All posts by n8rngtd.top

Harry Kane will be asking himself “what have I done to deserve this” after seeing his trophyless run continue at Bayern Munich, says Darren Anderton.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Striker left Tottenham in summer of 2023
• Finished 44-goal season empty-handed
• Chasing down honours with Three Lions

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The prolific England international severed career-long ties with Tottenham in the summer of 2023 in a bid to break his silverware duck. Bundesliga giants were considered to be as close to a guarantee of major honours as it is possible to find, but they ended Kane’s debut campaign in Germany – which delivered 44 goals across all competitions – empty-handed.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  WHAT ANDERTON SAID

  Kane my be feeling a little cursed, but former Spurs star Anderton has – speaking in association with – told GOAL when asked if the 30-year-old frontman will finally get to savour that winning feeling: “You have got to feel sorry for him. What a great guy, what a player, what a loyal player to Spurs for all those years. I don’t blame him. It was almost the easy option to go to Munich, win something and maybe come back. I wish he was there now, the way that Ange [Postecoglou] plays, that would be amazing. I think he will [win a trophy]. I really hope for him that he does. Someone with that much quality, and has done that much as an individual, deserves it. Maybe this summer!”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Quizzed on whether the lack of silverware – alongside the endless questions that said barren spell continues to deliver – will be annoying Kane, ex-Three Lions star Anderton added: “I think it will really annoy him this year, the way it happened. He’s done great at Munich, people in Germany love him, he has been outstanding. But of course Xabi Alonso’s team [Bayer Leverkusen] have come along and done something unthinkable. He must be, inside, saying ‘what have I done to deserve this?’ There’s no doubt that he has got to be thinking that. He is a very level-headed guy, but that’s got to gnaw away at you.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  Kane is currently on Euro 2024 duty with England, as another trophy quest presents itself there. He has registered one goal through three group stage games, but has also faced suggestions of being dropped as Gareth Southgate struggles to find a spark. Anderton said when asked if Kane is the type of player that is never benched, regardless of how they are playing: “It’s a tough one. It’s difficult to bench him, for sure. I think when [Ollie] Watkins came on the other night [against Denmark], and made that little run behind – which is what we have been crying out for – it definitely made people sit up and be like ‘okay, maybe, something different’. Your captain, your goalscorer, I think it’s very difficult to drop him. I’d like to see him do more where he makes those runs in behind, especially if we aren’t going to play an [Anthony] Gordon or someone that will run behind and stretch the pitch, so all of those quality players that we have got can go and play in that hole behind him. At the moment we are very easy to play against, not a lot of movement. I’d say that he has to stay in the team, but I would like to stretch the pitch and ask him to try and do it himself.”

Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson doesn't expect to see a 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo starring for Portugal at the 2026 World Cup.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Ronaldo has failed to score at Euro 2024
• Al Nassr striker facing criticism for 'selfishness'
• Will be 41 in two years' time

• Getty
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  While Ronaldo has already admitted that this will be his final Euros, it's not clear yet whether he intends to lace the boots up at the World Cup in 2026. Yet in the opinion of Ferguson, Ronaldo would struggle to make an impact at the tournament due to the growing demands that would be placed on his 41-year-old body.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It's been a difficult competition for Portugal's Ronaldo, who has cried, screamed and, most notably, failed to score en route to the quarter-finals. The nadir came in the round-of-16 clash against Slovenia, in which Ronaldo seemingly ignored all team elements of football and tried single-handedly to drag the Selecao through, all of which ended with him missing a penalty and apologising to Portugal's fans.

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT FERGUSON SAID

  Father Time remains unbeaten and Ferguson, who helped shape Ronaldo into a superstar at United, doesn't believe the forward will be able to play at the highest level required at the next World Cup.

  When asked if he expects to see Ronaldo at the tournament, Ferguson told : "I can't imagine that. Football will become even faster and more athletic in the coming years. In addition, the space for central strikers will become increasingly smaller. In contrast to defenders, it is more difficult for strikers to play at the highest level when they are older."

