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Gary Neville says the delay over a verdict on Manchester City's 115 charges case is a "disgrace" and a "stain" on football.

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• Man City hit with 115 charges
• Wait for verdict stretches on
• Neville calls delay a "disgrace"

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  City were first charged with breaching the Premier League's financial rules in February 2023 before a hearing ran from September to December last year to determine what the punishment, if any, should be. A verdict has repeatedly been delayed, something Manchester United legend Neville believes is an "absolute joke".

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  WHAT NEVILLE SAID

  He said on The Overlap Fan Debate: "That Manchester City case is a disgrace; it’s an absolute stain to the game. I have a lot of admiration for City, but I don’t buy into this theory that clubs do really well, and City have, but it is still a stain to the game. It has just been dragging on for years and years, it’s an absolute joke. Yes, City have been defending themselves, but they’ve been pushing it so far into the long grass that you end up losing the will to live on it and you forget about it. It just needs to be dealt with.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Football fans are growing increasingly annoyed at how long this is taking, with many fearing that City will get off scot-free. Conversely, Everton and Nottingham Forest received punishments for financial breaches in a matter of months, but these criminal charges against City are taking a lot longer to sort out. The longer this goes on, the worse this looks for the Premier League.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  City boss Pep Guardiola previously said a verdict will happen by March but that time has come and gone, and now reports suggest this could drag on until next season or even 2026.

The race for survival is heating up in the Premier League. Wolverhampton Wanderers are currently on 19 points after 24 games, just 21 points away from the magical 40-point total that is thought to all but guarantee a side safety in the top-flight for another season.

The Old Gold will need their big stars to turn up in the final few months of the season. Matheus Cunha will be key, as will Rayan Ait-Nouri. This could be their last few games in a Wolves shirt, given both could leave in the summer. They were linked with a move away in January, too.

Vitor Pereira will also be hoping his January signings can put in some big performances in their fight for survival. New midfielder Marshall Munetsi will be a key player.

Munetsi’s January move to Wolves

The Old Gold signed Zimbabwean midfielder Munetsi on deadline day of the 2025 January transfer window. The 28-year-old signed from French outfit Stade Reims, with the transfer fee reported to be £17m.

His record for the Ligue 1 outfit is impressive. Munetsi pulled on the Reims shirt 159 times in total, scoring 21 goals and grabbing 14 assists. He is a versatile player, able to play all over the midfield, as a number six, a number eight or even a number ten.

So far, the midfielder has played once for the Old Gold, with his debut coming in the FA Cup, a 24-minute cameo against Championship side Blackburn Rovers.

So, although it is early days, the signs that Munetsi might become an excellent player for the Old Gold are certainly positive ones. He could be a huge figure in their battle for Premier League survival.

However, it might have the Wolves fans reminiscing about a former midfielder who has become a brilliant player of his own and is worth far more than the £17m they paid for Munetsi.

The former Wolves midfielder worth more than Munetsi

It has been a rapid rise to the top for former Wolves loanee Vitinha. Now thriving at Paris Saint Germain, the Portugal international made the move to Molineux on a season-long loan in the 2020/21 campaign. The deal had a buy option, but they did not activate it.

It is fair to say that things did not necessarily work out for the Portuguese midfielder. He played 22 times in all competitions for the club, managing just one goal and one assist. His sole strike was a sublime FA Cup fourth-round winning goal way to non-league Chorley.

Since playing for the Old Gold, Vitinha has made a real name for himself at PSG in their midfield. He has played 125 times for the club, managing 16 goals and ten assists including 11 goal involvements in Ligue 1 last term.

He is also a full international with Portugal, and was a key member of their Euro 2024 squad alongside the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo, grabbing three assists in the tournament. He has 25 caps for his country so far.

The “maestro”, as Statman Dave described him, is now worth far more than what Wolves paid for Munetsi. According to Football Transfers, Vitinha is valued at £51.4m, which is 202% more than the fee that their new midfielder cost them.

In fact, if that wasn’t enough, he was also incredibly nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

The stats on Squawka suggest this is a fair gap in valuation, too. Using data from the 2023/24 Ligue 1 season, the Portugal star ranked above Munetsi in many metrics, including chances created, with 1.5 compared to 0.5 per game.

