Bayern Munich legend Arjen Robben recreated his famous Champions League goal against Borussia Dortmund on the way to victory in the Beckenbauer Cup.
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Bayern hosts legends tournamentRobben plays starring role for Bavarian giantsHosts beat Real Madrid to win Beckenbauer Cup.Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Robben has been back in action for the Bavarian giants, featuring for the Bayern Munich Legends at the Beckenbauer Cup. The tournament took place in Munich as part of the club's 125th anniversary celebrations and in honour of Bayern icon Franz Beckenbauer who died in 2024. Bayern ended up winning the tournament, with Robben producing a little bit of magic against Dortmund as he created his famous goal from the 2013 Champions League final between the two Bundesliga rivals.
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Robben told the club's media: "It's really great to be with old team-mates again to play around and have some fun. It was fun. But honestly I didn't think before the tournament that it would be so serious. But it's good now. I think the most important thing is to have a beer together afterwards. A bit of niggle on the pitch, that's fine, but it's over now."
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The tournament also featured legends teams from Ajax, Stuttgart and AC Milan at the SAP Garden in Munich. After an exciting group stage, Bayern beat Dortmund 2-0 in the semi-finals to book a final date with Real Madrid. The Bavarians won the game 4-0 thanks to a double from Giovane Elber plus goals from Mark van Bommel and Rafinha to make it a good night for the tournament hosts.
The squad will be trimmed ahead of the first Test on June 2 once players arrive from the IPL
ESPNcricinfo staff03-May-2022Allrounder Michael Bracewell has been included in a New Zealand Test squad for the first time as part of the initial 20-player group for the series against England next month.There are also spots for the uncapped Cam Fletcher, Blair Tickner and Jacob Duffy in the enlarged squad which will cover for likely IPL absentees during the warm-up matches and then be trimmed before the first Test at Lord’s on June 2.Kane Williamson, who is set to return to Test cricket for the first time since last November having missed the home season with an elbow problem, is among those who may be absent for both warm-up matches at the end of May due to being at the IPL. Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell also face a delayed arrival to England.”The red-ball tour of England first up is clearly high on our priority list and we’re looking forward to hitting the ground running over there in a couple of weeks’ time,” head coach Gary Stead said. “All going to plan, we will have everyone fit and available for the first Test at Lord’s, and aim to announce our final squad of 15 for that series once we’ve completed our warm-up games.”New Zealand are defending their World Test Championship title but face an uphill battle to make next year’s final having dropped home Tests against Bangladesh and South Africa in the recent season.Fletcher, who was called up for the series against South Africa earlier this year, will be the back-up wicketkeeper behind Tom Blundell.Having not played since taking all ten wickets in an innings against India, left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel returns to the squad with allrounder Rachin Ravindra providing another spin option. Hamish Rutherford offers batting cover.Stead added that player welfare will continue to be a priority during what will be a busy period overseas for New Zealand with a host of white-ball matches after the England Tests. No player or member of support staff will be involved in all the series which also involve facing Ireland, Scotland, Netherlands and West Indies through to August although there will also be a focus on preparing for the T20 World Cup in Australia.”Last season I thought we juggled our resources really well to ensure the welfare of our people was prioritised, and we’ll be looking to do that again with the white-ball cricket in July and August,” Stead said. “That means no players or staff will stay with the side for the entire 14 weeks while we’re away, as we balance the workloads. The ICC T20 World Cup in Australia is only six months away and we’ll continue to also prioritise as much planning and preparation for that as possible.”Squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Jacob Duffy, Cameron Fletcher, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Will Young
David Warner, the Player of the Tournament at the recent T20 World Cup, and his Australian team-mate Mitchell Marsh, who was the Player of the Match in the final, are among 49 players who have listed their base price at the maximum of INR 2 crore (US$ 269,000 approx.) for the 2022 mega IPL auction. Among the notable absentees from the initial longlist, seen by ESPNcricinfo, are Mitchell Starc, Sam Curran, Ben Stokes, Chris Gayle, Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes.
