All posts by n8rngtd.top

Harry Kane has been urged to end his professional career at Bayern Munich by Germany legend Lothar Matthaus, who claims the England striker has "done his job in the Premier League". The former Tottenham star, who still has two years left in his existing deal, continues to be linked with a return to England so he can chase down Alan Shearer's Premier League goals record.

• Kane on course for legendary status

  Kane has proved himself to be one of the best players that Bayern have signed in a long time, as he has scored 98 goals in 103 appearances across all competitions and has broken multiple goal-scoring records in Germany. He also won his first major silverware last season when the Bavarian side lifted the Bundesliga title, and has since added the German Supercup to his CV.

Advertisement

• Getty
  

  Matthaus wants Kane to retire in Munich

  Former World Cup-winning Germany captain Matthaus strongly believes that Kane is capable of performing at the highest level for a few more years. He wants the 32-year-old to retire at Allianz Arena, and claims there is nothing more for him to achieve in English football.

• 'He's done his job in the Premier League'

  Speaking to in Germany, Matthaus said: "He's never been better, and he's made an even bigger impact here. I don't think Shearer's [Premier League] record is a motivation. He's done his job in the Premier League, and therefore, he should end his career at Bayern. If he wants to earn some money afterwards, he can move to Saudi Arabia. But I think Kane still has a few good years ahead of him at the very highest level."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• AFP
  

  Will Kane leave Bayern next summer?

  According to , there is a £57 million ($77m) release clause in Kane’s contract that can be triggered in the summer of 2026. But for that cut-price fee to become active, the ex-Spurs star must inform the German champions of his intention to leave before the end of the winter transfer window in January.

Leeds United enjoyed a wonderful season last term when they raced to a staggering 100 points to win the Championship title under Daniel Farke.

The Whites earned promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking with the German head coach, having lost to Southampton in the play-off final in 2024.

It is now up to the former Norwich City boss to show that he can keep the team in the top-flight, though, as he looks to follow in the footsteps of Marcelo Bielsa.

The West Yorkshire outfit finished ninth in the Premier League in the 2020/21 campaign, their highest finish in the football pyramid in the last 20 years, and Farke knows that he needs more attacking options to repeat that feat, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin one player who is set to arrive on a free transfer.

Leeds needs to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch to ensure that they have enough firepower to avoid relegation, and potentially push for the top-half like they did in Bielsa’s first season in the league.

In the summer of 2020, Victor Orta made sure that the Argentine boss had the quality he needed by signing brilliant Brazilian forward Raphinha.

Leeds hit the jackpot with Raphinha

There is an argument to be made that the left-footed star is the best signing that the Whites have made in modern history, or at least since 2020, as his quality on the pitch was pivotal to their success.

Leeds reportedly paid an initial fee of £17m to sign the winger from Rennes in 2020, and it is fair to say that he more than paid back that fee with the value he provided on the pitch.

Raphinha scored 17 goals and created 22 ‘big chances’, per Sofascore, in two seasons in the Premier League during his time with Leeds, in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 campaigns, helping them to avoid the drop both times.

The mercurial attacker made a huge impact at the top end of the pitch to win vital points for the team to ensure that they did not get relegated, with goals and assists to secure draws and wins.

As you can see in the table above, Raphinha provided a consistent threat in possession with his goals, assists, dribbles, and key passes in the top-flight.

Barcelona then swooped to sign the winger for a fee of £55m in the summer of 2022, and Leeds were relegated from the Premier League in the following season. This speaks to how important he was to the side, and why the Whites have not had a signing as successful as him since.

Leeds are likely destination for experienced centre-forward

The West Yorkshire outfit may have a chance to land their best signing since Raphinha, though, as a fresh report has emerged on their interest in a new striker.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to Qatari paper Al Kass, as relayed by Globo, Leeds United are the most likely destination for Al Hilal centre-forward Aleksandar Mitrovic this summer.

The report claims that the Saudi Pro League team are willing to pay the striker the £21m they owe him for the last three years of his contract in order to allow him to find a new club.

It states that the recent arrival of Darwin Nunez from Liverpool has left Mitrovic as a disposable member of Simone Inzaghi’s squad, opening the door for Leeds to make a move for him.