On reflection, the Old Gold might be kicking themselves that they didn’t get the most out of Vitinha during his time at Molineux. Given his value now, and how much more he is worth compared to Munetsi, he could have been a key man in Pereira’s midfield.

Wolves might wish they had just activated the buy option in Vitinha’s loan deal because they could have had a superb, and expensive, player on their hands.

Wolves must rue selling big-money star who is now outperforming Ait-Nouri

This former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder continues to shine away from Molineux.

By
Kelan Sarson

Feb 12, 2025

Bouanga and LAFC edged favorite Club America in a dramatic playoff win to enter FIFA's highly-anticipated tournament

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• Bouanga winner books LAFC's ticket to Club World Cup
• America falter down the stretch
• Jesus scored game-tying goal in 89th minute

Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream now

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  TELL ME MORE

  Los Angeles FC are heading to the Club World Cup – and they’re $10 million richer – after a stunning 2-1 extra-time upset over Club América.

  América entered the match as the favorite, but LAFC represented MLS well. The hosts tested America's goalkeeper Luis Malagón early with a close-range shot on target and threatened repeatedly on the counter. Still, began to impose their will after the break, building momentum and pushing possession above 60 percent. Then, disaster struck for the in the 63rd minute.

  Erick Sánchez broke into the box and fired a shot just as Mark Delgado came flying in to block. The LAFC midfielder clipped Sánchez’s leg after the attempt, and the referee pointed to the spot. Former LAFC star Brian Rodríguez coolly converted the penalty to give Club América the lead.

  But the late introduction of Olivier Giroud would shift the tide. The Frenchman, still finding his footing in MLS, used his size and instincts to spark the attack. He forced two point-blank saves from Malagón, nearly set up Denis Bouanga for an equalizer, and earned a corner that would prove decisive.

  Club América’s grip weakened following a mass substitution, including the exit of U.S. international Alejandro Zendejas. LAFC pounced. Igor Jesus capitalized on some sloppy defending to score his first goal for the club and level the match at the 89th minute. The hosts followed with a flurry of corners, two of which fell to rising young attacker David Martínez – both efforts sailing high into the stands.

  In extra time, LAFC were largely on the back foot. But in the 115th minute, one final counter delivered the knockout blow. Bouanga, still flying after 90-plus minutes of action, sprinted past his defender and slotted a precise finish past Malagón in a one-on-one. América couldn’t muster a response with five minutes left – sealing the victory for LAFC.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  LAFC celebrated not only the win but the record $10 million purse in what was dubbed the most expensive club match in North American history. Their next reward? A date with recent Europa Conference League winners Chelsea FC, which Giroud starred for from 2018-21, in the Club World Cup on June 16.

• THE MVP: DENIS BOUANGA

  LAFC had no shortage of heroes on the night. Jesus leveled the match late. Timothy Tillman was a ball-winning machine, making crucial tackle after crucial tackle. Giroud changed the game with his presence and athleticism.

  But make no mistake, LAFC doesn't win this match without Bouanga.

  The 30-year-old was electric from the first whistle and covered every blade of grass across all 120 minutes. Even as Club América keyed in on him defensively, Bouanga never let up. His 115th-minute winner was a deserved payoff for a performance that easily could’ve included another goal or assist.

  After helping LAFC win the 2022 MLS Cup and now delivering in the CWC playoff, Bouanga should be considered an icon in . That’s how monumental this performance – and his impact over the past three years – has been.

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  THE BIG LOSER: ANDRE JARDINE

  Delgado would have walked away with this had LAFC lost, but in a game of tight margins, America boss Andre Jardine will have questions asked of him.

  In particular, his decision to make several substitutions right before a corner for LAFC in the 88th minute cost as they conceded immediately after. While he can point to some of the injuries on America – especially lead striker Henry Martin – as reasons why the team lost, America still had the edge due to their depth and higher payroll.

  Also, America struggled to score throughout the Liga MX playoffs – why weren't there better adjustments made?

One high-profile manager has hinted that he is open to managing Rangers in the future, as those at Ibrox search for Philippe Clement’s long-term successor.