Among the big names on the list, which includes 17 Indians and 32 overseas players, are R Aswhin, Shreyas Iyer, Shikhar Dhawan, Ishan Kishan, Suresh Raina, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa, Steven Smith, Shakib Al Hasan, Mark Wood, Trent Boult, Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada and Dwayne Bravo.Overall, a total of 1214 cricketers, including 270 capped players, 312 uncapped players and 41 from Associate teams, have registered for the auction, and the list was sent to the ten franchises on Friday. A final, trimmed list will be prepared by the IPL governing council closer to the two-day auction, scheduled in Bengaluru for February 12 and 13, once the franchises send back their wishlists.Related
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This will be the first mega auction conducted by the IPL since 2018, when the tournament featured eight teams. This auction, there are two more teams after the IPL sold two new franchises – to be based in Lucknow and in Ahmedabad – last October for record sums. The ten franchises have already spent nearly INR 338 crore (US$ 45 million approx.) to retain and acquire 33 players. Most of the franchises will enter the auction with significant money to spend in order to compile a fresh squad, but the likes of Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals will have a swollen purse.While experience is a valuable commodity in the IPL, at mega auctions, franchises tend to invest in the young players who can help build the teams for the future. No surprise then, that the likes Devdutt Padikkal, Harshal Patel and even the emerging West Indies allrounder Odean Smith, have not been shy of marking their reserve price in the highest bracket. Padikkal, who made his India debut last year in Sri Lanka, has excelled for Royal Challengers Bangalore, who had picked him up at the base price of INR 20 lakh (US$ 27,000 approx.) in 2020. With his fluent technique coupled with an aggressive mindset, long levers – and an IPL century to his name – Padikkal has managed to impress not just Virat Kohli but even the likes of Sunil Gavaskar.Getty Images
Harshal, who was traded by Delhi Capitals to Royal Challengers ahead of the 2021 IPL, finished last season as the highest wicket-taker with 32 strikes. Harshal opted to move to the auction this time, though, confident about attracting buyers with his ability to bowl both with the new ball as well as at the death, where he has made the most impact with his clever changes of pace.Smith, meanwhile, is a complete unknown in the IPL. But those who have seen the 25-year-old from Jamaica play, believe Smith has the potential to fulfil his desire of being the next Andre Russell. Smith can not just deliver serious pace, but has proved in tournaments like the T10 that he can make impactful cameos with the bat.Batter Shahrukh Khan, who is likely to get a big bid, and even rejected an offer from his previous franchise Kings, has put his base price at the minimum of INR 20 lakh. Shahrukh, a tall and strong power-hitter, is known for his finishing skills and had been paid INR 5.25 crore (US$ 700,000 approx.) in the 2021 auction by Punjab. Another Indian uncapped player who has listed himself at the lowest base price and is expected to attract significant offers is fast bowler Avesh Khan, who was bought by Delhi Capitals for INR 70 lakh (US$ 94,000 approx.) a couple of years ago and was the second-highest wicket-taker behind Harshal in the 2021 IPL.Former India fast bowler Sreesanth, meanwhile, has put his name in the ring in the INR 50 lakh (US$ 67,000) category.
INR 1.5 crore bracket
Amit Mishra, Ishant Sharma, Washington Sundar, Aaron Finch, Chris Lynn, Nathan Lyon, Kane Richardson, Jonny Bairstow, Alex Hales, Eoin Morgan, Dawid Malan, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Tim Southee, Colin Ingram, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, Nicholas Pooran.
INR 1 crore bracket
Piyush Chawla, Kedar Jadhav, Prasidh Krishna, T Natarajan, Manish Pandey, Ajinkya Rahane, Nitish Rana, Wriddhiman Saha, Kuldeep Yadav, Jayant Yadav, Mohammad Nabi, James Faulkner, Moises Henriques, Marnus Labuschagne, Riley Meredith, Josh Philippe, D’Arcy Short, Andrew Tye, Dan Lawrence, Liam Livingstone, Tymal Mills, Ollie Pope, Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Aiden Markram, Rilee Rossouw, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, Wanindu Hasaranga, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford.
Carlos Corberan steered West Bromwich Albion to their first win in nine away at Hull City on Sunday, as a quickfire Baggies double in the first half secured a 2-1 victory.
It wasn’t the most vintage display from the visitors – who only mustered up five shots all game to the hosts’ superior 13 – but it was a win nonetheless. That would have been a relief for Corberan who was starting to feel the weight of pressure in the dug-out.
West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan.
Thankfully for the Spaniard, and the travelling contingent who made the journey to the MKM Stadium, a clinical first-half showing ensured a rare win was forthcoming, as Josh Maja and Karlan Grant delivered the goods.
Maja & Grant's important goals
Maja will hope another purple patch in front of goal is coming his way after another goal on the road versus the Tigers, after he also instinctively flicked home his side’s only strike away at Luton Town recently.