The outlet is not clear on whether Al Hilal would still demand a transfer fee for the Serbia international, paying up his contract to allow him to negotiate lower wages elsewhere, or if he will be available for nothing, as it had been reported earlier this summer that they wanted a fee of £26m for his services.

Why Mitrovic would be the best signing since Raphinha

As aforementioned, Raphinha was such a successful signing for the Whites because it was his attacking quality in the final third that won vital points for the team with goals and assists to help the team avoid relegation.

You only have to look at what happened after he moved on from Elland Road to understand how important the winger was for the team, and Mitrovic is a player who has the potential to be just as impactful for Leeds.

The Al Hilal marksman, who was described as an “absolute monster” by Saudi Arabian news journalist Matt Monaghan, has the goalscoring pedigree to come in and be the main man at the top end of the pitch for Farke, scoring enough goals to fire the team to safety.

Mitrovic, who once scored a staggering 43 goals in one season for Fulham during his time in England, has enjoyed a sensational time in front of goal with Al Hilal, who may only be replacing him because of his age, as Nunez is four years younger than him.

Sports editor Henry Hill once described the 30-year-old centre-forward as a “prolific” player for club and country, and his statistics back that claim up.

As you can see in the table above, Mitrovic found it almost too easy to score goals in the Pro League for Al Hilal, outperforming his xG in both of those seasons and almost averaging a goal every game.

Along with his phenomenal output in Saudi Arabia, the Leeds transfer target has also scored 62 goals in 100 matches for Serbia at international level, per Transfermarkt, which shows that he is a prolific scorer for club and country, as claimed.

These statistics show that the Serbian star, who scored 111 goals in 206 games for Fulham, has the ability to be a consistent and prolific goalscorer for Leeds, having proven himself in England, in Saudi Arabia, and at international level.

This means that Mitrovic could win vital points for Leeds on a regular basis by scoring goals that earn draws and wins to keep Leeds in the Premier League, much like Raphinha did in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 campaigns.

Way better than Calvert-Lewin: £50m star is the top target for Leeds

Leeds United’s number one transfer target is a way better option than Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

2

By
Dan Emery

Aug 12, 2025

That is why the Al Hilal forward would be the club’s best signing since Raphinha, because they have yet to bring in an attacker with the quality to make as big of an impact as the Brazilian did during his time at Elland Road.

Crystal Palace are in the market for attackers this summer and have now received a reply to a bid for a freescoring star who could add another layer across the front four positions, according to reports.

Crystal Palace move on after stalemate with Chelsea

Despite the odds being stacked in Chelsea’s favour, Crystal Palace emerged with a deserved goalless draw at Stamford Bridge over the weekend and will feel a little unfortunate not to have claimed all three points amid Eberechi Eze’s disallowed free-kick.

Seat Unique

Secure your matchday experience with Seat Unique.

Buy Premium Now

Nevertheless, getting off the mark in the Premier League standings will come as a relief to Oliver Glasner, who delivered praise to his side and their core members despite speculation over the future of several first-team stars.

He told Sky Sports: “The 15, 16 players who had the most minutes last year are still here. There are a lot of rumours about Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi but they were 100 per cent with this group in Crystal Palace and they have proved that in a big way.”

Without doubt, transfer activity will be what fans want to see at Selhurst Park. Contact has been initiated to sign Arsenal academy graduate Dan Casey, albeit he is unlikely to be an immediate fixture for the Eagles’ if he does cross the London divide.

In a separate sequence of potential events, Jakub Kiwior could join Crystal Palace if Eze moves to Arsenal, though a swap deal scenario would have to occur in order for both players to head in separate directions.

Glasner has somewhat shot down Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in the England international, and the Eagles boss could now be about to open his own transfer chequebook as the FA Cup holders make inroads on the market.

Crystal Palace could return for Christos Tzolis after bid rejected

According to reports in Belgium via Sport Witness, Crystal Palace have seen a £27.6 million bid turned down for Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis as they look to beef up their forward line.

Regardless, the Eagles could return with another offer, albeit the Belgian giants have no intention of selling the Greece international as they are in a comfortable position to retain his services.