Rangers manager rumours

The Gers decided to bring in former captain Barry Ferguson until the end of the season after parting ways with the Belgian.

However, in the Scottish Premiership, things didn’t go to plan for Ferguson in his first game in charge at Ibrox last weekend. Ferguson’s side lost to Motherwell, however, the ex-skipper can improve his chances of getting the Rangers job on a full-time basis with a positive result against Celtic next weekend.

Top target: 49ers and Rangers now want "excellent" 4-4-2 manager at Ibrox

He’s looking for a job.

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By
Charlie Smith

Mar 5, 2025

It isn’t just Ferguson who has been mentioned as a target for Rangers, with likely new owners the 49ers Enterprises on the manager hunt after agreeing a deal in principle to own the Scottish giants.

Derek McInnes of Kilmarnock and former Huddersfield Town boss David Wagner were two early names mentioned with the long-term Ibrox vacancy, and recently, it has been claimed that Rangers and the 49ers have made Rafael Benitez the preferred managerial target.

The Spaniard has been out of work for 12 months now after leaving Celta Vigo but is keen to return to the dugout, and another experienced name has also hinted at a move to Scotland, but not immediately.

Mourinho hints at managing Rangers in future

Rangers are currently halfway through their Europa League last 16 tie with Fenerbahce, with Ferguson coming up against iconic manager Jose Mourinho.

During the first leg in Turkey, Ferguson got the better of Mourinho, with Rangers taking a 3-1 advantage into the second leg after an opening goal from Cyriel Dessers and a brace from Vaclav Cerny.

The former Real Madrid, Chelsea and Man Utd boss was asked about the chances of managing in Scotland in the future, and appeared to be open to a move down the line, saying ‘why not?’

“In this moment, no, because I have a job. It’s a job that motivates me and demands loyalty. But why not in the future? People can say the Scottish league is a league of two teams, but it is a league of passion. Passion in football is everything.

“To play in empty stadiums and competitions where there is not that fire of the passion does not make any sense.

“Celtic and Rangers are two big clubs with incredible history also in Europe. I have lots of respect. They are big clubs with big fan bases, expectations. Celtic has a fantastic coach in Brendan [Rodgers]. Rangers has Ferguson now and I am not searching for a new job.”

Mourinho, who plays a 3-5-2 system and has been called “outstanding”, currently has Fenerbahce second in the Super Lig, four points behind Galatasaray. He also has a 100% record against Rangers’ rivals, Celtic, beating them in the 2003 UEFA Cup final with FC Porto to win his first European trophy.

The two-time Champions League winner was only appointed last summer and has a contract until 2026, but a move down the line to Glasgow could be one to watch.

The Manchester City target and the Real Madrid ace scared the life out of La Roja, but Les Bleus' poor defence cost them a shot at the title

France nearly pulled off an incredible comeback in a 5-4 Nations League semi-final loss to Spain in a game for the ages on Thursday.

Didier Deschamps' men started the game brightly, as Theo Hernandez fired narrowly over the crossbar, before another one of the left-back's shots rifled off the woodwork. Somewhat against the run of play, though, Spain took the lead when Mikel Oyarzabal neatly laid the ball off to Nico Williams, who leathered a shot past Mike Maignan in the 22nd minute.

Just three minutes later it was 2-0 when Oyarzabal's lofted through ball found its way to Mikel Merino, who slotted past Maignan with aplomb from 10 yards. France were, however, still working Unai Simon, with Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Kylian Mbappe bringing smart stops out of the Spanish goalkeeper.

The Euro 2024 winners looked to have put the game to bed shortly before the break with a terrific team move from a free-kick, which was volleyed in by Dean Huijsen, but the new Real Madrid recruit was offside in the build-up..

The tie did seem well and truly over when Adrien Rabiot clumsily brought down Lamine Yamal in the box, and the Barcelona wonderkid rolled in the subsequent spot-kick in the 54th minute. In truth, though, it was only just beginning. France were crumbling in front of the capacity crowd's eyes as La Roja ruthlessly cut their defence to ribbons, with Pedri dinking home for 4-0 just sixty seconds later. But Les Bleus were given a crumb of comfort when Mbappe won and converted his own penalty just before the hour mark in an end-to-end contest.