The former Sunderland striker scored his team’s second of the day, powering home a header that was put on a plate for him by defender Darnell Furlong, taking his Championship goal tally for the campaign up to nine strikes as a result.
Grant also celebrated a goal of his own on Humberside, with a deflection helping his powerful effort beat Ivor Pandur in the Hull net, before the Baggies number 9 delivered another sucker punch shortly after.
Both players didn’t last the full 90 minutes, but the attacking duo would be well aware come full-time that their efforts were key in a much-needed victory coming home to the Hawthorns.
However, it wasn’t exactly the most jaw-dropping display from the Baggies, who struggled in attacking areas as much as they excelled, with Tom Fellows out-of-sorts throughout.
Fellows' performance in numbers
Fellows started this second-tier campaign like a runaway train, with his performances inevitably going to tail off at some point.
Picking up three assists during his side’s opening four games in the league, only two more have come Fellows’ way since, with the West Brom academy prodigy in no danger of adding to his assist collection away at Hull.
Minutes played
54
Goals scored
0
Assists
0
Touches
17
Accurate passes
6/8 (75%)
Key passes
0
Shots
0
Successful dribbles
0/1
Total duels won
3/7
It was a sorry outing for the youngster at the weekend, managing to accumulate just 17 touches of the ball and six accurate passes before Corberan substituted him early into the second half, for Everton loanee Lewis Dobbin to gain a run-out.
Also failing to complete a single successful dribble, or even test Pandur with a shot, the England U21 international might well find he’s out of his manager’s first-team plans for West Brom’s next league encounter with Norwich City after the lengthy break.
Tom Fellows celebrates for West Brom.
There isn’t an overwhelming abundance of options at Corberan’s disposal down the right flank, however, with Dobbin notably underwhelming in Fellows’ place with just one accurate pass registered from his 38 minutes on the pitch. Thus, the ex-Huddersfield Town manager will be left scrambling over who he could pick here.
He could unleash Grady Diangana down the wing again, who is capable of playing down either channel, or he could also give Jed Wallace more minutes, as the ex-Millwall man is equally versatile enough across the midfield to slot in here on request.
Whatever he does decide to do with this area of the pitch, Corberan will just hope more wins are notched up moving forward away from falling victim to another poor run of form, with the Spaniard celebrating his 100th game in charge of the Baggies in a victorious manner at Hull.
West Brom wasted £10.6m on Hawthorns flop who earned more than Maja
West Bromwich Albion fans won’t look back on this flop’s time at the club with much fondness.
Chelsea fell to their first Premier League defeat since the opening day, losing 2-1 to Arne Slot’s Liverpool at Anfield this evening.
Enzo Maresca’s men hadn’t lost a league outing since the meeting with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on the 18th of August, but their long unbeaten run came to an end after six matches.
Goals from Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones either side of Nicolas Jackson’s equaliser secured the victory for the hosts, taking them top of the Premier League once again.
As for the Blues, they sit in sixth place, just a couple of points outside the top four – a respectable place given the turnaround in players once more this summer.
It certainly will be a test for the Italian to pick his side up after such a large period without tasting defeat, with his side having a meeting in the Europa Conference League before hosting Newcastle United next Sunday.
Chelsea’s star performers against Liverpool
Striker Jackson may have only managed seven successful passes during the entirety of the meeting, but he was a threat at the top end of the pitch.
The Senegalese international’s movement caused problems for the backline, hitting the woodwork in the first half before perfectly timing his run in the second half between the two centre-backs before keeping his composure and firing home beyond Caoimhin Kelleher.
Full-back Malo Gusto featured in an unfamiliar left-back position for a large chunk of the encounter, facing up against the dangerous Salah, but didn’t look out of place whatsoever.
The 21-year-old Frenchman completed 95% of his passes, completing one dribble, whilst also making four passes into the final third as he looked to create opportunities despite his defensive role.
Out of possession, Gusto was just as impressive, winning three tackles, whilst making four interceptions as he also won four duels, preventing Slot’s side from inflicting further pain on the Blues.
However, the same can’t be said for one player who failed to have any sort of positive impact on the fixture, as reflected by his early departure from the pitch.
The man who dropped a 4/10 rating against Liverpool
Winger Jadon Sancho started his fourth successive game for Chelsea after his loan move from Manchester United, but he was unable to replicate the impact he had previously produced in his previous outings.