  Ferguson did, however, add that he considers Ronaldo to be "one of the greatest players of all time", and doesn't believe he has anything more to prove. "One or two more titles would not mean much to him," said the former United boss. "Because he has had a unique career."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO AND PORTUGAL?

  France await Roberto Martinez's side in a mouth-watering quarter-final matchup on Friday, with the victors just two wins away from European glory. Ronaldo will be desperate to silence those calling for him to be dropped when he comes up against Mbappe and Co.

Leeds United didn't unexpectedly suffer a shock defeat at the hands of Rotherham United on Saturday, Daniel Farke's confident Whites barely breaking a sweat in the end to overcome the lowly visitors to Elland Road 3-0.

It was a dominant display that didn't really need the Leeds defence to be stern and switched on at all times, Leam Richardson's Rotherham only mustering up two shots on target all afternoon.

Still, the likes of Joe Rodon and Archie Gray would have been pleased with tallying up another clean sheet for their respective seasons with Illan Meslier in the Whites goal now onto 12 clean sheets for the campaign.

It's fair to say that Rodon, in particular, has become a major fan's favourite in West Yorkshire this season.

But, with worrying talk suggesting that a deal to land the Tottenham Hotspur man on a permanent transfer might not happen, Farke could turn his attention to the crop of young talent coming through at the club to find a fresh replacement when the loan expires.

Rodon's future replacement at Leeds

Joining in the January transfer window last year from Servette FC out in Switzerland, Diogo Monteiro is a name Leeds fans could well become more familiar with over time.

Described as a "beast in the making" by football scout Ron Dor on social media, even before Leeds decided to pursue a deal for Monteiro, the Portugal U19 international could come into the Whites first team mix soon especially if Rodon heads back to Spurs.

Dazzling Servette fans when he was still at the club with a wide array of intricate passes playing out from the back, this ability to be calm and measured on the ball makes the 6-foot defender very much a plausible successor to Rodon who has been unerringly accurate himself on the ball this season for Leeds.

Making ten appearances in the U21 fold this season in the Premier League 2, Farke could begin to utilise Monteiro in the senior side soon to add more depth in the centre-back areas alongside Liam Cooper and Charlie Cresswell.

The German manager has shown he isn't afraid to push youngsters into the first-team spotlight – evident in 17-year-old Gray continuing to be in his starting side – and Monteiro could well be the next beneficiary of Farke's bold approach.

The latest on Joe Rodon's future at Leeds

A report from Football Insider has revealed in the last few days that Rodon will only be allowed to sign on the dotted line permanently at Elland Road if his current loan club win promotion, ramping up the pressure at Elland Road as a result.

Leeds could really do without losing Rodon if they are unsuccessful in their pursuit of promotion glory, the Welsh defender vital to the Whites cause in a strong back four.

Amassing a ridiculous 154 touches in Leeds' FA Cup replay versus Plymouth Argyle showcases his key presence on the pitch, Farke not hauling off the imposing centre-back despite the game nearly going the full distance at 120 minutes.

Not showing any signs of lethargy or fatigue, Rodon was again imperious against Rotherham a matter of days after the Argyle Cup win – winning five duels in total, not shirking away from battles as an energetic presence.

The Whites will just keep going about their business as they are for the time being, picking up more and more wins even with the prospect of Rodon leaving.

If Rodon does depart, Farke could do far worse than giving Monteiro time to shine and develop on the first-team stage.

Former Manchester City and England star Micah Richards believes Phil Foden's disappointing performances at Euro 2024 are down to a tactical issue.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Foden disappointing at Euro 2024
• Man City star facing criticism
• Richards says Southgate is to blame

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Foden has faced criticism by fans and pundits for his displays for the Three Lions in Germany this summer, with many calling for him to be left out of the starting XI for the semi-final against Netherlands.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Former full-back Richards, however, feels that manager Gareth Southgate's playing style prevents Foden from having the freedom and space to attack the way he wants to, and he does not expect their strategy to change drastically for the upcoming semi-final.