Paris Saint-Germain talent Doue nearly curled in a sumptuous effort as France threatened to stage an unlikely revival, only for Yamal's instinctive toe-poked finish to make it 5-1 and restore Spain's hefty cushion.

Dembele's strike then hit the post from a very tight angle, before substitute and Manchester City target Rayan Cherki reduced his team's arrears with a brilliant volleyed finish 12 minutes from time. This rollercoaster of an encounter kept getting wilder when Dani Vivian turned in Malo Gusto's low cross in the 84th minute to set up an intriguing finale.

Nations League holders Spain had well and truly switched off when Randal Kolo Muani headed home Cherki's teasing cross in the 93rd minute, but it wasn't enough as Luis de la Fuente's side just about held on to edge an all-time classic. Spain will now face Portugal in the Nations League final, whereas France take on Germany in the third/fourth play-off.

GOAL rates France's players from MHP Arena…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Mike Maignan (5/10):

  The AC Milan stopper didn't do much wrong as he made some good saves but he saw five shots fly past him on a crazy night for the French.

  Pierre Kalulu (4/10):

  The 25-year-old did not have the best of birthdays as he was ball-watching for Spain's opener, and while he got forward well, he was part of a very shaky-looking defence.

  Ibrahima Konate (3/10):

  Without Liverpool team-mate Virgil van Dijk alongside him, the centre-back looked very wobbly.

  Clement Lenglet (3/10):

  The Atletico Madrid loanee was caught out on a number of occasions by Spain's rapid attack and is not likely to start for France again anytime soon off the back of this display.

  Theo Hernandez (3/10):

  Spain repeatedly targeted his side of the pitch, with the AC Milan man seemingly more intent on attacking than defending. Will be having nightmares about Yamal.

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  Midfield

  Manu Kone (3/10):

  The game seemed to pass him by. He and his French midfield team-mates were completely overrun and outplayed.

  Adrien Rabiot (3/10):

  Looked a bit old and slow at times, plus he conceded a penalty against Euro 2024 foe Yamal.

  Michael Olise (5/10):

  The Bayern Munich attacker has enjoyed a great season for the Bundesliga giants but he wasn't given much of a sniff tonight.

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  Attack

  Ousmane Dembele (7/10):

  The PSG talisman was a threat throughout the game and on another day could have had a hat-trick.

  Kylian Mbappe (8/10):

  Kept on plugging away and deserved his goal from the penalty spot but the Real Madrid attacker was let down by many of his team-mates.

  Desire Doue (6/10):

  There is clearly a very good player there and wasn't far from bagging a brace on the night but wasn't quite clinical enough.

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  Subs & Manager

  Rayan Cherki (8/10):

  Scored a stunning goal off the bench to kickstart his team's second-half revival and bagged a delicious assist, too.

  Bradley Barcola (7/10):

  His pace gave Pedro Porro all sorts of problems.

  Malo Gusto (7/10):

  The Chelsea player was solid at the back and played his part in France's third.

  Lucas Hernandez (5/10):

  Provided a bit more security for France's leaky backline.

  Randal Kolo Muani (7/10):

  Popped up with a centre-forward's goal with a nice header at the death.

  Didier Deschamps (5/10):

  His lineup was a risky one, especially at the back, and it was a decision that did not pay off in the slightest. His substitutes had an impact but tactically, France were all over the place for too long.

It’s been a bruising season for Tottenham Hotspur this year.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are in the second half of the Premier League table, out of both domestic cups and are currently a goal down in their Europa League clash with AZ Alkmaar.

The good news is that there are only a couple more months of the campaign left before Daniel Levy and Co can carry on their overhaul of the squad.

One of the players they are likely to go back in for is Crystal Palace’s incredibly talented Marc Guehi, and while he’d be an excellent addition to the squad, the club already have a key defensive player worth millions more.

Why Spurs want to sign Guehi

On transfer deadline day last month, Spurs made a surprise bid of £70m to sign Guehi, but with no time to bring in a suitable replacement, Palace quickly rejected it.

It’s fair to say that had the deal gone through, it would have been somewhat of an overpay, but that doesn’t mean the Englishman would have been a bad signing.

