Yunus Musah made history Monday evening, becoming the youngest-ever USMNT player to 33 caps before their 21st birthday.
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Chelsea star Raheem Sterling is reportedly going to have a panic room built at his new house after a spate of break-ins at footballers' homes.
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Alessia Russo has been honoured with Freedom of Maidstone for her heroics with England as the Arsenal star aims to "inspire the next generation".
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Manchester City have been crowned champions of England again after a dramatic final day 3-2 victory over Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.
Ten years on from Sergio Aguero’s dramatic smash-and grab-winner at home to Queen’s Park Rangers, which gave the Sky Blues their first Premier League crown, City have somehow repeated those heroics this afternoon.
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Steven Gerrard, who may have seemed fated to help his former club Liverpool with a result at Eastlands, was close to doing so after Villa found themselves two goals ahead courtesy of strikes from Matty Cash and Philippe Coutinho.
Cityzens could have been forgiven for thinking that the title had slipped out of Guardiola’s grasp, but much like what happened a decade ago, the script was far from written.
The inspired introduction of Ilkay Gundogan seemingly turned the game on its head as the German opened City floodgates with his header at the back post on 76 minutes. Just moments later, long-distance specialist Rodri slotted a brilliant finish past Robin Olsen from outside the area, gifting supporters in the ground hope of a 93:20-esque sequel.
In ensuring that the crown was back in City’s hands, Gundogan found himself at the back post yet again soon after, tapping home his side’s 3-2 advantage and sealing one of the best final day comebacks in football history.
City legend and all-time top scorer Aguero, a man who knows all about title-winning drama, sent a candid five-word message to the club and their supporters after their phenomenal end to the 2021/22 campaign.
The Argentine said on Twitter: “Campeones campeones , I love you.”
City and Liverpool were locked in one of the fiercest races for domestic glory that supporters are ever likely to see, with barely anything separating Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp for the second time in four seasons after a similarly close-run finish in 2018/19.
While the latter can look forward to a Champions League final next weekend, safe in the knowledge that he has also won a domestic double this year, Sky Blues supporters will be more than satisfied with a near-carbon copy of the 93:20 heroics today which will live long in the memory.
In other news: Pep blown away by ‘phenomenal’ £25 million man as Man City become main bidders to sign him…find out more here.
Rumoured Liverpool transfer target Aurelien Tchouameni is believed to have ‘reached an agreement’ with the Reds and will decide between Merseyside and Madrid in the next 72 hours, according to an update from France.
The Reds are expected to dip into the midfield market this summer with players like Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Thiago all now into their thirties, and one player they have been continually linked with signing is Tchouameni.
The youngster has already become one of Monaco’s most influential players, winning 2.2 aerial duels and 2.5 tackles per game in Ligue 1 this season and standing out with his all-round game in midfield, ranking as the club’s leading performer by average match rating.
Real Madrid are also believed to be working hard on acquiring Tchouameni’s signature, however, so Liverpool are far from guaranteed to get their man.
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According to RMC Sport [via Sport Witness], both Liverpool and Madrid have ‘reached an agreement’ with the 22-year-old, with the two clubs ‘negotiating’ with Monaco currently.
It is claimed that Tchouameni will ‘make his choice’ over who he will join before the end of the week, which leaves him just three days to decide.
Paris Saint-Germain are looking to make a late move but that looks unlikely.
It looks set to be a huge battle between Liverpool and Madrid, with Tchouameni simply having to decide which club appeals the most to him.
While the La Liga champions are clearly a mouthwatering proposition for most players, they are still not operating at the Reds’ level currently, regardless of what happens in the Champions League final.
In Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool also have arguably the best manager in the world at the moment, and Tchouameni, dubbed ‘out of this world’ by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, could become a midfield monster working alongside him at Anfield.
It is tough to guess what decision the Frenchman will make, but if he chooses Liverpool, it could prove to be an exceptional piece of business.
In other news, Fabrizio Romano has shared a key Liverpool update. Read more here.
Liverpool are interested in making an audacious move for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez in the summer transfer window, according to a new report.
The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the most highly-rated young strikers in Europe, having caught the eye with some sensational performances for Benfica.
Nunez ended the season with an incredible 26 goals in just 24 Primeira Liga starts, also finding the net six times in the Champions League, including two efforts against Liverpool.
The Reds have been linked with a move for the Uruguayan in the recent past and it appears as though their interest hasn’t gone away.