• WHAT RICHARDS SAID

  Referencing Cesc Fabregas' suspicion that he was not being objective about Foden's performances, Richards wrote in a column: "I wasn’t being biased at all, though. I just thought the England team that night was not set up for him to flourish and, four games on, I still feel the same way.

  "Like Harry Kane, there seems to be a lot of criticism of Foden on social media at the moment, with people calling for them both to be dropped for England’s semi-final against the Netherlands.

  "I know they can both play much better than they have done so far in Germany, but I would say the reason they have not been at their best is a tactical issue rather being down to the players themselves.

  "As for dropping them? Absolutely no chance. Fden is still the England player who can open up a defence with a pass, or score a goal, if you give him the right role."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

  On Wednesday, Southgate's Three Lions will take on Ronald Koeman's Netherlands to battle it out for a place in the Euro 2024 final. The winners will meet either France or Spain, who play the other semi-final on Tuesday, in the tournament decider.

The Hawthorns is a positive place to be currently, especially with the news that Shilen Patel has finally become the new owner of West Bromwich Albion alongside the Baggies putting together a decent run of form in the Championship.

West Brom have only lost one of their last five games in the ultra-competitive second tier, with Carlos Corberan's playoff hopefuls aiming to make it make three games without picking up a loss tonight against Coventry City.

Mark Robins' Sky Blues do have promotion aspirations of their own, however, meaning the clash in the West Midlands could be a tasty affair.

Here is what Corberan's predicted XI could look like to take on their tough opponents, with makeshift centre-forward Jed Wallace potentially dropping out for a new striker to lead the line in one of three changes…

1

GK – Alex Palmer

It's almost guaranteed at this point in time that Corberan will stick with Alex Palmer as his number one goalkeeper, with the reliable 27-year-old keeping 15 clean sheets this season to date.

2

RB – Darnell Furlong

Likewise, it will be a no-brainer move for the Spaniard to select his settled right-back option Darnell Furlong for the test of Coventry.

The Baggies number three shone in last weekend's lunchtime kick-off against playoff rivals Hull City, even helping himself to a goal to level the scores at 1-1 whilst also winning seven duels.

3

CB – Cedric Kipre

Cedric Kipre will also be retained for the tricky Coventry clash tonight, with the imposing West Brom number four ever-present this season in the Championship minus one missed game.

There's a reason why Kipre's spot in the heart of defence is so solid, the 27-year-old winning 100% of his aerial duels last time out against the Tigers to halt any dangerous Hull attackers growing in confidence.

4

CB – Semi Ajayi

The first change to the side that battled to a 1-1 draw against Hull on their travels could see Erik Pieters drop out for Semi Ajayi to come in, Corberan looking to gradually bring Ajayi back into the first team fold after an extended period out at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Pieters has performed admirably well at centre-back for the Baggies with further troubles at the back coming from Kyle Bartley being in the treatment room, but West Brom's Nigerian number six will be eager to kick on again in his manager's starting eleven plans ahead of the versatile Dutchman.

5

LB – Conor Townsend

Conor Townsend shouldn't face the chop from Corberan at left-back however, with the 30-year-old defender a regular first-team presence under the Baggies boss this season.

The 6 foot full-back was particularly impressive recently away at Plymouth Argyle, playing his part in West Brom romping back home to the West Midlands with a resounding 3-0 win.

Townsend would notch up two big chances created in Devon when helping his side bomb forward with confidence, on top of losing just one duel all contest at Home Park.

6

CM – Okay Yokuslu

West Brom will need to be well-drilled to overcome the Sky Blues tonight, Corberan's men having to keep the likes of Callum O'Hare at bay throughout the 90 minutes a must.