In fact, the former Chelsea man would be an excellent addition to the Lilywhites squad for a couple of reasons, with the first being his experience.

Despite still being just 24 years old, the 6 foot titan has already amassed 205 first-team appearances across his career, with 144 of those coming for Palace, 59 with Swansea City and two with the Blues.

Furthermore, he’s won 22 senior England caps, was a key player at the European Championships and is currently the Eagles’ captain.

In addition to his impressive experience, the Abidjan-born star has some great underlying numbers.

For example, FBref places him in the top 3% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues for through balls and passes blocked, the top 4% for goals plus assists, the top 9% for all blocks and more, all per 90.

So, when you consider all of that, plus the fact that his contract is set to expire next year, it’s easy to see why Football Transfers have valued him at up to €53.8m, which is about £45m.

While that is still a sizable chunk of change, it’s significantly less than what one of his potential future teammates is worth.

The Spurs star worth millions more than Guehi

While they have been without most of them for large parts of the campaign, you could make valid arguments for a number of Spurs’ defenders to be counted among the best in the Premier League.

That is certainly the case for Cristian Romero, at least, and it’s reflected in his valuation.

According to Football Transfers, the Argentine superstar is currently worth up to a staggering €79.8m, which is about £67m, or £22m more than Guehi.

That is an enormous sum of money, but based on the last three years or so, it would be hard to dispute it.

For example, the 6 foot 1 “monster,” as dubbed by journalist Charlie Eccleshare, has made 112 appearances for Tottenham, in which he’s scored seven goals and provided one assist.

On top of that, he’s earned 40 caps for Argentina, in which he’s won the Copa América twice and the World Cup.

Finally, if you’re still not convinced, then maybe Lionel Messi can change your mind, as the footballing god described his compatriot as “the best defender in the world.”

Ultimately, he might be a bit rash sometimes, but Romero is undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the league, and should Spurs sign Guehi in the summer, he’ll have to be near enough perfect to see his valuation ever reach the Argentine’s.

Ange can forget about Kulusevski by unleashing "incredible" Spurs star

Dejan Kulusveski has been ruled out for Spurs with an injury.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Mar 6, 2025

Chelsea have now entered the race to sign a “phenomenal” striker in the summer, and they hold an advantage over the rival suitors, according to a report.

Blues' striker search

The Blues have been pursuing a top striker for quite some time, with Victor Osimhen emerging as a major target last summer. However, the move fell through, and Nicolas Jackson has been called upon to lead the line this season.

Jackson made a flying start to the campaign, but the 23-year-old has failed to score this calendar year, and it is becoming pretty clear Enzo Maresca will attempt to bring in an upgrade in the summer window.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg recently revealed RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is a target, with Maresca’s side said to hold a concrete interest in the Slovenian, while they are also expected to enter talks to sign Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.

£130,000-per-week Chelsea ace open to summer exit with Maresca unimpressed

He’s flirting with the idea of joining an elite club for 2025/2026.

By
Emilio Galantini

Mar 7, 2025

Chelsea’s ability to attract strikers in Isak’s category will likely hinge upon whether they qualify for the Champions League this season, with the race very close heading into the last 10 games of the Premier League season.

However, the Blues are also starting to make contingency plans in case they miss out on their main targets, and they have now entered the race to sign Strasbourg’s Emanuel Emegha, according to a report from CaughtOffside.

Emegha is viewed as an ideal alternative option, should their pursuits of their main targets be unsuccessful, and the French club would be willing to let him leave for the relatively low fee of between €22m and €25m (£18-21m).

A whole host of Premier League clubs have also shown interest in the striker, namely Everton, West Ham United, Aston Villa and Newcastle United, but Chelsea hold an advantage over the rival suitors.

As Strasbourg are also owned by BlueCo, it will be easier to facilitate a deal, should the Blues decide to make a concrete approach.

"Phenomenal" Emegha impressing in France

The Dutchman has been impressive in front of goal in Ligue 1 this season, netting 11 goals, having been in prolific form this calendar year, picking up a total of eight goals and one assist in 2025.

The 22-year-old has also received high praise from football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who lauded him as “phenomenal”, so there are plenty of indications he could be capable of making the step-up to one of the Premier League’s top clubs at some point.