Crystal Palace want to sign £26m star from under nose of Nottingham Forest

The Eagles are keen to get one over their divisional rivals…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Aug 11, 2025

Labelled “excellent” by Stephen Kountourou, the 23-year-old delivered 21 goals and 16 assists across all competitions inside 56 appearances last term.

Continuing that theme, he has put up five goal contributions in seven 2025/26 matches and continues to be a major attacking threat off the left flank for club and country.

Crucially, Tzolis isn’t opposed to a move to the Premier League and if he decides to agitate for a move, Club Brugge may be forced into action, leaving Crystal Palace in a position to try and zone in to land their man.

Peter Krawietz worked alongside Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and has followed the former Anfield boss into the Red Bull ranks as Head of Soccer Philosophy. While a new challenge away from the dugout is being embraced, Krawietz has been casting an eye back over a memorable era on Merseyside – which saw Klopp deliver Champions League and Premier League title triumphs.

• Getty
  

  Klopp's success stories at Liverpool

  Klopp made his way to Liverpool in October 2015 and would go on to spend the best part of nine years in the most demanding of coaching roles. He helped to make the Reds challengers for major honours at home and abroad before bidding an emotional farewell at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

  He helped to put a number of players on the path to superstardom, with it Klopp that brought Mohamed Salah back to English football in the summer of 2017. The Egyptian superstar has become a Liverpool great and will stand forever alongside some legendary figures at Anfield. He also snapped up Virgil van Dijk from Southampton in a big-money transfer that raised more than a few eyebrows, with the Dutchman now club captain and one of the finest defenders in world football. Trent Alexander-Arnold is another of Klopp’s many success stories.

Advertisement

• The transformation of Alexander-Arnold

  Merseyside native Alexander-Arnold was a starry-eyed academy hopeful when Klopp took the reins at Anfield, with his promise clear for all to see. The highly-rated full-back, who boasted the kind of technical ability that few in his position possess, was handed his senior debut in October 2016 a matter of days after his 18th birthday.

  The buccaneering defender had come a long way by that point, with Krawietz telling GOAL of how the skinny youngster blossomed into one of the finest full-backs of his generation: “I still remember Trent Alexander-Arnold running across the field for the first time as a 15-year-old beanpole – physically underdeveloped, with no muscles at all. But even then, the youth coaches said he was a huge talent. In the end, he became Liverpool's homegrown right-back, shaping the team's play and symbolising the team's development.”

• Getty Images
  

  How Firmino became a fan favourite

  Liverpool were able to turn Alexander-Arnold into a superstar, with Roberto Firmino treading a similar path. The enigmatic Brazilian forward was inherited by Klopp and Co when they took the reins, with his work ethic proving to be a perfect fit for the ‘Gegenpressing’ philosophy that a demanding German coach was famed for. He quickly became a fan favourite, despite never being prolific in front of goal, and always played with a smile on his face.

  Krawietz added when asked to pick out the player that impressed him most as a person: “Roberto Firmino comes to mind. His development was extremely interesting to observe. He initially came to the Christmas party wearing sunglasses, wore the best suits, and partied the hardest. Later, he found faith and became a Christian. The way he embraced that and drew strength and conviction from it was quite extraordinary. He always thought about others and became a role model for them. He perfectly combined his Brazilian style of playing with the necessary seriousness and commitment.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• State of play: Where Firmino & Alexander-Arnold are now

  Firmino brought an eight-year spell with Liverpool to a close in 2023 when he headed to the Saudi Pro League, with the 33-year-old South American now in Qatar with Al Sadd. His fearsome strike partnership with Salah and Sadio Mane will always hold a special place in the hearts of Reds supporters.

  Alexander-Arnold, meanwhile, made a controversial departure from Anfield in the summer of 2025. Having allowed his contract to run down, the now 26-year-old opted to step out of his comfort zone when agreeing a deal with La Liga giants Real Madrid. Some Liverpool supporters were less than impressed at seeing one of their own walk away on the back of another title triumph, with the 34-cap England international making a slow start to life alongside Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe at Santiago Bernabeu.

Will Aston Villa be busy in the final few days of the transfer window?

So far this summer, due to constraints relating to the Premier League’s Profitability & Sustainability Rules, the Villans have made just one noteworthy signing, with Evann Guessand arriving from Nice for £26m.