The 24-year-old’s display was undoubtedly the worst of his spell in West London, as demonstrated by his substitution at half-time, subsequently being replaced by Portuguese international Pedro Neto.
When delving into his stats, his replacement was completely justified as he failed to threaten opposition full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Sancho only managed 26 touches during his 45-minute display, a tally lower than goalkeeper Robert Sanchez who managed 47, failing to complete any of his three attempted dribbles, whilst also losing possession seven times.
Minutes played
45
Touches
26
Passes completed
18/21 (86%)
Possession lost
7x
Dribbles completed
1/3 (33%)
Crosses completed
0
The English winger also lost 100% of the duels he entered, also failing to complete any crosses and produce any form of tangible threat in attacking areas.
Subsequently, Sancho was handed a 4/10 match rating by iNews’ journalist George Simms, an indication as to how below-par the attacker was during his cameo.
The winger must now be dropped to the bench against Eddie Howe’s side next weekend, as a result of his disappointing display on Merseyside, as the manager must react to his performance.
It’s undoubtedly just a blip in what has been a successful first few months at Stamford Bridge, but Maresca may decide to utilise other options given his lack of impact this afternoon.
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Manchester United have not had the best of starts to the new Premier League season, and their weekend defeat to West Ham United proved to be the final straw as Erik ten Hag was sacked by the club.
The Dutchman was initially backed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS in the transfer market, having guided the Red Devils to the FA Cup last summer amid a disappointing 8th-place finish in the league.
But Ten Hag, who signed a new deal over the summer, eclipsed the unwanted record of Man Utd’s worst start to a Premier League season, making a poorer start than the previous year.
Ruud van Nistelrooy is now in interim charge of the club, with the former striker now surely a prime candidate to replace his fellow Dutchman in the role full-time.
But who else could United turn to? Here are some of the options facing INEOS and Ratcliffe as another manager bites the dust…
All 20 Premier League managers' salaries (lowest to highest)
How much each Premier League gaffer earns.
ByCharlie Smith Oct 21, 2025
Next Man Utd manager odds (Sky Bet – selected markets)
Manager
Current team
Odds
Ruud van Nistelrooy
Man Utd (assistant)
1/2 fav
Ruben Amorim
Sporting CP
7/2
Thomas Frank
Brentford
5/1
Gareth Southgate
n/a
7/2
Graham Potter
n/a
7/1
Michael Carrick
Middlesbrough
7/1
Xavi
n/a
9/1
Kieran McKenna
Ipswich
12/1
Edin Terzic
n/a
14/1
Simone Inzaghi
Inter
18/1
Odds correct as of Ten Hag sacking announcement
1 Ruud van Nistelrooy Man Utd (assistant)
Top of the list is Ruud van Nistelrooy, who only returned to Old Trafford over the summer to become Ten Hag’s assistant manager. He has previous experience as a manager with PSV Eindhoven.
Van Nistelrooy will be interim boss “whilst a permanent head coach is recruited”, though given his experience and history at the club, there’s every chance a good spell in the hot seat could see the Dutchman land the role permanently.
2 Ruben Amorim Sporting CP
Ruben Amorim was heavily linked with replacing Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool prior to Arne Slot’s arrival, but the Portuguese boss stayed with Sporting CP, where he has been since 2020.
Man Utd’s famous relationship with Sporting CP has seen Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes swap Portugal for England, so perhaps the Red Devils could look at Amorim to replace Ten Hag.
Sporting are flying high in the Portuguese top flight and the Champions League, so it would be a big deal to prise him away from Lisbon, but Manchester United will be keen to show they remain one of the biggest clubs in the world.
3 Thomas Frank Brentford
Brentford boss Thomas Frank always seems to be in the running for a number of high-profile jobs given the brilliant job he has done with the Bees.
He was mooted with the position in the summer and could be there or thereabouts again now United have made the call to sack Ten Hag.
Man Utd supporters will know all about his high-pressing football after Brentford embarrassed Ten Hag’s side in August 2022, leading 4-0 at half-time.
He recently commented on the prospect of leaving Brentford for a ‘bigger’ club, but reiterated his love for his current team, saying that moving on would not necessarily be a positive:
“For sure if I ever got the offer to go to a big club and I decided to go there, it would probably not make my life better. I think we all know that. Maybe it is a challenge you need to try. I don’t know. It is not something I am thinking about,” he told The Sports Agents podcast (via JOE).