That said, the Strasbourg star should remain a back-up option for the Blues, given that some of their other summer targets have a lot more experience at the top level.

Chelsea remain interested in Osimhen, despite missing out last summer, and the Nigerian has a proven track record of scoring goals, netting nine in 17 Champions League games, while also scoring 26 times for Napoli in their historic Serie A title-winning season.

Uriah Rennie, the first black man to referee in the Premier League, has died at the age of 65.

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• Rennie dies at 65
• First black referee to officiate a Premier League game
• Rare condition had left him paralysed from waist down

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  In August 1997, Rennie was named as the referee for a Premier League game between Derby County and AFC Wimbledon and made history as the division's first ever black referee. He went on to officiate over 300 top-flight games across 11 years, as well as refereeing domestic cup finals and European clashes. After retiring in 2008, Rennie went on to be a mentor and sought to improve diversity within the sport. He was then set to become chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University before, on holiday in Turkey in 2024, he was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition that left him paralysed from the waist down. Undeterred, Rennie began the role last month.

  The tragic announcement of his death has prompted widespread tributes from across the footballing world.

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  WHAT THE FA SAID

  In a statement, the Football Association said: "The FA Refereeing Department is saddened to hear of the passing of former FIFA and Premier League referee, Uriah Rennie.

  "Uriah will forever be remembered as a true trailblazer of the game. Our thoughts are with Uriah's family and friends at this time."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  By becoming the first black man to referee a Premier League game, Rennie will be remembered as a history maker. Yet, his appointment did not bring about a new generation of non-white referees. When Rennie retired, it took the Premier League 15 years to appoint another black referee; Sam Allison took charge of Sheffield United against Luton Town in 2023. It is evident that more work has to be done to help more black, Asian and mixed-heritage referees to progress to refereeing in the Premier League.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Tributes from across English football continue to pay homage to the former Premier League referee. Rennie's impact will continue to inspire the next generation of referees for years to come.

Liverpool have their sights set on the Premier League title, with less than two months remaining until the end of the season.

Arne Slot’s maiden year has been an incredible thing. Who foresaw this degree of success? Well, perhaps Jurgen Klopp, who always seemed convinced in his decision to leave at the end of the 2023/24 season, always knew he’d stretched his tenure as far as possible.

Klopp didn’t leave without first resculpting Anfield’s rusty midfield, driving the Reds toward one last slice of silverware with the German at the helm.

But changes needed to be made. That flagging midfield of 2022/23 was headed by Jordan Henderson, who, now 35, needed to leave.

However, he’s curiously back in the England set-up this month.

How Jordan Henderson's Liverpool career ended

When Liverpool dragged themselves over the line in May 2023, the Community Shield in the curtain-raiser was the only gleam of silver clinched by Klopp’s stuttering side. They finished fifth in the Premier League, ending a lengthy and illustrious affinity with the Champions League.

A summer clearout was on the cards, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner all departing at the end of their contracts, Roberto Firmino too.

Klopp was gearing up to strengthen the midfield, and Henderson has no assurances that he would be a starting member for the 2023/24 season.

However, Saudi Pro League moves for both Fabinho and the long-serving skipper were unexpected, and while Liverpool banked £52m and, in hindsight, prospered, it plunged a productive summer into uncertainty.

There comes a point when it’s time to move on, legs no longer working as they once did. The circumstances around Henderson’s sale may have been contentious, but the plain decision to depart was justifiable.

Now, Liverpool may need to cash in on their next version of the experienced England international.

Liverpool's new version of Henderson

It’s a sad thing when a player is no longer operating at their former level of brilliance, and that’s sadly the case for Andy Robertson, who at 31 has been all but exhausted after eight years of tireless service.

Robertson is still Liverpool’s starting left-back and on course to win his second Premier League title, but there’s no question he’s ebbing away, lacking the athleticism and zest he once wore so well. Broadcaster Nubaid Haroon has noted the Scottish star has been “struggling” for both club and country.

He certainly wasn’t at the races for his nation on Sunday, thrashed 3-0 by Greece in the Nations League after winning the first leg away from home 1-0. Withdrawn after 75 minutes, Robertson lost the ball 15 times and lacked the authority and energy needed to prevail.