The level of protection Okay Yokuslu offers the Baggies back four regularly could well see West Brom pull off an effective shut-out of their dangerous second-tier opponents, with the Turkish holding midfielder excellent away at Hull last match playing this role.

The impressive Baggies number 35 would win six duels in total against the Tigers, whilst also displaying an unerring coolness on the ball with just two passes misplaced from 38.

7

CM – Alex Mowatt

Alex Mowatt wasn't quite at his creative best against Hull last match, but the former Leeds United man will be raring to go from minute one at the Hawthorns tonight to try and unlock the Sky Blues with a killer ball.

Onto four assists tallied up in the second tier this season, Mowatt will aim to make it to five against Coventry by putting in a similar performance to his masterclass offered up away at Plymouth.

Mowatt would come away from that 3-0 victory with four key passes registered, assisting Michael Johnson's decisive second goal against the Pilgrims to ensure the three points were heading home to the Hawthorns.

8

RM – Tom Fellows

Tom Fellows continues to go from strength to strength in the West Brom first-team picture currently, the 20-year-old nailing down a starting spot in recent weeks for the promotion chasers.

Bagging the third and final goal away at Plymouth, Fellows was also lively in patches against Hull last weekend – coming away from his 64 minutes on the pitch against the Tigers with a 100% successful dribble rate and two key passes next to his name.

9

CAM – John Swift

The second personnel switch potentially on the horizon could see Grady Diangana axed for John Swift to come into the XI, with the Congolese attacker below-par in the Hull draw.

The unpredictable West Brom number 11 was flat throughout his forgettable 69-minute spell at the MKM Stadium, only amassing 24 touches of the ball and a solitary off-target effort for his troubles.

Whereas, Swift looked more up for the contest when introduced in Diangana's place late into the second 45 minutes. The former Reading attacking midfielder would nearly match Diangana's touch total with 19 managed from just 21 minutes on the pitch, whilst bettering the lacklustre number 11 by firing an on-target effort at Ryan Allsop's goal.

10

LM – Michael Johnston

Michael Johnston has been a revelation ever since switching allegiances from Celtic to West Brom on a short-term loan basis this January, the six-time Republic of Ireland senior international bagging two goals already for the Baggies from just six appearances.

Johnston terrorised the Hull defenders in the lunchtime 1-1 draw, completing all three of his dribbles as a fast-paced menace. Could the skilful left winger give Coventry a similarly tough time tonight, resulting in him picking another West Brom goal?

West Bromwich Albion, even after a tricky first 45 minutes away at fellow Championship side Huddersfield Town, managed to come out on top 4-1 at the John Smith's Stadium owing to a devastating second-half display.

Mikey Johnston continues to endear himself to the Baggies fanbase, the Celtic loanee chipping in with two goals during the eventually one-sided contest, whilst Okay Yokuslu goes from strength to strength in a holding midfield role as well for Carlos Corberan's men off the back of his standout display in West Yorkshire.

Typically dogged and determined in approach to allow his playoff-chasing side to tick, the imposing Turkish midfielder even helped himself to a goal in the victory away from his normal duties with a thunderbolt effort sending the travelling West Brom fans into raptures.

The decision to bring the ex-Trabzonspor man into the building on a permanent deal in 2022 continues to look like an ingenious call, with the Baggies paying nothing to win their now star man's services at the time.

Okay Yokuslu's transfer value at West Brom

Once on the books at West Brom as a loanee at the back end of the 2020/21 season, the West Midlands outfit probably couldn't believe their luck when they ended up winning Yokuslu's services on a free transfer.

He has since gone on to become an important part of the Corberan jigsaw puzzle after being initially signed by Steve Bruce, with the forceful 30-year-old midfielder ever-present for large portions of this season to date – making 36 appearances in the second tier in total.

It has resulted in Yokuslu's transfer value rising all the way up to a hefty €3.5m (£2.9m) as per Football Transfers, which sees the West Brom number 35 come in as the second most valuable member of the squad currently according.