However, following the sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle for £39m, plus £4m in potential add-ons, there is optimism this will allow the Claret and Blue Army to spend before the transfer window slams shut.

So, could Aston Villa make a move to sign an “explosive” attacking midfielder from within the Premier League?

Aston Villa's search for an attacking midfielder

After arriving in January, Marco Asensio made quite the impression at Villa Park, scoring eight goals in 21 appearances, three of which came in the Champions League, averaging a goal every 139 minutes.

Unai Emery would reportedly love to be reunited with his compatriot on a more permanent basis, with claims made that an agreement on personal terms has already been reached. While it is yet to be seen if a similar agreement can be struck with PSG, he is completely out of Luis Enrique’s plans.

Regardless of what occurs on that front, is there another target emerging who may prove to be an even better signing?

Well, according to Brazilian outlet Globo, Aston Villa have made contact with West Ham United over the possibility of signing Lucas Paquetá, with the Midlands side said to be planning a move for the playmaker.

They add that Tottenham and Everton are also interested, with the Hammers valuing their creator in chief at £50m.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Talks remain ‘ongoing’, and Aston Villa currently lead the race to sign him, so could Paquetá swap one claret and blue club for another?

Why Lucas Paquetá should excite Aston Villa supporters

Last month, Paquetá was cleared by the Football Association of all charges related to alleged spot-fixing allegations.

If found guilty, the Brazilian would likely have received a lifetime ban, and this prospect had been hanging over him for two years, scuppering his proposed £80m move to Manchester City back in the summer of 2023.

Having now had his name cleared, it is widely expected that Paquetá would push for a move away from the sinking ship that is West Ham this month, so could a move to the Midlands be on the cards?

Speaking on Sky Sports following a 1-1 draw between Aston Villa and West Ham in January, Jamie Redknapp labelled the Brazilian “explosive”, asserting that he possesses an immense amount of talent.

Redknapp adds that Paquetá has lacked consistency recently, with many putting this down to the looming allegations, and the table below documents his dip in form.

As the table documents, Paquetá endured a miserable campaign last time round, as did West Ham as a team to be fair, having accumulated 27 goals and assists across the previous two campaigns.

Also, now an innocent man, he’s started this season excellently, scoring two goals in three games, on target against Wolves in the EFL Cup on Tuesday, having scored this absolute rocket against Chelsea last Friday.

So why would he be a better signing than Asensio?

Well, prior to joining Aston Villa, the Spanish international had scored just seven goals and registered 11 assists in 47 appearances for PSG, this spread across 18 months.

Asensio has not been a consistent, high-level contributor since his Real Madrid days, scoring 12 goals in all competitions in 2022/23, suggesting he might just be a fading force.

Paquetá, on the other hand, could be an elite-level player at Villa, having continued to show his quality in an otherwise dismal West Ham side, so the Villans should go all in on the Brazilian, while confining Asensio’s career in the Midlands to history.

Emery's own Grealish: Aston Villa agree terms for "magical" late signing

Aston Villa are ready to welcome one or two late signings to their squad as the transfer window draws to a close.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 29, 2025

Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee could be on the move this January, with Serie A side Como reportedly exploring a deal for the Dutchman. Manager Cesc Fabregas’ ambitious project is said to view Zirkzee as an ideal attacking addition, and United are open to either a loan or permanent transfer midway through the current Premier League season.

• Zirkzee without minutes at Man Utd under Amorim

  Zirkzee has found playing time hard to come by under Ruben Amorim, featuring only as a substitute in all four of his appearances this season. Despite joining United for £36.5 million just 14 months ago, the Dutch striker has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford. Report suggest United would now consider offers in January, including a loan deal or outright sale.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Como show interest in January Zirkzee move

  Cesc Fabregas’ Como have been credited with interest as per The Sun, as the Italian club aim to strengthen their frontline and push toward the top half of Serie A. Juventus, who tracked Zirkzee last summer, are also monitoring developments. Fabregas reportedly views the 24-year-old as the perfect profile for his dynamic, possession-based setup.