Seemingly resigned to the fact he’s in decline, Robertson runs the risk of turning into Liverpool’s next version of Henderson, being a decorated stalwart who maintains impressive leadership skills yet lacks his one-time presence on the playing field.

Thomas Tuchel called Henderson up to his first Three Lions camp and featured him off the bench as a routine victory over Albania was achieved on Thursday evening. His experience and tactical nous were internally cited as reasons behind the decision as Tuchel establishes a new era, lays the foundations.

Likewise, Robertson is still a mainstay for Scotland. Indeed, he wears the armband in dark blue. But Robertson is also showing clear signs of wear and tear after so many unrelenting years in Liverpool’s system.

Just look at the differences between the current campaign and 2019/20, when Liverpool won the Premier League.

Less accurate and active in defensive situations and with a startling absence of attacking success, the 31-year-old is understandably one of sporting director Richard Hughes’ priority points heading into the transfer market.

There’s plenty of early noise around Liverpool’s interest in a new left-back, delineating Slot’s desire to enter the new season with Robertson relieved of his first-choice status.

The desire to sign Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is reminiscent of the Reds’ former pursuit of a new midfield cohort. It was clear that Alexis Mac Allister, for example, was on the club’s radar ahead of the transfer window.

While Liverpool hadn’t been expecting to cash in on Henderson at first, Slot will perhaps use that window as a reminder that sometimes it’s worth taking the leap of faith.

Robertson is Liverpool’s fourth-highest earner on £160k per week, and though he’s set to add a trophy to the haul this summer, the Tartan skipper isn’t really justifying such lofty earnings any longer.

Chalkboard

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

Perhaps he’ll stay on until his contract expires at the end of next term (which would surely spell the end for current deputy Kostas Tsimikas).

It’s important to remember that Liverpool signed Robertson from Hull City for just £8m – remarkably astute business – in 2017. He’s gone on to win the gamut, one of the standout full-backs of his generation.

In any case, Slot needs to axe Liverpool’s new version of Henderson, who is one of the most rousing captains of his generation but needed to leave when he did. Who can say FSG made the wrong call?

He's like Isak: Liverpool plot move for "sensational" £55m Diaz upgrade

Liverpool are reportedly interested in the £55m star who is similar to Alexander Isak.

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By
Dan Emery

Mar 24, 2025

Liverpool and Bayern Munich will have to look elsewhere for reinforcements as Paris Saint-Germain will not sell Bradley Barcola this summer.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

• Barcola deemed untransferable by PSG
• Frenchman was on radar of Liverpool and Bayern
• Winger also adamant on staying in Paris

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Liverpool and Bayern have been handed a major blow to their summer transfer window ambitions, with PSG ruling out Barcola's departure this summer, according to a report from .

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Both Liverpool and Bayern are believed to be interested in signing a left winger this summer, with Barcola topping their shortlists. The Reds are intent on making the summer transfer window count by adding Barcola to their ranks in a blockbuster move. With Luis Diaz reportedly determined to make a switch to Barcelona, Arne Slot's side want to ensure they have enough quality next season to fight on all fronts.

  As for Bayern, the departure of Leroy Sane to Galatasaray has been confirmed while futures of Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry remain up in the air. As such, the Bavarians want to add a top left winger to provide balance to an attack which consists of Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Jamal Musiala. In addition to Barcola, they are also keeping tabs on Athletic Club's Nico Williams.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Having arrived only two years ago, Barcola has proved himself to be a dazzling forward with immense potential. However, in the biggest games of the season, head coach Luis Enrique preferred a front three of Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, leaving Barcola behind in the pecking order. Despite losing his place as a starter, PSG believe that the 22-year-old Frenchman is not for sale under any circumstances, at least not this summer. What's more, Barcola is also adamant on continuing in Paris and is ready to fight for his place at Parc des Princes.

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• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR BRADLEY BARCOLA?

  The French international could provide a big selection headache to Luis Enrique for the 2025-26 season by shining for Les Parisiens at the Club World Cup, which begins on June 14. PSG's first game is scheduled for June 15 against Atletico Madrid.