4 Gareth Southgate Free agent (last job: England)
Gareth Southgate has been linked with the Man Utd vacancy for months, and with his time as England manager now up after leaving the Three Lions following the European Championship, his next job could be at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils previously poached Louis van Gaal from the Netherlands after a successful World Cup campaign, and with Southgate taking England to the Euro 2024 final, a return to club football with the Red Devils could be an option.
However, Southgate has recently indicated that he will spend some time away from the game, though it seems he is still being heavily backed to return to club football.
5 Graham Potter Free agent (last job: Chelsea)
Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter.
Graham Potter has been out of a job for over a year and is seemingly waiting on the perfect opportunity to return to the dugout, having rejected advances from the likes of Leicester City and Ajax since his departure from Chelsea.
He may well see Old Trafford as a brilliant chance to prove he can succeed at a huge club, so Potter could be one to watch now that United have a fresh vacancy.
Like Van Nistelrooy, Michael Carrick knows all about playing at Manchester United and even being an assistant at Old Trafford after spending time alongside Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Carrick was even named as Man Utd’s caretaker manager for three games in 2021, but since 2022, he has been making a name for himself as Middlesbrough boss. The 43-year-old has his eyes on promotion to the Premier League at the Riverside and may well have admirers in Manchester for the work he has been doing in the second tier.
7 Xavi Free agent (last job: Barcelona)
Xavi has a La Liga winners’ medal from his short tenure at Barcelona, where he spent many glittering years as a player. There isn’t much to go on in terms of convincing others that he is truly an elite manager – indeed, it was his Barcelona side that was beaten by United in the Europa League under Ten Hag just over 18 months ago.
United have hired many big names since the deaprture of Sir Alex Ferguson, and Xavi would no doubt be a continuation of that theme. But whether he is what the club needs right now is another matter.
He may have succeeded with the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal at his disposal, but could he get a tune out of this United team? The jury may be out on that one.
8 Kieran McKenna Ipswich Town
Former Man Utd U18 manager Kieran McKenna was linked with a number of top clubs over the summer, including a return to the Red Devils, but he decided to stay put at Ipswich Town after taking them from League One to the Premier League.
He committed his future to the Tractor Boys by signing a new four-year deal at the end of May, but it wouldn’t come as a shock if his name is mentioned again when it comes to the Old Trafford hot seat.
Edin Terzic recently left Borussia Dortmund after taking the Bundesliga side to the Champions League final, ending his six-year association with the club after also working as an assistant, caretaker and technical director.
The German also has experience in the Premier League as an assistant to Slaven Bilic at West Ham, and his attacking style of football could appeal to Ratcliffe and INEOS. His chances of actually getting the job may depend on the hierarchy’s preference for a long or short-term appointment.
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1 ByHenry Jackson Oct 19, 2024 10 Simone Inzaghi Inter
There’s no doubting that Simone Inzaghi has impressed while in charge of Inter, guiding the Nerazzurri to two Coppas Italia and last season’s Scudetto.
He also went to toe-to-toe with Manchester City in the 2023 Champions League final, and earned a credible draw at the Etihad Stadium earlier this season.
Given his success at Inter to this point, it seems fanciful that he would give that up to join Manchester United, though we all know how much of a pull the Premier League can be to the best in the business.
A former West Ham United chief has suggested that Chelsea could move for a star in Julen Lopetegui’s squad, with clubs apparently interested and regularly watching him at the London Stadium.
West Ham seal first victory since August with 4-1 win over Ipswich
Lopetegui can breathe a big sigh of relief after West Ham sealed their first win of the Premier League season since August on the weekend against Ipswich Town.
Lopetegui wants "strong" £15m ace who West Ham may sign as early as January
The Hammers are seeking attacking additions…
1 ByTom Cunningham Oct 5, 2024
The home side started as they meant to go on, with striker Michail Antonio gifting West Ham a very early lead in the first minute. Liam Delap equalised for Ipswich minutes later in a brief scare for the east Londoners, before star winger Mohammed Kudus restored their advantage moments before half-time.
Forward Jarrod Bowen then gave West Ham a two-goal lead just after the restart, handing Lopetegui’s men some much-needed breathing room to ease the tension, with Lucas Paqueta sealing all three points 20 minutes from full-time.