His inflated value also sees him rank as a more valuable player than Brandon Thomas-Asante, despite the Baggies striker leading the goalscoring charts at the Hawthorns this season with ten goals.

Surprisingly, Yokuslu – despite hammering home with venom against Huddersfield last match – only has that solitary goal next to his name this season and could well look to kick on for the remainder of the campaign to prove his worth to the Baggies promotion cause.

Alongside the likes of seasoned first-teamers Darnell Furlong and Conor Townsend, who sit just below Yokuslu in terms of their market value, the experienced West Brom side will hope they can push through to the Premier League even if the nail-biting playoffs come their way.

Okay Yokuslu's continued importance

Corberan and Co will just be relieved that they didn't cash in on their Turkish star in January in the end, with reported suitors from his native country sniffing around before the close of the transfer window.

Instead, Yokuslu will hope he can continue to lead by example in holding midfield as a tough but impactful presence for the promotion-chasers on their way to glory being achieved.

The 30-year-old would shine rolling his sleeves up by winning four tackles too in the comprehensive Terriers win, on top of finding the back of the net with confidence.

West Brom star who won seven duels was as good as Johnston v Huddersfield

West Bromwich Albion romped to a big win over Huddersfield Town courtesy of this top star.

By
Kelan Sarson

Mar 10, 2024

Yokuslu's transfer value could well skyrocket even further if he does end up being one of many heroes in the West Brom camp that enable the West Midlands outfit to return to the top flight, with the 30-year-old loving life under Corberan currently.

Considering he was picked up on a free transfer, it cannot be doubted that West Brom sealed a golden deal by signing Yokuslu when they did.

Manchester United could allow Antony to leave the club on loan this summer as part of a squad overhaul, but only on their terms.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Antony available on loan deal
• Five players in last year of contract up for transfer
• Casemiro can also go for the right price

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  A report from suggests that any club willing to pay £70,000 ($90,500) per week to cover Antony's wages can have the Brazilian for the duration of the 2024-25 campaign. It suggests the Old Trafford hierarchy aren't quite ready to sever ties with their second most expensive signing of all-time, who has fallen well short of justifying his immense 2022 price tag, but it speaks of a wider ruthlessness when it comes to decision-making.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The same report notes that Casemiro, Harry Maguire, Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof are all available for transfer this summer if a suitable offer is made. Casemiro has two years left on his contract, while the others are already in the final year of their respective deals. A longstanding Glazer policy where players would be kept, rather than moved on and replaced due to the balance of costs, is seemingly ending under the new sporting hierarchy.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  United have already raised around £40 million ($51.7m) in player sales this summer through the departures of Mason Greenwood, Willy Kambwala, Donny van de Beek and Alvaro Fernandez.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  With Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro signed for just shy of £90m ($116m) so far – before add-ons – further sales are almost certainly needed to boost the budget again. United remain in the market for another centre-back and will likely need significant reinforcement in central midfield if all the players who they are looking to move on actually leave.

Liverpool have an "agreement" in place with a key figure to join Michael Edwards after he agreed a return to the club, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Michael Edwards agrees Liverpool return

The Reds may be facing the nightmare of losing Jurgen Klopp at the end of the season, in a decision that few people saw coming, but there is now positive news for supporters to celebrate.

On Monday, it was reported that Edwards has agreed to return to Liverpool in a new role, having shone as sporting director alongside Klopp for a number of years, gaining a reputation as one of the best in the business in his job.

Club "rubbing their hands together" at Liverpool's interest in their star

He has been hailed as a “Rolls-Royce” of a footballer.

By
Henry Jackson

Mar 12, 2024

The Guardian's Andy Hunter has said that the Englishman will "head the club's football operations", enjoying even more responsibilities than before, showing how highly owners FSG rate him. Meanwhile, The Telegraph's Chris Bascombe has provided more on the re-hiring of Edwards, saying in his report:

“Luring Edwards back to Liverpool is a coup for FSG, and ends a prolonged period of negotiation led by John W. Henry and Michael Gordon. Gordon, another vital component moving forward who remains in charge of club strategy, was determined to bring Edwards back and considered it of paramount importance given the huge void that will be left by Klopp."