• Zirkzee has struggled to shine at Man Utd

  The Netherlands international arrived from Bologna after firing them into the Champions League with 11 goals but has yet to make a lasting impact in England. Zirkzee has scored only seven times across 53 appearances for United, raising questions about his fit in Amorim’s system. With United’s attack underperforming, offloading the forward could also help fund reinforcements.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• AFP
  

  Zirkzee under contract at Old Trafford until 2029

  Zirkzee remains under contract with Manchester United until 2029, giving the Red Devils leverage in any negotiations. Discussions over his future are expected to take place after the international break. If no breakthrough in game time arrives, a January return to Serie A with Como could suit all parties involved.

Lionel Messi could be faced with the prospect of demolishing his €11 million (£9.5m/$12m) mansion in Ibiza as controversy continues surrounding the 16,000 square metre property, which was built on protected land without the necessary permits. Messi bought the mansion in 2022 but has faced a series of recent issues, such as when climate activist group Futuro Vegetal vandalised the property last year.

• Messi faced with mansion demolition if situation not resolved

  The property is situated in Sant Josep de Sa Talaia on Ibiza’s western coast and was bought by Messi from Swiss businessman Philippe Amon in 2022. But it has broken planning rules as the Inter Miami star does not currently have a valid certificate of occupancy or the necessary permits for the mansion, which is situated on protected land.

  A partial demolition of the mansion ‘has not been ruled out’ if the situation is not resolved, per . The property is said to have been classified as a ‘toxic asset’ as it cannot be sold or rented out, and Messi was prevented from carrying out any further work on the property by a mayoral decree.

  The holiday home also contains a 92-square-metre swimming pool and a private football pitch, and the city council have ‘opening proceedings’ concerning the ‘illegal changes’ according to the report.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Futuro Vegetal speak after 2024 vandalism controversy

  In August 2024, climate activists Futuro Vegetal broke into and vandalised the property, painting it red and black and sharing photos of their actions on social media. Two members of the group were seen holding up a banner which read "Help the planet, eat the rich, abolish the police", believed to be in opposition to government policies which were only worsening the climate crisis.

  Futuro Vegetal explained their actions at the time in a post on X: "We tinted Messi's illegal mansion in Ibiza. The mansion is an illegal construction that the footballer acquired for the exorbitant sum of 11 million euros. While this is happening, in the Balearic Islands alone between 2 and 4 people have died as a direct consequence of the heat wave. The richest 1% of the population is responsible for the same amount of carbon emissions as the poorest two-thirds. This is only possible because public authorities support an economic-social system that threatens life. While the far right blames migrants for the crisis and displays extreme violence against them, those of us who fight for a better world are clear that the problem is social inequality. Let's tackle the problems at the root. We need a radical change of system to face the Climate Crisis."

  Messi reportedly hit the activists with a criminal damage charge and a £50,000 bill of compensation.

• Messi continues to shine in Miami as controversy rages

  The 38-year-old will see this as an unwelcome distraction as he continues to shine in the MLS for Inter Miami. The great Argentine has scored an astounding 26 goals in 27 games in the MLS in 2025, providing another 15 assists, and scored a stunning free-kick as the club co-owned by David Beckham reached the knock-out stages of the Club World Cup in the summer. He recently overtook Zlatan Ibrahimovic to become the first player to register two or more goals in nine different matches in a single MLS season.

  We may see Messi on the global stage for the final time at the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico in the summer, as defending champions Argentina look to create more history. Messi created headlines when he played in potentially his final-ever game on home soil against Venezuela in September, with Messi scoring twice in a 3-0 win.

  He has yet to confirm whether he will take place in the tournament next summer, casting doubt upon whether he will take to the world stage again after all.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty
  

  An important year could lie ahead for Messi

  Updates will no doubt be set to follow as a decision is made over whether Messi’s Ibiza property is to be partially demolished, and how much of it will remain if so. In the meantime, Messi will continue to do his day job over in Miami and hope that further controversy does not derail what could prove a memorable year for the veteran superstar.

  Heading towards the latter stages of his career, Messi will be thinking about what comes next after he does ultimately finish playing. Building up a series of properties around the world is seen as smart investment by many big names, but the Argentine will need to remain careful that he stays out of the spotlight with future purchases following this recent controversy, particularly if it does ultimately end with demolition and a negative outcome for the great man.