West Ham Results: 2024/25
Match
Date
Opponent
Competition
Result
#9
05/10/2024
Ipswich (H)
Premier League
4-1 win
#8
28/09/2024
Brentford (A)
Premier League
1-1 draw
#7
25/09/2024
Liverpool (A)
Carabao Cup
5-1 loss
#6
21/09/2024
Chelsea (H)
Premier League
3-0 loss
#5
14/09/2024
Fulham (A)
Premier League
1-1 draw
#4
31/08/2024
Man City (H)
Premier League
3-1 loss
#3
28/08/2024
Bournemouth (H)
Carabao Cup
1-0 win
#2
24/08/2024
Crystal Palace (A)
Premier League
2-0 win
#1
17/08/2024
Aston Villa (H)
Premier League
2-1 loss
West Ham’s first Premier League win since their 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace in the summer was a much-needed one, with some believing beforehand that Lopetegui was at risk of losing his job if the club’s lacklustre form continued.
As well as in an attacking sense, the Irons were far better defensively, with Jean-Clair Todibo putting in an 8/10 performance against Ipswich as the Frenchman begins to form a solid partnership with Max Kilman.
Kudus’ display attracted real attention too, with the Ghanian getting on the scoresheet, completing 93% of his passes and attempting five shots on goal in what was a very threatening display (WhoScored).
Ex-West Ham chief suggests Chelsea could move for Kudus
The 24-year-old is one of Lopetegui’s best players, and has been key to West Ham since he joined the club from Ajax for £38 million last summer. This has led to reports that elite clubs could attempt to poach him, with Chelsea showing a reported interest in Kudus at various points.
Speaking to Football Insider, former West Ham recruitment employee Mick Brown, who remains well-connected at the club after leaving his post in June, has suggested that Chelsea could still move to sign Kudus – even if they don’t need him – and says that he knows clubs are interested and watching him.
“I know other clubs are interested and have been watching him,” said Brown.
“But I’ve seen an £85million release clause mentioned, I’ve heard that could put some of the interested clubs off of a move. It would have to be a situation where he wants to leave the club, but then you look around and you can’t see anybody who’s going to pay £85million for him.
Mohammed Kudus celebrates for West Ham
“Man City have got enough wide players already, Liverpool won’t be able to afford it, where would he fit in the Arsenal team? Where does he go in the Chelsea team? Madueke is doing very well and improving, Cole Palmer is one of the best players in the league at the moment, they’ve got another load of wide players who don’t get near the team.
“You never know with Chelsea, though. We’ll see what happens with them. I’ve been told there are a lot of teams who want to sign Kudus from West Ham, and there are only three or four clubs who could maybe afford that price.
“But then you look at what they’ve already got, and they don’t need him.”
The ex-PSG star has a huge decision to make on his future, with Al-Hilal set to let the injury-ravaged forward leave the club this summer
"I know this will be my last World Cup, my last shot, my last chance and I will do everything I can to play in it," Neymar said in an interview with earlier this month. Brazil have certainly missed the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star in their latest CONMEBOL qualifying campaign, slipping to fifth in the standings, seven points behind arch-rivals Argentina.
Neymar played in Brazil's first four games, recording five goal contributions, but tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee during a shock 2-0 defeat against Uruguay on October 17, 2023, and was stretchered off the pitch in floods of tears. He hasn't featured in the iconic yellow for his country since.
Al-Hilal finally welcomed Neymar back to the pitch in October last year, but his return lasted for just 42 minutes across two games, as he was left with a tear in his hamstring after overstretching for the ball. Neymar is now nearing the end of his recovery from that particular blow, but according to , there is practically zero chance that he will be offered a contract extension by the Saudi Pro League champions, who have seen no return on their initial €90 million (£77m/$98m) investment in the Brazilian over the last two seasons.
Neymar will leave the Middle East when his contract expires this summer, and despite his persistent physical struggles, there is no shortage of potential suitors lining up for his signature. The question is: where is the best place for Neymar to rebuild his fitness and confidence in order to force his way back into the Brazil squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup? GOAL runs through the six transfer options available to the 32-year-old below…
AFPInter Miami
"Playing again with [Lionel] Messi and [Luis] Suarez would be incredible," Neymar told when quizzed on the possibility of a move to Inter Miami. "They are my friends. We still speak to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio."