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According to Record [via Sport Witness], Liverpool and Real Madrid are both battling to sign Nunez, with the winner of the Champions League final potentially proving key.
It is claimed that he is ‘on their radar’ ahead of a possible summer move and that while Benfica are demanding a whopping €100million (£85m) for his services, the Reds are ‘aware’ of the price, implying they are willing to pay it.
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With Sadio Mane strongly linked with a move to Bayern Munich, it could be that Liverpool are already looking at replacements for the Senegalese superstar.
Nunez could fit the bill to perfection, admittedly costing a huge amount of money but arguably justifying it, given his long-term potential and record of 47 goals in 84 appearances for Benfica, as well as an ability to play left-wing or up front, just like Mane.
Jurgen Klopp himself has described Nunez as a ‘top, top boy’, suggesting that he admires him greatly as a player, and he could be the next Uruguayan superstar after Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.
In other news, one Liverpool player has committed his future to the club. Find out who it is here.
Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Reims striker Hugo Ekitike is now open to becoming Newcastle United’s first signing of the summer window.
According to a Sky Sports report from January, the Magpies had a bid worth up to £33m accepted by Reims for the 19-year-old.
On deadline day, Ekitike called off the Premier League move, as the young striker believed the timing wasn’t right for a move (via 90min).
However, Newcastle have seemingly been pushing on with negotiations ever since, and the player himself has now given the deal the green light.
Taking to Twitter, the transfer guru shared the news of a major breakthrough concerning Newcastle’s pursuit of the forward.
“Hugo Ekitike has agreed a five year deal with Newcastle. Now it’s about final details to be discussed with Reims before deal completed.
“Talented French striker was in BVB list but Newcastle have been pushing for months after January negotiations.”
With the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain having been linked with a move for the youngster, Ekitike’s potential should be clear to see.
Earning comparisons to global superstar Kylian Mbappe and French legend David Trezeguet, the 19-year-old’s arrival at St. James’ Park will be one of the most exciting incomings that the club has seen in recent years.
Fans will be hoping that the final details of the deal can be agreed smoothly, so the Frenchman can join up with Eddie Howe’s side as soon as possible.
In other news: Newcastle United: Magpies send scouts to watch Ben Nelson
PIF enjoyed an excellent first transfer window in charge of Newcastle United back in January as their deals helped to propel the team out of danger.
The Magpies secured safety in the Premier League and the likes of Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Matt Targett and Bruno Guimaraes played a big role in that.
However, the £25m signing of Chris Wood from Burnley was not as successful as the others. The New Zealand international struggled for form as he scored twice – once from open play – in 17 league outings for Eddie Howe’s side.
Howe can now axe the flop, who averaged an unimpressive WhoScored rating of 6.72, instantly by securing a deal for a new number nine to come in and take his place in the team.
One striker who has recently been linked with a switch to St. James’ Park is Napoli centre-forward Victor Osimhen, with Bayern Munich also keen on him.
The Italian side value him at up to £94m (€100m) and it remains to be seen how much the Magpies are willing to offer for his services.
Whilst Wood faltered in front of goal, Osimhen flourished as he plundered 18 goals in 26 starts in the Serie A and Champions League combined.
He scored 14 goals in 23 starts in the Italian top-flight and averaged a sublime WhoScored rating of 7.22, which shows that he is a consistent goalscorer and is able to produce quality performances week-in-week-out.
At the age of 23, the Nigerian international also has the scope to develop further and improve time, whereas Wood is at the other end of his career at the age of 30.
Emmet Gates dubbed Osimhen’s potential as “frightening” and former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo backed that up, saying:
“He’s the future, he’s going to do so well in football. I love him, he’s down to earth, he’s hard-working, he has a future and he has the mentality of a winner, that’s what I love about him.
“He has that lion’s heart. I love him, I just want him to keep working hard the way he’s doing, he’s going to break so many records in Europe and Nigeria.”
The Napoli predator can, therefore, a big upgrade on Wood both in terms of what he can offer in the short and long-term.
He has shown that he is a prolific scorer, unlike the Burnley man, and the overall standard of his displays have been sitting at a higher level. Throw in the fact that he is seven years younger than the Toon flop and it seems like he would be a fantastic replacement for Howe to bring in.