Leeds United could make a move for a “relentless” striker “in future windows”, with manager Daniel Farke thought to be personally keen.

Farke keen on striker with jury still out on Calvert-Lewin

Farke is likely to be happy with the start his side have made to the Premier League campaign, having collected four points from their opening three matches, most recently earning a hard-fought draw against Newcastle United at Elland Road.

However, the Whites were less impressive in the EFL Cup, being dumped out of the competition at the second round stage by a youthful Sheffield Wednesday side, with summer signing Dominic Calvert-Lewin making a disastrous debut.

The former Everton striker squandered a whopping four big chances at Hillsborough, while also missing the crucial penalty in the shootout, which resulted in a SofaScore match rating of just 5.3, the lowest of any player.

Cost £1.3m, sold for 1823% more: Leeds struck gold selling their own Wilson

Leeds United struck gold with their original version of Harry Wilson.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 9, 2025

As a result, the jury is very much still out on Calvert-Lewin, and Joel Piroe didn’t exactly fare much better, recording a pass-completion rate of just 53% against Wednesday, resulting in a 5.4 match rating.

Consequently, according to Graeme Bailey, the Whites could make a make for another striker, with the transfer expert revealing Norwich City’s Josh Sargent is still of interest, saying: “Leeds should have just done Sargent and [Emi] Buendia. To be honest, they still might, if Farke is still around!

“It was crazy he stayed in the end. He is very good. He has honestly improved so much in terms of hold up play.

“Even with Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin now there, he is perfect for Leeds longer-term. One to keep an eye on in future windows.”

Leeds’ interest appears to stem from Farke, given that a future move hinges on the German remaining at Elland Road, which suggests the manager is personally an admirer of the centre-forward.

"Relentless" Sargent off to a flying start in the Championship

The Whites were interested in bringing in Sargent during the summer transfer window, at which point it was revealed he was valued at around the £21m mark, but the American’s stock may well have risen since then, having made a fantastic start to the campaign.

The 25-year-old has already scored five goals in just four Championship games, which places him at the very top of the goal-scoring charts in the second tier.

The USA international has also received plaudits for his work-rate from Tony Pulis, who said: “He is one player out of the Championship you look at that stands out – he would certainly suit me as a manager because of his attitude and his determination – I think it’s relentless. He gives every effort to help his football club in every game they play.”

Calvert-Lewin still has plenty of time to put things right after a slow start, but if the Englishman is unable to find his feet at Elland Road, a January move for Sargent would make sense.

In what could end in a major blow for rivals Manchester United, Liverpool are now reportedly keeping tabs on a transfer target that Ruben Amorim is desperate to sign.

Slot defends Wirtz andLiverpool spending

Despite getting off to a solid start in their Premier League title defence, Arne Slot has been forced to defend big-money signing Florian Wirtz. The German is taking longer than some expected to find his feet at Anfield and the patience of those in the Premier League is far thinner than those in the Bundesliga.

However, the Liverpool boss was quick to remind reporters that the former Bayer Leverkusen star isn’t the only one to struggle when it comes to goals and assists.

Aside from the frustrating criticism, it’s good news for Liverpool that their results have remained the same even without Wirtz at his best. It begs the question of just how ruthless they’ll be once he’s up to speed in England’s top flight.

Slot also defended Liverpool’s spending as a whole, arguing that his side also generated impressive funds through player sales. He told reporters: “No club never sells and only buys. We didn’t have a big squad last season and [this summer] we did sell and bring players in. That is such an exception in English football.”

Their own Bellingham: Liverpool have "one of the best youngsters in Europe"

Liverpool may have found their own Jude Bellingham in 17-year-old star

1

By
Will Miller

Sep 19, 2025

Those sales may yet allow those at Anfield to spend once more in 2026, and that should concern Manchester United amid reports that Liverpool are eyeing one of their “key” targets next year.

Liverpool keeping tabs on Baleba

As reported by TeamTalk’s Dean Jones, Liverpool are now keeping tabs on Carlos Baleba, who remains a “key” Man United target and someone that Amorim is desperate to sign next summer. The Red Devils were, of course, priced out of a move by Brighton & Hove Albion this summer, but Liverpool are unlikely to face issues meeting the midfielder’s likely £100m price tag.