Neymar, Messi and Suarez famously formed the deadly 'MSN' triumvirate at Barcelona between 2014 and 2017, delivering 253 goals and seven trophies while wowing audiences across Europe. And Neymar is right, it would be "incredible" to see them reunite in Florida; he would complete Miami's contingent of ex-Barcelona superstars, which also includes Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and new head coach Javier Mascherano, and perhaps be the final piece in the puzzle towards the club's ultimate goal of MLS Cup glory.
The potential move was described as "impossible" by Mascherano last week due to MLS salary cap rules, but the league has since announced a new mechanism that clubs can use to raise extra money through domestic transfers, which means Miami could get some big wage packets off their books to pursue new targets.
This doesn't feel like a farfetched deal anymore. Indeed, Miami's managing owner Jorge Mas said to last month: “We are aspirational. If there is ever a chance to bring the calibre of a player like Neymar, we will not hesitate.” The chance is there now, and maybe a reunion with old friends is exactly what Neymar needs to get back to his best.
AdvertisementGettyChicago Fire
MLS does indeed look like the most realistic option for Neymar at the moment, but Miami might not be his final landing spot. According to , three other U.S. clubs have already opened preliminary transfer talks with the Brazil international, including the Chicago Fire.
journalist Santi Aouna was first to report the Fire's interest, adding that Neymar has been offered a two-year contract at Soldier Field. That would guarantee his future at club level through to the end of the 2026, and if a preferred move to Miami never materialises, heading to Chicago could be the next best thing.
Neymar could build some invaluable soccer experience in the U.S. ahead of the next World Cup, which is primarily being staged in North America, while working under the tutelage of former USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter. The Fire have only appeared in the MLS playoffs once since 2012, but expectations are growing with Berhalter now at the helm, and signing Brazil's all-time top goal-scorer would be a major statement of intent.
GettySantos
Next up: the most romantic destination. Neymar initially established himself as one of the most exciting talents in the game at Santos, making his pro debut for the Brazilian club at just 17 years old. He quickly became a hero at Santos, most notably inspiring their run to Copa Libertadores glory in 2011, with some even going so far as to label him Pele's heir – and Barcelona eventually bought into his immense potential.
The second coming of Neymar would be monumental for Santos, who are still recovering from the blow of suffering relegation for the first time in their 112-year history in 2023. Club president Marcelo Teixeira has said they are ready to offer Neymar a "concrete project", while executive director Marcio Calves has expressed his belief that there is a "60 percent chance" the beloved academy graduate will retrace his steps this summer.
Neymar last visited the club as a fan in April 2023, and vowed: "One day I'll be back." That day appears to be edging closer, with Santos now in a better position to match his wage demands as a result of the financial boost that came with their immediate promotion back into Brazil's top flight last season.
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Getty Images SportFlamengo
Santos are not the only club in Brazil that Neymar could join, though. Back in 2016, after a charity game organised by Brazil icon Zico, Neymar said: "It would be a great honour for me to play for Flamengo, at the Maracana. It's a club I'd love to play for."
Neymar even posed for a photo on social media wearing a Flamengo jersey last summer, and it has been reported that he could be bought in to replace Gabriel 'Gabigol' Barbosa, who left the club in December before signing for Cruzeiro. Flamengo have more financial power than Santos right now, and they are serious contenders for all the biggest trophies on offer in South America.
Former club president Rodolfo Landim has also leaned into the speculation, telling back in July: "It doesn't hurt to dream, right? I think Neymar is a completely extraordinary player, the best in the world." This one could have some legs, though it remains to be seen if Neymar would pick Flamengo over Santos if both clubs launched formal bids.
Tottenham Hotspur were never expected to be active on transfer deadline day with the Lilywhites satisfied that they have everything they need after the big £65m addition of Dominic Solanke.
The striker is already injured and looks set to miss matchweek four of the Premier League but is an exciting signing, alongside the likes of promising Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert.
There may well be a concern that Spurs haven't done enough to improve their starting XI but Ange Postecoglou certainly has an exciting crop of youngsters at his disposal.
So, despite their lack of late activity in the window, they have still been active in some sort of way.
Tottenham's activity on transfer deadline day
There isn't much to report from a Spurs perspective but they have been working behind the scenes on a couple of things
Giovani Lo Celso's exit has finally happened with the midfielder heading back to Spain where he will join former loan side Real Betis.
It's hardly exciting news, but there has been an element of fun attached to the deal. That's because Spurs have sealed a deal that gives them an option to buy Betis star Jhonny Cardoso in the future.
That's according to Fabrizio Romano who provided the information in post on X this Friday evening.
