0.52 goal-creating actions, ranking him in the top 12% of strikers in the English top flight.

Football scout Antonio Mango said Jackson’s “movement is key to unlocking Cole Palmer”, with the movement he makes creating space for the England international to exploit. This seems like something the Blues would appreciate, given Palmer’s goal drought over the last few weeks.

Indeed, his elite movement off the ball was evident at the start of his Chelsea career. In September 2023, analyst Nick Wright wrote a piece for Sky Sports, which noted that ‘Jackson has made more off-the-ball runs than any other Premier League player this season’. Already, you can see how good Jackson is at moving off the ball to facilitate his teammates.

If given the chance, Jackson definitely has the potential to hurt Spurs this evening. The fact that he can facilitate Palmer so well with his elite movement, plus his ability in front of goal, makes him a great weapon in Chelsea’s arsenal ahead of this crunch clash on Thursday night.

Chelsea thought they had their own Kane, but Tuchel sold him for just £25m

Chelsea had a player similar to Harry Kane, but Thomas Tuchel decided to sell him.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 2, 2025

On the eve of Euro 2025, USWNT manager Emma Hayes has written about the growth of the women's game, and shared her excitement for the tournament.

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• Hayes: quality will be higher than ever before
• Legendary manager expects a tight tournament
• Euro 2025 starts on July 2

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The legendary manager wrote glowingly about the current state of women's football on the continent for . She argues that the more than 3,000 full-time players in Europe would help deliver a tournament for the ages. She also expects the competition will be tight, earmarking Spain, Germany and England as the three favourites for the crown.

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  Hayes says she was impressed by the young stars in Germany's ranks at the Olympics, name-checking Jule Brand, Lea Schuller and Klara Buhl as the players to watch; although she did question the Germans' depth. The turnover in England's squad either through injury in the case of Millie Bright, or the international retirement of Mary Earps, could scupper the Lionesses' title defence according to Hayes. However, she still lauded the experienced starting XI at Sarina Wiegman's disposal. Finally, Hayes extolled the style and methodology of Spain's all-conquering side, but she thinks the way Arsenal disrupted Barcelona in the Champions League final could provide a blueprint for sides facing off against La Roja.

• WHAT HAYES SAID

  Hayes wrote: "You only have to wind the clock back two full major-tournament cycles, to Euro 2017, and there were no fully professional women’s leagues in Europe. Thanks to increased investment in the women’s game, there are now more than 3,000 full-time female players across the continent, and that professionalisation is why my overriding feeling about this summer’s Euros is that the quality is going to be so much higher than we have seen before. And it will be so tight.

  "In Spain, England and Germany there are three strong favourites who are all capable of going on to win it and I would add the Netherlands to the top four. I was so impressed when we [the United States] played the Dutch in December. They will need everybody fit but, on their day, they are a top side. Beyond that, this tournament is going to show the prowess of the Nations League, which was introduced since the most recent Euros, and the impact that tournament is having on equality."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Hayes will be providing more of her analysis on ITV's coverage of Euro 2025. The tournament kicks off with a Group A game between Iceland and Finland on the July 2.