Jones told TeamTalk: “Manchester United were the first club to make a move for Baleba in the summer and they still see him as a key target for their long-term rebuild under Amorim.

“There was intent behind that approach, wanting to show the player and club how serious they are. But the concern is that Liverpool’s admiration could turn into something more concrete.

“They’ve already shown this year they’re not afraid to splash out big money on the right player, and if they decided to push for Baleba, United would suddenly find themselves in an unwanted situation. No one wants to go head-to-head with Liverpool – on or off the pitch.”

A move for the Brighton star would also make a lot of sense for Liverpool. Now that Slot operates with a double pivot at the heart of midfield, there’s not many Premier League partnerships that would be able to outperform Ryan Gravenberch and Baleba.

Real Madrid have been dealt another injury setback ahead of El Clasico, with defender David Alaba ruled out after suffering a severe calf strain. The Austrian’s absence deepens Xabi Alonso’s defensive crisis, leaving Los Blancos with limited options at centre-back before a pivotal week that includes matches against Juventus and Barcelona.

• Alaba ruled out of El Clasico with calf injury

  Madrid’s defensive concerns have worsened after Alaba sustained a right calf strain that will sideline him for over a week, according to . The 33-year-old was withdrawn at halftime during Madrid’s 2-0 win over Getafe, his first La Liga start of the campaign, after feeling discomfort in the muscle. Follow-up scans confirmed the strain, ruling him out of the Champions League clash against Juventus and the weekend’s El Clasico against Barcelona.

  Reports indicate that while Alaba avoided a muscle tear, the strain is “severe" enough to require a recovery period of seven to 10 days. His absence leaves Xabi Alonso with a selection headache as Madrid prepare for two of their most crucial fixtures in October.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Alonso confirms setback, reveals precautionary substitution

  Head coach Alonso explained after the Getafe match that Alaba was taken off as a precaution, though later tests confirmed the severity of the injury. “Alaba has noticed, not an injury, but his calf was getting stiff,” Alonso said at full time. Those results, however, have now confirmed a setback for the Austrian defender, who has endured a string of fitness issues over the past two seasons.

  Alonso further addressed the situation in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, stating: “We’re going to take it day by day. Trent [Alexander-Arnold] and [Dani] Carvajal have done some work. Looking ahead to tomorrow, I don’t think they’ll be ready.” His words underlined Madrid’s mounting defensive dilemma ahead of key European and domestic games.

• Madrid’s injury crisis deepens ahead of key fixtures

  Alaba’s injury adds to an already depleted backline for Los Blancos as Antonio Rudiger remains sidelined with a left leg muscle problem, Dean Huijsen is recovering from a calf issue, and captain Dani Carvajal continues to nurse his own calf complaint. Trent Alexander-Arnold has not featured since picking up a hamstring injury in September.

  Raul Asencio partnered Eder Militao at centre-back in the second half against Getafe, and that pairing could continue in the short term. The situation is far from ideal for Alonso, who faces two must-win games in the space of five days. The lack of defensive stability will likely force tactical adjustments, especially against Juve’s counterattacks and Barcelona’s high pressing.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Alaba’s injury history raises long-term concerns

  This latest setback is the continuation of a difficult injury run for Alaba, the Austrian international has already missed large portions of the past two seasons, including the Club World Cup earlier this year due to a left calf problem. He also sat out the final stretch of the 2024-25 campaign with a meniscus injury, following his long recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament tear suffered in December 2023.

  The repeated nature of his injuries has sparked internal discussions over his long-term fitness and future at the club. Reports in Spain suggest Alaba could be among the players considered for departure in the January transfer window, especially with Madrid exploring defensive reinforcements.

  Madrid return to Champions League action against Juve before hosting Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the season at the Santiago Bernabeu. With Alaba unavailable, Alonso will rely on Militao and Asencio as his central pairing, while hoping to recover Rudiger or Huijsen in time for the weekend showdown.

  For Barca, Alaba’s absence offers a potential boost, with the Catalans looking to exploit Madrid’s weakened defence. Beyond the immediate fixtures, Madrid’s medical team will closely monitor Alaba’s recovery to avoid aggravating the injury, a scenario that could sideline him for much longer during a packed schedule.