Spurs' answer to Declan Rice
A midfielder, Cardoso is someone who has an exciting future in the game and if Spurs do eventually exercise that option to buy the player, they could well unearth their answer to Arsenal sensation Declan Rice.
The £105m man has been sensational since signing for the Gunners and was named in the PFA Team of the Year for last season. Thus, Spurs surely wouldn't turn their noses at signing a player in a similar mould.
Cardoso, aged just 22, has similar qualities. Those are outlined by analyst Ben Mattinson who once hailed the player, suggesting he is "great at winning aerial duels and progressing play from deep." That certainly sounds like Rice.
The numbers will help us do the talking too. According to FBRef, the Betis star ranks in the top 6% of positionally similar players in Europe for tackles per 90 and the best 1% for interceptions. He's also in the top 4% for aerials won, suggesting his reading of the game – like Rice – is first-class.
Here's how he stacks up when we compare some of those statistics to Arsenal's club-record signing.
Cardoso vs Rice: 23/24 League Stats
Stat (per 90 mins)
Cardoso
Rice
Goals
0.07
0.20
Assists
0.14
0.22
Progressive passes
3.04
7.77
Pass success %
84.2%
88.9%
Tackles attempted
3.24
2.32
Successful tackles
1.96
1.42
Blocks
1.35
1.03
Aerials won
2.57
1.09
Successful take-ons
0.74
0.59
Stats via FBRef.
So, while Rice evidently contributes more in the final third, there is a layer of similarities to be seen in the defensive phases of play. They are successful with a similar number of tackles and blocks and while Cardoso reigns supreme in the air, they are both highly competent in physical duels.
You've also got a similar number of take-ons there, suggesting they manoeuvre the ball past players at a similar rate.
Spurs wanted to sign a midfielder this summer and although Cardoso isn't one for now, in 2025 they could see their own Rice walking through the halls of the training ground.
"Now that is ambition" – Spurs podcaster loves Romano's deadline day update
The Lilywhites have made their move ahead of time…
With the transfer window soon coming to a close, Chelsea have reportedly shown the door to another academy graduate with a Serie A side once again taking full advantage.
Chelsea transfer news
The Blues have stolen the headlines yet again this summer. Whether for the right or wrong reasons is still up for debate, but Todd Boehly has put any doubters to one side in pursuit of completing his Stamford Bridge project. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Pedro Neto and, most recently, Joao Felix have all arrived alongside seven others, as Chelsea look to finally turn a corner.
Returning to the London club on a permanent basis, Felix told Chelsea's official website: "It’s a chance for me to find a home. After two loans, Chelsea and Barca, I needed to stay permanently in one place. There is no better place for me to be than Chelsea. I see a perfect place to shine."
After Felix: Chelsea in the race for the "next Eden Hazard"
Enzo Maresca could add to his ten summer signings before the end of the window…
ByRoss Kilvington Aug 25, 2024
Amid so many arrivals, however, there have been several exits with Conor Gallagher sealing a move to Atletico Madrid and Romelu Lukaku on course to end his Chelsea nightmare after an agreement was reportedly reached with Napoli. And the Belgian may not be the only one off to the Serie A this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Tino Anjorin is the "next" player to leave Chelsea this summer after Empoli reached a permanent agreement to sign the 22-year-old attacking midfielder. Likely to square off against Lukaku in Italy, Anjorin will hope to become another academy graduate that the Blues regret letting go.
On course to become the ninth player to leave Chelsea on a permanent basis this summer, it's fair to say that the Blues have been in a ruthless mood in recent months.
"Outstanding" Anjorin needs Chelsea exit
After showing glimpses of his best form on loan at both Huddersfield Town and Portsmouth, all it takes is one look at the current Chelsea squad to realise that Anjorin may be better off heading for the exit door courtesy of Empoli. Leaving his boyhood club will be far from easy, but it's a must at 22 years old and unlikely to earn consistent game time.
Tino Anjorin for Huddersfield Town.
Receiving plenty of praise during his time at Huddersfield, former manager Danny Schofield told FourFourTwo after a 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion in 2022: "Tino Anjorin scored two outstanding goals. He’s a player we know has got a lot of potential. Tino Anjorin has game-winning qualities which is hard to come by in football.”
Two years on from that loan spell, it's now Empoli who stands to benefit from those "game-winning qualities" as another Chelsea academy graduate heads for the exit door.