Edwards will no doubt be keen to get to work as quickly as possible, ahead of what could be such a busy period surrounding Klopp's exit, and it looks as though he is focusing on one primary job to begin with.

Liverpool have another "agreement" alongside Edwards

According to Romano on X, Liverpool have an "agreement" to bring in Richard Hughes as the club's new sporting director, with the transfer ace currently in that role at Bournemouth until the summer:

The return of Edwards is such fantastic news for anyone of a Liverpool persuasion, considering the esteem he was held in first time around, proving to be a transfer wizard who is credited with being the brains behind so many signings, from Mohamed Salah to Sadio Mane. For example, he convinced Klopp that the Reds should sign Salah instead of Julian Brandt in the summer of 2017, even though the Liverpool boss was keen to snap up the latter, seeing him as the better option.

The fact that Edwards has pinpointed Hughes as his ideal sporting director to come in with him says so much about his own ability, with the former Portsmouth midfielder impressing on the south coast, and Bournemouth owner Bill Foley has called him "outstanding".

When it comes to both incomings and outgoings, the 44-year-old has been the brains behind some great pieces of business for the Cherries, including Nathan Ake, Dominic Solanke and Callum Wilson, with Solanke proving to be a masterstroke of a signing from Liverpool in 2019.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has officially become the latest big name to join the Saudi Pro League as he signs for Al-Qadsiah.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Aubameyang makes the move to Saudi Pro League
• Joins newly promoted Al-Qadsiah on a two-year deal
• Leaves Marseille after just one season with the club

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Premier League striker had a wonderful season with Marseille as his 30-goal campaign led the club to the Europa League semi-final. However, the rest of the side struggled and the club missed out on European football as they finished 8th in Ligue 1 despite the Gabonese striker's 17 goals in the league.

Advertisement

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Aubameyang has now secured a move to Al-Qadsiah on a two-year deal and will join former Real Madrid defender Nacho and Koen Casteels from Wolfsburg as the club's third signing of the season from Europe's top five leagues.

• (C)GettyImages
  

  WHAT AUBAMEYANG SAID

  On Instagram, Aubameyang wrote an emotional message as he said: "THANK YOU MARSEILLE!

  "It’s been an emotional year and I’d like to thank the whole club, the staff, my team-mates and our supporters.

  "You’ve made me stronger and these memories with you will stay with me forever.

  "As you know, I’ve always followed my father’s advice, which has helped me to become the player I am, so we’ve made this decision for the rest of my career. It’s time for me to start a new chapter."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• WHAT NEXT FOR AUBAMEYANG?

  The former Barcelona striker will now make the move to the Saudi club as he will look to begin pre-season training with the newly promoted side.

RB Leipzig will reject Barcelona's new offer for Dani Olmo, despite the Spaniard's desire to move to Camp Nou.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Leipzig knock back Barcelona bid
• Worth over €50m (£42m/$54m)
• Barcelona remain upbeat in pursuit

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Barcelona tabled a second bid for Olmo worth €50m and €15m (£13m/$16m) in add-ons. Barca have given up on a deal to sign Nico Williams and are focusing on the Leipzig playmaker, but the Bundesliga club are unwilling to allow a deal at such a price, per

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Leipzig are unhappy with both the fee being proposed and the payment structure. They would prefer a deal where they are guaranteed €55m (£46m/$59m) and want the majority of it this summer. Barcelona are unable to match that demand at present.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Olmo remains Barca's top target and the Catalan giants are said to remain hopeful they will be able to strike a deal. It is unclear if Leipzig have set any sort of deadline for negotiations to conclude.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• (C)Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  Barcelona are continuing preparations for the new season. They will face Real Madrid on Sunday in a friendly version of El Clasico… or so they hope.