AND in other news, “In talks…”: Fabrizio Romano delivers NUFC transfer claim that’ll delight supporters…
An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United and their pursuit of Sven Botman in the summer transfer window…
The Northern Echo reporter Scott Wilson has revealed that the Magpies are leading the race to land the defender ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
He tweeted: “Lille tell Sven Botman he won’t be joining AC Milan unless Italians significantly increase their offer, but at the moment, that’s where he wants to go. #NUFC still in strong position – with much more lucrative deal on the table…”
Wilson then added: “The question now becomes how long #NUFC want to wait. I’m told it’s not a case of Botman refusing to join Newcastle, more than Milan have turned his head. As things stand though, Newcastle’s is only offer Lille would accept. And by some distance.”
Newcastle supporters will surely be excited by this claim, as it suggests that the club are in a great position to land the defender this summer.
Whilst his head may have been turned by Milan, the Italian club will not be able to sign him unless they can agree a deal with Lille. At this moment in time, the Serie A giants look unlikely to do so given the ‘significant’ gap between their bid and Newcastle’s.
This would leave Botman with little choice but to join the Magpies, as he would not have the option of being able to sign for Milan. However, he could opt to stay in France before sealing a move in a future transfer window.
Fans will be buzzing with the prospect of him signing for Eddie Howe’s side, as he is a brilliant young defender who has proven his quality at the top level.
In 2021/22, the Dutchman averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.10 in Ligue 1 as he showcased his ability on a consistent basis. This comes after he averaged a rating of 7.08 in his debut campaign for Lille, helping them to win the Ligue 1 title.
He has the quality to deliver impressive performances week in, week out, while at the age of 22, he has plenty of years left ahead of him to continue his development.
Botman has more gears to go through and he could improve whilst working with Howe on Tyneside, which means that he would be a terrific signing in the short run and the long-term. Therefore, Newcastle fans will be excited by this latest update and will be hoping that the club can now get a deal over the line…
AND in other news, NUFC in the mix to sign “frightening” £528k-p/w “freak of nature”, Howe would love him…
Aston Villa have proven themselves as the early market frontrunners so far this summer, having already confirmed four new arrivals in recent weeks, notably sealing the high-profile captures of both Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos, despite rival interest.
Not content with those incomings, however, it would seem that manager Steven Gerrard and sporting director Johan Lange are plotting further reinforcements prior to the start of next season, with one source suggesting that there could be at least three more fresh faces through the door in the current window.
Amid that hunt for quality additions, one name that has emerged as a possible target is Club Brugge starlet Noa Lang, with the former Ajax man having been tipped to make the move to Villa Park by respected scout and coach, David Webb – as per The Athletic.
Dubbed a “player that would excel in the Premier League” by Webb, the 22-year-old has become hot property following his sparkling form in Belgium in recent times, with the Dutchman notably starring in his side’s 1-1 draw with a star-studded Paris Saint-Germain outfit in the Champions League back in September.
That display not only thrust the three-cap international into wider focus, but it also saw him earn comparisons to one of his opponents on the day, Neymar, with that nod a marker of just what a talent he is.
While the aforementioned Brazilian can at times frustrate for his theatrics and apparent lack of commitment to the cause for an entire campaign, the 30-year-old has for so long dazzled at the elite level, winning a plethora of major honours and proving a talismanic figure for his country – for whom he now has 74 goals in 119 games.
To be compared then to the mercurial gem is a sign of just how special Lang is, with the £20k-per-week “assist machine” – as he has been labelled by Leeds reporter Graham Smyth – seemingly destined to make his mark at the highest level.
Despite his youth, the 5 foot 10 playmaker – who could reportedly cost in the region of £21m – has already recorded some remarkable numbers for his current side, racking up 52 goal contributions in just 85 games in all competitions, notably scoring seven times and registering 12 assists in the league alone last term.
Praised for his “individual quality” by former Belgium international Wesley Sonck, Lang would seemingly be able to add increased creative quality to a Villa squad already full of attacking talent, with it a mouthwatering prospect to imagine him lining up alongside former Barcelona man, Philippe Coutinho.
The 29-year-old has for so long featured alongside Neymar at international level, with Gerrard able to replicate that duo at Villa Park next term, were he to pursue a deal for the immensely talented young forward.
Like the PSG man, Lang is also comfortable off either flank and can even operate in an attacking midfield role if required – as noted by Webb – with his ability to unlock the door making him a key asset for any side.
As the Villans plot to improve upon last term’s disappointing 14th place finish, having their own Neymar in their ranks would no doubt help to steer them into European contention.
IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior